When I left to go to school the thought of homesickness never even crossed my mind. Going to school 14 hours away I thought it would be more of an adventure than a sadness. My sister Kaitlin and I are five years apart in age, we fight constantly and bother each other to no end. Did I think I would miss her? No. I was going off on my own, doing my own thing and I was excited not sad, but you were sitting there in the car crying as you drove away from moving me in.

Me on the other hand, I'm jumping up and down and can't wait to start this new chapter. However, three months later I'm sitting here counting the days until I go home. Final exams are coming, the stress is coming in hot and as a freshman, I wish nothing more than to be home right now with my family and my dog.

I picked the University of Alabama because I loved the idea of being far away from home. I wanted a fresh start and I didn't mind being on my own. Up until I went to orientation I didn't know anyone else that went to UA and I thought that would make it even more of an experience. At orientation I met two of my best friends, then when I moved in for recruitment I made another best friend. Though being sick, getting a sprained ankle, roommate troubles, having to move dorms halfway through the semester I was never once homesick. Fall break rolled around and I enjoyed my time at home but was ready to come back to school. It wasn't until about a week and a half ago that the homesickness kicked in 100%.

Mom,

I call you every day along with my sister, my dad, and my grandparents. I figured that by calling and talking I wouldn't miss much because it would be like I was right there with you. I FaceTime you while I straighten my hair and do my make up just to talk to you. I call Kaitlin and talk about all my problems because even when I already know the solution I miss being able to ask her for advice. As soon as something big happens down here you're the first one I text or call cause it feels weird not to come home and tell you about my day every night.

When I call dad and he is in the middle of a work meeting, he thinks something so he picks up the phone when in reality I'm just bored walking to class. You and dad came and visited last week for Thanksgiving, but it made me miss home even more because all my friends were home, I didn't get to see Kaitlin and I REALLY miss my sweet fur baby Bella.

Don't worry, I am having the time of my life down here. Yes, I miss home, but I know I'll miss t-town as soon as I leave. I made so many friends down here. I have a support system that I know I can always rely on. The sorority feeds me so I'm not starving, but that doesn't mean I won't take some of dad's homemade pasta sauce in containers back to school when I come home.

It took me three months to realize that just because it's a fun adventure doesn't mean I won't miss what was normal to me. So listen closely because I'm only going to say it once and it's going to be the only time you hear me say it. Mom, you were right. In college, we do get homesick. I am counting down the days until I get to come home for three weeks. Home to my bed, home to my dog, home to talking about our days at the dinner table, home to dads cooking, home to my childish fights with Kaitlin and home to you. I'll see you soon.

Love,

Your daughter Rachel