Before I start, can I just say how has it been 10 years since the first "High School Musical" movie aired on Disney Channel? This movie was a breakthrough for the network and all of the actors and actresses in it. However, now that 10 years have passed, there are still many valuable lessons that we all can take and learn from it.
1. Try new things.
As Gabriella and Troy both showed in the first song of the movie, they both tried something new, which was singing in front of a crowd. And as a result of that, Troy found singing which was something he ended up loving. If Troy never stepped on that stage and tried something new, he would've never met Gabriella and found his love of singing.
2. Always look to your friends.
At the beginning of the movie, Troy and Chad have been on the same team as Zeke, and they never knew that he liked to bake. Kelsey was just a girl that was stepped on by Sharpay and Ryan. Over time, their friendship became stronger and everyone changed in ways that made them all friends. Knowing someone and giving someone a chance can lead to friendship. And throughout the series, they continued to look to them for support and guidance.
3. Don't be afraid to be like Sharpay.
Sharpay Evans is the most hard-working, determined, and caring character in the entire movie. Hands down. She (along with her brother Ryan) starred in musicals, before Troy and Gabriella were even a thing. She has ambition to become a Broadway star, and not once does she let anyone tell her it is not possible. Everyone shouldn't be afraid to be like her, because why would anyone not want to be an ambitious, hard-working woman?
4. Show spirit in whatever you do.
Whether it be spirit for your school team or for your friends–show spirit! It is easy not to care about a big game coming up, or the spring musical, but show spirit for your friends. Even though "The Wildcats" weren't a huge part of the Drama Club, they still showed support for their friends. Always show support for your school, your team, or your friends.
5. Having a high school romance is OK.
It's always said that a high school romance is the best because it's new. You're in the same school every day, and you have opportunities to go to dances together and support each other. Although most of the time, these romances don't last through high school, but it is still OK to have them. I think we all can agree that Troy and Gabriella are seriously couple goals. They continued to raise the bar for relationships, and even 10 years down the road, somehow you're still comparing boys to Troy Bolton.
As always, "High School Musical" will forever be in our hearts. It was something we grew up with and will always cherish as we look back on our embarrassing haircuts and horrible fashion.
