There is obviously many more than five, but in order to keep this article from turning into a novel, I'll be brief.
1. The friendships.
As a kid, reading Harry Potter was basically another form of breathing for me; I was a quiet kid, and developing friendships in school wasn't easy for me (it still isn't). When I began to read about the intense friendship between Harry, Hermione, Ron, and their many other comrades, I began to notice a shift in my confidence as well. I learned that one does not necessarily need to be friends with everyone around them, and can have meaningful and amazing connections with maybe only one or two people. Harry, Hermione and Ron taught me the meaning of loyalty, and how to stick by my friends no matter how tough the go is.
2. You learn that family doesn't end at blood.
Harry Potter's parents were killed by Lord Voldemort when he was just a baby; he was then delivered to his aunt and uncle's doorstep. Harry's aunt and uncle treated him like garbage, proving that even though you're related to someone, they can still be unbearable and cruel to you. Harry's true family evolved over the course of the novels. He found mentors, as well as maternal and paternal figures throughout his journey. Harry's true family was those who took him in; Mrs. Weasley, Sirius Black, and the members of the Order of Phoenix. It taught me that family isn't a blood relation; it's being there for one another all the time, no matter the differences.
3. You learn self-acceptance.
Growing up, I had severe issues believing in myself; I was a pudgy kid, who liked books more than she liked people and who took her grades rather seriously. When I would read about Hermione and how she didn't care about her appearance much like other girls, it gave me a sense of hope. Harry Potter is about celebrating the different; shedding a light on the fact that no one is the same, and no one should try to be. Everyone has their own stigma, and everyone is perceived as something or the other. The choice to pay attention to those labels is up to you.
4. It captivates you.
I've always been the girl who's given a hard time; in elementary school, I was getting bullied. I remember coming home everyday close to tears; but I never did cry. Instead, at risk of sounding cheesy, I picked up Harry Potter. I would just sit in whatever spot was available and read until the sky turned dark. I went through the school day carrying one of the novels in my already hefty bag, and whenever I'd feel sad at recess when none of the kids talked to me or I got teased, reading about Harry and his adventures was my greatest weapon.
5. It taught me what love is.
Reading about the immense love that everyone has for each other still astounds me to this day. Harry didn't have it so good at first but when he stepped into Hogwarts, everything changed. Reading about how loyal everyone was to each other really changed my perspective on love. For a long time I didn't think it really existed; I was stubborn and hurt, and I still am in some cases. But being in Harry's world, the world of Mrs. Weasley, Lupin, the Aurors, Sirius, Ron and Hermione taught me that love is everywhere. He had an army of people stand up and fight for him. There is no reason to lose hope when you feel alone because there is always someone there in your corner. I know that now.
So there it is, my nerdy homage to the greatest book series of all time. Thank you Harry, for teaching me that when everything feels like it's failing, you must have strength. Thank you Ron for teaching me about the true meaning of family, and how, even in the face of danger, you must be loyal. And thank you Hermione, for teaching me, and every other girl out there, that being different is what makes you special.
J.K. Rowling, you are a genius.
