Congratulations! Even if this is a bit late, you deserve to be congratulated for your accomplishments no matter how long ago it was. I know I said it already, but I am so proud of everything you guys have accomplished. There are not enough words to even explain how proud I am.

Since I was a kid, both of you have pushed me to further my education. College really wasn’t an option because you both knew I was destined for bigger and better things. And even if I've never said it, I knew you were destined for better things, too.

First off, thank you.

Thank you for being so adamant in my studies and instilling in me an incredible work ethic on my way to college. It was hard to get to where I am, but watching both of you work through your own degrees reminded me that I could do it, too. Thank you for still being there for me even though you had a million other things to do school-wise.

I get it now, by the way.

Thank you for showing me the importance of never giving up. I have learned so much from watching you go to school. Even to this day, it has shaped a lot of what I do and the goals that I have for my own future.

I am so proud of you.

I know I don't say this enough, but I am so proud of everything that you guys have accomplished. Every time I talk about the two of you, I always tell people how you got your degrees. From working and then going to class to taking over the entire kitchen table just to get one assignment done, you have motivated me even more to get my own degree.

Watching you work hard to get your degrees, I understood how much work you put in so that we could have the same thing. And now that you still continue to pursue higher education, I couldn't be any prouder.

While I say that my degree is for myself, I do this for you.

One of the reasons I've worked so hard in college is so that I could make you both proud. You guys are my motivation in all the hard work I put into every aspect of my life. Both of you sacrificed so much just so that I could have an even better experience in college. From money to giving your time, you have always found a way to support me in my journey.

And while this is my degree, everything that I do in order to receive it is with you in mind. You both reassured me that what you were doing was possible and that I could do it too. And I still look back to those times, thankful that you understand part of my experience.

If I've learned anything from watching the both of you go to college, it's that you can do anything that you set your mind to.

Thank you,

From a grateful and inspired second-generation college student