I loved everything about this past school year. From football games to club events, to THON, and making new friends. There is nothing better than being right down the hall or in the same apartment as your best friends; I could hang out with my friends wherever and whenever I wanted.

There's no one there to harp on me to be home at a certain time or that I can't leave the house. Being at college allows you to have a certain independence that you don't get at home. But, by the end of the school year, I was ready to be home.

Although I love to be at school, I love home too. I love being back with my support system. Throughout the school year, I didn't get to see my loved ones as much, and I'm happy I get to now. I'm very close with my family and extended family.

Before I left for school, I spent a lot of time with them but since leaving I feel as if I'm missing out on their lives now. Being home allows me to reenter their lives. I'm so thankful that I can come home in the summer to see them.

Being home also means I get to see my friends that go to other schools. One of the first things I wanted to do when I got home was to hang out with them. No matter what, we always pick up where we left off despite the distance throughout the school year.

These friends from home understand me better than anyone else. Hanging out with them is like a breath of fresh of air. I know that no matter what they will always have my back no matter where life takes us.

In my opinion, there is no better feeling than sleeping in my own bed, having my mom cook me one of her best meals, and just being in my hometown. I love exploring my college town and experiencing new things, but there's something about being the comfort of the place I was raised that makes me feel whole.

I would never trade where I grew up nor where I chose to go to school. No matter where I end up, I will always love coming back home to my roots.