Here at University of Portland, the beginning of midterm week has been a whirlwind. As a returning student, I’m proud to say that I fared it much better than I did my first year in college. I’ve grown in ways that I never thought possible in these short couple of years, and I absolutely love my campus and the city around it. My family knows this very well, and as I begin a much worked-for break, I’d like to thank one influential family member in particular for giving me this opportunity in the first place.

Thanks Mom, for taking me to my first college campus before I knew what a college admission was. The huge buildings and college atmosphere sparked a flame within me that has yet to burn out. I walk through UP always grateful for the hard work we’ve put in to get me here. The trees are beautiful, the buildings majestic, grounds are always kept, and the Bluff is stunning. Every time I go to clear my thoughts and overlook the Willamette, I’m in awe of the fact that I live so close to said river. It’s a view that reassures me that I am where I was meant to be.

You helped show me that anything is possible if you have the passion for it and are willing to work hard. Who knew I’d get accepted to a private catholic school 15 hours away from home? My volunteering/extra-curricular filled schedule that everyone had to be flexible around sure paid off. Sure I didn’t attend as many dinners, parties, or “fun” things as I would’ve liked, but that time studying and building leadership experience with my many groups has allowed me to flourish now. Being forced to time manage at an earlier age has let me attend already 3 field trips and NOT feel stressed out for time lost, and the semester isn’t even over yet! And yes, I am still doing well in classes too.

Thanks for making it to as many of my elementary school awards ceremonies as possible (and reflections awards ceremonies, open houses, science fairs, and so on). Now there’s even more ways to share my scholarly, artistic, or social accomplishments! Thanks for pushing me to make friends when I was younger, when I was alone in the fields making flower crowns instead. I’ve met many awesome people, some of who I have the honor of calling my friends.

Thanks for taking me out to as many trips as we could fit in our crazy schedules. My adventuresome spirit has taken me from many a downtown trip to camping by the beach. And just about everything in between, and I’m nowhere near slowing down.

I’m glad that my college experience has been positive, and that I’ve been able to share those memories through social media and such. We’re in a time where keeping in touch is both the most convenient and most overwhelming at the same time, so thanks for bearing through that. I promise I’m doing my best, pursuing my dreams, reaching new goals, and everything else you taught me to do since you first let go of my hand at the YMCA to let me join preschool.