April 13, 2022
Editor: Caroline Grin
Artist: Jordyn Axelrod
Keeping up with relationships in college is overwhelming-between making new friends and creating your own community and maintaining a strong relationship with your family, it may feel like you are slipping away from the relationships that built you. When those you love are hours and maybe even a time change away, each day that you don’t see their faces you stray further and further away from those who you hold close.
Everytime I neglect to text my mom or miss that check-in call with my dad, I feel the burden of guilt weighing on me. I know that feeling of guilt in the heart, and it doesn’t feel great.
Although it is so easy to get wrapped up in our own world in the bubble that is college, it’s important to not feel guilty about this feat: although it is important to let those you love know that you are still there for them (even when you may not physically be with them) I understand how difficult that may be to do.
One way I’ve been trying to improve this is by setting aside an hour each day to reach out to the important people in my life. Even if you don’t have an hour, just 15 to 20 minutes is enough time to let someone know you’re thinking of them. With the nicer weather, I’ve taken walks from my house to the arb and back, spending a few minutes to call my parents, grandparents, friends at other colleges, and anyone else that I think may need a call that day.
This has made my heart feel so much better - those I love now know I’m there for them. All it takes is a quick conversation once a day, or even a few times a week, to let someone know their place in your life is special to you.
It’s also important to maintain relationships you have in college - especially those who you may not see all the time or who you do not live with. Something I’ve realized this semester is that this campus is so big that it’s almost too easy not to see someone if you aren’t putting in the effort to do so.
I’ve learned that it’s easiest for me to spend most of my time with my roommates, so in order to build relationships with people I don't live with, I’ve gotten into the routine of setting aside two lunches a week to meet up with new friends. This allows me to see at least two of the relationships I want to maintain a week, and although this can differ if weeks get particularly busy, it’s better than not seeing any of these people at all.
Above all, just know that within this feeling of guilt in your heart when you may not be keeping up with your relationships both near and far, that it's not just you feeling this way. Everyone is busy and understands being busy because we’ve all been there. Just know that no matter where you are in your path of life, you are doing your best and those who care about you will always love you. Remember that one text or call can make someone's day that much better. Try to reach out to those you think you should as often as you can - but remember to forgive yourself when life gets busy.