In the desk of Chelsea Walker, Landaff:

Thank you for all the birthday wishes and to everyone who contributed to making my special day so meaningful!🎂

It’s amazing how much you can learn in a year. Twenty taught me the true impact of teamwork, photography, cooking (kind of), a lot about political science, the joy of a good açaí bowl, and a little bit of jiu jitsu. But, twenty-one taught me more about gratitude in one day than I learned in all the years before it.

In just one day, I learned that even when you’re thousands of miles apart and separated by an ocean, it’s possible to feel closer to home than ever before.

The amount of love and effort that was poured into my day was incredible. I received dozens of birthday cards from many familiar faces and even some kind strangers back home. My family put together a beautiful care package with some of the most thoughtful additions, and my VTANG family never hesitated to step up and become party planners.

To everyone who participated in the card shower my parents organized, sent me a birthday message, went the extra mile to celebrate, or contributed in any way; thank you! I am beyond grateful to have such an amazing village of support!

Gratitude has always been a driving force in my life, but yesterday I learned what it truly means.

Feeling more grateful than ever before❤