by Darlene M. Mazzone
Executive Editor/Publisher, Paducah Life

July 22, 2009

Can’t Leave Home Without It!

This fall, like every other, tons of teens will be loading up laundry baskets; stuffing bedding into garbage bags; boxing up books and supplies; packing posters, photos, pens and pencils; grabbing iPhones, iTouches, iPods, iGottaHaveIts; dragging out dryers, curling irons, flat irons, just…irons (does anybody use these anymore?)

It’s time to cram it in the car and head out for campusland! College life awaits! So we thought we’d ask a few collegiate catechumens, “What’s the one thing you can’t leave home without?”

Jon Freeman
University of Kentucky
The reason I can’t leave home without the love of my mom is because nothing is like the love of a mom. She cares for me and always knows how I’m feeling before she even asks. I know she would do anything for me and she shows it through her unconditional love. I’ll be taking her love with me. It’s ALWAYS with me.

 

Rachel Wagner
University of Alabama
My shoes complete my outfits, so I won’t leave home without them. I love shoes because there are so many choices of styles and colors. I will take them all to college to be sure I have a pair for every occasion. I just hope they’ll all fit in that tiny closet!

 

 

 

Sarah Rudolph
Stanford University
An item that is a necessity in my college packing is the OraQuick HIV test. I work with the local HIV clinic, Heartland CARES Inc., and I intend to take my passion for HIV awareness, prevention and education with me to Stanford University in the fall.

 

 

Erin Conwell
Centre College
My mother has always said I was born in the wrong era, I guess that’s why I just love my ‘70s-style shag rug. It’s perfect to sprawl out on for a movie night or to sink your tired toes into after a long, hard day at work or school. I couldn’t imagine leaving for college without this comfortable little piece of home.

 

 

Jesse Wynne
Northern Kentucky University
I can’t leave without my guitars. Over the years, the guitar has become not only a fun hobby but also a great stress relief, as well. Playing has helped me meet some pretty awesome people, including some of my best friends, so my guitars will help me have a good start in a new place.

 

 

Ally Heine
University of Mississippi
As goofy as it may sound — I’ll be so busy with class and soccer that before I head out to the field I’ll just be able to slip my flip flops right on! I purchased these flip flops right after I committed to the University of Mississippi for soccer (they’re my ‘Ole Miss’ flip flops) and I’ve been in love ever since. I’m somewhat of a flip-a-holic! I’m usually never in sneakers unless I’m working out!

 

Luke Wilkins
Murray State University
I’m going to be studying to be a music teacher and from there I would like to try going into vocal performance at some school like the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. So, I will definitely be needing my keyboard so I can practice in my dorm room or even my apartment, if I get one. Playing the piano has also been a stress reliever for me. Anytime I’m down or not feeling well, I’ll sit down, read some music, or play something I already know and I start to feel better. It’s definitely something I would not leave home without!

Abby Chambers
Murray State University
The one thing I don’t want to leave behind when I go to college is Leila, our family’s dog…but my mom won’t let me take her with me! What I can’t leave home without is my new shower-wrap that was a graduation gift from a dear friend of my grandmother. My grandmother, Suzie Thomas, passed away when I was a toddler but through her friends and my mother, I still feel a connection to her. This bath wrap will be a necessity as I enter college and have roommates. My towel wrap will come in quite handy, and with my name embroidered on the side, there won’t be any confusion and I’ll never have to share!