Fall break through the years

Being a student at a university in Ohio and living in Maryland means that going home for fall break has never really been an option for me. Instead, I've found myself on new adventures each year, spending time with friends and their families, exploring new places, and creating unforgettable memories. As a senior now, it's been interesting to look back on how each fall break has shaped my college experience in a unique way.

Freshman Year: A Taste of Chicago

My first fall break in college set the tone for the kind of trips I would end up taking. I traveled with one of my teammates to the Chicago area, staying with his family and exploring the city. One of the most memorable (and maybe not in the best way) experiences was when we went to this famous deep-dish pizza spot downtown. My friend hyped it up like it was the best thing ever, and I was ready to be blown away. Well, I did get blown away... but by a bad case of food poisoning. I got sick on the train ride all the way back to his house. It was definitely not the trip's highlight, but it is a story that we still laugh about today.

Sophomore Year: Michigan, Family, and Lacrosse Training

For my sophomore year, I decided to visit another teammate's family, this time in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This trip had a different vibe. We spent time training for lacrosse together and explored downtown Grand Rapids, which is absolutely beautiful. The highlight was having dinner with his family, including his grandparents. It was one of those warm, homey meals that just makes you feel like you belong, even if you’re not with your own family. I cherish these moments of spending time with the people I care about and being a part of their lives for a little while.

Junior Year: The Ups and Downs of Atlanta

My junior year took me south to Atlanta, Georgia, to visit my girlfriend at the time. We explored some cool spots and saw many of the new urban developments the city is known for. It was a great time, but the trip ended on a tough note. My girlfriend and I broke up during the visit, which made the whole experience bittersweet. On top of all that, my friend driving me to the airport on my way to ATL got into a car accident. Thankfully, everyone was okay, but it wasn’t exactly the smoothest fall break. It was a rough time, but it’s part of my story.

Senior Year: Quality time in Michigan

This year, I stayed a little closer, visiting my current girlfriend and her family in her hometown in Michigan. It was a much more peaceful and pleasant experience. I got to meet her oldest sister, her husband, and their two young kids. Spending time with her and her family was really special, and it felt great to be welcomed so warmly. I’ve come to appreciate these quieter, more intimate moments as I get older. There’s something about connecting with people in a meaningful way that makes the trip worth it.

Looking back on these fall breaks, they’ve all been so different, but each one has taught me something new and brought me closer to the people in my life. It’s funny how a weekend away from campus can become such a big part of your college experience. Even if I haven’t made it back home to Maryland, I wouldn’t trade these memories for anything.


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