Last semester was great, and when it came to an end, I was sad. Part of me did not want to leave and start winter break. It's not that I didn't want to see my friends and family, I missed them and being home, I just wasn't ready to go back. But what I didn't realize is how much I actually missed everything until I came home.

I missed my family. I missed seeing my dad almost everyday, and the notes he would leave me on the table when I woke up saying, "Have a great day. Love you lots" or "Keep up the great work!" Sure, I get those texts now and then, but it's not the same. I missed having hour long conversations over coffee in the mornings with my parents. It was so nice being able to spend time with my family on the holidays and over break. We had a lot to catch up on.

I missed my friends. I have so many great friends down at school, but coming home to the people I grew up with and the friends I would see almost everyday in my hometown made me realize how much I miss them and spending time with them. Seeing these people all the time to seeing them maybe once or twice in a span of three to four months, makes a huge difference. Whether it was working with them, playing games, or just hanging out and talking, I would not have wanted to spend my break doing anything else. These people made my break worth while.

I missed my job. I love my job and the people I work with. In the Summer, I would work about five to six days a week. My team members became like my second family since I would spend a lot of my time there. They are the reason why I love my job so much. I also just missed being able to work. I was so happy I got to be able to come home and work over break. It felt like I never left.

I missed my hometown. I don't live in a huge town with lots to do, but that never stopped me and my friends. We would always find something to do or somewhere to go. I missed the gym, the mall, and especially Panera. There is no where to shop down at EIU, which is a struggle I face too often. I really never thought I would miss where I live, until I missed being able to go places in my town.

I missed my bed. Man, does it feel good to come home and sleep in your own bed in your own room. I sleep on the top bunk in a twin size bed at school, that I have fallen off a numerous amount of times. Being able to spread out in my queen size bed at home is perfect, but it also makes me never want to get out of bed. I've spent so many days in bed watching Netflix over break, and I'm not even mad about it.

Over winter break, I realized how much I needed a break from school. I realized how much this place really does mean to me, and I am sad to leave it again to head back to school. But I know once I get down there, I'll be happy to be back. I'll still have my home, and my friends and my family even when I'm away, and the best thing is, it will all be there next time I return.