Everyone has some fictional character that they look up to for any number of reasons. They look for someone who exhibits strength and motivation. A person with independence and faith. It is often easier to look up to a fictional character than a real-life person because fictional characters can be more carefully shaped. In my case, I look up to Meredith Grey from Grey's Anatomy. It could be because I have always wanted to go into the medical field or the fact that she possesses all the traits I listed above and more.
1. Who Doesn't Want to Be Like Meredith Grey?
Meredith is a strong, independent woman who can handle anything that life throws in her direction. From her marriage to her children to her husband's death, she perseveres. She is able to handle raising children and working as a doctor in a hospital. All the while being there for all of her friends. When her husband died it was inevitable that she would be lost, but she did what was best for her and her kids at the time. Meredith left the hospital and disappeared off the map in order to find herself. She did not depend on others to wait on her hand and foot or feel pity for her.
2. Her Power to Forgive.
Meredith has a tremendous power to forgive people or overlook a mistake in the name of business. Although it took time, she forgave the man who accidentally attacked and harmed her while he was ill. She looked past the fact that one of the doctors had not been trained correctly in a procedure that could have very well saved her husband's life. Instead, she found a way to help the new doctor learn and expand her knowledge so the same mistake would not be made.
3. Her Belief in Others.
*Spoiler Alert*
On the current season of Grey's Anatomy, Meredith hasn't failed to support her best friend, Karev. Even though he is facing possibly the most trying time of his life, including criminal charges, she continues to stand by him and support him. She goes with him to his court hearings and has several heart-to-heart talks with him. Even though she appears to fail, she attempts to commence some damage control with DeLuca. She tries her best to explain the frame of mind that his attacker (Karev) may have been in and offers to give some advice from her own previous experience. Although it seems that the entire hospital is against Karev, Meredith maintains her faith in him and tries to reflect on all of the good things he has done as a doctor.
4. Her Marriage.
Meredith's marriage with Derek may not have always been perfect, but they always worked to overcome any problems that were in their way. At the time of the plane crash Meredith was there to support her husband during his recovery and multiple surgeries. They accepted whatever their lives threw at them, like having and adopting children and welcoming Derrick's sister into their household. At one point Derek gets a job offer from Washington, D.C. and he is concerned about what that will do to his family, but Meredith reassures him after giving it some thought. She reminds him that she is there to support him and there is always a way to make their two distant jobs and lives work as one.
Ever since my first time watching Grey's Anatomy I knew that I would always admire Meredith Grey. She inspired me to be independent and work towards my goals. She taught me that family and friendships are the most important things in existence. I remember her quote, "It's a beautiful day to save lives", and it makes me want to work harder to be able to do what she does. And, especially have the strength that she has.
