First thing’s first, I didn’t cry once this season and I’ve cried at least once for every season of "Degrassi" since the first. Reason being? Everything became so real.

Without going into major spoilers, I’ll say that this season’s themes are LGBTQ+ issues, stereotypes, personal health such as life-threatening disease and abortion, love, loss, betrayal, and healing. Our favorite characters have survived the terrible bus crash at the end of season 2, and we add more to the crew.

Something I agree with that I’ve been reading from most, if not all, the critics who have written about "Degrassi" already is that the most important lesson learned in this season is to take care of yourself. For example, one character faces a life-changing decision when she chooses to get an abortion. She does not consult the person she slept with or her friends, instead she latches onto someone she just met, someone who won’t be able to judge her. After her procedure, the character is relieved rather than hurt, allowing for some backlash from her peers. However, this character makes it through and conquers her own personal battle.

As someone who is extensively involved in the LGBTQ+ community, this season definitely connected with me. Characters dealing with coming out have faced both positive and negative feedback. As revealed in season 2, Zoey is a lesbian, so as she faces trouble coming out, she soon realizes that she needs to express who she is. While her friends (and a possible mate, hmm) are the positive responses, the negative response is to be revealed by the show.

What seems to be obvious to me because of my friends and family may not be so obvious to others. By this I mean- know the symptoms and signs of physical and mental disease. Proven through Grace, Maya, and Frankie, friends and family need to be aware of the health issues that plague us, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Cystic Fibrosis, and Clinical Depression. Taking care of the ones that you love should always hold an utmost significance in life, as proven in this season of "Degrassi."

As usual, the makers of "Degrassi" (then Nickelodeon, now Netflix) have a keen way of making sure the title names are discreet, yet not so discreet in telling what’s to come in the episode to follow. Using hashtags to name every title (#BreakTheInternet, #IWokeUpLikeThis, #WorstGiftEver, #PicsOrItDidntHappen, #HugeIfTrue, #ThatFeelingWhen, #Unsubscribe, #IRegretNothing, #Woke, #ImSleep) proved to be tasteful, yet disdaining and a bit insensitive. However, I’ve grown to love everything about "Degrassi," even if they decide to bring back the one character I truly hated for a cameo (spoiler: she likes soccer).

This season of "Degrassi: The Next Class" aired on January 6th, and will be available to watch, along with the other seasons, for binge-watching and ice cream eating. I hope you enjoy and learn from it as much as I did.