For the longest time, I have been the biggest Harry Potter fanatic around. Friends, this is not an exaggeration. On top of re-reading and re-watching the movies what feels like a thousand times, I dressed up for the midnight premieres, I helped a good friend start a Harry Potter club at my high school, I teared up when I got to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, and the first thing I completed on my to-do list when I traveled to London was seeing Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross train station. Harry Potter holds an extremely special place in my heart. J.K. Rowling has crafted a series that has touched the lives of millions of children and families, including myself.
Going off to Hogwarts each year is like going off to college. While us muggles don't get to practice spells at our universities (sadly), we leave our families and our hometown lives for something bigger and better - a new adventure. Both Hogwarts and our universities accept us at crucial points in our lives where we are shaped into the individuals we were meant to become. Anytime I decide to re-read a book from her series, I am transported to a world where I feel like I'm back home again with my best friends Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Through these characters, I have learned invaluable life lessons that have carried with me through college.
Lesson #1: A true friend will always be there to support you, no matter the circumstance.
When life gets tough, the friends that stay by your side through it all are the ones to hold onto. With every adventure Harry experienced, both good and bad, Ron and Hermione were always by his side. There isn't much more you can ask for when it comes to friendship.
In college, there are ups and downs. You find your people who become life-long friends. At the same time, you experience challenges, you face rough semesters and you make mistakes. The friends who stick with you through it all are the ones to keep.
Lesson #2: There is nothing more powerful than the ability to love.
Love plays such a vital role in the entire series, even more so than just pure magic. The love Lily and James had for Harry, the love between Ron and Hermione, the bond between Sirius and Harry, the pain Snape experienced for Lily - the list goes on and on. Harry ultimately lives and defeats Voldemort because he chooses to love. He loves his family, his friends – he would do anything for them.
In college, you learn how important it is to truly feel and experience. For some, it's through experiencing your first serious relationship. For others, it's realizing how much you appreciate and care for the family you were blessed with back home. Regardless, you grow as an individual and learn to appreciate the people in your life who would sacrifice anything for you.
Lesson #3: Courage is necessary.
Throughout the Harry Potter series, Neville Longbottom transforms from a shy, timid boy into a man that that truly represents what it means to be a Gryffindor. We've all got to start somewhere, but the first step is believing in yourself.
College teaches you to stand up for what you believe in - these four years are a crucial time to make major decisions with what you want to do for the rest of your life. You learn to follow your heart and your gut to make the best decisions for yourself.
Lesson #4: Respect your superiors. They may be able to help you out in times you need it most.
From McGonagall to Dumbledore to Lupin to even Snape, many of Harry's superiors helped him at crucial points in his time at Hogwarts. Through these relationships, he learned the value of respecting these individuals and the guidance and support they can provide if you give them the chance.
In college, the same goes for your professors. If you show an interest and treat them with respect, great things can happen. Not only are they there to help you better grasp the concepts you learn in class, but they can share their advice in helping you to pursue your dream career.
Lesson #5: Live in the moment.
When Harry first started at Hogwarts, it was challenging for him to be thankful for what he had, as he coped with the fact that his parents would never get the chance to see him grow into an adult. In the beginning, it was difficult being surrounded by such a tight-knit family, the Weasleys, when he knew there was no mom or dad outside of Hogwarts he could return to each holiday. As time progressed, Harry grew to be grateful for the experiences and people he was blessed with, learning to live in the moment and to be appreciative of the life he was given.
Just like Hogwarts taught Harry to live in the moment, so does college for the rest of us. When else will you be able to live independently, constantly surrounded by your best friends, making the most memorable experiences? If you keep wishing for something better off in the future, you can't be appreciative for the present. I know no matter the struggles I face, or the challenges life brings me, Hogwarts and Harry Potter will always be sitting on my bookshelf, waiting to welcome me home.
