As I pack up the last of my bags and get ready to leave for college, I can't help but feel the need to say thank you.

Thank you for everything you've given me, thank you for always supporting me and thank you for teaching me everything that I know.

Although I'm nervous, I think we can all admit that we knew that, at some point, I was going to go off on my own and go to big-girl school. From the start, I've always fought fiercely for my independence, and you guys have never tried to hold me back from that.

I know it may not seem like it sometimes, but I really do appreciate everything you've done for me and all of the sacrifices you make for me every day. It's not easy being the parent of a teenage girl who can't seem to exist at a volume less than deafening, but we make it work.

If I'm being honest, I never really thought this day would come. Don't worry. I'll see you soon.

I know it's scary for all of us, and it'll be weird at first, but soon the grief is going to pass. Then we will all be counting down the days until I come home for the next break.

I'm excited, and I hope you guys are too.

As the running joke in the family goes, I always need at least three to five business days to process any sort of big change that's happening in the household, even if it's only a temporary one. But, if I'm being honest, I don't think that any amount of time could truly prepare any of us for this.

I know you're worried, but I promise that I'll be fine. Since we visited campus for the first time, when I was just a junior in high school, I've been anticipating this day — while I'm sure you've been dreading it. But think of this as a fresh start for the rest of our lives.

Seeing each other is just going to be that much better now that I'm not in your hair all the time.

If I'm being honest, I'm psyched. I still love you, but I honestly can't wait to see what my future has in store. I know I have a lot of potential, and I know that no matter what I do or where I go, you guys are going to be cheering me on.

You guys have never wanted me to follow the crowd. I learned my independence from both of you. I know that we will get through the initial shock, and things will end up being that much better.

To my parents as I become a freshman in college, thank you. I love you, and I can't wait to see you guys.