I do not even know where to start. It's hard to explain the gratitude that comes from having parents who have never failed you and have taught you to become the best version of yourself. My parents have supported me in everything I've done from the moment I started kindergarten until my last days as a college student.

My parents came from Mexico at a young age and worked hard to give their four kids a great life. I have nothing to complain about. They did everything right. Living in the US while growing up in a different heritage was difficult, but that somehow made me feel special because our family vacations were always somewhere “foreign.” Nonetheless, there are so many lessons my parents have taught me that have gotten me through life. When you grow up with Mexican parents in a strict household, it is hard not to take everything they say to heart.

College graduation is approaching, and as cliche, as it sounds, I could not have done it without my parents. They were able to provide for me throughout my whole life, and once I got to college, I was on my own financially but never without their encouragement. Although I did not talk to my parents every day, I never lost focus on what my goal was in college. I am the youngest of four, so I needed to make sure I did them proud one last time. Here are a couple of things I want to thank my parents for.

Thank you for being at each and every soccer game since I started playing.

Thank you for teaching me the value of our culture.

Thank you for making me work outside cutting grass and learning the value of a dollar.

Thank you for making speak Spanish at home.

Thank you for making me eat all my food and not waste anything.

Thank you for always having food on the table and never letting my back go bare.

Thank you for teaching me life lessons that I found pointless at a young age but came in handy once I moved out.

Thank you for never giving up on me even when I wanted to give up on myself.

Thank you for being exemplary parents even when I was a crappy kid.

Thank you for showing me what love means.

Dad, thank you for showing me the value of an education and of hard word. Although sometimes you went so far when trying to get things done your way, you showed me that determination pays off. Even with the difficulties you have gone through in life, you have been such a fighter and I could not be prouder to call you my father. I love you, dad.

Mom, thank you for showing me what a strong woman looks like, and even though sometimes you think of yourself as not good enough because you did not finish school, you raised four wonderful children. They turned out alright. I know your job is not done just because they are all out of the nest, but relax and enjoy your marriage because you deserve it more than anyone I know. I love you, mom.

I wish I could keep going, but the list would never end. There is an unbelievable amount of things I am thankful for. I cannot say them all in this article, but parents just know that I mean each and every word. All these things seem so minimal, but each one taught me something different that, if it were not for these lessons, I would not be the determined, hard-working, selfless, almost college graduate that I am today.

Thank you, Mom and Dad,

Your youngest daughter, who hopes has made you proud these last 20 years.