From its first premiere in May 2009 to its final episode in March of this year, the hit TV show Glee has forever been a wild ride, especially for someone like me. It started out as a show about a group of eccentric people coming together to form a show choir and ended as a show about acceptance, friendship, and overcoming obstacles to achieve your dreams. It was a show that took me through the roller coaster that was my entire high school year as well as my first year of college. Without the show and each of its original characters, I don't think I would have developed into the person I am today.

In this article, I've decided to list the important lessons Glee has left behind in my heart, as well as in the hearts of the many "Gleeks" still out there.

1. The quote "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is a big fat lie.

Words hold so much more power than people give them credit for. They can hurt and they do matter. So pick yours wisely and think before speaking.

2. Never settle for being in the background.

Step up to the plate and and show the world what you can do! Don't let intimidating peers slow you down and shine on.

3. Be accepting of other's differences.

No one is the same, in fact many are drastically different than you are. That doesn't make them weird or anything, that just makes them who they are. And who knows? Who they are might end up being someone you really enjoy hanging out with!

4. You don't have to be nice all the time.

Yeah, it's always best to be polite at first, but let's face it. Not everyone deserves kindness. So instead of letting others walk all over you, stand up for yourself! You don't have to prove yourself to anyone but yourself.

5. Pursue what you love, not what's expected of you.

The best job in the world is a job in which you are doing what you genuinely love to do. Just because one may make a little more money or is looked higher upon doesn't make it the better choice.

6. Don't let the past pull you back from your future.

Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but that doesn't mean you can't bounce back from them. It happened, so recover from it. Find your way back to where you want to be.

7. So maybe today was a mess. There's always tomorrow.

Not every day can be perfect. It's okay to feel down for a bit, as long as you know that tomorrow is a new day and a new start. Never forget that.

8. It's alright to let loose a little sometimes!

It gets really exhausting trying to stay serious all the time. Now, I'm not saying to go out and party or get drunk, but I am saying that it's okay to put things off for a little while. But only a little.

9. Cherish the friendships that you make.

Whether they're friends you made in childhood, high school, college, or even just a few minutes ago...hold the ones who choose to stay close to you. They'll be there for you when you need them the most, just as you will be there for them too.

10. Never stop believing.

Life can get really tough, and sometimes it feels like your dreams are being pushed that much farther away from your reach. But don't worry, as long as you work hard and leap over those obstacles that come your way, you'll make it in no time. So stay amazing and don't stop believing in your dreams and yourself!