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The force is strong with the women of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”

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Source: Courtesy of LUCASFILM/Wikipedia

Our favorite galaxy far, far away has never wanted for strong women. Beloved Princess Leia, played by the late, great Carrie Fisher, became a childhood hero to many, instantly following the release of “Star Wars IV: A New Hope” in 1977. More recently, women and girls all over the world celebrated when Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, swung her first lightsaber in “Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens.”

But never has the Star Wars universe given us a cast so packed full of strong women until now, in the eighth installment of the main Star Wars franchise, “The Last Jedi.”

NO SPOILERS can be found in this article. Read and enjoy even if you have not yet seen “The Last Jedi.” #KeeptheSecretsofVIII

Princess Leia is General Organa now, commanding the Resistance and keeping the rebellion alive with wisdom and class. Having overcome one tragedy after another in her lifetime, she now single-handedly leads the Resistance with little more than wits and willpower.

Princess Leia is General Organa in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Source: Courtesy of Wookieepedia

Undeniably, our well-known hero has suffered. The love of her life was murdered by her son, who abandoned her and turned to the Dark Side. This is just Leia’s most recent tragedy.

But she overcomes this and all other challenges, and by her example, we too can learn to overcome our own struggles. Leia is a shining model of strength and resilience.

Her second in command is new to the Star Wars universe. Vice-Admiral Holdo is played by Laura Dern of Jurassic Park fame. When she takes over command of the Resistance, she makes difficult choices to keep the rebellion out of the First Order’s clutches. Holdo has impressively large shoes to fill when she steps in for General Organa. But rather than be intimidated, she calmly and confidently keeps the Resistance flying.

Vice-Admiral Holdo is played by Laura Dern in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Source: Courtesy of VanityFair/Wookieepedia

Another new character to the Star Wars universe is Rose Tico, played by Kelly Marie Tran. Rose, an ordinary mechanic, runs into Resistance hero, Finn (John Boyega). The two become an impressive team, and Rose proves you don’t need the Force or a fancy title to be an important part of the Resistance – you just need guts and the will to do the right thing.

Rose Tico is played by Kelly Marie Tran in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Source: Courtesy of Wookieepedia

Finally, we come to our feature heroine. Rey began her journey as an orphan struggling to survive on Jakku. She didn’t ask to become responsible for the most important droid in the Resistance. She spends “The Force Awakens” crippled by indecision.

Rey is played by Daisy Ridley in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Source: Courtesy of Wikipedia

Does she return to her insignificant but familiar existence? Or does she follow her new destiny towards a frightening, unknown conclusion? It isn’t an easy decision to make, but once Rey chooses to embrace her new destiny, she becomes unstoppable.

She fights the dangerous leader of the First Order, Kylo Ren, and soundly defeats him on the Starkiller Base. Now, she’s travelled to the ends of the galaxy to find Luke Skywalker, with all the hopes of the rebellion resting on her shoulders. It no longer matters who Rey used to be, or who her parents are, it only matters that she fights for the Resistance and the Light Side of the Force.

Together, these four women provide inspiration to women of all ages, ability, and skin color.They show us you don’t need a well-known last name to command respect.

Your past doesn’t determine your future. You have the ability to choose your own destiny. You don’t need the Force to be brave. Everyone, from the smallest mechanic to the General in charge of the Resistance, is important and can make a difference.

By: Kateri Swavely-Verenna

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