EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Michele Gorman-Nevins was 15 years old when she wrote a letter to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter while he was running for president. “He struck a chord with me because I felt like he was really down to earth and an honest man. So, I decided I'm going to write a letter, which I'd never done before, to him and say, 'Hey, I really hope that you win, that we need some honesty back in politics,'“ Gorman-Nevins said. Carter won the 1976 presidential election; he defeated Republican Gerald Ford. After his win, Gorman-Nevins adds that she not only received a response to her letter but also an invitation to Carter's 1977 inauguration. “It just was a wonderful time. Wonderful time. And you could feel it in your heart. You could feel the change that was coming. And that was part of what Jimmy Carter wanted. He talked about making a difference and allowing you to dream again. You know, I love that about him,“ Gorman-Nevins said. Gorman-Nevins adds that the experience allowed her to meet important political figures of the time, and it was Carter's humanitarian work in and out of the office that made a lasting impact on her. Carter passed away on Dec. 29 at 100 years old. He will be honored with a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral where President Joe Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy.