Dear Mom and Dad,

Leaving for college does not get easier even after the first two times, but I still count my lucky stars that I have such an amazing team for support. From the very beginning, you have given me the courage to follow my dreams; moreover, you believed in my ability to achieve that success even when I was doubtful. The amount of time we can spend together during the year is much less as I have begun to grow up and experience the world, but I would like to take this moment to tell you that I appreciate and miss you more than ever. We all know that high school was not an easy four years for us as you had to listen to my constant stress; nonetheless, not being able to see you for months now is even worse. Twenty years has dragged on for me, but I can only imagine how quickly they flew by as I tell you that I am ready to be on my own. In these two decades, I have learned so many lessons from you that I will forever carry with me on my journey.

Now, I know that there are days when I didn’t call when you expected or didn’t text you back right away. Mum, I know this freaks you out the most. I want both of you to remember that there will be days when I am so incredibly busy that I forget to communicate; however, you are never forgotten. I will always need you because not only are you my parents, but you are the first best friends I had ever made. Thank you for being there when I finally do end up calling you at 10pm crying because nothing has seem to go my way or because I am just completely exhausted. Thank you for always being ready to help in any way that you could. Dad, no matter what struggle I am facing, you have made me feel like I am strong enough to face the world. Thank you for the countless drives that you make just to see me for dinner or to give me some inspiration. I miss your advice and funny (yes, sometimes they’re funny) jokes all the time while I am at college. No care is greater than the one you have so compassionately given me. Mum, you have always listened to my mood swings as I stress about my future, and for that I am truly grateful. Even though I seem mad, I will always love how you may not know what to say to fix my problem, but you are always ready to send me food. Your cooking is missed more than I can even explain. Thank you for being the mother I really need, the best friend I can count on, and the lady I can talk to for hours on the phone just to gossip.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first drawing on the refrigerator, and I wanted to draw more. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you cook my favorite meal after I had a tough day, and I learned that little things could make life so special. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of friend who was sick and I learned what it means to serve one another in love. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you pray for me and kiss me goodnight, and in those moments, I felt loved and safe. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities.When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw the tears in your eyes, but I learned that sometimes things can hurt. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that you taught me to be.
Now I look at you and say thank you for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.

As I continue my college years in a week, I will remember your kind words, your angry lessons and most importantly, the love that you have given me to go out and create my future. I would not be half of the woman I am without having you two as my best friends for the last twenty years. When people tell me why it is important to keep moving forward, I am told that I may be able to change the world, but you two, with all the special moments we have shared, have changed my world.

With all my heart,

Your little girl ♥