As a five-year-old girl I couldn’t wait to grow up. I had my life figured out. I knew I wanted to have five kids, and I wanted to be a teacher. I used to wear a t-shirt around the house, which read “Don’t tell me what to do,” because I was so independent. I wanted to do everything with little or no help. As I grew older I realized that I didn’t at all have life figured out; life was more complicated. I also figured out that I wasn’t as independent as I thought I was. I needed the support of more people than I could count on my ten little fingers. When I was in junior high, I came across a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” I still refer to this quote today. Many of the dreams I have had since I was a five-year-old are within reach because of the many people who have believed in me and have supported me and my dreams throughout my life. I want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank these wonderful people who’ve gotten me to where I am today.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your unconditional love and support. Thank you for making sure I know every day of my life that I am so loved by you. Thank you for allowing me to participate in experiences, such as playing Junior Olympic volleyball, traveling abroad in high school, and attending Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. These are just a few of the experiences you have allowed me to participate in that have helped shaped me into the person I am today. If there was something I wanted to try, such as playing basketball, running track, and dancing, you were right there supporting me every step of the way. Thank you for believing in me, especially when I did not believe in myself. Mom, thank you for being my rock. You had “follow your heart” engraved on a ring for me. I wear that ring on my finger every day, and every time I see it I am reminded that if I do just that it will lead me to my dreams. Dad, many of my favorite memories involve you. I’ll forever cherish the time we’ve spent together at Minnesota Chill games, productions at the Mayo Civic Center, “Down by the Riverside” concerts, Minnesota Twins’ games, and Twinsfest. You are always there to catch me when I fall literally and figuratively. Do you remember when I was a little girl, and I fell down the stairs while wearing Mom’s high heels on Christmas Eve? Who was at the bottom of the stairs to catch me? You! We are alike in a lot of different ways, so you can relate to me. You and Mom are always reminding Cole and me how proud you are of us. I speak for the both of us when I say that we are truly blessed to have you as our parents. I love you both so very much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Cole, I know I have told you this before, but you have been more than a brother to me growing up; you have been one of my very best friends. You have been my protector since the day I was born. We fought a lot when we were younger, but you always had my back. Remember when we were little, and we were on the boat on the Mississippi River? We were feeding the seagulls. I didn’t have a jacket (a.k.a. “poop protector”) to cover my head, so you shared yours with me. Thank you for your words of encouragement, especially when it came to school or volleyball. You’ve always been just a phone call away when I needed a pick-me-up. God couldn’t have given me a better brother. Thank you for all of your support! I love you!
Uncle Craig and Aunt Char, thank you for the support you’ve shown me since the day I was born. I can’t think of a time when you were not at a family gathering to celebrate a milestone in my life, such as my birthday, First Communion, Confirmation, and high school graduation. Aunt Char, thanks for making road trips to Winona with my mom to watch me play volleyball. I admire the sisterhood between my mom, you, and Judy. I have never known any sisters closer than the three of you. This explains why you and Judy are not only my godmothers but second moms to me. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.
Brett and Lynnette, congratulations on your wedding engagement! I am SO happy for the both of you. Brett, we both view family traditions as extremely important. If we didn’t have one of our annual family gatherings, such as a birthday party for Cole and me, you reminded us. Lynnette, even though you and Brett aren’t married quite yet, you’ve been a part of our family. You’re such a kind-hearted person. We’re so lucky to have you! Thank you for being such supportive family.
Brittany, my little cousin, I miss not seeing you while you’re going to school out in Washington. I love when you come home for holidays, such as Christmas. We get to add to the countless memories we’ve made over the years. Do you remember these times…making crafts together at your church, playing with your Beanie Babies, and competing in laser tag at WI Dells? Thank you for making memories with me that make me smile and laugh every time I think of them.
Uncle Dan and Aunt Judy, where would I be today without you? I can’t even imagine. As with Craig and Char, you’ve been there for every milestone in my life. You’ve been there to support me at my basketball games and volleyball games too. You’re support in all areas of my life has meant more to me than you know. Thank you for taking me tubing up and down the Mississippi River all those times. I’m pretty sure that’s what made my bicep muscles what they are. Thank you for taking me out to New York this summer. It was a trip I will never forget. The two of you made me feel so special by allowing me to be part of Ashley’s graduation celebration and taking me to places I had only seen on TV, in the movies, and in pictures. Thank you for everything!
Paul and Andrea, congratulations on your wedding engagement! Paul, I am looking forward to you becoming an “official” member of the family. You are so down-to-earth. I never once felt like the third wheel when I spent the whole day with you and Andrea in New York. I said to Andrea that night we went to “The Lion King” on Broadway, “He’s a keeper.” Obviously she agreed. Andrea, I still believe God made us cousins because he knew our moms couldn’t handle us as sisters. You have been an older sister to me since I was a toddler. I’ve looked up to you since I can first remember. Thanks for being an inspiration to me. I love you so much!
Ashley, my amazingly talented cousin, I have always admired your artistic abilities. I wish I could play the piano like you do and create cartoons like the one you did for your thesis. I’m so proud of you! I have so many unforgettable memories with you and Brittany. Where do I begin? How about these for starters: little wooden star and my computer; Clue; and Sunny, Pookie, and Chelsea Ann? I’m so lucky to have you and Brittany as cousins so close in age to me, except for maybe having our moms dress us alike. Haha! Thanks for making memories with me that last a lifetime.
Uncle Pat and Aunt Mary, thank you for everything you have done for me over the years. Opening up your cabin to my family and me whenever we wanted to stay there is more than anything I could ask for. The cabin is my heaven on Earth. As you know, the memories we’ve made there are priceless. On top of that, you have supported me in my endeavors, including volleyball. I remember looking up in the stands and seeing your faces at my high-school volleyball match against Lakeville South. I’m so glad you were there for that exciting match. Thank you for coming to support me in college as well. I really can’t say “thank you” enough.
Mike and Beth, thank you so much for attending my volleyball matches over the years. I can’t even begin to express to you how excited I was every time I saw you and your kids sitting in the stands during my matches at the high school, Junior-Olympic, and collegiate levels. I want you to know that you are raising three amazing children, and I am so proud of them. I may be older than them, but I look up to them in so many ways. I have always wanted little brothers and sisters. As a little girl I would ask Santa to bring me a little brother or sister. I don’t look at your children as my second cousins. Instead, they are the little brothers and sisters Santa didn’t put in my stocking. Thanks for sharing them with me.
Mikaela, the remarkable student-athlete, keep up the great work in the classroom and on the volleyball court! Please come teach me a thing or two about setting. I could use the help. I am enjoying watching you grow up. I can remember being obsessed with you when you were a baby. If I couldn’t see you, I asked “where’s Mikaela?” until someone led me to you. You have become a young lady with a maturity level that is beyond your years. I see this every time I am around you and whenever we get a chance to stay up late talking at your house or at the cabin. You’ve become more than my second cousin; you’ve become my friend. Thank you for coming to all of those volleyball games of mine that you did. I appreciate your support!
Brenna, we get along so well! I love hanging out with you. You always keep me running from one activity to the next. I love that about you. I also love that you will do whatever it takes to get better at whatever you’re doing. Thanks for helping me train for volleyball seasons while we were at the cabin. Running and rollerblading around the lake really helped me out, and I enjoyed spending that quality time with you. I also enjoyed sleepovers at your house and the cabin when we would stay up late talking. I’m glad we’re related, but I’m gladder we’re friends.
Sean, you are my hero, and I truly mean that. One look at you, and you brighten my day. It was the day Cole and I were leaving the cabin a couple of summers ago. You said to me, “Emily, you haven’t gotten your hug for the day yet.” My heart melted. The hugs I receive from you are priceless. I hope we continue to play backyard baseball every year just as we have for the past few years. I think Joe Mauer would be pretty impressed with your talent on the baseball diamond between your dives as a shortstop and leaps in center field. Thanks for being my hero!
I am blessed to have eight beautiful guardian angels watching over me. Grandpa Theiss, I never got to meet you as you passed away before I was born. I believe that one day we will meet face-to-face, and I am excited for that day. Until then, I promise to pursue my dreams. Grandma Theiss, you would remind me that no matter what situation I was in, someone else was worse off than me. Therefore, don’t complain. I am inspired by your hard work and dedication to your family and friends, especially when you were sick. You helped my mom and dad raise me, and I am so grateful for that. I am so blessed to have had you live with us early on in my life. Grandpa Welhaven, I will always remember watching you make dolls, lamps, and water fountains in your workshop. You were so talented. Every time I eat a strawberry I send a hug up to you. I hope you’re getting them. Grandma Welhaven, every time I think about you telling other people about me playing volleyball and how I “spiked that ball” it brings a smile to my face. You believed in me as a student, as a volleyball player, and as a future teacher. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. My cousin Mimi, you and your children, Jake and Makenzie, left this world too soon, but God was ready to bring you home. You have taught me that each day is a blessing and that God has a purpose for each of us no matter how long or short our lives may be. Ryan, my “cuz,” you also left way before I was ready. You were so smart and talented. I was hoping to beat you for the first time ever in the ping-pong tournament we had on our last Easter together, but, of course, you beat me. You will forever be the champion. You often asked me how volleyball was going and wished me luck. In fact, “how is volleyball going?” and “good luck” were some of the very last words you spoke to me. Thank you for your support. I am so blessed to not only have been part of each of your lives but also to be able to call you “family.” I believe there are holes in the floor of Heaven. Each of you is watching over me. I miss you dearly, but I believe I will see you again someday.
Thank you, extended family! Uncle John, Mary, Eric, Kristi, Chris, Anne, Uncle Tom, Ashley, Tyler, Pat, Laura, Austin, Mallory, Doug, Erin, Annalee, Blake, and Kelcey, we don’t see each other as much as I’d like, but when we do I enjoy the time we spend together. I’m fortunate to have family like you. Thank you for your support!
Laurie Hansen, thank you for being like an aunt to me as I grew up. I remember doing all sorts of activities with you, such as bowling, swimming, and going out for lunch. I always had so much fun. It’s been comforting knowing that you’re in Winona. I know that if I ever needed anything, you would be right there. Thank you!
Margi Jensen, you have supported me as a teacher, Confirmation sponsor, mentor, and friend. I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for all of your guidance over the years! You can bet I’ll be calling you for advice when I have a classroom full of students looking up to me just as I looked up to you.
Thank you, SMU roommates (“IKEA”)! Ingrid Klockars (“Roomie”), this has been a crazy adventure. Can you believe we are seniors already? It seems like yesterday we were filling out our roommate contract on the first night of our freshman year. I’m so glad you decided to give SMU a chance and stick it out. Thank you for coming to so many of my home volleyball matches during our four years at SMU. I can remember hearing your voice, cheering for me, in the match against Macalester this year. I couldn’t help but crack a smile. Kelsey Anderson (“Kettles”), my fellow Rochester native, I wish I would have known you before college, but I’m so glad we have become such great friends during our four years at SMU. You’re so laid back, and I definitely need someone with that personality trait in my life. Thanks for keeping me level-headed. Andrea Caruso, it’s too bad we lived two rooms down from each other in Skemp and hardly exchanged a word, but look at us now. We live together! I have enjoyed getting to you know last year and this year. I think for every one thing funny I have to say, you have ten, but let me remind you of this: “Guys, this is NOT funny.” Thanks for keeping me laughing!
Thank you, graduated SMU teammates! Theresa Perrini (“T”), when I roomed with you at my first collegiate volleyball tournament (Ripon, WI) four years ago, I said to myself “Wow! This girl is so cool!” I knew I was going to get along with you really well, and I think you would agree that we did and still do. You are absolutely hilarious! You could always make me laugh, and I love that about you. I missed you this season and last. I can’t play “Would you rather…?” with anyone but you. By the way, I would rather be Theresa Perrini than Hannah Montana. Carolyn Kiefer (“Carol”), you and T took me under your wings. I knew I could go to you to talk about anything. You have such a kind heart, and you’re smile can light up an entire room. I missed not being able to share pocket snacks with you, watch your speedy high fives down the bench, and share laughs with you. Jessica Larson (“J. Larz”), I didn’t realize how much I would miss watching you pound down those slides until you weren’t there with us in preseason this year. You were amazing! I am excited that you are now a high school volleyball coach, so you can share your volleyball knowledge and skills with younger players. Let’s take a road trip down to Florida, so we can watch our favorite team play in spring training. Courtney Runge Brey (“Court”), I had so much fun getting to know you while we were at SMU together, especially last year. You were a true leader on the volleyball court. You didn’t say a whole lot, but you lead by example. I admire that about you. Pamela Stanton (“Pam”), I remember meeting you for the first time the summer before my freshman year. We were both working the volleyball camp. You let the freshman know that if they needed to know anything about Saint. Mary’s, Minnesota, or Chicago to come to you because you could tell us whatever we wanted to know. Now you can tell us everything we want to know about Texas. I hope you’re enjoying it down there. Keep in touch!
Thank you, current SMU freshman teammates! Kaylee Bunne (“Buns”), I’m so glad I got the opportunity to meet you over the summer at volleyball camp. I could tell you were so nervous about preseason and making the team. I had been there, so I knew what you were going through. I tried to ease your nerves, but I might have made it worse. Sorry! It’s been a blast getting to know you this season. I wish we had more years to spend together. Thanks for being my pepper partner during practice and before matches. After this season, you have my “okay” to partner up with Lexi for peppering. I know you’ll pepper well together as long as the two of you don’t get the giggles. Lexi Assimos (“LA”), I am thrilled that we got to spend at least a year playing volleyball together. I’m also thrilled we got to be roommates at the North Central Invitational. You were so sneaky with my birthday present. In case I haven’t already said it, thanks for that! Also, thank you for keeping me laughing. You read people well, so you always seem to know when they need a support system. You’re right there with a pick-me-up. I remember watching you at volleyball camp one summer and being awed by your setting skills. I am excited to see and hear about your development in the SMU volleyball program. Take those matches in three, and call it a day!
Thank you, current SMU sophomore teammates! Megan Leisen, rooming with you in St. Louis last year is my favorite memory with you. I got to feel like a kid again when we “flew.” I hope someone else will “fly” with you during the next two years at St. Mary’s. Don’t get hurt though! Carissa Hahn (“CC”), I am so fortunate to have gotten to have you stay with me during your campus visit. I remember telling Coach and Tessa after you left that you were awesome. I’m so glad you decided to come to Saint Mary’s and that I didn’t scare you away. I was sad you left Sarah and me on the right side and moved to the outside this year. You deserved the opportunity to play, and that’s where you were going to get the most playing time. I’m so happy for you! Keep up the great work! Cathy Rennie (“Catty”), I’m passing my chaperoning duties to you. You’re in charge of keeping your fellow sophomores in line since I won’t be there to chaperone. I know you won’t let me down. Tara Rasmussen, I love it when you smile and laugh. Please keep doing those two things, especially during your next two years at St. Mary’s. Enjoy the time you have left in college. It goes by soooo fast! Sabrina Bushlack (“Bre”), your cheers were one of the highlights of last year for me. I want to hear at least one more “yea, little girl!” before this season comes to an end. There are so many things I admire about you, including your intelligence. You are extremely smart. Thanks for helping me with my Earth and the Solar System homework on our way down to Wartburg!
Thank you, current SMU junior teammates! Erika Hurley (“E. Hurlz”), I remember meeting you at the National Volleyball Center when we played volleyball with Harstad. It seems like this happened yesterday. Where has the time gone? I have a special request: start up the pocket snacks again. Somebody might get hungry. Thank you for being my hair stylist and making me look good before every match. “Yeaaaa, JoJo!” Amy Kujak (“Ku”), my fellow eddie, you’re going to make a fabulous teacher. I can’t wait to exchange stories with you down the road about our teaching experiences. Until then, keep up the fantastic job you’re doing in the middle. After playing middle a couple of times this year, I have a whole new level of respect for middle hitters. You make it look so easy. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me when it came time for me to play middle.
Thank you, fellow SMU senior teammates! Brittany Cherwinka (“Britt”), another one of my fellow eddies, I’m glad I had you to look up to while I was going through the teacher education program at Saint Mary’s. I enjoyed being able to hear how your experiences were similar or different from mine. Thank you for being a supportive teammate to me this year. It means more to me than you realize. Sara Harstad (“Harstad”), the memories go back to freshman year. I think the Jetta is one of the first ones I can recall. I love hanging out with you in Winona and Rochester. When I’m with you, it’s guaranteed to be a good time. Downhill skiing was one of my favorite adventures with you. I think our next adventure should be ice skating. What do you think? Thanks for your support over the last four years! You have been a wonderful teammate and friend. I know we’ll be close friends for the rest of our lives. Sarah Gardner, my fellow “righty,” it has been a pleasure sharing the right-side position with you. Did you ever think that when we played together on SMV 15 Elite that we would be playing college volleyball together? I sure didn’t, but I’m so glad we had the opportunity. “Yeaaaa, Michael!” Jessica Mate (“Maters”), my lifting partner, thanks for pushing me in the weight room. Without you I may not have increased weight during certain lifts, but since you did it I knew I could too. You’re going to make a wonderful physician’s assistant. You are so smart! Come visit us Minnesotans whenever you’re in the vicinity. I’ll be sure to let you know when I’m in your neck of the woods. Rachel Monterestelli (“Rach”) “Woooooo!” You better be ready. You never know when the Welly train is coming through your town. I’ll be sure to let you know if and when the Welly train is going through Wonder Lake. I hope, after graduation, you’ll come up and visit your Minnesota friends and teammates, including me. Did you know that during the four years we’ve played SMU volleyball together, I never got to room with you even once? Lame! Hopefully we’ll be roommates at nationals this year! Lindsey Legatt (“Linds”), I remember the conversation we had the first night we worked the volleyball camp the summer before our freshman year. I enjoyed getting to know all about where you were from and what you expected your college experience to be like. I remember telling Coach the next morning that I really liked you. I got to know you even more that year and the next three years. You are a leader on and off the court. If something needs to be said, you will say it. You did that for me this year. Thanks for having my back! I want to let you know that you’re going to be the first to know when I find my suit man. I’ll leave you with this … “Life is a highway. I’m gonna ride it all night long.”
Thank you, Southern Minnesota Volleyball (SMV) and Club Craze teammates! Playing Junior Olympic volleyball with you is something I will never forget. Thanks for pushing me to become a better volleyball player every time I stepped onto the court for a match or practice.
Thank you, former volleyball coaches of mine! Deb, Brandi, Traci, Glenn, Rick L., Mark, Jim, Linnea, Chris, Mrs. Ranta, Mollie, Coach Rupp, Brian, and Rick M., thank you for helping me develop into the player I have become today. I would especially like to thank my very first volleyball coach Mr. Weinschenk. Mr. Weinschenk, thank you for introducing me to Junior Olympic volleyball, particularly the Southern Minnesota Volleyball (SMV) program. Without question, I would not be where I am today as a volleyball player had it not been for you. Not only did Junior Olympic volleyball help me to develop the volleyball skills to play throughout high school and college, but it also helped me to meet some of the most amazing people along the way. Thank you so much for recognizing my potential!
Thank you, current volleyball coaches of mine! Chris Rohde (“Rohde”), thank you for helping our volleyball team this year. The brick wall you put up for a block and the hits you put down on the ten-foot line during practices prepare us well for upcoming matches. Ashley Gossen, thank you for helping our volleyball team over the last few years. There were times when I wasn’t sure what we would’ve done without you because we didn’t have another middle hitter. Thank you for helping us to become better volleyball players each and every practice. Tessa Wagnild, I am so glad you joined the Saint Mary’s volleyball program as a coach during my tenure here. Thank you for all your help on and off the court. I know I could not have made it through physics without your amazing tutoring skills and smarts. Coach, thank you for giving me the opportunity to play volleyball for SMU. Playing volleyball here has been a life-enhancing experience. The ladies you and your assistant coaches have recruited during my tenure here are absolutely amazing individuals both on and off the court. My SMU teammates are some of my closest friends. I am so proud to have been a part of the volleyball program here for four years. Although I am sad to close this chapter of my life, I am excited about where the program is headed. Best of luck to you, your staff, and those who put on the uniform!
Lastly, I would like to thank God, because without Him I wouldn’t be here today. None of my life experiences would have been possible. Thank you, God, for bringing all of these people into my life, including those I have not named above. Although not everyone is recognized here, they are recognized in my heart. Thank you for their support in the good times and in the bad. The power of my dreams and the love and support of so many have brought me to where I am today. Therefore, I promise to continue to reach for the dreams I have had since I was a little girl today and everyday because life shouldn’t be taken for granted.
As one of my favorite baseball players of all time Kirby Puckett once said: “Don’t take life for granted, because tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us.” I ask everyone who has taken the time to read these words from my heart to do the same.” |
