Dad,

It’s been a good 20 years being your daughter. We’ve had our ups and downs as a family. Throughout these years, I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

You taught me to work hard.

Dad, we all know you grew up "runnin’ the mean streets of Jersey City." You didn’t have the best childhood. You struggled to get by sometimes. You’ve dealt with adversity and the pain of not always having someone around that you could truly call “Dad.” Instead of following in those footsteps, you worked really hard to make sure my brother and I had everything we could ever want. You weren’t only there to provide us with material things. You gave us advice, love, support, encouragement, and motivation to be the best people we could be. And you worked hard to give us what you didn’t get as a child and I’m forever grateful for that.

You’ve taught me skills every college student should know.

There were days you’d come home disgruntled because the chores you asked my brother and I to do while we were home all day weren’t done. Back then, I was very lazy and didn’t want to waste my time doing them. Does the floor really need to be vacuumed? Why do the dishes need to be done now? However, now, I really appreciate a clean room. I make my bed every morning at college, Dad. I clean a lot and have respect for my stuff in my room. Better yet, I know how to run a dishwasher. I know how to wash my own clothes. Coming to college wasn’t such a culture shock. I was well-prepared to handle certain situations on my own because of the values you had.

You’ve taught me to be honest.

Since I was little, you’ve had a saying I’ve heard one too many times. “I won’t be mad if you just tell the truth.” By saying this, you created an environment where I didn’t feel the need to lie to you. I never felt like I couldn’t tell you something. I’m not going to say I’ve never prolonged telling you something, but I didn’t do it because I felt like I couldn’t. Now, I know to always tell the truth because lying gets you nowhere. In fact, it just makes more of a mess.

You’ve taught me to be calm.

I’ve done some stupid stuff, Dad. I think we can agree on that. I’ve lied, I’ve said mean things, and I’ve been very irresponsible at times. Whenever I mess up and tell you, you always remain calm. While you may be frustrated and upset, you stay calm and help me the best you can through any situation. I remember times where yelling curse words and jumping to extreme ways of handling the situation, in my eyes, seemed appropriate. I almost expected it. And yet, you stayed level-headed and calm. You’ve taught me to relax and think before acting. I know that if I mess up, I can’t turn back time and fix it. So instead of blowing up, remaining calm and rational is the best thing to do.

You’ve taught me to always cherish what I have.

In any family, there’s always going to be ups and downs. Despite the problems we have faced, you always made sure we knew we’d be okay. While we may not have had everything and everything wasn’t always ideal, what we did have was worth celebrating. There were times I threw fits because I was a spoiled brat. You reminded me that while I don’t have everything, I’m lucky for what I do have. I’m able to be humble and blessed for what I do have because of you.

Dad, there isn’t anyone in this world I would rather have as a father. There isn’t anyone in this world I trust more than you. I love that I can tell you anything without feeling judged. You accept me for who I am, no matter who that is, and you’ll love me regardless. I love you Dad, and thank you for everything you’ve done for me.