Over the course of my high school years, I always appreciated my parents, but I never actually sat down and realized how great they are and how much they have positively impacted my life. I would like to think that I am an intelligent, empowered and intrinsically motivated young woman all on my own, but I know that isn't true. Everything that they have taught and done for me has brought me to be who I am now.

I have met too many people who don't seem to appreciate and value their parents as much as they should. Yes there are crappy parents and family situations, but that is not what I am referencing. I have fellow peers who were raised in a good home, with a lot of love and affection, who clearly don't understand all their parents have done for them, and will continue to do for them.

I find myself saying over and over again how my parents owe me nothing, and I owe them the world and then some. They literally gave me the life I am living now, so I am never in any position to expect really anything more than that. Besides food, shelter, clothes, nurture and basic American society necessities, I am responsible for making my way in the world.

I grew up in an environment where every single one of my classmates got a brand new or slightly used car for their 16th birthday party. I begged and begged for a car, but I never got one. In all honesty, I was offended. How come everyone else was getting a car and not me? So unfair, right? Wrong. It took me until getting to college and finishing high school to realize I didn't need a car and for my parents to drop $10,000 or more on a 16 year old is ludicrous.

In addition to that, I meet more and more kids who see their parents as their personal servants. Instead of doing something themselves or paying their own way, they immediately look to their parents. I'm not saying I'm perfect and pay for everything in my life, but I greatly appreciate all my parents do pay for.

The attitude that someone's parents "owe" them Netflix or a new dress or phone, is a toxic one. A belief system like that can lead to personal relationships built on what you can get out of it and not actually the worth of another person. It is important to build a life for oneself and make financial and career decisions on one's own. Basically, growing up and not depending on one's parents for literally everything needs to be done.

I realize the some don't understand that their lack of appreciation for their parents is there, but it just disappoints me. My parents are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met, and they would do just about anything for me. I know that for a fact. I only wish that everyone could see their parents in the same light.

So now, if you're reading this and haven't thanked your parents lately for all they've done, take them out for a nice dinner, and maybe you pay the bill.