This semester I decided to go home and take a semester off. I knew it would be hard and very different. I would be living at home and not at school with my friends. It was a hard decision to take a semester off, but I am glad I made it.

I felt like an outcast, like a failure. I should be at school I always thought, I shouldn't be at home.

I soon realized that it's ok to sometimes take a step back and a break and to focus on yourself. I never took a gap year after high school, so I call this my mini gap semester. I am going back to school. In retrospect, graduating a semester late isn't a big deal.

I couldn't have done this without my parents and my extended family. Everyone has been so supportive.

Mom and Dad- thank you for supporting me through my good and bad, thick and thin. You two are my biggest fans and that means so much to me. I know it might not seem like it sometimes, but I am so thankful for your kindness and help.

My siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins- Thank you for welcoming me back home with open arms. You have no idea how much your kins gestures mean to me! From going to lunch, Shabbat and even a text, it all means the world to me. Amanda thank you so for your advice even from Italy! I miss you and I can't wait to see you in a few short weeks.

During the time I have been home, I have really learned who my true friends are. I have learned who my real friends are at school. The ones who have reached out frequently, checked in and invited me to visit.

Emily, Summer, Amanda, Marlo, Fiona, Sarah, thank you. You have all made me so loved and I can't wait to be back at school in the fall with you.

Lexy, you are my true best friend. I love you so much and you have been there for me through it all. Thank you for never judging me, telling me it's all going to be ok and being a shoulder for me to lean on always. It's been amazing being back in Connecticut because I get to see you so much more now.

My friends from Onward and Hasbara- Shaina and Emily, thank you both. No matter the distance we can always continue our conversations without talking for a while and feel like nothing has changed.

Having a support system is so crucial. I am forever grateful for everyone listed here. Without all of you, I would have never been who I am today and I would have never been able to get through this semester without you.