1. To value myself for what lies under the surface

I was fortunate enough to grow up in an environment and be surrounded by people who recognized the value I have underneath the surface area of my skin. I was told from a young age that I was smart and kind. Watching the Cheetah Girls perform and keep spreading the message that someone's character and empathy matters most of all, even more than what you look like or what you achieve hammered that in even further.

The final act of the first Cheetah Girls involved the girls encouraging one of their sisters to be open and honest with them about her home life. Although she isn't necessarily unhappy, she's embarrassed to have less than the others. I always remember the importance of the scene when she's comforted by her friends and they tell her that her character matters more than what she owns.

2. To embrace myself for the whole and unique person I am

The Cheetah Girls had another major message in their movies and music, which is that you can be loved and have friends even though you may be different from those around you. I had chunky, not-yet-trendy black-rimmed frames, and depending on the school I went to, didn't look the same as the other kids around me.

Again, hearing these words on a major TV channel brought me some happiness.

Some of my favorite lyrics are, "Cause we are sisters, we stand together. / We make up one big family, / Though we don't look the same."

To grow in confidence and take inspiration

I learned that just wishing for something or watching lots of movies and reading books wouldn't be enough for me to be the creative I wanted to be.

Although I could take inspiration from the media I consumed, I learned that the true manifestation of what I'm observing comes through when I sit down and actually put in the hard work.

I saw that in the movies, no matter how fictional, that the girls channeled their energy from the "Cheetahlicious" vibes. But, that vibe was very little of their ability because the rest came from the hard work they put in.

4. To not judge myself or anyone else for enjoying "girly" things

I would hear chastising and judging of other girls around me. "I'm not like other girls," was a statement made from a place of pride. The sad part is that girls around me were taught to hate what defines only part of us.

It was upsetting to learn, additionally, that enjoying personal care and occasional, deserved self-indulgence was something to look down upon.

The Cheetah Girls taught me that I could enjoy the different aspects of my personality and all the things I enjoy — even the "girly" things like shopping.

5. To remember that those who truly love me will have my back

I think the best lesson that I learned growing up and then was later cemented by the Cheetah Girls was "those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

Basically, I was comforted by the idea that someone cared for me if they encouraged me in all my pursuits and stood by me, unless they knew that something I was doing would be detrimental to myself or others.