By Emily Brokaw | Contributor
At college, we sometimes forget that there are people in this world who are not college students or professors. When we're in class, cramming homework assignments and last minute studying and trying to juggle a job and an over-booked schedule, we tend to be preoccupied by the here and now.
We forget about parents, younger siblings, older siblings, grandparents and everyone else not a college student.
Until about six weeks into the semester, when Parents and Family Weekend arrives.
Each year, the campus bursts to life in early October. Families are reunited and parents shadow sons and daughters, attending classes, eating meals, watching concerts and games and participating in the countless other activities intended to show parents how great Taylor is.
However, some of us never get to do that.
As a senior at Taylor with family on the other side of the globe, I have felt this keenly over the last three years. Each year, I participate in the annual Parents and Family Weekend concert hosted by the music department. Each year, I trot off to join those of my friends who, like me, are missing their parents this weekend while the rest of the performers join their waiting families.
Whether you're a native of Indiana or have traveled from one of the American coasts, you might experience the sinking sensation when Parents and Family Weekend rolls around and you are without either.
Parents and Family Weekend is a wonderful tradition, but for those who can't be with their family for whatever reason, it can be painful. We don't always notice how much we miss them when we're buried in textbooks and papers, but suddenly seeing many of our friends with family in tow reminds us.
To those left alone this weekend: it's tempting to wallow in self-pity with a tub of ice cream, glare enviously at those with parents around or pretend you're completely unaffected by the whole ordeal. But it's normal to miss family. Find a few lonely friends, and have your own "family" time in the dorm. Or look for a willing friend or roommate with family and have them temporarily adopt you.
To those with family here: enjoy the gift of time with them. And, maybe, if your roommate or floormate is down about being all alone for the weekend, invite them to join your family in the weekend's activities. They might say no, but it's encouraging to know that someone's looking out for them when their own family isn't there.
This weekend, when sidewalks become congested and the DC is crowded far beyond capacity, take the time to appreciate your family. If they're with you, celebrate that time. If they're far away, send them an email or set up a Skype date.
Because Monday, we'll all be in the same boat as we face the mountain of work that somehow accumulated behind our backs over the weekend.
