If you go to Syracuse University or any college that does not have a fall break, you know that Thanksgiving break is the one and only break you get your first semester. You also know what it's like to go three months without going home. Here are my top 5 reasons why I cannot wait to make the 6-hour trek back to L.I. from upstate New York.

1. My Dog.

My puppy isn't even a puppy anymore, he's turning eight but no matter how old he is, he will always be a puppy to me. Going home means watching him scratch at the door where he knows his treats are, cuddling with a ball of fuzz before bed, and having something to follow you around everywhere you go (even if it's only because they think you'll give them food).

Being a dog owner and going away to school really is a tough experience. Dog's just know what you need when you need it, and they don't act like your mom trying to help by telling you what is good for you, they just help, in the best way.

2. My Mom.

As frustrating as a mom can be, she's always the person I turn to when I just need a touch of home. Hearing her voice over the phone instantly gives me a calming effect (when she's not yelling at me that is).

My mom is my twin, my superhero, and one of the only people that I can count on to get things done no matter how busy or stressed she is. It's easy to forget what a mom does for her child when they're away at school, and when you go home you realize how grateful you ought to be for everything she does.

3. My "Home" Friends.

There's just something about your home friends that school friends don't compare to, and if you're lucky, your school friends join the pact that you have at home. The summer of your high school graduation, you said goodbye to the people you've spent your whole life with, in search of something new.

Your home friends saw you during your infamous awkward phases, saw more ups and downs than you probably even remember, ate more food with you than you've eaten family dinners, and seen more tears/heard more laughter in your time together than with anyone else.

You constantly reference them at school and look forward to the next time you're all reunited, so of course, you can't wait to see them during school breaks.

4. The Beach.

Anyone from Long Island or any place near/on the water can attest to this. It can be 80 and sunny, 60 and raining, or 20 and snowing and you can always catch me visiting my happy place.

For Long Island, Robert Moses and Jones beach are its crown jewels. People come from all over to visit what these beaches have to offer during the summer, and there is no change for me during the winter. There is no doubt on my mind that I will be there almost every evening even during the cold dark months to soak in the sun setting over the dunes.

5. FOOD.

Food!!!! That actually has flavor!!!! That we don't have to pay for!!!! That's not nasty dining hall food!!!!! Need I say more?

Of course, there are so much more reasons why I can't wait to go home, but these are the 5 I think of every time I think of the place where I grew up.

Long Island, I'll see you soon.