My application
Name: Eleanore
Age: 18
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Naturally, there are many things I wish I could change, but if it had to be just one thing, it would have to be eliminating ignorance. As far as I can tell, all it causes is hate, violence, and misunderstanding; prejudice and rifts between people. The more informed you are about others, or events, the better decisions you can make, not just with your life, but with how you treat others.
Who is your favorite Hogwarts teacher?
Since Dumbledore is no longer a professor, I would have to say Professor Lupin (though he is no longer teaching). Not only because of his relationship with Harry, but because from what little you see of his teaching, I got the distinct impression that if I were enrolled in his class, I would not only learn loads, but would thoroughly enjoy learning all the material. Not to mention what we see of what he taught all his students proved to be very practical.
Who is your favorite character in Harry Potter?
Though I'm trying to shy away from favouritism towards the eyes through which we see the world in these novels, Harry is my all-time favourite. He may be a hero, but he's not perfect; he's flawed. He has problems just like the rest of us; he sometimes struggles in school, can be lazy about doing his work, procrastinates (it'd be a bald-faced lie if I ever claimed I don't do that, not to mention on a regular basis), struggles with his feelings, and doesn't always see a black and white difference between right and wrong, or good and evil. Not only does he understand that there is no such thing, he accepts each obstacle, and somehow manages to survive. He may do it grudgingly, angrily, or otherwise, but he just gets by. And in his case, that's enough.
Who is your least favorite character in Harry Potter?
A close three-way tie between Malfoy Sr. and Jr., and Cornelius Fudge. I would try and pick one of them, but they all perfectly incapsulate the one thing I would change about the world: extreme ignorance. Not to mention, they also regularly display its awful effects; prejudice, hate and mistreatment of others. That is the one thing that can never sit well with me.
What makes a person respectable?
The ability to listen. Not only that, but to listen to the input of others. Someone who understands that theirs is not the only way to see the world is truly respectable, in my mind. That also greatly strengthens their ability to work with others, and makes for truly loyal friends.
What is your take on religion?
Fundamentally, I have a problem with a "God" figure. When it really comes down to it, I think the thing that holds the spirit together is faith; not a blind belief in a being, but a blind belief in hope and the strength of the human spirit to survive. Not to mention, as many people as this probably will upset, I believe organized religion is too often used as an excuse for damning those who don't share the same beliefs (in my opinion, another large form of ignorance, i.e. the ignorance that there are other beliefs, and that everyone usually believes that they are right in what they believe), or even war-mongering. Faith is what brings people together.
What do you think about house elves?
While I don't have such an extreme take as Hermione does (if they really do habitually prefer to cook and clean, I'm not going to berate them for it), I do believe they deserve fair treatment. Treating them as scum and extremely inferior is cruel, and I have a problem with bullying those who have a harder time speaking for themselves. Not only are house elves extremely underrepresented, but they commonly seem to be completely neglected as living creatures. The fact that "the mark of a good house elf" is to never be seen shows that they aren't considered worthy of any attention at all. I think a wizarding world where house elves are more like part of the family would be much more ideal.
What do you look for in a friend?
Kindness, humour (a must), loyalty, a good listening ear, and strength of character. Kindness is a simple trait; it's certainly preferable to its opposite. Humour is something I have always needed a lot of, as I enjoy making people laugh. If someone has a good sense of humour, they're more likely to be laughing with you, or making you laugh in return. Loyalty is important, because if you can't trust your friends, where do you turn when you're in need? A good listening ear is always a must. Everyone has rough times, and friends are those who refuse to let you grumble and sulk your way through them alone. Strength of character helps build strength in other aspects of life, such as strength of the friendship itself.
Would you rather have friends and family or money and success?
Friends and family, without a doubt. Yes, money does make life much more difficult than it should. But you can have all the money in the world, but being alone is not worth the largest salary. Though I would group "success" with friends and family, if you look at it as its described in Jerry Maguire: "I don't have all the answers. In life, I've failed as much as I've succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success."
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My self-motivation skills. Either they've never been very good, or they're just very rusty. It's not right for me to preach to others about going after what you want with all you've got, when I insist on letting my own fears and extreme powers of laziness and procrastination hold me back.
What do you feel is your best quality?
My listening ear. I am often told that I am the one to talk to if someone has problems, and I'm honoured to be given that much responsibility. Plus, any opportunity to help my friends is one I want to take, no question.
What are your hobbies?
Martial arts, drawing, writing, reading three novels at once (alternating between them depending on mood - odd, I know), photography, singing, playing music, listening to music, performing in theatre, dancing, spending relaxed time with friends; pretty much anything related to art.
Do you want to have children?
Not right now (luckily). I honestly don't think I have the mothering gene at all. Perhaps I'll grow one, but I hope I don't. While I won't be so extreme to say I hate children (I don't really hate anything), I find them very annoying. Some can be cute, yes, but mostly they bother me. Not entirely sure why, as I really enjoyed my own childhood.
Have or would you give time and money to a charity?
If I had any money to spare, I would. My family has a tough enough time getting by as it is, unfortunately. If I ever came by some money that could be considered "disposable income," however, I would definitely. I do give time, though, at least once every few months.
If your friend was attacked (by a person, animal, or (in the magic world) beast), what would you do?
Defend them, no matter what. Having studied martial arts for 13 years, against a person I would hold my own quite well, but I have no experience with magical beasts. The best I could do would be to act on my instincts and hold on.
What is the one thing you would most like to accomplish?
I'd love to have the comic books I write and illustrate published. Other than that, I would really enjoy becoming a forensic criminologist (and as that is a much more realistic goal, it's what I'm studying for in college right now).
Who is your role model?
My father. He left his home country at a young age, and came to America to pursue his dream of becoming a photographer. Not only did he achieve it, but he still today is part of a profession he loves. It may not be the most breadwinning one out there, but I would prefer being poor to being unhappy with getting up in the morning.
What trait most annoys you about other people?
Ignorance and hostility towards others, as already explained above.
What do you want to do for a living?
Unrealistically want to become a graphic novelist. Realistically want to become a crime scene investigator.
Would you ever use an Unforgivable Curse for any reason?
Never. I can't even see why I would have a desire to control another person; torture is, as its name implies, unforgivable, and don't even get me started on murder.
What house do you think DOESN'T fit you? (This question is optional for those who feel they just DO NOT fit in a house. Please explain WHY.)
I don't feel I'd fit into Slytherin. This is based on the limited knowledge we have of those the house turns out. While it seems to be generally accepted that it turns out bigoted, ignorant people, this is from the somewhat biased point-of-view of Harry. I believe there is good in all people, but the Slytherin House seems to focus more on pride and self-propulsion, as well as power, rather than on living with others, or creating lasting friendships. These are not traits I think fit me.
What do you think are your top five abilities or qualities?
Er... I can be very self-depricating, so this is a tough one... Off the top of my head, I'd probably say...
(1) Drawing ablility
(2) Writing ability
(3) Sense of humour
(4) Loyalty to friends and family
(5) Bravery
Where did you find out about us?
Cleolinda pimped this place awesomely! I had never heard of this place, but in one journal post, she convinced me to join.
Age: 18
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Naturally, there are many things I wish I could change, but if it had to be just one thing, it would have to be eliminating ignorance. As far as I can tell, all it causes is hate, violence, and misunderstanding; prejudice and rifts between people. The more informed you are about others, or events, the better decisions you can make, not just with your life, but with how you treat others.
Who is your favorite Hogwarts teacher?
Since Dumbledore is no longer a professor, I would have to say Professor Lupin (though he is no longer teaching). Not only because of his relationship with Harry, but because from what little you see of his teaching, I got the distinct impression that if I were enrolled in his class, I would not only learn loads, but would thoroughly enjoy learning all the material. Not to mention what we see of what he taught all his students proved to be very practical.
Who is your favorite character in Harry Potter?
Though I'm trying to shy away from favouritism towards the eyes through which we see the world in these novels, Harry is my all-time favourite. He may be a hero, but he's not perfect; he's flawed. He has problems just like the rest of us; he sometimes struggles in school, can be lazy about doing his work, procrastinates (it'd be a bald-faced lie if I ever claimed I don't do that, not to mention on a regular basis), struggles with his feelings, and doesn't always see a black and white difference between right and wrong, or good and evil. Not only does he understand that there is no such thing, he accepts each obstacle, and somehow manages to survive. He may do it grudgingly, angrily, or otherwise, but he just gets by. And in his case, that's enough.
Who is your least favorite character in Harry Potter?
A close three-way tie between Malfoy Sr. and Jr., and Cornelius Fudge. I would try and pick one of them, but they all perfectly incapsulate the one thing I would change about the world: extreme ignorance. Not to mention, they also regularly display its awful effects; prejudice, hate and mistreatment of others. That is the one thing that can never sit well with me.
What makes a person respectable?
The ability to listen. Not only that, but to listen to the input of others. Someone who understands that theirs is not the only way to see the world is truly respectable, in my mind. That also greatly strengthens their ability to work with others, and makes for truly loyal friends.
What is your take on religion?
Fundamentally, I have a problem with a "God" figure. When it really comes down to it, I think the thing that holds the spirit together is faith; not a blind belief in a being, but a blind belief in hope and the strength of the human spirit to survive. Not to mention, as many people as this probably will upset, I believe organized religion is too often used as an excuse for damning those who don't share the same beliefs (in my opinion, another large form of ignorance, i.e. the ignorance that there are other beliefs, and that everyone usually believes that they are right in what they believe), or even war-mongering. Faith is what brings people together.
What do you think about house elves?
While I don't have such an extreme take as Hermione does (if they really do habitually prefer to cook and clean, I'm not going to berate them for it), I do believe they deserve fair treatment. Treating them as scum and extremely inferior is cruel, and I have a problem with bullying those who have a harder time speaking for themselves. Not only are house elves extremely underrepresented, but they commonly seem to be completely neglected as living creatures. The fact that "the mark of a good house elf" is to never be seen shows that they aren't considered worthy of any attention at all. I think a wizarding world where house elves are more like part of the family would be much more ideal.
What do you look for in a friend?
Kindness, humour (a must), loyalty, a good listening ear, and strength of character. Kindness is a simple trait; it's certainly preferable to its opposite. Humour is something I have always needed a lot of, as I enjoy making people laugh. If someone has a good sense of humour, they're more likely to be laughing with you, or making you laugh in return. Loyalty is important, because if you can't trust your friends, where do you turn when you're in need? A good listening ear is always a must. Everyone has rough times, and friends are those who refuse to let you grumble and sulk your way through them alone. Strength of character helps build strength in other aspects of life, such as strength of the friendship itself.
Would you rather have friends and family or money and success?
Friends and family, without a doubt. Yes, money does make life much more difficult than it should. But you can have all the money in the world, but being alone is not worth the largest salary. Though I would group "success" with friends and family, if you look at it as its described in Jerry Maguire: "I don't have all the answers. In life, I've failed as much as I've succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success."
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My self-motivation skills. Either they've never been very good, or they're just very rusty. It's not right for me to preach to others about going after what you want with all you've got, when I insist on letting my own fears and extreme powers of laziness and procrastination hold me back.
What do you feel is your best quality?
My listening ear. I am often told that I am the one to talk to if someone has problems, and I'm honoured to be given that much responsibility. Plus, any opportunity to help my friends is one I want to take, no question.
What are your hobbies?
Martial arts, drawing, writing, reading three novels at once (alternating between them depending on mood - odd, I know), photography, singing, playing music, listening to music, performing in theatre, dancing, spending relaxed time with friends; pretty much anything related to art.
Do you want to have children?
Not right now (luckily). I honestly don't think I have the mothering gene at all. Perhaps I'll grow one, but I hope I don't. While I won't be so extreme to say I hate children (I don't really hate anything), I find them very annoying. Some can be cute, yes, but mostly they bother me. Not entirely sure why, as I really enjoyed my own childhood.
Have or would you give time and money to a charity?
If I had any money to spare, I would. My family has a tough enough time getting by as it is, unfortunately. If I ever came by some money that could be considered "disposable income," however, I would definitely. I do give time, though, at least once every few months.
If your friend was attacked (by a person, animal, or (in the magic world) beast), what would you do?
Defend them, no matter what. Having studied martial arts for 13 years, against a person I would hold my own quite well, but I have no experience with magical beasts. The best I could do would be to act on my instincts and hold on.
What is the one thing you would most like to accomplish?
I'd love to have the comic books I write and illustrate published. Other than that, I would really enjoy becoming a forensic criminologist (and as that is a much more realistic goal, it's what I'm studying for in college right now).
Who is your role model?
My father. He left his home country at a young age, and came to America to pursue his dream of becoming a photographer. Not only did he achieve it, but he still today is part of a profession he loves. It may not be the most breadwinning one out there, but I would prefer being poor to being unhappy with getting up in the morning.
What trait most annoys you about other people?
Ignorance and hostility towards others, as already explained above.
What do you want to do for a living?
Unrealistically want to become a graphic novelist. Realistically want to become a crime scene investigator.
Would you ever use an Unforgivable Curse for any reason?
Never. I can't even see why I would have a desire to control another person; torture is, as its name implies, unforgivable, and don't even get me started on murder.
What house do you think DOESN'T fit you? (This question is optional for those who feel they just DO NOT fit in a house. Please explain WHY.)
I don't feel I'd fit into Slytherin. This is based on the limited knowledge we have of those the house turns out. While it seems to be generally accepted that it turns out bigoted, ignorant people, this is from the somewhat biased point-of-view of Harry. I believe there is good in all people, but the Slytherin House seems to focus more on pride and self-propulsion, as well as power, rather than on living with others, or creating lasting friendships. These are not traits I think fit me.
What do you think are your top five abilities or qualities?
Er... I can be very self-depricating, so this is a tough one... Off the top of my head, I'd probably say...
(1) Drawing ablility
(2) Writing ability
(3) Sense of humour
(4) Loyalty to friends and family
(5) Bravery
Where did you find out about us?
Cleolinda pimped this place awesomely! I had never heard of this place, but in one journal post, she convinced me to join.