1. Snow White: Life Is Tough, But Do Not Abandon Happiness.
GiphySnow White was told out of the blue to run away if she did not want her heart literally carved out of her. Traumatic, right? Though I doubt you have had that type of threat thrown your way, I imagine you have faced some sort of hardship before or during college. It is a sign of being human and growing up. The lesson to take from Snow White is that, when hardships like a failed grade or a major rejection make life seem bleak, happiness can be waiting just around the corner. These bad situations may be equipping you with what you need to achieve your own happy ending later on.
2. Aurora/Sleeping Beauty: Your Circumstances Do Not Define You.
GiphyNot all college students enter college with perfect circumstances. Some enter with familial, educational, financial, mental, physical, or even personal inhibitors that make collegiate success appear out of reach. However, your upbringing and/or current situation does not define your future. Take Princess Aurora for example. She was destined to literally fall into an eternal slumber from birth. Yet, in the end, she came out unscathed, reunited with her family, and with a handsome and loyal prince at her side. Like her, you are not bound to the path your circumstances initially lay out for you. Go out and fight for the outcome you are worthy and capable of achieving.
3. Ariel: Do Not Let Anyone Stifle Your Voice.
GiphyMuch like Ariel's voice, your voice is special. Your thoughts, feelings, and opinions are all significant and worthy of being shared, especially in college. People will try to silence you or say that your words to do matter because you are a young adult with little-to-no life experience. But, our voices are precious and worthy of being heard, no matter how old or experienced their users.
4. Belle: Embrace Your Oddities.
GiphyIn the period of growth and self-expression of college, it is possible you will encounter someone who will judge you for you or some way you express yourself - a Gaston if you will. However, much like Belle, you do not have to abandon what makes you odd in order to find happiness. You might not meet a prince like she did, but there is a good chance that sticking to what makes you stand out will grant you happiness in the long run. Embrace your weird. You are perfect, oddities and all.
5. Pocahontas: Acknowledge Your Similarities And Welcome Your Differences.
GiphyFor most of us, college is our first exposure to real diversity. College campuses are filled with people of all genders, sexualities, races, political stances, and upbringings. While it is super easy to focus on what differentiates you from others, step back and focus on those places where you share common ground. Celebrate those commonalities. Abandon your comfort zone and inquire about those differences firsthand. Like Pocahontas said, you may learn things you never knew you never knew.
6. Tiana: Yes, Tired College Student, It Will All Pay Off.
GiphyIt sometimes feels as if exams, assignments, and group projects are endless in college. Throw in a job or internship, and each day can feel like a constant energy drain not even coffee can help. It is not hard to see why college students find themselves wondering if the time, effort and money to get their degree is worth it. Do not fear the sleepless nights or extended library stays, though. Much like Tiana worked to get her dream restaurant, you are working to get your diploma and your dream job. Every struggle and dollar spent on caffeine will one day pay off. You're almost there.
7. Rapunzel: Only You Can Set Yourself Free.
GiphyIt is far too easy to get caught up in your past mistakes, your anxieties, and the expectations of others in college. You are only one person, and when the weight of your future rears its ugly head, life can feel overwhelming. We are like Rapunzel, spending 18 years in a tower only to be thrown into the real world and told to learn life all at once. However, college is a time of renewal and redefining who we are going to be as adults. Like Rapunzel, we need to set ourselves free from our woes and move forward to reshape our destinies.
