It wasn't the "Fast and Furious" franchise that introduced me to this amazing man, it was a Disney movie called "Eight Below." I was drawn in by those eyes, and the love he had for animals, just like me. I fell for Paul Walker, and I fell hard. I watched the entire "Fast and Furious" franchise in one week this summer and regretted not watching them earlier. You can just see the love this man had for not just cars, but his familia, his castmates, and life. Paul didn't look back, he raced through life with his eyes wide open and heart full of love to give to anyone he met. Paul Walker is an inspiration to me, from his passion for marine biology (I am passionate about wildlife biology) to his love for friends and family, and of course, a slick fast car.

While my Volvo can't compare to the vehicles Paul drove, I like to imagine myself at the starting line ready for a race with him. I hope to model myself in his image. To be kind to others and take nothing but a hug in return. I will never look back and enjoy the ride that we call this crazy life. Here are just a small amount of the many things I love about Paul Walker that I hope you come to love too.

1. His signature, dreamy blue eyes

2. His passion for marine biology, which he majored in while attending community college (he had a soft spot for sharks)

3. His ability to kick butt off screen with jiu-jitsu, which he had a brown belt in

4. That smile. I'm a sucker for it every time.

5. His adoration for our four-legged friends, which is highlighted in the film "Eight Below"

6. Just listen to and watch the video for "See You Again"... enough said

7. The bond he shared with his castmates was #goals

8. Vin Diesel named his daughter Pauline after his cherished best friend in 2015 after his death

9. Paul loved to surf and did so avidly at his home in California. Who doesn't love a surfer?

10. He formed a charity called "Reach Out Worldwide" to help those affected by natural disaster

11. Paul loved to travel, and went to places like Fiji and Costa Rica

12. Paul set standards for how all men should treat women through his relationship as Brian with Mia

13. His humble, loving soul made a mark on everyone he knew, as well as the millions of fans he touched throughout his films