To all of those who have supported me throughout my life, I hope you know I appreciate it more than you'll ever know. Whether you are family, friends, neighbors, community members, etc. your impact on my life will never be forgotten. When I think about everything I have ever accomplished and where I am today, I am fortunate enough to say that I received so much support along the way from various people. There have been mornings when I would wake up and feel tired, overwhelmed, and sometimes just really unmotivated. But I never went to bed feeling the same way because at some point during the day someone reminded me of all I have done and all I was soon going to accomplish. Of course, after hearing something like that I would be reminded of how proud of myself I should be but something that always crossed my mind was, 'I didn’t do this all alone.' I had amazing supporters all my life. So here is my thank you to them.

Of course my first thank you goes to my family. My family never made me feel like I was alone. They were always the first ones to give me advice, cheer me on (even if it meant driving 150 miles to see me dance for a minute and 30 seconds), and tell me how proud I make them. Sometimes the things I did called for hours of preparation, work, busy days, and sleepless nights. By the time it was over I was completely exhausted. But hearing my parents and my family tell me, “You make us so proud,” really made everything all worth it. I really think making my parents and family proud is one of the greatest feelings and I will continue to strive to do that every day.

One of my favorite things about my small hometown is the high school I graduated from. It is considered to be very small so the bonds I created with the teachers and students were really strong and that made a huge impact on my life. So here is my thank you to my high school family. Although I could only spend four years with you, they were some of the most important years of my life. To the teachers who encouraged me to always do the best I could, thank you. Because of some of you, I am attending my dream college and I feel more prepared than ever because of being in your class. To my guidance counselors, I took full advantage of your office, often popping in 5 or 6 times during the week and you never turned me away. You always went above and beyond for me and helped me in so many ways. To my principal, I always felt so thankful for your genuine care for your students. You went out of your way to make our school a safe and enjoyable environment. You always had an open door for your students and you really cared about how they were doing. You were a big part of my college process, not only because you offered your advice but because you taught me how to be a leader and embrace all the great qualities I possess. When I visited the high school for the first time since I left for college and shared with you all the great things I am doing, your excitement filled me with great pride because I know part of the reason I am the student I am is because of you.

To my friends from my high school and hometown, we have all gone our own ways and have started new adventures but know that I am always thinking of you; wondering how you are doing, if you are working towards the goal you always talked about, if you still find joy in the same things. I can’t wait to hear all about it and reconnect with many of you. Some of my fondest memories are with my friends from home. I’ll hold onto those memories forever.

To my friends and family of the various organizations I was a part of, you really shaped me into the leader and believer I am. Because of your love for the organization, I learned to posses the same love. I will never forget all you have taught me.

To everyone else who has impacted my life, thank you. Whether you offered me a small amount of advice, taught me great life skills and lessons, or sat with me for hours sharing stories of when you were getting ready for a big life event and how you prepared for it, I have kept all of the advice and lessons in my mind and I continue to use them every day. I love coming home and sharing with you all everything I have accomplished thus far. Although I am proud to say I have done a lot on my own, it was still under your direction and guidance. I am ultimately a product of everyone who has influenced me and helped me in anything I ever did. I hope you all feel as appreciated as you should.

And to my supporters who I might not be able to speak to physically anymore, I know you are proud. I work so hard for you because you were some of my greatest supporters. Even though it has been a while since I have been able to physically speak with you, I still remember everything you have ever taught me. Thank you for guiding me each and every day.

There are so many more people I could mention and I could go on and on. But by the end of this article I hope you all know how important you are to me. How I am the girl I am because of you. I hope I am making you proud.

Sincerely,

The girl with the greatest supporters