A picture of the State College Original Waffle Shop because I didn’t take any photos this day… Image Source.
The line outside the Waffle Shop winded out the door and into the parking lot. I remember shuffling my shoes on the sidewalk, feeling exhausted after my first night at Penn State. My parents were taking my twin brother and I out for breakfast one last time before officially leaving us at college. Waiting in that long line, my heart felt heavy, and although I tried, I couldn’t seem to add to the cheerful conversation my parents were having. This morning made me feel like I was running a race that I couldn’t keep up with.
When we finally sat down and ordered our food, my Mom asked if I was okay because I was being so quiet. Tucked into the booth, surrounded by many other Penn State students and their families, I tried to calmly explain why my night had upset me so much. I knew it was coming in the car ride to the Waffle Shop, I knew it was coming in the snaking line outside the restaurant, and I knew I couldn’t hold it in now. I just started to cry. Despite being in a crowded restaurant full of other college students, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I honestly just sobbed for a while, the waitress pretending to not see my red eyes or puffy face as she placed corned beef hash, blueberry pancakes, eggs, and juices in front of us.
I was far away from home and it was hard for me to process that just two weeks ago, I was surrounded by friends and family at my brother and I’s graduation party.
My friends and I at my grad party two weeks before I moved to Penn State
The past night had been a sharp contrast to the comfort and joy I felt at home. My roommate wanted to sleep at 10:00 p.m, asking me to leave the room to talk to my best friend, whom I already missed. I wandered my building for half an hour, looking for a private place to speak, and when I finally found a spot, I called my friend for hours, telling him how tired and homesick I was after orientation. Getting kicked out of my own room was my last straw.
It was really unlike me to have a breakdown in a public place like a restaurant, but when I did, my family sat there and listened, assuring me that things would get better. My Mom always knows the right thing to say to me when I’m sad, but what surprised me is the effort I saw my more stone-faced Dad making. He told me about crazy roommates from when he was in college and convinced me that my roommate and I would learn how to coexist better with time. My brother even started asking me questions about my building, trying to help me find a solution for the night time phone calls that I couldn’t make in my room. I eventually found little rooms and nooks that I could hang out in late at night, but if some of you are not so lucky, there are other options for finding privacy on a college campus.
When my parents left later that day, I was back in big sister-mode, talking to my brother to try to think about things other than the absence of our parents. There have been many moments that my family upset me or made me angry, but when I reflect on that trip to the Waffle House, I feel a sense of clarity that I’m not sure that I felt before. My parents are doctors. They are always there for all of my physical ailments and needs. But I’d be lying if I said that I felt like my Dad was always there for me emotionally. In this time of need, it was clear to me that my Dad would always try to be there for me, even if he isn’t always good at it. This was a really sad day, but it made me love my family so much more. It feels dramatic to say this, but I was definitely grieving the loss of my “old life.” I was pretty sad and didn’t feel much better for at least a few weeks. There are many things that I did that slowly helped me adjust to living at Penn State, and this website provides 11 ways to cope with moving away from home that I feel can help others cope with the transition.
I certainly had an experience at the Waffle House, but I think that when I eventually do return, I won’t be fixated on the negative feelings that had permeated that space. I think my return to the Waffle House will be more of a reminder of my resilience as a person who, self admittedly, struggles with change.
I can definitely relate to the feelings you described in the post, college is really hard the first few weeks because you’re literally surrounded by people you’ve never met before with little to know people from your school that may have came here. The summer between senior year and freshman year of college had some of my favorite moments and they’re times I’ll always cherish but I can’t wait to see what’s to come at college in the future. Plus you’re 100% right that it makes you appreciate your friends and families so much more.
Girl, I can totally relate to the feelings you described throughout your first few days at Penn State and Waffle House specifically. I consider myself to be a really outgoing person, and I spent all of my senior year of high school looking forward to college. But, the minute I arrived, I was stressed out. Stressed about finding friends, finding my place, and succeeding. Of course, I love my college life now, but you described the Waffle House experience so poignantly and relatably. It’s a pretty good restaurant, but I actually think I shed a tear there during my last meal with my parents before they left me in State College. Who knows, maybe it’s something in the air.
I totally felt that the first day, especially knowing I would not be home again for months. It was the first time I felt like I was away for my family for any significant amount of time, and it was tough learning who I am when I am not with my family. I love the descriptiveness of this post, it adds a lot to the story!