I am a senior, a senior in college. This statement keeps circling around in my head and I still can't believe it. It feels like just yesterday I was packing up for the first time, anticipating moving into college with butterflies in my stomach. Although, to you, it probably seems more like it was just yesterday that I was going off to my first day of kindergarten. It's hard to believe how fast time flies and I can't help but feel bittersweet about it all. I have accomplished so much throughout my life and it's all thanks to you. You were there for me through everything. The first grade play, dance recitals, band concerts and so much more. You helped shape me to be the person I am today and I couldn't be more grateful. You always put your kids first and wanted for us so much more than what you had. You always sacrificed your needs for ours.
You were never disappointed in us. If we didn't get the good grade we wanted, you would tell us that it was okay because we tried our best. Those were the most encouraging words to hear. I knew that I didn't have to be perfect in everything that I did because you made me realize that everyone is different. I knew that you would be proud of me no matter what.
Through all of my school years, you guys have been there for me when I needed you the most. I always knew I could count on you. When I needed money for food because the dining hall wasn't cutting it, you were there to lend some. When I first started out as weather girl for our on-campus news station, I knew you guys were always watching.
Now it's my last year and I know that you will still be there to give me money and you will still be proud of me. It's hard to imagine the future outside Springfield College, my future as an adult. It has always been the same every year. I went to school in the fall and came home in the spring, with some sporadic visits all year. I know that there will be the annual visit in October because there really is nothing better than coming home to a warm and cozy house that smells like pumpkin spice. And then, of course, winter and spring breaks, but after that it is not quite clear yet. This is the part that scares me the most. This is the part that makes me want to be a kid again while the only worry in the world was what kind of candy I wanted to get at the store.
There are some things I know for sure. I know that you will continue to put me first and I know that you will support me wherever I go even if that means halfway across the country. It won't be the same not having you guys around anymore but I will still feel your presence. I will feel it in the decisions I make and the way that I live. Your influence has been very strong on me over the last 21 years of my life and I couldn't be more thankful. So thank you for everything that you did and that you continue to do.
