This is a letter for my parents who have given me everything they can so that I can follow and pursue my dreams. This is also for any other parents who have done the same (as my parents did) for their children.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I don't know where to start besides saying thank you for all that you have done to enable me to go to the college of my dreams, and to get an education that I have longed for since I was 10 years old. As a child I could easily run to both of you and spill my heart out. Even through the college process, you held my hand as I applied to several schools and watched carefully hoping and praying that I would get a good education wherever I would end up. Your whole lives, ever since I was a baby, you have been working hard, day and night to support our family, put food on the table, and pay the bills so that my brother and I can grow up in a good home. As children, we both saw your tired faces and catalyst hands, but you kept on giving everything you could to raise us with smiles on our faces.

You both exposed me to the realities of the outside world yet kept me unharmed as if guiding me behind a glass shield. You shielded me so that I could focus and work hard in school, hang out with friends, and be the best that I can be.

You gave up your lives to give me mine. You never went out on dates or social events, but instead made my brother and I your best friends.

Now I have been in college for a little more than two months and I love it. It was truly hard to leave our loving home and step out into a different state and a different world other than the one I know, but every night you call and every morning you text me, so I don't feel your absence.

Going away for college made me realize all that you do for me and if anything it has strengthened our relationship so much more. I know how much you had to sacrifice letting me go. As immigrant parents you gave everything up in order to give to your kids, and with all my heart I am thankful for that.

Because of the sacrifice you made my world has opened up to a unbelievable and unreal level. I walk around campus everyday knowing that I have a future. I walk around campus knowing that I am at college because of your support in my dreams.

I do not know how to pay you back besides working my butt off in college and doing the best that I can do. I promise to remember what you have done for me, and to keep that in my mind as I work towards my future goals and aspirations. I promise not to fall into pointless distractions, but instead to make the most of my time.

I also want to say thank you for raising me the way you did and for believing in me and my dreams.

Love you both.