Dear those who have gotten me to where I am,

There are too many people to thank individually, but, with the impending start of the new year, acknowledging the people who have changed me throughout the year, who inspired me, and who loved me seems the best way to end 2016. Some people have done more than others and the gratitude I have for them is more than I can say, but here is where I'll try.

1.To My Parents- You've always been there for me, cheering me on and loving me, even when I'm difficult. And I am difficult more often than not. Yet, you stay beside me. You listen and encourage me and incite a fire in me when the fire has become just embers. I rant and ramble and mumble all of my stories and ideas. You pay attention to me as if I am one of the most important things to you and maybe I am. You work hard for everything and I hope to be like you in every regard. Thank you for all of it.

2. To My Friends (Old and New)- Your love and patience and kindness are some of the greatest things I have experienced this year. Thank you for the hugs and the “I love you”s. I love the time spent with each and every one of you. For my new friends, you easily became family to me in the short time we've known each other and I am so happy I met you.

3. To My Teachers and Professors- You kindle a spirit of knowledge and workmanship in me that no other person can. You guide me in the right direction and you aren't only my teacher, you are my friend. Your encouragements to be the best I can be makes me the student and person I am. Thank you for the knowledge and the friendship and everything in-between.

4. To My Brother- You are ridiculous and, frankly, you get on my nerves most of the time. But you are there for me. You are my confidant and my absolute best friend. I know you'll always be there for me and will probably be the one supporting me when I'm a starving writer. Ha ha. Thank you for being my biggest supporter and the best brother anyone could be.