In Danger of Being Hermione Granger by Natalie

In Danger of Being Hermione Granger by Natalie - April 2014 Scholarship Essay

In the Harry Potter series, there is one character that surpasses all others as the smartest: Hermione Granger. Hermione Granger is often called the brightest witch of her age, and rightly so. Hermione is determined to be the best and to learn as much as she possibly can. In her third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, she signs up for all possible electives, which creates a conflict because some of those classes are scheduled at the same time. While this would be problematic for other students, Hermione, with her outstanding grades and work ethic, is allowed to use a time traveling device (called a time-turner) to attend all of her classes. She accepts and is proud of who she is and what is important to her.

I, like Hermione, have always loved school and have done well academically. However, Hermione helped me embrace my inner nerd. She has helped me be proud of my intelligence and determination to succeed in school. Like hers, mine is constantly the first hand to shoot straight up into the air. She helped me accept who I am, even though some of my peers may make fun of me or resent me because of it. I always do my best to know the answers to questions my teachers ask. In situations where I do not know the answer or I get the question wrong, I make sure that I remember the correct answer for the next time the question appears.

However, even Hermione knew that there was more to life than academic intelligence. She is a loyal friend to Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, always helping them with schoolwork and leading them to the correct answer, something I try to do with my friends. Hermione stuck with Harry as he searched for for a way to destroy Voldemort, despite the dismal and difficult conditions. Hermione has inspired me to be a loyal and true friend. When Ron was mad at Harry because he thought Harry had betrayed and lied to him, Hermione did what she could to remain friends with both of them, and managed to do just that. I attempted to mimic Hermione’s efforts when two of my friends got into an argument and stopped speaking to each other. I am still friends with both of them.

Hermione Granger has had a significant influence on my life. She has taught me to accept the intelligent person that I am, no matter what other people say or think.