Growing up, I always thought the people I looked up to and admired most had to be older than me, or at least my age. And, it wasn't until recently that I realized how very wrong I was.

Ever since the summer before I entered middle school, I found myself spending hours on end at the dance studio. At the time, dance was new to me, but it had grown on me and became an integral part of my life. I found myself constantly surrounded with people that had accomplished goals I wanted to reach (i.e. going to arts school, dancing professionally, etc.). All these people had anywhere between five to 40 years on me though. So, I was under the impression that naturally the people you should look up to should be older.

Well, it's been seven years since then, and I still find myself spending most of my days at dance. However, now I'm an adult, and the people surrounding me are primarily younger than me. I remember my first few months as a new student at the studio I attend now and being completely blown away by the caliber at which these young girls were dancing.

To this day though, there is one girl that stands out. She is determined, dependable, has an extraordinary work ethic, and a "can do" attitude. She exhibits these qualities even on her worst days. That's why I find her one of the most admirable people. The kind of person I don't mind being around day in and day out.

And, although, I am grown now, and it may seem silly to look up to someone who is still just a teenager, I have come to realize it's not something I should be ashamed of.

After all, age is just a number.