By Mary Macrae ’14

Often times parents are the forgotten part of the equation for what leads a senior being ready for college and the real world. I can admit that I have taken my parents for granted numerous times and would like to take this opportunity to express my admiration and appreciation for them.

These puzzling and often stressful four years would have not been even remotely enjoyable or impactful without out the generosity and love from my parents. Jim and Ann Macrae are my guideposts for everything and without them I would not have been able to get through these last18 years. They filled my life as well as my brother’s with fun, warmth, and unrelenting support.

There has not been a single instant in my mother’s life where her actions and intentions were not used an instrument to help others. From her early childhood living on a farm with her 13 brothers and sisters, my mother has always shown her compassion and devotion through her service to her family and as well as in her various jobs in education. The unending sincerity and kindness my mother has shown, will be carried with me throughout the rest of my life.

My father is a man full of great integrity, enthusiasm and perseverance. In his life and career my father has taught me the importance of hard work and self-discipline. Whether it was simply trying to find the owner of a lost wallet or writing a speech for his entire department, my father has always devoted 100 percent of himself into everything he does. This example of ambition and consideration will also be carried with me throughout the rest of my life.

There are so many other aspects of my parents that I am appreciative for, but lastly I would like to say that both my parents have always given me the idea that I could do or be whatever what I wanted to and for that I will be eternally grateful. Thank you Mom and Dad!