With the fall semester drawing near, I am getting so excited to be back in Chickasha and on the beautiful University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma's campus. Although I love having time off from school, I miss so many aspects of campus. Food, staff, friends and even learning. Here is a short list of the things I miss when away from campus:

1. Not Having To Cook Food Myself.

Many people don't entirely enjoy the food in the caf, and I'll admit it isn't always the best. Salad, sandwich, pizza, desserts and the daily menu items give us so many options that you never go hungry. USAO's food is top notch compared to my high school's cafeteria, and the staff is always so nice.

2. The C-Store.

I did not discover the beauty of the C-Store until the spring semester of my freshman year, and it has forever changed me. Don't have a break for lunch? You can run by the C-Store and grab a sandwich meal with a meal swipe. Need a pick-me-up? You can get candy bar and a drink with Droverbucks and be on your way. They carry peanut butter, milk, bread, cake mixes, laundry detergent and many other college necessities. It's like a small grocery store right here on campus!

3. Dusty's.

There is just something about eating greasy fried food between 8 p.m. and midnight. I find myself craving a Dusty's grilled ham and cheese with curly fries. Dusty's is a great place to eat, study and have long, deep conversations with friends.

4. Cafeteria And C-Store Workers.

USAO has really done a great job at hiring some of the most friendly cafeteria and C-Store staff. Every single one of these wonderful people always have a smile on their faces. They joke with you, ask you about your day and are quick to help you out. There are no grouchy lunch ladies here!

5. Security.

Once again, USAO hit it out of the park with our campus security. Always smiling and happy to help, but most importantly these men and women keep us safe. I truly feel protected when security is around. From unlocking buildings for extra curricular activities, bringing us tables, to walking us across campus at night, they do it all.

6. President Feaver.

The "big man" himself can frequently be found walking around campus. Even if he has no earthly clue who you are, he always stops to ask how your day is going.

7. Professors.

Our professors at USAO are some of the greatest people you will ever meet. They are so hardworking, knowledgeable and willing to help. There is such a wide range of disciplines and personalities in the teaching staff. Office hours are for getting help, but also for a quick chat if they have time. They are all invested in not only the educational, but also the personal well-being of their students.

8. Roommates.

I have been blessed with some pretty awesome roommates. Obviously we have our fights and character flaws and we make mistakes, but we still love each other. They know your likes and dislikes. They get food with you at midnight. They study with you, cheer you on and pick you up when you're knocked down. They do stupid things with you. They become your best friends. It's no wonder you miss them!

9. Friends.

You have the opportunity to have so many friends at USAO due to it being such a small campus. You know at least one person in all of your classes, and everyone is friendly.

10. IDS Classes.

As much as it pains me to say, I love our Interdisciplinary Studies courses. Team taught classes can be hard, but so worth it. The wide variety of points of view you get from these classes really make you a well-rounded student. Who would have thought an economics professor would be so great at teaching a history class?

11. Major Classes.

College is the place you get to choose what you learn. I miss learning all there is to know about psychology and sociology on daily basis. (So. Much. Reading.) There is so much knowledge out there and so much I have yet to learn.

Just one more week and I'll be back. I love breaks, but it's about time to come back to my home away from home. Watch out USAO, I'm coming for you!