For most people, we all have a friend that we consider a part of us. Someone who makes us whole and reminds us every day how important we are. Like Meredith Grey and Christina Yang refer to each other as "my person," I too have been blessed to find my person at a young age.

Middle school is a crappy time in anyone's life, but for me, it was a bit more challenging than some. I dealt with my fair share of bullies, insecurities, arguments, school stress, and most importantly, my eating disorder. In seventh grade, I had a student teacher that helped to brighten my day every time I was lucky enough to sit in her class. Not only was she an excellent teacher, but she also provided advice for any student who was in need. Over time I began to look up to this individual as a role model who helped me navigate the struggle some issues I was faced with. For the first time in forever, I did not feel alone.

Almost seven years later, I sit here thinking back on this incredible friendship that grew from a simple student-teacher bond. I am so very grateful for all the friends I have in my life, but I feel especially thankful to have someone in my life that understands and accepts me for exactly who I am. We all deserve to have a person like that in our lives.

Age means nothing to me, especially in regards to my best friend. I think we put a lot of emphasis on these meaningless numbers because it is deemed "weird" to be so close with someone who was not born within the same few years as yourself. In the grand scheme of things, it all boils down to the character of the people we surround ourselves with. I believe in order to live our best lives we must fill our days with people and things that make us better and help us to grow in a positive direction, regardless of the opinions of others. I think it is incredible that I was able to find a permanent person in such a difficult time in my life. Whether she was 10 years younger or 10 years older, nothing would change that friendship.

I never saw this friendship coming, but the best things in life are the things we least expected. She has watched me grow from a lost 12-year-old to almost a grown adult, and I would not be half the person I am today without her. Thank you, Danielle, for always being my person and never leaving my side.