What 'Star Wars' means to me

I know I have received a lot of requests from my readers about this one question, when did you start to like “Star Wars” as a whole?

The answer to that question is around 2015 when “The Force Awakens” was released. I have always watched the six “Star Wars” films and I honestly thought that was it. What more could there be?

'The Force Awakens' poster (Google Images).

I enjoyed watching the story progress and unfold but I never found a reason to dive deeper into the series. However, the first time I watched “The Force Awakens” I fell in love with it. Seeing legacy characters come back, seeing the new characters on screen and connecting to the story as a whole was an interesting experience.

Not only that, but being able to go see a “Star Wars” film in the theatre was a cool. I know many of you can recall seeing “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” in the theatre and got goosebumps. I know I did.

Since 2015, Lucasfilm released four “Star Wars” films and I got even more excited to go to the theatre. Seeing “Rouge One” with my dad and watching the rebels obtain the death star plans was unlike something I've ever seen.

Battle of Scarif scene from 'Battlefront II' (Google Images).

Even seeing “The Last Jedi” was enjoyable. I know there’s a lot of debate about that film, however, it really pulled the franchise in a new direction that made me think.

I personally think best franchises do that, they make you think and those are the best stories that stick with you.

“Star Wars” has always done that.

The franchise also has an unlimited amount of content out there in the form of books, television shows and games for fans to dive into. When I did that it felt rewarding in a sense.

When I played “Knights of the Old Republic” I really got a sense that I was in the “Star Wars” universe. I enjoyed every aspect of it, even having my character become a Jedi and fight the Sith was pretty neat.

'Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II' gameplay. (Google Images).

Even for me to read legends material such as “Revan,” “Tarkin,” and “Darth Bane” was interesting. It really proves that the franchise lives off the screen.

I think the most important aspect about being a “Star Wars” fan and immersing yourself in the universe is being with other fans. I first found this to be the case when I saw “Star Wars: A New Hope Live in Concert” played by the Sioux City Orchestra.

Being surrounded by other fans, seeing R2-D2 roam around and being in the presence of Darth Vader, the rebels and the Empire was just cool. Once again, it makes the universe feel more expansive than it already is.

Me being surrounded by members of the Empire.

Overall, “Star Wars” has provided me with many experiences that I will never forget not only from the films but from the overall universe as a whole that has become so real to me.

I refer to the Jedi code on a daily basis and it always provides guidance to me when I need it most.

There is no emotion, there is peace.

There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.

There is no passion, there is serenity.

There is no chaos, there is harmony.

There is no death, there is the Force.

“Star Wars” will continue to be something I cherish and I know many of you will as well.