Dear Lindsey,

I remember when I went to one of your concerts for the first time. The stage was pitch black until the spotlight came on, and you were standing center stage as you began playing "Ascendance." The crowd was cheering, but all I could do was stand in awe, a wide grin across my face. I was in the same room as a person who had influenced my life tremendously.

I just finished my most difficult semester at college so far, but you have often inspired me to keep working toward my goals. No matter what mood I was in, I was most likely listening to your songs and attempting some form of air violin when no one was around.

Since the day I discovered your music, you have become one of my strongest role models. You have given me hope through your story of overcoming mental illness. You kept playing violin and dancing even when the judges on "America's Got Talent" said you weren't good enough. And most importantly, you've stayed true to your faith through it all. Thank you for reminding me that when I feel like no one else can see my worth, our Savior still does, and that even in our darkest times, we can still find hope in Him.

Your unique success story gives me hope for the future. You once said, "The only reason I am successful is because I have stayed true to myself." Thank you for reminding me that I, too, should stay true to myself. I get so caught up in trying to please others at school and work, I tend to lose sight of why I keep doing everything I do. Thank you for showing me that the pain is worth it if I'm working toward improving myself.

You refuse to be put in a box, even when record labels and television judges said your unique talent wasn't marketable. Years later, I wonder if they regret overlooking the artist that was listed as one of Forbes' highest paid YouTubers and won Top Electronic Album at the Billboard Music Awards. I hope I can maintain my sense of individuality as I enter the real world. Thanks for showing me and millions of other fans that being yourself is the key ingredient to success, that you can rise above your circumstances, and that it is entirely possible to live your dream. Keep spreading positivity and joy through your music and inspiring others the way you inspire me.

Love,

A Stirlingite