"Lilo and Stitch" is a Disney movie that brings people of all ages together. A heartwarming movie set in Hawaii about a girl and her space alien who are both looking for someone to help them feel as if they belong. Family is also a huge theme throughout the movie and **spoiler alert!!** they find it in each other.
However, when I watch the movie as a 21-year-old college student, I can't help but notice that the duo actually describe college students pretty well.
1. Lilo gives Pudge the Fish a peanut butter sandwich
In the very beginning of the movie, Lilo is late to her hula lesson because Thursday is sandwich day. In college, every day is sandwich day. Peanut butter (possibly jelly) and a loaf of bread can get you pretty far for meals when the times get tough.
2. When Lilo and Stitch meet for the first time
Ever been out somewhere like a party or a bar and someone has had a little too much to drink and tries to introduce themselves because they think that they are just the best thing on Earth? Stitch can relate. When he meets Lilo for the first time, he has just been hit by a semi-truck and woke up in a dog pound. Realizing that he needs to go home with someone, he becomes a "dog" who coincidently speak and stand on two legs to hug you. This turns out to be the best thing to ever happen to Lilo, but is taken a little off guard by his first impression.
3. Stitch's coffee addiction
When Stitch first comes home with Lilo, she decides to give him coffee in a baby bottle. I don't know about you, but I would take some Hawaiian grown coffee any time of the day, maybe some Kona coffee? Being hopped up on caffeine really affects Stitch in a crazy way and some days, I definitely feel like Stitch when I've had more than my daily cup or two of morning Joe. Just ask my morning co-workers.
4. Lilo and Stitch's dance moves
One major part of the movie is Lilo's love for Elvis, which she passes on to Stitch. When she is training him, she uses Elvis as inspiration and an aide to accomplish her task. Sometimes you just need music and some dance moves to accomplish what you need to do. And let's not forget during this part of the movie, Lilo's sister Nani is trying to find a new job. We all know the struggle of job hunting in college.
5. When Stitch is stressed
Every college kid knows the word "stressed". In fact, I think we created stress. If you don't know what I'm talking about and/or haven't experienced a load of stress yet in college, come find me. We'll talk and most likely trade schedules. With the endless amount of school work, attempts to sleep and maybe have a social life, stress is a part of everyday life. I don't think I've ever gone a day without some type of stress impacting my life.
6. The most unexpected people can turn into family
Lilo and Stitch found family in each other. Even though Lilo has her sister, there is a threat of Lilo being taken away until Stitch comes into the picture and ultimately saves the day. They didn't expect for him to come into their lives, but he benefitted them and himself. When I came to college, my sisters became my second family. I didn't expect to find them and I didn't know how much of a good thing they would be, but I can't imagine college without them and their love. The people you meet in college become your second family whether they are your roommate or that person that sits 10 seats down in lecture. The unexpected can turn out to be the greatest.
"Lilo and Stitch" has always been a favorite movie of mine. I don't think that I could ever get sick of it. Now that I can relate it to college, it becomes a little funnier every time I find a new reference to college. Next time you watch it, make sure to look for some ways that it relates to your college experience. Aloha!
