The word role model is an interesting thing. Having a role model is an interesting experience. What does it mean to be a role model? What attributes does a role model have? Some may say that Kim Kardashian is their role model or Hillary Clinton. While there are obviously some role models that are better than others, there shouldn't be a "perfect" role model. As young adults, we shouldn't strive to be more like anyone, especially more like someone who is "perfect" because what is the fun in that? I don't think anyone should strive to be exactly like Rory, but I do think there are a few notes we can take from her.
1. Her devotion to her studies
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I think Rory's most admirable trait is her devotion to her academics and goals. Although I am literally fifteen years late to jump on the "Gilmore Girls" bandwagon and I am only half way through the second season, it is refreshing to see a realistic teenager with good habits. As a recent high school graduate and current college freshman, seeing someone like Rory struggling through the piles of books and homework like we all do.
2. Her wit
Rory is the kind of girl who is quiet, so when she says something dripping in sarcasm and wit, it surely stands out. She inspires a little sass in me, paving the way for girls to not be afraid to say what they're thinking and making it pretty funny as well.
3. Her choice in boys
Rory showed us that throughout seven seasons and seven years, there is no telling what kind of boys you will encounter. You have Dean, the tall, new kid in town, and your first love. Then there's Jess, the bad boy with a soft spot for Rory and books. And then Logan... the rich college boy who you either loved or hated.
4. Her relationship with her family
The Gilmore family is almost reminiscent of my other favorite television family, "The Modern Family." The issues that Rory and Lorelai face, not only within their own family but within their community as well, are realistic. The famed and celebrated relationship between Rory and Lorelai is fun loving and relatable for almost anyone whether you are an only child, live in a single-parent household or have every known a dysfunctional family member. As an only child, watching Rory and Lorelai I can thoroughly appreciate and relate to Friday night movie nights with my parents and an "our table" in "our restaurant" just like Rory and Lorelai's spot at Luke's.
5. How she overcomes her obstacles
Rory deals with some pretty heavy decisions throughout the seven seasons we got to know her, and for a lot of people, this meant growing up alongside her and dealing with a lot of the same issues. When after years of planning to go to Harvard, Rory decides to go to Yale, the "pro-con list lover" made the logical decision for herself and this is something that most, including myself, can identify with.
In conclusion, Rory Gilmore is a flawed character, but like with anyone who has made mistakes, whether real or fictional, we can learn a lot from her. Rory Gilmore has taught me to read a little more, love a little harder, laugh a little louder and to live life with a little some "sass".
"Here's to strong women, may we known them, may we be them, may we raise them."
