I'm one of those individuals that completely blossomed into their own person when she went to college. In high school, I was the odd one out most of the time, and I never really found my group of friends. However, when I got to Longwood University, I began to positively thrive as my individual self. That being said, I thrive at school much more than I do at home, and while that's okay, it comes with a certain amount of guilt.

I'm home and I'm happy to be with my family. I'm loving being home with my family. I love being home with my dog and seeing my coworkers and the children I work with.

But I miss being at college. I miss my friends. I miss the community. I even miss my classes.

I know I'm not the only one, so today I'm here to tell you that it's okay to miss college even when you're home for the holidays.

When you really think about it, college is where you spend roughly nine months out of the year. Your entire life for nine months is at college balancing classes, a social life, extracurriculars, and everything else that comes with it.

Also, you're friends and coworkers at college literally become a family. Roommates, in particular, become a huge part of your life and become your family away from home. You laugh together, cry together, grow and learn together; as a group, you legitimately become a family.

On the other hand, college is a ton of work! Each day brings new battles and it can be overwhelming.

Long story short, take the short time off from school to de-stress and relax from the speed bumps that do come from college. It can be easier said than done at times, but take advantage of the opportunity while it lasts.