Everybody has their heroes—they might be influential historical figures, Superman or Oprah. Personally, I have many heroes and people that I admire. But, I feel as though not enough credit and emphasis is given to the men and women who enter your life and make a huge impact. We can go on and on about heroes, but I think some thanks should be given to those that helped mold us into the people we have become.

My mom and dad are my two biggest heroes, and without them I would be nothing. But, there is another person that without their influence, I wouldn't be half the person I have grown to become. I truly believe that everyone has an adult figure like this in their life. You can call it a mentor or role model, whether it was a boss at a crappy after-school job, a coach, a teacher, a family friend, etc. Someone who came in and gave you a positive adult role model and helped guide you through a tough stage in life, and they do not get half the credit that they deserve.

Here is an open letter to the woman who mentored me through my teenage years.

First of all, I want to say thank you for taking the time to get to know me, to really truly talk to me and understand who I am. It is rare to find an adult besides a family member that really dedicated time to dig and get to know you. You took that time and taught me that I am someone who people should know. You taught me my worth.

You gave me a safe place. You weren't my mother, so I knew that everything we talked about would remain in confidence and that you would never rat me out. You became a safe place where I could complain and be honest with what was going on in my life. While I have always been close with my mother, I have never had an older sister, and you became the perfect in-between place where I could go to without any embarrassment or fear of getting in trouble. And as a young girl, that feeling of security means everything.

You were always honest with me, even when I didn't want to hear it. You never gave me any bullsh*t or sugar-coated things, you always gave it to me straight. I was young and did stupid things, and I needed someone to call me out when I was idiotic, and you always did that. You never lied to me and were always there to put me in line when I needed it most.

Thank you for teaching me about life. You always took the time to tell me a story about your life, or about anything in general, that has some sort of lesson or moral. You taught me that life isn't full of rainbows and butterflies, but even in the darkness, I will always find joy. You taught me practical things, like that you can never own too many pairs of shoes and that you should use cruise control on the highway. You taught me by telling me personal stories about your life and trusting me to learn from them. The things you taught me I could never learn from a textbook, or from just anybody.

The most important thing you ever taught me is to know what I deserve and never settle for anything less. I grew up in a home where I was lucky enough to have two parents that love each other, but it was you who showed me to never let a man treat me like anything less than I deserve. You showed me that being strong and independent is something to strive for, not to be ashamed of, to always be proud of who I am and to not settle for any man who doesn't see that.

You showed me that actions always speak louder than words. You constantly acted with such grace and showed me through your actions what kind of woman I want to grow up to be. I saw firsthand what true kindness and understanding looks like. You didn't always know I was watching, but I was, and you showed me that I want to be a strong woman full of integrity and honesty, just like you are.

I am no longer a kid anymore, I have grown up and graduated high school and am turning into a functional adult (I know, it's scary). Although I am growing up and am no longer that insecure high school kid anymore, having you as a part of my life has been so vital to who I am today. You will always be a mentor and friend to me, and I couldn't imagine not having you as a part of my life. Though I don't see you as often as I should anymore, know that I still hear your voice in the back of my head constantly.

I am thankful to have such an amazing role model guide me through some tough times in my life. You have hugely impacted my life, and I wouldn't be who I am without you.

So, thank you.