Freshman Reflections: Navigating Distance and Homesickness

For many students, starting college marks a significant transition, but for those studying far from home, the experience can also bring feelings of isolation and homesickness. Samika Jain, a freshman from Mumbai, India, shares her personal journey as she grapples with the challenges of being a student in Baltimore, thousands of miles away from her family.

Jain’s struggles with homesickness began on a typical evening, when she received a text from her mother at 7 p.m. local time. The message included a simple photograph of her mother’s daily cup of chai, an everyday ritual that reminded her of home. Although she knew her mother did not expect a response, the gesture served as a poignant reminder of the comfort of familiarity and the warmth of family.

During a FaceTime call with her father, Jain witnessed the vibrant celebrations of Diwali through the grainy video feed. Strings of lights illuminated the balcony, while the sounds of festivities filled the background. These interactions, although cherished, underscored the stark reality of living in a different time zone. The distance felt monumental, and she realized that home is often measured in hours rather than miles.

The experience of being a student in a foreign place often leads to a complex relationship with time. Jain discovered that “good morning” could come while her surroundings remained dark, or that inquiries about her day might arrive before she had even begun it. This disjointed sense of connection creates an intimate yet challenging experience of love and longing.

Initially, Jain attempted to bridge the gap by adjusting her schedule to accommodate calls and messages from home. She would stay up late or skip meals to connect with her family, trying to synchronize her life with theirs. Yet, the reality of maintaining relationships across time zones proved to be more complicated than she anticipated.

As the semester progressed, Jain faced moments of guilt, particularly when she missed important calls with family. A significant instance occurred when she fell asleep after studying late, missing a chance to wish her sister good luck before an exam. This small but meaningful tradition had defined their relationship, and the absence of that connection felt heavier than expected.

Living out of sync with family life introduced a unique loneliness. Each evening, as Jain walked back from class, she was surrounded by the laughter and camaraderie of fellow students, yet she felt the pang of missing out on shared family moments. While life continued seamlessly for her family back home, she found herself existing in a liminal space, caught between two worlds.

Jain reflects on her understanding of homesickness, realizing it is not merely about missing a place but rather about missing a time. She mourns the family dinners that occur while she is in class, the holidays that coincide with midterms, and the simple joy of being present in the same moment as her loved ones. Adjusting to this new reality involves building a sense of belonging in her college town, which awakens just as her family settles down for the night.

The emotional toll of distance also taught Jain the importance of forgiveness—both for herself and for her family. Understanding that everyone is navigating their own lives and stories allows her to maintain connections despite the physical separation. It is a reminder that distance does not diminish the presence of love and support.

In the evenings, as she makes her way back from Gilman Hall, Jain often finds solace in watching the sunset. The colors of the sky remind her of the same hues her parents see from afar, creating a momentary bridge between them. For a brief moment, time zones cease to matter, and she experiences a sense of unity with her family.

In sharing her experiences, Samika Jain offers insight into the complexities of being a student far from home. Her reflections highlight the emotional nuances of distance, the challenges of maintaining relationships, and the journey of finding a new sense of belonging. Through her experiences, she embraces both the joys and the challenges of her college life, navigating her way through the freshman blues with resilience and hope.