It is hard for me to put into words the feeling of going to a place and feeling so disconnected, something I never thought I would really feel while I was home. These roots are where I experienced all of life's firsts. It is on those streets where I learned to drive, and in those parks where I learned to ride a bike. It is in this school district that provided me with a decent education and inspiring teachers that pushed me to be not only a good student but a good person. It's in this land where countless bonfires occurred in my best friend's backyard where we talked about how the future would unfold.

That place is not just a place, it is the place that made me the woman I am today. It is the smallest, most minuscule details that I will remember forever. I can never express how much appreciation I have for what that town has brought to my life. I watched this town experience everything from tragedy to pure bliss and everything in between. This town taught me to roll with the punches and that life should keep you on your toes. That the world doesn't owe you anything, you owe something to the world.

I have found lifetime friendships with incredible individuals who understand me because we have all grown up together in the same place for so long. I have gained amazing memories that will last a lifetime. I see the world as such a beautiful place because I grew up in such a positive community full of vibrant individuals who want to make a difference.

Home is where the heart is, and a piece of your heart will always be in your hometown. You were raised there, you built a life from there. You know every square foot of your neighborhood, including the shortcuts and hiding spots, which you can still navigate better than any of your siblings. You still know the way to your elementary school, middle school and high school. You remember where you met your best friend, and where you saw your first crush. You could walk the mall blindfolded, and every park has its own story.

This was your home, and in many ways, it will always be your home even if now when you use the word home you're almost always referring to your apartment or your dorm room. Saying things like, "No, not this home, my other home," or, "I'm going home home soon," become part of your everyday vocabulary.

But even if you're constantly clarifying which of the two you meant, it's comforting to know that both exist. No one understands how significant time spent with friends and family is better than someone who's moved out. But distance really does make the heart grow fonder and soon the worst part of moving out turns into to something you learn to appreciate. Since you live away from your loved ones, every minute you're together feels precious and special, and rare.

You learn to value the little things like lounging around in your PJ's gossiping and watching movies with your best friends, arguing with your siblings, getting advice from your parents over a milkshake instead of FaceTime, or waking up to your dog laying at the end of the bed at your feet. All the little things you took for granted suddenly become integral to the little time you have when visiting. Because at the end of the day, it's not the time you have; it's what you make of it.