“ Homesickness is the distress or impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from the specific home environment or attachment objects.”

When students experience homesickness it usually presents itself as sadness through a possible stomachache or a headache. When you are homesick you are missing all the “normal” everyday people or things in your life. The feelings that the student could be experiencing are depression, anxiety (especially separation anxiety), and/or sadness. As an official High Trails Medic, I personally know that there are moments when even I get homesick and realize just how far away my home Tennessee really is. When I start to feel like this, I like to embrace adventures here in California, call or write home, or even plan a visit home.

When a student comes to my office I explain to them that I too get homesick. I also try to comfort them by going over the schedule and having them pick out one activity or class they are excited about. If you try to keep them focused on positive aspects it will decrease the homesickness.  I also offer out the famous Turtle (my toy turtle whose shell projects lights in the form of stars on the ceiling in different colors) or share some of my own personal stuffed animals for the night. These help ease any fears of the dark and more importantly let them know someone here cares about them. I also encourage students to write  home to their family or to draw a picture about their favorite activity to take home and share.

As I talk about being homesick, I feel a pit in my stomach because I know soon – 6 weeks to be exact – I will be High Trails sick when summer hits and we all go our separate ways for June, July and August. My “family” is here. I won’t be able to just walk out my door and see board games going on in the nearby staff housing, see the familiar faces my friends, enjoy Sunday night dinners, or hear music drifting through the forest. So now what? We have to appreciate everyone here and the time we have left.  In the next weeks we have got a few four day programs, so that means three day weekends. Road trips, campfires, Joshua  Tree, and so much more! 

As you start to pack up make sure you take something tangible from High Trails; maybe the letter you wrote to yourself at the beginning of the year, a letter from a student, or even a special bead (even if you feel you did not earn one, you will be finding beads in your belongings for many years to come). Most importantly think back to the beginning of your time here….How much have you grown? How much have you learned? What new activities have you taken up?

Wherever your life may take you, at some point you may get homesick or have a friend who is homesick. Remember: keep busy, stay positive, bring something with you from home before you travel, communicate with your friends and family who you may be missing, and beyond everything else…appreciate your new experience!