I have friends, family, and friends who are like family around every corner. Sometimes I get too caught up in my own independence that I forget to spend time engaging with and thanking those that have always been there for me. When I stop and think, I find myself in awe of the love that surrounds me. To quote American Beauty, "Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world, I feel like I can't take it, and my heart is just going to cave in." I want to take the time to thank some very special people in my life, those who have filled my life with light and brightened it beyond what I could ever imagine.

In alphabetical order..

Christy: Thank you for being my sister, role model, photographer, and listening ear for years. From being your student in third grade when you were fresh out of college, to being your little sister, best friend, and close confidant that I am now, I am amazed at much you have helped me grow. You've seen everything from the awkward middle school stage, to my high school drama, to finding myself in college. You have not only seen me go through these stages, you have shaped me in each and every one as well. Without your confidence, sass, and wisdom, I would not be the woman I am today. Thank for you supporting me through every step since August 2004, and thank you for always being there no matter what.

Dad: Thank you for loving and supporting me in a gentle way. For allowing me to be my independent self and for letting me explore the world. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see new places and to look with new eyes. You always show a new, different way of interpreting and viewing the world that amazes me. You see the best in every person and every situation. You show me how to take a negative thought and reframe it in my mind. Your optimism and positivity are two qualities I hope I have picked up from you. You stick up for me and you don't let any harm find me. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the funny animal videos that you send to me when I'm away at school, the supportive text messages letting me know that you're there and thinking about me, and your hearty, contagious laugh when we're sitting around the dinner table. I always look back fondly on our memories we have made, especially standing on your feet and dancing around to "I Just Want To Dance With You," by George Strait when I was 3, the mystery rides you took me on all the while growing up to go-kart places, arcades, Eckert's farm, and more, and singing along to country songs every time we hit the road.

Grandma & Grandpa: Thank you for, as I usually say, "loving me more than some people love their own children." I have not heard of anyone else's grandparents being as involved or supportive as you two are. You are shown me so much, but most importantly you have shown me the value of family and the value of love. You two are my strongest and best example of love that I have ever known. The way that you tease each other, look back on old memories, cook together every day..it all makes me believe in love a little more each time I witness it. You have taught me that it doesn't matter how much money you have. It matters that you have each other. You have shown how hard work pays off. Most importantly, you have shown me how to love others by the way that you love me. Thank you for everything, including staying hip and willingly playing Cards Against Humanity with the "kids."

Mom: Thank you for bestowing unconditional love onto me from the moment I entered this world. I could not ask for a better mother. You are my best friend and every second spent with you is one enjoyed. Thank you for all of the nights spent getting bakery muffins and watching probably Burlesque or an episode of Dateline NBC. Those times may seem insignificant, but they mean so much to me. Thank you for always being a text or a phone call away whenever I am worrying over my most recent crisis (that is definitely not a crisis). Thank you for laughing along with me to the point that we both can't catch a breath. Thank you for a childhood filled with wonder, curiosity, and dreaming. For being at every event or function that I was involved in from elementary school to high school to now. For being so involved in my life and how I've never had to question that you'll always be there when I look back. For wiping away my tears, and making my happiness your own. You have helped me through rough times that I thought would never end.Thank you for never failing to text me goodnight, even if sometimes it's only 8:45 pm and I still have a long night of studying ahead of me. Thank you being strong for me and for always. Your strength and perseverance are traits I hope that I have gained from you, because you amaze me with your triumphant spirit.

Nan: Thank you for being my second mom. For caring for me as if I were your own daughter. Thank you for being the one to instill within me a love of nature. For teaching me how to be resourceful, that thrift store shopping is an art, and that I should never frown because it will give me wrinkles. Thank you for your quirky ways and your funny sayings. For getting out of the car and running into Goodwill before anyone else so that you can find the best stuff first. For being a display of such a healthy body and soul. For showing me that caring for others and helping them when they are in need is necessary. Thank you for reminding me to never be afraid to get my hands dirty- just like when we used to go in the creek and look for fossils. For always reminding me that you can never forget to treat yourself, especially when it's a $0.99 bakery item from Bread Co. Thank you for caring for the world and all of the little things living in it, and for making me such a big part of your life.

Sara: Thank you for being another second mom to me. You're like the super cool mom you see in the movies. There are things I will never be able to repay you for. Thank you for opening your heart and your home to me. For being there in any and all times of trouble. And on the other hand, for being there for every celebration as well. I love the tight hug I get from you when I see you because I know I'll always hear you say, "Love ya, Jules," when I'm in your embrace. Your calm presence and laid back attitude are things that my type A self needs. Thank you for teaching me that friends can become family, and there's no better friend turned family member than you.