"One Tree Hill" had gained millions upon millions of fans as they kept us on the edge of our seats with the suspenseful plot lines, romantic relationships, and the numerous role models that made the show what it became. As the newsfeeds of our Facebooks and other social media display articles of "One Tree Hill," it seems as though fans and writers alike have let a particular character slip through the cracks: Haley James Scott. She was the spunky best friend of heartthrob and intellectual, Lucas Scott and married basketball sensation Nathan Scott which added to every girl dreaming of having a marriage like "Naley." Though Haley was a threat when it came to talent, but what about what Mrs. Scott taught us?
From season one, Haley was presented to an audience as someone who was nerdy but comfortable in her own skin. What shows to be completely admirable about Haley was that she constantly remained true to herself; which not many people know how to do. What Haley teaches us is that the opinion of others will never matter, but how we perceive ourselves is key. We all remember that dreadful but funny poncho she used to wear:
Did she stop wearing it because everyone made fun of her for it? No, like she told her son Jamie about his cape, simply she grew out of it. Haley James embraced her so-called awkwardness, so why can't we? Simply in our society we are taught that being "in" with the cool kids is the way to just make it through high school alone; Haley teaches us otherwise.
When Haley started dating Nathan, she simply became the glue that brought all friend groups together. Yeah, Nathan was a complete jerk in the beginning, but Haley taught him that he didn't have to be the big tough guy; she taught him that it was okay to feel, that's how he bonded with Lucas isn't it?
Not only is Haley admirable because of her embracing who she is, but she taught us how to have strength when there's nothing else. Yeah, the amount of trouble Haley had gone through in nine seasons was, in reality, ridiculous but how she held her own was an inspiration to all.
Haley survived all the bumps of her marriage (long live Naley though). Then she survived the car accident after the state championships, her son almost drowning and being kidnapped, her husband being kidnapped and her mother's death along with Quinn and Clay being shot. Haley had shown that holding her own through times that should've killed her dignity, she raised to the occasion not only for herself but for her family. A quality of Haley James Scott that we all can learn from is that even the strongest, the rock for all, can crumble but it's how we redeem ourselves that'll take us far.
A teacher, and a mother.
Haley showed her fans what it meant to be a teacher and what a teacher should be. I can remember the day when I used Haley as an example during my presentation of the type of teacher I wanted to be. She showed her students that there was more than just the words on a page of a textbook and the overwhelming homework; how we were shaping ourselves was happening at that very moment. She fought for the education of her students and taught them how literature can heal someone who was hurting; just like how she was as a mother.
Family goals, I know! Haley has shown that every mother fights for their family, especially their kids (remember when she fought Chuck's mom?). She made sure that Jamie learned about the adventures and good that was ahead of him in life and that itself would be magical. Haley had learned through her own life what marvelous things Tree Hill held and she wanted her children to be aware of that. As a mother, she taught her children how to simply be intelligent and kind to others.
Haley James Scott.
HJS.
Haley James.
Tutor Girl.
We thank you for teaching us what it meant to live life to the fullest with staying true to who we are. Honestly, you are a complete inspiration for girls everywhere, and for that, we thank you.
