Thank you, mom. Thank you for being not only my mom but also my best friend. Someone I can count on no matter how mad we may get with each other or how much we may disagree. Thank you for supporting me no matter what and believing in me when I don't even believe in myself.
College is hard and despite everything, even you being 250 miles away, you've still managed to be here for it all. That first F on a test, my first B on an essay, and all those stressful nights when all I want to do is quit, thank you for encouraging me to continue.
Thank you for telling me what I need to hear and not what I want to hear. You allow me to make my own decisions, good or bad, because I'm stubborn. More often than not I learn the hard way, when in fact, you were right. Thank you for not controlling me and letting me learn the hard way if that's what I chose to do.
Thank you for doing what is best for me and what was needed even though I may not have liked it. Honestly, what kid likes to listen to their mom for the first 17 years of life? Not me, that's for sure. Thank you for letting me come to you for advice and allowing me to make my own decision based off of your advice.
Most importantly, thank you for encouraging me to follow my dreams and teaching me to stand up for myself. I love you more than words could ever express.




















