In my opinion, the Harry Potter series defines my generation. I still remember reading the first book and seeing the first movie, unaware of the journey the series would bring.

When I got accepted into the Medill cherubs program, I was immediately struck with excitement. But, a sad realization dawned on me. I sighed, “Oh my god. I’m missing the last Harry Potter movie premiere.”

I gave myself a mission: Find some way to go to the movie on opening day. Plus it would be the perfect opportunity for my fellow cherubs and me to share our generational phenomenon.

Cherubs experience the end of Harry Potter together. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Calfas.

I persuaded my parents to let me buy 40 tickets for cherubs, promising that my friends would pay me back (which they did). When the day came, around 60 cherubs filled the theater, anxiously awaiting the best movie experience of their lives.

The movie was spectacular. But the real magic was the experience I shared with my new friends. Some of my friends lamented that their “childhood is over” after watching the movie. Like Ron, Hermione and Harry in the movie, we too had grown up.

We’ve followed Harry for the majority of our lives. The end of the series produced tears and laughs representative of memories of our beloved childhoods.

I will keep the lessons from the series in mind throughout the rest of my life. If my childhood had to end, I’m glad it happened at the cherub program where my peers and instructors could help me look toward the future with confidence.