I am thankful

for the fact that every single day,

I know that I am something 

to value. 

I know that I am worth more than

some guy who doesn't treat me right.

That I,
 in fact, 

deserve so much more

than a fleeting romance. 

I deserve someone who cherishes me

and thank god I know that. 

That even on those days that I may not feel

like the prettiest girl in the world,

or the smartest, 

I know that I am worth more than someone

who treats me inhumanely.

Who treats me as if I am something disposable, 

that is only kept around for when it is convenient 

for them.

That I value myself, 

to know that I deserve more

than a selfish relationship

based on the physical 

attractions

and interactions. 

I deserve someone who can 

challenge me mentally. 

Encourage me to delve into the things

that make me, me. 

Be proud of the fact, 

that I don't be put up with crap

and I plan on doing something with my life.

And you know what?

Whether or not I ever find someone

who thinks these things about,

I think them about myself.

I'm proud of myself.

That, in itself,

is a lot more than many other people can say.

I don't say that enough though.

I don't recognize the things I do every day

to make a difference. 

I'm always so focused on being

better, faster, stronger

that I sometimes overlook the fact

how strong I really am. 

I am graduating college,

and have so many opportunities ahead of me

because I am EXACTLY who I am.

Not because I bend to fit someone else's

mold of their complacent friend,

girlfriend,

or everyday human being.

I may not be the picture perfect

human in every respect but damn it. 

I am doing good things. 

I am a good thing.

I have graduated from the Student Leader Fellowship program,

completed three out of four Superior Edges,

been a successful Resident Adviser,

a successful Student Office worker,

been an active member of Mortar Board,

Special Events Committee,

Hall and House Governments,

 an extremely active member of Women for Women,

serving on and chairing the Hear Us Roar committee 

multiple times, 

while also being the secretary for one year

and now the Vice President.

I have achieved a stellar grade point average,

and made the Dean's list every semester at college.

I have earned outstanding reviews on 

my performance both in my job, 

and in my internships for my major. 

I have received numerous awards,

served on the board of directors 

for the children's museum

and so much more 

that I can't even remember off of the top

of my head. 

And I'm not done yet.
I'm nowhere near done. 

As scared as I am, for the imminent doom

of graduating college, 

I am so passionate about what I am going to do.

I love Student Affairs, 

and I will excel in it. 

Whether it be here at Northern,

or whether it be somewhere five states away.

Where ever I am,

I will be making a difference. 

In ten years, look for me with a doctorate, 

paving my way to changing campus life

in whatever way that may be.

 I will continue to be the strong, confident, capable woman that I am.