As I continue my final year in college, and inch closer and closer to entering the real world, there is one incredible group of people that I have to thank for being where I am today. Of course, I could not survive without my family and friends endless support throughout all my successes and failures, but some of my most memorable lessons came from behind the doors of my high school.

Dear high school teachers,

I cannot thank you enough. From your grueling attempts at making "The Scarlett Letter" and "Heart of Darkness" slightly interesting, to sharing some of your most personal experiences, you have taught me much more than your lesson plan revealed.

Thank you for believing in me.

You gave me guidance during a time in my life where my most crucial decision was what I was going to eat when I got home from school. You encouraged me to explore my passions and never let me make excuses. Whenever I started to doubt myself, you were able to bring me back and give me the confidence I needed to pursue my dreams.

Thank you for showing me how to love.

High school can be a tough four years for so many people with an upsetting amount of bullying and ridicule going around, so thank you for opening my eyes. You showed me that it does not matter where a person is from, what they look like, or who they hang out with. I have you to thank for all those unexpected friendships I made.

Thank you for convincing me that money cannot buy happiness.

Sure, I wanted to believe that redundant cliche, but with the pressure of not only having to support myself, but eventually an entire family made that hard to imagine. You showed me through your unconditional love for teaching that happiness stems from passion, not wealth.

You have influenced me to be the opinionated, strong-willed, confident, goofy, big-hearted person that I am today. ¡Muchísimas Gracias!