With “Harry Potter” J.K Rowling shaped my childhood. Not only did she give us a story of magic wands, potions and moving staircases but one of defying the odds, bravery and truly great friendship. She taught us that “It is our choices .. that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities”, and that "It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be." She created an enchanting castle that is home to the characters we will never forget who could make us laugh, smile, cry and laugh again all in one sitting. She allowed us entry into a world of imagination matched by none we had ever seen or will ever see again. With her story she elevated us, shaped us, and in shaping us changed our lives. For those who have read it you will agree when I say that I personally will never stop waiting for my Hogwarts acceptance letter, for I’m sure it got lost in the post six years ago.

Written for a speech in 2011