When I was a sophomore in college, I was trying to "find myself," just as everyone around me was. I had finally chosen a major that I loved and wanted to stick with (English education), so I thought I was one step closer to creating a real life for myself.

But when I looked in the mirror, I wasn't convinced.

I felt like I was still stuck in the high school vacuum. My hair still looked the way it did when I was a 16-year-old in algebra. I knew a simple visit to the local hair dresser with the request to "do whatever you want" might help in that area, but when it came to my makeup, I was completely lost.

I knew that as a student who would one day become a teacher, I needed to fix the way I painted my face. I could probably keep my mascara—it doesn't clump, so it's safe, right?—but what was I supposed to do with the rest of it? I had only worn lipstick for high school show choir competitions, which naturally meant the colors were bright and never actually matched my skin tone. I never wore foundation or blush unless I was performing either, and I had never even heard of highlighter.

Naturally I took to Facebook, asking my friends if they knew of any makeup tutorials that could help me learn how to make myself look like the adult I wanted to be or if they knew of products that would help me to accomplish a more mature face.

That is when a friend told me to head over to YouTube and look up Jaclyn Hill.

From the moment she started talking, I knew I had found the right beauty blogger for me! Her smile was genuine, and her knowledge of makeup was vast; I felt like I was sitting in my dorm room listening to a friend, so naturally, I became an instant subscriber. I probably sat at my computer for the next four hours pouring over her plethora of videos, learning more and more, taking pages of notes of products that may help.

I started small, purchasing products she mentioned in a drugstore-only video and a few inexpensive brushes. One morning, I pulled up a makeup tutorial and took my time, following step-by-step instructions from my new friend. It wasn't a flawless face, but it was a start! The harsh lines that I had created as a young teenager were beginning to blend with seamless brushstrokes.

Before long, my roommate began asking me about the woman in the videos and my newfound love for all things makeup. She began watching videos with me, and makeup became a passion that we were able to share together.

As the years rolled by, my roommate and I continued to watch Jaclyn Hill, cozying up on our eventual futon with a computer and some snacks and watching a few of Jaclyn's latest videos. It was a new way to relax and unwind from the stresses of all things college, and we were able to learn about new products and try new techniques.

I can't tell you how many times we watched one of Jaclyn's videos and said to each to each other, "Oh my gosh, she is flawless!" or "Holy crap! Can I be her?" Never did we ever feel jealous or contempt against her; after all, she felt like our friend! When she succeeded, we were genuinely happy for her. When Morphe released a palette of her favorite shadows, we made our purchases and squealed with delight knowing that our friend had created something so beautiful! As she began to partner with Becca Cosmetics, we smiled and clapped for her happiness and success (and flocked to the nearest Sephora in support!).

Jaclyn Hill helped me in more ways than she will ever know. She taught me how to love myself and love makeup and blend eyeshadows. She brought me closer together with my roommate and gave us another common love. She taught me what it looks like to be humble in the face of success. She showed me that life is about joy and family (follow her on SnapChat—seriously, you won't regret seeing the smiley faces of her nieces, nephews, sister, mother, and sweet husband!) and following your dreams.

So Jaclyn, if you ever read this, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being a woman that the rest of us can look up to. Thank you for showing what inner beauty truly looks like, and that we can accomplish our dreams no matter what circumstances stand against us. Thank you for dedicating so much time to teaching us about makeup and about life. Thank you for loving your subscribers with all of your heart. We love you right back!