At the Spring 2016 Commencement ceremonies, the eight colleges and the Graduate School of Colorado State University will award more than 4,400 degrees, including nearly 300 with distinction. But the journey to graduation is not always a straight path. We have chosen to share the stories of just a tiny, tiny fraction of the many, many amazing students who have worked hard to achieve their goal of earning a degree from CSU. Click on a photo to read more about each one.

And watch what happens when these amazing young people read letters from their parents telling them exactly how awesome they are. Keep your tissues handy.