I started watching Game of Thrones in my first year at college. I was staying in residence when we kept seeing references to the show everywhere we looked. It was even brought up in my lectures and seminars. We had to know what the commotion was all about! After watching the first episode, we immediately had to watch another, and another... and another. Before we knew it, the night was over and we had to pack up our things for our first morning class. After our original binge, the five of us would always come back together to gather in one of our small dorm rooms. We would eagerly sit together to watch what was going to happen next in the Seven Kingdoms. We were hooked!

Eight Years Later

Eight years later, we have loved and lost our fan favourites after watching them grow to become so strong. Eight years later, I have grown strong as well. This HBO TV series based off of George R.R. Martin's bestselling series has changed the way television is done. However, it doesn't stop there. Game of Thrones has changed so much more for me. It has changed the way I see women in stories, politics, romantic relationships, and even at work. I am completely free to be whoever I want. I feel no boundaries from my gender.

I could be a fighter like Arya.

Arya always knew who she was, she never doubted herself. She could never grow up to be a lady even though that is exactly what she was born into. She never let it bring her down, she was always a tomboy and a fighter at heart.

I could be a lady like Sansa.

Sansa started the seasons fragile and naive. She grew up to be a strong leader and ended up exactly where she wanted to be... home. Despite everything she had endured, she still kept her identity, she kept her craftsmen-ship, her Stark identity, and she always stayed a lady. Sansa is proof that you can be a lady and powerful at the same time. Her feminine nature never stopped the people at House Stark from respecting her.

I love that I can have both. I can be feminine and strong.

I could be as ambitious as Cersei.

I found it hard to think of something good to say about Cersei at first. However, it's hard to deny that Cersei always knew what she wanted... power! (And her twin brother.) She never let being a woman get in the way of her desire for power.

I could be a leader like Daenerys.

Dany started with no followers, but over time she built a very large and loyal following. She grew stronger and stronger every day and never let anything stop her. When she was younger many men wanted her and she had no interest in any of it. She was forced into a life of being used and abused. However, she never let it bring it down. She only ever pushed forward until she was on top.

I could be as courageous as Lady Lyanna Mormont.

Lady Lyanna Mormont ruled Bear Island at a very young age. She is bold, tough, respected, and of course she has more courage than most adults put together.

If Lady Lyanna Mormont is able to achieve so much at a young age, then I am running out of excuses for myself. She is truly an inspiration.

I could be strong like Brienne of Tarth.

Brienne is the perfect example of never letting anything stop you from your dreams. Brienne was told to be a lady again and again, but all she ever wanted to be a knight. She knew that what she wanted wasn't meant for a woman—let alone a woman born in a high family—but she never let that stop her from becoming who she wanted to be.

Or best of all, I could be independent like Melisandre.

Melisandre is not thought of as a fan favourite. However, I strongly believe that she has been underestimated with her involvement in the Seven Kingdoms. Her goals and aspirations never had anything to do with the love of a man or even towards the loyalty of any kingdom. No, Melisandre was a religious woman who had trust in her faith.

Thank you George R.R. Martin and HBO for changing my life!

#VocalGOT

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