I just had myself a good chuckle. I figured out something that I didn’t even think of before.Shall I explain?

Here in college, we are “on our own.” Yet in all reality, how many of us actually are on our own? I found it amusing to discover that all those years dying to get out of my house were wasted. What was I thinking? It’s so easy to bum off your parents. At home you have everything you need.

I go home every weekend. I’m sure not many people do this. But I always find some reason. Free laundry. Good food. A comfortable bed. I guess I just didn’t realize how many supplies are required to live on your own.

I keep coming up with items I could use, or absolutely can’t live without. Those everyday items your parents were responsible for getting at home. Sponges, paper towels, juice, toothpaste.

Windex.

Last week I actually needed Windex. When in my life did I imagine I would need Windex?

We are all in a hurry to grow up, and in so many ways I believe it’s harder then ever expected. How prepared is anyone to be on their own? Even after college, so many graduates may even go back home to live and continue to stay there for years.

A lot of people don’t even go to college. As my family likes to do, kids often get food, money or babysitting services from their parents’ house.

Is it because home is so comfortable, or because it’s harder to be out in the world than anyone ever believed? And when does it stop becoming your home?

Technically it isn’t your home after you leave. Wherever you live is your home. This resident hall is technically your home now. But I refuse to accept this — surprisingly.

This could possibly be the freshmen mentality. If you can go back, then go. It’s an easier transition — or an unhealthy one.

As time goes on, this phase will pass. At least it’s to be expected. I want to be perfectly settled here if I am expecting to live here for seven more semesters.

Maybe some are better at leaving. Sentimental attachments make it more pleasant to visit where you grew up. But when you think about it, why wouldn’t you? I completely get out of buying half the crap I use at school by taking it from back home.

Now don’t get me wrong. It’s not only the free stuff. My mom and I talk a lot more now, like real “grown ups.” I finally appreciate all that I have received.

I miss my family, and I see how they miss me. My dad is a huge softie who buys me Peach Snapple and offers me rides to school. And my mom leaves me notes and snacks for the weekends when I return.

I never thought I’d be happy to go home. It’s a getaway from school work, responsibility and to be quite honest, Castleton. It’s a nice town, but let’s not say it’s the most exciting. It gives me something to look forward to at the end of the week. I hang out with my college friends all week, go to classes, finish my assignments and work.

My reward is my home. Some people might find this ridiculous. I don’t know how many times I have been ridiculed for leaving on the weekends. I’m sure this will go away, but for now, that’s how it goes.

So get off my back about it! I didn’t know it was wrong to like going home.

When I was younger, I wondered why anyone would come back after they finally were free. I completely understand now and have discovered that Dorothy definitely had the right idea.

“There’s no place like home.”

So after you read this, get on the phone and talk to your parents. They’ll want to hear from you.