I know this may sound cliché, but who I am today is rooted from who each of you brought me up to be. Mom, you have provided me with an approach to learning the world; that I should keep digging for knowledge; that I should visit every place; that I should eat every food. I will always explore life as an adventure. Also as a child, I remember asking if we were rich, and you said, “Yes, we are rich in love.” Haha, a bit cheesy, but a deep thought to carry through life nonetheless. Thank you for sacrificing so much to improve my life, I know it wasn’t easy to raise 5 children (boys nonetheless), and I would avoid giving you such a hard time if I were given the chance again. Dad, thank you for teaching me everything that you have learned. Even though I did not live with you for most of my life, I have always wanted to possess many of the qualities that you have: your passion for music, your inclination to bring people together, your gentleness, and your approach to making your gang of boys happy. All these things make you the best dad in the world. Stepdad, you may not be blood, but you have proven to be so much more to me. Not everyone is given the task to raise 3 more children than what you asked for. You are the ultimate mentor, passing on some of the most important values that I hold close to me today. You were the first person to tell me that my voice was important, and that I could make change. I remember the time you brought me to the city council meeting when I was in middle school, so that I could address my concern about the removing my bus stop to school. Next thing you know, the bus still drove through my neighborhood. No matter what I do to repay you will ever compare to what you have done for me. I just hope that I can raise my own family with the same methods and values.

Love, MJD