I just really want to say thank you. I look at where I am in my life and the places I want to go, where I know I'm going, and I can't help but always think back to the people who have affected me. They are the people who I take pieces of with me to the next goal, to overcome the next big obstacle. They are the ones who have given me knowledge and strength, and have instilled in me something that helps me grow and become more.
This is a thank you letter to those people -- to the family, coaches, teachers, friends, and colleagues who have helped me grow not just as an artist or athlete or what-have-you, but overall, as a better person and human being.
Thank you to the wrestling coaches that I've had. I would never have become as healthy and strong both physically and mentally if it wasn't for you to give me the lessons to grapple with life both on and off the mat. Granted, I haven't wrestled in almost five years (Lord, that's a long time), but the work ethic you provided me through countless practices I wanted to walk out on has helped me realize that not much is harder than pushing yourself to the limit against another person pushing themselves to the limit. You taught me that no matter how many times you get taken down or put on your back, never stop working or fighting to get back up.
Thank you to my friends and fraternity brothers. Be it from high school or college, I've more than likely somehow found something in you that I wish I had more of in me -- humility, talent, humor. It is because of you that I have worked to become a more humble person, to be better at what I do and to laugh a little more. It is you, my friends, who have gotten me out and about having adventures that I will always look back on with a smile. To my fraternity, it is message with which you lead, and the pillars with which you create your foundation and instill more within me that have made me become and continue to work toward being a gentleman and member of society. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for you guys.
Thank you to my teachers. In sixth grade, I almost didn't sign up for junior high choir. Little did I know that my insecurity would actually blossom into a passion for what I can now say I actually have a degree in. In that same year, I was also introduced to the stage when I was cast in the high school's production of "The Sound of Music." Granted, it took a semester for me realize, but that was what I eventually felt to be my true calling: a life in the theatre. If it wasn't for the amazing theatre and music departments at Doane, I wouldn't be the growing, constantly curious artist that I am today. On that note, I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for my high school vocal and instrumental teachers, who constantly pushed me and gave me the enthusiasm to never stop falling in love with music.
And last, but most definitely not least, thank you to my family. Not many may know, but I come from a very strong family unit that has always held itself through the toughest of times, ranging from my father's accident when I was a baby to my mother's own struggle with and recovery from alcoholism. Through it all, we got stronger, and never stopped believing that there were good times ahead. Graduations, births, jobs; just a few of the many beautiful moments we never stopped believing were right around the corner. It is to you that I owe all the thanks in the world. I need to visit more before I set out on my journey just as you all have, but just know that I love you all to the moon and back!
I would not be who I am without every single person I have and will meet. Thank you for giving me the gifts of meeting you and teaching me about myself. Thank you.
