As college is just around the corner for seniors, some grow anxious at the thought of leaving California. Last year’s graduates, Catherine Wei, who attends Chicago’s Wheaton College, and Kristy Hsi, who attends University of Pennsylvania, give a look on what it’s like to be away from home.
Q & A with Catherine Wei
Rampage: What were some of the factors you were considering while debating whether or not you should study out of state?
Wei: At first I really didn’t want to go out of state. It wasn’t even an option for me at the time, but then I realized that it would be a good experience to get out of California and experience something new on my own. The school I chose was a great Christian school and that was the main reason why I went.
I was really hesitant leaving my friends and family, and scared to be on my own, not having home close by. But ultimately I’m beyond grateful that I picked this school.
Rampage: What advice would you give current seniors, who are planning to go out of state themselves?
Wei: Don’t let going out of state scare you, it’s a really great life experience. Prepare to be homesick, miss California weather and miss your friends but it’s not that hard to keep in contact. Also prepare to go through an actual winter. It also makes coming home more memorable and meaningful with family.
Rampage: How is the experience at your college or simply being away from your parents?
Wei: I love it! I’m finally experiencing season changes. The winter was terribly cold but a good experience. I call my parents about once a week so it’s not too bad.
Rampage: Did you visit your college beforehand? If not, did it make starting college more memorable?
Wei: I viewed images online. Coming here when school started was my first time on campus.
Q & A with Kristy Hsi
Rampage: How did your parents react to your plan on going out of state?
Hsi: I’ve loved English ever since I was a kid, so I knew since around fifth grade when I tried to write my own book, this was where I was going to go.
I introduced the idea to my parents and they were a little stunned at first and asked the typical questions like, “Are you going to be a teacher?” or “Are you going to make any money that way?” This led me really to begin to explore everything an English major could offer me and I included my parents in the process, so together, we realized all of these things: how I could do publishing or law.
As they began to see what I was seeing, they supported me more and more, and they knew I was happy this way. At the end of the day, I think that’s what really mattered to them.
Rampage: How is the experience at UPenn? What is it like without your parents?
Hsi: It has been so much more than I thought it’d be. I was scared of being homesick, but when I arrived, I was swept up in the commotion of being here. I found my community and new friends. They have made all the difference in keeping me sane and reminding me why I came here in the first place.
There’s not a day that goes by that’s ever the same, and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t look around me and think “Wow, I’m really here,” feeling grateful inside. The classes, of course, are more difficult, but I love my professors and the curriculum.
Also, not having parents around really provides a lot of freedom and independence, but I’d say that you have to realize how much freedom you want for yourself. There are people who get lost and that’s fine for a semester or two, but you don’t want to lose everything and forget what’s important to you.
Communication with your parents when you’re out of state is so important. They’re going to worry no matter what.
Rampage: What advice would you give current seniors who are planning to go out of state themselves?
Hsi: If you’re scared of leaving home, don’t be. You’re ready to embrace it. All of the people I know who have gone out-of-state are so happy with their choice. Try new things, even the things you didn’t know you wanted to do.
