There are many things that have been on my mind lately, as I am certain is true for every American citizen. There are also many things that I could have decided to write about this week. I could have written about my feelings toward people attacking each other electronically, verbally, and physically since Nov. 8. I could have written about how people are ruining relationships with people they love and who love them as a result of not stopping to see the reasons why some people support one candidate, or platform agenda, over the other and why they are worried about what is to come.

However, I am not going to write about those things.

I am going to write about my parents. Because of the parents I have, the ones who read me stories, picked me up from school, and took me to get ice cream, I have become the woman I am today.

My parents have been married for 21 years. In those 21 years they have had three children, weathered family differences, moved jobs, moved houses, gone through rough times, and so much more. Also in those 21 years, they have been open minded, caring, loving, and accepting. My parents have been quick to apologize for their wrong doings, and even quicker to stand up for what, in their eyes, seems like the right thing to do. My parents have also always been willing to learn from others through asking questions. They are not perfect, as they are human after all. No matter their flaws, they are the first people who taught me, loved me, and cared for me.

My parents work hard to make sure my brother, sister and I experience things inside and outside of Ohio. My sister and I saw South Carolina, Florida and New York City before I, the oldest, was in middle school. I have now been to Europe, my sister has been to California twice, and our 9-year-old brother has been to Tennessee. We have also gone to different festivals, fairs and attractions in Ohio. I am so thankful for how hard my parents have worked over the years to make these trips happen for us, even when it was difficult for them to do so. As a result of going to these places, I have seen so many things and learned so many life lessons including how to treat people, be respectful, and work a GPS.

Aside from my parents making sure we experience things inside and outside of Ohio, my parents also encourage us to visit places they cannot take us to, through excelling in school. My parents push us to ask questions, to research on our own, and to be curious all the time. They tell each of us to take our education seriously, as it is the most valuable thing we will ever pay for.

I am also thankful to my parents for raising me to kind hearted. This does hurt me at times, there is no denying that, but it is also one of the greatest strengths I possess. As part of being altruistic, as well as curious, I look into both sides of an argument as I create my own stance. I choose to support someone or something based on the conclusions I come to myself, which is a strong attribute to have when trying to become a business professional. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for instilling this in me. When situations like the one our country is currently immersed in come about, I am even more thankful for it.

Mom and Dad, you have done so much for me. Thank you for instilling in me the ability to make my own choices and to stand up for those choices. Thank you for being there for me, for supporting me, for teaching me how to care for others, and for teaching me that my voice alone can impact this world. Thank you for teaching me that friends are friends no matter their sexuality, race or gender, or what background they come from. Thank you for teaching me that giving back is always better than taking. Finally, thank you for instilling in me the notion that God is a protector and someone who loves his people, not a tyrant I will never be good enough for.

I love you both, and I always will.