I've been a "Star Wars" fan since I was 5 years old.

People are often surprised to hear this, some because they can't imagine a girl that young being a fan of a traditionally masculine franchise, others because they can't imagine me being a fan of one thing for over eighteen years, but it's definitely true. I was about five years old when "The Phantom Menace" was released, and I watched the originals with my dad before seeing it. I had "Star Wars" Barbies, lightsabers, and books. For nearly two years, I wore a Padmé Amidala costume as often as possible. I was- and still am - obsessed. This franchise has gotten me through a lot. It feels like home to me.

One of the reasons this franchise has always resonated with me is because of the incredible female characters. There aren't many, unfortunately, but the ones who are there are fierce, strong, and inspirational.

Like most fans, Princess Leia was the first I was introduced to. Immediately, she exuded more strength, grace, and power than any other character I had ever seen onscreen before (or seen since). She was smart, strong, funny, and a million light years away from ever being just a "damsel in distress." As I grew and began to learn more about myself and my beliefs, she became the ultimate symbol of feminism. She inspired me to grow and change. She taught me to stand up for myself and to face evil and darkness head-on and respond with a snarky joke instead of fear.

Padmé Amidala was next. Like I said, I was five when The Phantom Menace was released. I was too young to understand the cultural significance of the release of this movie, and I wasn't quite old enough to realize that I was literally watching Anakin's path to the dark side. I did, however, immediately understand that Padmé was a brilliant leader, wise beyond her years. She was smart, diplomatic, extremely compassionate AND she had a killer wardrobe! She was one of the first female characters I remember seeing that showed that femininity was a strength, not a weakness.

Years later, a third trilogy was announced, and I was immediately excited. The first time I saw a poster featuring Rey, I was immediately completely in love with her character. After seeing the movie, I knew, she was my favorite. I could write a million words about her, and it still wouldn't be enough to describe how much this character means to me (I might try to do it one day, though). She came along right at a time in my life when I needed a character like her. She is a strong, courageous, terrified scavenger who has spent her entire life fighting to survive. She doesn't need a man to save her, but she happily welcomes his friendship (and saves him multiple times!). She is vulnerable and afraid, but she overcomes those fears to fight for what she believes in.

A year after The Force Awakens, we were blessed with the beautiful emotional rollercoaster that is Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. This film focuses on Jyn Erso, the daughter of scientist Galen Erso (who developed the plans for the infamous Death Star). She is cynical, snarky, and selfish. She doesn't help the Rebels because she believes in their cause, she does it because she wants to find her dad... And she grows and changes as the film progresses. She eventually believes in what the Rebels are doing, enough to - SPOILER - sacrifice herself for it.

These women have inspired me throughout my life. They have given me hope and strength in difficult times, and they have helped me grow into the person I am today. I genuinely do not want to imagine a world without "Star Wars" I would hate to see a universe without Carrie Fisher as Princess (and later, General!) Leia. This world means everything to me, and this is definitely because of the incredible women in it.