Time seemed to stand still amidst the never-ending midterms, day after day of salty cafeteria meals, and frozen walks on cobblestone sidewalks destroying every heel on my shoes. Pencil in hand, fervently writing the last paper on Saturday, I anticipated my homecoming. When you’re so far away, the smallest sensory details of home are magnified in your mind. For me, they include the taste of Cuban plantains; the soft texture of Mia, my Yorkshire terrier; and the sight of my grandma’s fingers as she plays the piano and her head turns in perfect rhythm. I couldn’t wait to get home.

Sunday came with gentle breezes and warmth defying the frost as if to prove that I didn’t really need the heat and Latin flavor of my hometown. On my way to the airport, looking through the Yellow Cab window, I was amazed at how familiar Boston already looked to me. I never knew I would be able to adapt to my new life so quickly. It’s not an easy process, I admit, but it can be accomplished with will and time. I remember many of my high school classmates rejected admission into out-of-state colleges simply because it was hard to leave home. In my case, family separation definitely was a huge factor to weigh when considering college locations, but now I’m glad I was able to see beyond the black and white of the situation. Sure I’ve missed the comforts of home, I’ve been forced to deal with vending washing machines, and I’ve called home past midnight when all of a sudden independence seems unbearable, but not everything is bitter. There are sweet experiences as well, which make it all worth it.

Now I’m back home, and every second I spend with my parents is quality time. I’ve learned to love them differently in their absence, with more admiration and respect. I know that I need them, but I also know that I won’t always have them with me. In the future, in whichever profession I choose, my parents will not be there with advice on how to behave, how to treat others, how to handle a business. In college, you struggle and are exposed to a multitude of new experiences, so you have no choice but to seek success following your own conscience. I may make mistakes, but this is the time to make more of them, not when I’m an established professional.

I never fully internalized all these thoughts before applying to college or receiving admission notifications. I can hardly believe it happened a year ago; time has gone by so quickly. By now all the early applicants must have received their long-awaited letters. How anxious I felt last year around this date! I’m happy I prepared myself to apply Early Action, because it spared me the stress of handling even more applications during winter break.

Around this time last year I also was spending time filling out the FAFSA. Having my dad help me throughout the process was of incredible help, for some of the terminology can be confusing. I made sure to start the application very early, because it can take some time, and to have all the needed documents ready before me. High school counselors are well informed about this process, so ask for their help or attend special school or district-wide FAFSA information sessions.

Speaking of counselors, my old high school advisor sent me an invitation to speak at their annual college forum, which I accepted with enthusiasm because it was useful to me as a senior. It’s a great way for students to get firsthand information about the whole college application process. I’ll be talking about the academics, housing facilities, and life in general at Harvard.

The rest of the break is packed with visits to relatives and friends, shopping malls, and even the beach! The joys of living in the Sunshine State. . .However, I also will have to do some studying, since finals are just around the corner, exactly two weeks after my return to school. Until then, though, I am set to relax and recharge the batteries. After all, seven-eighths of college is still left to be completed.