Welp. The moment is almost here you guys. I’m about to graduate. I’m about to be thrust into the corporate world and left to fend for myself. In one year. This is it. I’m not growing up – I’m grown.
I look back at college and I want to say thank you. Thank you for putting me in a University where I would be challenged and pushed to excel. Thank you for putting me somewhere where the academics leave me in the library until 4 am. Thank you for putting my somewhere where the football games are a lifestyle and the fan base is nationally recognized for our pride. I’m proud to represent the University of Tennessee. I’m proud to wear that orange and white. And I’m grateful.
Thank you for not saying I told you so each time I realized how wrong I was about the real world. And an even bigger thank you for encouraging me to get back up.
Thank you for telling me that I was going to become something. These past four years have been the best of my life, but I’m not ashamed to say I was scared. There were many times when I didn’t think I would become something. I didn’t think I could make it. But you both kept pushing me. You supported me when I wanted to fly across the world just to see my field of study in a different culture. You supported me when a two-minute phone call meant that all of my summer internship plans were canceled (that you had already paid for) because I was offered an actual job somewhere else. I didn’t think that I would make it. But after months pursuing my career and finally getting my foot in the door, I am confident that I will.
These past 21 years have been quite the ride. Hundreds of swim meets, thousands of phone calls asking for money, and millions of times asking for advice. Thank you for always being there: each and every time I needed you.
Thank you for being the world’s best role models. Mom, I hope to exude as much passion and charisma into my daily life as you do. I hope to light up the room like you do. Dad, I will one day have your work ethic (You’re totally laughing at the chance of that as you read this). But I will. I already have your perseverance.
Thank you for being my land lords. Thank you for making me work a job during school. Thank you for forcing me to realize just how expensive food is in everyday life and how much of your paycheck goes to it. I'm ready.
I understand that I’m crazy and wild and loud. You’ve accepted that. Understand, now more than ever, that I am grateful.
I am no longer afraid of the real world and launching myself into it. I no longer freak out when I consider my future. I am finally confident and sure that I will make it. I am no longer watching out for the world; the world is watching out for me.
