When I see strong, intelligent, and independent female characters on TV, my Grinch heart grows three times in size. It's refreshing to see women portrayed as more than just a man's sounding board. It is so very important for the media to portray women with dignity and purpose. Millions of young girls invest in the media in search of guidance. Not all young women have responsible female role models in their lives, thus fictional female characters often become their actual role models. This being said, it is important for the media to portray women in a positive light not only because of their influence, but also because women deserve respect. I grew up watching these women listed below on TV, and they have inspired me to pursue goals, be independent, and to overall set an example for those around me. These women are so much more than little people on your TV screen; they show success and power in the form of mothers, wives, and co-workers.

1. Lisa Cuddy from "House, M.D."

Back when I thought I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up, Dr. Lisa Cuddy was my inspiration. She is the dean of a fictional hospital on "House, M.D." She runs the hospital smoothly, aside from rifts with Dr. House, devoting most of her time to helping patients. In the later seasons, she decides to adopt a baby on her own. She follows through and becomes a wonderful single mother despite having to balance her professional and personal life. Dr. Cuddy is an absolute role model.

2. Lorelai Gilmore from "Gilmore Girls"

There are almost too many awesome female characters on "Gilmore Girls" to list, but my favorite character is Lorelai Gilmore. Her story is incredible. After giving birth to her daughter, Rory, at 16, she devotes her life to paving a road to success for Rory, and she succeeds! She works as a maid, then manager of an inn, and eventually owns her own inn, all while raising her daughter by herself. Lorelai received a lot of help and support from her friends, but it was solely her who drove herself to create the wonderful life she ended up having.

3. Clair Huxtable from "The Cosby Show"

I have loved "The Cosby Show" for as long as I can remember. My favorite character has always been the mother Clair, because she embodies so many qualities that I hope to have one day as a wife and mother. She is a successful lawyer but still manages to spend quality time with her family. Clair is clever, caring, cultured, and also very beautiful. In my opinion, Clair Huxtable was the original Beyonce (but better).

4. Leslie Knope from "Parks and Recreation"

Don't you wish Leslie Knope were a presidential candidate? This woman gets stuff done. She doesn't accept "no" for an answer, which is usually how she gets stuff done. Leslie is powerful. She sets goals and works until she reaches them. Leslie is the kind of government employee our nation so desperately needs, i.e. people who are more concerned with the happiness and well-being of citizens rather than their own personal gain. Not only is Leslie a great employee and activist, but she is also probably the best friend you can imagine. She's just an all around immensely thoughtful and caring woman. #Knope2016

5. Peggy Olson from "Mad Men"

Peggy Olson of "Mad Men" literally shatters glass ceilings. "Mad Men" is about an advertisement agency in the 1960s, a time and place where most women were nothing more than secretaries by day and housewives by night. Peggy started working at the agency as a secretary, but by the end of the series, she is the Copy Chief of the agency. She uses brains over beauty to make progress in her career, crushing sexism in the office. Her character development is so gratifying.

6. Dana Scully from "The X-Files"

Special Agent Dana Scully is both a FBI agent and a medical doctor. Oh yeah, she's also highly involved in the investigation of aliens--no big deal. Scully is so focused and intelligent. She works so diligently because she cares a great deal about the safety and well-being of her patients as well as the victims of her cases. She offers so much support to her partner, Fox Mulder, but honestly, she could have a show devoted to herself because she is so badass.

As you can see, these women are a force not to be reckoned with. These fictional ladies are beautiful inside and out, and I admire them for breaking stereotypes related to their gender.