Mom and Dad,

As I move into college, I wanted to make it publicly known how thankful I am for everything you have done for me to get me to this point.

Thank you for letting me fail. You’ve always taught me how to make the right decisions, but you’ve never made them for me. Instead, you taught me how to be a strong and independent young adult by standing back and letting me make decisions for myself—sometimes failing, but never without both of you there to catch me when I’d fall.

Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone. Remember when you had to keep me on a leash in public because I was too afraid of strangers to let go of you? I’m so glad that you encouraged me to develop communication skills by entering me in various extracurricular activities.

Thank you for encouraging me to be the best I can be. Although you thought a B on a report card was just fine, you knew that I always wanted to strive for the best. I am grateful that you made me study to achieve my goals. Sometimes, we all just need a little push.

Thank you for teaching me to stay true to myself. This is my life’s mantra, the words that guide each and every decision that I make. Thank you for engraving these words into my constant thoughts-- now I know that I will make the best decisions for me throughout my years in college... and for the rest of my life.

Thank you for supporting me. Whether it is emotionally, physically, or financially, you have always been my rock. I am eternally grateful for the late night snuggles I’ve shared with you, mom, and for the ways that you, dad, have taught me to seek God in everything I do. I also can’t thank you enough for sacrificing so much so that you can financially help me receive an education. I hope and pray that I can support my children in the same ways that you have supported, and continue to support, me.

Lastly, thank you for worrying about me. It’s comforting to know that you care enough to prioritize my safety and well-being. I promise that you have done such a great job at raising me that I will be just fine on my own…

…but that doesn’t mean that I won’t always want a family group hug every once in a while.

Love,

Me.