I've lived on Long Island my entire life, despite going away to Buffalo for school. One thing I've learned from my home, especially from being away from it, is that you really can learn to fall in love with it and appreciate it all over again. Of course, I have always loved my home, I love everything about Long Island, but eventually, as you get older and experience new things, you may forget about why you love your home. Going away to school completely changes your perspective on almost everything, your friendships, your current interests, maybe even your family life. But, home is home, where you've grown and experienced your childhood, your teen years, that place will always be important and it's nice to go back and reminisce and remember why you love it so much.

I go home three or four times a year, Thanksgiving break, winter break, spring break, and summer vacation. Each time, whether I feel like the break is maybe too short or just too damn long, I've enjoyed myself and my surroundings. Going back to your favorite place to eat or your favorite bars, seeing old friends and maybe even seeing some of your friends you made up in college. It's all a time that should be appreciated, because soon enough, it's time to graduate college and then who knows where you are off to next. Some people head back home for some time, maybe trying to figure out what their next step is. Others may stay at school, in the city they've spent their last four or more years. Regardless, home is home, it's a place you can always return to and forever have memories of. This summer break, I've learned to fall in love with my home all over again. I've learned to appreciate all of the different aspects and experiences of my life, all while being in the place that has made me the person I am today.

Everyone should learn to love their homes and the people that come from there. Whether seeing all of the people you can't stand from high school at every bar or party or seeing all of your hometown best friends who still mean the world to you, coming home is special.