Dad,

There are very few little things in this world that I would've been able to do without you and your unconditional love and support. You've been my coach, my cheerleader, and my teammate for as long as I can remember and there's no way I'll ever be able to fully express just how grateful I am for you.

From coaching me in elementary and middle school in soccer and basketball, being the loudest dad in the audience at my dance recitals and competitions, to traveling up, down, and across the country to help me find (and apply to) the college of my dreams, you have always been fully present and engaged in everything happening in my life. While I never fully expressed my appreciation for all of that as it was happening, I wanted to take this moment to say thank you. It always made me happy to know you were there, on the sidelines, in the audience, or even right beside me, as I grew to be who I am today. The younger me would never admit this, but there was a part of me that always listened for your loud, distinct cheer in the crowd before we started a dance routine or kicked off a game.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to attend the school of my dreams, even if it means being 500 miles away from you for eight months out of the year. Trust me, it's not easy for me, either. You've always let me do my own thing and figure things out for myself, as experience is the best way to learn. Yet, whenever I needed you, you always were happy to help. I know that no matter where I am in the world, you will always be there for me.

Whenever someone tells me that I remind them of you - whether it's your enthusiasm, your "can-do" mentality, your zest for life, your speaking skills, or anything for that matter - I can't help but feel a sense of pride. Maybe you didn't intend for this to happen, but I'd say it's a happy accident. Honestly, I'm proud to be anything like you. You're one of my biggest role models!

You've taught me the importance of working hard, and that combined with hard work, my own ambition can get me farther in life than any car, plane, or train ever will. Watching someone as committed, driven, and hard-working as you my entire life has truly paid off and I've learned invaluable lessons from you that I definitely wouldn't have learned from a textbook.

Thank you for teaching me that nothing worth having comes easily and that success is earned, and not a given. Thank you for teaching me to keep my head and my standards high and to never, ever give up - especially on myself.

I love you so much, Dad! Thank you for being the best coach, cheerleader, and teammate I could've ever asked for.

Happy Father's Day.