At a business mixer at the University of Oklahoma this past fall, I basically met the Oklahoma Elle Woods. A blonde, pre-law student, who was, of course, wearing hot pink. She then explained why Elle Woods is actually a great role model, and I died and came back to life. What she said kind of made sense. Legally Blonde is a parody, but underneath the bending, snapping, and past season Prada heels are lessons every girl deserves to know. Especially because there's a good chance she'll go through some of the changes Elle Woods did, herself.
Milestone 1: Getting Crushed by the Crush
It doesn't matter who you are, every girl has gone through heartbreak. Elle was ready to get a ring on it when Warner dumped her, but honestly, if both Elle Woods and Beyoncé can't go forever without being let down, none of us are safe.
Milestone 2: The Reckless Abandon
Elle decides she has to become more studious than her merchandising degree for Warner to take her back. Maybe, and hopefully you haven't been there, but a lot of times people go after a goal just to get someone they love back. Whether it's a good idea or not, doing something just to get a jerk to like you again is never a good idea, but hey, it's happens to the best of us.
Milestone 3: Dealing With The Bully, Who Really Is Just Scared of Your Potential
GiphyIt's obvious this girl is scared of Elle because she's different, Warner's ex, and has a wardrobe that far surpasses hers, but bullies always try their best to cover up their insecurities by putting others down. We know this, but in the real world, bullies are the people next to us, who work with us and go to school with us. They're not the obvious characters we grew up hearing about in books and movies with creepy names and grotesque figures, they're people like Vivian who blend in. Real, other people with just as much potential as us, except their intentions suck.
Milestone 4: Falling in Love With the New Dream, Harder than you Fell for the Guy in the First Place
In the process of going to Law School for Warner, Elle finds out she's actually really passionate about law herself. In the midst of it, she gains confidence, self worth, and she completely gets over Warner. It just so happens being accomplished at what your passionate about is more fulfilling than a boy. Thank you, 21st century! Elle is not the only one who has experienced this. Realization of self, your ultimate dreams, and landing huge accomplishments all being more fulfilling than boys is a universal truth. Careful the next time you pursue a glow up in the sake of a boy, you might just find out who are you, and completely forget the name of the guy who's begging to have you back.
Milestone 5: Success
GiphyAt the end of the day, the only one in charge of your own success is you. Other people may distract you, or try to bring you down, but hustle every day and watch both the work and your good intentions take you to the big dreams these milestones taught you that you have. Other people may not believe in you, or refuse to because they don't want to see you succeed, but you have to stand up for yourself; in the midst of the Warners, Vivians, and ladies who commit crimes and don't know anything about perms.
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