I wasn't really sure how I was going to feel about coming back to college for my sophomore year, but I'm certain that whatever I thought I would feel isn't how I ended up feeling. I just moved back into the University of Michigan from Atlanta, and I kind of expected to feel the way I did when my parents left my freshman year. I thought I would be sad, and feel kind of out of place, but that isn't at all what happened.

The minute I leapt out of the car to run towards my best friend (and roommate!) at the storage unit we used for some of our stuff over the summer, I felt like I was home. That really surprised me because even at the end of freshman year, I didn't really feel like Ann Arbor was home. Home for me has always been in Atlanta, and while I think it always will be, it's really nice that I feel so comfortable up here.

As my mom and I were finishing up decorating and organizing my room and she was getting ready to leave, I was struck by the absence of sadness I felt. Mom, if you're reading this, I was sad to see you go, I promise! It was just a different type of sadness than what I felt when she and my dad left me freshman year. A year ago I was sad because I felt lost and lonely on my new, enormous campus. This time around, I was sad because I love my parents and I won't see them for a couple of months, but I didn't feel lost or lonely.

I've found my place on this campus with amazing friends, great organizations, and a roommate I love (finally!) I was so excited to come back for sophomore year, and I can't wait for a great year.