Imagine leading eight people around AU's campus and the D.C. metro area for a weekend, catering to their every whim and making sure they have a great time. This was how I spent Family Weekend, AU's annual October event. Family Weekend is a chance for AU students to give a taste of their college lives to their family and friends.
Last year, as a freshman, I did not expect Family Weekend to be so popular, so my parents chose not to come. Imagine how I felt when I walked to TDR Friday evening surrounded by a throbbing crowd of students and their families. I missed my family more than I thought.
Like other freshmen, I hadn't quite adjusted to college life. But unlike them, I didn't have my family visiting to re-energize me before Thanksgiving.
Since I am close to my family, I called them a lot that weekend, but I was careful not to mention how much I missed them. Still, they must have picked up the hint of sadness in my voice, because they made it their goal to come this year.
And, boy, did they come: My parents, younger brother, three younger sisters and grandparents made the journey from Pittsburgh to see me this year. I think the only family members who didn't make it were my two dogs, who spent Family Weekend in the kennel.
Much to my surprise, it was actually fun to show my family around campus. I took them to the places that meant the most to me: Kay Spiritual Life Center, my residence hall room, TDR, and, of course, The Eagle office. I didn't say it then, but I'm proud of these places and was glad to share them with my family ... even TDR.
Now that I'm a sophomore and a seasoned citizen of D.C., I navigated my family through the Metro system and boarded the AU shuttle, making sure all nine of us were on board.
Introducing my family to friends was a feat in itself. Half the time, I was tempted to line them up, Brady Bunch-style, and recite their names to my friends who looked confused and overwhelmed by the time I finished introductions.
I've also felt overwhelmed by the work I've had this year, which is why I was looking forward to escaping from TDR for a nice dinner on the town. However, I should have learned not to expect a nice dinner in D.C. on a Friday night without reservations. After two attempts at the Cheesecake Factory and again at Maggiano's, my grandparents and I ended up at Booeymongers. Since my grandparents spent most of their lives residing near New York City where delis abound, they were pleased to see that they exist down here too.
When my family arrived, I found my little sister lying on the floor of our hotel room whining, "I'm hungry!" and my brother and sisters snapping back and forth at each other. My parents suggested trying the Cheesecake Factory for dinner, so they walked over and were seated within 10 minutes. Sometimes, it's amazing what a big loud family can do for you.
On Saturday, my parents didn't even try to take all of us out to dinner because everyone was exhausted from a day of sightseeing and no one felt like waiting hours to eat a meal. Instead, I showed them a Papa John's menu, and we ordered at least $40 worth of take-out.
I spent the rest of the evening riding the elevator with my little sister, teaching her how to jump at just the right time so she could "float" for a second. We also took advantage of the free manager's reception, and ordered Shirley Temples, and as we were sipping them, my little sister asked, "Is there any alcohol in these?" Sometimes I wish I were that innocent again.
Later that night, my friends came to visit me in our hotel rooms. I was worried at first, about mixing school with home, but after a while, my friends and family seemed to get along and were talking like they had known each other for years.
All in all, the weekend was an enjoyable experience, but as their car drove away I welcomed back my independence. As they drove off from McDowell Hall, I heard my sister yell from the open window, "I can't wait until next year!" Don't you just love family?
