Me being 5 plus hours away from home almost 8 months out of the year haven't been easy for either of us. I know that there have been many nights of tears, many nights of long phone calls and spontaneous visits.

But even though I'm far from home, I haven't forgotten everything she's taught me.

1. You're never to old to give your Mom a proper goodbye

I know that not everyone still kisses their Mom goodbye, but I'm very glad that I still do. It's not weird or awkward or gross as many people may think. For me, it's my way of telling my Mom that I love her with all of my heart because I don't always get the chance to.

There are some nights when I wish I could go back home and give her a hug when I really need one. But because she's so far away, I take every opportunity to do it when she's standing right in front of me.

2. Always give people your full attention

Whether it's getting coffee, going out to dinner or simply just hanging out, everyone deserves a person's full undivded attention. You can afford to be off your phone for the time that you're with this person.

THIS especially rang true whenver I was with omeone I care a great deal for. It takes maybe five seconds to shut off your phone or put it on silent and stash it away.

3. Do to others what you would want done to yourself

This one I know is popular with many others, but over the years my Mom always made sure that I knew this.

She always taught me to care for others, no matter what their relation to me was. Whether they are strangers or my best friends, I always try to do something to brighten someone's day.

It's gotten me into trouble as of late, because sometimes I care a little too much. But it's something I'm proud to say that I do, especially in a world where many may only care about themselves. Plus it's just nice to show people, particularly ones that are important to me, that when the world seems to be against them I'm one person that's not.

4. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself

This one is my absolute favorite lessons.

I'm pretty sure that I'm one of the clumsiest people on this entire planet; so much so that my friends have a countdown board for whenever I drop something.

It's like one of those "Days Without Accident" boards and instead of getting mad about it, seeing it makes me laugh. Because life is too short to get mad or upset about little things.

5. No matter how you're feeling, stay positive

Whenever I'm having a bad day or a bad week. i always try to remember to not let it get to me.

Because "this too shall pass."

I may have just failed a test, or gotten into an argument or a disagreement with a very close friend but my Mom is always just a call away. And though she's there for me to vent to, she's also there to help me see that things will get better.

"Think positive, helloooooo," is something that I've heard a couple times.

And through whatever I'm feeling, that always makes me laugh or will bring a smile to my face and it just makes it a little easier to buck up and move past it.

Being far from home has brought up many challenges that I never thought I'd face before. But I'm glad that even though she's not physically at school with me I can still take everything she taught me and put it to good use.

Thank you Mom, I love you and miss you.