User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4165978-20110718202026

At 22, I still get excited whenever I start to re-read one of the books in the Harry Potter series or pop one of the DVDs into my computer. I've read the books at least five times each and have seen the movies more than that but every time is like the first and I am still captivated by the magic.

People criticize and say we 'Potterheads' are nerdy for liking the series, but I don't care. J.K. Rowling opened up a new world for me, and not just the wizarding world. She made me realize the there are others places to see beyond my American shores. At 11 (when I first discovered the series) you do not really think about other countries but Jo, once I found out she was British, helped me understand there plenty of places and people beyond the U.S. and peaked my interest in international studies.

It's because of her that I will be leaving the US for the U.K. to receive my master's in that particular subject.

Harry Potter saw me through two important stages in my life: the books ended when I graduated high school and the movies ended when I graduate college. Both endings (of the books and movies) reflected the fact that sections of my life were closing as well and it just made them that much sweeter.

Thanks Jo, you really have no idea how much you have influenced me.