Dear J.K. Rowling,

I’m more than positive you are bombarded with stories about what Harry Potter has done for people across the world. I truly wonder if you know how many lives you’ve changed from your beautiful and captivating thoughts put on paper. If by some chance you don’t, let me tell you what you’ve done for me. As a 22 year old college graduate, I think a lot about what shaped my life and I am glad to say that you were one of those factors. Harry Potter has impacted my life in more ways than one, but you are more than Harry, Hermione, and Ron. You are a living inspiration that women, especially those who have nothing, can grow up to be so much.

I grew up in an impoverished family with hand-me-down clothing, troubled thoughts, but a whole lot of heart. The first time I realized my family was different was when I about eight years old. I went to a Catholic school who deemed itself in giving back to the community. We would bring in cans to donate to our food pantry. I was so excited to donate that I wrote a small note on one of the cans so that whoever had it could smile. That Sunday, my family went to church and my dad made a pit stop with a bag of groceries. I never knew where they came from but it had all sorts of goodies in them. I helped take out the cans and noticed there was a can exactly identical to the one I donated. I turned it over and to my dismay, my note was there. It was then I knew the situation my family was in. It was then I knew life wouldn’t get any easier.

Flash forward to Christmas the following year. I received Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (US) as a present. It was love at first page. I was captivated with the characters, the plot, and most especially, Hedwig. I brought that book everywhere I went. I couldn’t tell you exactly what happened, but I do know that I resonated with the characters in a way that I thought I was one of them. I felt struggles and stress that a 9-year-old should never feel. When I was worrying about my next meal or about bills that came into the house, I would pick up your book and get lost for hours. You saved me from losing myself from the utter chaos that was my life.

Years and several books later, Harry Potter changed my outlook on life. It was my go to when I felt ill, bored, stressed, and happy. I took your tales and transformed them into life lessons that I used when I didn’t feel like the best person I could be. Once I finally made it to college, I started looking at Hogwarts. I didn’t feel nervous because I once attended a home away from home through your books. College came easy to me. It was another place to escape. It felt comfortable. I started to think about my future, my career, and suddenly I panicked. Who was I? A small anxiety ridden girl trying to make a difference in the world. My success seemed trivial and distant but I had one thing to keep me going - inspiration.

J.K. Rowling, you inspired me to continue my studies in hopes of changing the world. You also did not come from wealth, you struggled just as I did, but you believed in the beauty of your dreams. You’ve created a successful empire with your words and changed the lives of millions. You are one amazing woman who continues to do so. Just like you, I would love to take the world by storm and change lives.

Thank you for keeping me balanced.

Thank you for giving me something to believe in.

Thank you for never letting my lose hope.

Thank you for allowing me to be a child at heart.

Thank you for inspiring me.

And lastly, thank you for keeping the magic real.

Sincerely,

Kristen