10 Years of One Direction - Open Letter - The Project Quote

Dear One Direction,

This is harder to write than I thought it would be.

You see, I haven’t been here since the start. In no way was I the kid who watched you walk onto the "X-Factor" stage for the first time, singing your hearts out auditioning for a spot on the show. Nor was I the one who rooted for you when you were paired up as a group in the middle of the show and ended up in third place. Barely even knew you when you created "What Makes You Beautiful," the anthem to this fandom.

I may not have been here since day one but I intend to be here until day none.

In 2012, I made the mistake of hearing a little about you and Googling One Direction. Indeed, I spent that night YouTubing all the compilations of funny moments you’ve had since 2011; laying in bed till the sun rose, laughing my head off.

Soon after, I had memorized all your names and all the lyrics to your two albums "Up All Night" and "Take Me Home."

In 2013, I had created my fan account for you; tweeting song lyrics and catching up on the current news of you. At this time, I didn’t understand what it meant to be a part of this fandom. I was like the new fish swimming into something that seemed so great. And thankfully, it was.

You’ve spent nearly half a decade creating music and making us smile. Your songwriting has started off good and has gotten even better, your vocals growing up with you.

Year after year you’ve given us a new album, sharpening up your skills and jumping to the writing board for the next hit song. Not many fans out there can say that their favorites have toured year after year since the beginning for them, creating music every few months to enjoy.

However, we can, and with that, I’m forever thankful. You’ve taught us that it’s not about the money but merely about the moments; creating them and enjoying them. We’ve grown up with you. You’ve grown up with us. And as much as we wish things were as chill as they were back then, the only drama being simple funny stuff, we’ve still managed through all the craziness today.

We’ve gone through a lot. Losing Zayn, fighting off the rumors that were completely false, and all those shenanigans I'd rather not bring up again. Yet we still stand, tweeting our fingers off and freaking out when you sang "Torn" again.

From funny interviews to strange performance/car commercials to the life-changing concerts, thank you for providing us with this much entertainment. And better yet, a second home. Because what I’ve learned from you is that home is where you feel happy and content. It’s not just a roof and walls around you but a bunch of heartbeats enjoying the company of one another. It’s a family that I didn’t even know existed until I found you. Or might I say, you found me?

You never let fame change you. Instead, you changed fame.

They may say you’re just another boy band but you aren’t.

Thank you for teaching me to live in the moment and have fun because life is short. And to take any chance so that we can get to make the best of it. Your random actions at concerts and the ability to make any interview fun are what keeps us going.

You’ve saved people who didn’t even know they needed to be saved. And for that, we’ll always be right here. Thanks for helping us feel alive.

Enjoy your break because you deserve it. Whatever happens next, we’ll always be blessed with the great memories to remember.

Thanks for staying with us until A.M.

Love Always,

Srilekha

Happy 10 years Anniversary!!

By Srileka Mitra

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