Grey's Anatomy has shown us all how to overcome hardships, forgive others, get through breakups, find closure, be inspirational, and work hard. While I have learned how to stitch up a patient and the warning signs of different conditions, the things that I have learned from this show go far beyond that.

1. Fight for and hold on to the things that matter to you.

All of the characters in Grey's Anatomy fight hard for the things that they care about. Whether it's an idea that they have for a patient or the support that they have for their friends. If someone or something matters to you it is worth it to fight for them.

2. Don’t give up on your dreams.

Sometimes it may seem impossible or it may seem like everyone's against you, but keep fighting. Your dreams have meaning and value. Nobody can tell you different.

3. It’s okay to change your dream.

Just like the doctors who changed their minds about what specialty they want to pursue, we are all allowed to change our minds. Life happens and different situations arise, causing us to change our thoughts. And that's okay.

4. Sometimes in life, you’re going to fail, but that’s okay. Your mistakes do not define you.

Not every patient in the hospital is saved. Not every decision made is successful. Every part of life is a learning experience. If you fail, learn from it and don't make the same mistake twice.

5. Set your goals high and chase big things, even if it’s scary.

Setting high goals just makes the reward so much better when you reach them. Do not let fear stop you from being great.

6. Be the bigger person.

Throughout the show there are plenty of people who come into the hospital who are simply not good people. The doctors need to be the bigger person and do the right thing in these situations. In the case of the doctors, they must always do their best to save lives no matter who or what they are handed, even when it may be difficult.

7. Support and encourage those that you love.

Just as you want others to support you and your dreams, you must support other people. Even though it may be hard and you may miss them if they leave, support the people that you love to do the things that they love. A little encouragement can go a long way.

8. Do not live in the shadow of those around you.

Meredith struggles with breaking out of the shadow of her mother. Living in the shadows limits your ability to shine, grow, and become an amazing person. Don't sell yourself short.

9. Having a solid group of people to experience life with is key.

Meredith, George, Izzie, Cristina, and Alex became a close group of friends and while they may have frequent fights, just like family they still support each other. When it comes down to it they have each other's back. When Izzie made a medical mistake, the rest of the group stood up for her and took the blame. When George lost his father, everyone came together. Find a group of people who are there for you.

10. It’s okay to not always be okay.

Sometimes being dark and twisty is okay. Not everyone can be a little ball of sunshine all of the time. Not everyday is an amazing day.

11. If you love someone, tell them.

The worst thing is not getting a chance to tell someone you love them. Don't wait until it's too late. Let people know how you feel.

12. A promise is a promise.

When you make a promise to someone else, fight to make sure that you keep it. Make sure that your word has meaning. Be someone that other people can trust.

13. Everybody needs a person.

Meredith and Cristina are both highly independent people but they still need someone to rely on. Every needs a person. Find your person and never let them go.

14. Hard work pays off in the end.

The doctors on the show work long hours and make hard choices, but in the end it pays off. They do great things and live great lives. These characters may have come home after long days exhausted, but they also came home knowing they did a great thing.

15. YOU are the sun.

Do not lose yourself in the person you love, even if he is Derek Shepherd. You are the sun. You are the greatness. Again, do not sell yourself short or let yourself fall into other people's shadow.

16. Change is a necessary evil.

While it is very common for people to not like change, change can be good. New places, new people, and new jobs can create new opportunities. Sticking to what you know may be comforting but it also can limit you and suppress your potential.

17. When things get hard, just take it one step at a time.

Just breathe. Things get hard sometimes but you are strong enough to handle it. Just take things one step at a time.

18. If you give people a chance, they may surprise you.

We all have our own assumptions about people and we think we know what people are capable. The thing is that everyone deserves a chance to prove us wrong. Although we think we know what's best, we may be wrong. Other people can surprise you if you give them a chance.

19. The future is a mystery and you never know what lies ahead.

So stay positive and hopeful because life has just begun.