To everyone that got me here,

First of all, I can't thank all of you for just being there for me whether it was a good day or a bad day. I don't know how else I can express my happiness other than just being overwhelmed with excitement.

But first let me just take a deep breath to just say, wow. The day has finally approached where I can finally say that I'm getting my bachelors degree. Through all of the pain, struggles and sacrifices I have learned way too much to not take the time to appreciate and show love to those that were truly there for me. Because of where I am today, I am glad to say that I am not the same person that I was years ago.

Before I made it to undergrad, there was true meaning behind the saying 'The Struggle Was Real' and boy was it real. There was much struggle that I dealt with in regards to my education. Now when I say that I mean that everything was not always a walk through the rose garden.

I used to be that kid that struggled to believe that she could pass her regents exam. My worries and anxiety got the best of me and that would take over the entire studying process. It would cloud my thoughts with all types of questions and worries as to whether I would pass or not. The thought of failing the exam and going to summer school was something that was always put in the back of my mind because of the type of student I am. I am never the type to skip class unless I truly could not make it or because of family emergencies. But through all of that I attended every single class no matter what. I made sure that I took the best notes that I could, and I stayed after school to make sure that I would not fall behind. I was never a bad student, just distracted.

Like every other teenager I had been distracted by my phone and talking to all of my friends over the internet. Distractions were everywhere and I tried to get myself to believe that I could balance out both things. Turns out at the time I wasn't that type of kid. I needed to sit down and have a long chat with myself and realize a few things. When I realized those things I was starting to notice many things. Not only were my grades improving, but my work ethic was 100%.

I have all of you to thank for the encouragement and love throughout the entire experience. No one said it would be an easy one let alone a short one, but I'm glad to say that I can sit here and have something to say. For the most part, I want to thank you for not being easy on me. I know there were times where I was angry about all of you pushing me as far as you did, but it only motivated me to work even harder and better at what I was doing. I also want to thank you for letting me know that I can do anything that my heart truly desires to do.

All the struggles, the nights I spent crying over not going to a concert because I had an exam to study for all paid off. All because you showed and encouraged me to be the best that I can be! So thank you for everything. It truly means a lot to me. As the band Real Friends said 'I'm Moving Forward Just Like That Train." To everyone that got me here...it's only getting better.

Sincerely

-Me