Dear Lauren,
Since before I can remember, I have always looked up to you. You were constantlways so cool, you had so many friends, you could do so many interesting things, like make candy wrappers into bracelets, and I was always really jealous of your video game skills. Whenever you would come from Houston, Rosie’s face would light up, and she’d stick to your side the whole time, so I never got to know you very well. Also, neither of us were very big talkers, so that stood in the way of us getting closer. All I really knew about you, was that you were a really good singer, you were really smart, and you were the epitome of cool.
As I grew up, I went to visit you more, and we talked about your boyfriends, and how y’all sing together, and I thought it was the cutest thing ever. I was very jealous. Later on, when I was about ten, I was inducted into your’s and Rosie’s group, and it might’ve been one of the best things that ever happened to me. Y’all taught me so much, and you really understood me. While the boys and I drifted apart, y’all grew closer to me, and I felt like I could tell you anything.
Today, I still look up to you, but in a different way. You are my hero because you embody the traits that I want to have when I grow up. You are smart, courageous, determined, independent, outgoing, friendly, confident, funny, inspirational, unique, and are so sure of yourself. You followed your heart and turned down A&M to live in Colorado and follow your dream. You planned, worked hard, saved up the money, and took a huge risk. You’ve changed so much, and I admire the person that you’ve turned out to be. You're not afraid to go a little crazy, but when stuff needs to be done, you get it done. So many obstacles have been thrown your way, and you've overcome each and every one. You always know what to say and do, which is probably why you are friends with everyone.
I envy the way you look at life. You are totally unique. You can talk about something super serious one minute, and then the next minute you can be joking around. You let the bad things in life roll off your back, which is something that I really wish I could do.
The thing I admire most about you, is your determination. You can do anything that you set your mind to do. You are on your way to doachieve great things, like graduating college at Colorado School of Mines, and climbing the tallest mountain in Colorado, yet you still have time to text me and ask how my day has been.
Lauren, I don’t think that I tell you this enough, but I appreciate everything you do. Even if you don’t think you're doing anything important, just remember that you inspire me to be the person that I am, and I couldn't be more grateful. You are my hero because you are going to do great things and make an impact, which is exactly what I want to do. So, thank you; thank you for a lifetime of laughs, friendship, and inspiration.

With all my love,
Shea Doty