DearBritney

Dear Britney,

It is hard to imagine that a person that I have never met can have had such a huge impact on my life by inspiring me to believe in myself and be strong when facing adversity. That person is you, Britney. I know for sure that millions of your fans feel the same way and a large percentage of them have even told you that – in a letter, on Twitter, Facebook or when they have met you. You inspire us and for that we are forever grateful.

I first heard “…baby one more time” when I was 13 years old in 8th grade. It was instantly my favorite song. My days of listening to whatever it was that my mom listened to were over and pop music became my passion. Of course, I have grown to love and appreciate all genres of music as I’ve grown up but pop has always been my favorite and you were always my favorite artist.

Even when my friends outgrew the “bubble gum pop” era that was 1999, I still loved every moment of it because it made me feel good. When they made fun of me in high school for adoring you, I ignored it because I felt a connection to you. I felt like I could relate to you. You’re a small town southern girl; I am a small town Midwestern, farm girl. Kinda the same…right? Regardless, the inspiration I drew from you was what I needed to get through a lot of rough stuff when I was in high school, from being homeless to having a broken heart you were there for it all and made me stronger.

Throughout college I was given grief for my music choices, but I always stuck by them because it made me happy, you made me happy. Although, it turns out a lot more people adore you more than they actually let on. I don’t know why they hide it, having admiration, appreciation and respect for someone like you is a great thing. Appreciation is a wonderful thing because it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well (I think Voltaire said that).

I think everyone I know and everyone I have ever met knows how much I admire, respect and cherish you, Britney. I want people to know how much you changed my life and that you saved my life.

Before I was diagnosed with depression in 2010, I had three years of misery that I lived through. With the help of your music and watching you go through a hard point in your life and rise to the top again, I was able to overcome the horrible thoughts and desires that consumed me. I gained the strength to get help. And I struggle with my disease every day, but I get through it with the help of you and your music.

I don’t have a very supportive family so it honestly has been a blessing to have you and your music in my life to get me through some of the most difficult times I have had to face. Maybe it is silly to love a celebrity, someone I have never met, so much, but when there is nobody else to guide you, whom are you supposed to love?  

I am going to graduate with a master’s degree in communications in April 2012. Part of me thinks that I chose my career path because of you and while some may think that it is silly that Britney Spears inspired me to go into PR and communications, I don’t. Being your fan introduced me to social media, something I am very passionate about which in turn introduced me to public relations – something that I am not only passionate about, but it is something that I LOVE.

So I thank you, Britney Jean Spears. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for inspiring me every day. I thank you for giving me strength to live, smile and be happy. Thank you for being you and having music that was there for me when it felt like everyone in my life deserted me. Thank you for being the person who taught me to believe in myself and for teaching me that no matter how hard you fall, you can get back up – and be better than ever.

Love always, Emily