Growing up, I didn't spend much time watching tv. I was pretty much raised on books, so it's no surprise that's where all of my role models came from. I want to share all of the most influential women I read about and how they impacted my life.

I was most obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder and the stories from her childhood. She had a way of painting a perfect picture of a scene and I felt like I was there with her. Unlike her sister, she had a bit of a wild streak growing up. But after her sister became blind, she took more responsibility and became mature. I look up to her because she told every story so vividly and honestly. She didn't make herself out to be an angel, but her actions spoke for her. She was a very honorable woman who did a lot for female writers.

Next, I want to talk about Jo March from "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott. Like Laura, she was quick-witted, funny, and overall very different than the typical lady from the Civil War period. Jo March also loved writing and was in a constant battle with her dreams and society's expectations of her. She chose her dreams over what everyone else wanted, and it ended up being the best thing for her. I really admire Jo because of the inspiration that came from Alcott's own life. She spent her life writing, and never married, despite that being the norm for the time period. Alcott was way before her time and illustrated a character who also felt how she felt, and that will inspire women who want to live outside the norm for years to come.

Lastly, I'll be expressing my fondness for Melanie Hamilton from "Gone with the Wind" written by Margaret Mitchell. She is very different than the other women on this list, and I bet you're wondering why I chose her over Scarlett O'Hara. I do admire Scarlett's character development, but Melanie inspires me more. She wasn't loved for her beauty, but for her incredible kindness. Melanie was very much a lady of her time, she did what had to be done and didn't have an attitude about it. But she was incredibly sweet, compassionate, and forgiving throughout the entire book. She wasn't ignorant about what was happening, she just chose to forgive those who hurt her because she loved them. Now I'm not saying you should forget the way someone has treated you, but I believe in forgiveness. I always believe that no matter what has happened, we have the ability to forgive who hurt us. Melanie is a shining example of that, and I think she's a beautiful person to look up to.

I really love books, and I love the impact that a character can have on me. I often ask myself what a certain character would do in a situation, and I truly believe that these women have shaped my life and my personality into who I am today.