Even though we're in college and we've definitely got it all figured out, there are just a few things we still need our parents for:

1. To Help You When You Are Sick

A couple weeks ago, my parents drove down to visit me at college for parent's weekend at LSU. Unfortunately, I got sick with food poisoning on the first day my parents were in town. Having never been sick at college or away from home for that matter, I did not realize how terrible it would have been if my mom and dad hadn't been there to hold my hair back as I throw up, bring me hot towels for my face, and tuck me into bed. Not to mention, my dad is a saint for driving out in game day traffic to buy me sprite and medicine.

2. Home Cooked Meals

Being a college student, one could say my cooking skills are not superb by any means, however I can make a mean bowl of Kraft mac-n-cheese, and my instant mashed potatoes are to die for. Honestly though, nothing is better than coming home to a nice, warm home cooked meal made by my mama. I can always count on my parents to cook some of my favorite dishes whenever I come home for the weekend.

3. Helping With Those Little Reminders

I cannot stress the amount of times my mom has called to remind me about someone's birthday, anniversary, or other special events. As embarrassing as it is to admit, she even has to remind me to schedule certain appointments, paying dues or bills, and so much more, and for that I am thankful.

4. Money

Okay, I'm being honest here. Managing money is hard, especially when you are in college, hours away from home, and an unexpected expense pops up - such as a ticket for improper lane usage (sorry Dad). Sometimes you have to make that embarrassing call to home explaining what happened and pray your parents take pity on your low bank account and send you some money.

5. Family Time

I will be the first to admit that being away from your parents is hard. I never realized just how important family time was until after I moved away from home. While for the most part I love being independent, there is a part of me that will always miss the privilege of family dinners being the norm and not a special occasion. I used to think that my dad and I playing chess after dinner was us just passing time or having a little bit of competitive fun, but now that these small things are no longer a regular occurrence, I realize how important they are.

6. Bad Days Happen

There are days I come home from class and just crave a tight, comforting hug from my dad or the soft words of encouragement only a mom can master. These are things I never considered leaving behind when I moved away from college. Yes, I knew I'd miss my family, but I honestly thought that a phone call would have the same comfort as a face-to-face conversation about whatever was bothering me that day. I was wrong.

7. Advice

Being almost 20 years old, I believe I'm 10 ft tall, bulletproof, and know it all. However, there is the rare occasion when I find myself stuck or confused and need to make a call home for advice.

8. Cleaning, Laundry, and Such

I know I hardly ever say it, but I am beyond thankful for all that both my parents do when they come visit me. Be it changing a light bulb I can't reach, hanging a picture I impulsively bought, helping me catch up on my never ending laundry, or cleaning my apartment while I am at class.