To the person I used to be,

I know a lot of time has passed and I’ve barely stopped to look back, but I wanted to say thank you. As I reflect on our time together, I never truly told you how much I appreciated you. Thank you for staying strong and taking care of me when I needed you most. Thank you for protecting me during the hard times and supporting me through the good. I know I didn’t say much then, but thank you for sticking by me and trusting in me. You got me through thick and thin and made me who I am today.

I thought you’d like to know, I’ve grown into an amazing young adult. Because of your mistakes and all the trial and error, I am better prepared for the world I live in. Because of all the hard times-- the late nights studying, the last-minute cramming, the up-all-night wondering, and the lonely days pondering... I am strong. I have found who I am, and I’m sorry that you had to get so hurt along the way.

I’m sorry you had to deal with the loss of friends and the heartbreaks, but you got me through it all. You were the strongest person I ever knew, and I owe everything to you.

I am confident because you taught me not to care what others think. I am a leader because you showed me the importance of having some guidance in life and now I can share that with others. I am independent because you taught me that I can’t always rely on others. I am a believer because you showed me that God is always on my side.

But most of all, I am kind because you showed me what ugly looks like. I have seen the bad in people, and I have seen the good. I chose to be kind to trump the bad and the ugly. I decided that is who I want to be, so here I am today: a college freshman ready to participate in whatever the world throws my way. I’m starting my life on my own, putting my best foot forward and not looking back. Thank you to the person I used to be for making me who I am today.