First off, I just want to say thank you because, without you, I wouldn't be where I am today.

There are seven billion people on this planet, and I learned that you'll meet a lot of people throughout your life. Some good, some bad, some that will make you question the hope you have for the human race and the few that will come into your life and change it forever. Somehow, I was lucky enough to cross paths with all of you.

Thank you to the friends I made in high school and now college. All the memories, inside jokes and crazy nights will forever have a special place in my heart. I've been shown true friendship doesn't care about the distance or what time of day it is.

Thank you to the people who told me I couldn't do something or when I did achieve what I wanted, it was given, not earned. Some of you gave up on me like I was average. As a result, I learned how to fight more than ever just to prove you wrong.

Thank you to my teachers and coaches for teaching me to better myself — in and out of the classroom and on and off the court. To my favorite teachers, you showed me that I can achieve anything. I wouldn't be at the college I am today without you guys. As for my coaches, you turned a girl into an athlete, pushed and encouraged me when I had nearly given up at times. And for that, I learned how to push myself.

Thank you to my best friends for always being the ultimate support system I could have. Without you in my life, high school and college would have been much harder. The love, humor and advice you incredible human beings have given me are what has gotten me through some days.

Thank you to my family for always supporting and believing in me, even when I did not. Thank you for providing the world to me, even when you might have only had a planet. But most importantly, thank you for letting me be myself.

All in all, thank you to everyone that has had an impact on my journey. Whether you're in my life or not. I've learned so many valuable life lessons that no matter what has happened between us, I'm thankful I gained at least something I could take with me.

I used to think so many things were the end of the world, but all those things have brought me to where I am now. It all has a purpose. Everyone you meet, every place you go and every conversation you have, all happens for a reason.

I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my life because all of you have made mine one to remember. I know that one day, I will look back on the moments where I thought my life couldn't get any worse, then smile and remember the best days of my life. Only remembering who was there by my side — the amazing people who have helped me become the person I am today.