We all have seen those classic high school movies with all their teenage wisdom and expertise. The characters seem to know all: the best fashion choices, what clubs to join, who to be friends with, and what new phrases we should add to our vocabulary. Most of us disregard their cheesy relationships and their juvenile storyline, but what we don’t account for is the profound ‘knowledge’ they’re willing to share with us. 

High School Musical

We sing, “it’s the start of something new,”  as we step foot onto campus on the first day. After having a summer job with our friends, Troy and Gabriella taught us to have our head in the game, no matter if our heart is in the song. Along with some basketball tips and tricks, they showed us that you don’t have to stick to the status quo; you can be whoever you want and sing a killer song while you’re at it. Above all else, High School Musical taught us we should always be prepared to meet the love of our lives at any moment, in any class, so make sure you dress in your favorite low-rise jeans and have your bedazzled microphone on hand. 

Mean Girls 

There are new students at school every year; you might even be one of them! Cady taught us the most important thing about making new friends: don’t get sucked into the wrong crowd. Not only does she remind us to not cave in to peer pressure but to always be true to yourself even when it’s hard. Don’t spread rumors because the truth will always come out. When leaving school grounds, remember to watch for traffic, especially (school) buses. If you get nothing else from this teen comedy, make sure to have your own catchphrase, a personal favorite is “that’s so fetch,” and remember to wear pink on Wednesdays, of course.

Clueless

The iconic styles that emerged from Cher and Tai were more than a cultural reset, it was a new way of living. We were taught to show up to school in matching plaid ensembles and to never settle for bad fashion (or boys). Despite her creative ways for extra credit, Cher showed us our grades are never final, so keep working at them! Last but not least, Cher agreed with us: driving isn’t as easy as it looks, especially if you’re wearing platforms!

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 

Despite what our parents tell us, Ferris says it’s totally okay to skip school to ride around town in your friend’s dad’s red Ferrari; especially if you join a parade and get a free fancy lunch out of it. 80’s fashion is a key element when replicating your life after Ferris Bueller’s, starting with the sweater vest. Good style is a must when you are in high school, so make sure you have some slouchy socks or a hockey jersey on hand. And before you graduate, try to have a slogan named after you so your legacy lives on. Remember: enjoy these high school moments while you can, because as Ferris Bueller once said, “life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”.

Now that you know the essentials to a high school experience, make sure you take notes the next time you sit down to watch a rom-com with a bowl of popcorn: it might be the best way for you to get through high school!