Returning to Syracuse was a very exciting yet bittersweet feeling. I knew the minute I returned to Syracuse I would no longer get to spend as much time with my beloved mom, sister, brother, dad, and best friends. Homemade meals would no longer be as accessible and warm blankets in every corner of my house would soon become a distant memory.

I had to make various goodbyes to my family members, especially hard when I said goodbye to my nana. I spent a lot of time with her this winter break and will miss her dearly. The next time I will see her is in March. Although packing up to go to my newfound home is challenging at times, the incredible friendships here at Syracuse make leaving the coziness of home just a little easier. I missed all of my friends so much and it was so amazing to see them all. I forgot how much time we spent together until I did not get to see them for a whole month.

The last time I was here I was cramming for finals, pulling all-nighters in Whitman, while ordering Sushi at 2 a.m. so to come back here with a new batch of classes enticed me. I knew this first-week would be pretty laid back as we go through the syllabus and get to know the other students in our classes. I was excited to see my dorm again and walk up the Mount stairs, as weird as that sounds I kind off missed them. I wanted to immediately get a veggie grain bowl at Orginal Grain and returning to the Marshall Street Starbucks felt so comfortable.

Now that school and activities are in full swing I am so glad to be back at a place I love so much. I am becoming the person I want to become while making lasting friendships, and for these reasons, I am so thankful I chose Syracuse to be home for the next four years. I hope that as time goes on I continue to love this place and develop as a person.