There is a special security at home, but there is an excitement of independence and opportunity in Tuscaloosa.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my cozy nights at home curled up in my favorite gray fuzzy blanket by the fireplace while drinking a chai tea latte, but my mind always wanders to what I would be doing if I was back living in my house with my closest friends.

I look forward to being back on the Quad in front of Gorgas Library where Denny Chimes stands loud and proud. The place where so many historic and personal memories are made for so many people. The place that I constantly have to be aware of my surroundings so I don’t get decapitated from an incoming baseball or football being thrown between some friends on the green. The place where so many have stressed over unfinished homework assignments.

I look forward to getting a new $325 Dining Dollars loaded on my Action card where I can spend it all on Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A and B-Phils. I look forward to taking my favorite people on coffee dates with my Dining Dollars. I look forward to buying food for my freshman small groups.

I look forward to visiting Snow Hinton park in the freezing cold with a group of friends just to ride the crazy metal slide that nobody deems as safe. I look forward to sprinting by the big Snow Hinton Park sign where all the cockroaches are.

I look forward to college discount night at Glory Bound where I can gather around the table and enjoy a pepper jack gyros with my pals.

I look forward to filling up my thermos with hot cocoa and taking a stroll to the Riverwalk with those I love.

I look forward to late night runs to Cookout on 15th Street in the middle of the night to get a Mint Oreo Milkshake.

I look forward to Geocaching with friends to find local treasures around town.

Despite all these things are make Tuscaloosa desirable, I know once I’m back in the infamous “T-Town” I’ll be writing an article about the wonders of my home town.

The grass is always greener on the other side.