Dear Mom and Dad,

As you know from my daily phone calls I've survived my first two weeks of college. These weeks have been full of the most fun, yet most stressful days of my life. I've learned so much about myself and how to be on my own. I cannot express enough how much I love you and appreciate everything you’ve done to get me to this point.

Mom, I no longer have you waking me up every morning which has definitely been difficult. I also have to walk 1,000 steps to get to the Rebel Market which is a big change from just walking downstairs for my daily breakfast consisting of two pieces of bacon and eggs.

Oh yeah, the eggs here are awful compared to yours which stinks in the morning, so yes, I often skip breakfast or just eat a granola bar as I walk to class.

Dad, thank you for the random text messages you send me reminding me how proud you are of me or how much you enjoyed my last blog post. They may seem like nothing to you, but they mean a lot to me and haven’t gone unnoticed.

I miss you coming home with dinner all the time and hearing you scream at the TV during literally any football game. But I'm surviving my classes and finally fixed my computer!

Although you've both probably questioned it a million times, I think I've turned out alright. I've successfully done my own laundry and all my white clothes have remained white.

I've kept my room clean and made my bed which I know is hard to believe. So many people here come to me when they need a safety pin, medicine, or help with their homework and the only reason I can help them is because I had both of you teach me everything I know.

Thank you both for the continuous sacrifices you have made to make sure I would be prepared for my four years in college. Whether it getting me a silly Barbie doll, a car, or my dream school, I am so thankful for everything each of you have given up for me.

I'm having the time of my life here, but I really do miss you. I hope you come visit Oxford as much as possible and continue to answer the phone when I call. I love you both so much.

-Lauren

P.S. Feel free to bring snacks when you come visit!!