As the semester picks up and there seems to be never ending quizzes, exams, and projects, it is easy to forget the ones who helped us get here. Whether your parents pay for your way through college or are just there for the support, we can really never thank them enough. I know I wouldn't be half the woman I am today without my mom and dad. Here are some of the things y'all may not hear enough from your daughter who is a busy college student.

1. Thank you for listening to me complain.

I know you have heard about all my school work and projects due this week about five times, but sometimes I need to say it just one more time to emphasize how stressed I am. I know it is my fault for not putting as much time into studying for my exam this week, but you still let me complain over and over again how hard it is and that I feel like I'm going to fail. You have always answered the phone calls that come through five times a day just to complain about school traffic, the professor you swear is just out to trick her students, the cold you got from staying up too late, the amount of cleaning and grocery shopping you have to do, the annoying banging sound from the apartment above you, and most of all...how much you miss back home.

2. Thank you for telling me your'e proud of me.

I may not express it enough, but hearing the words "I'm proud of you," is just the right amount of motivation to make it through the week. Dad, I always try to do my best to make sure you see how hard I'm working and how appreciative I am of your financial support in my schooling. Mom, I know that you have the soft side who understands my stressful week, so it's nice to come to you for the comfort that everything will be alright.

3. I miss you.

I am enjoying my time here at school and meeting new friends while going on this new adventure called life, but I have not forgotten you. You are always in the back of my mind with every decision I make, every time I accomplish something, and even when I fail. As my parents, you both continue to be some of the biggest parts of my life. I am forever grateful for how you prepared me for college and how to do life on my own. Thank you for being something so wonderful that it hurts to miss you.

4. I promise to do great things.

You have both raised me to put my best effort forward into anything I do and to make sure I am passionate at it. I promise that my time here at school will not go to waste. I cannot wait to show you how I will use the tools I learned here to fulfill God's plan for my life and make a difference in the world.

5. You are my role-models.

I have heard from so many amazing speakers and pastors while at Liberty University. But, one thing will never change. Mom and Dad, you are my biggest role-models. I am so thankful that I have grown up watching both of you and I can now see how much that has positively impacted me in life.

Through each new stage of my life, you are both there for me every step of the way. I used to think college and the real world was so scary and seemed quite impossible. Having parents like you has given me the strength and perseverance to excel not only in my schooling but in life in general. I know I get busy and you may not hear these things as often as you deserve, but just know I mean them. I love you both and I wouldn't be where I am today without you.