What's that? You've never heard of the freshman thirty-five? That's funny, because neither had my parents, who welcomed me home on spring vacation with mild horror. I was a vaguely familiar food monster who had eaten their daughter.
Mindy Kaling humorously introduces the concept of the "freshman thirty-five," a term referencing the weight gain many experience in their first year of college. She reflects on her unexpected transformation, which surprises her parents when they see her during spring vacation. Her lighthearted comparison of herself to a food monster emphasizes her overwhelming change in body image due to her eating habits at college.
This anecdote captures the essence of the college experience, highlighting the challenges students face, such as adjusting their diets and maintaining their health while navigating a new, often social, environment. Kaling's use of humor not only makes her story relatable but also sheds light on the broader theme of identity and the pressures that come with newfound independence.
