It’s that time of year when all college seniors are starting to reflect on their last four years and everything and everyone who has helped them get this far in their life. A lot of people even go out of their way to paint “Thanks, Mom and Dad” on their graduation cap, but I think they deserve a little more than just that.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving me the world. You have always been there through everything. And I mean, everything.

You have spoiled me to pieces and made me feel like the most important daughter in the world. You have put up with my nonsense and my mistakes but have always forgiven me, no questions asked. You’ve let me call you in the middle of the night when I just needed someone reliable to talk to. You’ve put a few extra dollars in my bank account when I have been running low because of my lack of financial skills (more than a few times). You've made me feel like home wasn’t so far away while I was at school and so much more. You remind me when I'm wrong and when I should take a step back. Thank you.

Words can’t express how grateful I am for you providing for me for more than 22 years of my life. You have worked so hard and so long to give me everything I could have ever needed and so much more. When I think about the kind of parent I want to be someday, there is no doubt in my mind that you two are the perfect example of that. I hope I am able to provide my children with the same amount of love and care you have given me my entire life. Thank you.

You are my role models, through and through. You have given me the opportunity to study something I love with all my heart. You have never once doubted my ability to pursue my dreams for a second. When I called you, questioning why I chose my major or complained about if I was actually going to be able to make it through this, you were right there telling me I could do anything I put my mind and heart to. You had no doubt in your mind I was going to do great things. You have always been my biggest fans and have never not believed in me. You have always taught me to be true to myself and to never change for anyone. You taught me to be strong, even in my weakest moments because that's when it counts the most. Thank you.

I don’t know how you do it, to be honest. Your faith in me, and all of your children, is unfailing. You taught me to put my faith in God and to always have faith in myself. I am forever grateful for that and the never ending lessons I know will continue to come from you for years to come. Thank you.

Because of you, I get to graduate with a degree that will help me pursue my dreams and walk across that stage, knowing I have no debt or student loans that are going to follow me. This is a gift I don’t know if I will ever be able to repay you for. But I can say to you that I love you with all of my heart, and I am so proud to be your daughter and beyond proud to have you two as my parents.

So, thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving me the world and so much more.