As a sophomore in college, it is safe to say that I have gotten used to the whole routine. Leaving home in the summer to go to school, going home for breaks and coming back to school again. The whole thing is frankly really annoying. Packing your bags to go between home and school gets so old, and it really makes you relate to the whole concept of "living out of your suitcase."

I feel like the word "homesick" has a negative connotation surrounding it. It is completely understandable and accepted when little kids get homesick at sleep away camp, or even if a college student gets a little homesick their freshman year. However, as you get older, I feel like if you tell people you're homesick it makes you seem weak.

When I say I get homesick, I am not conveying that I am weak or that I can't handle being away from home. I love college. I love having the freedom to do what I want to do, hang out with my friends all night and not having anyone nag me.

But, when I'm away I miss home cooked meals. I miss snuggling up on my couch watching movies for hours. I miss hanging out with my family and going out for our weekly Sunday night dinners. I miss having my own room in my own house. It means that I am missing all of the things that have shaped who I am for the past 19 years. When I leave home, I feel like I am leaving a piece of myself behind.

You shouldn't be afraid to say that you are homesick. You shouldn't pretend as if your family is the last thing on your mind. You should feel proud that you have something so special that it makes you miss it so much when you're away. I am so grateful to have such a loving and supportive family that I can't wait to go home to and that I miss dearly when I'm gone.

I love all the friends that I have made in college, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. I even enjoy being in Ohio, although it is so different from my hometown. I am so thankful for the opportunity to come to such a good school and study what I love. Being homesick doesn't change what I love about college. All it means is that I miss where I'm from. I miss all the things that have made me who I am today.

I feel like, to some extent, everyone experiences this in one way or another. Whether it's just simply missing your dog or going to eat at your favorite restaurant with your best friends. It is a completely natural feeling. So the next time you feel a little homesick, know that you shouldn't feel ashamed. Also know that home is where the heart is, and it will always be there, no matter what.