As I write this article, I'm sitting in my room and listening to my mom and sister bicker about who knows what. The TV is playing whatever show is on nowadays mixed in with the music my sister has on way too loud. There is so much happening as I sit in my bed, that I have no idea what to pay attention to. But, I wouldn't have it any other way. That's just how my family is. We might be a little dysfunctional, but that's the way we've always been.

Being home has reminded me of all this. While I didn't get the chance to travel somewhere warm or exotic, I had the opportunity to spend time with my family, whether that be all together or individually. We've bonded over silly things, just hanging out in one room or another to simply talk. My family is as close as can be, always willing to hang out and do anything together. We're the go-to for a good movie or restaurant recommendation because we're constantly out and about. We're so close that I'm never afraid to tell my parents anything, along with all of the gossip that my sister and I fill each other in on. There is never a shortage of fun when it comes to our family and that's how its always going to be.

And this even goes for my extended family. While they may live across the country in California and outside the States, they're always a phone call away and always willing to talk. I remember flying cross country when I was younger, with my aunts and uncles showering us with love and all the experiences a kid could ever want. In fact, for my 18th birthday, my aunt took us to Disney simply because I wanted a churro. Although they live in California, they never miss a birthday or a holiday, always making sure to send a letter our way and make a phone call. They're never afraid to be supportive in every and any way they can be.

Even now, it's been a while since the bickering has stopped and everyone has gone to do their own thing. But, we all understand that if anything is needed, we can interrupt whoever for whatever it may be. My family has that underlying understanding that we can count on each other for everything, no matter how big or small it may be. My parents are constantly reminding my sister and I of this, teaching us other valuable lessons along the way.

My family is the one thing I miss when I'm at Rutgers. The constant jokes and laughter, the arguing, the lessons learned, and everything in between. I love and miss it all. They're the people I can turn to when I'm feeling the pressures of college and struggling with my studies. They're the people I can count on to pick me up just for a good meal or to call when I need something. There is simply no way to describe them other than my family. There's no other family like us. We're the Yus and that's about it.