Even though I repeatedly told my mom that I was going to be fine moving out and living on my own, I was absolutely terrified. Knowing that my family was going to be thousands of miles away while I was in school was a tough thing to handle. As much as I miss my family (and my dogs), this has been an eye-opening experience for me. I’ve learned so much in the few short months that I have been away from home.

I’ve learned how to prioritize my life.

I definitely don’t have it all together and I still procrastinate a lot, but I’ve learned how to manage my time a little better and figure out what’s most important. Unfortunately, this took a couple of nights out too late, and a few moments of panic when you realize you have a test the next day. Sometimes, though, you have to fall on your face to pick yourself back up.

I’ve learned to put myself first.

I used to have a problem with trying to please everyone, and making sure that everyone was happy. Whether it was my family, my friends, a significant other, or my teachers, I was always worried about the feelings of other people. Now, I’m learning to sometimes take care of myself before others. I haven't become selfish, but there are times where my sanity is much more important! Now, I feel less terrible about canceling plans for some alone time or telling people no.

I’ve learned how to take care of myself.

Before I moved out, I just assumed that my mom would always schedule my appointments or talk to my teachers if there was something that needed to be done. I can’t necessarily do that anymore, so I had to learn how to properly adult, as I like to say to my mom. I don’t feel so much anxiety when I have to call someone and ask them a question or email my professors to make an appointment. Even though I still want my mom to schedule my dentist appointments, I’m taking the baby steps in becoming more independent.

I’ve learned that it’s okay to be homesick.

At first, I didn’t want to admit to myself that I missed my family. I wanted to prove to myself that I could be independent and handle everything that comes with independency. Part of this was because I’m not able to go home every weekend like some of my friends, but I find myself really missing my mom’s cooking or my dad and me’s banter or even fighting with my brothers. I also didn’t want my mom to think that I wasn’t doing well (I promise I’m fine, mom). As much as I enjoy being in college, there are days where I wish I could go home and hug my mom. The best way to handle this is to remember that no matter what, I always have them to fall back on. No matter what, they’re always going to be there for me.

The reality of it all is, as much as I’d like to pretend that I’m a real adult and can do real adult things, I’m still a big baby who misses her mommy and daddy, just like a lot of other college students.