Bringing comfort to campus: students need a special taste of home when moving to Hutchinson

By Brenna Eller
Editor-In-Chief

Any college can be intimidating or uncomfortable the first week or two. Going to a new school, city, state, or even country, adapting can be challenging to some who have troubles getting used to a new environment.

Each Hutchinson Community College student has his or her own way of coping and getting accustomed to campus.

For some, it could be bringing a favorite blanket, picture of a loved one, or even a stuffed animal that has gotten them through many of life’s difficulties. There are also students who are well-adapted to their surroundings and don’t necessarily need an object to ease them into a new atmosphere.

Rachel Lyons, a Newton freshman, has two items she brings with her when she travels.

“I bring my bear and sometimes my Winnie the Pooh blanket whenever I go to a new place” Lyons said. “I’ve had both for many years, the blanket ever since I was in preschool and the bear since I was 1-year-old.”

She said that they are both items she has had forever, so they make her feel more at-home.

Another female student living in the dorms who brings valuable items with her when she settles in a new place is Shaylei Davis, a Jetmore freshman.

“I brought a ton of pictures of my family and friends and a stuffed dog I’ve had literally my whole life,” Davis said.

Along with the pictures and stuffed animal, Davis shared that she brought a figurine given to her by her grandma that reminds her of her dog at home.

“It’s what I’m used to,” Davis said. “All the little decorations I have hold a reason behind, so they are special to me.”

Not only females take belongings from home with them to college, but male students do as well, although they seem to hide it better.

Justin McMurry, a Halstead sophomore, shared the memento he brings from home – a World War II blanket given to him by his uncle when he was 15.

“It’s nice, heavy, and makes me feel safe when I sleep,” McMurry said.

When asked why he is so fond of the blanket, McMurry said, “The reason I cherish it so much is because my uncle means a lot to me, and he originally gave the blanket to my dad, who then gave it to me.”

McMurry agreed that when it comes to being sentimental, men tend not to admit feelings of an item, whereas women generally don’t mind.

“Girls would rather have pictures, stuffed animals, and pillows, whereas guys normally have video games and trinkets they don’t like to talk about,” McMurry said.

Whether or not students bring items symbolizing home to the dorms, the point is to be comfortable. There are students who just need companionship or a daily routine to feel more at ease.

Others like these three students, like to bring mementos from home to feel like wherever they go, will become another home.

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