I learned at a young age that not everything comes easily, and I learned soon after that some things don’t come at all. Not everything is going to go your way, but that doesn’t mean you’re at a complete loss. Out of every situation, there is some sort of lesson to be learned so I want to say thank you to everything that was just out of reach.

Thank you to the teacher who didn’t give me an A simply because I was putting in a good effort. Thank you for giving me the motivation to live up to my own potential. You taught me that there are things you have to work for. Because of you, I know the amazing feeling of achieving something that I have worked so hard for. You taught me ahead of time that not every class is going to be easy and that I can’t simply go into a test hoping to do my best without any preparation. Thank you for teaching me to create good academic habits before getting to college.

Thank you to the boy who hurt me. You taught me to listen to both my head and my heart. Because of you, I learned that everyone deserves respect and to never stop looking for someone who is going to give it to you. You taught me that my happiness is as important as everyone else’s because as soon as I prioritized myself I could smile again. It is because of you that I know love doesn’t come with an asterisk and fine print claiming pain is a part of the agreement. You taught me that no one needs to settle for anything less than what makes them happy. Thank you for teaching me to go after not only what I want, but also what I deserve.

Thank you to the performance that wasn’t perfect. Thank you for the voice cracks, the memory lapses, the trips on stage, and shakiness. Thank you for the tears that followed because I was sure I had made a fool of myself. You taught me that even though you put your heart into something it may not turn out the way you want it to. From you, I learned to give everything my best and be proud of my effort even though it may not be amazing. You taught me to listen to constructive criticism without thinking someone is trying to tear me down. Because of you, I now know how to look make on my experiences, take the best and worst from each situation, and use them in the future. Thank you for teaching me to laugh at and take pride in myself at the same time.

Thank you to the “best friend” who left me behind. You taught me to live in the moment and enjoy things as they are happening. The secrets I told you that didn’t stay secret long taught me to take responsibility for myself and be proud of who I am. Your friendship helped me see that trust is not just given and that it is important to let people earn it. Because of you, I can look back on good memories to be grateful that they happened and bad memories and be grateful they are over. Thank you for teaching me to keep loved ones close but also that sometimes they have to be let go.

I am forever grateful that I haven’t gotten everything I’ve wanted over the years. I am grateful that I have had disappointments in my life. So thank you, thank you to everything that hasn’t gone my way. You taught me to work hard for what I want and be proud of my progress despite missing my goal.