Dear Mom and Dad,

It has been a busy few weeks getting back into the swing of things at school. I have returned to campus rested up, relaxed, and ready to take on the new year with amazing roommates, old and new friends. I had an amazing summer and as I get back into a routine, I am realizing that over the last school year and this past break, I have developed a new sense of independence and confidence in myself- I am becoming a real life adult - and I have you two to thank for that.

You two have given me so much to be appreciative of. One of the many things I am most grateful for are the skills you have given me in order to be the person I am becoming today. Having such an amazing support system in my family has given me everything I need in order to succeed, not only in college, but in life beyond structured education as well. Having so much freedom at once is a little overwhelming, so it is usually not until I am away from home for several weeks at a time, making my own choices and being in charge of my own schedule, that I realize how beneficial growing up with strict parents was. I now have the ability to make responsible choices and I know how to effectively weigh cost and benefit in (almost) every situation. Not only have you taught me to drive, do laundry, and cook for myself, I feel you have supplied me with the skills and tools to make good decisions for myself and to help others make informed, responsible moves.

Thank you for your support in academics. When I am struggling with something in school, you take the time to call me and explain in further detail. Mom, you often can explain the concept in a way I understand. Dad, you usually have a story to tell me about something you struggled with and it makes me feel better to know that even if I struggle with something, it isn't the end of the world - I could still be as successful as you someday. I am so blessed to have parents that do things that launch me further into my college career and 100 percent support on my academic endeavors. I always feel like you two are proud of me, and that's wonderful. There may have been some bumps and obstacles along the way, but you two never stopped encouraging me and offering your love and help in any way you could. You two keep me going. You keep me grounded and (somewhat) sane. I keep notes from Dad on my desk to remind me that you two are rooting for me. I smile when you two are excited about my good grades. You have also taught me how to handle stressful situations. Every time I am on the verge of a breakdown, or if I have a bad week, I know you will be there. You two can handle my seemingly endless text messages that are usually more "stream-of-conciousness" than anything actually important, and I'm glad you do. You handle my almost-daily career/school/future/class freak-outs with more grace and composure than I ever could. I hope that over this next year I will learn to handle them the way you do.

It's pretty much a given on this one, but I'll say it anyway - Mom and Dad, you two are my biggest fans. I know that I am a sassy pain in the butt, but you two can give it right back and you keep me down to earth. Neither of you would think twice if I needed you to come up to school and be with me, and you regularly make the hours-long round trip to see me. That means the world to me. You have sacrificed so much time (and gas) in order to show your support and I can never say thank you enough for being there when I need you. You're always in my corner, cheering me on, even when I stumble or fall. You help me back up and send me on my way. I know that I can handle taking care of myself because of everything you've taught me.

The thing I would like to thank you the most for is the trust you put in me. I have handled one whole school year away on my own, another summer working two jobs, traveling, a later curfew, taking care of my car, and building my own schedule. I can feel myself becoming more and more of an adult every day as I take on school, organizations, rehearsals, and plain old growing up. You two trust me to handle my obligations, homework, activities, and trips home, and while it is scary that I am on my own so much now, it is reassuring to know you trust me to get it done.

As I dive head first into my second year of college, I feel ready. I feel responsible, experienced. I feel like an actual adult. I am prepared. I guess what I am trying to say is that, Mom and Dad, you two did an amazing job with me. You often tell me that you "love me more than I'll ever know," and I suppose I won't know the true extent until I have my own kids someday, but I love you two as well - more than you'll ever know.

Don't worry, I will always need you. Even if it seems I am off in my own world, working on my own life, I will always need you two to fall back on. I will never be "too cool" for you (regardless of how many times you use that joke, Dad). You two are my role models and I will always be thankful for your presence in my life.

THANK YOU for all you do, and for sending me on this great adventure that is college. You've built me a sturdy launching pad so I can become the best possible version of myself. Your support means the world to me.

Love,

Your Daughter