To my little sister who is my best friend, biggest supporter, and the most lovely person that I know inside and out:

And as a matter of fact, you're not so little anymore, because you've started your first year of college and have moved far, far away from me (well, to somewhere more than half an hour away).

We certainly don’t talk as often anymore, but not for lack of trying. We are both so busy now, you getting into your new routine and me getting re-adjusted to college life’s insanity.

But even if the communication isn’t as strong anymore, the bond hasn’t changed, and I know that it won’t. We both understand the horrors of three quizzes in one day, or the stresses of trying to get homework done in a noisy room. I’m always a snapchat away, and the phone is always ready if you ever need help with your Plato interpretation like I need help finding the paper bags in Target.

To my mom who is currently suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome:

I know you’re probably going to get emotional reading this article, and I’m sorry to do that to you (at work).

But I just wanted to acknowledge that it must be one of the hardest things in the world to have to go from constantly being able to mother, (what you’re so good at), to not having anyone around to mother anymore (except dad).

I’ll always appreciate that I can rely on you to listen to my meltdowns and rants about all the stresses, and that I can come to you with the good news too, and have someone so happy for me.

I can’t imagine how hard it’s been for you to let us both go, but just know we’ll always come back. I may accidentally call my dorm room “home", but I know the place where I grew up for 18 years is truly where the heart is.

So in honor of filling the nest once more this weekend, I also dedicate this one to you.

To my dad who’s impacted me the most:

You’re the one thing I can always count on to stay just the same when I get home. You’re steady and passionate and I’ll forever be thankful for you for instilling in me my love of the obscure and my dry sense of humor.

You’ve been patient all our lives as you spent the last 20 years only surrounded by girls. I’m sure it was hard not to have someone to hunt with and talk about sports all the time, but I think you came to love it. Thanks for understanding when we’re going crazy and laughing when we’re being strange.

And thanks for always being proud of me for even the littlest things, and supporting me in each and every decision. Your selflessness and commitment to family are things I hope to emulate for my entire life (but with less SPAM).

So here’s to you and a family dinner once more; this one’s for you, too.