User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4150046-20110715085933

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was the first book I got when we immigrated to the United States from Colombia. It was the first book I read, and finished, in English.

I've learned more from them, and from Queen Rowling, than I learned from my parents and their disgruntled manners. The series gave me a way to grow up, mature, and come out of my shell. As mundane and unoriginal as that sounds, Harry Potter wasn't the one who taught me that- it was everyone. Hagrid taught me to defend who I love, Luna taught me to be original and to be myself, Neville taught me that no matter how long it takes- you can always grow up to who you were meant to me. McGonagall taught me what it is to be a strong woman, and to know who you are and that being intelligent can only help. Ron taught me true brotherhood, and true love, Hermione- Perseverance. Harry taught me to follow my beliefs, and lastly- and more importantly- Dumbledore taught me that no matter how twisted your past is, you can overcome it, and learn from it all and become a better person.