You’re attending a class that gets you one step closer to receiving your degree.
You’re out with new friends building relationships that will last a lifetime.
You’re starting your first internship, which will allow you to gain connections you never dreamed possible.
Yes, most of that is your doing.
But, how did you get here?
Your parents.
You don’t realize what exactly your parents have given you until it comes time for graduation day. And what they gave you was an experience of a lifetime.
You get to work towards something you're passionate about because they believed in you.
You get to go out with your friends on the weekends because they fill your bank account.
You get to strive towards your dream job because of the degree they invested in.
We, as the receivers of this amazing gift, underestimate just how good a “thank you” sounds.
We strive to uphold grades our parents would be proud of as a silent notion of gratitude.
But, in the end, those grades are for ourselves. Without our hard work, we could not compete for jobs we desire.
There comes a time when words actually are more powerful than actions. So, to my parents who supported me: thank you.
Thank you for pushing me to become independent.
Thank you for answering the phone whenever I am stressed and need someone to talk to.
Thank you for teaching me how to cook over FaceTime.
Thank you for listening to me vent about my teachers.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Mom, Dad - you have given me the chance to discover who I am without you.
It is because of you that I am off making my own choices--choices that I am able to make because you were able to send me to college.
You guys have been my world, but it's time, now, for me to figure out my place in it...alone.
You have given me the tools to become successful, I just hope I can make you proud one day.