Just When You Thought J.K. Rowling Couldn’t Get More Awesome

By Caitlin Corsetti

J.K. Rowling is one fierce lady. She’s gorgeous, funny, smart, and is a wicked writer. She graced us with the most magical story ever with the Harry Potter series, which catapulted her to a level of fame that most writers can only dream about. Not only did Harry Potter spark a wildfire of reading for an entire generation, but it also created a place for kids to go in their heads and escape their own worlds. I know Harry Potter did a lot for me as a youngster, and it still does today. Because of her success, J.K. Rowling became one of the richest women in the United Kingdom and landed a spot on the Forbes billionaire list last year. However, now she’s been bumped back down to the millionaire’s list.

Don’t worry though, it’s not because she’s spending her unimaginable fortune. Rowling’s moved down because she’s donated so much of her money to charity. According to Forbes, ”New information about Rowlings’ estimated $160 million in charitable giving combined with Britain’s high tax rates bumped the ‘Harry Potter’ scribe from our list this year.” Rowling has always been a charitable lady. She started the Volant Charitable Trust to prevent social inequality and poverty in 2000 and is the president of One Parent Families, a charity for single-parent families. She also has donated millions to multiple sclerosis research. She also wrote several books for charity including Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Quidditch Through The Ages, and The Tales of Beetle the Bard.

I can’t get over how amazing this woman is. She said it best herself, “You have a moral responsibility when you’ve been given far more than you need, to do wise things with it and give intelligently.” She truly is an inspiring person, and I hope others can aim to be just as giving as she is. It goes to show that you can be successful without losing your moral compass. And if you think she’s gone because the series is over, don’t fret. We already know she’s working on a new book (!!) and Pottermore is officially kicking off this spring. She’ll be around to inspire us for a while, I believe.

How awesome do you think J.K. Rowling is? Would you knock yourself off the billionaire’s list if you were on it?

Caitlin is a senior at the University of Alabama who has an obsession with cupcakes, coffee, and Harry Potter. She always has random fun facts on reserve and aspires to be a professional blogger,social media bug, and/or James Franco’s assistant. Follow her fabulous life @caitlincorsetti. You’re welcome!