Like many, many other children, I grew up reading, and watching, the Harry Potter series. I was introduced to the wonderful world of Harry Potter by my older siblings who had a huge impact on me developing a deep passion for reading. The Harry Potter series was challenging to read at a young age, introduced new ideas I had never read about before, and showed me that fiction holds very important life lessons. Harry Potter isn't just wizards and witches fighting evil forces. It is a true representation of growing up and dealing with obstacles that life throws at you. Here is a list of some of the most crucial lessons I have learned from reading Harry Potter.

1. Bravery looks different for everyone

Being brave doesn't require you to defeat the most powerful and evil wizard in the world. Facing fears of any kind is a true act of bravery.

2. True friends will support you no matter what

Harry's friends throughout the series are thrown into some very dangerous situations. Regardless, his friends still love and support him through everything.

3. Scars tell a story of what you've been through

This one is very personal to me. Similar to Harry, I have had scars for my entire life due to a life changing event. I used to struggle with feeling weird or different from other kids, but Harry's confidence in his scar showed me that I can embrace my differences as well.

4. Don't be quick to judge others

It can be very easy to make assumptions about someone based on their appearance, but often appearances can be deceiving to someone's true character.

5. Always stand up for what you believe in

One of the most important lessons I have learned from Harry Potter is to never back down. If someone is saying or doing something that you feel is wrong, standing uo for yourself and your friends is always the right thing to do.

6. Love is eternal

Love knows no boundaries or distances. If someone is far away, near, dead, or alive, their love will always be there.

7. You are never alone

Everyone knows how how it feels to feel alone in the world. Even if you feel as if there is nobody there for you, somebody always cares about you and is rooting for you.

8. Being different isn't a bad thing

Luna Lovegood is not afraid to show off her quirky personality. She gave me the courage to choose who I want to be and not let others' opinions change me.