Growing up all you can think of is I can't wait to get out of this house. Well as the day you actually do get to leave approaches, it seems less and less like freedom and more and more like responsibility. Responsibility like I've never had before. I know I am ready for this responsibility because of all the people who have shaped me into the person I am today. So as I get ready to move into my dorm, I think it is important to look back and thank the people who have gotten me here today.

To my mom,

Thank you for always seeing me through. I know sometimes I could be difficult, a brat, and ungrateful, but you never gave up on me. I owe you so much for all I put you through. I am so thankful for all you have done for me, even if I don't always show it. I love you so much. I really don't know what I am going to do without you at college.

To my dad,

Thank you for teaching me everything I know about maintaining my car, fixing random things around the house, and spending countless hours with me in the woods hunting. The lessons you taught me will always stick with me. I look up to you so much and I am going to miss you while I'm away.

To my older siblings,

I know I am the little sister that was never supposed to grow up, but here I am ready to go off to college. Thank you for always looking out for me. From picking on me endlessly growing up to be my biggest role models, you guys have turned me into the person I am today.Thank you for every game of Barbies that I knew you didn't want to play but did anyway. Thank you for teaching me how to survive high school. Thank you for being my best friends. I love you all so much and no matter what I'll always be your baby sister.

To my little brother,

Well, now you're going to be the only child at home. Keep mom and dad on their toes. Thank you for being you. Without you, I would've been lost. There would have been no one for me to play with or sit on the sidelines to watch as the older siblings played sports. You and I have done pretty much everything together growing up, from showing cows at the fair to running track together in high school. I really am going to miss you, and deep down I know you're going to miss me too.

To my brother and sisters-in-law,

Thank you for joining our family. Thank you for loving me as if I was your little sister. Thank you for supporting me in everything I do. You guys are the best and I love you.

To my niece and nephews,

Stop growing up so fast. Now I know how your parents felt about me growing up. Thank you for teaching me a selfless love I didn't know I was capable of. I love you three more than you will ever know. I'm going to miss you guys oh so much. I know it's hard for you to understand why I am leaving, but be prepared for lots of skype dates and to be spoiled when I come home. I love you guys! Quit growing up so fast, stay little.

To my high school friends going to different colleges,

Thank you guys for sticking by my side through it all. It's going to be so weird to not see your lovely faces every day, but we are going to do some pretty amazing things. I will miss you guys so much.

To my underclassmen friends,

Enjoy high school. It goes by so fast. Thank you guys for showing me not all underclassmen suck. I am so grateful I got to know you. I am going to miss you so much, but remember I am just a phone call away.

I can't say thank you enough to the people who got me where I am today. I will miss you all so much, but I am off on my next adventure. Thanks to your hard work in preparing me, I know I will succeed.