Today is August 18, 2016. For most people, it is just another ordinary day in their life. For me, it is the day that I officially moved into my new home at Erskine College and became a new college student. I feel that it is necessary to write a letter of gratitude to the people who are rooting for me back home and want me to be successful. I wouldn't be where I am today without you guys. Each of you played a key role in my growth along the way. Now, I must take on this new chapter of my life on my own. With that being said, I would like to leave you guys with this.

To My Family,

Thank you for always being my biggest fans on any given day. Even on my darkest days, you guys continued to push me. I'm very grateful that my parents provided me with the tools to be successful. I always had everything I needed. They always put my needs and wants before their own and for that, I owe them the world. When it comes to my little brothers, I hope I was able to pave the way for you guys. I challenge both of you to chase your dreams and make them come true, because it is possible. I hope I can be an example of that for you guys. I love you all and I hope everything goes smoothly back home.

To My Wonderful Girlfriend,

Thank you for coming along and making me better in every aspect. You challenged me to be myself and pushed me to pursue my dreams and goals. When no one else believed in me, you did and for that, I am grateful. You became one of my biggest supporters and motivators. Even when I had my doubts about making it to college, you told me I was going to make it. Somehow, you saw greatness in me that many others failed to see. I hope I can serve as an example for you as well. I know with every ounce of my being that you too can make your dreams come true too. You're going to do big things and I can see that. You can do anything you want in the academic field or on the soccer field if you put your mind to it. Thank you for all that you have done for me and continue to do for me. I love you and I am proud of you.

To My Girlfriend's Family,

Thank you for allowing me to be around as much as you have. I have gotten so close to each of you. I would do anything for any of you guys. You have done things for me that I couldn't have ever imagined. I owe you guys the world. You guys are a blessing to me and I will never take that for granted. You brought me in and treated me like your own. You guys helped me and was always there for me through my adversity.

To My Former Teachers and Coaches,

Thank you for pushing me in the classroom and on the basketball court in order to prepare me for this new chapter. I will use everything I learned from you guys and apply it to my new life. I cherished all of the moments I spent with each and every one of you. The moments when we won close games and the moments when I did well on tests. I promise I won't let your teachings go to waste.

I would not be where I am today without any of you guys.

Sincerely,

Zac