Going to college far away from your family is the biggest step that you'll need to take as a young adult. Although this is difficult, there are times that you encounter situations and handle them based on how you were raised. It's your family as well as morals that you were brought up on which are the deciding factors that indicate how you will handle conflict. The words that your dad spoke as he explained the importance of pouring your own drink and consenting to your own wants and needs made you think twice before doing something risky. It's the hesitation in your siblings voices before saying goodbye that constantly make you check in on them and call other family members daily. Your home holds the family that you didn't get to choose which will always have your back on any day of the week. Your home away from home holds those that came by chance and will continue to shape you into the person you will be in the future.

The distance inspires goals which result in changes within your life as well as others. It's the constant feeling of home in your heart that relieves stress and brings about a sense of comfort in difficult situations. Everything you've learned in your life goes back to your family and how they've impacted the way you are today. The distance between those you love could range within thousands of miles but the amount of strength and love over rules that number any day of the week. Some days are sad days and you miss them a little more than usual, but it's the happy days that you worked for which bring out the better sides of you.

Also you're not alone, there are so many students similar to you and me that are miles away from their loved ones on a daily basis. Some serve our nation and others travel for work which makes it difficult to see the one's they love, but we remember how we got to where we are today. It's our family, it's the people that push us on a daily basis to succeed and overcome our individual mental barriers. The force of your family is the strongest amount of power that could be used within any situation. Saying goodbye only pushes the force closer together to become just about invincible.

Then, you go home and see your parents smiling at the person you've become. The best thing about leaving is that you always have a place to go back to see the people that you love the most. The overwhelming feeling of support comes back as it never left you in the first place and your heart feels full. Yes, you may have to leave again but there will always be family and no matter where you go in life they will always be with you in some way. Maybe not in person but in your heart, decisions, present, past, and future.

"Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. "
– Lilo and Stitch