"Absence makes the heart grow fonder." A saying that not only applies to relationships but also hometowns. My first thought when I chose to attend Creighton was, "I can't wait to attend school out of state! I will have so much freedom being away from parents!"

1. The word "freedom" has many definitions.

Let me tell you right now... Freedom is being able to drive around and get to places and not being away from parents. One thing I definitely appreciated about being back in the good Ol' Sac-Town was having a vehicle to get around with. Sure, one could argue that I can just get an Uber whenever I am in Omaha but there is something about being in control of a moving vehicle that gives me the gratification and the reaffirmation of being an adult.

2. Appreciate your hometown scenery.

Being within reasonable driving distance to some of the California's most popular cities and being within driving distance of the Sierras during the winter. San Francisco was always at the top of my list. I've always have been a sucker for the ocean breeze and the amazing atmosphere. Near the end of last summer when I traveled to San Francisco, the first thing my dad asked me was, "You can't get this in Omaha, can you?" As soon as he said that my heart split into two and I wanted to unpack what was many hours of packing.

3. Don't take the weather for granted!

One thing about coming back home from Omaha that has allowed me to appreciate Sacramento more was definitely the weather. I really can't handle not knowing what the weather will be like. I'm not saying I don't check the weather on my phone. Believe me, I do. But there is something in Omaha known as "Bipolar Weather Disorder." Symptoms include good morning weather, sunny day with some clouds, then moves on to storming with heavy winds and lightening storms in the evening. Omaha's weather is why I have trust issues.

The only exception to the Sacramento weather is during the summer. Especially when I have to work as a lifeguard. The A/C isn't never set low enough, the guard room feels like an oven, and I get super tan within a record of two weeks of working and it only gets darker from there. In addition, the ground becomes hot enough to BBQ on it and it becomes hard for me and other lifeguards to follow pool rules of "no running." However, in the end, I would rather tolerate dry heat over some midwest humidity. Major respect to everyone in the midwest for putting up with that.

4. Play tourist in your own hometown

Being back in Sacramento during my breaks and away during the school year, definitely has helped me find more things to do. Being born and raised here, I thought I've done everything that there was for a Sacramento native. Just when I thought I've done it all, I somehow always get surprised. Like for one, I haven't been to the Golden One Center to watch the Kings play. At least not yet. Another one was visiting the underground tunnels in Old-Town. I didn't even know that existed until I friend of mine told me about it.

5. Enjoy the concerts and festivals whilst you can...

Also, being away from Sacramento has forced me to realize that Sacramento is starting to have many major artists come over, especially from the EDM scene. Sadly, I'm always gone whenever they come over and whenever I'm back home, for a week long break, no one decides to come. Some major producers and artists that I missed or will miss include, Machine Gun Kelly at the local Ace Of Spades, DadaLife, Joyzu (in case if you don't think they are major, they are a Sacramento local due now headlining in the SnowGlobe music festival so definitely on the rise), Galantis, Kanye West, Chainsmokers, Dillon Francis, Krewella, and many more... To say the least, Sacramento is getting a lot of traffic from major artists and I'm just horrifically saddened that I won't be getting turnt at their performances with my friends.

6. But still remember to stay slightly in your comfort zone when back home.

My summer and fall break allowed me to realize that I shouldn't take Sacramento for granted. I originally thought there was nothing to do here but it wasn't until I spent a year at Creighton, and then came back for summer and also for fall break, I realized that there is always something to do. Whether it be fishing at the Sacramento River, music performances, taking a little road trip to the bay, or up to the Sierras to hit the slopes, all in all, being in Sacramento ain't too bad. Except Oak Park...