You're driving. It's pouring down rain. You look up at the clock and it's past 11. You're driving through traffic, and you're about to spend two hours driving down a deserted highway. Why are you doing this to yourself? Because at the end of this two-hour drive you are going to end up at your house with your family. They are of course asleep, but at least they are there. Something I've learned over my past year of being away at college is that sometimes you just need to go home.

I'll admit, I was more than ready to move away from my small town. I was excited to start over and have wonderful college adventures. I remember the first week of school. I had planned to stay the first two weeks of school and then go home to go check on my family. I had no idea that I needed that first trip home. You don't really realize you miss something until it's no longer there for you. I remember going by my mother's school she works at and seeing all of her friends who I consider my "school family." I had no idea that I had missed them so much. When I got to my house, I felt like I had never left. My dogs came and greeted me at the door. My room looked exactly the same. My house still smelled like the vanilla candle my mom loves. Our kitchen counter was still a mess. Everything was perfect because it was just like I left it.

I've dealt with some pretty stressful days over this last year. I remember one day where I was so stressed out, I just packed a bag and got in my car and drove the long drive home. I had never felt more relieved. The drives homes have become almost therapeutic to me. It's two hours where I get to just be in my own head and kind of de-stress from the week. The drive is almost like a meditation. I don't think about all the assignments I have due or what events I have to attend next week. I just focus on the road and listen to the radio.

Moving away from home was one of the best decisions of my life. I love Memphis and I love the home away from home I've found at college. One of the main reasons I know moving away was a good decision is because I appreciate my home more, and I've figured out it's OK to just go home sometimes. We all need that familiarity of home. It's not just the place. It's the people and the smells and the comfort you feel in your own bed. My home will always be my home no matter where I move away to. You should never feel ashamed to want to go home and visit your family. Don't let anyone tell you that you are any less independent because you just need to go home. To quote one of my favorite people:

"Sometimes you just need your momma."