We've all been there — when life catches up to you and you don't realize how soon something major is coming up. A few weeks ago I found myself frantically looking to book my flight from college back home for the holidays. Due to me waiting until the last minute, flights were through the roof. My mom and I kept looking for the cheapest way for me to get home to then realize there was no way of getting around the $550 flight back home.

Why was I so concerned about how I was getting home? I could have spent my hours of browsing on different airline websites doing something more useful, like studying for finals or getting my crazy life together. Instead, I was wasting my time trying to force a plan into action. Trying to find the easier and less expensive route home.

Then I started to wonder why I was making this such a big deal…

Was I really in a rush to get to the airport? To get on that 6 hour flight sitting next to the person who brings the food you hate the most on the plane? To wait for my overpacked bags to arrive on the carousel? Or was it my excitement for the actual function of winter break…to celebrate my beliefs (Happy Birthday Jesus!) and to be relieved of stress for a whole month? No. I was in a rush for the essence of the holidays. I was in a rush to get home to be with my family. Decorate the Christmas tree together. Wrap presents. Go to holiday parties. Create resolutions. I couldn't resist the FOMO of family traditions.

College is a time to be independent and learn to do things on your own. We have all worked so hard this semester to impress our professors, ourselves, our parents. Hop in the car, catch that flight, or find a spot on the train and go. Go find the essence you're looking for. The secret ingredient to the break that makes us all find the comfort in going home so desirable.