If you asked me about going to college three years ago I would probably say, I don’t think I want to go. I didn’t know the first thing about higher education, let alone how I was going to afford it.
Boy, I’m glad I changed my mind.
Both my parents went to college, but whether or not they chose to finish didn’t influence my decision to go. My mom went on to complete her degree and earn a Masters while my dad decided college wasn’t for him. To me it was a sign, so thank you.
I learned a lot from my parents. How to talk, take care of myself, and how to be a good listener were important, but they definitely weren’t the only things. Because of you, I learned about seeking new interests, using creativity to solve a problem, and where I could continue my education away from home.
From every children’s play you sat through to cheering me on at archery tournaments, I thank you. These two activities I participated in with a smile on my face and you guys supported me. It wasn’t volleyball or cheerleading, but you stood by my side as I made choices which shaped my character as a human being.
Remember the project during my junior year of high school where I had to make a model of a cathedral? We stayed up all night trying to figure out how I was going to put the darn thing together. Through all the frustration and tiredness, you helped me persevere. All that exhaustion and stress was worth it when I learned it was being displayed at the public library.
When senior year rolled around, you knew college applications and college visits were going to be a frequent thing during those months. You kept pushing and motivating me to fill out scholarship applications while I was still figuring out my English homework. You, along with my teachers, understood that my life was going to be hectic during tech week for the spring musical. You got me to a point where if I knew I had to step back and calm down, I let you know and took it.
After narrowing down my decision between two schools you helped me identify where I could earn a degree and still call the campus home. You’ve been with me every step of the way, and that is one of the greatest things I want to thank you for.
I still have a long way to go before I graduate, and I know you will be there to guide me until that day. I will be always be thanking you, whether or not it is said out loud.
