Right now you are studying for your last final as an undergrad. You are getting the final plans together for Senior Week, finishing up assignments, and preparing yourself for this next chapter of your life. You've been here at Washington College for 4 years and in 2 short weeks you will be graduating.

We have been friends for years, but I was able to spend these past 2 with you and I wouldn't trade them for the world. I've watched you juggle classes, a job with SGA, and being a KA. I've watched you stay up late after getting back from your internship with the General Assembly. I've watched you get frustrated when things didn't seem to be going your way, and I've watched you smile when you made a good grades on exams you thought you failed. And most recently, I watched you dedicate hours to your thesis and stress about whether or not you would get it done. Well guess what. You did it. You turned it in and you passed. I am so incredibly proud of you and while I am going to miss you next year, I can't wait to see what amazing things you do. I struggled with what to get you for graduation. All I could think of were the things that I want you to know.

Don't be afraid to take risks.

You will mess up, but you will also succeed.

Make time for your family and friends.

Stay true to yourself.

Remember where home is.

Know that I love you.

Throughout everything I am going to be there for you. We might be far apart, but that isn't going to change anything. Stay true to your morals. You will be unhappy if you sell yourself out. You always have people to support you, even when you have to make those tough decisions. I've watched you make them and I've told you the consequences of every action. Look at things from all perspectives.

Things are not always going to be perfect. You are going to mess up, but you are going to have people to support you. Your parents are going to be there fighting for you no matter what. Do not be afraid to ask people for help. There will be times when you need it. Sometimes things are going to get worse before they get better.

Your parents raised an amazing young man. I am so proud of the person you have become and I can't wait to see what you do in the future. I put these words into an article because I knew that I would cry if I said them to you in person. Thank you for all that you do. This will be a new chapter for you and for us. I love you.