No matter where you are, your mom and dad will be there for you. No matter what stage in your life, where you’re living, what you’re doing, your mom and dad will be there to support you. In the college stage of my life that I’m in right now, it’s hard to get acclimated to a new place, somewhat of a far distance away from home, surrounded by people you don’t know. We were all so excited to get away, move into our dorms, and start up our year. The weeks leading up to move-in day were so bittersweet, saying goodbyes and spending time with those who matter most, but eagerly waiting the day to move in. But soon I realized that leaving my familiar nest was not easy as I imagined. I am loving the independence I have here at college and everything I have learned so far, but it is not all easy. I called my parents often, not understanding why I couldn’t get adjusted easier. They were there to talk me through every little “first-time” experience I had here.

Being away from your parents makes you appreciate them more than ever before. You truly do realize very soon what and how much they do for you. From laundry, to home cooked meals, to just having all of the answers to everything in life, you realize just how much you needed them around.

Sometimes I feel I did not give my parents the proper goodbye they deserved. For everything they went over and above with for me, everything they provided for me, gave to me when I was upset or sick, all of it means so much to me. I realized that it is harder because I am missing the two people I have never had to miss before. I have never been away from them like I am now, I have never had the chance to “miss” them like this.

Nothing is worse when you just need that hug from your mom or talk with your dad, and they’re not around. Your mom isn’t there for the perfect hug and cup of tea, your dad is not there for the best advice anyone could give you and to crack a joke to make you feel better. But, it’s important to remember that they are only one call away. No matter when, for whatever reason, you can call them and hear their voices. Their comfort may not be able to be physically there with you, but the comfort of knowing you can talk and hear their voices makes life feel that bit better.

I would give anything to be nagged at, to be yelled at about how my clothes are in a pile on the ground and must be picked up. College homesickness is a real thing and as much as I tried to say I wasn’t going to go through it, I am. Even with this, however, I wouldn’t change every little thing I have learned while being here. Prioritizing my own time, doing my own laundry, figuring out my own meal schedule, fixing my own mistakes on homework. But now I know that I couldn’t have done any of that without them teaching me all of these years. This homesickness is alright to have, we will all get through it eventually, one step at a time.