My entire life I have constantly felt like I was being constrained by your advice, criticism, and rules, but as I prepare myself to move to college almost 10 hours away in just 13 short days I am beginning to realize just how thankful I am for all the things you have taught me. I'm not talking about teaching me how to use a spoon or how to wipe my own bottom--though those lessons are most definitely appreciated-- I'm talking about things that you may not have even realized you were teaching me.

1. How to stand up for myself

It is no surprise that being the youngest sibling has taught me how to protect myself, even if that does mean antagonizing you just so I can tell mom.

2. How to Challenge beliefs

Though you most certainly never let me overstep, you encouraged me to express my po

int of views, especially when it was on a subject that I felt passionately about.

3. How to know when to stop

I probably owe this one to my cousins more than anything. Like the rest of the family you supported my individuality but you were also always the first ones to make sure I knew when I was out of line or when I needed a reality check.

4. Accountability

It really felt like you had eyes in the backs of your heads because it felt like I never got away with anything, but it made the times that I did get away with stuff that much sweeter.

5.Hope

Through every struggle you showed me that nothing can compare to the firm resolve of a determined soul.

6. Financial Management

Whether it be through your own failures or successes I have learned the best and the worst ways to spend and invest money by watching your daily routines

7.Priorities

I have learned that sometimes you need to do what makes you happy even if that isn't the best or most responsible choice.

8.Follow your dreams

Watching you go back to school for something you have always been passionate about has showed me that it is never to late to follow your dreams.

9. You are never better than anyone

You may be in a better position than someone but you will never be better than someone and the minute you think you are is the minute you need to rethink your path in life. We are all running in the race of life and some of us have been given better circumstances than others, but underestimating someone is the fastest way to lose.

10. Family will always be there

No matter how many times you push them away or how many times you fail they will always be there to pick you back up in your times of need.