Imagine walking through a long pasture of tall wispy flowers on the back of a big, fluffy panda while being hugged by all your friends simultaneously and having little butterflies land on your arms and kiss your cheeks. It's a weird but comforting picture, and that's what it feels like when you all reached out to me. It is overwhelming, how kind and wonderful you were and still are to me, during a time where family, home, and safety were distant things. I reached out my hand tentatively for somebody to help me. I knew that I was on splintering ground, and my conviction was wavering; influenced by the woman's voice in my head telling me that it was my fault, that I ruined my life, that I was wretched and awful, that I deserved everything that happened because of what I did. And that guilt still clings.

But you guys took that outstretched hand and embraced me. Even for all the trouble I caused you and the burden I presented. Some of you came with words, ones that will stay with me forever. You told me I was strong and I was free, the only two things I have ever wanted to be. You told me to hang in there and to be ready and that I have this and I don't have to be scared anymore. You heard my story and you understood, even though it seemed like I was putting all the blame on someone else. You also gave me your money, something I felt despicable asking for. And with that, you gave me an education! In a way, you gave me life. And some of you actually lent me your home. And continue to do so. You took me in and taught me to fly, taught me to be tough, showed me a better life. Whatever I lost, I gained back tenfold. In the absence of my own, you became my family. And I understand that it's not been easy to take somebody in and I continue to cause trouble for you. I want to get out of your hair as soon as possible and like a wounded fawn, I sometimes fail to stand on my own. I ran out of the giant's lair but I'm still descending down that beanstalk. So, please, bear with me. I still need help.

And even though I recognize and am eternally grateful for your altruistic behavior, I know that it's not just about me. Many of you have gone through what I am going through now, in various ways, and see yourself in me. I am the 18-year old you that ran away from home. I am the you that just lost their parents. I am the you that was adopted. I am the young, frightened you that had to deal with a bi-polar mother. I am the you that had to leave their siblings behind. I am the you that was abused. I am your second chance. I am the one you could save. I am the one that got out of there.

So for all your sake, I'll survive. At this point, I can't repay you with money or gifts, but I understand that the greatest way I can honor you all is to get on my own two feet and win.I swear to make you all proud and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.