I am from the generation that grew up watching the classic Disney movies, and it wasn’t until I was older that I started hearing all the negativity surrounding these children’s movies. People tried to tell me that I can’t be a feminist while still liking princesses since they “hurt the movement” and make women seem weak and helpless. I am proud to say that I am both a feminist and an aspiring Disney princess, and it was these same princesses that taught me how to be strong and independent even in the face of adversity. These are the 9 things that Disney women have taught me.

1. You can never be too curious

Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" taught me at a very young age that it is important to be curious and question things around you, because there could be more to this life than what meets the eye and all you have to do is have the courage to push the boundaries.

2. You don’t have to fit the mold that society tries to put you in

If there is one Disney woman who everyone should aspire to be, it is Tiana from "Princess and the Frog." This girl has countless people telling her to give up, but she perseveres with strength even through the toughest times. Tiana teaches everyone that if you want something bad enough, hard work can accomplish anything.

3. Never, ever give up even in the face of adversity

Even though Jasmine from "Aladdin" was a princess destined to marry a rich prince, she stood true to her own beliefs and showed everyone that she wasn’t going to blindly follow something that she didn't believe was right. This taught me that just because something has been done a specific way in the past does not mean that I have to be a follower.

4. Be kind above all else

Cinderella, one of the most iconic Disney women, has an incredible skill of being pushed to her limits while still remaining kind and collected. Despite being treated terribly her whole life, she goes about her business and remains the bigger person (while also being a boss at running an entire household, by the way).

5. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself

Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" may have been quiet and soft-spoken, however she is not afraid to deny Gaston in front of a crowd of people. Not only does she turn him down, she even throws him out flat on his face and puts his ego in its place. This taught me that I can stand up for what I want even if it may not be the most popular choice.

6. Don’t let a bad situation get you down

Rapunzel from "Tangled" may have been trapped in a tower for almost eighteen years, but she doesn’t let that get her down. She easily could’ve sat around and whined, but instead she used her time to learn incredible skills (including how to fight with her own hair!) This taught me from a young age to not give up when things are tough and instead make the best of a bad situation.

7. Just because you are a woman doesn’t mean you need saving

This has been a criticism of many Disney movies, saying that women are portrayed as helpless. This is definitely not the case with Megara from "Hercules," who makes it clear that even though she is a “Damsel in Distress,” she can handle her own problems and fight her own battles. I grew up dreaming of being like Megara, and being able to look in the face of a man and say, “I’m a big girl, I tie my own sandals and everything.”

8. Family comes first

In all honesty I may be a little too old to say that "Frozen" taught me any childhood lessons, but Disney was still teaching me even in my teenage years. Anna reminded me that family comes before anyone else, and when given the choice you should always put the needs of your family first. After all, there is nothing more important than the bond of sisterhood.

9. Women can do anything that men can do

Mulan is the epitome of a female role model, and not only can she do everything a man can do, SHE SAVES AN ENTIRE DYNASTY. Mulan taught me that I may face doubt or adversity in my life, but I should never doubt myself because I am capable of anything I put my mind to, and the more people try to put me down, the more motivated I should be to prove them wrong.