User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4141625-20110713025711

I can safely say that without Harry Potter I would not be the person I am today. Without the influence of such strong and admirable characters from a young age, I doubt I would have anywhere near the level of confidence or perserverance I posess now. More important than such generalities I am sure are shared by everyone else who has grown up with the kids of Hogwarts, this series made me realize what I want to do with my life. Not only have I decided to pursue a career as a writer (not only because of the great Ms. Rowling, but also thanks to the book-savvy Hermione Granger) but I also spent the last five months studying in Scotland, a country I originally found appealing because it is where the school of witchcraft and wizadry is supposed to exist (despite my searchings, my muggle eyes couldn't find it). Harry Potter has made me the person I am today, and I cannot think of another story that could have touched me the way it has.