Before college, the longest I had been away from home was seven weeks at sleepaway camp. After being away at college I feel even more thankful for the wonderful family that I have. My time away from home has allowed me to grow and become independent. Due to all of the changes in my life, this Thanksgiving feels different.

When I was in high school I saw my extended family pretty often, whether it was a birthday, holiday or just getting together for brunch at our favorite restaurant, we saw each other often. When I got to college I missed my Grandparents and cousins a lot.

When I come home I am looking forward to catching up and sharing stories from our time apart. My week home for Thanksgiving is going to be filled with seeing friends and family and all the doctor appointments my Mom has scheduled for me. Besides the doctor's appointments, I can't wait to see Aunts and Uncles, cousins and Grandparents. Time spent with family is precious and going to college has made me miss and appreciate my amazing, silly, wonderful family even more.

Then there's my parents. In high school, my parents and I would watch tv and go out to dinner all the time. Sometimes we even went into the city and saw shows. I loved having them right downstairs. If I needed anything my parents were there. Now that I've gone to college I've become more independent, but I think my relationship with my parents has grown as I've grown. This year, coming home to my childhood house, my Mom's cooking, and my Dad's corny jokes, I could not be more excited. College has made me appreciate my parents in a whole new way. Not just the basic I miss my Mom doing my laundry, which I do, but in all the ways their presence shapes my day. They are my rock and being able to joke and talk with them in person is something I miss immensely.

My parents and I at Hamilton Author's Photo

My older brother, on the other hand, has been in college for the past three years. We've been living in different time zones for a while now. However, now that I'm in college too, I feel that we connect on a different level. I go to him with questions regarding professors and classes, but he's also helped me navigate other aspects of life in college. He is someone I lean on for support and can't wait to be able to see him, hug him, and of course annoy him in person. I think my years of living apart from my brother has brought us closer. We now cherish and appreciate our time together.

Author's Photo

Overal,l college has taught me a lot of things. I have learned and grown both in and out of the classroom. I've struggled and I've had triumphs. I've made a lot of new amazing friends for whom I am also thankful for this year. However, what I look forward to most is spending time with my family and friends. The distance has made me more appreciative of every aspect of my family. I can not wait to spend Thanksgiving surrounded by friends and family.