From the millions of times I’ve traveled on these streets, the faces I’ve grown up with, the four walls I call home, and the high school who educated me to be an informed citizen. I could not be more thankful for every single moment here.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, I believe that. It’s more than just a family that raises a child. It’s the parents who nurtured us, the neighbors who helped support us, the babysitters who shared fun times with us, the teachers who educated and cared for us, and the coaches who trained us. All these people leave a significant impact on who we are as people.
This is a thank you, for teaching me how to be human and forgiving me for being human. How to think for myself and form thoughts and ideas to share with the world. Allowing me to make mistakes and learn from them.
A thank you for letting me be myself and finding out who that is. What works for me and what doesn’t. To love myself just as much as I love and care for others, and treat others the way I want to be treated. Who this voice inside my head is and how to truly listen to her.
A final thank you, for sending me off into the world on my own. By allowing me the privilege of an education and the ability to wander to my heart’s desire. To find where I belong and further my experiences and create a future for myself.
To my parents, teachers, bosses, coaches, friends: you are the ones who raised me. The ones who stood by my side with constant love and compassion. Teaching me what is and isn’t okay, all while preparing me to take on my own life.
Now, before I move into college and take on the next step of my life: thank you, hometown, for raising me to be the strong individual I am today.