Young girls and girls my age need stronger female characters in the shows they watch. Why? Because all they'll learn from watching the Kardashians is how to live an over-dramatic, materialistic life; the only thing they'll really learn from Beyoncé is how to twerk and maybe how to cause a national debate. Taylor Swift will teach you how to put your relationship history into a musical catalogue. But where are all the female characters who will show them what it's like to be strong, independent, brave, and unafraid to follow the path less traveled? Chances are you won't find them on the channels you absolutely adore but if you dig a little bit, you may find a few more than I did.

The Help Trinity (AKA Minny, Skeeter, and Aibileen)

When I watched The Help last week, I immediately knew I couldn’t just include Skeeter in this list. Despite all the horrific discrimination they face on a daily basis, Minny and Aibileen, go on about their lives and live what was, at the time, a “normal” life. When Skeeter comes along with her idea to expose this small microcosm of southern life, they show even more of that bravery by putting themselves out there, even anonymously. As a southerner who has studied the Civil Rights Era, I can say the fear all three of them had at what might come if they were exposed was no Hollywood exaggeration. It is very real. The level of hatred that existed, and still exists, in this state is nothing to scoff at.

It blows my mind the level of tolerance characters like Minny and Aibileen had for the ridiculousness of the stuck- up white women they so loyally served and the incredibly unjust society they lived in. Aside from raising white babies and cooking up a storm, Minny has her own family to take care of and an abusive husband to avoid. Yet, she does it all with an unimaginable strength. Aibileen lost her son because the white foreman who literally dropped him at the hospital didn’t care enough to be sure he got immediate medical attention after an on-the-job accident. Everything Aibileen does with Skeeter is in memory of her son in hopes it might one day improve the quality of life for all who endured this intense racism. Meanwhile, all either of them can do is keep on keeping on.

Skeeter is a character I relate to on every level possible. As I watched this movie last week, I had a realization that made it all crystal clear: most of the women portrayed in that movie are in my age range, 23-25 or 26. Most of her friends are completely absorbed in being perfect Southern Belles; starting a family right out of college, being a part of all the right societies, blindly following everything the infuriating Hilly Holbrook says, and all that other bull. But like me, Skeeter doesn’t follow the crowd. She has her own wants and dreams that go far beyond being one of Hilly’s henchmen. Even though she knows she will most likely be alienated by friends and possibly family for speaking up, she does it anyway. Skeeter’s rebelliousness, individuality, bravery, and willingness to stand up for what’s right make her one of the strongest, most admirable female characters I’ve encountered in any kind of book or movie, which is why she is at the forefront of this list. Be like Skeeter, dare to be different and follow your heart and do the right thing.

Queen Victoria from PBS’s Victoria

I may be going out on a limb referencing this show, but I have faith some of my fellow millennials will know what I’m talking about. In this beautifully produced show, we get a glimpse into what life was like for England’s young Queen Victoria in a corrupt time where women had very small places in society. From what I’ve read about Queen Victoria and her reign, she pushed boundaries and led her country most nobly through a time of great change and expansion. All the while, she pushed past her mother's wishes to stay hidden away and took charge of her own life and her kingdom. While the majority of us will never know what it's like to have to lead an entire country, we can have the experience of leading a team or a group. If you think you can't do it or if someone tells you you can't, prove them wrong. Take charge of your life.

Mary Queen of Scots from the CW’s Reign

While this show is not, by any means, the most historically accurate in the world, Mary’s character is one I feel we should take lessons from, even if her real life inspiration wasn’t quite as good-natured. You could also make a case that this show presents entirely too many over-dramatized royal situations that likely never happened. Regardless, I believe the CW’s version of Mary, herself, is the kind of strong female lead young girls need these days. In this show, Mary exhibits nobility, bravery, strength, kindness, true maturity, and an undeniable willingness to always put others first. She was crowned queen when she was only six days old, her entire life is being a royal, being raised at French court, marrying the right prince to strengthen an alliance with France and carefully navigating French politics to keep the nobles happy. Somehow, she also manages to work in decisions that make her happy by seeking a man who truly makes her happy instead of another favored political match.

Ziva from NCIS

Ziva is the definition of a bada**. It’s hard to watch NCIS and not want to be Ziva, or at least be like her. She’s smart, witty, physically and mentally strong, fiercely independent, loyal, and all around one-of-a-kind. Did I mention she could tackle a grown man with no problem? She struggles with where her loyalties lie because of her devotion to her family and NCIS. Even though it means turning away from her family, she gives her loyalty to Gibbs and proves to be an incredibly valuable part of his team. She shoots her own brother to save Gibbs, which ultimately leads to her motives being questioned and risking everything she's come to love about her new home. In a country where she’s quite out of her element and unaccustomed to life in the U.S., she never forgets where she came from or what is most important to her. She took a giant step out of her comfort zone and made a wonderful life for herself. Make a note to do the same in your life.

Claire Beauchamp-Fraser from Outlander

If you’ve read any of the Outlander books or seen an episode of the show, you’ll agree that Claire is the kind of female lead you admire and strive to be like and not just because she’s married to Jamie. Claire is cunning, brave, strong, and has no issue speaking her mind in a time where women were to be admired and not heard. She’s an educated woman who unexpectedly finds herself uprooted from post WWII Britain and in the midst of a bunch of eighteenth century Scottish highlanders; a time where women tend to the house and where women are seen as things to be had, not as actual people. Claire challenges that in every way, even if it means going against her husband's orders and breaking societal norms. In the face of extreme diversity, she steps up to the plate and runs with what she has.

Not only this, but reading about the unbreakable love she and Jamie share will make you long for that kind of love, not whatever the heck "dating" is nowadays. They literally can't live without one another; they respect each other, help each other, listen to one another, heal each other, trust one another, and most importantly, treat each other well. Jamie would do anything to keep Claire safe and Claire would do anything in her power to keep Jamie out of harm's way. Ladies, look for a man who thinks you are his sun and stars, that you can't live without. Don't settle just to ease some loneliness.