When I graduated high school, I was totally ready to speed through the summer to finally go to college and be on my own. I was ready for newer and richer friendships, another place to call home and a sense of independence. Lucky for me, that is exactly what I found. If I ever needed a family weekend, I was also lucky enough to only be three hours away from them. However, I was convinced I wouldn't need it and I would get so lost in the beautiful world that is college, I'd barely even have time to think about home. Boy, was I wrong. Here are a few things I learned when I moved away from my family.

As much as they seem to be anticipating it as much as you are, they are devastated.

Believe it or not, your family enjoys having you around. You may have different interests and schedules than they do, but knowing that you're only a flight of stairs away from them is actually a comfort. No matter how far away you are, there will always be a piece of them with you, wishing they could just stuff you away to keep forever. Cherish the comfort - you won't find the kind that family provides anywhere else!

You don't have it all together.

Oh, shoot. This one messed with me for a while. I remember a conversation so clearly with my mom the morning I left for school. She told me that about seven weeks into transitioning into school, naturally, you hit a rut. You will not understand why you left and you will question what the heck you're getting yourself into. In response I asked her, well, what if I didn't? I was so confident my world would fall perfectly into place and I would never face issues because I was so sure this is where I was meant to be. Yes, this is my home away from home, but I faced my fair share of hardships. Muster up the humility to call your mom and tell her she was right and that you miss her.

Your friends will stick around, so plan that weekend trip back home.

Oh, yes...The weekend. When everyone gets a small break from homework to go and hang out at the coolest destinations around (and probably the cheapest). Let's be real, no one wants to miss these moments with your friends! But wait, that's a three day weekend and you told your family that you wanted to come home for it...Now what? What I wish I would've done more often: Go home. Yes, you're going to miss out on getting a fast food meal and maybe a car jam session, but your family will be filled with joy to have you back home, even if it's just for two nights. Building friendships is essential, but remember, you have people elsewhere who would love to see you as well!

Home-cooked meals are so underrated.

"Really, mom? Chicken Parmesan again?" Has turned into "Mom, can you make me some of that when I come home?" Oddly enough, cereal and mystery meat really don't cut it in comparison to what you eat back home.

Life is happening for them just as rapidly as it is for you.

I learned this the hard way. My family's big move out to the Midwestern state of Wisconsin is happening sooner than we thought. So, where does that leave me? Now, instead of a three hour drive, it's three days. Talk about a shift. Sometimes, I want to take time into my hands and pause it for a bit. Give me time to value what I took for granted for so long. But also, I need to remember that they want the same. In the midst of their packing, selling and searching, the days seem to be slipping away. I'm willing to bet that they would like to stop time as well.

Growing up is a process and it's usually got some curve balls. Just remember that the love of your family and the people you grew up with is there when you need it - and they probably want to hand it to you in an overflowing amount. Don't forget to return it.

(Disclaimer: If family is not an option to go back to, know that you have a community whether you feel it or not. Also, the love of Christ will give you all you need and more. Don't lose hope, and always choose strength.)

Much love!