There are three types of students at San Diego State: those who live in residence halls, those who share apartments or homes close to campus and those who live with their parents. Despite the lively party scene here, students living with their parents are underrepresented at SDSU. I am one of those students, and I want to take you on a journey through the everyday life of a student living at home. Then you can decide the disadvantages and advantages of being Daddy’s Little Girl.
At the crack of dawn while all the sorority girls are sleeping off their hangovers, I wake up with my eyes half closed, walk to the bathroom in a zombie-like trance to brush my teeth, take a shower, pick an outfit and get dressed … keep in mind I don’t have the luxury of going back to my apartment between classes to change clothes. So, I have to check the weather to make sure I am wearing the appropriate attire for school. I get sidetracked and realize I’m running late. Instead of having the luxury of using a meal plan at the SDSU Dining Room, I pack myself a Ziploc bag of Goldfish and an apple. And I notice my mom made extra coffee, how sweet.
I grab the coffee my mother made me and wave goodbye to my dogs, Charlie and Betty, as they wag their tails and look at me with glistening eyes. At this hour, the on-campus residents are barely waking up, enjoying their glorious mornings as they stretch their hands high in the air. Meanwhile, commuters from Riverside to San Ysidro drive in traffic behind that 40 mph driver in the fast lane. Luckily my coffee buzz hits me, and I use this to my advantage and deftly maneuver past all the slowpokes.
Once I’m on campus, the parking drama begins. The lots are full, and I’m frantically circulating Parking Structure 4 trying to find a spot so I won’t be late. Getting to class is probably the best part of the day. It requires no waiting, searching or driving. Upon my arrival to philosophy class, I see a huge stack of papers on the teacher’s desk. Oh no, did we have an essay due today? I can’t remember; I look at my agenda and there it is: “Write an essay about Hume’s position on free will.” This is when I wish I could run back to my apartment or residence hall and print it out. I guess I will take the failing grade.
After class, I have a three-hour break … I mope around West Commons trying to find a friend, lurk on Facebook or finish last night’s Spanish essay. Students living with their parents know what I’m talking about. During this time is when on-campus residents head back home and pass out for two hours. However, I have mastered the art of waiting. Patience is key.
Class starts, and the only thing on my mind is, “When will I be out of this horrid class?”
Class ends and I rush to my car so I won’t be stuck in after-school traffic.
Once I arrive home, heaven awaits. It’s probably the best perk of living at home: Mom’s homemade enchiladas. Oh yeah, they are way better than those served at The Dining Room. Now that is something no on-campus residents have.
Although living at home is a commitment, at least I do not have to worry about debt after college. Plus I’m glad I have my own room. There’s no roommate to borrow my clothes without asking or stumble in drunk at 4 a.m. Home sweet home.
-Sofie Casillas is a journalism sophomore.
-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.
