by Nick Mourtoupalas ’13

A number of former Sherwood students started living with their parents and siblings after years of attending college away from home, reminding each other how the dynamics of their lives have changed since they first left. Current Sherwood students appreciate having their family members home once again, although there are many hurdles to overcome.

Senior Sarah Loughran lives with her older cousins at home, one of whom has graduated from college. Aside from typical arguments and fights, Loughran is glad to have her cousins at home for support. “I don’t like sharing the car, but I enjoy them at home; they’re still family,” said Loughran.

One of her cousins, TJ (‘07), left only about a year ago when he was 24 years old. “He went back and forth between living in an apartment and living at home, so that annoyed us. He finally moved out, though,” said Loughran. “In our household, you do what you want to do and you’re supported. If any of us mess up, we strive to get them back on track.”

In senior Josh Fleming’s opinion, older siblings should adapt to an adult lifestyle as soon as possible after leaving college. Fleming’s 21-year-old brother, Daniel, has recently returned home after rooming at UMBC.

“It’s nice having help around the house and somebody to talk to, but I’ve prepped myself for living without him,” said Fleming. “I don’t think you should stay home at his age unless you, perhaps, pay rent to your parents. You need to get used to living like an adult because you’re going to be doing that sooner than you think.”

Senior Kimmy Walsh’s relationship with her sister shows how exposure to different elements in college can impact life at home after returning. “[My sister] has definitely changed a lot, so it’s harder to relate to her,” said Kimmy.

After several years in college living on her own, her sister Jenn (‘10) said, “I don’t mind being home with my family but I do have a lot less freedom than when I was in my own apartment in school. Hopefully, I will soon have a full-time job and will be saving money to live on my own.”

Students say that getting a job and saving money is a great first step to moving out and preparing to live on one’s own. “[My sister] has a job, and she’s been living at home for two years. During her time home, she saved a ton of money and got everything together in preparation to move out,” said senior Zac Plotkin, whose older sister, Elana (Kennedy ‘06), feels well-equipped to dive into the adult world.

“Money is really the only reason I stay home. Saving $1,000 a month on rent alone and being able to put that into savings or my entertainment budget makes it worth it for me,” said Elana. “Since being home, I’ve almost paid off all of my college loans, bought a new car, taken trips to fun places including Thailand – all things I could not do without the reduced living expenses.”