Confessions of a Gryffindor (Wannbe)

I haven’t told a single soul about this before.

When I first opened my PotterMore account years ago, contrary to what I told everyone, I was sorted into Hufflepuff. Dissatisfied, I opened another account in attempt to be sorted into Gryffindor, but instead ended up in Ravenclaw. I have always identified as a Gryffindor growing up, because I grew up with Harry and because it is the only house I got to know. To prove to myself that I belong with the brave, or the smart, or both, I did multiple unofficial tests found online, answering both purposefully and truthfully until they muddled together. Sometimes when you repeat something hundreds of times to yourself, you start to believe it – that’s what I did and told other who asked about my house - I was sorted into Ravenclaw but I identify as a Gryffindor.

Recently, Lauren’s excitement about the new patronus test on PotterMore rekindled my interest and curiosity. After reactivating my PotterMore account, I was once again sorted into Hufflepuff, along with a pet owl and an eagle as my patronus. I decided to be honest with myself on this matter for once.

Hufflepuff is actually a pretty cool house, despite my preference for other colors over yellow. Endorsed for loyalty, humbleness and kindness, Hufflepuffs actually are embodiment of qualities I admire and cherish. Although I didn’t think it’s “cool” to be identified or known for being the nice person, as I grew to learn, it is probably more important than being smart. In Jeff Bezos’ wise remarks, “cleverness is a gift, kindness is a choice.”  

Over the summer, I realized how much I give in to labels unconsciously. DC once said to me, “Don’t let the test results define you.” Maybe because I am convinced by the test results that I am a certain type of person, I will myself to act accordingly. I finally understand why a classmate became so frustrated about personality tests.

Since I did not go to Hogwarts (unfortunately), I guess my preference prevails. Some HP cannon says in order to be a Gryffindor, you have to choose to be one by asking the Sorting Hat. I choose to be a Gryffindor not because I think I am brave, but I wish I could stand up to defend myself, my values and others in critical times; I wish I could be a bit more confident, not afraid to abandon some humbleness for proudly owning up to my intelligence when need be. I may not be the Red & Gold Lion by definition, but I am a proud Blue Lion.

In April, when JW shared with me an interesting article about QLC, I thought to myself, I could really use some 10 seconds of courage. If I did, maybe some things would have turned out differently by now. Working on that. 

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A beautiful short film from 4 years ago, "The Beauty Inside"

(Kudos to Toshiba & Intel)