I could say this journey has been easy and full of rainbows and butterflies, but it hasn't. From the time I was a little girl, you began preparing me for the rest of my life. You always wanted to see me be successful. Whether I decided to go to technical school, college, or no school at all, you made it very clear that you would be behind me every step of the way, and I thank you for that. Now that move-in day is approaching, the harsh reality that I will be living in a different town with different people is setting in. So, with all that being said, Mom, Dad, this one is for you.

You've showered me with support always. Whether it was with the band, Key Club, or any other club I was apart of, you were there at every rally, every concert, and every meeting. It is going to be different now that the concerts will be 3 hours away, but I know you will be there. Having you in the stands during football games and there on Bid Day will mean the world to me. Just because my high school experience stops, doesn't mean your support will.

You taught me to be independent. Although I may act spoiled at times, you have truly taught me how to depend on myself instead of others. As I grew up, you gave me more and more freedom to be myself and do things for myself. This helped me develop an independence that will help me out while I am learning to live on my own. I know I may have tried to be a little too independent at times, going against your word on occasion and missing curfew, but you remained patient and eager to let me make my own mistakes and learn from them.

You were there in the good times and the bad. Now that I'm going to be a little farther away, I am going to have to learn how to deal with problems on my own. I cannot come into your room and complain about a teacher or a problem with a boyfriend. I know you are only a phone call away, but it will be different. With that being said, thank you for being there for me throughout my journey here at home. I know it was not always easy to see me cry over silly relationships or a failed math test, but you dealt with me with ease.

You never gave up on me. Through the countless college changes and trying to find a major that fits me, you were always there to tell me that everything was going to work out. I never worried for long because you made it very clear that if it is meant to be it will be. I am forever grateful for that. Sometimes I was difficult and tried to figure things out all by myself, but you were always there to pick me up when I had fallen.

So, to my parents, as I go off to college- I love you. Thank you for teaching me life lessons that I will never forget. I will miss you more than you know, but I know you will be there to support me any chance you get.