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If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
As tempting as it is to give some blanket answer about ending poverty or bringing about world peace, I think that most of the world's problems stem from a lack of understanding between nations, religions, races, and other man-made concepts that divide humanity; however, it's also far too idealistic to say that those divisions could be removed and/or that anarchy would solve everything. So I guess my ultimate dream would be to facilitate a massive round-table discussion with everyone in the world, where each and every party could state their case, in the hopes of creating an understanding that might help to eliminate problems such as poverty and war. Open a mind or two and see what happens, as it were.
What makes a person respectable?
It's hard to say, because there are really two possible meanings for the word respectable in this context: deserving of respect or socially/morally respectable. Since so many things that I find perfectly acceptable are deemed immoral by society (or the society I live in, at least), I don't put too much stock in the latter; as for the former, I think that a strong sense of self and an unwavering conviction in personal beliefs are very much deserving of respect. Even if I don't agree with someone's belief system, I'm more likely to respect them if they stand by those beliefs under scrutiny rather than bending to what they believe mine to be.
What do you look for in a friend?
Above all else, I look for honesty in anyone I allow into my personal circle. I don't want my feelings to be protected if it means living in a prettily scented, rose-tinted bubble of lies - I'd far rather know where I stand and deal with the ramifications in my own way. Intelligence is also a plus, silliness is a must, and passion always draws me to a person.
What are your hobbies?
Acting is my hobby, my passion, and what I hope will one day be my career - I live for the opportunity to step into someone else's shoes, see the world through their eyes. I also love writing for that reason, and always tend to have three or four different projects on the go at any one time, when I don't have my nose in a book in search of inspiration. Music rounds out my trinity of obsessions, although a marked lack of skill on my part has pretty much led me away from creation and toward appreciation.
Have or would you give time and money to a charity?
I've participated in AIDS walks in the past, because it's a cause that has touched me personally, but I've never really been in the financial position to give any substantial amount to charity. I certainly would, and plan to, when my financial situation (and life in general) is more stable.
What is the one thing you would most like to accomplish?
I don't know that I have one particular, solid goal - rather, I'm constantly coming up with new ones - but whatever I do make of my life, I hope that one day I might look back on it with the feeling that I haven't wasted a single moment.
Who is your role model?
Interestingly enough, one of the most important figures in my life happens to be a person I've only ever met once - Glen Phillips, a singer/performer whose music I've followed for over ten years. I say 'figures' rather than 'people' because I do realize that I idolize a personal construct rather than an actual person, but his music and poetry have guided me through some of the most difficult, lonely periods of my life, and I've always admired both his talent and his skill in balancing his career with a rich and fulfilling personal life. I don't know that I have a role model, because I've never really found the idea of moulding myself in the image of someone else terribly appealing, but he's certainly someone who seems to possess the qualities I wish for in myself.
What trait most annoys you about other people?
I flat-out cannot tolerate blind ignorance. Hatred most often stems from ignorance, and people who refuse out of hand to learn about things which challenge their own opinions infuriate me. If someone has weighed the facts on either side and still chooses to maintain their viewpoint, I'll certainly respect their right to do so, as I said earlier - it's the initial blindness and deafness to any other viewpoint that I find unacceptable.
What do you want to do for a living?
Practicality doesn't enter into my future plans: I want to be an actor, although I'm not picky about the medium. I'd also love to have a novel published one day, and in spite of the foot-high stack of rejections sitting on the shelf above me, I keep on trying.
If your friend was attacked (by a person, animal, or (in the magic world) beast), what would you do?
My first concern would be their safety, but since I don't have any first aid experience, I wouldn't be of very much help - once I'd determined that they weren't in any immediate danger, I'd either find someone to stay with them (if they weren't able to walk) while I went for help, or bring them (if they were) to a hospital or doctor's office. If it was a person who'd attacked them, I'd also track down that person and ask why they'd felt the need to attack my friend; I wouldn't retaliate in any way, being neither strong nor confrontational, but I would want to know.
Would you ever use an Unforgivable Curse for any reason?
I don't think anyone can honestly claim that they absolutely would not do something so drastic. If I was in mortal danger, I'm sure the adrenaline and fear would prompt me to use an Unforgivable - I have a strong personal dislike for the Imperius Curse, but using Crucio or Avada Kedavra in such a situation would be rather like firing a gun at an attacker.
What do you think are your top five abilities or qualities?
Expression: Since most of my favourite pursuits are creatively based, such as writing and acting, I've pretty much had to develop the ability to express my emotions openly and honestly.
Empathy: Although this can be a weakness at times, I'm keenly aware of the feelings of others, and always make sure to take them into account.
Honesty: That said, I'm no more willing to lie than I am to deal with someone lying to me. If someone is looking for a true opinion on anything, I'm the right person to come to.
Trustworthiness: I just don't see the appeal in divulging secrets. It's a huge honour to be entrusted with someone's secrets in the first place, and I'd hate to lose that kind of respect.
Self-Awareness: I know who I am and what I want, and have never really allowed anyone else to change that.
What do you think are your top five weaknesses or worst qualities?
Social skills: There's no glossing over the fact that I'm shy to the point of being anti-social, and simply have no idea how to handle myself with new people.
Oversensitivity: I tend to see insults where none exist, and take the slightest hint of criticism far too much to heart.
Temper: If I'm pushed too far, I can get downright vicious at times.
Fear: No matter how badly I want something, fear of failure often stops me right before I can claim it as my own.
Cynicism: While I often expect the best from people and situations, I don't really believe that either is likely.
Define in your own words the following key traits:
Courage: The abililty to stare down any adversity, whether perceived or real, and reach your goals without backing away.
Loyalty: Keeping the promises you make, no matter how much it might benefit you in the short term if you should break them.
Intelligence: Possessing a quick, open mind which both craves and readily absorbs knowledge.
Ambition: Single-minded determination to improve your own situation.
Name: Gillian
Age: 23
What house do you think DOESN'T fit you? I'm open to any house, really, since I think their qualities are largely universal.
Where did you find out about us? One of my fellow Potterphiles, who brought up this community during a discussion about which house I would best fit into.