Dear Mom and Dad,

I know you probably don't hear this enough, but thank you. Thank you for everything you do for me, and I'm sorry I don't seem appreciative, but I really am. The older I get, the more I realize how much you guys did for me. I am now aware of the things I took for granted, and I want to take the time to thank you for everything because you raised a pretty cool daughter.

First off, thank you for pushing me to be the best I could be. At the time, I just thought you were being too hard on me, but I know, now, it made me a better person. Whether it was in sports, school or just life in general, you never let me be OK with being average. You pushed me to be the best version of myself and wouldn't let me settle for anything less. I now carry that mentality with me in college and that only motivates me even more.

Thank you for teaching me the value of a dollar. At first, I thought is was annoying when you made me get a job in high school or made me pay for my own clothes every now and then, but now I know why. Nothing feels more satisfying then earning my own money and not having to rely on you guys. Now, I pay for almost everything myself and couldn't be more proud. Will I occasionally ask for money? Yes. You guys are always more than willing to help however you can, which I am so lucky for.

Dad, thank you for showing me how a man should treat women, and I can only hope I find a guy who is half as awesome as you one day. I don't think I have ever met anyone who works as hard as you do and still comes home and makes me laugh non-stop. Thank you for being the one person I can always watch sports with. You know I would never miss a Giants game when I'm home. Thank you for also being there whenever I'm craving a good steak or burger because I know you'll be more than happy to make it for me. Lastly, thank you for putting up with my music because I know you can't stand it, but you let me listen to the Biebs anyways.

Mom, thank you for being the best role model anyone could ask for. Even after all these years, I still want to grow up to be just like you. You're one of the strongest people I know, and I admire that more than you'll ever know. Thank you for giving me confidence and reminding me to always have a positive outlook on life. Thank you for teaching me to love my body and that I am perfect just the way I am. Thank you for not sugar coating anything and teaching me how to deal with consecutive criticism. You were always there for me, especially when I needed it most and still continue to be there. I know I can always come to you for any DIY ideas or anything at all.

Thank you both for being amazing and raising two awesome kids, which is not easy to do. I know we might not always see eye to eye, but in the end, it always works itself out. I promise to say "thank you" more often, and remember, I love you both. Keep doing you.