Growing up I was completely enamored with all things Disney, yet my most memorable character interaction, book, costume, dolls and movie has been and always will be Disney’s "Beauty and The Beast" animated movie.

From the day I first saw the movie to the day I was granted a surprise “Magical Moment” where I was brought to the stage at Disney’s MGM Studio at the "Beauty and the Beast" Live Show and presented with a real rose from the Prince and Belle, I have realized that much of my life has revolved around this story.

Knowing that I have learned so much and believing it is partially responsible for who I have grown up to be, I feel that I would like to share some of the lessons I learned and have kept with me from this movie.

I have learned that true natural beauty is something that is fostered and blooms from within me. It has taught me that putting others before myself and being kind should always come first as it is my inner beauty that is full of kindness, warmth and love that has so much more meaning that how my outer beauty and looks could ever show to you who I am.

I get teary eyed every time I watch the part where Belle tries to teach the Beast to read. Like Belle, I have learned that it is never boring if we challenge ourselves to try to learn something new each day and to not be afraid of our desire to learn, I mean we are all here in college to learn aren’t we?

No matter who we are or where life takes us, I believe that the magic of falling in love is out there for each of us whether we find it in a magical mirror or enchanted flower, we are only limited by our not following our hearts and dreams.

Perhaps I see a bit of the character “Chip” in me also in that he shows that perfection is not everything and I need to remember this and stop beating myself up over things that make me “different” and learn to embrace the things that make me unique and endearing.

I especially love how the Beast shows how looks can be deceiving in that at first he is thought of as being scary and a bit intimidating, but once Belle gets to know him she sees how endearing, kind and giving he is once he finds someone who is willing to make him feel safe enough to show his true personality.

Though Gaston reminds me of many people I have encountered that choose to hate without ever giving the opportunity to try to get to know someone, I was happy that the story showed me how it is easier to love than to hate.

Mrs. Potts reminds me so much of my mother in that sometimes we all need someone to make us feel better, who listens without judgement, and who just warms us up. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy a nice warm cup of tea every once in a while?

Sometimes, like the Beast, I need to remember to push myself to step out of my comfort zone because we all know life can be a bit scary, but only by stepping out of comfort into the unknown can we grow and flourish.

I believe that this movie tries to teach us all that we should remember that when life seems at its darkest and we have no choices, to open our eyes and look again, maybe from a different angle and we will see things differently and in a more positive light.

Life is full of negatives and sometimes things do not appear as perfectly as we envisioned, and it is difficult to accept, but we are taught in the movie that everyone is human and we all are made to serve a purpose in life, even if as annoying as Gaston’s character!

The best thing I take away from this movie is that it is okay to stand out and be different than those around me. I have learned to love who I am and that being me is what makes me special. I can stand out as an individual and not be a follower or feel I need to conform just to make someone else happy.

Well, in the famous words of “Lumiere”… “Be my Guest” and think of what movie you have learned the most about yourself from and why.