We’ve seen her as Hermione Granger, the smartest witch in the Wizarding World. We’ve seen her as the graceful Belle shutting down all social norms in relationships. We’ve seen her as Sam, showing us the perks of being a wallflower and how life is truly magnificent when you’re a free-spirit.
But who is the girl behind the characters we already know and love? And why should everyone admire her for being the impeccable role model she is?
1. She values education.
Although she spent a lot of her childhood consumed in the realm of Harry Potter, Emma would spend five hours a day with a tutor receiving an education just like how “normal” kids her age were. She would take the same standardized tests and received high scores across the board, leading her to study at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island as well as Oxford University in the United Kingdom to land her a degree in English.
Go Emma!
2. She is an outspoken feminist.
Emma Watson identifies herself as a feminist which sparked many other girls to follow her path. She seeks to re-establish the identity away from any negative connotations that seems to be tied to being a “feminist.”
3. She was appointed as the United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador.
This role has led Emma to open doors to opportunities such as campaigning for HeForShe and inspiring women all around the globe to stand up for equality and human rights. In 2014, Watson motivated many in her speech at the United Nations Women Conference.
Watson blew us all away when she declared, “In my moments of doubt, I told myself firmly, ‘If not me, who? If not now, when?'”
4. She will always inspire our sartorial choices.
Emma has the tendency to steal looks from the red carpet to conferences and from walking down the street to charity functions. While she follows the latest trends, Emma is also creating new ones and slaying everywhere she goes. If you ever need some inspiration, Emma’s wardrobe choices will never fail you.
5. She knows Harry Styles.
If you could think of another iconic feminist that continuously shocks the world with their powerful messages and looks other than Emma herself, you are left with the remarkable Harry Styles. To take Emma out of the spotlight for a split second (sorry girl!) Harry is also an advocate for the HeForShe campaign and spends his time as a humanitarian promoting other important movements such as the more recent March For Our Lives.
Name a more iconic duo.
Okay, back to you Emma!
6. She always knows exactly what to say.
Emma has been inspiring women and men, boys and girls, and all sexual and gender identities for a while now. Her encouraging words continue to empower almost anyone who listens. Here are some of my favorites:
“I don’t want other people to decide who I am. I want to decide that for myself.”
“Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do or achieve. Do what you want to do and be who you want to be. Just encourage and include each other, don’t ostracize the gender in front of you.”
“I don’t have perfect teeth. I’m not stick thin. I want to be the person who feels great in her body and can say that she loves it and doesn’t want to change anything.”