I never realized how much I really did miss my home, until some of my family picked me up at the airport. In taking my first few steps outside the airport, it was nice to breathe in the crisp air of the Pacific Northwest.

It is really nice being home. The pace is a lot different, and I am struggling to adjust to the schedule that my family is on, as opposed to my schedule that I was on in college (or the lack thereof). The food that my mom makes is a lot better than that of my school's dining center, and eating at a table with my family is really a treat.

I have found it to be quite strange trying to sit down and watch TV. To my surprise, I have found no satisfaction in watching TV, probably because I haven't done so in such a long time.

One thing that I am most happy about is sharing with those younger than me in my community about my college experience. It is fun telling people about my successes but it's even more fun telling them about my epic failures. That's right. I like to make fun of myself.

I wish that when I was younger, that the girls I talked to who were returning from college shared with me their failures. In failing multiple times at many different things, I have found which things do work and which ones don't.

For example... do check the weather every morning before going to class, but don't assume that the weatherman is always right. (Yes, I've been caught in the rain). Whether it is failing my first exam or failing in dressing appropriately for weather forecasts, I have had a lot of mess ups. But, in sharing them with other people when I am home, maybe I will be able to save someone else from making the same mistake.

I've also enjoyed applying what I learned in the classroom this past year to the "real world." It's really fun (and nerdy) using some of my psychology or sociology skills out in the field (aka the grocery store).

I really love being home. My family is beyond incredible. My first year of college was fun, and I cannot wait to get back for my sophomore year. But, in the meantime, I am going to enjoy as much as I can my time at home.