As many prospective graduates are preparing to say goodbye to their time at Ohio University and embark on their next chapters, it can be emotional and bittersweet. Graduation can be a big change, a moment of self-discovery and a time to enter the “real world” and conquer one’s chosen field.
Here is a list of four films set around graduation that can help assure graduates as they begin their new chapter. The transitional process and struggles they face are universal among many students.
“The Devil Wears Prada”
For many college students, graduating and moving on to an internship or working as an assistant is common. “The Devil Wears Prada” follows a young woman named Andy (Anne Hathaway) who is a recent college graduate and is a struggling writer aiming to make it big in the publication world. Despite her circumstances, her position can resonate with many graduates.
The film also explores the challenges and experiences of a young person entering the workforce, which includes navigating a demanding boss, the adjustment to a new environment and the work-life balance of a professional life.
With graduates facing the challenges of uncertainty and the anxiety of entering the workforce, “The Devil Wears Prada” is a great coming-of-age movie to offer valuable lessons such as the importance of humility and balancing work and a personal life.
Although not every boss may be the epitome of Meryl Streep’s Miranda Presley, a lot of the tedious work Andy endures exemplifies the struggles recent graduates may face when trying to get their foot in the door in many occupations.
“Pitch Perfect 2”
“Aca-scuse me?” “Pitch Perfect 2” is a great movie to watch with graduation around the corner. Although the film is a comedy surrounding a college a cappella group, the underlying premise of the film is starting the next chapter in one’s life after graduation.
The Bellas are in their senior year and after the suspension of their tour, their only hope to keep the group alive after they graduate is to win an international competition.
The group’s leader, Becca (Anna Kendrick), begins a new internship and is actively working on establishing her career after college. Other group members like Chloe (Brittany Snow), struggle with the idea of leaving college and stepping out of their comfort zones for life after college.
As the girls say goodbye to their final days at school and to each other at the end of the film, “Pitch Perfect 2” explores the fearfulness students face when they are about to embark on their new chapters of their lives. It is a great film to watch before graduation to show although there is uncertainty about the next chapter, it will work out in the end.
“Legally Blonde”
Although this quirky and fun movie does not primarily focus on graduating, Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) serves as an inspiration to those all around.
“Legally Blonde” follows Elle who is a sorority girl studying fashion who goes to Harvard Law School to prove to her ex-boyfriend she is more than how she looks. Elle has a journey of self-discovery, realizing she is passionate and capable of whatever she puts her mind to. She defies expectations and achieves success.
This film stands out for upcoming graduates because Elle serves as an example that students can reach their full potential post-college by aiming to follow their dreams and avoiding limiting what they can achieve. What stands out for the theme of graduation for this film is Elle’s iconic graduation speech.
“It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions are not always correct,” she said. “You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”
“High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” is one of the top graduation movies. Its plot revolves around the main character’s preparations for graduation, prom and the final musical production. Alongside it are the challenges of making decisions about their future, including college plans and the potential for separation, while exploring themes of friendship and romance.
The film is a great watch when preparing to graduate because it captures the bittersweet emotions of leaving high school and embarking on new chapters while also celebrating the memories and friendships made during those years.
While the idea of graduating can be scary, it is the start of a new chapter in one’s life as graduating is a major accomplishment.
