5 Lessons Learned from Winona Ryder | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

5 Lessons Learned from Winona Ryder

She showed me it's okay to be a stranger thing.

123
5 Lessons Learned from Winona Ryder
Warner Brothers Pictures

Have you ever had a celeb that you look at and think, "They are literally me?" Winona Ryder somehow has picked a perfect role to match every angst-filled moment of my young life. From Lydia Deetz to Joyce Byers, here is a comprehensive list of the things I have learned from my favorite actress.

1. Don't be afraid of being weird.

It's okay to be weird, it's okay to be different, and it's okay to chill with the ghost couple that lives in your attic. During my younger years of being a scene queen (didn't everyone have that phase?), I remember watching "Beetlejuice" on the couch while simultaneously eating chicken noodle soup and connecting with Lydia Deetz on a spiritual level. Despite growing out of my Hot Topic phase, Lydia taught me that it's completely fine to be "strange and unusual."

2. Never let the groups you hang out with define you.


There was something liberating about the first time I watched "Heathers." Now taking first place as my "Favorite Film Character of All Time," Veronica personified the isolation and estrangement I felt throughout high school. I didn't feel like I completely clicked with any of the groups I hung out with. Veronica doesn't fit in with the "Heathers," but she doesn't completely vibe with sadistic J.D. either. She taught me that you aren't confined to the boundaries of your social circle. Do what you know is right, and hang out with the people who make you feel the best.

3. Change is inevitable.


I'm not the person I was a year ago, a month ago, or even a week ago. Charlotte from "Mermaids" showed me that change is inevitable. While I've never had a desire to don a veil and become a devout Catholic, the struggles that Charlotte goes through are way relatable. Sometimes the ideas of what we think we will be are crushed by, well, life. The path I saw for myself at eighteen isn't remotely where I am at now. But you know what? I am happy. Interests change, dreams change, and we change.

4. Success takes time.

Lelaina Pierce is the character that pushed me through the slump that smashed all of my creative passion. I think we're all plagued by the idea that success is going to come to us overnight. In our society, it seems like there is some threshold of perfection to reach before we hit our mid-twenties. I've spent many nights looking at the work of writers, musicians and filmmakers my age and thinking, "Why hasn't it happened to me yet?" Not only do I see myself in Lelaina because we're both filmmakers, but also because of her crippling determination to really be somebody. "Reality Bites" is a smack in the face that I'm only twenty-one-years-old. This is a time to grow, create, and discover; not constantly be concerned with achievements. Success takes time.

5. Always stand for what you believe in.

There is an important lesson to be learned from Joyce Byers: Despite basically being the human version Marlin from "Finding Nemo," Joyce always stood for what she believed in. Even if it makes people think you're crazy, you have to persevere through tough times. Just think, "What would Joyce do?" Stand your ground, deck your house out in Christmas lights, and stay strong. You've got this.




Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2898
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2471
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments