It has been about three months since I officially packed my bags and moved down to Southern California to start school at USC, and they have been both the longest and shortest three months of my life.

I, like most students, have never been away from my family for that duration of time, and it has definitely taken a toll on me. I have been unable to visit my family in the three months I have been here at school, but we have all tried to make up for it with multiple facetime calls, Snapchats, and care packages. Of course, nothing is the same as seeing someone in person.

Before I came to LA, I couldn’t wait to get out of Central California to experience something new. I was tired of seeing the same green and brown fields that had become a daily fixture in my life. I full-heartedly believed I would miss only my friends and family, but not the city I was born and raised in. I definitely took my favorite local restaurants and the very unique culture for granted.

I don’t plan to take my current home for granted. LA undoubtedly has a very noteworthy culture, especially found on the campus of the University of Southern California. People from many different parts of the world have travelled thousands of miles to attend this prestigious university, and I am so proud to be able to accompany them. We are also only minutes away from Downtown LA. With bustling nightlife, peculiar cafes and crowded concert venues, there is definitely always something to do for everyone.

Yet, attending college and spending time in a different city has allowed me to realize how much I truly love and appreciate my hometown. As much as I love Los Angeles, and experiencing this new city and all it has to offer, I can’t help but miss my favorite local coffee shop, or homemade Mexican food, or being able to drive more than a mile in less than twenty minutes during traffic hour.

This Thanksgiving break, I am finally flying back home to visit all of my family and friends. As soon as I get back to Central California, I will definitely be heading straight to my friends and family, and dragging them to my favorite panaderia to buy a torta al pastor, to satisfy my craving of the last three months.