Monmouth is no stranger to being caught up in a Netflix series, but the hype about Stranger Things has been incredible since its start in August of this year. Not only is the cast out of this world but the plot and storyline it follows twists and turns in more ways than I can count. The 11 life lessons that follow are only a few that come to mind when thinking and watching the cult series.
Stranger Thingsteaches us to stand by our friends. No matter what happens, we all have a close-knit group of friends that we can count on. The characters, Dustin, Mike, Will, and Lucas have such a special bond that they are hardly ever apart. It’s easy to say, “Hey that sounds like me and my friends,” but on campus, it is even more important to realize that you can be a part of something like that on a bigger scale.
Whether it is becoming a mentor, or joining a sorority or fraternity, the opportunities to join in on a friend group are endless! Joyce reminds us that, “You act like you’re all alone out there in the world, but you’re not. You’re not alone.” Building a bond with a group of people who love the same things you love can be such an enriching experience but to be able to keep those friends for the long run is something even more special!
Never giving up is a moral everyone can take away from the Netflix series. The way Will’s friends, his mother, and eventually Chief Hopper never stop looking for him is not only commendable but something we should all think more about. In our lives, it’s possible to think something is too difficult or too overwhelming to take on; it is also possible to believe that the things you are passionate about could never be taken on because of unpopular opinion. But, we should all take Joyce’s words into consideration when just the thought of not being good enough crosses our mind: “I don’t care if anyone believes me.”
It’s easy to say, “Don’t let anyone bully you” the way Dustin, Mike, Will, and Lucas are bullied in Stranger Things, but, actually believing that is a completely different story. While taking lunch money isn’t the norm for someone to do, social media and apps have made it easier to be bullied or harassed now more than ever. The term, ‘see something, say something’ doesn’t just apply from a criminal justice standpoint, if you see someone in a tough situation, feel free to speak up.
Just like the cast of Stranger Things portray in their roles on screen, don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. We have an abundance of clubs and organizations on campus to express all different types of passions. From the Muslim Student Association to the Spanish Club and SAB, our campus is a soapbox to stand on and be able to voice what we believe in.
In the same breath, it’s also important to remember to be as nerdy as you want! The main characters in Stranger Things have an affinity for the AV club and all things relating to the subject; while they show their audience that you should love what you love and express it in any way you please, Monmouth’s judge-free campus is accepting of all people regardless of the things you choose to participate in. Jonathan reminds us that, “You shouldn’t like things because people tell you to.” March to the beat of your own drum, no matter how eccentric the tune!
Of course, we aren’t exactly defeating any demagorgons soon, we should still never let fear rule us. A little fear is good, it means you care and you have something to lose. No matter if it is a difficult course or an intimidating professor, trying out for a team, pledging greek life, or what have you, the fear should never overpower the idea you are going for.
It’s easy to say that lately the idea of loving yourself and all of your ‘imperfections’ is one of the most talked about (and important) phrases in today’s society. We are lucky to be surrounded by such welcoming and positive people at Monmouth, our campus embraces our differences and that is what we should be thankful for.
Another life lesson we take from Stranger Things is to always take use of the Buddy System. While we are fortunate enough to further our education on one of the safest campuses, anything is still possible. Taking use of the buddy system goes for everyone, grab a friend and walk across campus together, or drive a friend to their car or dorm if it’s ‘far’ away. Another great service we have is Monmouth University Police Department (MUPD) is willing to assist you to your car should you feel unsafe at any given time.
Joyce sticking to her gut feeling shows us that we need to always go with our intuition. Whether it be about friends, professors, or even just about choosing A over C on an exam, always trust your intuition no matter what. It’s proven to be right a percentage of the time!
One of the last and most important messages taught to us by Stranger Things, is to embrace curiosity. Dustin’s famous line: “Why are you keeping this curiosity door locked?” should always cross our minds when thinking about whether or not to ask a quesiton, don’t be nervous- just ask! Professors and faculty members love when students ask them questions, not only does it prove you’re paying attention and truly care about the class and your grade, but it helps professors showcase their knowledge and if they don’t know the answer, both of you are able to further your knowledge on the subject at hand.
Lastly, the characters of Stranger Things showcase the moral that we need to always believe we can conquer things that seem bigger than us. Though the journey through college may be rough, Monmouth’s courses and faculty members are here to help. Graduation seems light years away, but the years will go by quick.
Stranger Things has taught its viewers valuable life lessons since its start in August of this year and it will continue to teach us morals in its next season due to start production sooner than we think.
