If you told me two years ago I would be sitting at my dream college writing about why my Mom is my best friend, I wouldn't believe you. No, not because my high-school grades teetered my acceptance letter here. I wouldn't believe you because I sure gave my Mom a lot to deal with (I don't even know if a lot covers it all). We had our fair share of ups and downs and fights I've sworn I won but really didn't. We've had endless feuds about appropriate style and eye makeup that, lets be real here, I know she won. Imagine going through all of this with a friend from school? Would they still stick around?

There was one day in my senior year of high-school that made me realize just how strong the friendship between me and my Mom was. The day was going especially bad, and I hit my breaking point after fourth period gym class; not even before it, so I had to suffer through three rounds of 'mat ball'. From the dirty echoing locker room my friend and I called the main office of our school, pretending to be my Dad. We said, in a deep manly tone, to dismiss me for a dentist appointment or family emergency of some sort. I can admit my driving isn't the best, but I could have been on a racetrack with how well I drove with tears streaming down my face.

I opened my garage door to find my Mom - side note, I'm sorry I scared the life out of you when you assumed I was an intruder. Anyway, I walk into my house crying and fell to my knees in front of her. I explained to her everything that went wrong that day and how i needed to come home. She didn't yell at me about the possible suspension for impersonating my parent, or how much trouble I was in for missing classes; she just held me and let me cry. She assured me everything was going to be okay; and because of you Mom, it was

The next few months were rocky for me, I spent days where I should have been in AP Psych laying in my bed. I spent weekends where I should have been sneaking around with my friends (sorry Mom) laying around the house rewatching episodes we all know i've already seen of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. I felt like I had no one, but I had you, Mom.

My Mom let this go on for some time, but eventually told me nothing is as bad as it seems. She told me I was strong enough to overcome anything, and I trusted her. I would sleep in a little, but would eventually make it through a whole day of school. On the weekends instead of glooming around all day, we got meals together, went shopping, and occasionally let our dog go to the park (he's a real pain). My Mom taught me that I don't need to be surrounded by friends to be content and live a happy life; this is something I am still learning.

I am everything I am because of my Mom, and for everything I'm not, we can just blame Dad - kidding!

Mom, I truly am everything I am because of you. You taught me to be strong and not break at the slightest inconvenience. You taught me generosity and how important it is to give back. You taught me that it is okay to ask for help. You taught me the world was not out to get me. And overall, you taught me I am worth so much more than I thought I was.

Thank you Mom, for not only putting up with me (which is a full time job - hey look you have a job!) but for being my backbone, my teacher, and my best friend. I truly don't know how I could conquer life without you, I love you with all my heart.