To all the high school coaches out there who have pushed their players to the limits, thank you. Thank you for teaching your students that we are capable of more than we think we are. We pushed through hundreds, maybe even thousands of hours of practices for the love of the team and the sport. Although many of your players may not realize the impact you have on their lives in the moment, the time will come when they do. For me, that time has come.

To my high school color guard coach, I want to thank you for everything you did for me these past four years.

Thank you for believing in me when I didn't. I came to your color guard shy, awkward and unable to even walk in time. Even as I struggled to get out a pop toss or 45, you saw potential in me. You believed that this awkward little freshman would become a strong spinner. You helped me come out of my shell and feel comfortable performing in front of hundreds of people. I remember the moment I finally started believing in myself.

During the opener of my freshman show, there was one set that I was always late to. Every time we did that segment, I was late. I was front and center, missing the impact every time. I could tell you and the rest of the guard were slowly getting more and more frustrated with me. You said, "Come on, Nouryeh. You can do this." Before the next run of the segment, I took a deep breath and began moving to my spot. My flag finally synchronized with the rest on count one and I believed.

Thank you for pushing me until I thought I would break. Thank you for those exhausting 12-hour practices. I remember being a freshman and thinking it would be impossible to practice for 12 hours, but oh, you proved me wrong! I would come home from those practices exhausted, sore, and more often than not extremely sunburnt. Most of all, I came home proud of what we accomplished that day.

Thank you for making me appreciate water. I never knew water tasted so good until I met you!

Thank you for yelling at us and being blunt. I may have despised it at the moment, but now my skin is thicker than ever.

Thank you for teaching me to always arrive at least 15 minutes early, and that being on time is really being late.

Thank you for teaching me how to juggle schoolwork with other activities.

Thank you for giving me opportunities to shine.

Thank you for sharing your laughter with us.

Thank for the countless times you told us, "One more 'gain." Even though it never was one more 'gain.

Thank you for teaching me to never give up. There were many times where I thought that I couldn't push through, but the moment I heard the announcer say, "Is your guard ready?" I knew all the blood, sweat and tears were worth it.

Thank you for leading our team to victory.

To you and all the coaches out there, thank you for being a teacher, mentor and an inspiration. Most of all, thank you for helping me grow as a person and into a leader. You taught me to strive for perfection in everything I do. I will never forget all that I learned from you.

Your proud spinner,

Tinker Bell