During my freshman year of high school, we had to read a novel that focused on several different characters. There was a man who was defending someone in court that everyone else believed to be guilty, two children who had extreme curiosity and yearned for adventure, and an outcast who simply wanted friendship and to be seen as normal.

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the rare novels to which everyone can relate. In my case, I identify with several characters.

Atticus is a defense attorney who does not back down when everyone thinks his client is guilty. He keeps fighting for his beliefs and on behalf of someone else.

The two children, Jem and Scout, long for something more than their little town has to offer. They want adventure and freedom and… more.

Boo Radley is an outcast based on his social status. He is cut off from the outside world and although he is slandered and treated badly, he still hopes for friendship and watches over Jem and Scout.

Like Atticus, I believe that we should fight for what we believe and never give up on people no matter what anyone else thinks.

Like the children, I want to explore what the world has to offer and not be stuck in a place with no adventure.

Finally, like Boo, I was sometimes the outcast of my friends in high school. My beliefs were different and even I, as a person, was different. I was talked to and about rudely and was never anyone’s first choice, but I still wanted companionship and took it upon myself to protect others.

Recently, I was asked why I continue to give people multiple chances even after they’ve wronged me, and I can easily answer that with the characters from this novel.

If Atticus didn’t believe in the defendant and couldn’t see that he truly was good, then that man would have had nothing left for him.

If the children had not been curious and full of adventure, they would have missed out on life lessons and friendships.

If Boo Radley would have let the rumors, myths, and thoughts about him keep him from watching over kids and protecting them, Jem would have had potentially fatal consequences.

These characters embraced who they are and let that dictate their actions rather than allowing the outside world to affect them. I relate to this because I do everything I can to see the best in people and extend friendship. You don’t always know someone’s story and all you can do is believe in them.

This novel has impacted my life... just like it was meant to do.

To Kill a Mockingbird helped me discover parts of who I am.