How long would it take to get here?

My hair is currently shoulder length. Not exactly at shoulder length, but it stops at the very top of my shoulders. I'm pretty excited/impatient to let it grow out. I'm going for about elbow length. I'm sure this will take quite awhile... but I'm wondering if anyone has been at my length and is now around elbow length. I'd like to know about how long it took for your hair to grow out to that certain length. Now, I'm pretty sure that it depends on my last trim and all... which by the way, was about March 23 of this year. So, I plan on getting my hair trimmed every other month. (My stylist suggested so if I want to grow it out) I'm also guessing that it can depend on the person and whether or not their family has had a history of being able to grow their hair fast or/and long. So, basically I'd just like to get an estimate of about how long it would take to get from shoulder length to elbow length from other's experience. Thanks!

Everybody who has elbow-length hair at one time had it at your length.

To maximize growth, you should minimize trims. Trims don't make your hair grow more quickly, they cut off your new growth. So trim only when you notice serious damage. Later, after you reach your hair goal, you can start trimming on a regular basis and thicken up your ends.

Thank you all! By the way, my avator is not me. It is Olivia Hussey. She's sort of my long hair "idol" or "hero"...  

Are you measuring from your front hairline, over the back of your head, and down to your hemline?

Measured this way, 23" is (on me) what we call BSL (bra-strap length). Add 6" and it would be to my waist. 38" would be tailbone length on me, and 42" should be classic. I am 5'4". If you're taller, your ends may land a bit higher on your torso.

I think mid-back might mean different things to different people.

Because 'from the root' is fairly subjective depending on where you part, and 'the end of the strand' isn't accurate if you're like me and your hair is all different lengths.