I am a current freshman in my second semester of college on Oahu and I am considering on transferring back to a college back at home on Maui. I live in one of my aunty’s houses and this past year I found that I am not genuinely happy or do not find comfort here. The academics at my college is great, perfect for my major, and I made friends. I go out to places with them but most of the time I still feel a bit depressed and lonely. Here are the pros and cons of going back home:
- Tuition back at home: Around $5,000 only. On Oahu: almost $30K (I attend private). Same major, very cheap price.
- I would have my own car! The students at my college are mainly commuters and I envy them for having the ability to drive anywhere. For me, I have to take the bus and its difficult and long wait because it has unreliable timing and its sketchy to ride the bus at night alone. My aunt would give me rides but she also has places to go to (which I understand). At home, my drive would be 15-20 minutes.
- Privacy! I shared a room with a girl and the first semester we were really close. Now we came back from vacation and its been awkward and we both realized that we just need to get away from each other. We still share rooms but the atmosphere is just awkward and I don’t feel comfortable.
- Home cooked meals! My aunty would deliver food sometimes, but I basically ate ramen, chips, chocolate, sausage. My health was bad. Back at home, my grandmother would serve up healthy meals and I would be healthier.
- Independence. My mother would actually let me off on my own.
- Family Oriented: I love my family so much and I worry about them. I tend to tear up whenever I facetime with them too and its embarassing in front of people that I live with.
My mom tells its just 3 more years but my sister told me that if you’re miserable and unhappy then 3 years will feel like an eternity. I appreciate my aunty for the hospitality and helping save money but right now, I just don’t feel that Oahu is for me. I think I would be a lot happier on Maui with my family and I would live an easier life. After all, happiness and comfort, despite the stress of college, is important to me.