Usually when teenagers go to college, they are just ready to get out of their parents' house. They want to taste the freedom of no rules, no curfew, getting to go out and party, or literally do anything else their parents never let them do.

I know that's how I was. Yes, I was somewhat sad to leave - but there was a moment of relief. I could finally be on my own and get out in the real world (which is much easier said than done). There were times I had to call my mom to ask how to cut a butternut squash just so I could cook my dinner that night. I've even had to call my dad in a panic at 11:30 at night because I dropped a nice earring down the sink and had no clue how to get it out. For the next 30 minutes, I'm laying in my bathroom floor, listening to him tell me how to use a wrench and what to use it on, and hoping I can disassemble my bathroom drain without having a crying meltdown... and the whole time I'm just wishing he could be there to save the day.

You don't realize how much they actually teach you until you're gone. In fact, I know I've forgotten that a lot. Sometimes, as college kids, we get stuck in a situation we really can't get out of and realize that our parents can't immediately come and save us, or we realize how long it's been since we've thanked them for anything they've done recently. That learning process isn't over when you're on your own; it's quite the opposite. It's only the beginning.

Mom and dad, this is for you.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I know it's been a while since I've been home. Or called. Or even texted. I'm sorry for that. Life has been busy. I know I don't tell you everything that goes on with me other than just going to work and school. I almost always have something going on, whether it's school, one of my jobs, school work, or trying to catch up on the sleep that seems to become less frequent the longer the semester goes on.

You probably think I've forgotten all about you now that I'm mostly on my own. Some days I do; I get busy with just trying to survive - but I think about you more than you realize. Sometimes, I can get lonely when you're not here on my bad days. There are times when I'd love nothing more than to sit down to my favorite meal of your Asian BBQ chicken wings, rice, and stir-fried vegetables and spend the afternoon watching a "Pirates of the Caribbean" or "Lord of the Rings" marathon with you. Sadly, those days are few and far between now. We get to see each other when we can, even if that means missing out on the birthdays and holidays we used to always celebrate together. In turn, that also means never having my siblings and I all home at the same time.

I know it's hard for me, but I'm sure it's even harder for you. I'm your baby and your last girl. I'm graduating college within the next year, and will hopefully be getting a full time job to start supporting myself. I'm sure it's hard to sometimes see me as a grown woman living on her own. Almost every parent probably wishes their babies would stay little just a little while longer. Sometimes I really wish I could still be there at home with you, doing our nightly word search puzzle; having you read "The Five Chinese Brothers," "Blueberries for Sal," "Pancakes! Pancakes!," or any Dr. Seuss book to me for the thousandth time; or sitting in the floor playing "beauty shop" so I can put all kinds of bows and glittery barrettes in your hair.

Even though I'm not that young child anymore, I still need your help. Probably now more than I ever did. You might think I've forgotten a lot (and I probably have), but you still have so much to teach me. You've taught me how to be an independent woman, challenge new ideas, think for myself, appreciate new cultures, love all people, and so many other things. There will still be times I will need you to teach me more. I'll need you when I'm lonely and overwhelmed. I'll need you on the first day of my first full-time job. I'll need you even when I'm married and have children of my own. I'll need your life advice when I'm stuck and don't know what to do. No matter where I am or what stage of life I'm in, I will still need you.

So, bear with me while I'm still learning the dance of life. I know sometimes I'm not the best at thanking you or telling you that I love you, but remember that I still think of you and love you regardless. Even if we can't physically be with each other all that much, I will still need you from wherever I am in the world. Thank you for loving me and teaching me no matter how difficult I've been. Thank you for always being my #1 fans while always encouraging me to take bold leaps of faith and be different from the rest of the world.

Never forget that I will always be your little girl. I love you so much.

Love,

Amy, your ladybug.