For three months I have been away at school. It's been filled with stress, little amounts of sleep, junk food, going to Taco Bell at midnight because why not, and no one telling me what to do.

Now, I am back home living under your roof, and it's an adjustment for both of us.

Here are a few things I want you to know.

Be patient with me

I know it's been a long four months, and while I was gone we didn't get into all the nitty-gritty details, but hold off on all the school talk: It's been three months working so hard, studying into the wee hours of the night, and endless hours of extra classwork. Now that I'm home, I just need a little break before we start talking about my major, what happens when I graduate, where I'm going to work, etc.

I know my health is important

For four months, I have eaten like a college kid. That means I bought the cheapest groceries and when I ate fast food, my mind was on the dollar menu at Taco Bell—not the $5 grilled chicken nuggets at Chick-Fil-A. After hours of studying, a late-night class, or a big test, the first thing on my mind was a reward. Whether it be a snow cone with some friends, a cup of coffee to keep me awake, or even just a Dr. Pepper, my mind was on something sweet. Be patient with me as I get back into a somewhat healthy lifestyle and get out of the fast food habit. Time was precious this semester and my classes were early—the gym was just not a priority—so bear with me as I get back into some kind of fitness routine.

Curfew...or nah?

For four months I have not had to be home at a certain time, I've had my own space without rules, I've had friends over late, and I've been as loud as I pleased. Now that I am back in your house, it's going to take some time to get used to being home at a certain time and keeping the volume at a sane level.

20 Questions is not my favorite game

I know you're doing job as a good, responsible parent, but all the who, what, when, where, how questions are no fun. I have great friends and a boyfriend who is a perfect gentleman. Don't worry. I'll be home at a reasonable hour and won't have any more tattoos than I did when I left. Just know, I'm a mature adult and won't do anything you wouldn't do.

I've missed you, guys, but I've missed my friends, too

It's been a long time since I've been home for more than a day or two at a time. I haven't had lots of time to spend with friends outside of Cleveland, Tennessee, so in my time at home I'll be spending lots of time out. I know to you it seems like I'm never home, but some day we will all go our different ways and they will no longer be in a 15-mile radius—you, however, will always be my parents.

I love you, guys

Despite the freedom I have experienced in the time I've been away and the all the friends and memories I've made, I am thankful for your guidance. I really do appreciate the tedious questions and concerns. I am thankful for the home-cooked meals, dinners out, movie nights, and conversations we have had already and those we will share in the next three months while I am home. Thanks for always leaving the light on for me and making sure I have a place to stay with a comfy bed and lots of food. I am grateful you are my parents. There truly is no place like home.

Lauren