When I started going to Mitchell Wesleyan Church in seventh grade, I never thought It would have this much of an impact on my life. I just went because my friends were there and it was a youth group that had a cheap smoothie shop and video games in the basement. Little did I know how much this youth group and its leaders would shape my life.

I was never the kind of person who went up and started a conversation with someone that I did not know. I had my small group of friends that I would go everywhere with and we just kept to ourselves and it was fine. That all changed when the new youth pastor started at the church. He helped me come out of my shell and be social. He helped shaped the person I am today. There are an endless amount of things I can thank him for, these are just a few.

Thank you for helping me through some of the toughest times of my life.

No matter how many times I fell off the path, you were always there to help me up again. You helped me through so many hardships, whether you realize it or not. Without even knowing what I was going through, your weekly messages at youth always helped me through my struggles.

Thank you for allowing me to lead in an amazing youth group in multiple ways.

Not only was I apart of the Student Leadership Team, but I also worked in the coffee shop, sang on the worship team and lead an amazing group of 7th and 8th grade girls every week. This helped me push through some of my social anxiety and allowed me to become a better leader which will ultimately allow me to become a better teacher someday.

Thank you for always being there, no matter what.

Whether its a hug and some encouraging words after the last rally at church camp when I am in a puddle of tears or driving all the way to Wayne to help me through one of the roughest nights at college, I cannot thank you enough for always being down for coffee and catching up or just talking for a few minuets on a Sunday morning, it never fails to give me a boost to help me through the week.

Finally, thank you for showing me how to be me

I always put on a facade in front of everyone I knew, even some of my closest friends. You showed me that it is okay and awesome to completely be myself, even if that means being completely nerdy and geeking out over the avengers or the latest Vlog Brothers video. You showed me how to come out of my shell and I have made so many long lasting friendships because of it. You showed me how to be me and how to follow God's path for me. You not only showed me how to be myself but you showed me how to be like Jesus and that being like Jesus was the best way to be me.