Freshman Experience: Navigating Life Across Time Zones
The transition to university life can be challenging, especially for international students. Freshman Samika Jain, a student from Mumbai, India, reflects on her experiences adjusting to life in Baltimore while grappling with the emotional distance from her family. As she navigates her first semester at university, she discovers the profound impact of time zones on her relationships and sense of belonging.
The freshman blues set in as Jain experiences the stark contrast between her new life and her old one. One evening at 7 p.m. in Baltimore, she receives a simple text from her mother: a photo of her morning cup of chai. It serves as a reminder of home and the early morning routine her mother has maintained back in India. The time difference is not just a matter of hours; it reshapes her understanding of connection and distance.
During a FaceTime call with her father, Jain sees the Diwali lights illuminating their balcony. As he shares the festive atmosphere with her, the grainy video and intermittent Wi-Fi signal underscore the barriers she faces. The sounds of celebration—neighbors chatting, firecrackers going off, and music playing—contrast sharply with her solitary environment in Baltimore.
Living in a different time zone means measuring home not by distance but by hours. Jain notes that “good morning” can arrive while it is still dark outside her dorm. The intimacy of these conversations, however, is tinged with a sense of loss. She recalls the guilt of missing a call with her sister, a tradition that had been a cherished part of their relationship. In those moments, the loneliness of living out of sync with her family becomes palpable.
As she walks back from classes, Jain observes the vibrant campus life around her. Students gather, laughter fills the air, and the warmth of community stands in stark contrast to her feelings of isolation. She imagines her family starting their day, the familiar sounds of home echoing in her mind.
This experience has led Jain to reassess what homesickness truly means. It is less about missing a physical place and more about longing for shared moments in time. She finds herself missing family dinners that occur while she is in class, holidays that coincide with midterms, and the simple joy of being present with loved ones.
Building a new sense of belonging in Baltimore presents its own challenges. Jain reflects on the difficulty of living with unfinished moments. Missed calls, delayed responses, and celebrations viewed only through a screen contribute to a complex emotional landscape. Yet, through this experience, she learns the importance of self-forgiveness and understanding the narratives of those she loves.
In her quiet moments, Jain stands outside her residence hall, watching the sunset. The sky transitions to a familiar shade of orange, reminiscent of the one her parents see in India. For that brief moment, she feels a sense of unity across the distance, as if time zones no longer exist.
Jain’s journey illustrates the unique challenges faced by international students as they adapt to new environments while maintaining connections with their families. Her reflections highlight the intricate interplay between time, distance, and belonging that defines the freshman experience.
As she continues her studies in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Jain embraces the complexities of her new life. Though she may feel divided between two worlds, she is learning to appreciate the beauty of both.
