As a sophomore in sunny California, it's downright embarrassing how much I miss home after break. Here are 11 reasons why I'm actually thankful to be homesick:

1. It's an excuse to listen to country music. As a Tennesseean, I've found myself liking country more and more each time I leave home. I'm actually afraid I'm developing a Southern accent. Here in Cali, I get judged pretty hard for listening to music about "literally just beer and trucks and guns, eeww." So, when I'm homesick, no one can call me out for listening to "Dirt Road Anthem" a few too many times - y'all don't know what you're missing.

2. It helps remind you who you are. It's easy to lose sight of yourself when you're thrown into a new environment like college. However, it's important to remember your own values and the unique quirks that make you you! Being homesick means you miss where you came from because you're proud of that place and the person it shaped you into - good for you!

3. It might help you make some new friends. Maybe you've never tried a California roll and you meet someone who really misses their favorite sushi place back home. You two could go on an adventure in search of the best sushi restaurant around and end up finding a favorite new place to eat (besides the dining hall!)

4. It could make you get out and find a new favorite hobby. Instead of sitting in your room moping, get out and distract yourself with something new! It's the perfect chance to try that dance class your friends are all raving about, or write your first slam poem.

5. It makes you stay in touch with old friends. After high school, it's easy for friend groups to drift apart when they're physically separated for months at a time. Sometimes, nothing cheers me up more than checking the group chat with my high school buddies from back home.

6. It'll remind you to say hi to Grandma and Grandpa, too. They miss you even more now that you're off at college! I'm sure they'd love a call from their little "munchkin," or "sweetie," or, as my grandpa calls me, "dummkopf" (it means "blockhead" in German. Cute, right?)

7. It's a perfect opportunity to say thank you to your parents. Chances are, they made a lot of sacrifices to send you to college. While you're homesick and thinking about them, why not send them a Thank-You card saying how grateful you are for them?

8. It's the ultimate opportunity to show your friends those cute pics of your dog. We all know you took a ton of selfies with your furry best friend before you left home, so show 'em off! Besides, everyone in your dorm will love looking at cute puppy pictures.

9. It's a chance to show off your downhome cooking skills. Feeling nostalgic for your stepmom's world famous spaghetti carbonara? Take a field trip to the grocery store, head over to the dorm kitchen, and get cooking. You'll get a taste of home, and you can show your friends what dinner really means.

10. It can put things in perspective. You've made it this far through college, and that's a big accomplishment! If being homesick tops your list of worries, then you're doing a lot of things right. Be thankful for all the friends you've made and the fact that you've stayed healthy - things could be way worse.

11. It means you have a lot of love at home. As I was on the plane back to school on the verge of tears, I realized how thankful I am to have such a loving family that my heart literally breaks every time I leave them. Instead of being sad about saying goodbye, I'm happy that my family and I have this powerful love that keeps us close no matter how far apart we are. Whether it's your family and friends or your dog, it's okay to miss something because it means you have something to miss. It means you have something to love, and that's something to be grateful for.