This past year, the phrase, “Mom and Dad are always right” took on a whole new meaning to me. Of course, throughout my childhood, Mom and Dad taught me right from wrong, proper manners, and good behavior. But as I soon got into my teenage years and started high school, some of mom and dad’s rules and lectures seemed so... like... lame, ya know? Or so I thought. Graduation came soon and before I knew it, I was spending my first night in my dorm and starting big-girl classes the next day. And then soon came the moment that I was swamped with schoolwork, my bank account was crying tears of its own, and my laundry pile looked more and more like Mount Everest every day. Soon after that came the moment that I though to myself, “Wow, if I just cleaned a little each day like Dad said, then the dorm wouldn’t look like this,” or “Gee, if I would have just used my banks own ATM, there wouldn't be a few of those little $3.00 charges to my account, like Mom said.” As these thoughts became more prominent, I began to come to the realization that no, I didn’t know it all in high school like I thought, and yes, Mom and Dad are always right. Though I always knew that my parents had my best interest in mind with everything they taught me, I began to get a better understanding on the things I had always heard from them growing up and I began to get a better picture on why they thought it was so important to teach me those certain things.

My parents always taught me to try. Throughout school, my parents pushed me to be the best that I could at whatever I did, but most importantly to try my best. Though sometimes it seemed unnecessary to always be told to put myself out there and try hard to accomplish a new task, I am so thankful for this now. Trying new things and trying hard to pursue my goals during my grade school years has given me the courage and confidence to branch out and be who I am today. Without someone to push my to try hard, I would never know what I am now capable of. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

My parents always taught me to think. It can be hard having to make so many decisions about your future during your college years when the only thing you’re positive about in life is what Netflix show you’re going to watch next. And I never really knew why my parents wouldn’t let me stay out on a school until whenever I wanted, until I got to college and realized it’s because you actually can’t stay out all night and make it to your 8 A.M. test. But my parents always taught me to think everything through and even though you aren’t going to know the outcome of every situation, all you can do is be logical and hope for the best. They taught me to be rational and considerate when making decisions, and to always think responsibly. That sure came in handy for my next 8 A.M. test. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

My parents always taught me to be ambitious. Whether it were sports, school, or just life in general, my parents always told my sisters and me that if you want something, work hard and get it your self. They taught me that things in life weren’t just going to be handed to me on a silver platter, and that most things weren’t going to come easy. However, if you work hard and have determination and strength, what you want can be achieved. My parents also weren’t big on pity parties, which I am thankful for now because college professors aren’t big on them, either. The minor setbacks in life are hard, but because my parents always taught me to fight for what I want, I feel prepared to take on college and my own life. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

My parents always taught me to love the simple things. This is perhaps one of my favorite things about my parents, their love and appreciation for the simplest things life has to offer. I was always taught that you could be just as happy with a jon boat and few friends as you can with a huge yacht and a boat full of people, depending on how you look at things. This has helped me out so much this past year when I felt so overwhelmed and caught up in life at the moment and worked as a small reminder that life is precious thing, and it’s not about having the most expensive clothes or the newest car. You can find happiness by enjoying life’s little blessings one by one. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

I thank God every day and night for my parents and what they have taught me. Though I am not perfect and I am still learning every day, I find strength in the lessons and values they have instilled in me and hope I can one day pass those on to my children as well. Not living with my parents anymore has made me realize even more how much they love me and want the best for me, and how everything they tried to teach me was for reasons that I am now understanding. So thank you, Mom and Dad, and yes, (most of the time) y’all are always right!