Dear Parents,

Put into simplest words, I just wanted to say thank you.

I have only lived through the first few weeks of college, but I just wanted to tell you guys that I can never even begin to show my appreciation that I have for the two of you.

But I will try to list just a few things...

Thank you for being my #1 fans in EVERYTHING I do

Whether it came to sports or school, you two were always by my side. You both were there for me no matter the outcome. Dad, you were always one of the parents who stood whenever one of my teammates were in the water. However, when I was in the water, it was hard to make you do anything but stand and jump around. Mom, you were always the first person I would call about my day. Even if it was to tell you that the salad you made me for lunch was delicious.

Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work

I am just starting to realize how much work college truly is. Even if it is just a measly 10 points for a homework assignment, I put my whole self into that one assignment. Because you both do the same every day to allow me to be studying at my dream college.

Thank you for reminding me it is okay to take a break

You both remind me that life is all about balance. College is not just about grades, even though a big part of it is and I promise I will never lose sight of that. You remind me to have fun when I’ve been stuck in my room studying all day; since I worry too much that med school will care if I did not get an A on my Bio 101 exam.

I think my roommate thinks I am crazy for when I took this advice a little too far and sang an entire Hannah Montana concert while reviewing Bio.

Thank you for teaching me my morals

Being in college, there will be many important decisions I have to make that will influence my life. Because of you two, I know who I am, I know where I come from, and most importantly I know right from wrong. If there ever came a situation where I had to choose, I know I have been given the proper tools to make the right choice.

Thank you for answering random phone calls

Adulting is hard, and I have no idea how you both do it so well. Thank you for answering all of my questions, especially when it came to laundry and how to cook ramen (enough said).

Lastly, thank you for letting me come to my dream school

I know choosing a school over 12 hours away was hard for you both to let me do. I want to let you know, this is where I am truly happiest. I never wanted to admit it, but after touring for the first time, I knew I would commit to the University of South Carolina. Yes, it is far in the physical distance, but just as I painted on Mom’s Mother’s Day gift, “Love has no distance.”

I know you both don’t like to admit how much you miss me, or how whenever we end our Facetime calls you both fight back the urge to shed a tear. I want you to know that I do the exact same thing and that I miss you both incredibly.

I know that there are no limits to what I can do, but just know, this would not be possible without you two.

Love you both.

-V