Q&A session
Why did you join HOL?
It was during high school that my best friend and I were crazy over Harry Potter, and having learnt how to use the Internet, she found a forum that took on the virtual Hogwarts concept, and persuaded me to join in. I however, felt the possibility that there could be a better platform than that, and began my own search, which led me to stumbling upon HOL. Hence we both joined HOL and fell in love with everything about it. I especially love the classes and activities, and try my best to join in whatever I can.
Where is your favorite place in HOL, and why?
My favourite place in HOL would definitely be the Art Department. I love creating stuff every time a new topic or challenge comes up, and it is also lovely to see other people's artwork and creativity. Not to mention that it's an opportunity to earn some house points! Sadly the Art Department is still under construction at the moment, and although I know that it has been temporarily moved to the Ravenclaw Common Room, the original one is easier to navigate and give ratings. Hope it will be back up soon!
What challenges, if any, have you had to overcome in your time at HOL?
Till today, the biggest challenge for me is juggling real life stuff and HOL activities. As much as I love being active on HOL, sometimes there are so many other things happening in the physical world around me that I have to attend to, and I particularly admire other HOLers who can be so active in making sure things are running smoothly and keeping the community alive. Also I still haven't figured out HOL quidditch. I promise I will someday.
With twenty years passing since the first book was published, what keeps you interested in Harry Potter and participating in activities like HOL?
All I can say is, the wizarding world is not a temporary thing? Harry Potter may be temporary, Harry Potter as a character or a even a living human being may live and die, and form a legacy in history, but if I can speak for all the other Potterheads out there, the wizarding world lives on, in our hearts. Rowling has created an entire universe that we can live in or escape to with just seven main books, and her creation of this magical world is still expanding from day to day. Harry Potter and the wizarding world may be a work of fiction, but honestly, I don't think it's so much of fiction than reality to a big community of Potterheads that exist. We all want to learn magic, we all want to study in Hogwarts, and we all want to mingle with magical people. I suppose HOL and similar platforms are what gives us life to stay magical in a realistic world.
Which Harry Potter character do you relate to most, and why?
Back when I was in school, I related to Hermione Granger the most, especially because she was the brainy one in the team who always scored well in her academic results. I was somewhat like that during my study years. I also found myself similar to Hermione because she was a Gryffindor as well, and her loyalty and bravery in protecting and defending her loved ones are traits in me that stay till today. However, nowadays I find that I have similarities to another character too, which is Luna Lovegood. I relate to Luna Lovegood in the sense that she has unique traits and interests that people perceive as odd or extraordinary, and I find that I do have my own quirks and fancies that most people around me don't quite understand, but that's alright with me. I admire Luna because she is a kind soul, and she is comfortable in her own skin, not ashamed of showing her true self, which is something that I do too.
What is your definition of a role model?
To be honest, I believe that there is a role model in everyone, for everyone has something that others can look up to and learn from. A role model to me would be someone who is passionate in doing the good things that they do as a contribution to society, and have the perseverence to keep going even when in the face of obstacles and challenges. Of course, any person who works hard enough can achieve something, which is why those I regard as role models to myself are distinguishable by their values, attitudes, and behaviours, such as being confident but not arrogant, and being kind to others.
In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages to ambition?
At first impression, the term 'ambition' brings about a positive rather than negative note, but in truth, ambition has both advantages and disadvantages. Defined as a strong desire and determination to achieve something, ambition is usually a highly regarded characteristic because it is often related to success. An ambitious person is one who has a particular goal or aim, and does the best he/she can to achieve it. Ambition is what takes people to greater heights in life, whether climbing the career ladder, or starting out as an entrepreneur, or pursuing a dream, ambition is most certainly a vital and essential element. However, ambition can also have its drawbacks, as it can be associated with negative characteristics such as greed, intolerance, and the drive for power. When ambition is taken too far without consideration of other aspects such as humanity or justice, ambition can lead to ruthlessness and lack of compassion (say, Lord Voldemort?). Setting a nearly unattainable goal or being too ambitious can also cause a higher possibility of disappointment and failure, which may result in a person's self-confidence being affected. In short, one should have ambition to achieve better things in life, but must always remember to never let ambition take over love and humanity.
What is the most important lesson you have learned in life?
I took some time to reflect upon this question, and realised that the most important lesson in life - a lesson that can never be repeated, only looked back upon and available to learn from in the future - is time itself. There's this quote by Bill Keane that I remember, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present." Life sounds like a long duration of time, assuming we still have tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow to look forward to, but if you break it down and count it, our life is just but a couple of decades long (and we don't know how many decades it will be). If you look back at something that happened many years back, yet you can still vividly remember it as if it just happened yesterday, you can imagine how quickly time can fly by. So what I have learned, is that time is the essence of life. What I am still learning to do every day, is to appreciate the now, because every second only happens once for you to make the best out of it.
If you were a fruit what would you be and why?
I would be a raspberry! There is a tiny bit of history to this, actually. One fine day, my sisters and I decided to name ourselves a different berry each, and I ended up with 'raspberry', so I've stuck to this fruit ever since. I think it suits me though, since the raspberry is a humble little berry of a very pretty colour, is packed with nutrients, and can be made into a variety of sweet food... yes I love raspberry jam. I've also heard that the raspberry is a symbol for kindness, and I think I can consider myself a kind person!
Of the categories listed that you will be judged on, which do you think is the most important, and why?
I think character would be the most important aspect because character comprises of moral qualities and integrity of an individual, and having a good character is something that I prioritise.
Which category will be the hardest for you?
Community Service would probably be the hardest for me since I am not in charge of any community-building activities in HOL right now.
Do you agree Mx HOL should be a gender-neutral contest and that contestants should be judged on the same requirements? Why or why not?
Yes, I agree that Mx HOL should be a gender-neutral contest and that contestants should be judged on the same requirements, because honestly, I don't know what are different requirements are there to be judged on when physical appearance doesn't really play a part in this contest. Even if it does, gender-neutral is a good idea too, because why should there be stereotypes?
If you can't be MX HOL, who do you think should, and why?
To be really honest I don't think it would be fair for me to vote for a specific someone to be MX HOL at the moment, because I feel like all of us have only been through the first round so far, and I don't know all the contestants well enough to determine who would make the best representative and role model of HOL. I do think that there are many remarkable participants in this contest though, and I think in the end, someone worthy of this award will win it for sure.
Is there any other information you would like to give the judges and your fans?
Well, this would be a good opportunity to introduce my pets - I actually only have one left, sadly, the others ran in peace. Meet Aiko Hoshimi, my Northern Saw-whet Owl who can carry packages larger than herself and enjoys belly rubs. Did I mention I also love fluffy animals?
It was during high school that my best friend and I were crazy over Harry Potter, and having learnt how to use the Internet, she found a forum that took on the virtual Hogwarts concept, and persuaded me to join in. I however, felt the possibility that there could be a better platform than that, and began my own search, which led me to stumbling upon HOL. Hence we both joined HOL and fell in love with everything about it. I especially love the classes and activities, and try my best to join in whatever I can.
Where is your favorite place in HOL, and why?
My favourite place in HOL would definitely be the Art Department. I love creating stuff every time a new topic or challenge comes up, and it is also lovely to see other people's artwork and creativity. Not to mention that it's an opportunity to earn some house points! Sadly the Art Department is still under construction at the moment, and although I know that it has been temporarily moved to the Ravenclaw Common Room, the original one is easier to navigate and give ratings. Hope it will be back up soon!
What challenges, if any, have you had to overcome in your time at HOL?
Till today, the biggest challenge for me is juggling real life stuff and HOL activities. As much as I love being active on HOL, sometimes there are so many other things happening in the physical world around me that I have to attend to, and I particularly admire other HOLers who can be so active in making sure things are running smoothly and keeping the community alive. Also I still haven't figured out HOL quidditch. I promise I will someday.
With twenty years passing since the first book was published, what keeps you interested in Harry Potter and participating in activities like HOL?
All I can say is, the wizarding world is not a temporary thing? Harry Potter may be temporary, Harry Potter as a character or a even a living human being may live and die, and form a legacy in history, but if I can speak for all the other Potterheads out there, the wizarding world lives on, in our hearts. Rowling has created an entire universe that we can live in or escape to with just seven main books, and her creation of this magical world is still expanding from day to day. Harry Potter and the wizarding world may be a work of fiction, but honestly, I don't think it's so much of fiction than reality to a big community of Potterheads that exist. We all want to learn magic, we all want to study in Hogwarts, and we all want to mingle with magical people. I suppose HOL and similar platforms are what gives us life to stay magical in a realistic world.
Which Harry Potter character do you relate to most, and why?
Back when I was in school, I related to Hermione Granger the most, especially because she was the brainy one in the team who always scored well in her academic results. I was somewhat like that during my study years. I also found myself similar to Hermione because she was a Gryffindor as well, and her loyalty and bravery in protecting and defending her loved ones are traits in me that stay till today. However, nowadays I find that I have similarities to another character too, which is Luna Lovegood. I relate to Luna Lovegood in the sense that she has unique traits and interests that people perceive as odd or extraordinary, and I find that I do have my own quirks and fancies that most people around me don't quite understand, but that's alright with me. I admire Luna because she is a kind soul, and she is comfortable in her own skin, not ashamed of showing her true self, which is something that I do too.
What is your definition of a role model?
To be honest, I believe that there is a role model in everyone, for everyone has something that others can look up to and learn from. A role model to me would be someone who is passionate in doing the good things that they do as a contribution to society, and have the perseverence to keep going even when in the face of obstacles and challenges. Of course, any person who works hard enough can achieve something, which is why those I regard as role models to myself are distinguishable by their values, attitudes, and behaviours, such as being confident but not arrogant, and being kind to others.
In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages to ambition?
At first impression, the term 'ambition' brings about a positive rather than negative note, but in truth, ambition has both advantages and disadvantages. Defined as a strong desire and determination to achieve something, ambition is usually a highly regarded characteristic because it is often related to success. An ambitious person is one who has a particular goal or aim, and does the best he/she can to achieve it. Ambition is what takes people to greater heights in life, whether climbing the career ladder, or starting out as an entrepreneur, or pursuing a dream, ambition is most certainly a vital and essential element. However, ambition can also have its drawbacks, as it can be associated with negative characteristics such as greed, intolerance, and the drive for power. When ambition is taken too far without consideration of other aspects such as humanity or justice, ambition can lead to ruthlessness and lack of compassion (say, Lord Voldemort?). Setting a nearly unattainable goal or being too ambitious can also cause a higher possibility of disappointment and failure, which may result in a person's self-confidence being affected. In short, one should have ambition to achieve better things in life, but must always remember to never let ambition take over love and humanity.
What is the most important lesson you have learned in life?
I took some time to reflect upon this question, and realised that the most important lesson in life - a lesson that can never be repeated, only looked back upon and available to learn from in the future - is time itself. There's this quote by Bill Keane that I remember, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present." Life sounds like a long duration of time, assuming we still have tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow to look forward to, but if you break it down and count it, our life is just but a couple of decades long (and we don't know how many decades it will be). If you look back at something that happened many years back, yet you can still vividly remember it as if it just happened yesterday, you can imagine how quickly time can fly by. So what I have learned, is that time is the essence of life. What I am still learning to do every day, is to appreciate the now, because every second only happens once for you to make the best out of it.
If you were a fruit what would you be and why?
I would be a raspberry! There is a tiny bit of history to this, actually. One fine day, my sisters and I decided to name ourselves a different berry each, and I ended up with 'raspberry', so I've stuck to this fruit ever since. I think it suits me though, since the raspberry is a humble little berry of a very pretty colour, is packed with nutrients, and can be made into a variety of sweet food... yes I love raspberry jam. I've also heard that the raspberry is a symbol for kindness, and I think I can consider myself a kind person!
Of the categories listed that you will be judged on, which do you think is the most important, and why?
I think character would be the most important aspect because character comprises of moral qualities and integrity of an individual, and having a good character is something that I prioritise.
Which category will be the hardest for you?
Community Service would probably be the hardest for me since I am not in charge of any community-building activities in HOL right now.
Do you agree Mx HOL should be a gender-neutral contest and that contestants should be judged on the same requirements? Why or why not?
Yes, I agree that Mx HOL should be a gender-neutral contest and that contestants should be judged on the same requirements, because honestly, I don't know what are different requirements are there to be judged on when physical appearance doesn't really play a part in this contest. Even if it does, gender-neutral is a good idea too, because why should there be stereotypes?
If you can't be MX HOL, who do you think should, and why?
To be really honest I don't think it would be fair for me to vote for a specific someone to be MX HOL at the moment, because I feel like all of us have only been through the first round so far, and I don't know all the contestants well enough to determine who would make the best representative and role model of HOL. I do think that there are many remarkable participants in this contest though, and I think in the end, someone worthy of this award will win it for sure.
Is there any other information you would like to give the judges and your fans?
Well, this would be a good opportunity to introduce my pets - I actually only have one left, sadly, the others ran in peace. Meet Aiko Hoshimi, my Northern Saw-whet Owl who can carry packages larger than herself and enjoys belly rubs. Did I mention I also love fluffy animals?