By Katie Tallo

I have listened to my 10-year-old self and spoken to my 80-year-old self. Both have taught me to look beyond age – to listen, to learn and to respect the wisdom of both young and old. Recently, a 25-year-old woman taught me a few things not only about herself, but about life and how to truly live it with whole-hearted gusto. Here’s what I learned from her, and about her.

She doesn’t forget her friends from way back. She truly loves and respects her fans. She believes in being brave and helping others be brave. She has worked really hard to get where she is. Her ultimate goal is not fame, but is to create music. She does not have a vengeful spirit despite being bullied when she was young. She never felt like the winner, but always the loser, and yet she does not want to stick it... More...