1. Home is not a place, it's the people you love.
In Las Vegas, I have been lucky enough to have found some of the greatest friends. During times of homesickness and sadness, I spent time with them and felt immediately right at home. This has helped me realize that home is not a specific place; it's the people you love and the people who make you happy.
2. My Hometown helped me become who I am.
While I didn't always love the town that I grew up in, when I went to college, I realized that the town that raised me made me who I am. I grew up in a town where everybody judged you but I still always managed to be myself.
3. Being around people all the time can be hard.
Your first semester of college is finding people you connect with. But, sometimes when you find those people, it can be hard to get some alone time. Because you live together, life can get messy very quickly. It's important to take the time to be alone if you need it and to learn to say no to social interactions when you need space.
4. Calling your mom every day is not a bad thing.
My mom has been my anchor throughout this entire experience, and I can't imagine a day without (multiple) texts, calls, and Facetimes from her. When everything goes wrong, she is there to tell me that it will be okay. No matter who your person is, keep in touch with someone who will always pick you up when you are down.
5. Independence is a scary reality.
In college, your parents can't take care of you when you're sick. You are your own personal time manager, and you control every situation you put yourself in. Independence is a given when you move out of your house, and it can be scary. Even though I had chosen to be independent 3,000 miles away from everyone, it has made me grow into a more mature person. It has been a weird, fun, and difficult transition.