Laurie Hernandez Opens Up About Being a Role Model After Receiving Fan Mail

Olympic gymnast and Dancing With the Stars champion Laurie Hernandez is a role model to so many young fans, gymnasts or otherwise — and she knows it.

Laurie posted a fan letter she received to Instagram an hour ago, and in her caption opened up about how much she loves her job and appreciates her fans.

The letter she photographed is lengthy, typed, and incredibly sweet. Her fan Meredith talks about how much Laurie has inspired her, how she uses her quotes in her everyday life, and how meeting her was her lifelong dream.

“Since my wish of meeting you came true I am giving you a penny so you can make a wish that will come true,” Meredith writes.

The letter has moved Laurie. “There have been countless times where I wake up and think, ‘Man I’m really tired today,’” she wrote in the caption. “But you know what? I get up with a smile anyways because it’s my job to go and inspire this generation. Getting letters like these make every single day worth it. Please take the time to read this letter, because you can inspire this generation too. Thank you, Meredith.”

She accompanied the post with a purple heart.