Networking dinners can be a mixed bag, often filled with predictable conversations and obligatory exchanges of business cards. However, this particular evening took a delightful turn when I found myself seated next to a child who instantly felt like Hermione to me. For those who haven't read or watched Harry Potter, Hermione is a character known for her intelligence, confidence, and strong moral compass. This young girl radiated those same qualities and stood out amidst the sea of adults. She was my colleague's daughter, and she seemed more at ease and confident at these events than I was, which was both impressive and slightly humbling.
Hermione - let's call her that - captivated me from the moment we started talking. At just ten years old, she exhibited a confidence and charm that many adults strive for but rarely achieve. Fluent in English, French, and German, she spoke with a clarity and enthusiasm that drew everyone in.
"So, Hermione," I began, curious about her interests, "what do you like to do in your free time?"
"I love reading and learning about history," she replied, her eyes sparkling with passion. "I want to be an author and maybe a history teacher one day. I'm currently writing my own short stories and a children's book."
Wow! At her age, I was still figuring out how to navigate the school playground (did I mention I have a terrible sense of direction? 😓), let alone planning a future career.
"What period of history interests you the most?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"I love learning about ancient civilizations, like Egypt and Rome," she said with bright eyes. "It's fascinating how people lived so differently, yet some of their ideas and inventions still influence us today."
Then she went on talking about Egyptian mythology and ancient Rome. Her enthusiasm for learning was contagious. She spoke passionately about historical events and figures, weaving stories with a depth of understanding that was truly impressive. It was clear that she didn’t just read books; she absorbed them, letting their lessons and narratives shape her thoughts and dreams. But as much as Hermione was an old soul, she was also very much a child. She told me about how she loved to play with her dolls and legos, reenacting historical events, and sometimes just making up fantastical stories where queens and warriors mingled with dragons and superheroes.
“That sounds amazing. You must get a lot of compliments on how smart you are, I bet”, I said, genuinely impressed by her knowledge and creativity.
She paused thoughtfully. “I like to be complimented as being kind and hardworking. Those mean the most to me.”
Wow, just...wow! 👏
Despite her poise, Hermione was also humble and polite. When other guests overheard our conversation and complimented her intelligence, she leaned over and whispered to me, "I don’t feel smart in these situations. I don’t know how to react or what to say when I get compliments."
I smiled and told her, "Just say thank you and accept the compliment. You deserve it. We're taught to be humble, to never appear proud or boastful, but it's important to learn to celebrate our successes and value our good traits, too." I added, "That's something I'm still learning myself, despite my imposter syndrome."
Before the evening ended, I gave Hermione my email, encouraging her to send me a copy of her book when she finishes it. I look forward to reading her work and witnessing her journey. I joked that I'd be thrilled to be her first book reviewer, and she responded with the most professional “Thank you, I'd appreciate that” I’d ever heard from a ten-year-old. 😁
Talking to Hermione, a girl of the new era, highlighted the progress not just in women’s empowerment, but in creating a world where every child, regardless of background or gender, has the freedom to pursue their passions without limits. Here was a young girl, confident in her ambitions, unafraid to dream big, and valuing kindness and hard work. It's a testament to the strides we’ve made in fostering an environment where kids can feel safe to be themselves, encouraged to be curious, and celebrated for their unique talents. It also reminded me of the power of books and imagination in shaping the dreams and aspirations of children, fueling their creativity, and allowing them to explore limitless possibilities.
As I left the networking dinner, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought that the most impactful conversation of the night was with someone who still thinks driving a car is as magical as flying a broomstick. Honestly, if she can tackle ancient civilizations, who am I to argue? 😌
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