Most people see the word fandom and are instantly confused. A lot of people see the word fandom and become overfilled with joy. I am the latter.

What is fandom you ask? Fandom is the community and fan base that comes with being a fan of something, whether it be a television show, movie, book, or anything else that you can become obsessed with.

Fandom is a big part of my life. At the age of 11, I became part of my first fandom which just so happened to be the "Twilight" series. Although I had no idea what fandom meant at the time, I later found out that was what it was.

Four years later I found out what fandom meant when my stepmom introduced me to the television show "Supernatural." I dove head first into fandom, reading fan fiction, watching fan-made videos, and finally, discovering other people who shared the same love that I had for the show.

What makes fandom important to me is that it has opened me up to so many things. By joining fandoms, I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and also strengthened the bond that I have with my stepmom.

During some of the darkest parts of my life when I thought I had no one and nothing to look forward to, I realized that I had fandom. Fandom kept me from doing the unthinkable and helped me feel happy when I felt as though I never would be.

Not only has fandom saved me, but fandom has saved countless other fangirls and fanboys. To some we are seen as crazy and immature, but we're just finding our way with the help of a few fictional characters.

Fandom has helped me as well as others, realize who I am and what is really important. I know for a fact that I will forever be indebted to fandoms and will forever be a part of it them.