For years my friends have been persuading me to watch Grey's Anatomy and I finally got around to doing so my Freshman year at college. The Tv show is based in a made up Seattle, Washington hospital with a dramatic, romantic, and action-packed story line featuring some famous actors such as Patrick Dempsey. Within the numerous events that happen through each season, there are many life lessons. Grey's Anatomy has taught me many things, such as
1. Everyone has a person of their own.
Christina Yang is Meredith Grey's person and vise versa. Your person is out there somewhere and you'll meet them one day, whether it's in college, at a little cafe, or even at work.
2. Life isn't all sunshine and rainbows but sometimes you just got to dance it out!
Grey's Anatomy introduces a lot of unnatural disasters that nobody would be able to predict but Meredith and Christina always "dance it out". Nothing can make these two stop doing what they love and everyone should have this mentality.
3. There's a right and a wrong time to be an emotional mess.
Christina is the most human out of all the characters, in my opinion. I don't think people are nearly as emotional as some of the characters in Grey's Anatomy. Christina puts her profession before being an emotional mess but she also knows when it's okay to fall apart. I know it may sound ridiculous to have a "perfect time" to be emotional but the profession portrayed in Grey's Anatomy means having a positive composure in front of patients.
4. Sometimes you need a break and that's okay too.
Most of the characters in the Tv series know when they need a break from their work life. It's good to take a break from all the stress, emotional walls, and daily pressure. Derek Shepard, McDreamy, uses camping and nature as his escape while Callie Torres uses drinking at bars. Whatever your break may be, it's okay to take some time to get to know yourself again.
5. Nobody can force you to be something you're not.
Christina Yang knew from the start that she wanted to be great, then she found her calling in Cardio-thoracics. When she was with Burke in the beginning of Grey's Anatomy, he created her into something she wasn't. She was going to marry a man who was trying to change her. Without Burke, she thrived. Be yourself and fight for who you are. Nobody can say who you are because they are not you.
6. You're goals come before issues that arise.
When you've worked so hard and come so far for a goal you made up either before, after, or during college, there's nothing that can stop what you truly want. Christina persuades Meredith to put her issues aside be she is such an amazing surgeon. She's there to become even better and hopefully be as good as her mother. Goals are important to have and fight for.
7. Recognize your problems and do something about it.
Recognizing you have an issue is the first step to fixing it. It's important to see your flaws, whether they were created by society or not, but in the end, you need to do something about it. If you are unhappy then figure out what makes you happy. If you feel unsuccessful, push more for your goal. It's a matter of pure determination and will.
8. If trauma occurs, do yourself a favor and get help.
Many of the characters go through some sort of trauma and are faced with counseling. Meredith, in particular, is very stubborn with the fact of talking about her issues with a counselor. Trauma is something that can affect a person massively and it's important to work out what you can, cope, and try to get back to your normal routine.
9. How you are raised doesn't define who you are.
Ellis Grey, Meredith's mother, didn't raise her daughter the way that she may have intended. Meredith calls herself a "dark and twisty" person but the way you're raised shouldn't define who you are as a person. You have to decide to not let history repeat.
10. Every day is a beautiful day to save lives.
Derek Shepard's iconic phrase before he performs surgery is one thing that stands true. Whether you are a surgeon, doctor, nurse, or none of those, you can save lives. You can save a life by calling for help, for knowing basic medical care like being CPR certified or even simply listening to instructions. Everyone has the capability to save a life.