Growing up, I'm sure we all had that one celebrity we absolutely loved. We couldn't imagine the world without their movies or something related to them in daily life. For me, even at 18 years old, Carrie Fisher was, and forever will be, my role model. So when I woke up on December 27th, had my coffee, checked my group chat, and found that my Princess, my role model, and more importantly, the woman I aspired to be, had passed away, I was in shock. I had spent my days at home re-watching "Star Wars." I recalled wearing the classic space buns to school, watching the original trilogy with my little brother, and playing with lightsabers (even though the epic lightsaber duels still have not stopped). I was heart broken. Who am I kidding? I still am heart broken.

Even through her final days, she taught me, and so many others, so much about life. As a mental health advocate, she taught us that it is okay. We will rise to any challenge and we should never be ashamed because she sure never was. I am sure by now we have all seen or heard what she said back in 2013 about doing what we want no matter what, "Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow." Those words will always be with me and so many others. She inspired and instilled confidence in all of us. Through her legacy, she will continue to inspire all of us.There were many sides to the princess we all grew up watching. Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia is a role that people everywhere can recognize. She was a hero. Leia gave hope to the hopeless and as she evolved into General Organa, she made us all realize that we can be a leader no matter where we come from. As Princess Leia, Carrie taught us that you don't have to be a girly-girl to be a princess. She always stood up for herself and did what she thought was best for the people depending on her. She taught us that above all, hope is the most important thing to have. As General Organa, Carrie taught us that we can take control. No, she taught us that we SHOULD take control. She gave confidence to those who may not have had any.

I'm sure we have all seen Anne Thériault's tweet saying, Leia, as the general, is the most important version of Leia to her. I 100% agree with her. By the time she is in that phase of her life, Leia has lost her planet to the Death Star, her brother to solidarity, her son to the dark side, the love of her life to space because of their son, but she always stayed true to herself. Carrie, as a woman, struggled with mental illness, substance abuse, and raising a child all while living in the spotlight, but never once put her head down in shame. She stood up for the people not able to stand up for themselves and she did it all with wit and poise.

She was an author, an actress, a mother, a princess, a sister, a general, a daughter, and an idol who will never truly be gone. She may now forever be in a galaxy far, far away, but she will never leave our hearts.

In "Revenge of the Sith," Yoda, in his knowing way, said "Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force."

May the force be with you, Leia. Always.