After having been in college for almost an entire year, I’ve learned that Disney isn’t just for five year olds looking for entertainment. The lessons in these movies are still applicable! (Side note: never assume you’re too cool to watch Disney movies because you’re not)

1. Follow your heart, no matter where it takes you.

After finding out that her family were voyagers, Moana leaves her family, her predetermined “destiny,” and her dying grandmother in order to follow her heart. Moana's father is against her and does just about everything he can to keep her away from the sea. She quenches her desire for adventure by returning the Heart of Te Fiti and proving that she is capable of sailing a boat. In the end, Moana’s family is extremely proud of her and chooses to once again become a nation of voyagers. If you don’t like what you’re studying, change your major to whatever you want. Do what makes you passionate, even if not everyone believes in you!

2. Anyone can be anything.

In "Zootopia," a little rabbit named Judy decides she wants to be the first every bunny cop, but she must first endure trials and hardships. Everyone she encounters laughs at the thought of a bunny becoming a police officer. Eventually, Judy completes her goal and is a successful cop. She proves everyone wrong when she manages to do the impossible. You don’t have to be what your parents expect you to be. Be brave enough to take opportunities and do what you want!

3. Don’t grow up unless you absolutely have to.

Wendy is a young girl who insists that her brothers learn to grow up, but when she meets Peter Pan, her perception of adulthood changes. Peter is adventurous, humorous, and a rule-breaker, a great contrast to Wendy’s character. Peter lives a fun life in which he never mentally grows up or ages physically. Although it’s not possible to physically stay young forever (no matter how many moisturizers we try), stay young at heart for as long as you possibly can!

4. Family sticks together.

Lilo and Nani have lost both of their parents and are orphans. When Lilo finds Stitch one day, her concept of family changes drastically. Family isn’t always the people you’re biologically related to. It’s the people (or aliens) who choose to stick by you through thick and thin. Just because you’re in college doesn’t mean you have to lose your relationship with your family. Keep in touch with them because they will always be there for you!

5. Find your dream.

Your dream could be the same as somebody else’s, or it could be different. Your dream could be a person. Rapunzel has been staring out her window for years just hoping to find her dream. But it’s difficult to find a dream if you’re stuck in a tower. Flynn takes Rapunzel from her tower, and Rapunzel realizes her dream is to see the “floating lights” that she sees every year on her birthday. Once she experiences the release of floating lanterns, her dream becomes Flynn. Flynn Rider’s dream is Rapunzel, and hers is Flynn. If your dream doesn’t work out or you’ve achieved it, find a new one. Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams!