Hard work, good food, and belly laughs. That's what it is to come home.

College is so fast paced, sometimes I forget my own name. I feel like I never get enough done, I eat way too many servings of pizza or tacos, and if I'm not in the library close to tears over my overdue assignments, I'm in my bed spending WAY too much time watching Netflix. I am coming close to the end of my freshman year of college and that makes my emotions spin in a million different directions. HOLY COW, time goes by so fast! I have come to love Auburn's little town, and I already know the day I have to leave my friends will be filled with tears. Even though I've almost got my first year under my belt, I'm still not sure if I completely have the hang of things. But one thing I do have the hang of... is being surrounded by hard work, good food, and belly laughs back home.

Coming home for a weekend is such a treat for me, and I realize how lucky I am to get to say that. I have the best parents in the world, and my brother is my best friend.

Hard work. There are no better words to describe my family. My dad's hands are rough and filled with calluses and scars that tell stories of his life, and how he wakes up and starts the day full force to provide for his family. My mom does the same, and I've never seen a better team in my life. I work hard because they work hard, and I am so thankful to have that kind of example in my life, because I know that not everyone has it that easy.

Good food. FOOD IS NOT GOOD IN COLLEGE. Seriously, you are some kind of lucky if you gain the "freshman fifteen," because it is more than that! When you are running like a mad man through campus trying to get to class, finish your homework, study, AND breathe (which you might forget to do), food is just something you have to grab as fast as you can no matter what it is, so it's usually a mediocre sandwich or a bag of chips. The carbs just start to pile up. But hey, good thing my parents can whip it in the kitchen! I cannot tell you how thankful a college student is for real meat and real vegetables. I can remember when my brother and I would complain to my mom about how often we ate spaghetti at my house, but what I would do to have some of my mom's spaghetti now. My parents food is to die for, but honestly I wouldn't mind eating the over priced tacos or pizza if I could just sit down at the same table as my family after the day.

Belly laughs. My ribs hurt a lot when I'm home, and I have never loved pain more. My family is hilarious, and sometimes humor is hard to come by when you're surrounded by students glued to their books. Laughter is the best medicine, and by the time I'm driving back to Auburn, I am healed! From inappropriate bathroom jokes at the dinner table, to watching my brother and dad wrestle on the couch during commercial breaks, there is not a time when I'm not laughing.

While I do dread the day that I have to leave Auburn and my friends, I also look forward to being home this summer. Sure, I'll get bored. Who doesn't? But at least I'll come home to hard work, good food, and belly laughs.