To My Support System,

I love real relationships, I love getting to know people further than just their first and last name. I love the idea that people are what make me into who I am. I truly believe that I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the people who have become my support system. I know that when I feel that I can’t do something on my own; I have a support system who can push me to achieve anything, just by believing in me. There are so many various types of people who have built into me and truly have shaped me into who I am today.

To my family- With a family so big all trapped into one small town, there’s no doubt I feel nothing but love and support from you all. Thank you for being the people I can rely on now and forever. When I think of my family I think of the word “Proud”. My family are always shouting praises of how proud they are of me. You fuel me with reasons to make you more proud, and for that I am forever grateful. And grandma- I can always count on you to comment on my posts on Facebook, so thanks for that.

To my friends- First, just thank you for being my friend in general. That in itself I know for sure can be hard at times. But, thank you for being real with me. Thank you for texting me out of the blue and asking me how I am doing and really meaning it. You are who gets me through my bad days. Thank you for being you and loving me for being me.

To the Adults in my life- Wisdom is the word that comes to mine when I think of all the adults in my life. Whether I babysit for you, you are a friend of my parents, or we have come to know each other in some other way- thank you. Thank you for pouring love into me and making me feel so cared for. Thank you for being the people I know who will be there for me in 10 years. Thank you for, in the midst of your own crazy life, caring about my crazy life.

To my former teachers- I have to say, I typed those four words and started crying. So hard to believe that I now have to refer to you as my former teachers. You know who you are. You are the teachers who believed in me when I couldn’t even tell you what we learned in class that day. You are the teachers who saw me not as a letter grade, but as a person. You are the teachers who in elementary school invited me back into your classroom over the summer to help clean it out and get to take some stuff home because you knew all I wanted to be was a teacher. You are the teachers who didn’t even teach me but knew me and cared so much to get to know me. You are the teachers who friended me on Facebook after graduation, and I have received messages from about how college is going. I brag about the teachers in my life almost every day, because you deserve it. You all are the reason I am sitting here typing this at college, finally fulfilling my dream of being just like you.

A support system by definition is the group of family, friends, colleagues, or professionals available to help a person when required. I have to say, I have the best support system there is. I cannot express my gratitude enough, a simple thank you will never be enough. With a support system like I have, I know I’ll never have to face anything alone.