Family means that you always have people who stick by your side no matter what happens. I am lucky enough to be part of an incredible family that has been there for everything, from my awkward “tween” stage to my college “where is my life going” freakouts. They are so amazing, and nothing I have accomplished would be possible without my mother and father’s unconditional love.

I’m sure most people think they have the best parents, but mine are as great as they get. My dad is always there to crack the typical “dad” jokes, and my mom is always ready to talk about "The Bachelor" and "Grey’s Anatomy." They are my people, and I am so fortunate that I get to call them mom and dad.

I’ve gone through many rough patches in my life, and they have never failed to be there for me. Parenting is a trial and error concept, and when I look back on my life and see where I am now, they have clearly done such an amazing job being my parents. We always talk about what our life would be like if we lived in a different town and how different our lives would be.

But I am so happy we live in Lake Forest and have the life we have. Without that, I would not be the person I am and would potentially have a different relationship with them. I love both my life and my parents, so I would not have wanted anything else.

My parents have always encouraged me to explore new experiences and to live my life to the fullest. They have provided me with everything I need to succeed, and I am the luckiest girl in the world for that. Whether it is granting me the opportunity to go abroad, supporting me in wanting to go to college at Miami University or going into the city to see Hamilton, they always exceed my expectations on how great they are.

No matter what trouble I get into or if I am simply having a bad day, they are always by my side through the good and the bad. I know I can call them at 2 a.m. with a problem or FaceTime them multiple times throughout one day and they will always be there to talk and work things through. They are true friends.

I am so excited to be home for the summer, cuddle up on the couch and watch "Shark Tank" with them for hours before the long conversation of “what to have for dinner” occurs. They are the best people I know, and I can’t wait to be back together again. So thank you, mom and dad, for all you have given me. I can truthfully say that I would not be the person I am today without you. I would not have had the experiences I have been lucky enough to have without you, and I can’t imagine our family being any other way. You’re both simply the best.