Mom, Dad, and Sam,

I have been so excited about moving into my first apartment and the rush of decorating has had us all scrambling about, but now that life is settling into place it is also falling into perspective.

I am incredibly fortunate to have grown up in a household filled with so much love and encouragement. It is rare for parents or siblings to see each other as best friends, but I truly believe that you all have been there for me like no one else in life ever could be. Coming home has always been comforting.

Once you walk out of my apartment door, I will be living alone.

Dad won’t be there to kill the spiders. Mom can’t make food when I’m sick. Movie nights with my sister are completely off the table. I will only catch glimpses of our home through FaceTmes and photos.

Somehow, as technical as it may seem, having a lease signed solely in my name without the reassuring big swoosh of my dad’s signature is one of the scariest parts of all. I’m really beginning the rest of my life as an adult, and from here on I’m responsible for driving my own success.

Success, however, is not what intimidates me. I have learned more from you than I could at any University. There is a drive like no other in all of us, and I will do everything I can to use it to make you proud. Through your endless dedication and hard work, while balancing kindness and compassion, I am inspired every day. With role models as parents and a younger sister who still finds ways to teach me life lessons, I could not be more honored to pursue my dreams with my family backing me from home.

While enrolling in classes through consecutive semesters rather than taking longer breaks leaves so little time for the adventures we could have, I believe watching us all succeed (even from a distance) is more exciting than any excursion I could ever ask for.

Moving out is the first step towards the rest of my life, and as scary as that sounds, I feel prepared.

Seven hours away in an apartment to myself, I still hold the strength and encouragement that drove me to be where I am today. Although you’re not here, I feel every ounce of love and support barreling right through that front door.

I will always carry our home with me everywhere I go.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Love,

Your Grown-Up Little Girl