I want to say, “Thank you,” but the two words we use on a daily basis as a sign of gratitude cannot possibly do you justice. There are simply too many reasons for why I am grateful for you.
I’d like to thank you first and foremost for being my sister. I’ve had the privilege of not only growing up with you for the greater half of my life, but I’ve also gotten to see you grow and progress into the person you are today.
Thank you being my sister. And for saying, “Hi,” to me at Kung Fu, being the Lara Croft to my flame-haired, green-faced witch, watching "Harry Potter" and "Lord of the Rings" and then having a philosophical conversation about conspiracy theories, being my prom date, and spending every holiday with me.
You being my best friend, from the awkward brace-face-plus-four-eyes stages to freakin’ puberty, the petty middle-schooler to the confused high-schooler to the still confused college senior…all I can say, is that you have continually inspired me. You showed me to stand up for myself; that it’s OK to not have everything figured out, but that it’s also important to figure out what brings you passion. That it’s important to be honest with yourself and go forward anytime you and talent have a quiet encounter.
From stilettos to combat boots, thank you for showing me what it means to be a total badass. You speak volumes not only to me, but also to women as a whole. Yes-- a woman can be educated, from East Appalachia, beautiful, brilliant with both her words and computers, as sharp as a rail but simultaneously as easygoing as a free-spirited hippie. You show that it’s not only OK, but also necessary to be assertive with what you have your mind set to.
You show that, ultimately, the most effective goals are directed towards the betterment of both self and everyone around you, no matter your own personal struggles. You confront adversity with empathy, and you radiate strength both inside and out.
In knowing you for nearly 15 years, I’m eager and proud to see all the amazing things you’ll do. You truly are a certified hacker—you’ve hacked your way into my life are anchored away as the sister I never had (and protecting my ass from potential national-level danger).
For all that you do, thank you for serving my country and me.
All my love,
Ashley
