As our semester draws to a close, we are swarmed with all things finals, projects, papers, and studying. If you are anything like me, that that means countless nights in the library, many failed attempts to make next semester's schedule, and astronomical amounts of coffee. However, when all that is over, the end rewards are free laundry, home-cooked meals, and time spent with your family.

But we all know too much of a good thing can end poorly. Being home for the holidays as a college student (or post-grad) comes in stages, and here's what they are.

Phase One: Crying on the phone to your parents/sister/brother in the library

This phone call usually happens around 7 p.m. (or later) and you are unaware of the time because you have been in the same cubicle in the library for ~10 hours. The effects are amplified when you call during dinner and hear everyone happy and laughing in the background Major FOMO.

Phase Two: Cumulative finals-- The Breakdown Guarantee-r

Cumulative finals are great because if you do well on the unit exams you will TOTALLY ace the final. Wrong. This blows minds because where does that information go?! Taking one look at the 15 page study guide makes us feel like Will Ferrell in "Zoolander".

Phase Three: Going home to your loved ones

After the college versions of Wicked Witches, flying monkeys, and treacherous journeys, going home seems like an unrealistic dream. Waking up the morning after your last final in your bed at your parents' is a bit creepy at first because confusion strikes when you hear your dad making breakfast down the hall, but then you smell bacon and fresh coffee and it's all good.

Phase Four: Seeing your childhood friends

You know that *cheesy* saying, "Your college friends know who you are, but your high school friends know why"? Yeah, well, as cheesy as it may be, it is true. Seeing your high school friends is a free pass at reminiscing. Looking back at all the dumb things we did or the relationships that are now punchlines (sorry, boys) just puts you at ease, because at that moment there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Which brings on the next phase.

Phase Five: Final Results

You get that notification e-mail that 6 grades have been posted to Blackboard and run to your room, barricade the door, and grab your laptop. You don't get the grab needed to stay at an A (or a B-, let's be real), but you will be okay with it...eventually. Until that point, you sit and wonder what you could have done differently in terms of studying.

Phase Six: Family gatherings part one

College students at family dinners eat more than the grown men. We need to stock up while we can before it's back to salads and frozen chicken breast. DO not judge us. We work out. Sometimes.

Phase Seven: Family gatherings part two

The post- or pre-meal conversations including you usually go like this, "What is your major?...What do you plan to do with that? Do you think you'll get into grad school? Why even go to grad school? Are you dating someone? Why/why not?" To which we can answer every question with that motion right up there ^.

Phase Eight: Boredom

Sitting in your childhood bedroom missing your friends and wishing you hadn't agreed to such a long time away occurs probably right after the holidays. There's about two weeks that consist of moping around.

Phase Nine: The Return

Being home is great, until you start feeling like your every action is being watched and judged by anyone and everyone on your runs through the neighborhood, trips to the grocery store, or days at the salon. You are suddenly reminded why you love being away so much. Being with your family is great, but sometimes it's nice to look like a zombie and not feel guilty about it. Yes, college is hard and trying at times, but that is where thick skin is made.