As someone who has indulged in the series "One Tree Hill" several times (praise the Lord for Netflix), I am not only an expert on "One Tree Hill" trivia, but I am also extremely familiar with the quality of characters and relationships that the series showcases. My personal favorite character is the one who I believe has grown and developed the most throughout the course of the series’ nine seasons.
Brooke Davis transformed throughout the series from a drunken, friendly party girl to an extremely thoughtful, responsible, passionate and fearless woman who basically rules the world. If you know anything about Sophia Bush, the actress who played B. Davis, then you know that playing the strong, empowering, smart and talented character of Brooke Davis was a breeze for Soph. I mean, come on. Sophia Bush is an advocate for women and children, has spent extended periods of time in Uganda learning from and supporting the local economy and small businesses in the villages, and has stood up against conventional standards of beauty in statements including her “zero is not a size” campaign and her response to Urban Outfitter’s “eat less” T-shirt, all the while remaining an extremely successful actress.
Like her role as Beth in the film "John Tucker Must Die" and in her current role as Erin Lindsey on NBC’s "Chicago P.D.," Sophia Bush, much like her character Brooke Davis, is the epitome of a strong heart and the purest of souls. (Soph for President, am I right?) Brooke Davis is the kind of woman we should all aspire to be, and I’ve learned so many of my life lessons and morals from her. Here are 12 reasons why.
1. You are not a summation of the gossip, the labels or the rumors.
You always have an opportunity to overcome, to take the high road, to learn to be the bigger person and to grow.
2. If you happen to lose who you thought you were, whether it’s through tragedy or soul-searching, you have the choice to become a new person or to fall back on who you once were.
That choice is yours.
3. When, by some miracle, you figure out who you are, you own it.
As the great Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” You are who you are and, according to B. Davis, there are no excuses. Own your achievements and own your mistakes. Be you.
4. Through thick and thin, through the good, the bad and the ugly, you find out who your true friends are.
The friends who love you through it all and help you to become a warrior are the people you should keep around.
5. Even if a boy – especially a boy you once loved (even if you were married and divorced within a year IRL) – writes about you in his novel, it’s so important to have friends who believe in you so much, they’re willing declare to the whole universe that you’re going to change the world someday.
These friends are also important for you to keep around.
6. It is so much more important to be healthy than it is to be “skinny.”
After launching her fashion design career before even graduating from high school and becoming wildly successful, B. Davis never let the fame and celebrity get to her head. Promoting fashion without succumbing to the conventional, unhealthy standards of beauty that are so prevalent in our culture and society proved that Brooke was the real MVP (and probably helped Sophia Bush throw a quick jab at the press and companies she outspokenly disagrees with).
7. Never be afraid to tell the truth, even if it puts you in a frighteningly vulnerable position.
Especially when you are hurting, there is a graceful and tactful way to express your feelings, your needs and your wants without being hateful and mean.
8. Celebrate your growth; recognize where you are and where you came from.
Also, love the people who love you with everything you have and stop at nothing to protect them.
9. Take every opportunity you can to love and celebrate the people around you.
Sophia herself said, “I believe in the joyous power of an unscheduled dance break.” Congratulate your friends and family, praise their accomplishments and their efforts. Sometimes it’s about the journey more than the destination.
10. Time is precious.
Don’t waste time and energy fighting, freezing out or bad mouthing. Having a bitter, hateful heart accomplishes nothing. Take a break, take your time, but don’t forget to make peace.
11. Guard your heart, but don’t ever forget to forgive people who have hurt you and to forgive yourself as well.
People can change their behavior, but they’re probably the same person, the same heart and soul, they have always been. It’s OK to be who you are, but remember that change, although it can be scary, is often necessary if the choices you continuously make hurt yourself or those who love you. Use your struggle to tell your story.
12. Children are miracles.
They have the world at their fingertips. No person will ever be as goofy with you, as sassy with you, as creative or as captivated by you than a child. In a child’s eyes, you are the greatest person in the whole world. Take time to love on, snuggle with and spend time with kids. You’ll be amazed at what you can learn from them.
As we embark on the journey that is this spring semester, remember to channel your inner B. Davis (or even your Sophia Bush) because Soph herself said, “As a woman, I know you’re young, but you gotta hear it now: the most valuable part about you is your brain. Get an education; don’t let anybody tell you that your body or the size that you wear or any of that BS matters, because it doesn’t. Your brain matters, so be the smart girl in the room. Because, to be funny, you have to be smart, because you have to get the joke.”
