As another school year comes to a close, I can’t help but think how lucky I am to be able to attend my dream school that has given me an extraordinary amount of opportunities to do the things that I love. My happiness and thankfulness all comes back to two important people: my parents. Without them, I would not be where I am at today.

I would like to thank both of my parents for helping me become an individual.

Attending the same college that everyone in my family has went to so far may have led people to assume that I made my decision just to keep the tradition going. But, my parents helped me when it came to picking what college to go to by going on campus tours of other schools with me and helping me with my other applications. They told me to pick the school that I felt most comfortable at, and it just happened to be the one that my whole family has went to. My parents reminded me that everyone's college experience is different, and that I can't compare mine to my siblings. I needed to make memories for myself at a place that I felt was most fitting for me.

I would like to thank both of my parents for pushing me to go outside of my comfort zone.

Going from high school to college is a big jump that I don't think anyone is ever completely ready for no matter how ready we say that we are. My parents knew I was the type of person that would want to make my big campus feel small, so they encouraged me to go through sorority recruitment even though none of my older siblings were a part of Greek life in college. I never considered it until my parents encouraged me to go outside of my comfort zone and give it a try. I am still in my sorority now and I love it. My parents have also encouraged me to join other clubs around campus and to meet as many people as I can in my four years here.

I would like to thank both of my parents for staying patient with me as I decide what I want my major to be (and change my mind one million times).

Coming to college, I freaked out a little at the fact that I had to chose to major in something that was going to decide what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The words "rest of my life" really stuck in my head whenever I looked over the majors and minors list, and it scared me. I have considered every major across the board and have switched my major multiple times, but my parents have supported me each time and have helped me realize why each choice was a good or bad choice for me, even if it stressed them out a little watching me switch between different things. I have officially decided a major and a minor and I don't think I would've been able to do that without the help from my parents.

I would like to thank both of my parents for supporting me in my times of need even when I am miles away at school.

Sometimes, all it takes is a phone call to one of your parents to help calm you down and make you feel a little at home. No matter how much someone can love college and college life, there is no better feeling than being able to talk to your parents as they are the ones who know you best. It's always fun getting surprise care packages from them, too. I swear they always know the perfect time to send them.

I would like to thank both of my parents for helping me remember that I am smart in the times that I am struggling in school the most.

Some classes in college just make us feel like the dumbest people in the world. No matter how much effort we put into them, our grades just do not reflect it. This is the most frustrating thing. I am so thankful for my parents to keep motivating me to work harder in the class and to not give up even at my breaking points. A trait like this will get a person far in life.

I would like to thank both of my parents for opening up my my eyes to my future and helping me set goals for myself.

I am thankful to have such supportive and encouraging parents during my college years. They have helped me picture where I want to see myself after college and have worked with me in finding the best opportunities for myself that will help me get there.

Staying close with your parents when you go off to college is something that I never realized would be so important. Even though college is such an individual thing, I have never been so thankful for all the help that my parents have given me in my time here so far. Feeling so supported and blessed by two amazing people is something I will forever be thankful for. I can't wait to repay these two in the future for everything they have done for me when I land my dream career.

So, to my Mom and Dad, I thank you very much.