As my time as an undergraduate student comes to a close, I have been thinking a lot about how far I have come these past 21 years of life. I have grown up, matured, learned so much about the world, and most importantly, I have discovered who I am and what makes me unique. I have had time in recent weeks to recap and reflect on all of the opportunities I have had over the years and how truly fortunate I am to be healthy, loved, and graduating with a degree from an excellent university with my whole life ahead of me.
As this chapter of my life is coming to a close, it’s hard to refrain from getting a little sappy. There are so many people who have impacted my life in positive ways, whether it be professors, coaches, or close friends, all leaving me with lasting memories and much-appreciated advice. However, the two people that have impacted my life the most (and unfortunately, have probably been thanked the least) are my parents.
Growing up, my parents were just about as involved as they could be. My mom took on any volunteer position possible within the school district as well as in my extracurricular activities. She was involved with the PTA, came on every field trip, was my girl scout leader, and even served as a getaway vehicle for my friends and me during our "TP" missions on multiple occasions. She let me be a free and expressive child, and to this day our fireplace is covered in bright green glitter glue, but she wouldn't have it any other way.
My dad and his business sponsored my basketball and softball teams growing up, and I couldn't have been prouder to rep his company on the back of my jersey. He volunteered his time as an assistant coach for my youth basketball team as well, and while I wasn't the easiest to coach at that age, he put up with me and all of my antics with a smile. Both of my parents never missed a soccer game from age five, when I first started the sport, through college when it became my biggest passion. Their effort to be on the sidelines and their encouraging words after both the wins and the losses is something that I will always appreciate. I was never the kid who got yelled at from the sidelines if I got scored on or made a mistake on the field. There were always uplifting comments like, "Shake it off kid" and "You'll get it next time," which quickly got my head back in the game.
My parents have shaped me into the woman I am today, and I honestly don’t know where I would be without their love and support. They pushed me over the years because they always believed in me and saw my potential even when I didn’t. They challenged me to branch out and try new things, whether it be in my academics or other pursuits. My parents have supported me and encouraged me in every way possible through my successes, my failures, the tough decisions, and everything in between.
My parents deserve more recognition than I could give. They have been my rocks, my cheerleaders, and my best friends and I know that is never going to change no matter how old I get. Thank you, mom and dad, for everything. I love you.
