Finding Community by Rania

Finding Community by Rania - May 2017 Scholarship Essay

One sweltering summer afternoon years ago, I wandered aimlessly around the house looking for something to do. It was the point of summer break where the novelty of school-free days had worn off, but I wasn't ready to plunge into 5th grade yet. I had already read through our modest collection of books as well as the latest pile of novels from my local library. I wanted to scream with the frustration of not having a single unread book available, with the exception of some "older kid" book my sister owned. Eventually, my boredom drove me to one of the greatest decisions I had ever made. I picked up said book and was instantly lost in a fantastical world of witches, wizards, dragons, magic, friendships, and bravery. To this day, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling is the book that best influenced my life. It lent me access into the world of reading, ultimately leading to my academic success. More importantly, I learned the immense value of community when facing struggles.

Despite undergoing the typical college existential crisis, last year I was able to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. I consider The Sorcerer’s Stone to be a major factor in this accomplishment. The book was akin to a gateway drug into reading for my younger self. After completely devouring it within two days, I read The Sorcerer’s Stone repeatedly until I was able to get my hands on the next book in the series, and then the next. I read like an addict, craving the way books opened magical portals to new worlds. I could live a million different lives through a million different perspectives. I didn’t realize it, but I was actually building up reading fluency, critical thinking, writing, and analysis skills. By the end of 5th grade, I was reading at a high school level. That academic prowess motivated me to continue with my education after high school. I was confident in my ability to learn in a formal academic setting, even while facing struggles in other areas of my life.

Having grown up in a very conservative family with a religious education, my first college semester presented a bit of a culture shock for me. At the time, I adamantly denied the fact that I was beginning to call the core of my being into question. Thus, I failed to seek help. The universe was strange and twisted, and I didn’t know my place in it. I grew increasingly estranged from everyone I cared about, believing that they could offer no solace. Nothing had appeal. I stopped reading new books because my own life had taken on a bizarre new perspective, and I didn’t like it. Thankfully, I’ve since grown past this hardship. Along that journey of growth, reading was a key agent. When I was at an especially low point, I remember reaching into my bookshelf and pulling out a well-loved book. Though it was tattered, dog-eared, and quite literally falling apart, it brought me comfort to read The Sorcerer’s Stone once again.

In that rereading, I stood beside Harry with renewed perspective as he faced adversity, as I did, and found help with his community, as I later would. In the beginning of the book, Harry lived in a very dark, borderline-abusive situation. He was isolated and unaccepted by his social group. No matter how bleak the onset was though, I had hope knowing the story would get better. Eventually, Hagrid showed up as a mentor and guide, leading Harry to a magical school he hadn’t the faintest clue about. There, Harry met new friends and discovered a community to which he belonged. He tried to solve problems on his own, but eventually learned that humans are social creatures for a reason. Despite the fact that some people were unwilling to validate his concerns, there were others who would have been more than happy to listen and assist.

Reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone brought me into the world of reading where I gained the skills necessary to succeed in my formal education. Furthermore, it helped me recover from a period of depression. This book reminded me that no matter how dire one’s situation appears to be, there is always someone willing to help. One just has to find the right community. The lessons gained from The Sorcerer’s Stone encouraged me to seek the right kind of assistance and move forward with my life. I am proud to say, I am no longer wandering aimlessly around, looking for something to do. I have completed a year of teaching and am now pursuing two other passions: culinary arts and automotive technology. I know I may not succeed in earning a certificate and establishing a career as a chef or auto mechanic. Nevertheless, I am willing to take the chance as I did years ago with a certain “older kid” book.