For those in their late high school and college years, the movie "Accepted" is a must-see. The star of the film, Justin Long, will make you feel the inspiration you need to make the difficult and scary life choices facing you in your life right now. Here are some of the most important lessons I learned from "Accepted."
1. Don't do whatever it takes to be "cool."
A lot of the time, fitting in seems like the most important thing, but not when you have to change who you are.
2. It's OK not to have a plan!
This is the time in your life when everything feels so uncertain. Sometimes you have to stop planning, throw up your hands and just be OK with not knowing what comes next.
3. Learning isn't just for the classroom. Open yourself up to learning from everyone around you.
Everyone has had different experiences and learned different lessons. Most of the time, you'll learn more from your peers than you will in the classroom, but that means meeting new people, keeping an open mind and paying attention.
4. Create your own path.
Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself! "The system" doesn't work for everyone. In the movie, Mr. Gaines claims "society has rules and the first rule is, you go to college." We're finally entering a time where that is no longer necessarily true. So if going to college doesn't fit your passion, then it's OK to take a risk and go against society's "rules."
5. Too "average"? Figure out your strengths and use them!
You don't have to be valedictorian or class president to be good enough. Maybe your biggest strength is rock n' roll or blowing stuff up with your mind. Whatever it is, use it to your advantage.
6. Even if you do follow the "rules" don't be afraid to say it's not what you want and change your mind.
7. If you fail, try again.
Dreams aren't always easy. So if it doesn't work out, keep going. If it's important to you, then it's worthy of your time and energy.
8. Once you do figure it out and find your dream, give it all you got.
When it comes down to it, this is your life and you'll get out of it as much as you put in. Don't get intimidated by the higher-ups or let people tell you what you can't do. You will figure it out and ask for help when you need it.
Basically, if you are ever unsure about your path, just remember to follow your dreams, be yourself and trust that everything will fall into place. In the words of Bartleby Gaines, "You don't need teachers or classrooms or fancy highbrow traditions or money to really learn. You just need people with a desire to better themselves." If you have that desire, then you're doing just fine.
