Spring break is usually a time for relaxing, rejuvenating, partying and adventuring. You can spend your time binge-watching a Netflix series, catching up on the sleep you've lost from the semester or catching up with your friends on the beach with a drink in your hand halfway across the country. Although I did do a little bit of both, sleeping and traveling, I am coming back to college with a bit more than I could have asked for.

Spending time with my dad is a pastime that will never get old. Coming home to visit him for spring break, or any other holiday for that matter, is something I look forward to as soon as I pull out of the driveway to return back to college from my latest visit. We share a huge bond that no one could truly ever understand. The thing that I enjoy the most are the lessons he teaches me and the things that I learn from him. His intelligence just radiates in all that he does, and I am always impressed by the knowledge he leaves me with. During spring break, he taught me a few things that I will carry on into my future and never let go of.

1. Breaking even is better than losing it all.

Our first adventure of spring break led us to our favorite spot — the casino. We packed up our bags, grabbed some grub and margaritas, then set out to The Golden Nugget (my favorite casino in Louisiana). Our ritual of eating at all the good restaurants, drinking plenty of free drinks and gambling began. The time of night where we would go into the casino and gamble came quicker than I imagined, but I was ready. This time I was determined to make some money of my own, so I borrowed a few chips and let the learning begin.

He taught me how to keep score, what cards meant and overall how to go with your gut feeling even if it's wrong in the end. After starting to win some of my own money, I was enjoying the game a whole lot more than before. What I never realized was that losing really sucks when it's your hard earned money. The lesson I learned from gambling with my dad was that it is always better to go to bed when you're comfortable with the amount of money you have made, and never make one last bet that will have you handing back all of your chips to the dealer.

2. It's OK to get a little grease under your freshly painted manicure.

I have been dying to get some new headlights for my car. The lights' dullness makes it extremely difficult to see on backroads at night while driving back to college, so my father ordered me some brand new ones and the day finally came to install them. We headed outside, grabbed the tool bag and popped the trunk. While watching my father unscrew bolts and screws from places I didn't even know existed, I became extremely concerned at how we were about to do this.

Since my dad is in a wheelchair, he depends on me for a lot of the work that has to be done, and sometimes it's a little difficult for a girl to do manly tasks. Four hours later, we finished installing the headlights, and I couldn't have been happier. Although I came out with a smashed finger and grease on my face and under my freshly painted manicure, learning to do something like that was extremely refreshing for a woman like me. Now I will never have to ask for help when installing headlights again, well at least on this car.

3. If you want to get in shape, you have to just do it.

After leaving my previous college and dance team, I have learned that the "Freshman 15" does exist. Being able to drink and not have weekly workouts with a trainer or practicing every day has really taken a toll on my body — and not a good one. I have been struggling to get back on track, and just like thousands of Americans, I always say I will start on Monday (which never happens).

Before leaving the casino, I mentioned my issue to my father about my weight and how I am wanting to change my ways and get back to where I used to be. His answer was simple. "If you want to be skinnier, then you need to just do it. Quit saying you're going to change and just change. Lift weights, work out and eat healthier." This answer honestly just hit home for me. I realized that I need to just stop talking about it and be about it. My plan to start workouts and healthier eating starts Monday.

Every time I come home, I hope that I can learn more and more from this intelligent man. His love and care for me never goes unnoticed and I hope that the lessons he teaches me will continue on into my adult life.

Thanks Daddy and Loves!