Being at college, away from home, can be a challenge for even the most independent of teens. There are bound to be times when you feel homesick or lonely. You start to realize how much you value even the smallest things back home. Luckily, one way parents can help their college students overcome homesickness is by sending care packages, and communicating often.
Care packages, generally, are welcomed by all college students, especially when they are filled with special goodies from home. There is nothing like a package of mom’s homemade cookies, a favorite snack, newspapers from home, and a handwritten note to bring a smile to a teen’s face.
In my first college semester, I have seen my share of care packages. I have only personally received one box filled with an eclectic arrangement of fresh fruit, tea, slippers, candy, stuffed animals, and other snacks, but I am curious about what my friends and dorm mates receive from home.
Care packages tend to vary from person to person. Some of my friends seem to receive a package every week with so much food intended to be shared with others. Others, like me, receive them less frequently, but are always excited when one comes in the mail. The contents of care packages also vary. Most students tend to receive a lot of junk food — from multiple bars of chocolate, to huge boxes of cookies, to bags of popcorn and chips. Homemade baked goods are also another favorite. A lot of the times, parents tend to send necessities. It is not uncommon for clothing, make-up, and favorite stuffed animals to find their way into care packages.
I am usually most intrigued by the more interesting and unusual items that are sent. Occasionally, someone will receive something that whets everyone’s interest. It is amazing how much you learn about your peers from their care packages, and how they react to what is in yours. Some items are culturally significant. My friends learned more about my Asian heritage when my parents sent me a few persimmons, a fruit commonly eaten in Asia. Many of my friends had never seen, let alone eaten, one before. Many times, package items are also representative of one’s hometown. One of my best friends often receives the local paper from back home. Although he comes from a small town with a very small newspaper, he enjoys getting a taste of home every now and then.
For the most part, students are not too picky about what they receive. They say beggars can’t be choosers, right? Nevertheless, from my experience, there are some items that are more useful and popular than others. Sending necessities is always a great idea. Because most students are forced to relocate to a new place, many times they don’t have all the things they need. If your teen has forgotten something from home (perhaps, winter boots), send them in a care package. Cold medicine or pain relievers are appreciated especially with students living together in close quarters. Tissue packs and school supplies can always be used, too. My mom once mailed me a box of 40 mechanical pencils. As ridiculous as this may sound, amongst all the edible goodies and cute accessories she has sent me, the pencils have been the most useful gift thus far.
Other items that work well for care packages are memorabilia, photos, and other miscellaneous items that might help your teen feel more at home. Sometimes family photos, posters, or items from your teen’s room back home are welcomed. These items can help your teen make his room more personal. Some of my friends have parents that even send holiday decorations so that their kids can decorate their rooms and dorms festively. Decorating our living space has really brightened the mood and made everyone feel more at home.
Another must-have in a care package is a handwritten note or letter. Although goodies are sweet, care packages are just not complete without a few loving words of support from parents. Teens and parents tend to argue, but with miles of distance between the two, a note from home is always welcomed. It is the crown jewel of any care package. I honestly enjoy reading letters or e-mails from my parents. When I am having a bad day, their words of encouragement always help me pick myself back up and keep going. Even a goofy letter filled with pointless jokes can cheer me up when I am lonely or homesick.
The contents of a care package are not nearly as important as the process of sending them. By putting together a care package, you are acknowledging your teen and letting him know that he is on your mind. Bigger is not always better. Care packages that are more thoughtful, meaningful, and personal tend to hit home the message that you support your teen during his college experience.
Furthermore, for college students out there, remember to reciprocate and send letters, e-mails, or even a text thanking your parents for their generosity and thoughtfulness. A call home can brighten their day, too.
Aglaia Ho is a freshman at Williams College and a native New Yorker.
