When the TV show “Glee” started its first season, I was in eighth grade. I was 13 years-old, I was in middle school, and I had a handful of good friends at the time. It was the beginning of a new era as soon as soon as the opening sequence of Episode 2 played in the background, which was the first episode of “Glee” I ever watched. I was in love with the show immediately. And, by Episode 3, I was also very much attached to the character of Kurt, played by you, Chris Colfer. Soon after I was attached to you as well.

I think it was Kurt’s feelings of isolation and underdog-ness that he went through while still being his amazing self that drew me to him. As I watched interviews and behind-the-scenes clips of you, over and over, I realized that you weren’t actually that similar to Kurt in many mannerisms. I never once confused you for your character. You were and always will be a separate entity to me, yet I loved you and Kurt both.

I couldn’t quite explain what first drew me to you but learning more and more about you with every interview and video made me realize that you were everything I dreamed of being as a person and more. Like me, you had been bullied and torn apart by society’s standards, and yet you had risen above it all and become the humble and talented person that you were and are. You truly cared about your fans, and your humor and wit were always intact. The many challenges that you had faced in your life didn’t make you into a bitter person; you were funny and kind, and you truly cared about making a difference in the world. You easily became my hero.

It helped to have someone to look up to while I was in high school because I went through a lot. From my mental health to my various interpersonal struggles, I knew I could make it because you had made it. You gave me hope. When the world around me felt so dark and unwelcoming, you were the light at the end of the tunnel.

When I found out that you were a writer like me, that made me feel even closer to you. I found writing to be the best escape from the disappointments and despair I faced in reality, and often I wondered if that’s why you turned to writing as well. You were certainly an amazing writer, as I quickly found out after reading all your books. Though your series The Land of Stories will always have a close place in my heart, I remember giving you a set of trading cards that I designed based off the characters in your movie and book Struck By Lightning. You were so kind to me, and you seemed truly impressed by what I had done for you. That meant the world to me and it still does.

I was in my last year of middle school when I was introduced to you. Now, I’m about to enter my last year of college, and it feels like my eighth-grade self has truly come a long way. I’ve been changed for the better because of having you as my role model, as my guiding light during my darkest periods. You are my hero, Chris Colfer, and I truly believe you always will be. You’ve done so much for me and countless others just by being yourself, and I will always treasure that. So thank you, Chris Colfer, for never failing to be you.

Yours truly,

Zoe, the girl who flew