Dear Taylor Swift,

I just wanted to give you a huge thank you for literally being there for me when nobody else was. Your songs have been there for me more than anybody from the sixth grade up until now (I'm a junior in college now). Thank you for all of the valuable life lessons you have taught me. For letting me know it is OK to not be OK, that sometimes life knocks you down but to keep your head up and keep going. I would do anything to meet you in person and cry and hug you and tell you all of this, but until that day comes, my list of things to thank you for will just continue to grow.

Thank you for being someone girls can look up to. You never went down the stereotypical pathway so many celebrities do. You remain classy and poised and handle all of the negativity thrown at you, flawlessly. You've taught me it's okay to be modest. And that it's okay to not show off your lady parts for attention.

Thank you for being there at 3 a.m. when I am crying over a boy, who in reality, doesn't matter. No matter how many times I fell for that boy that I knew would never like me back, I always knew I had you to turn too. I feel that over the years, you have become my friend. Whenever I need advice, I turn to your albums and it has yet to fail at making me feel better.

Thank you for all the moments of singing your songs on the top of our lungs, in the car with the windows down with my friends. And for all the friendships I have made because I bonded with someone who loves you just as much as I do.

Thank you for being such a fashion inspiration.

Thank you for teaching me to not listen to what people think about you.

Thank you for being such an active feminist, and showing guys and girls alike, that it is about equality and that we shouldn't be tearing women apart, but building each other up.

Most of all, Taylor, thank you for being you. For inspiring millions of girls (and guys) around the world and for showing people to be true to yourself and not listen to the hate that may be thrown at you. Thank you, Taylor, for being the positive light in such a negative world.