Hi Mom and Dad,

First and foremost, just know that I’m so excited to be leaving for the experience of a lifetime. I can’t express how lucky I am to be able to explore a whole new country with some of my best friends. Just know that I am eternally grateful for you two for allowing this incredible opportunity. I know studying abroad will be NOTHING like our family vacations, and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing…I guess it depends on which family vacation you’re thinking of.

Now, the hard part: actually leaving the country. I suppose I’m lucky that I’m in love with two things: I’m in love with college and I’m in love with home.

I’m in love with the idea of traveling. I always have been and always will be. But now that my time to travel is quickly approaching…I’m wishing I had you both by my side.

I hate to admit it, but I am not even close to being a functioning adult yet. I don’t know how to pay taxes or cook, and I certainly don’t know how I’m going to survive living in a different country for three months without you.

The past 20 years of my life have been quite… hectic. I certainly didn’t make parenting easy for you. I guess now that I’m packing my life away for a few months is making me realize how little I said thank you.

Thank you for constantly yelling at me. I didn’t know it then, but you were both just doing your job. Without the nagging and straightforward comments from the two of you, I would truly be a nobody.

Thank you for the constant laughs, smiles, hugs and support. I’ll miss all of those a lot when I’m gone.

I’ve never been away from you both for more than two months at a time, but I guess now is a good time to start. Don’t worry; I’ll still manage to annoy you both each and every day (even with the time change).

Words cannot describe how thankful I am for the both of you. Your endless and unconditional love and support has prepared me for whatever curve ball going abroad might throw at me.

I can’t wait to come back from overseas and sit on the couch watching "Parks & Recreation" until noon. Home is where you guys are. I like home a lot.

Thank you in advance for the experience I am about to embark on. Just know that I could not have done literally any of this without you.

This journey is only just beginning, and I’m excited to see where the next road takes us.

And, P.S: I miss you already.