Being· home for holidays

If you've seen that famous Nonnan Rockwell picture showing. a family gathered around the table for their Thanksgiving feast and decided, "Wow, that looks nice, but it's not really for me,'' then, please read on.

For many of us, the arrival of the holidays is a reminder of what is not great in our lives or what might be missing.

Perhaps, your family is no longer together, either because you or your parents are separated or divorced, parts of your family have moved away, relationships have ended, deaths have occurred or you are at school and cannot be home for this holiday.

Maybe a close relative has died recently and this is the first holiday without them, or someone you care about has a life threatening illness and you know their death is not far off. Some families must deal with alcoholism, drug use, or mental illness which can

Wot1ld you have gone to see the school play, 'As Is,' had it not been cancelled?

Nyetta Pendleton, a first-year student: Yes, because I am interested in the topic and everything they have to say about it.

Joe Uff, a sophomore: I don't think so. I would not be interested in seeing a play dealing only with the topic of homosexuality.

Bridget Bonner, a sophomore: Probably not, I really don't go to see plays. The topic is not what would have kept me from going.

Brian Geraghty, a senior: No, I do not approve of homosexuality.

by Ellen Shechtman guest writer

disrupt family harmony. A family member may be depressed, abusive, out of control or acting in a humiliating fashion. Finances can also be adding stress or causing tension.

These scenarios may seem a bit exaggerated to some of you, but they contain real life ~ituationsthat many of us face on a daily basis.

There are also students who for the first time have enjoyed the freedoms of college life away from home and now feel concern that these new experiences of independence will not be honored or respected at home.

It is important, just as at other times, to try and anticipate realistically what you will face when you get to your destination this Thanksgiving.

In so doing, you can prepare yourself and also plan ahead how you will deal with some difficulties you may encounter. This may include sharing how you feel,

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removing yourself, if things get out of hands, calling a friend for support or keeping busy with lots of activities.

Sometimes helping others, as in volunteering at a homeless shelter and getting involved with others, can be a way of distracting yourself and feeling better about yourself and your situation.

If you are one of those people who has begun to dread this holiday or feel worried about re-entering your family situation, the counseling staff would like to be of some help.

On Thursday, Nov. 21, at 12:15 p.m., we will be meeting in the Student Development Conference Center, located in the Widener Center and plan to offer some suggestions, feedback and support for anyone who wants to talk and be listened to.

We hope you will take advantage of this and join us at that day. Thank you.

Jen Moscariello, a first-year student: I probably would have come to be involved in some school activity and the subject in general is interesting. My high school would have never done a play like that.

Jenn Lardani,. a first-year student: I would go to let people know I have an open mind toward the gay issue and to prove I am not homophobic.