"Finding Nemo" has always been one of my top five favorite movies. This past week, my mom and I went to see the sequel "Finding Dory." I love what Disney has done with these two movies and how both of the movies teach children and adults some great life lessons.

1. It is okay to be different.

In the movie series, Nemo has a deformity which Marlin refers to as his "lucky fin." This teaches us so much. Not only does Nemo learn to be okay with his deformity, he also powers through how he learns differently. As a future teacher, this is an important lesson to both children and adults because everyone is different and that is totally okay!

2. Disabilities should be accepted.

In the movie, Dory suffers from short term memory loss. This teaches us to be patient and how we can learn from those with disabilities. Marlin and Nemo both ask the question, "What would Dory Do?" and they while Marlin does get a little frustrated at times, Nemo is always there to encourage them both just like we should be.

3. Friendship turns into family.

Dory, Marlin, and Nemo become friends that everyone longs for. They do everything together and they always have each other's backs. When you are watching the cute animation on the screen, you are longing to have those bonds or you're already thinking about how you and your friends are like that. These bonds are what turn our friends into our family. Friendships are forever.

4. Just keep swimming.

Life can be so hard but "Finding Nemo" teaches us that when life throws us a curve ball, we have to keep swimming through life and figure it out.

5. No matter what happens, never forget where you came from.

In the movies, both Nemo and Dory get lost from their friends and family. During these turns of events, the fish show us that no matter what situation you are in, never forget where you come from. Down the road someone will recognize you or you can teach them about your background. Where you came from can be very handy!

We can learn a lot by these cute little fish if we just keep our eyes open and swim!