I don't know how many people actually read the opinion page; although I suspect that it's probably one of the most-read pages in the paper.

And I certainly can't tell you how many people actually care enough to read the senior columns; maybe it's those who are rushing down to the bookstore to buy their cap and gown.

But, I can tell you this: my senior column isn't about the lessons I've learned at Penn State, and it's not about things I would have done differently or the fabulous times I've had with the greatest friends anyone could have.

It's about appreciation.

And so for those who are still reading this, thank you, but really, there are only two people that need to read this to make me happy.

It's the two people who matter the most to me in my little world and the two people who I couldn't have gotten through these past four years without: my Mom and Dad.

It's no secret in my family that I am my Mom's baby, the spoiled brat and Daddy's little girl.

My parents have provided for me in a way that can only make me feel extremely lucky.

Many would take these experiences for granted, but I'm more appreciative than ever now, and I've stepped back and noticed the little things my parents have done for me.

A lot of parents have set goals for their children and they want their children to be successful doctors or lawyers.

My parents never pushed me to be whom they wanted me to be. They wanted me to do whatever made me happy.

They trust me to make the right decisions for myself and support me in those decisions unconditionally.

While sitting in SOC 005 (Social Problems) this semester, Professor Frank Clemente told stories of students whose parents pushed them to achieve goals set out for them by their mothers and fathers.

It was while I was sitting in 111 Forum that I really began to think about how amazing my parents are.

They never pushed me to be something I didn't want to be, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

My parents pushed me to achieve and to succeed in school, but I wanted to do it more to make them proud.

I wanted to show them that I could do whatever they believed I could do because if they didn't think I could do it, they wouldn't believe in me.

There are many traits that I would want to pick and chose from my parents, but if I had to pick one from each, it would be difficult.

However, from my Mom, it would be her patience.

She is by far the most patient woman I have ever met, especially when her darling daughter brings a bus referral home ... in kindergarten.

And then there's my Daddy.

His work ethic astonishes me and his business sense is the best I've ever known.

He works harder than most people do and I hope and pray I can be as successful as he is. Oh yeah, and he's pretty damn funny, too.

So many people struggle to express the words that mean enough to show how they truly feel.

And I'm convinced that there are no words that could explain to my parents how much I love them.

And there certainly aren't enough words to be able to express the gratitude I have toward my parents either; however, I wish there were.

A part of me wishes I could go back to my childhood with my appreciation for them now so I could show them how grateful I truly am.

But, I guess it's come to the point in my life when it's my turn. My parents have done their job, and have been done for awhile. Now it's my turn to show them what they've taught me and to make them proud.

My brother and sisters have done it, so now it's my turn.

Hopefully, by succeeding in my job, raising my children and volunteering in the community, I can show them how much I appreciate all they've done for me and for other people as well.

I can take what they have inadvertently taught me while I was growing up and apply it to my own life.

So Mom and Dad, when you thought I didn't notice, I did. When you thought I wasn't grateful, I was. And when you think I don't appreciate you, I do.

And I'm even more appreciative because you're letting me move back home after graduation since that job search isn't going as well as I would like.