Since being at college, the week off for Thanksgiving break was my second time visiting home. This break was very much needed because college has not been an easy transition for me. I knew that spending some time at home and away from the daily stressors and responsibilities would be beneficial.

While being at home, I spent a lot of my time helping my family. I drove and picked up my sister from volleyball practice and racked leaves with my father where I enjoyed the cool, brisk fall weather for the last time.

In addition to doing chores at home, I was able to work about 20 hours at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. I worked there for about 14 months prior to attending college and will be working there as a seasonal employee. I was working with new co-workers during the week who were all nice and good company. I missed working more than I thought and not just for the money. I missed interacting with people and seeing their smiles when they sipped their smoothies.

Over my break, I spent time seeing my friends who are still in high school as well as my best friend from my childhood. Whether it was getting food or going to Target, I enjoyed hanging out with my friends. It was nice to catch up with them and talk about how school was going for us. While I didn’t get to see all my friends, I’m glad for the ones I did see. Within three weeks I’ll be back home where I already have plans set to see them.

The biggest joy of the whole week was getting to hang out with my sister. Our relationship has always been fluctuating in the sense that at times we were best friends and the next day we were enemies. Either way, I love her so much and miss her deeply. Being able to hang out with her at my friend’s hockey game and watching the new Hunger Games movie with her, were memories I am glad I got to experience with her.

While the break was short and over now, it gave me time to reflect on what I love the most about these two places I call home. My hometown is where my family and friends are. The familiarity of my hometown brings me happiness and is a place I can always run back to if I need to. Iowa City though has given me such amazing communities to be a part of and allowed me to pursue my education on my own terms.