I first met Michelle when I was 7 years old and she was 11, and we were both at Olomana Golf Course. She was already a good golfer, and I wanted to be like her, I wanted to beat her at being the "the youngest at ... "

She was always better — and I looked up to her.

And now, with Michelle turning pro, I'm trying to set a higher standard for myself. I tell myself if I improve, I can get to her level, I can do it. She's had a big impact on golf, really big, especially here in Hawai'i. There are more girl golfers, and she's made a lot of people like the game of golf. And those are good things.

When I found out Michelle was going to turn pro, at first I thought she might be too young. But then I thought hey, I'm younger than her — and if she thinks she's ready, then it's her choice. I think it's a good choice, because now she's a millionaire and she's all over the news. Even Tiger Woods thinks it's good.

I would do anything to be a millionaire, too, and I would turn pro if someone gave me $10 million dollars! It's my dream. And my dream is a lot more realistic, now that Michelle's there. She's shown me and other girl golfers that this is not just a fantasy.

Even if I did become a professional golfer and got a million dollars, I would still go to college so I can get a good education. (My mom doesn't think I should turn pro until after college, but my dad would like that).

Since Michelle turned pro, a lot of people — teachers, friends and even strangers — are telling me: "When you turn pro and get $10 million dollars, remember me — I need a new car." Or, "I need pocket change."

And others say, "I can say I taught her or knew her when ... "

I feel famous, too, (but no money, no cigars!) because ever since Michelle turned pro, I've been getting a lot of interviews for newspapers and television. People always compare me with Michelle (even though she's so much better) and even say I look like her.

Michelle loves attention and having people watching her play golf, so I think the price of fame is good, because she likes it. I don't think higher expectations will affect her because she's already had high expectations after winning tournaments when she was only 11, 12 or 13 and playing with the pros on the LPGA and PGA tournaments.

About being a kid, Michelle's only 15 and already a pro. But she should remember her childhood, because when she has kids of her own, she'll only be able to tell them how she played with the pros.

I hear parents always talking about how they "did this" and "did that" when they were a kid in school. I don't think she'll be able to do that, because she plays so much golf and has to miss school a lot.

As for me, I don't want to grow up too fast. I want to set more records too, of being the "youngest at ... " just like Michelle. I love golf and playing in tournaments, especially on the Mainland, and traveling and meeting new people, but I also want to hang out and have fun with my friends. I like to go shopping and see movies, too.

Michelle should concentrate not only on golf, but on school. Maybe even visiting schools and talking to kids about their reaching their dreams. She has the chance to influence so many people.

Like so many other kids out there, Michelle is my idol because she's so good and so young, and she thinks she can win any tournament.

My other idol is Annika Sorenstam, because she's the best — she never complains when she does badly in a tournament. She doesn't make any excuses and goes with whatever she shoots that day and focuses on the next, and stays happy. I would like to meet her one day.

For now, when I play in tournaments, I want to be like Michelle and think I can win. And if I don't shoot well, I'll try to be like Annika and have a good attitude.