Last week, Disney Channel played the first episode of many of its original shows. My younger sister and I were so excited and watched as much of the marathon as we could. While watching the episodes, I started to think about all I learned from growing up with the old Disney Channel shows. Contrary to what I thought when I was younger, they were more than just entertaining sitcoms. They each taught various lessons and had a meaningful underlying message to convey. The shows were great because anyone could watch them as they were appropriate for all ages. I could watch them with my friends, my little sister, and even my parents (who sometimes enjoyed them just as much as I did). Here's all I learned from some of my favorite Disney Channel shows.

Lizzie McGuire

Lizzie made it quite clear that growing up is challenging, but also that that is exactly how it is supposed to be. All the obstacles we face while growing up and trying to find ourselves are part of getting older and building our characters. They are not unique because everyone can relate to them. Everyone grew up at some point (and is still growing) and knows exactly what it is like. If we have great friends and family to help guide us and watch out for us, we will be perfectly fine no matter what we may need to deal with.

That's So Raven

It's OKAY to be different. Besides the fact that Raven was unique in the sense that she had visions, the show also raised important issues concerning race and body image, and the diversity that exists within them.

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

Zack and Cody showed that there is nothing better than having a sibling who also functions as your best friend. Siblings make the best partners in crime and there are few people who understand you better than a brother or sister. Although I don't have a twin, I know how true this is from having a younger sister. I'm sure that people who don't have siblings know this feeling from that friend (or few friends) who are as close to them as a sibling would be.

Hannah Montana

You can do anything (including living a double life) if you have your best friends by your side. They'll always be there to have your back, especially when you need them most. If they're your true friends, they'll come around whenever you argue or disagree.

Wizards of Waverly Place

Looking back at this show, I thought about the fact that maybe there is nothing wrong with a little magic in everyday life. What's wrong with a little help from a magical spell or two? Obviously this magic displayed in the show does not exist in real life, but throughout our lives we experience events that seem almost magical because they are so extraordinary. These events occur infrequently and we need to enjoy them because they're some of the most special.