Mom and dad,

Thank you. Thank you for bringing me into this world. How can I repay you for all those sleepless nights you went through because I needed a bottle or a diaper change. Growing up I never worried about whether or not I would eat that night because you always made sure my sisters and I were always well fed. Which unfortunately, not all kids had that privilege. Mom and dad, I know you didn't attend every school event because of work but I understand that all the hard work was for my sisters and I. Working 12 hour days was to give us what you two did not have growing up and I thank you for that.

Mom and dad, thank you for encouraging me to get a part-time job. This taught me two things. 1. Every pair of shoes you bought me, every meal, every piece of clothing was purchased because of your hard work. Having a part-time job showed me that everything you gave me was not free. You worked for it so I can have it. Everything you bought me was purchased with the long hard hours you would put in at work. 2. Working at McDonald's and Walmart confirmed that every time you told me to give school my all to go to college was because you don't want me to struggle the way you have had to. You want me to have a career I enjoy rather than have a job I hate. Thank you for the life lessons and thank you for the lectures.

Mom and dad, thank you for being my greatest cheerleader. I'll admit, sometimes college gets difficult, but I think about you two and it gets me through it. I can't wait for the day that I cross the stage and have the ability to say that I am the first in my family to receive a degree. Dad, I know you were only able to attend school up to the 6th grade and there is no way I would take my opportunity to further my education for granted knowing that you did not even have the opportunity to attend high school. Mom, you graduated high school but did not have the opportunity to attend college and I hope you two are proud of me. I know I have a ways to go but all the sacrifices you two made will be worth it.

Mom and dad, thank you. I know I'm not the perfect daughter but just know that I love you and your hard work does not go unnoticed. Everything I do, I do it for you. You came to the United States for a better future and I am not going to let this opportunity go by. Mom and dad, you are the perfect example that Mexicans are not "Criminals, rapists, or drug dealers," like Mr. Trump has stated.

Los quiero mucho. I love you two so much.