User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4134671-20110710225702

What Harry Potter means to me.

When I was in 4th grade, I had just moved a long distance and didn't know a single person. I hadn't been a big fan of books until 3rd grade, when my dad started reading a chapter of Harry Potter every night to the family. Then he'd show us the picture to the next chapter and keep us on edge all night and day wondering what would happen next. So by the time I was in 4th grade, I was reading my eyes out. Throughout the year I had trouble making friends. However, I eventually met a girl and we became the greatest friends ever. A couple months ago we were talking about how we first met, and she told me that when she got home the first day of us hanging out, she burst through the door and started screaming, "She likes to read!!! She likes to read!" I have Harry Potter to thank for that. For giving me one of the greatest friends I could have ever asked for in my life.

So, for starters, Harry Potter means a community: friends who all have Hogwarts in their hearts. I was once a shy little girl who could only find friendship in fictional characters. Now a teenager (still a kid at heart), I’ve realized that it’s those fictional characters that brought me to some of the greatest people I could have ever met. I’ve literally met some of my closest friends from saying something about Harry Potter and them practically jumping out of their skin, gasping, “YOU like Harry Potter?” and continuing with an hour long conversation about all of our favorite parts, learning about other things we both like, etc. etc.

A couple weeks ago, our 9th grade class had an end of year field trip to an amusement park. My friends had begged me to go with them on the roller coasters all day, but I was scared out of my guts. When we got up the hill to get in line for an old wooden one, my heart was pounding. My friend Emma (the one previously mentioned), took one more chance convincing me and asked me, “Well are you a Gryffindor or aren’t you?”

After that I rode both the old wooden roller coaster AND an upside down roller coaster, along with numerous other rides that I wouldn’t have dreamed of riding. Now the only thing I can think of is, “When can I go back to ride again?”

So, to sum that story up, Harry Potter means inspiration. The bravery, wits, and amazing adventures have completely motivated me to new heights. I never deny a challenge (unless they’re highly dangerous and stupid, of course), always try new things, always try to be brave, and always live my life to the absolute fullest. And Harry Potter inspired me to do that.

To add on to that point, Harry Potter has changed me, not to mention millions of others. J.K. Rowling wrote her first series of books and is one of the most successful people in the world. She has inspired me to try my best at what I want to become when I grow up. I’ve definitely had many people tell me that my career choice “doesn’t pay enough” or “is a long-shot”. But Joanne has taught me that it doesn’t matter. Because doing what you love to do is more important, and if you really love doing it, you can reach the stars. Thanks to J.K. Rowling and everyone who pitched in to make this beautiful magical world come to life in millions of homes around the world, I can say without a doubt that Hogwarts will always be in my heart to keep me going.