The very first concert I went to was a Rascal Flatts concert in 2008, and the opening act was none other than Taylor Swift. Since then, I have been a huge fan of T-swift. When I was in middle school, her album "Fearless" was what I got ready to in the morning and is always sitting in the CD player in my car. I grew up listening to her music and I think she's done an amazing job of changing and adapting as times and fads change. Since the first time I saw her, Swift has changed immensely. From a sweet, country star with beautiful curls in 2006 to the iconic, fun-loving pop star constantly playing on the radio, we as a generation have grown and developed along with her. To celebrate her birthday and just her existence, here's the (brief) evolution of the one and only Taylor Swift.

2006: Early Career

In 2006, Swift released her first album titled "Taylor Swift" with hits such as "Tim McGraw," "Teardrops on My Guitar," and "Our Song," along with other country-hits that she wrote herself. From her Pennsylvania farm and Nashville roots, these songs contain Swift's sweet nature and tons of twang. At age 17, Swift still has those beautiful and recognizable huge, blonde curls and plays her signature wood-covered guitar.

2008: Starting to gain traction

By 2008, Swift released one of her most popular songs, "Love Story" and her new album "Fearless," including other hits such as "You Belong With Me" and "Fifteen." As you can see, she still has her boots and guitar, but this album has a lot of pop flare. Swift also exposes a bit of her quirky side, especially in her "You Belong With Me" music video. She won the prestigious Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year, and became the highest-selling country artist of the year.

2009: Taylor versus Kanye

Everyone must remember in 2009 at the VMAs when Kanye West ran up on stage as Swift received award for best music video and said that Beyonce had "one of the best videos of all time" and humiliated Swift. This initiated a lot of tension between the two, that would be played out in song lyrics for the next eight years or so. Nonetheless, Swift gained support and even more loyal fans after that dramatic night.

2010: Continued Success

In 2010, Swift released her third album, "Speak Now," which, not surprisingly, contained even less country sound than before, with pop-hits like "Sparks Fly" and "Mean." The album continued Swift's success and fortune, selling over a million copies in just a week. Fans really get a sense of her growing confidence as a performer, especially with her song "Mean" giving a huge middle finger to all of her critics. We still see subtle curls, but no more cowboy boots, and there's even a little more glamour in her wardrobe choices now.

2012-2013: Country Queen turned Pop Princess

Okay, so the title's a little corny, but it basically sums up Swift by 2012. Her album "Red," featuring hit songs "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" and "I Knew You Were Trouble When You Walked In," was void of any country twang. Something was working, though, as Swift was named Forbe magazines's highest paid celebrity under 30 in 2012, passing Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus. However, the country music industry did not see Swift as abandoning her country roots; in 2013, Swift was awarded the CMA Pinnacle Award for her "positive impact" on country music (ultimately, tackling the combination of country and pop music and turning it into mainstream music for the next era of music). In 2012, Swift was obsessed with red lipstick and experimented with different hairstyles and colors: going straight, blonder, up-do's. By 2013, Swift has a loyal fan base and tons of funds to be able to switch up and really find her own style.

2014: "1989" breaking records

Swift's latest album, "1989" features hits such as "Shake It Off," "Bad Blood," and "Blank Space." To date, the album has sold over five million copies in just the United States. Swift's pop-only sound is accompanied by a pop-inspired wardrobe. Swift, 25-years-old now, chops her hair off for a chic bowl-like cut and revealing yet classy gowns and suits. Her music video for "Bad Blood" is basically a combination of tough and sexy action movie and gifs of her awkward dancing and quirky moments fuel social media.

2016: Now and into the future

Whether you love her or can't stand her, it's impossible to admit that you don't know at least a few of her songs or that you've never heard of her. She's an icon, especially for our generation. In my not-so-subtle opinion, Swift has stayed true to herself throughout her career and has developed into her own version of perfect. Although she may be quirky or over-the-top or awkward at times, you can't knock her for being herself. I've been with her every step of the way, and to all the haters: