Dear Taylor,

You may not know this, but we’ve known each other for a very long time. I bought your first CD on June 30, 2007, the day I turned 11. I spent that summer singing (bless the poor souls who had to listen) "Our Song" and "Should've Said No" at the top of my lungs on the back porch. I didn’t realize it then, but this was just the beginning.

Although "Fearless" came out in 2008, it was my anthem the following summer as I experienced my first kiss and my first heartbreak. Two years later, "Speak Now" was the song that I blared before school, a personal reminder not to hold anything back. When "Red" came out in 2012, I was a junior in high school and terrified of what the next year would bring. Your words reminded me that the future was a clean slate; a fresh start just waiting for me.

2014 was a big year for us. I graduated high school and started college. You released your latest album, "1989." That album was a lifesaver. I blared it at the gym, in the shower and in the car on the way home every weekend. "All You Had To Do Was Stay," "Shake It Off", "Bad Blood" -- each song captivated me.

I may not have attended a live performance, but I was still there throughout your journey. I was there when you introduced yourself to Tim McGraw. I was crying my eyes out when you sang "Back To December" at the Grammys. I was completely obsessed when I saw the video for "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together."

It’s been a long ride, to say the least. A crazy, magical, fantastic ride and there’s only one thing I have to say:

Thank you.

Thank you for showing me that both mistakes and change are inevitable in life and should be faced with grace. You’ve shown young women everywhere that change is a good thing. You’re no longer the curly haired country girl we first met singing "Tim McGraw." You’ve developed an astounding taste in fashion and your style of lyrics and music have evolved into iconic pop anthems.

Thank you for embodying the qualities that make a woman a true lady. Your poise, grace and ability to recognize your wrongs and right them has made you a role model for women. You’ve shown an entire generation what modesty, elegance and true beauty look like.

Thank you for showing me and all of your brilliant fans kindness. There are few artists that would do as much for their fans and you do for yours. From the #1989SecretSessions to the #TayLurking that led to surprises for your fans, the Swifties are definitely a very blessed fandom. You’ve shown us more love than we ever thought imaginable.

Thank you for showing me that toxic friendships aren’t something I have to endure and that there is power in cultivating real and loving friendships. The love you show in your relationships with friends and the care with which you speak of them is admirable and something all women should aspire to. Your belief that friendship should be empowering and supportive has shown me that real friendships don’t focus on competition, cutting remarks or beauty. True friendship focuses on empowering each other to become the women you have the potential to be, and supporting each other through that journey.

Thank you for writing the best breakup music. Seriously. A broken heart hurts, but it hurts a whole lot less when you can jam to a song like "Bad Blood" or "I Knew You Were Trouble." Your words have always had a way of easing the pain and encouraging me to get back up after a tough time.

Taylor, the truth is you’ve inspired me and so many others to live without regrets. Your music has been there for me through first dates, broken hearts and late nights with great friends.

Thank you for being you,

A Swiftie