*No spoilers about the upcoming film*

I managed to see Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens this past weekend and my mind has been thinking about it every moment since. If you haven't gotten the chance to see it yet, I highly recommend you to use your winter break to go on a nice long Star Wars marathon. My Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat were filled with Star Wars posts for about 72 hours and I just couldn't ignore my inner desire to see the film as soon as possible! Star Wars is a very vital part of my childhood. In my mind, I always considered myself to be a part of the "Star Wars generation" along with my parents, but after looking around the past couple months leading up to the newest film, I began to realize that Star Wars isn't simply defined by one generation. It is an era filled to the brim with young and old, men and women, Jedi's and Wookies.

We are all part of the Star Wars era. Our parents began the journey and we soon followed in their footsteps. Our children will go on to join us, and then their children will hop on board, and so the era will continue. This franchise has become an integral part of who we are. The films have been engraved in the memories of our childhood. The force is much stronger within each one of us, whether we realize it or not.

A long time ago, in 1977...

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, hit the theaters. My dad, an original member of the first Star Wars fan club, saw it five times and I'm sure some of his classmates saw it more than that. What was it about the original Star Wars that captivated everyone? Was it the innovative special effects? The sci-fi element of greatness that changed the way the movie industry operated? Was it the story line about a young boy from Tatooine who encouraged the audience that they could overcome any of their obstacles? No matter what the appeal, the movie secured its rightful place in film history and began a galactic movement.

If you thought the original movie wasn't exciting enough to keep its audience satisfied, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back rocked the world with only the biggest plot twist in history. (Darth Vader is Luke's father?! THIS WHOLE TIME? Well done, George Lucas, well done.) Since I was not yet born, I didn't have the opportunity to enjoy the biggest cinematic reveal EVER like those blessed to be born before me. But I can bet that this plot twist is what made the original trilogy so successful. No matter what Pitch Perfect claims, no one knew that Vader meant "father" in German back in the day. No one.

The original trilogy holds a special place in the hearts of those who began the Star Wars journey back in the 1970's and 80's and those films forever hold a sentimental value which withstands the tests of time. With the newest film now in the theaters, early Star Wars fans can't help but be weary due to the last round of disappointing films that did not do the original justice.

Do we even need to discuss the disappointment of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace? I know that I only watch this film for the epic lightsaber scene with Darth Maul at the end! The only great things that came out of this movie involved: a debate between my family members about who could win in a fight: Darth Maul or Darth Vader, and of course, the first (and last) time we see a double-sided lightsaber.

Then we move on to the awkward screenwriting of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. We understand Anakin's childhood crush on the beautiful Natalie Portman is basically unavoidable, but he could have been a little less creepy in his approach. ("Flirting 101 for Jedi Dummies" is something Obi-Wan should have given to Anakin during their first Jedi training sesh, amirite?)

Luckily for all the fans, both young and old, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith came out with a bang and satisfied even the worst Star Wars critic. Epic Yoda fighting scene? Check. Awesome gymnastics over a lava island? Check. A hot-headed and angry Anakin? Check. All the ingredients you need for a perfect introduction of Darth Vader.

So here we are, in 2015, with a whole new Star Wars trilogy about to take off. It's been thirty-something years of Star Wars love and it isn't going to end anytime soon. I love watching the new millennial generation building their own memories filled with Storm Troopers and lightsabers. Remember the Super Bowl commercial of 2011 with the little boy dressed as Darth Vader? This is a perfect example of how Star Wars has engraved itself into even the youngest of imaginations.

Whether you were a child in 1977, or now a child in 2015, there is a sense of excitement whenever you hear the large trumpets of the Star Wars theme song begin to play at the beginning of each film. When those gold letters begin moving up the screen, there is a moment where you become that little kid again, wishing you had control of the force like Luke Skywalker and R2D2.

Star Wars isn't just a "generation" that began and ended with my parents. Star Wars is an era that continues to capture the minds of adults and children alike. Each generation after my own will come to know the bond between Luke and Leia, the loyalty Chewbacca gives to Han Solo, the indestructible nature of C3PO and R2D2, and the unbreakable bond of love between Anakin and Padme. I am grateful to have begun my Star Wars journey with the original three films, but it'll be just as amazing to see my children have the same love for the films that my parents did back in 1977.

So enjoy Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, and all the movie marathons you'll probably have leading up to it. Teach your children to love it like you do! Learn from the heart-filled lessons the Star Wars characters have taught you and embrace the era that you have grown up to love.

And of course, as always, may the force be with you.