The transition to university life can be challenging, especially for international students who find themselves grappling with homesickness. Samika Jain, a freshman from Mumbai, India, reflects on her experiences adjusting to life at university in Baltimore, where she is majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Since arriving, she has encountered the emotional weight of being separated from her family and the comfort of home.
Jain’s experience of homesickness resonates deeply during significant moments. For instance, a simple text from her mother—a photo of her morning cup of chai—reminds Jain of familiar routines and the warmth of home. While it is 7 p.m. in Baltimore, it is 5 a.m. back in Mumbai. Such time differences highlight the emotional distance that affects her daily life and interactions with loved ones.
The cultural celebrations Jain cherishes, like Diwali, amplify her sense of longing. During a FaceTime call with her father, she sees festive lights illuminating their balcony, while the sounds of celebration fill the background. Yet, for Jain, it is just another cool fall evening in Baltimore, reinforcing the feeling of being worlds apart.
Living in a different time zone shapes Jain’s understanding of home. She mentions that “good morning” can come when her surroundings are dark, and “how was your day?” might arrive before her own day has even begun. This unique intimacy, characterized by a time-delayed connection, serves as a reminder of her family’s thoughts and affection, even if they are not physically together.
Initially, Jain attempted to bridge the distance by staying up late for calls and juggling two time zones. However, she soon realized that it is impossible to live in two places at once. Time becomes a fluid concept, stretching and warping her perception of reality.
Moments of guilt and sadness arise when she misses family traditions, such as wishing her sister luck before exams. This sense of loss can be profound, as Jain learns to live in a reality where she is not completely present for significant milestones back home.
As she navigates her new environment, Jain observes the vibrant campus life around her. She sees students laughing and enjoying their evenings, while her parents are just waking up to a new day. This juxtaposition of experiences creates a feeling of existing in-between two worlds.
Through her reflections, Jain realizes that homesickness is not merely about missing a location but rather about missing shared time and experiences with loved ones. Every family dinner missed or holiday celebrated without her feels like a void that cannot be filled.
Building a new sense of belonging in this college town poses challenges. Jain acknowledges that the distance teaches her to accept unfinished moments—calls that go unanswered, messages that arrive too late, and celebrations only experienced through a screen.
Yet, with this acceptance comes the necessity of forgiveness—both for herself and for her family. Everyone is navigating their own stories, and being far away does not diminish the love and presence shared among loved ones.
In the evenings, as Jain walks back from Gilman Hall, she takes a moment to appreciate the sunset. For a fleeting instance, she sees the sky shift to the shade of orange that her parents are also witnessing in Mumbai, creating a brief connection that transcends distance.
Ultimately, Jain’s journey as a freshman encapsulates the complexities of living away from home. She learns to embrace the duality of her existence, feeling both present in her new life and connected to her family across the globe. In this shared experience, she finds strength and resilience, navigating the bittersweet nature of homesickness as she forges her own path.
