As the semester rapidly approaches, all of us college bound students have to say a few goodbyes to family and hometown friends. The lucky few who live at home or attend school nearby are at an unfair advantage to the rest of us.

This idea of "temporary goodbyes" didn't really hit me until today. I've been packing my things for weeks and preparing for training on campus. Literally, my life was being thrown into plastic bins and Trader Joe's bags and I wasn't even phased. Why?

Well, I suppose I thought sophomore year meant no worries (yes, like Hakuna Matata). I am living in the same hall, with the same people, in the same major as last year. There are no worries of not having friends to go to the cafe with or not knowing where my classes would be. There are not many surprises in store, so what gives? Why do I have this anxious, nervous, and mournful feeling in the pit of my stomach?

Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things a person has to do in their lifetime. It's an inevitable part of growing up. Freshman year brings about the most change and the most heartache. We have to learn how to become emotionally and physically independent for the first time, and that's really scary.

I know many of you are thinking, "okay, why are you bringing this up in the first place? You've had a year on your own. What gives?" Well, I'll tell you. After moving back in with your parents and spending a whole summer with them, college almost seems like a mirage, almost like it didn't happen. The things that you do remember are the great parties, your crazy friends, and the freedom to get in the car and go whenever you chose to. Your brain chooses to shut out the massive amount of pressure you were under, as well as the overwhelming loneliness when you first arrived.

Now you understand my unease to jump right back in.

Home life is easy. Home life is a vacation compared to college. Pretty soon, you'll be trading in your bed for a brick that only God knows what has happened on it. No more cuddle time on the couch with your dog or cat. Unfortunately, text books are not that huggable.

Saying this goodbye is no easier than the first one. Hugging my mom for the last time will still make me cry. Saying goodbye puts three states in between myself and my family.

The good thing is, it's only temporary.

Faster than I can blink an eye, I'll be home for the crisp South Carolina air in November, and even faster than that, snow in December.

Goodbyes are difficult. It makes you question if everything you're doing is worth it. But seeing the smile of pride on your family's faces as you pull back down the driveway on break makes it crystal clear:

Yes, yes it is.