Home Away from Home

by Cari A., Panther Blogger

Finally, after being here at Ferrum for a month and some change, I think I got my dorm room right. I have never had to share a room with anyone before, and I can’t say that it was an easy transition. Most college students have the homesickness soon after moving in; for me, I was ready to go home the Saturday after arriving on campus. It wasn’t that I hated it here, it was just that I hadn’t gotten my “space” just right yet.

After a night of wanting to get in my car and drive home, I realized the potential for me here. I will be offered unique opportunities here that some of my other college friends will not have the chance to take part in. Part of the reason for that is because of Ferrum’s location and size. Being out in the middle of nowhere (well, sort of) isn’t where most “city folk” see themselves, but because we are in the woods, the activities seem to be endless. From trips to Rocky Mount for Sheetz or Wal-Mart runs to going to a cave in Blacksburg – the list goes on and on.

Being here for a month has given me a new perspective on how I see things; for example, I never thought about the effect we humans had on water quality and marine life, especially not such a small college campus like Ferrum. One very special opportunity I have taken part in this semester is a SCUBA certification class. Even though the wetsuits didn’t always dry and the water wasn’t always warm, it is an experience I can mark down in the story of my life. I met people that I may not have otherwise met outside of the course, and we all blended as a group really well. Bonds were formed that shall definitely last a lifetime.


Also this past August, through research with Dr. Dave Johnson, I have been able to see the true value of what we have out here. The relationships I have formed in just these few short weeks have turned out to be the absolute highlight of my life. I have met an amazing friend who understands me and my crazy road trip CDs, as well as a guy best friend who knows the jokes before they come out of my mouth. I haven’t just gained knowledge while here at Ferrum; I have gained a separated-at-birth twin and indescribably amazing friends.

I recently went to Salem to see my new niece Elise, who was born almost 3 weeks ago. When I was saying my goodbyes to my brother and my mom, she said the normal mom saying: “make sure you let me know when you get back,” and I followed with “I promise I will text you as soon as I get home.” Hearing myself utter those words, especially to the woman who gave me life, caught me off guard. Ferrum life and the family aspect of this campus give its students the feeling of home away from home.

Proud to be a Panther

See you around,

Cari A.