I'm the girl that talks to her dad every day. A majority of the time my dad calls me first, however, I always make sure to answer. Why, you make ask? I answer because I want to, it's that simple.

College is a time to gain independence away from your hometown, your family and your high school persona. By attending college out of state, I have definitely gained this independence via distance. However, the relationships that I have with my friends and family from home, are ones that I do not want to distance myself from.

Yes, I am creating a makeshift family of my own in Los Angeles, but at the same time I have an unbelievable support system at home in Seattle. I feel as if I live in two separate worlds that rarely intersect. I also feel that I can belong in both of those worlds at the same time. I do not need to prioritize one over the other. Since I currently live in Los Angeles, it is important for me to take the time to call and connect with the special people in my life that live in Seattle. When I am in Seattle over the summer, it will be just as important for me to reach out and interact with my friends from college.

But why do I specifically talk to my dad every day? I talk to him because he genuinely cares about my everyday life away from home. He wants to learn about my friends and the adventures that I go on in Los Angeles. He helps me stay motivated to do well in school and reminds me of the goals that I have previously set for myself. He updates me on what is going on with the family in Seattle. He encourages me to be the best possible version of myself.

My daily phone calls with my dad are extremely important me. They make me feel like home isn't so far away.