To a lot of people, "Harry Potter" is looked at as fraudulent, mischievous, unusual and ridiculous, but to me, and a lot of other people, "Harry Potter" has been the biggest role model in my life.

I know it sounds crazy and many of you must think a book series couldn't possibly be as influential as a person, but trust me, it can be. Through the characters, J.K. Rowling demonstrated valuable qualities to have as a person, such as how to be a good friend, dealing with demons (metaphorically, of course) and more. If it wasn't for these stories, my imagination as a child would've never been challenged, pushed or prolonged. It is beyond important to me I had such positive characters to look up to, such as Ron, Harry and Hermione.

Hermione taught me to always stick up for myself, no matter what. She taught me to embrace my intelligence, to never listen to anyone who degrades me and to read. Unlike many female characters in books, Hermione demonstrated heroic traits just by simply being her, which is important for young girls to see.

Harry showed me what true courage is and how to always persevere through whatever is happening in life, regardless of how dark it is. He taught me to be brave in the most bold ways possible.

Ron, though always looked over, allowed me to see how it is natural to be scared. It is human to be emotional, and it is not silly to be this way.

Overall, "Harry Potter" helped me grow as a person, whether it was during duels with dragons, fighting off a troll in the bathroom, protecting the entire student body at Hogwarts or just simply being. I will never be able to thank J.K. Rowling enough for placing such wonderful characters in my life. I'm not too sure how exactly I would've learned the importance of all of these things without them.