That's right, down to her country roots, my young-self knew every word to her "Taylor Swift" album. My favorite jam at the time when the album was still hot and fresh was "Our Song", and it sang to my six-year-old soul. Since then, I have been a Taylor fan. When my parents got my sister's and I tickets to her first ever tour with that album at the Wharton Center on MSU's campus, I don't think anyone knew just how big and successful she was actually going to become. I'll never forget being totally mesmerized by her performance of my favorite songs, and singing "Should've Said No", at the top of my lungs.

Once the "Fearless" album hit shelves, it was a total game changer. People knew her name this time, and she was gaining even more traction than her first album. A 19-year-old girl was becoming a role model for millions of young girls everywhere and giving country music a fresh feeling. I grew up listening to country music, so it was never a question as to whether or not I would listen to her on my CD player or on the radio in the car with my family, but even households without strong ties to country music began to talk about the superstar the nation was quickly falling in love with. How could you not be? I would definitely argue she was and still is one of the best role models out there, which she certainly does not get enough credit for. We have all seen what the pop culture and fast lane lifestyle can do to kids that enter the limelight when they are still just that; kids. There is research and science out there saying this isn't unusual and is typical in those who have to endure every teenage milestone and developmental stage under public scrutiny. All of that aside, Taylor always kept a good head on her shoulders and never let the fame get the best of her in her early years, proving to be a continuous good role model for her fans.

When "Speak Now" rolled around, I was LIVING for the pop-country vibe, and it truly felt like the best of both worlds. "Mine", "Back to December", "Speak Now", and "Sparks Fly", were among my favorites and it seemed like the constant hits were never-ending. The truth is, they really haven't ended. Her next album, "Red" still had hints of country, but it was pretty evident where her music style was taking her, and as much as I knew I would miss her country roots, I was pretty confident that her success wouldn't end with her country career.

When I first heard "1989" I could at first, only think of how different it was. The more I listened, however, the more I fell in love with that album. It was so refreshing, and I felt like Taylor was just living her best life. From the now classic girl power anthems "Shake it Off" and "Bad Blood", to the nostalgic and inviting "Wildest Dreams" and of course the bop "Blank Space", it was safe to say Taylor's full shift into pop music was a successful one. Some of my personal underrated favorites were "Welcome to New York" and "All You Had To Do Was Stay". When I went to see Taylor again, on her 1989 tour, the show undoubtedly had an entirely different feel, than the first time I had seen her live. Looking out over a sea of light up bracelets as she poured everything into "This Love", was so awesome. Don't get me wrong, I'm no die-hard Swifty, but growing up a big fan, alongside her music evolution from country love songs, to pop anthems, songs of loss, love and empowerment, and having her always be there to look to as an extremely successful and passionate woman, was an experience I am grateful to have had.

Though I will admit, I was taken aback a bit by the "Reputation" album's message of "the old Taylor being dead", I have so much respect for her and artistry, I can't even judge. I will also say I have not totally indulged on my own into the Reputation album and found my personal favorites, but it's pretty clear it was a success as well with the hits like "LWYMMD", "Delicate", and "End Game", which I enjoyed.

Even after all these years, Taylor Swift continues to create wildly successful music, inspire millions of girls and women around the world, show the world that she has nothing to prove, and stay true to her artistry and voice. I will always consider her a remarkable artist and performer, and for everything amazing she's brought to this world, then and now, I'm grateful.