Education is a marvelous blessing, and I am extremely appreciative of the opportunity I have to attend college. I did not get to my freshman year of college all by myself, though. There are so many individuals who played a part in getting me to where I am today. This letter will in no way cover the multitude of the appreciation I have for each and every one of you, but hopefully, you will catch a glimpse of my gratitude.

I want to start off by thanking the many teachers who have put up with me throughout my time at Dalton Local Schools. There is not enough time in the world to effectively thank each and every one of you who contributed to my education. Just know that you are teaching more than what is in that English or history book; you are making a difference and impacting so many lives. So, thank you for teaching me not only in the classroom, but outside of it, as well. Thank you for believing in me and helping prepare me for this wonderful endeavor known as college. Thank you for always encouraging me to try my best and for never giving up on me. Thank you to the wonderful secretaries who always greeted me with a smiling face. Thank you to all of my wonderful coaches, bus drivers, lunch ladies, custodians and classmates. You taught me more than you will ever know, and without all of you, I would not be where I am today.

Mom and Dad, thank you for all you have done for me. Thank you for allowing me to join whatever club my heart desired and for cheering me on along the way. Thank you leaving work early to come and watch my cross country meets, track meets, choir concerts and musicals. No matter what I am doing, you guys are always cheering me on, and that means the world. Although I may not have appreciated it at the time, I want to thank you for taking us on all of those college visits, encouraging us to fill out the many college applications and most importantly, investing in us and in our education. You encouraged us to really care about our education, and you showed us the true value of a college education. You taught us that not everyone is going to have that opportunity, and it isn’t something to take lightly. So, thank you for helping prepare me and for being my biggest supporters.

Grandma, thank you for everything. Thank you for caring about my education and not only mine, but the education of all of your grandchildren, as well. Thank you for being the best role model for all of us and for never letting us take the easy way out. You are amazing, and I have told you this a million times, but I will continue to say it: I appreciate you. I appreciate the time and effort you invest into me and my education, the many life lessons you teach me on a daily basis, the many phone calls and handwritten letters that kept me in the loop and the sass I get from you, but most importantly, I want to thank you for supporting me in all I do. There are no words to express my gratitude and appreciation for all you have done and are continuing to do for me and everyone around you. You played a huge part in making college possible for me, and for that, I am beyond thankful.

To all of the people who helped get me to where I am today, thank you. I am so appreciative for all of the family I gained in this tight-knit community. Thank you to all of the people who mentored me throughout the years and spoke life into me. Thank you to all of the parents who cheered me on in my races. Thank you to all of the people who came to watch me run, sing, sometimes even dance. Thank you to all of the people who continue to ask me how I am doing and what I am up to. Thank you to my bosses for making work fun and teaching me how to make a beautiful ice cream cone. Thank you to all of the people who never gave up on me. Thank you to my crazy family for making me laugh and enjoy life.

You all played a part in helping make the first year of college possible. Thank you all for the life lessons, constant encouragement and friendships. Without all of you, this past year would not have been possible. College is not easy, but all of you have made it so worth it. You have invested so much into me, and for that, I am forever grateful.