Editor’s Note: This is a guest blog post by Kettering student Charles ‘Chaz’ Mancino. Chaz is from Fredonia, New York, and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. If you’d like to write a guest blog post, email phayes@kettering.edu. 

By Chaz Mancino

As of the middle of this past school term, I was halfway done with my Kettering University career. While the time has flown by, the Kettering University schedule now feels normal. Move in, school, finals, move out, break, move in, work, move out … and the schedule continues.

Moving every three months has its perks: I can pack everything that I need in my compact car, which surprises everyone that I tell. One time, when my car had to be worked on, I used my father’s extended cab truck, and I still managed to fit everything that I needed … inside of the cab. As a student at Kettering University, one will learn what is and is not needed to live three months away from home. Your whole closet? Not needed. That cool gaming chair? It will be there for you when you come home. Your dog? Man’s best friend should probably be left at home.

Chaz Mancino

As you can see, moving back and forth will make someone an expert nomad, but there is a cost. Traveling six hours from school to home and six hours from home to work can get tiring, especially when there are only a few days in between. That means only a few days to unpack, see family and friends, go to any appointments, sleep, and repack. That can be a lot, especially after final exams. Just like school term, a short break helps one learn what is necessary and what can wait.

Being a nomad that has to move every three months is hard. However, it teaches one the ability to pack a vehicle to its limits and know what is truly necessary to spend three months away from home. So go ahead and show off your packing skills to your family and friends. They will no doubt be amazed.