That phrase, "You're just like your [insert family member here]!" Whether that's a compliment or insult is up to you. After spending time with my mother through a Tri Delta Parent's Weekend event, I've been reflecting on who I am as a person by relating it back to my roots.Physically, I think I'm a mutt mix between both my mother and father and my personality follows suit. I'm stubborn and artistic like my mother and athletic and hard working like my father. Although I'm not a clone of either of them, I'm proud to claim them in public (most of the time).

Through events like Parents Weekend, I was able to see the roots of some of my sisters and I find it so interesting to see shared family personality traits. Certain quirks and regional slang is fascinating to me. For example, Pittsburg's version of the Southern "ya'll" is "yin's." And don't say the word "pop" in front of anyone from New Jersey or they might throw a "soda" in your face.

Family is what brings us home. Whether you're from Ohio, another state or even another country, family is what makes home – home. For the families that have moved around a lot during their lifetimes, it's not the locations you remember, but the journey with your family.

I'll admit it now, I am not best friends with my parents but I respect them and my roots, even if it's not the ideal situation I would like for my own future. I have no intention of moving back to Mansfield, Ohio, although I have plenty of fond memories from my childhood. I don't plan on entering the restaurant business that has consumed both of my parents lives, but I have learned what it's like to own your own small business and I've developed a strong work ethic that I'm proud of.

Your past, your hometown and your family may not be picture perfect, but it has made you into the person that you are today. It's up to you to embrace your hardships & blessings to continue to make the future into what you want.

So maybe take a moment to thank your family for everything that they've done. They make drive you crazy and embarrass you in front of your friends but they're the ones who will be there for you through thick and thin.

And if your family isn't the most reliable source? That's what Greek life is for – a whole system of brothers and sisters that steadfastly love one another. Love your family, love your friends and most of all, love yourself.