To my family,

First of all, thank you. For everything. The past seventeen years of my life have revolved around school, and around being involved in sports and keeping my grades up. From elementary school, to middle school, to high school, and now college; you've always all said that "it was all me," and that you were always so proud of me. But honestly, I couldn't have done any of this without each and every one of you.

You see, growing up, I could always rely on you to be my backbone. No matter how stressed or anxious I became with school, tests, grades and friends, I could always count on you. Without you, I would never have had the best study partners in the world, or the best company during those all nighters typing up last minute papers. You were always there to keep me going, you motivated me to be a better student-- and a better me.

Looking back as a soon-to-be college graduate, and reflecting on my school career entirely, I really couldn't have done it without you all. Whether it was figuring out who was bringing me from school to dance class, who would be my field trip chaperone, or even who was helping me with my science fair posters every year. No matter what, I could always count on one of you to be there, and to help me with whatever I needed.

As I got older, and the expectations and assignments became more challenging and time investing, you were there for me even more. Even doing something as simple as stopping at the store on your way home to buy me a poster-- I might not have said it then, but I was so grateful for that, so thank you. You all always put my schoolwork and sanity before everything else, and whatever I needed to succeed, you made sure I have.

I couldn't have done any of this without you.

As I get ready to graduate college in a couple months, I find myself reflecting on the last seventeen years I've spent in school that much more. Especially being in an elementary school everyday while finishing up student teaching. I see all these families and parents, some who are there for their students, while others could really care less about how their students do... and it makes me realize just how lucky I had it. And how lucky I always will have it. How lucky I was to have a family who was always there to support me, and be there for me to help me succeed.

I guess you could say I've never really realized how blessed I am to have been given you guys as my family, but I really wouldn't want it any other way.

Without you guys, I wouldn't be the dedicated, hardworking, soon to be college graduate that I am today, and I wouldn't have the confidence I have as I walk into the "real world," without the love, encouragement, support, and dedication you all showed me day in and day out.

Just please know, that I am really so grateful for everything you've ever done for me to help me get to where I am today. I couldn't have done it without you.

I really could never thank you guys enough for everything you do, but I hope this comes somewhere close. I just hope I continue to make you proud.

Love,

Your soon-to-be college graduate