Appeal, please!

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

Name: Valerie
Age: 22
House you were sorted into: Hufflepuff
Link to original application: Right Here.

Are there any questions you would like to elaborate on? A bit hard to say, I just received a lot of straight House-name responses and things along the lines of "Hufflepuff if I ever saw one!" and things of the sort. I'm not sure what it is that pulled me so hard toward Hufflepuff. Admittedly, when I filled out the application, I was new to the HP fandom (still am, really) and I hadn't fully grasped what each house meant. I hadn't even stumbled upon the "cheat cards" for sorting until after my application. So of course, on the surface my answers are still ME, and still reflect me and are still completely true, but I think I will pick a few responses to explain/further elaborate on.

What makes a person respectable? — I would like to elaborate to say that it's not just honesty I value, though that is important. I also think taking risks is important as well. I value people who fight for what they believe in (which I mentioned a little later on in the application when I defined courage) I think in the realm of Potter, all the characters I feel close to have been the ones to take chances and aren't afraid to gamble. I think part of me looks down upon those who are too cautions, too worrisome. Sometimes you have to take that chance and jump -- sometimes with both eyes closed. I also think people who believe in themselves are respectable. I don't mean egotistical and snooty, I just mean they trust themselves and who they are. They're firm in their beliefs and have strong values. That's respectable in anyone, even if I don't agree with their values or views on a subject.

As far as my strengths, I will admit I had a hard time with the question. I didn't really know which strengths of my personality to pick. I feel that perhaps my musical ability wasn't one I should have chosen. It doesn't even seem to fit with the rest of my application, really. I do stand by my responses as a whole, but I think I would like to add that I value my intelligence, which ranges from the "book" smarts to "street" smarts. I have a strong grasp of common sense, and I think I'm not fooled into seeing the "good" of all people. Which really sounds horrible, but I don't intend for it to sound that way. Perhaps, I'm not gullible. I know people are "looking out for #1" and I think I'm a pretty good judge of character. I'm rarely wrong about someone. Very rarely.

Also, one of my weaknesses I only briefly mentioned in the "weaknesses" question (I think I try to skirt around it, because.. well, I don't really know why) was that regarding my temper. I think I try to avoid it because I know Which i think you might see a bit of if you poke around in my journal long enough. I can be a bit on the explosive side and I get incredibly angry when I feel I'm being taken advantage of or if I feel someone is treating me badly or spreading lies about me. I think I tend to seek revenge at times.. but I don't think as far as to hurt someone. I just want people to know they can't take advantage of me and push me around. I think this stems to my being quite defensive. I'm always looking to protect myself from harm (as well as protect my friends) and I think maybe that's why some people say they're "scared" of me (even if the comment did hurt my feelings initially, I think I understand why). I've been told I'm intimidating, though it's completely unintentional. I think I've built up a lot of walls in my lifetime, and I don't trust people like I should, perhaps. And I think it's hurt me in some ways, and helped me in others.

Explain why you feel misplaced in your current House! I want to mention, for the record, that I have absolutely nothing against the Hufflepuff House. I think it's very respectable, and houses many warm, friendly, beautiful people. However, I just don't FEEL right in the House. I, for one, have never really fancied myself a 'Puff, it just never really entered my mind. I know I possess some of the 'Puff qualities (I think we all do, really) but I never thought I "screamed" Hufflepuff. It's hard to put my finger on exactly why I don't feel right about the sorting. As I mentioned in my initial appeal email, I was holding out on appealing because I openly wanted to give the House a chance. So once I was approved, I went through the posts in the common room, and I just wasn't grasping something about the House. I felt like an outsider. The people posting were having to ask for participation (I want a House overflowing with activity that buzzes with excitement!) and post after post asking "where is the House Pride?" "why are we not active?" and that just made me INCREDIBLY apprehensive about committing myself to the House for good. I know 'Puffs are hard workers, so I couldn't figure out why it was so hard to get the participation, to find 'Puffs who wanted to be active and enjoy it all! But I admittedly go on first impressions, and I couldn't shake this feeling, no matter how nice and supportive the members of the House seemed.

I went back to look through applications of other Hufflepuffs in platform_934. This helped me see what some of my 'Puff traits were, but I didn't feel like I was agreeing with things a lot of the applications were saying. I know I'm loyal and honest, but I just felt like that was the one thing that was screaming out to people from my application. Perhaps it's on my head for not being thorough enough, or elaborate enough, or offering up the other dimensions of my personality. I'm not sure. But I just feel out of sorts about the whole thing.

What would you see in the Mirror of Erised? Be exact with your descriptions! In the Mirror of Erised, if I looked tonight, I would see three things. (1) Myself. I would be happy, healthy (physically and mentally - how would you tell? A broad smile upon my face I suppose) This in itself would convey that I had been successful personally. I am happy with my life. I have found peace within myself. I'd like to be laughing, really. I find that a sign of true peace and happiness. (2) Those closest to my heart standing around me. All perfectly healthy and happy as well. My life wouldn't be complete for me without those people around me. This includes my parents, looking proud as ever. Proud of the paths I've chosen, decisions I've made. Free of judgment or criticism over wrong choices and mistakes I've made. Supporting me. (3) My college diploma. I'm working so hard to finally graduate and make something of myself professionally. I want to see me SURE of myself. Ready to face the world.

However, I would like to add that I think that it's really difficult in youth to understand what will ultimately make you happy in life, or what your true desires are. Such as Ron sees himself as Head Boy, Quidditch Captain, etc. when he looks in the Mirror, you know that wouldn't be the image he sees when he's 25, or 40, or 50. Our desires change as life changes; as we change and grow as people. Like right now, materialistically, I'd love to win the lottery, pay off all my bills and student loans, help my parents build their home and still have cash left over for fun and charity -- but I may not want that even a year from now. If you can be happy with yourself as a person and the life you lead (the choices you've made, your mistakes, your faults, your strengths -- everything as a whole), then I believe that will bring complete happiness for you. True peace and happiness is, I think, everyone's one true desire in the end.

What makes you unique? Tough question. I never know how to convey my unique qualities with words. My friends all say I have a very special sense of humor. I use it to handle life obstacles and make my friends feel better in a situation. Laughter really is the best medicine I think. Even if it only lasts a few moments. I think I have so many dimensions to my personality. I have a creative spirit, I think. From music to my graphics and web design -- I love to MAKE things. To put a little bit of myself into these lifeless creations. I have a giving spirit. I think I'm a little crazy, which goes along with the creative mind and such. I mentioned before my ability to get a reading off people - I make extremely accurate first impressions. I know not a lot of people are able to do that, and in turn find themselves in the wrong crowd -- I have NEVER been in the wrong crowd. This isn't really something to be proud of, but I'm pretty good at cooking up lies (for skipping class and the like) and having people completely believe me. I think I have a trusting face, which is good when you're bending the truth slightly, you know.

Comments

[ledbylove.livejournal.com]

What do you see as the major defining traits of each house and how do you feel you do and do not fit these traits. Please be specific with your examples :)

Which house do you think you belong in, since you say you've studied the cheat sheets and you seem so adamant about not being a Puff.

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

What do you see as the major defining traits of each house and how do you feel you do and do not fit these traits. Please be specific with your examples :) I suppose I will start off by naming four key traits of each House, and touch on a few more through elaboration. Seems fair and even.

Gryffindor --- Brave, Leadership Ability, Humor, Charisma. // I feel in my own way, I'm quite brave. Brave enough to speak up for myself and voice my ideas and opinions, but I have been hesitant to take certain risks, I sometimes think about things too much and end up backing down. But this usually only relates to being physically daring or trying new things. Not really idea-wise. I don't Gryffindors think so much about acting, they just DO IT. I've always valued my leadership skills, and I've been placed in leadership positions many, many times. I feel I thrive in that environment -- being able to direct people as to the way I feel we would reach our common goal, whatever that may be. I always get the job done, and I like to have a part in helping others get the work done and achieve a goal together. I am quite humorous, I think. I rely heavily on my humor to connect with people and get them to open up a little bit to me. We may not have meaningful conversations all the time, but we'll definitely have some laughs together, which I think is sometimes more important. I think my humor is what gave me the idea to perhaps go into radio and have my own morning show (Still a strong possible career path, I think). Which leads me into the charismatic trait in Gryffindors. I think I have a good bit of charisma. I think people are drawn to me and the way I express myself. People have often called me "fun" and say I'm fun to talk to. They enjoy when I tell stories and generally make myself the center of attention. But I'm not sure I have quite as much charisma as many of the famous Gryffindors we know, but I think I have a fair share more than others.

Hufflepuff --- Loyal, Accepting, Trustworthy/Honest, Even-tempered. // I am most definitely loyal. I stick by my friends no matter what. I would do anything in the world for them and I would never think of turning on a friend or betraying them. But I have to say, once someone has done me wrong, very rarely am I accepting enough to give them a second chance. Not to say it never happens, but it is rare. I tend to burn bridges once I've been burned by someone. I think the Hufflepuffs are generally so accepting they allow people more opportunities, I think they see the goodness in people, and accept that they can change. Quite an admirable quality, however not one I possess myself. Hufflepuffs are also very trustworthy and honest. I have to say I am honest, almost to a fault at times. But I have been known to bend the truth on many occasions, but never in a "when it counts" situation. I'm by no means a cheater, but I have told a few white lies for small reasons like skipping class or why I arrived home so late. But I would never lie about something incredibly important or serious. I'm a "little white lie" sort of girl. I've never gone TOO far out of line. I also feel Hufflepuffs, in general, are quite even-tempered. I only wish I was. I have a horrible temper, and when I'm set off, that's pretty much it. Once I'm angry, I'm angry for a while. Sometimes days. I'm not as cool and collected as a Hufflepuff. My temper gets the best of me more times than not and sometimes it springs me into doing some not-so-smart things. Like sprouting my mouth in anger (if you read through any of my journal, you'll notice I did it quite recently, and I don't regret it) I don't think Hufflepuffs react this way at all.

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

Ravenclaw --- Intelligence, Level-Headed Nature, Independent, Mature. // I think I've always respected the Ravenclaw House from a distance, I've never felt I was quite on the same level as the Ravenclaws I associate with. Of course, everyone knows Ravenclaws are wonderfully intelligent. I've always been "the smart one" but I don't think it's on the same level as "Ravenclaw Smart", if that makes sense. I've always made good grades in school, but since college I've let myself start to slip and slack, and I'm not quite on the "Honor Roll" as I was in grade school/high school. I love to learn, but I don't crave it like a Ravenclaw does. Sometimes it's flat out a chore to learn. I think Ravenclaws are also very level-headed, which I think comes with intelligence. They have the knowledge to think things through and know what's a good move and what's a bad move. I do admit to thinking more than some people before I leap, but I don't always think all the way through. I've also always thought of Ravenclaws as quite independent. Not only in thinking, but in ... general. Ravenclaws are quite secure enough to go at things alone. I, on the other hand, always need a group around me. I find strength in numbers. I do, however, enjoy my alone time and doing some projects and things on my own, so I am in total control. Ravenclaws are also very mature. They have very mature ideas (even some very young 'Claws are quite well spoken and have very mature views on things) and act on a level of extreme maturity. I don't think they tolerate any "funny business". I go with that to an extent, I don't like people goofing off instead of working, and I cannot stand people who act immaturely -- whether it be in expressing themselves or their views, or through "childish" acts and ploys for attention.

Slytherin --- Cunning, Driven, Proud, Intimidating. // Slytherins are very, very cunning. They know what they have and they know how to use it. And this could range from skills, to riches (in the case of say, the Malfoys), to power, to intimidation. They will undoubtedly trip you up and turn you upside down in a masterful way, leaving you wondering when you lost track of what was going on. And I don't think that always has to be a negative thing. Sometimes you need to use what you have to twist things in your favor. I myself am not all that great with this. It usually ends in some misunderstanding or a verbal war of some sort. They are also very driven. Slytherins work hard for what they deserve, what they want. I find I am quite like a Slytherin in this aspect. I'll stop at nearly nothing to get what I really want. Slytherins MAKE things happen. I also feel they are a proud house. Of course every House is proud in itself, but Slytherins are outwardly proud. You just FEEL they have complete pride in who they are and each and every thing that they stand for. They will defend their House and their ideas and way of life. I'm like this in a way, I think. I am proud of myself and will be proud of my house and its efforts. I also find Slytherins to be very intimidating. I think this can be blurred slightly into the "proudness" factor. There is a certain air about Slytherin, perhaps through stereotype, that they know exactly how "good" they are. They know they intimidate, their reputations precede them. (I hope I am not offending any Slytherins reading this) I am like this in the fact that I enjoy holding the upper hand over someone. I enjoy knowing I have the edge. But I think Slytherins will ALWAYS feel they have the edge -- they're entitled to it!

[holdmesam.livejournal.com]

Which house do you think you belong in, since you say you've studied the cheat sheets and you seem so adamant about not being a Puff. I've always thought of myself as a Gryffindor. It's possible people will disagree. I've always felt a pull towards Gryffindor House since Book 1. I feel close to what they stand for as a House. Specifically, I feel myself to be quite a good leader, which is a strong Gryff trait. I have been placed by teachers and elders in leadership positions throughout my entire school career. I always get the job done, and I've had many tell me that they don't know "what they would do" without me. I'm also very passionate -- about everything I do. I jump into things with both feet and I throw myself into projects whole-heartedly. I try to make the best of every project I embark on. I always want it to the best it can be. I have a great sense of humor (I'm always making my classmates laugh. My best friend and I almost "put on a show" and people are always telling us how funny we are, even if we are a bit of a distraction) and I think I am QUITE friendly. I've never been one to not make a friend in a situation, or find someone I can connect with and talk to. And most times, I make that connection with a joke. I hardly have any enemies (of course we all have a few, but outside of the petty internet situations that can spring up, I can't think of anyone I'm at odds with, really) and on the whole I think people like me. I'm a strong person emotionally and I don't break easily. I don't like to let people see me crack. In fact, I think I keep my emotions bottled up more than anything else, which isn't exactly a healthy practice, I've been told. I perform better under pressure and pushing deadlines and boundaries, and once I'm sprung into action, it's very difficult to pull me back down and ground me.

But of course none of this means that I don't equally value the traits from other Houses. I don't think anyone is really 100% of any one House. Everyone has a bit of themselves in each of the Houses. I did mention the cheat sheets, but I don't want that to be mistaken for the idea that I'm "avoiding" any certain House or "pushing" for Gryffindor. I would be equally happy in another House. Coming in I had nothing "against" Hufflepuff House, I just felt I didn't belong once I got in and saw the extended qualities and mental frame of the House. I think I just mentioned them (the "cheat sheets") because I think I now have a better understanding of the Four Houses than I did when I applied -- not through just the sheets, but by surfing around and reading up more on the Houses and people's views of them seperately. Therefore, I think that now I feel that perhaps I was placed in the wrong House. I just wanted to clarify that a little to avoid any misunderstanding on that point.

PS. Apologies for all the replies, my comments were just too long for livejournal to handle it seems!