User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4166126-20110718204956

Childhood is that very short time in life where we learn everything we need to know to be successful in the world. With our innocence we see all the good in everything. Over the passing years we learn how to hone our skills to work with people, do the right thing, stand up for what we believe in and put others first. I don't remember my exact age when I began reading Harry Potter, but I know I aged with the characters, so I always felt like I was a part of the Wizarding World in some way. I went to Transfiguration and Potions with the Trio. I laughed with them, I cried with them. Now I don't know if I am me because it's just my personality or if Harry Potter greatly influenced my personality at a young age. Regardless, I connect with several different aspects of the Trio in different ways. J.K. Rowling not only gave us an escape into this magical world of Harry Potter, but also taught us so many life lessons. She taught us to be brave, to stand up for what is good and to care for those who aren't cared for, even people like Voldemort. She taught us that love truly is the most powerful tool. When I read those books I--you, everyone--am just as brave or selfless as Harry, just as loyal as Ron and just as bright as Hermione. The Harry Potter era has ended, yes, but Harry, like Neville said in the final movie, is with us in our hearts, and as J.K. Rowling said, "Hogwarts will always be there to welcome us home." Harry Potter is a wonderful story, but to so many of us, it is home. I can't imagine my childhood without waiting in line at the book stores and movie theatres. Not only did Rowling bring the world together with a fabulous story, but also introduced so many people to a new way of life. Sure, we can't go to Hogwarts, but we can apply so many of the lessons that Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sirius, Lupin, and Mrs. Weasley taught us to our own lives. Harry Potter lives within us all, and our lives are forever influenced because of an idea written on a napkin in a train by a woman who was, like Harry, about to change the world for the better--for the greater good.