Dear Mom and Dad,

I am at a point in my life where I am almost out of the nest, but not quite. Sure, when I am at school I become absorbed in this make believe bubble of adulthood. I know that I am the one who is responsible for ensuring that I make it to class every day and take care of myself, but college is full of advisers and counselors ready to step in if I need them. There are dining hall workers preparing meals for me every day. There are maintenance crews available to fix any plumbing or electrical problem I may have in my room. There are professors who are always willing to give me advice if I need it or help me with any subjects I can't understand. In college, there are still people watching out for me, but soon I will be graduating and truly on my own.

It is during this time of impending "freedom" that I realize I do not need to worry about how I will survive without you or my college community because you have made me into a person that can be independent. So now, I wanted to thank you for always pushing me to be better and to be more.

Thank you for giving me lists of chores when I was younger. While I dreaded seeing that piece of notebook paper with my name on it and bullet points of tasks, it helped me learn how to take care of my own things. I now take pride in making sure my living area is clean. I know that when I one day own my own home, I will make sure it is free of dust and my front yard is spotless of weeds and decorated with flowers. Our home was always beautiful and I hope I can make my own the same.

Thank you for never allowing me to disrespect you. You never let me swore or raise my voice, and that has led me to now be able to handle my frustration in a more positive way. While we sometimes disagreed in my angst-filled teenage years, I knew that you would not tolerate screams or swears, which is how I learned lashing out will never get me to where I want to be.

Thank you for expecting nothing less than As. Whether it was Penmanship or Physics, you always pushed me to earn the highest grade. The pressure you gave me, developed in me my own desire to always succeed in whatever I do. With your guidance I have become a better student, which has opened up opportunities for me that would not have been possible if you hadn't always believed I could be the best.

Thank you for never letting me quit. No matter how many times I complained or whined, you never let me give something up until I had finished my commitment to it. Now, whenever I start a project or join a group, I'll never abandon it until I have fulfilled my obligations. You have made me into a hard worker and I cannot thank you enough for it.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally and for giving me a childhood filled with structure and support. Thank you for singing to me in your arms when I was younger and for cheering me on at my sporting events in high school. Thank you for reading me "Harry Potter," when I could barely read myself, and for editing my application essays when I began applying to colleges. Thank you for being parents who always showed they cared and who I know will support me in whatever my future holds.

Thank you for pushing me. I love you too.