"Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?" Galinda's question was in the front of my mind all while I watched the beautiful show Wicked for the first time, captivated. Her question rang through my head as I saw Elphaba defend her sister, defend the cowardly lion, defend Galinda, defend Fiyero, and defend flying monkeys. It rang through my head as I watched Elphaba get pushed away and assigned the villain card, every single time. It rang through my head as I stood for the standing ovation, tears streaming down my face at a pure work of art. Who knew a musical could be so impactful? I watched Wicked 4 times after that. And every single time, it felt like I was home, the music transporting me to a different world. I think it's because I saw myself in Elphaba, and I truly believe that everyone can see a little bit of themselves in her, too. Elphaba's wit, courage, defiance and power give her an identity that was so much more than the green color of her skin, though many in the show failed to recognize it. Even though Wicked is "just a musical," it is so much more than that to me. Every time I listen to Defying Gravity, I close my eyes and am transported back into the theater the first time I saw Elphaba shoot up into the sky, and belt with such power and glory that everyone in the theater had no choice but to cheer. Elphaba's life as a powerful woman has inspired me to keep going, even when others attempt to "bring me down." Her loyalty and unconditional love for Glinda pushes me to be a better friend, and change others "For Good." Her passion for helping others, even if they are monkeys, gives a good reason for me to self reflect and see whether I am serving others with as much drive as her. As magical and fun as the show is, we must take it with a grain of salt, knowing that the lessons taught in it are real and important. And that's why I'm such a fan of the musical Wicked. It skillfully balances the fantasies of the stage with the truths of reality. It takes me to a place of happiness, while also grounding me and making me reflect on myself and who I am as a person. This is an extremely hard thing to do, and for that, I will forever and always be a Wicked lover.