From changing my diapers as a baby to watching me walk my first steps and take bigger ones into high school and eventually into college, my parents have been by my side every step of the way. They were at every parent-teacher conference, every swim meet, every play and musical I was involved in; they cheered me on as I walked the steps across the stage at graduation and waved goodbye outside of the steps of a university as they let their little girl go off into a bigger world than she had ever been a part of. They listen to late night Facetime calls as I complain about college food and stress about my classes, my major, and struggle to make decisions regarding my future. They witnessed the smiles, the tears, the stress, and the doubt that I have experienced through every stage of my life. They have believed in me during times where I doubted myself the most, and they always trust that I will make the right decision, even when I lose faith in myself. I cannot express how lucky I am to have parents who are also my best friends and the best support system I could have ever asked for.

I know that I cannot simply thank my parents for everything they have done. They have given me everything; they have taught me the value of love, family, and respect, and sacrificed so many things for myself and my siblings' happiness, and a simple thank you cannot express how fortunate I am for that. They always tell me that I will be successful no matter what I choose to do because they are confident that I will make the right decision, and they will be right next to me supporting that decision. They always tell me how proud they are of me and my accomplishments and of my determination to always be better, but I believe that my determination to overcome life's obstacles and pursue my goals comes from them. They are and always will be my biggest role models; their kindness, hard work, and determination are radiant and I only aspire to be half the people they are in the future.

Mom, Dad, I'm sorry I don't always do the dishes or empty my suitcase when I come home from college. I'm sorry I'm so indecisive and question just about everything on a daily basis. But I am so grateful for everything you have done for me and the support you always have given me and will continue to give me. And even though I may not always show it, I am beyond grateful to know that I will always have two very special people by my side to celebrate my success with, push past failure, and support me through everything that life throws my way.