I know I am lucky. I still have all of my grandparents in my life, and they all live within 10 miles away from me when I am home. I don't get to see them as much as I like, but every time I do, I never want to leave. God has given me four amazing grandparents who always made sure I ate well, who cheered me on as I chased my goals, and who genuinely want to know what is going on with my life as I continue to grow. As I pack and prepare for school, I can't help but think of family and home, especially my grandparents who have always been a constant in my life that I can look to.

Life seems to go by so quickly - it seems in a blink of an eye we are children running around with no responsibilities, then, all of a sudden, we are adults running around with all sorts of actual duties.

Some of my favorite memories growing up were going over to my grandparents', despite being a little kid that didn't want to leave my house and mom. They always had games for me to play with, the best homes for sleepovers with my cousins, and they never let me go unfed. Every moment with my grandparents is a grand adventure - they would always let me tag along to events or take me and my cousins on mini vacations.

Whenever I think of my grandmas, I think about food. It may be strange to tie food with family, but when I think about them, special memories of being in the kitchen or around a kitchen table come to mind. Whether it was rocking a pink floral apron to make brownies with my Grandma Martie, or my Grandma Bethea who would make me hot ham and cheese, no matter the time of day or how long I was visiting, I always look back fondly on these memories. They show their love for their grandchildren and me by making sure our basic needs are met, even if it means eating way more calories then what you should intake in a day. My grandmothers have taught me a love of cooking meals, enjoying good company, and making sure you take care of others. That is the biggest thing that I have learned from my grandmothers throughout my life, that you should be selfless enough to care for others' needs, whether it is through food, game nights, or making most of the time you have. Grandmas help us live with big hearts. You forgive others because they are human, you are compassionate to everyone you meet, and you always make sure to appreciate your loved ones. Being kind is not overrated.

I am proud of tradition, because of growing up on a family farm that has been established for over 100 years and because of my grandfathers. Both of my grandpas have shown me the importance of tradition ever since I was young. I grew up riding in the combine with my Grandpa Ted and Grandpa Arlan. Both sides of my family come from long lines of farming, and because of their passion for agriculture and spending time with their grandchildren, I slowly fell in love with agriculture too. This family tradition helped me follow into another tradition, the FFA.

Ever since I became a part of the organization, both of my grandpas supported me and encouraged me on as I became more involved and more active. They were proud of their granddaughter taking part in a family tradition they were involved in. We shared a love for the organization representing the blue corduroy jacket. As time moves on and new trends come and go, my grandpas have instilled the importance of tradition in our lives. Tradition is our values, beliefs, and our true selves. We can change as people and as a world, but if we don't lose sight of who we are, we can keep going forward in life.

Whenever I think about leaving home, I can't help but reflect on the importance of my grandparents. They have taught me so much, have spent countless hours at my summer league softball games, and have always lent a listening ear to what is going on in my life. Life is too short not to appreciate your grandparents. My grandparents have shaped who I am from my faith to my drive and everything in between. They have been some of the biggest cheerleaders in my life, and I know that no matter where I go in life, my grandparents will cheer me on. I can't help but say "thank you" to my grandparents for all they have done and will do for me.