This article is the first installment of my on and off, open letter series titled, "You Helped Me Become Me." These articles, meant for someone individuals, groups, or pairs, are to thank the different people in my life who have helped me become the person that I am today.

To my parents:

Ever since I was a born, you two have always referred to me as your "baby boy Anderson." In fact, it was even my temporary name while you were planning on what you were originally going to name me (even though dad had no problem with "Baby Boy Anderson" being my official name.)

As the years went on, you have shown me so many things that have helped me become the fairly independent young man that I am today. And, to the both of you, I have nothing but thanks to give. Although, there are some individual traits that I would like to thank each of you for giving me.

For my mother, I would like to thank you for teaching me to be open with my feelings. I remember hearing you say one day, "sometimes I don't need a response. Sometimes I just want someone to listen." Since I heard this statement from you, I have lived by it. Not just for myself, but for others as well. I try to keep myself from just blurting out responses to someone confiding in me because sometimes a person just needs to get something off their chest without hearing any feedback because that is how they feel.

You also taught me that putting yourself first can be hard, but definitely needed sometimes. You showed me that when needed, you need to do what is best for you even though you know it will hurt someone for a period of time, even if that person is yourself. I have found this important, because you cannot allow yourself the time and opportunity to grow if you do not give yourself your own time.

To my father, I would like to thank you for teaching me to strengthen family bonds. You always told me that no matter how much we argued, that my siblings and I will always wish to be in each other's lives. When I was younger, I never really believed you, because after an argument with one of them, I was upset and annoyed, but as I've gotten older, I know that I would never want to not be a part of either of their lives.

I also want to thank you for teaching me that time management does actually exist. I know that goes without saying, but I have found myself lost in where I am going and what I am doing countless times. You've given me guidance in knowing whether or not I am spreading myself too thin between school, work, and other activities that I am a part of.

Lastly, I want to thank the both of you for never not supporting me, even though you call me your Mr. Independent. I will never not need your advice and wisdom, even though I am beyond stubborn with you from time to time. But nonetheless, I love you two and want to thank you for instilling these couple of things into my personality.