They say it takes a village to raise a child. I truly believe my parents could’ve done it completely on their own, but they've been lucky enough to have quite the village to raise my brother and I. We never truly realize how many people have influenced our lives, and our growth into the people we are. I’ve been blessed enough to have a village that has continuously grown bigger and bigger as I’ve gotten older, and I’ve never had the opportunity to thank the people who have truly made me, me.

To my village,

Some of you have been in my life since the day I was born, some of you came into my life in the past year or so, but you’ve all been incredible influences on my life. For the ones who were with me from the start, thank you for being a part of the amazing childhood I was blessed with, and leading me to the ones who recently embarked on this journey with me. This is dedicated to all of you, the ones who’ve come and stayed, and even those who were only temporary; because I wouldn’t be me without each and every one of you.

To my teachers: from kindergarten to my professors now, every one of you has taught me a valuable lesson in the classroom and in life. Thank you for teaching me more than the contents of a textbook. Thank you for shaping me into the person I am today. Thank you for showing me that I’m much more capable than I think, and for pushing me to do my best. Thank you for directing me to the path I’m on, and for never giving up on me, no matter how many times I gave up on myself.

To my high school classmates and community: thank you for accepting me for who I am, and for inviting me into the incredible community with open arms. Thank you for showing me friendship and loyalty, and for giving me four years of love and support. Thank you for supporting my teams in the good and the bad, and for always being the greatest fan base in the world. My time spent with and around you gave me immense pride to call myself one of you. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me as I’ve gone on to the next chapter of my life.

To my first college roommates: thank you for showing me what true friendship really is. Thank you for being open, and willing to share your lives with me. Thank you for being my first friends and for continuing to grow with me as our college years are winding down. Most importantly, thank you for being the family that I so desperately needed as I left home. I can’t imagine having spent that awkward first year with anyone else, and I’m so glad I can still call you my family two years later.

To my closest friends: thank you for being there when no one else is. Thank you for loving me at my worst and at my best. Thank you for telling me what I need to be told, even when I don’t want to hear it. You’re the people who keep me sane, and who keep me grounded, and the ones who I trust the most. Thank you for being my people, and for letting me be yours.

To my family: thank you for being you. Thank you for being my greatest support system, and my biggest fans. Thank you for being at every school play, field trip, and fundraising meeting. Thank you for being at every game, match, and practice. Thank you for not going easy on me, but letting me cry it out if I needed to. Thank you for being behind me no matter the circumstances. Thank you for giving me a place to call home no matter where life takes me.

Without even one of you crossing my path, my life could be totally different. I’ve been affected by all of you in one way or another, some good, some bad, but you’ve all been a part of my journey. Without the support and guidance of my village, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. I owe everything to the people who have believed in me from the start and I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am for each and every one of you. So, to my village, thank you for being along for the ride, I hope you continue to stay for the rest of the journey.