With a new school year right around the corner, I thought I would share some of the key changes in my life as a freshman. Going to school away from home has brought about some of the best and worst parts of my life.

I wish that I could have both worlds in the same city. I love my home; I love Miami. I also love being at school and New Orleans in general. It's definitely a challenge to balance my life in both cities, but I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. Here are some of the struggles that I experienced during my freshman year.

Choosing What to Take and Leave

Packing up for school is probably the most stressful type of packing. Before packing I have to anticipate what I'll need for the next couple of months to make sure that I have what I need until I can go back home and switch out some things. I've chosen to split up my stuff between home and school, and sometimes it's pretty difficult to remember what I left where.

Constantly feeling distracted

At least for me, it feels like I'm living a double life somehow, like I'm supposed to be in two places at once, and I have to learn how to balance it for the sake of my sanity. Sometimes I feel torn or guilty for not being able to be there fully while my mind is on other things.

The freshman fifteen is REAL

It's real for freshmen and just about everyone else. I definitely suggest not eating everything. I made the mistake of accepting all of the cookies that were available to me. The thing about living on campus and having a meal plan is that there is always food available, you really don't have to eat it all.

Missing Home

Leaving behind my parents and my brother is probably the hardest thing about going back to school. I miss them ore and more every time I leave. Even though I can text or call my parents every hour (which I tend to do), there is nothing like living with family. I even miss the little things, like my shower, comfy bed, and private personal space.

It's really difficult to explain, but living away from home for eight months out of the year just makes me value my time with my family that much more.