Leaving home for the first time, no matter how far away, is scary. However, the fright multiplies as the miles increase. You'll have to make new friends, find new places to eat, and only get to see your mom on facetime. Once you get past the original bout of homesickness, you feel better-- but missing your family will never truly go away. Fortunately, finding a "family" at college will ease your doubts and reinforce your decision of moving so far away.

Friends, especially those who you meet during your first week at college, will come and go. Everybody is trying to get to know themselves and the campus.

It is okay if you're not as compatible with someone as you first thought you were. It is okay if you try to be friends with people and they reject you, because they're only steering you in the direction you need to go. It is okay if somebody wants to be your friend and you don't reciprocate, because college is the time to branch out and be with the people you truly want to be with.

Eventually, you'll find your friends: the ones you eat lunch and dinner with, go to the library with, and call when you need to cry because you're stressed. If you're lucky, those friends will become your family in your home away from home. They'll pick you up when you're down, and they'll always make sure you're okay.

Fortunately, my friends became my family in less than a week. A few heart-to-hearts that last until 5:30 a.m. will do that to you, but I'm not complaining. There is genuine trust, love, and respect, and I couldn't ask for more. With them, I never have to worry and in a stressful environment such as college, the security they provide me with is more important to me than they'll ever understand.

Although I was worried I was going to be alone and hate my roommate, that was not the case. I'll forever be excited to go home and see my mom and my girlfriend, but when that isn't an option, I still know that I'll be okay. I'm safe and sound, and most importantly, taken care of. We take care of each other.

I hope they appreciate me as much as I appreciate them because I'm already planning our room for next year. With their help and love, I've realized a few things.

1. Blood does not make you family.

Anyone who shows you loyalty and love, makes you feel important and can make you laugh until you cry can be classified as your family. It's in your heart, not in your blood.

2. College friends are better than high school friends.

College friends understand what you're going through and won't get upset for you being stressed or needing to study. Going out is cool and all, but you won't be looked down upon for skipping a night to deal with your own needs. College friends will love you unconditionally because they really can't get away from you. None of us is going home anytime soon.

3. We are exactly where we are supposed to be.

I have the feeling inside my chest, it's full of love and happiness. Although I'm scared of what the future may bring, I know my new family will be by my side in whatever challenges we may face.

College is truly the best place with the best friends, and you'll always have the best time of your life.