Think of a person, or people, that have played a significant role in your life. It can be a teacher, sibling, aunt, uncle, or anyone that has helped shape you into, well, you. For me, those people are my parents.

That's not to say that other people haven't helped me along the way in my journey of growth and discovering who I am, but when I think back to the people who allowed me to pursue certain avenues, express myself, and who have helped shape me into the person I am today- that lies within my parents.

So this is a thank you. I don't say it enough, and I'm sure that sometimes when I do say it it may seem not genuine, but I truly admire the both of you. For working tirelessly to support your family, and cultivating an atmosphere that is filled with support and love. The amount of recognition that is deserved cannot be expressed.

I talk a lot about my hopes and dreams and at times I am overwhelmed with what life throws at me. The most amazing thing is knowing that I have people to talk to about my aspirations or what is troubling my mind. We might not always see eye to eye on everything, but as I am growing older the phone calls home, and discussions over dinner have become that much more meaningful.

Not everyone gets along with their parents, and when I talk about how often I call home, how much I miss my mom and dad, or how comfortable I am talking to either of you, people are taken aback.

So, to my two parents thank you.

Thank you for supporting me through every stage of life, for driving me to early morning swim meets (that I dreaded,) to allowing me to travel across the country for mock trial.

Thank you for never hindering my dreams and for allowing me to pursue what I was interested in, as a result, I have a well-guided future and a support system that I know I can always count on.

Thank you for never saying no to a sleepover at our house, even though you knew it would result in a bunch of teenage girls screaming at 2 am.

Thank you for never telling me my ideas were too far-fetched, for never telling me that my goal cannot be achieved, but instead helping me figure out how to achieve it.

Thank you for allowing me to explore who I am, for lifting me up when I was facing difficulties with my schoolwork, or offering kind words of advice when dealing with friend and boy-related drama.

Without the two of you, I would not be the confident, driven girl I am today. For all of your patience and dealing with the many temper tantrums and mood swings, thanks for being the most rad parents out there.