Dear Mom and Dad,

Time flew by, didn't it? I can't believe that the day has come where we've packed up the room I've slept in and changed the wall colors from yellow, to pink, to purple and back to pink again for the last 18 or so years of my life for my college dorm room. Saying those words are just so surreal to me, I can't even imagine how it feels to you guys. The reality of my high school career being over and the summer passing is now here and it's time to set forward with what we've been looking forward to for a while now, and that is college.

To Mom, you've taught me everything I've needed to know about love, heartbreak, life's ups and downs, and how to deal with all of that combined. It seems that every situation or any certain word can trigger a life lesson that you can quickly give me in five minutes. Although I've brushed you off more than once about hearing the life lessons you urge to give me, I've soaked in each and every reason why you give them to me and that's because I'm your world. Thank you for being so difficult and hard on me at times that I just wanted to lose it and scream at the top of my lungs because without that, I wouldn't know what discipline is and I've grown to learn that the reason behind all of the madness is that you are looking out for me. Thank you for teaching me what it's like to be loved unconditionally and cared so much about. You have given up your whole life for me and I want you to know just how full of appreciation and love I am for you and that I will do everything in my power to make this life an incredible one. P.S. I'll always be waiting for your lunch and shopping in the city visits.

To Dad, you are the most humble man I have ever encountered in my life. Words can't be enough to describe how much I've learned from your quiet, yet strong personality. From you, I've learned what its like to listen to others and open my mind to learn about their backgrounds before ever judging. I remember you and Mom bringing people who were in need into our home whether it had been family members or that sweet Sri Lankan family and giving them a roof, a home, a family, and food and I will always carry those memories with me to remind myself that there is always someone in more need than myself and no matter the current situation, I can be that helping hand or guardian angel in someone's life. You have taught me to be an open book and let my life be my story that has only just begun. Dads like you are the best dads, but I know that mine is only one of a kind and I love you forever.

I want to thank you both for everything that you have done up to this point to get me where I am and create me into the young women I am now. Thinking about everything you guys have taught me from looking both ways crossing the street to learning how to be an adult has made me truly appreciate the life I've had since I was a little girl. I always remember you both telling me how important it is to get a college education because you guys didn't have that chance. You guys have been the most supportive and understanding you've ever been in that process of getting here. You have motivated me to create a life I only thought existed in dreams and chase after anything I put my mind to.

I guess this is a more memorable and appreciation letter more than anything but I truly want you both to know that no matter WHAT we are one family and I am eternally grateful for the parents that you are.

I can't wait to make you as proud as you've ever been for me and give to you everything and more that you've given me.

- Sincerely, Your little girl