Sometimes, college get's me down in the dumps because all the classes, homework, and extracurriculars can be absolutely exhausting. But on those days when I start to question if getting a college education is even worth it anymore, and when I'm honestly not sure if I can find it in me to finish another paper about a book that I conveniently forgot to read, I usually just consult Disney to help me push through another day of schoolwork.
It might sound weird, but sometimes Disney music is exactly what I need to get me through a difficult day. I think one reason I find Disney music so motivational is because it fills me with a happy nostalgia, remembering when I used to watch Disney movies with my mom when I had didn't have a care in the world, but also Disney music is just amazing, so these are five Disney songs that I like to listen to when I need to find motivation to survive college.
"Mulan" has always been one of my favorite movies because it made me realize when I was a little girl that I have the ability to do anything that I set my mind to. I basically give this movie credit for sparking early feminist ideas in my young brain. "I'll Make A Man Out Of You" is a powerful song that makes me feel ready to take on the world (or the Huns), knowing that I have the chance to succeed if I try my best, which makes it the perfect song to listen to when you're trying to find the motivation to put in the effort that it takes to get through school.
In college, and in life, there will be times when people and personal failures make you feel like there's no way you can keep going. I've always had the tendency to let the past haunt me. "Let It Go" is not only a powerful female ballad from Elsa (and Idina Menzel), but it is also a great reminder that sometimes the best thing to do is to let things go instead of letting them bother you. When someone is hurting you, or when you just failed that big exam you needed to do well on, it's good to listen to this song to find the motivation to keep going and to tell yourself that "the past is in the past."
After something doesn't go right in college, it's easy to feel like you're a zero. I love listening to "Zero To Hero" because it's a jam that reminds me that I can rise up and become a hero even in the face of adversity.
I know that you're probably thinking "What is 'Newsies,' and how does that count as a motivational Disney song?" For those of you who don't know, "Newsies" is a '90s movie that was produced by Disney and later adapted into a musical on Broadway (I personally like the musical version of this song better). It is based on the true story of the Newsboys Strike of 1899. This song is just one of the many motivational songs from the movie/musical that helps me say "carpe diem" and get the most out of every single day, trying to take advantage of all the opportunities that I have while in college.
My final, and personal favorite, suggestion for songs to listen to when trying to find motivation in college is another "Mulan" song. "Mulan's Decision" isn't a typical Disney song because it includes no lyrics, but is instead an instrumental score that plays during the scene that Mulan decides to take her father's place and fight. My roommate and I often like to listen to this song on our way to exams. Hopefully the next time you need to feel brave, you can listen to this and realize that you are strong enough to face anything that college throws at you.
