As I was finishing up packing my clothes, I heard a knock on the door. It was my mom, Crystal Clark, with a big smile on her face and a determined look in her eyes.

Carry a box. Make her stop for coffee. Tell her you love her before she starts the drive home alone.

I still have that box. The one marked “FRAGILE: SNOW GLOBES AND DREAMS.”

Crystal's story offers several key takeaways for students and parents navigating similar experiences:

Standing by the door to say goodbye, the bravado finally slipped. Maya grabbed her mother in a tight hug. "I couldn't have done this without you, Mom."