We all remember that first time it slipped. That first and fateful time we called our college town “home."

The first time it happened to me was just after the winter break of my freshman year. I was finishing the long seven-hour road trip from Tennessee to Texas and couldn't wait to be reunited with all of my new best friends. We had never been separated before, so the month-long break was harder than anticipated. I wanted to call my mom to tell her I had arrived safely back to school, but the excitement of a sweet reunion with all those that I missed was tooverwhelming. So, instead of a phone call, I resorted to a quick text…. “Hey Mom, made it home safely! Love ya!"

I didn't even realize it had happened. It seemed so natural. I didn't have to think twice. But suddenly, my mom had rapidly fired back with, “EHHHEM, you just came from home, so you better remember where that is!!!"

This glorious, confusing, transcendental moment of realizing I had two homes at one time was one of the best feelings I have ever experienced. In this life, people are lucky to find one place where they feel they belong, because even one place is extraordinarily difficult at times. Whether your “home" place is a hometown, a sorority, a church community, a friend group, or a dorm room, each contribute to how we define and shape ourselves. It was at this moment that I realized how fortunate I am to not just have one of those communities, but two.I have Memphis, TN. There lies my sassy, best friend of a mom. There lies my closest friends from high school. There lies the Sonic that I went to each day of the summer, the studio I spent my high school career dancing at, and the street that I grew up on. There lies my home.

I also have Fort Worth, TX. There lie my two perfect little five-foot tall roommates. There lies my sorority sisters, the school spirit I am addicted to, and the community I've fallen in love with. There lies my church and my cafeteria and the organizations that I never want to leave. There also lies, my home.

So, instead of apologizing to my mom and instead of debating which city is my actual home, I am overjoyed to report that I have two homes. I have two places of residence, two cities that have shaped me, and two communities from which I will never be completely detached. Memphis and Fort Worth, I love you.