As kids, teenagers, and even adults, we never really appreciate and understand how much our parents do for us. However, as an immigrant's child, I feel like I have so much to thank you for. So, Mom and Dad: thank you.

Thank you for leaving everything and everyone you knew and loved behind for me. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must have been to drop everything and go to a place where you knew just a handful of people. It took immense courage to start over in a new place with little to no friends, experience, or support system. But you knew that in order to create greater and better opportunities for me, you had to take a chance and come to the United States.

Thank you for educating me in our culture. Even though we're thousands of miles away from your native country, you taught me the native language, the culture, and the traditions of home. Without having this part of me, I wouldn't be the person that I am today. I wouldn't love soccer, I wouldn't always be late (no matter how hard I try), and wouldn't be the outspoken and loud person that I am. Yes, it is important to understand the American culture, but it is even more important to know the culture and traditions of my family and your native country.

Thank you for always being tough on me. All throughout my years in school, you always pushed me to be "perfect." I needed to have perfect grades and perfect attendance (even if I was coughing up a lung). At the time, I never understood why you would get upset if I came home with a B- on a report card. Now I know that it was because you invested everything you had in me and wanted to see me not only get good grades but to excel in everything that I do.

Thank you for always supporting me. You were always there at every chorus concert, every academic awards night, and everything in between. I could always count on you being there in the crowd, flapping your arms trying to get my attention while I was on stage. I also knew that I could count on you to be tough, but encouraging when I did get that B- or C, and push me to improve.

There are infinite things to be thankful for as an immigrant's child. But out of all the things that you have done for me, I want to thank you for your everlasting love. To leave your entire life behind and move to a place that is strange and different from anything you've ever known for me is the only proof I need that I am deeply loved. So thank you, Mom and Dad, for everything that you have done and continue to do. I am eternally grateful and proud to call you my parents.