To My Family,
Over the years you have taught me many essential life skills, the most important one was how to fly. I could not be more thankful for the constant love and encouragement that you have given me. I do not think I can ever truly express how thankful I really am. I see parents who try to keep their kids in a cage, made up of ideas of what they want their child to be. As I continue to go about my college career I realize how lucky I am to have family that is as supportive as you are. Never once did you try to get me to be “normal,” or fit me into a mold of what you wanted me to be. Instead you looked past my ever-changing hair color, accepting me for me, showing me that others will too.
I know many people my age who had parents that dictated what college they went to, what classes they took and what clubs they joined; you never did that to me. When I wanted to add fine arts into my studies, you didn't tell me that it was impractical. When I said I wanted to minor in women’s studies, you didn't question why or tell me that it is a waste of time. Going farther then telling me to go for it, you helped me pursue it. You have always said to me, “We’d rather see you go and do what you love, even if it means that you have to come back and sleep on the couch.”
That is part of the reason why I am not afraid to try new things, and why failure is not in my vocabulary. You taught me to celebrate the fact that I took a chance, not to see it as failing. You pushed me to do the things I love. So I followed my heart and learned that it is important to embrace what you love, not just do it. Because what you love is part of who you are and if you don’t embrace that you will always be someone else, and never yourself.
I got to spend my winter exploring the streets of Venice and studying art. I was able to take a break from exploring to hop over to check out Rome and Florence, hitting the leather market along the way. After starting off my summer in the Philippines, I am ending it by planning another new adventure. It looks like volunteering at a women’s refugee camp in Asia is next on my list. None of these experiences would have been possible if you didn't encourage me to take every opportunity that came my way, I can only imagine what opportunities will be next.
Now I find myself writing this article, taking another new chance. I am more thankful then ever for all the things you have taught me, for teaching me how to fly. I know that I can try to fly to the moon, because I know that If I come crashing down I know that you will be there, super glue in hand, to help me back together. I learned that I can fly, and I thank you for that.
