Spring break is approaching and I cannot wait for it! Although I am not traveling anywhere exotic, like Germany or the Bahamas, I am traveling to someplace very special to me--home. This to me is the best vacation I could ask for after months of stress due to rigorous courses and a dramatic social life. Being at home with my family is the best retreat there is to de-stress.

While I'm home for spring break, here are six things that I'm DYING to see.

1. My dog

My dog, Bella, is my angel and she is the little sister that I never had. Bella is the light of my life and loves me unconditionally. Although she is now older and is blind (she has cataracts), she still acts like a puppy. I haven't seen her since January and it's difficult because I can't talk to her on the phone like I can with my human family. The first thing I'm doing when I get home is picking her up and giving her the biggest hug and kisses!

2. My family

I miss being with my family (and, yes, I'm including my best friend Katrina as my family). They are so supportive and are always there to pick me up when I don't feel my best, which they've done plenty of times this semester. I can't wait to be at home with them and just hang out like we always love to do. Even though they're loud and I always complain about it, the silence does not compare to the sound of their voices.

3. My house

Do you ever go on vacation and just miss your house? That's what I feel when I'm at college. I miss the smell of my house - which is a mixture of a vanilla candle and spaghetti and meatballs (it's odd, but it's a typical Italian home). I miss the feel of the cozy blankets on the couch. I miss the family pictures on the walls. These are the little things that I take for granted when I'm home, but I miss the most when I'm gone.

4. My bed

My bed at home is so comfortable and I miss it every day. The foam mattress pad and the floral quilt make it cozy, yet chic. A simple thing, like a bed, is an odd thing to miss, but the simple joy of sleeping in your own bed is magical.

5. My town

I love my small town. It is so quaint and cozy. It's the perfect town to grow up in and it feels so safe. Being on Long Island is much different from what I'm used to, with the big highways and stores one minute away. I'm used to winding roads and driving twenty-five minutes to get to the mall. Although I complain about it when I'm home, these "nuisances" are things that I miss. Sometimes the quick convenience of driving two minutes to get somewhere doesn't compare to the long car rides with good friends and music.

6. My parent's homemade meals

Yes, I'm Italian. And, yes, my parents are amazing cooks. Dining hall food does not and will never compare to the homemade meals that my parents make every night. The first thing I do when I get home is raid the fridge of whatever delicious leftovers there are from the night before. I definitely gain a few pounds anytime I go home for breaks.

I hope you all have safe and fun spring breaks, wherever you call home! Enjoy the week off and have a relaxing break with family and friends!