There are times in life that we sit back and think about the people that made a difference in our lives that we never got the chance to thank. These people taught us life lessons we never knew we needed, and looking back on it now, we can see why they impacted us so strongly.

1. Your first grade teacher…

Think about what you had to learn in first grade. How to write letters, numbers, cursive, and sharing and people skills... it’s surprising how important these basic skills can actually be. And we all know that some people still don’t know anything about those sharing or people skills…

2. The mean girls in middle school…

Because they thought they were the coolest girls in school and that everyone wanted to be them. They taught us it’s not cool to be mean, and one day you’ll grow up to make friends by being nice. Shocker.

3. The middle school boys that thought they were "all that…"

Because they made us try so hard to earn their attention. They taught us that later on in life, there will still be boys that act like this and to run far away from them.

4. Your favorite band or artist that got you through the hard times…

Thank you, Destiny’s Child, for teaching us how to become “Independent Women,” ‘N Sync for telling us how to say “Bye, Bye, Bye," and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Third Eye Blind, Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, Green Day, Panic! At the Disco, Paramore and Avril Lavigne for getting us through our emo phase.

5. The sports coach or musical director you got super close with…

Because they showed you what it meant to be a part of a real team that becomes a family. They were your first role model you admired like a parent. They helped you through the wins, losses and struggles of your teen years.

6. Your first kiss…

For breaking the awkwardness. Or for making it the best second of your life.

7. Your first love…

For teaching you what it's like to feel real love, but helping you find out what you do and don’t want out of a relationship.

8. The first person you had strong hatred toward…

Because they taught you what it’s like to handle people you really don’t like. Never thought I would have to thank you, but here I am, saying it.

9. The people involved in your acceptance into college…

Because if it weren’t for them, you wouldn’t be where you are now. The people behind the paper. Whether you’re in college or already have your degree, you have them to thank.

10. Your freshman year roommate…

Whether your experience was as good as mine, or the worst possible match you could ever imagine, they taught you what it was like to live with someone else. Believe it or not, these people helped shape your most vital year of college.

11. The mean professor who gave you a hard time…

Because they taught you how to deal with authority figures that see things their way and only their way.

12. The people you stayed friends with from high school…

Because they rock. They know you inside and out and would go to the ends of the earth for you. You are probably close with their whole families. They make you feel at home, no matter where you are. They taught you about the true meaning of friendship.

13. The drunkest person in the room…

Because they make you feel like you’ve got your life together.

14. Random passersby who do nice things for you…

Thank you, kind stranger, for opening the door for me. Or for buying me my meal when I forgot my credit card. Or for even smiling at me as you walk by. You had more of an impact on me than you could ever know.