The world recently lost a great woman- of course, like every other fan, I did not know her personally. I was just a fan, after all, like all of us were. But Carrie Fishers death felt like a direct hit on my heart.

By the age of ten, I probably knew the entire original Star Wars saga scene by scene. I don't remember watching the Disney movies growing up, Princess Leia from a galaxy far, far away was probably the only princess I was pretending to be. I even remember my mom jokingly giving my "Leia hair" (yes, that would be the buns on the side of my head.)

Later, as a teenager and young adult, Carrie Fisher went from being my favorite princess to being my role model. While I was struggling through the real world, anxiety and all, here was my space princess advocating for mental illness in books and interviews alike.

She was also, arguably, a feminist before the modern wave a feminism began. Carrie came to this world to fight for her right to play her roles- even if she had once wore that infamous gold bikini. (You know exactly the one I am talking about.) She encouraged the women who got in the business after her to fight hard against the system, telling the new face of Star Wars, Daisy Ridley, to "keep fighting against that slave outfit." This, coming from the woman who was once told there were no bras in space, and therefore acted in a legendary franchise without one.

Finally came the days of a new Star Wars set of films- and our girl was not to be forgotten. Our space princess was now a general- talk about a strong female character! I lived for every seen General Organa had in that movie.

So yes, arguably, Carrie Fisher has shaped my life. And I have no doubt she will continue to do so- after all, how can a woman who put so much joy on this planet not continue to do so after she leaves it?

Here's to you, Carrie, a beautiful woman who graced this planet for 60 years before drowning in moonlight, strangled by her own bra. Thank you for being a role model.

SIncerely and with love,

The multiple generations of girls with "Princess Leia" buns in their hair.