The first semester of college is not all it is hyped up to be- I probably spent way too many nights locked away in my dorm, worrying about making new friends, making a 4.0, and most of all, missing my parents.

As an only child, nearly every night of my life had been spent with my mom and dad, so adjusting to living three hours away from my whole life for the past nineteen years was way more difficult than I imagined. In those first few months away from home, I realized the many things I took for granted and how many things I forgot to thank my parents for.

1. Cooking a meal every night

Wow, this is a big one! Sure my sorority house has hot food every night, but they don't take special requests like parents do.

2. To my dad, taking care of all of my car maintenance issues

Recently, my tire pressure and oil level both decided to be "low." At home, my first instinct would have been to drive my car straight to my dad and let him handle it, but this go around, a phone call had to do. He suggested I take it to the local oil changing place- I should probably get on that.

3. To my mom, giving me sound, trustworthy advice

Sometimes you just need advice you know can be trusted 100%, and sending a picture of my outfit to my mom to get her opinion just isn't the same. Oh, how I miss the days where all I had to do was walk downstairs to make sure my ensemble was parent approved.

4. Taking care of me when sickness strikes

At the beginning of the first semester, I got what seemed to be an infinite illness. My time was spent sneezing, coughing, and whining for my parents. Being sick is always slightly better when you have your mom and dad there to check in on you and provide unlimited soup options.

5. Being my all around, go to people

Having friends at college is the best and extremely comforting, but nothing compares to being able to come home and share your day with the two people who love you the most. They want to hear about all the good, bad, and ugly in your life, and it took me moving away to truly appreciate how much they do.

The first semester of college is not all unicorns and rainbows like people make it out to be. I was so eager to move away from my parents and be "independent," but my advice now: savor it while you can.

Thank your parents for every little thing they do for you because soon if you're like me, you'll be sitting on your uncomfortable, dorm room bed wishing for a way to snap your fingers and be with them for the night. So, to my mom and dad: thank you for loving me, supporting me, listening to me, and everything in between. You are appreciated.