The biggest movie in my life growing up was definitely the High School Musical trilogy. These were (and sometimes still) my life. My sisters, friends and I watched this movie so many times. It was absolutely our #1 favorite.

Growing up these soundtracks were all we would listen to. We could quote any line from the movie at any time. We had the posters from the movies plastered all over our walls. And, if you didn’t love High School Musical as much as we did, well then, we weren’t sure if we could be friends with you.

Now it never really did get that intense, but we were undeniably huge fans. We still whip those movies out from time to time and love it just as much as we did then. The nostalgia can get so real.

This may sound silly, but when I reflect on those movies, I try to think about what those movies gave me and taught me growing up.

The main thing I think High School Musical gave me was a sense of connection with others. HSM was such a big part of so many kid’s lives that it was easily the biggest topic of conversation growing up. There was nothing more important or exciting to us.

Not only was it the focus of conversation, but it was a talent to be able to whip those dance moves out. If you heard “We’re All in This Together” come on, you were immediately a cool kid if you could jump right in and break out those dance moves. And, if you new every word to every song, then you know there would be so some serious karaoke later on.

High School Musical gave me a connection with people and helped me make so many friends. We can all still sing and dance along, and it feel just like old times. It reminds us of our childhood when things were easier and all you had to worry about was memorizing the lyrics.

High School Musical taught me the importance of team work. There was never a situation they couldn’t get themselves out of if they worked together. They always had each other’s backs through everything.

It showed me how valuable having a special group of friends can be. If we can find people who support and love us through everything, then we can do anything. Lean on your friends, they are there to help sing and dance you through your problems.

High School Musical also taught me try new things. Think of the lyrics to “The Start of Something New” and “Stick to the Status Quo.” These songs are full of messages to branch out and just see what happens.

If we limit ourselves to just what we do now, we will never be able to learn about what we could be. Try something new, see what happens. Try it with some friends or by yourself. You may discover something new that you love. It may become a hobby, or it could turn in to a passion of yours and alter the direction of your life.

High School Musical may just be a children’s movie, but it definitely taught me many lessons I will take with me throughout the rest of my life.

Think back to your childhood movies. Are there things you’ve instinctively picked up and learned from those movies? Are there takeaways you’d like to implement now? Use those lessons to “Bop to the Top” and see what wonderful things can happen.