An open letter to my college parents. The parental dynamic exists already in Greek life with Bigs and Littles, Moms and Dots. It exists for many college students and it is something I know I couldn't live without, so here's to all the college parents out there.

Dear college Mom and Dad,

Thank you for everything you do. I walked into college brave and independent and man, did it crush me. That's when you filled those shoes of being the world's best college parents: best friend duo plus the mom/dad figure as well. It is fantastic to have the same people that you take on the town with be the ones who also let you cry and go to the store just to get ice cream and bread. I would be lost without you. Actually, you know how fiercely independent I am, but also how lazy I am, so you know I would make it work, but how much I appreciate you in my life. Being able to call up Dad for a ride to class when it is too hot or too cold. Begging Mom for cookies. Having best friends who are there to help with everything and who don't need a whole lot of explaining about a situation because they are there and know exactly what happened. Having the people who give life advice and have that little advantage of being able to say that in one to two years, this won't matter. So, stop worrying about it and everything will be ok. I hope I am a fantastic test child, and love that through our best friend-ness that you can also fill those mom and dad shoes when I need that in my life. It is a special thing to have and I wouldn't trade my college parents for anyone else. Thank you for loving me as my quirky self, for telling me when I'm overthinking something, and for constantly telling me that I can go out there and take on the world.

Love,
Your college child