"JK Rowling: Benefits of Failure"

     Harry Potter founder and creator JK Rowling have deeply inspired me in her commencement speech to Harvard University graduates. In her speech,  she shares with the graduating class two things that are important to her. First, is the “Benefits of Failure” and second, is the “Importance of Imagination.” Many in the audience seemed entertained and inspired because many of them were nodding their heads in agreement. JK Rowling took a particularly subtle humorous approach when delivering her speech. She let us all know that things were not always perfect for her.

     Like many successful men and woman, Rowling had to overcome adversity. Raised in a household where both parent stricken by poverty, Rowling always wanted the best for herself, and so did her parents. Rowling shared with the audience her benefits of failure. She says her fears of failure helped her better prepare for tests in college and it also, taught her more about herself. After suffering from a failed marriage, losing her job, and becoming a single parent. Rowling then realized that she failed herself.  Rowling then goes on to say, “Failure is inevitable. It is impossible to live a life without failure.” By her coming to the realization, she has failed it only brought the importance of her imagination.

     Author JK Rowling informs us all that there are benefits from failure. Failure gives us lessons to learn from. It helps mold our character and humanizes us all. JK Rowling encourages everyone to know the importance of imagination. Imagination allows us to tap in to the feelings of others and ourselves. “The willfully unimaginative seem more monsters. They are often more afraid”, said by Rowling. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.

     JK Rowling’s commencement speech to the Harvard graduates was very inspiring to me because it was powerful and moving. I admire her strength and courage for all she has been through in her life. I’ve learned that life is difficult, and we have to learn from mistakes (failure) in order to grow. I also learned that the importance of imagination is key; it allows us to relate with others and depict our most treasured aspirations.