December 27th, 2016, was a dark day for Star Wars fanatics everywhere. Early that day, the devastating news of Carrie Fisher’s death struck the nation. Carrie Fisher portrayed Princess Leia in the original "Star Wars" Trilogy. She was a fictional character that I hold very dear to my heart. Carrie Fisher was more than just an actress to me. Princess Leia was more than just a princess to me. As a little girl, she instilled in me the belief that a princess could be a bad ass. She put an end to the idea that the princess is always a damsel in distress

Carrie Fisher never apologized for who she was or what she said. She taught women that is it okay to be who you are, even if you have flaws. She had a mental illness and she never let that hold her back. If that isn’t something to applaud then what is? She taught me that woman can be strong and independent and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. So many girls are raised to be soft spoken and hide their true thoughts because "it's not lady-like.” However, Carrie Fisher redefined “lady-like.” She showed girls that if you have something to say, it is okay to say it. Princess Leia taught young girls to be fearless in the presence of adversity. Being chained up in a small gold bikini was no problem for Princess Leia. She simply saved herself and killed Jabba that Hut on her own – who says girls need a knight in shining armor? It sure wasn’t Carrie Fisher! Carrie Fisher, with the help of Princess Leia, paved the way for woman everywhere to demand the respect they deserve.

When celebrities pass, someone always asks, “Who cares, you didn’t know her personally?” However, the impact Carrie Fisher has had on me since the first time I saw Star Wars goes far beyond knowing her personally. She taught me countless life lessons, like not to sit around and wait, but to get up and do it on your own. She was beautifully cunning, fast witted and brutally honest, and without Carrie Fisher, Princess Leia would not have been the same. May the force be with you always Carrie Fisher.