Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go to college. You told me I could do anything, and you’re helping me make that happen. I appreciate you always helping me and pushing me towards growth and success.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue higher education. You raised me in a land where I am blessed with an education, and you are allowing me to further that even more. Because of you, I’m able to go out into the world and feel confident and able in my ability to contribute to our society. In many places around the world, I would have little to no education, but you wanted the best for me, and I couldn’t ask for anything better.

Thank you for letting me reach outside of my comfort zone. Thank you for giving me this chance in my life to try new things, to explore, grow and discover who I am as a person. I know I make mistakes and I know I am nowhere close to perfect, but you forgive me, and let me keep trying.

Thank you for still being there. I know I am not home for almost the entire year. I know when I come home I spend a lot of time with my friends. With all that being said, you still pursue friendship with me. You still give me money when my bank account has 52 cents left and my school year has two months. You still scratch my back when I don’t feel well. You still are, and forever will be, my mom and dad.

Thank you for letting me go to college out of state. You allowed me to challenge myself and grow more independently. You miss me when I’m gone, and I often forget to text you, but you still let me live on the other side of the country for a majority of the year. You come to visit me when I’m away and remind me how lucky I truly am.

Growing up was never easy, but I’m so lucky to be raised by such wonderful people.

Thank you for letting me have opportunity, and thank you for letting me still be your baby at the end of the day.

Thank you.

With love,

Steph