Dear Mom and Dad,

As I close the book on this chapter, I want to start off by simply saying thank you for everything you both have done and continue to do for me. This article - my last article - as a writer for the Odyssey is dedicated to my forever role models and I can't think of a better letter to close with.

Flashback to 2013: When I got accepted in NYU, I remember how excited you both were for me. I had called you both and there was pure joy on both ends. It was my dream to be able to attend school in a city as vigorous as New York City and you both had made it possible for me to do so. I had been given the opportunity of a lifetime: to grow into the person I hoped to meet someday. I'm still learning who I really am and New York was really the best place for me to do so.

Each year, I had learned something new not only about within my subjects, but about myself. I learned that it was important to have a small group of close friends instead of a large group of distant ones. I learned that it was okay to take a breather during tough times. In fact, I learned that without tough times, I wouldn't recognize the hidden blessings within good moments. I learned the importance of treating each midterm like it was the last. I recognized that there wasn't just one path to get to where I want to go. I realized how a phone call with either of you made everything okay. I learned how to use a mini steamer and to do laundry correctly (surprise!). I recognized how to relieve stress by going to the gym, talking a walk, window shopping, eating with friends, and taking time for myself. I learned that some people are meant to stay, while others are meant to come in for a bit to teach us something we couldn't have learned on our own. As a matter of fact, the famous quote of falling down seven times, but getting back up eight could not have been more true in regards to my undergraduate experience.

These lessons didn't come without a price. I missed you both way too much. I missed my two superheroes who had always been footsteps away. I missed spending time at home, Sunday mornings, and family dinners. Growing up, we had dinner together each night as a family and that was everything to me. I had taken that for granted during high school and now that I consider home to not be the home I had grown up in, I'm so grateful for how these moments shaped me into who I am today.

I admit it. I've made mistakes and I've let myself down. But, I've learned from these moments. I've learned the importance of being honest and staying true to yourself. I've also learned that what goes around, comes around. This was crucial: on the days I was pessimistic, I spread around negativity and in return, that was what I got back. This was something I had continuously learned how to change about myself and yes, it was truly for the better.

Years later, I now recognize the importance of each moment. I hope to continuously make you proud. To my selfless, humble, optimistic, hopeful, and genuine parents, I love you. You both have worked so hard to allow me to live out my dream and to continuously fight toward my career goal. Thank you for always believing in me on the days I didn't believe in myself and telling me that it will all be okay. I made it this far because of you both and I count my blessings everyday. God has truly blessed me with the greatest supporters.

This one is for you both. Thank you for shaping me into the woman I am today - this world is a better place because both of you are in it. We did it!

Love,

Yunah Caroline Chun