The other day, I happened to stop and watch a video I spotted on my social media timeline. It told the story of a woman whose child was almost kidnapped from a park, if not for a stranger that stopped to help. The stranger ended up saving the child's life, and though it was a difficult and graphic story to watch, it revealed a positive message at the end.

After watching, I started scrolling though the comments below. One woman commented "this just shows that it takes a village to raise a child, not just individuals or sets of parents," referring to the fact that the girl was saved by a concerned stranger. Later that day, after watching the video, I proceeded to say my goodbyes to close family and friends because of my move to Texas from Michigan for college.

Both instances really made me think about how, though I thankfully wasn't ever kidnapped, I really think it did "take a village" to raise me, meaning that I had so many experiences with others besides my parents that were so impactful that they have truly made me who I am at the age of 18.

My parents have obviously made the biggest impact on who I am, especially because they have lived out each and every day with me for literally my entire life, and know me better than anyone. But still, there have been so many adults and others who have mentored and shaped me.

Thank you to those who have shaped me spiritually. You have really shown me how God puts particular people in our lives that we need the most to help us grow at different instances.

Thank you to those who have helped me open up. You have made me so much more outgoing and helped me to trust in my positive relationships and who I am as a person.

Thank you to those who have pushed me to be better. Competitiveness can be healthy and pushed me to try my best and work harder and harder each day.

Thank you to those who have listened to me. I think it's essential for people to listen and communicate with each other, and to know that others care about what they think, say, and believe.

Thank you to those who gave me new interests. You've lit my flame and sparked the passions I never thought I had. I wouldn't be me without you.

Thank you to those who took care of me and supported me. Parents can't be there for you in every moment in every situation, and there have been so many sweet and generous people in my life who have poured their time and energy into me.

To the "village" who raised me, thank you.