When I was in the fifth grade, we took a computer class. We didn't get to choose who we sat by, but I know I would've ended up where I was either way. I sat next to a boy, who wasn't like most, but not because of his appearance, only because he has the biggest heart I have ever had the honor to get to know. Spencer Kirkpatrick changed my life, my views on the world, and most importantly, me, in the most amazing ways.

1. To live like no one is watching.

Halloween, 2015.

I have never seen a face light up more than Spencer’s when he sees someone he knows. He immediately screams their name and hugs them big time, making that person feel wrapped in love for however long the hug lasts. I learned to live like the smallest things can make a huge difference. A FaceTime call can turn my day around, from my friend.

2. To appreciate the people around me.

Spencer's Grad Party 2016

I’ve learned to never end a phone call without I love you, that its okay to randomly text people and say what you are thinking about them right then. I have learned what it feels like to have someone who cares about you like nothing else, I have learned how to show people that I can be that person for them.

3. To never judge a book by its cover.

Mary Poppins, 2016

In my lifetime, I have introduced Spencer to several different people, and every single one has been greeted with a hug and quite possibly, a snapchat the very next day. He doesn't know where they are from, what kind of person they are, or even if he will ever see them again. Whether he knows it or not, he's making that person feel a feeling they may have never felt before, unconditional love.

4. To love unconditionally.

Spencer's Bday 2015

This is the main thing that my friend has taught me. That although to love and to be loved may be one of the best feelings in this world, its okay to love someone even if they might not love you the same way. It's okay to give your all to every person you meet.

5. That being “Special” is so much more.

Spencer after finding out he was accepted to MSU.

You probably read this article assuming that I was using special to describe Spencer having down syndrome, but, man, none of us truly deserve Spencer Kirkpatrick. The point of this article is that we should all be more like Spencer. It's not what he has that makes him special, it's the heart that he has that makes him so special. I have friends who come up to me and say they just adore him. I had a rough summer and one day Spencer called me to tell me he was praying for me….and to tell me I was his girlfriend (WHICH IS THE BIGGEST COMPLIMENT). I strive to be more like Spencer with every breath I take, to have his optimism while I am walking to class at 9 in the morning, to have his appreciation for college because he attends MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY, to show my love like he does for every person in my life, and to be as happy as him every day that I wake up. I don't think Spencer even realizes how amazing and beautiful I think he is, but he stole my heart from me in the fifth grade and I wouldn't have it any other way.