For my senior year of college, I’m going to be renting an apartment with one of my best friends ever. We have solid communication and a great friendship; we both love wine, food and solitude. Music and laughs will most definitely be present in our home, and many awesome memories will be made.

As I move into this new chapter, I move out of an old one. As excited as I am to be ‘on my own’ -- which is just a colloquial symbol, not a reality in my case -- I’m sad to leave what I’ve known.

I’ve been lucky to have grown up with two homes full of their own kind of love. My mom’s house is cozy and full of joyful pets. My mom loves me more fiercely than I can comprehend. My dad’s house is surrounded by corn fields and the promise of adventure. My dad and stepmom are two of my closest friends. Leaving is necessary for my own growth – but it’s not that easy.

I’m going to miss so many things, many that I have taken for granted. Easy access to delicious food is a 24/7 guarantee at home. Whether Mom made a chicken and rice dinner or Dad just baked brownies (they’re pretty famous), there’s always something around.

I’m also going to miss the company. Even though I do really need to recharge on my own, family is so important to me. The fact that I can’t walk into the living room to chat is going to be really difficult. I won’t get to eat meals with my parents, either; I’ll have to make them on my own.

What about free time? I’m going to have to fill it, now. My life hasn’t been dictated, but I’ve definitely followed along with my parents’ plans for a lot of it. Now, it’s going to be up to me to spend my time doing stuff that I pick. This feels like it should be more exciting, but the freedom is a bit daunting.

When I need to talk, it will take more work to arrange a sit-down in the living room. Picking up the phone is convenient, but it’s nothing like sharing the same space. I can’t get a hug from my parents throughout the day, or a wave goodbye.

I won’t have anyone to remind me to do dishes, laundry or make food. Granted, I’m sure I’ll be able to do it, it’s just strange that I’ll have to do all of it without them or their reminders -- gentle or otherwise.

I haven’t moved out just yet, but I think it’s going to be a time of appreciation. They have taught me so many important things that I will finally have a chance to apply. They’ve made houses into homes, and it’s now my turn to take those skills and use them myself.

I’m sad to leave the comfort of home, but I’m so grateful to carry so many lessons with me. It’s not going to be easy to live without them in the house, but I’ve learned so much about how to be a functioning human because of them.

Thanks to Mom, Dad and Smom -- you’ve prepared me for an entertaining life. I couldn’t be more grateful to have learned from all of you.