If I asked every one of you to reveal your childhood dreams and compare them to your current ambitions, it would only be expected that those dreams were a product of your innocent yet, extravagant imaginations and have gradually changed into more practical pursuits. I can’t guarantee that we all have been encouraged by our childhood memories, but for most, I can guarantee that the hopes we wished for and the goals we once aspired for have shaped us into mature individuals who stand strong today. As young children, the twinkle in our eyes constantly searched for knowledge and inspiration and happiness. Luckily, for me and many other young girls, our beaming eyes were infatuated with genuine role models, Disney Princesses.

Was it not once our ultimate goal to have Disney Princess Ariel’s flawless hair and to find a guy, willing to do anything for our happiness, perhaps maybe even live “under the sea?” Was it not once our ultimate goal to have Princess Jasmine’s hour-glass figure and a chance to see “a whole new world” on a magic carpet ride with a rebellious, poor boy? Was it not once our ultimate goal to wear Princess Cinderella’s glass slippers and watch the clock strike twelve as we “bippiddi-boppiddi-booed” our way home, leaving Prince Charming on the steps of the castle? These were, and possibly still are, perfect goals for little girls with big dreams.

Now, who can forget the determination of Princess Ariel from The Little Mermaid? Her optimism and pursuit for knowledge is contagious as she realizes the human world holds so much experience. She is willing to escape the familiarity of her father’s kingdom in order to satiate her burning desire for new opportunities. She yearns to leave the comfort of her family, and more importantly, wishes for what us humans take for granted. Regardless of her departure from home, Ariel is not selfish but, devoted to her dreams of exploration in the human world. She teaches young girls to chase their dreams, no matter how impossible or intimidating. Ariel is dauntless and open-minded, inspiring young girls to overcome fear and take risks in their ambitions. Oh and dare I say, Prince Eric just might be the icing to the cake!

Personally, there is no princess that can compete with my favorite from the faraway land of Agrabah, Princess Jasmine. Her uniqueness is undeniable. Her ethnicity. Her mysterious eyes. Her voluptuous body. Even her endearing personality. All epitomize her role as the perfect woman. Why does Jasmine wear light blue near a water fountain in the beginning of the movie? It’s because Jasmine is like water—universal and precious and valuable. More importantly, she is the definition of a true feminist. She doesn’t need an arranged marriage or a royal king to make her happy because she proves to be highly capable of ruling her own kingdom. Jasmine is strong-willed and independent, defending her morals while motivating little girls to stay true to their own. She is the most inspirational princess as she emphasizes the sense of self-worth each young girl should posses. Jasmine’s loyal opposition to traditional norms is ground-breaking yet, her empowering spirit overcomes each burden with sophistication and confidence. To be honest, Aladdin just might be the sidekick to her overpowering stance of feminism.

Well, what about your typical, blue-eye and blonde-hair beauty, Princess Cinderella? She may look like an ordinary princess but, underlying her soft appearance is strength and bravery. Although she is an emblem of the rags-to-riches myth and transforms into a stunning beauty from a tattered form of nothing, Cinderella always remains generous and kindhearted. Cinderella endures each hardship placed before her and accumulates enough courage to attend the ball of her dreams. There is a misconception that Cinderella is dependent on Prince Charming, to flee from her oppressed life and provide her with happiness. However, Cinderella does not inspire young girls to surrender their strength to a man but, only to use that courage to find that special someone. Cinderella is a princess of class and elegance, making her deserving of an eternal love with Prince Charming.

It is obvious Ariel, Jasmine, and Cinderella are rewarded with “happily ever after” marriages because of their enchanting and alluring appearances. Their body images are unrealistic yet, it is the true beauty found within their hearts that leaves an everlasting impact on young girls’ minds. As you all can tell, my childhood is founded on Disney Princess perfection and their roles as perfect inspirations. Even as time flies by, the morals Disney Princesses have instilled within me will continue to impact who I am and who I strive to be. These princesses emphasize the power of determination, feminism, courage, and inner beauty. In fact, it is these ideal principles that encourage any young girl to believe in their wildest dreams and pursue extraordinary ambitions. Unfortunately, idolizing Disney Princesses can’t make little girls into real princesses; however, it sure can influence girls to acknowledge their inner beauty and act like the princess they truly are!