To the people who got me here:
Thank you.
I don’t think I say it enough.
In my high school graduation speech, I asked that my classmates just do one thing: remember to thank the people who shaped them.
I haven’t thanked you in awhile, and I’m sure life has taken you places and flipped you upside-down a few times. I’m sure you’ve forgotten that you helped me.
I want you to remember because it’s important. You, yes, you, have gotten me where I am. I think people go through life never knowing their impact on others. Sometimes, knowing you matter to someone is the only thing you can hold onto when things seem to be falling apart. So please, hold onto this: you’ve helped me.
Right now, I’m where I’d always hoped I’d be. I made it to my dream school and (somehow) survived the first year. You can scroll through my social media and see all of my fun pictures and exciting adventures from the year, but don’t be fooled, with dreams come challenges. Without your support, this year would have been much harder. You never let me give up; you’ve been there with me through it all. Whether it be through the lessons you’ve taught me long ago or the words you tell me now, you’ve helped me.
When things get tough, it’s easy to feel defeated. College is draining; life can be draining. But my track record for making it through bad days is 100% so far. Each time I come out on the other side, I’m thankful. I’m thankful for the strength you’ve given me and I’m thankful that I can recognize it has been a group effort. Because, you see, it doesn’t matter if you’re still in my life to this day, or not. Your interactions with me have made me who I am. Each one.
And I can say, on most days, I’m proud of who I am. Whether you’ve bullied me or praised me, hurt me or helped me, it’s all a part of me. It’s all changed me.
I hope you realize that you matter to me. I know that you matter to a lot of other people too.
Thank you.
I don’t think I say it enough.