Hilary,
I’m happy that you were the celebrity that I looked up to throughout my childhood years. To start, I want to thank you for always being so real. You've stayed so modest and you've set the right example for young girls, like me, who completely idolized you. You managed to never go down the wrong path, and I have so much respect for you because of that. I know that fame has the power to get the best of young celebrities and can ultimately lead to poor choices in the future, but you made the effort to carry out a successful life. You are the mother of a beautiful boy, Luca, and I am so happy for you. You deserve nothing less.
Your music never failed to put me in a good mood. Every time an album of yours was released, I had to get my hands on it. My CD player always had one of your albums in it, it was a rare occurrence if it didn’t. My iPod was also flooded with your music, I was a loyal fan. I always made my mom play your music in the car because there was nothing better than blasting "Anywhere But Here" or "Why Not" and singing every word right along with you.
Your music made me so happy, and the day that my grandparents surprised me with tickets to your concert was probably the best day of my life. I’m not kidding…I think I cried. I wore my favorite shirt that had a picture of you on it to the concert and had such an amazing time rocking out to all of your hit songs. You were the first concert I went to, a night that I will never forget.
"Lizzie McGuire" was easily the only show that I watched on television as a child. I was obsessed. Not only did your show offer some great advice, but it demonstrated the daily struggles that are faced by normal, young girls. Lizzie dealt with crushes, bratty girls, the peer pressure of fitting in, and the desire of finding her purpose in life.
Your show really grabbed my interest during my elementary school years because I was able to relate to some of the problems that Lizzie was encountering throughout the episodes. I recognized a part of myself in Lizzie and adored her for being insecure and awkward but totally awesome at the same time. She taught me the true meaning of friendship, the importance of expressing yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. Lizzie embraced her originality, and I valued that about her. I wanted to be just like her.
"The Lizzie McGuire Movie" made me fall even more in love with you. Taking a trip to Rome with your best friends, being mistaken for Italy’s biggest pop diva, Isabella, and falling in love with her handsome singing partner Paolo…OK, nothing short of a teenage girls dream. "This Is What Dreams Are Made Of" still gives me chills to this day…I watched the movie so many times that I taught myself the dance you did while performing the song.
I think what I appreciated most throughout the movie was how humble Lizzie remained despite the fame that bombarded her during her time in Rome. Your character’s behavior in the movie ultimately mirrors how you have conducted yourself throughout your lifetime. You’ve always stayed grounded and never let the spotlight consume you.
Some more of my favorites are "A Cinderella Story," "Raise Your Voice," and "The Perfect Man." Your movies were always very uplifting and had a great message to offer. A quote from "A Cinderella Story" that speaks volumes to me is “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game”. You were an inspiration to your fans and always motivated us to fulfill our dreams.
Hilary, I want to emphasize how much I appreciate the positive influence that you’ve had on my life. You taught me lessons during my childhood that will always remain close to my heart. Thanks for always staying focused on the important things in life, you have truly inspired me with your poise. Thanks for teaching me to not sweat the small stuff because it’s "So Yesterday," and for encouraging me to embrace my who I am. You are amazing, don’t ever change. Thanks for being you.
Love,
Your number one supporter
P.S. — I’m so happy to see that you’re back at it in the acting world. I can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the years to come.
