To My Parents,

To simply say thank you would be an understatement compared to how I feel about your continual support throughout my college career.

As someone who hardly cries I am not ashamed to admit that the day you drove out of my dorm parking lot, I cried probably more than I had in my entire life. The terrifying feeling of my mother and father being over nine hours away from me finally set in. I was excited to be on my own, yet scared of not having my two biggest supporters by my side.

My first year of college was full of new and eye-opening experiences. There were times I would call home beaming from excitement about finally finding my Big in my sorority, and there were also times I called in tears because college is just plain hard. No matter what my mood was, a phone call from you two would always put me in a good mood.

Throughout these four years, you have been there for the good and the bad, always encouraging me to try new things and give them my all. It is safe to say that without your constant support of my decisions, I would not be in the position I am today. I would not have tried to run for student government or even been involved in my sorority. I am where I am because I have parents like you.

From paying for my college education to driving up to Lubbock to move me countless times, it is clear that I have been beyond blessed with great parents. I understand that taking off of work and flying to Lubbock more than twice a year is not something everyone can do, so I am grateful for the opportunities we have been given.

There are not a lot of moms who would get on a red-eye flight in the middle of the week when their daughters have one of those weeks that are just too much but, mine did. There are not a lot of fathers who would drive a moving trailer all the way from Houston because I just had to have that mirrored desk from home, but mine did.

I can’t count the number of times I called home saying my dreams would be impossible to achieve, and every single time I was reassured that I had what it takes to do it. As my time in college is coming to an end, I realized that I only had what it takes to achieve my goals because of you.

You are the reason that I am graduating in May, and you are the reason I am moving on to this next stage of my life confident and ready to take on the world. So, thank you, thank you for giving me the confidence and tools to do this.

I am graduating in the position I am because of you.