Hey Mom,

So it's almost time for me to head off to school again, and you'd think that because we've done this once before it would be easier the second time around. I have a feeling it might actually be harder. The more I think about packing everything up and unpacking it all into my new bedroom, the more I think about how much I'm going to miss you. I've become so used to coming home from work and spending hours with you just watching HGTV, and waking up in the morning to find you drinking your coffee on the front steps. I'm going to miss our heart to heart's and our ridiculous Snapchat selfies, although I know we will still talk whenever we get the chance. And most of all I'm going to miss your cooking, because no matter how hard they try.. school food just never tastes as good as yours. For a few months at a time these specific things will simply exist as memories, but I always look forward to coming back home again so we can make even more.

This upcoming year will be a little different than the last. Last year I spent a lot of time at home, and this year I won't be home nearly as often but don't worry because there are just some things that will never change.

You should expect to get a phone call about why all of my laundry turned blue in the washer...again, and another phone call anytime I start to feel even a little bit sick (you always seem to know what's wrong with me even though you're miles and miles away).

I look forward to Facetiming you on my study breaks and sending you pictures of all the new things I'm trying while I'm away.

I also really appreciate all of the text messages you send me updating me on what's going on at home while I'm not there, its allows me to feel like I never even left.

You have always been more than just my mother, you're my best friend. You're the first person I go to whenever I need advice and the first person I call when I just need to vent. Everything that I do while I'm away is to make you proud and I can only hope to someday become half the woman you are. You inspire me each and every day and you're always reminding me to work hard for everything I want in life. Thankfully you're always there to give me an extra push when I seem to be doubting myself and maybe even a little tough love when necessary.

I want to take a second to say thank you to you and dad, I wake up every single day knowing that my dreams are attainable because you guys never allowed me to believe otherwise. You have taught me so much in the last 19 years, but now it's time that I go off and learn a couple things on my own.

I can't wait to see where this journey takes me and I want you to know that you're with me wherever I go. Together forever, never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart.

Love always,

Your daughter