"Affirming words from moms and dads are like light switches. Speak a word of affirmation at the right moment in a child's life and it's like lighting up a whole roomful of possibilities." - Gary Smalley

Dear Parents,

It is difficult to come up with the words to use when describing how grateful I am for you. But I will do my best to try. You are the people who have never stopped rooting for me, even when I stopped rooting for myself. From unexpected calls just to ask how I am doing, to sending me copious amounts of snacks, there is never a day that goes by that I do not feel immensely loved.

Just as you told me would happen, my freshman year has brought me new friendships, challenges, different perspectives, and has shown me more about who I am than I have ever seen before. With this new self-image, I can't help but reflect on how I have got here. More than anyone or anything else, it is the support and unconditional love from you that has shaped me into the successful young adult I am becoming today.

I have experienced life away from you for the first time this year and will admit that I have missed you more than I could have imagined. But I think that being far from the people you love, shows you just how much they mean to you. I feel so lucky for the experiences you have given me throughout my years of childhood! You have taught me patience, kindness, dedication, and most importantly the value of family.

I won't lie and say that my first year of college was easy. There were definitely moments where giving up felt like the only option. It's a lot to take on; being away from home and living at school can be overwhelming. It always seems that there is more on my to-do list than there is time in the day. I have had my share of mess-ups, breakdowns, and mistakes but I have also accomplished a lot! With every accomplishment, no matter how small, you have been there to congratulate me. I think I speak for a lot of students my age when I say that there is no feeling like making your parents proud.

I may be growing up and becoming independent, but there will never be a time that I am too old to laugh at goofy dad jokes or be too proud to know that a hug from mom can fix just about anything.

Love you always.