The Star Warsfranchise is home to a few of the most iconic characters of our age, from Jedi knights to droids. One of the most iconic of all is Princess Leia, General of the Rebel Alliance. To me, she is a symbol of hope, of power, of bravery, of fierceness. We face an uncertain future. We need symbols of hope, and more importantly, the time has come to become them. Here are 11 reasons to become that symbol yourself and take a stand for what matters most.

1. We need those who are brave.

Leia is no stranger to grief, to heartache. She lost her parents, adoptive parents, and home planet. She lost her husband and her son. Yet despite it all, there she is at the head of the Resistance, doing what she does best: taking charge and leading the Resistance to victory. Losses are inevitable, but our need to rise above them will never change.

2. We need those who are fearless.

Even in the face of death, Leia was quick witted and determined not to be intimidated. We may not necessarily need to face down one of the most feared Siths in the galaxy, be there will be battles in our lives just as daunting. May we draw on the courage of General Organa to fuel our own inner fires.

3. We need those who know how to make their voices heard and encourage others to do the same.

Throughout the later episodes, General Organa can be found giving inspiring messages to the fighters of the Resistance. It is through empowering each other that our greatest strength is created. Each of our voices are unique and powerful. If we never use them, we will never know the change our voices can bring about.

4. We need those who are bold.

Modern day times can be just as perilous as the times depicted throughout the Star Wars saga. Timidness is a luxury we cannot afford. It is time for us to be bold, to use the words saved on the tips of our tongues and rattle the nations through our actions and thoughts.

5. We need those who will take a stand for freedom and equality, for the entire galaxy, and not just their star system.

While fear and oppression remain in our nations and world, peace and liberty cannot reside. We are in desperate need of those with strong voices to step in and lend their voices to those who lack the power to use their own. It is when we fall silent and look the other way that corrupt powers such as the Empire take over and create that fear and oppression. May there always be the fearless individuals who band together and vow to dismantle such regimes.

6. We need those who are creative.

Creativity and quick wit will serve you well in the days ahead. Everyone is intelligent in their own way. It is time to use what we've been given and lift our fellow man. We are only as strong as our weakest link.

7. We need those who can hold their own.

Sometimes we will be called to face certain situations on our own. In our darkest hour, we must also be our brightest light and our greatest ally. Be an army of one and leave the galaxy in awe.

8. We need those who are resilient.

We may not always roll with the punches, but the ability to roll onto our knees and take a stand once more is essential. There's a power in resilience. As long as you can pull yourself back up again, can they ever truly destroy you?

9. We need those who are certain of their self-worth.

Just as there is power in resilience, there is power in knowing and believing in your self-worth. Loving yourself paves the way to making you indestructible. You are able to accomplish greater feats and go farther than you dreamed possible. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so love yourself and watch where takes you.

10. Someone needs to be the reminder that just because you are royalty doesn’t mean you can’t be a laser-swinging BAMF.

One of the things I loved most about Princess Leia was the fact that being royalty never stopped her from fighting alongside the Resistance, often in the front lines. Never let where you come from define what you can do. You write your own story, and the pen is yours and yours alone to yield.

11. Someone needs to lead the Resistance, so why not you?

You were born for this moment. Every heartache and triumph led you to this exact moment in time. Now that you're here, step up to the plate and do something about it.