MARIA'S NOTES

Growing up, we’ve all been handed the self help books once we turned 13, and I know we all still giggle as we reminisce on the awkward handoff from our parents as they sent us on our way to read them. But the big world of media and film have truly been so indifferent toward us. Female representation through entertainment has undergone various phases—from the damsel in distress of the 50s to the modern day do-it-all miss-independent, we’ve made major strides towards cultivating and refining our own identity in society. As I grew up, there were specific titles and shows that really gave me the space and grace to cry, laugh, and relate as I journeyed through my preteen years. Here’s some of my favorite movies, shows, and literature that made those lonely cringey phases bearable: 

1. How to Rock: Braces and Glasses

(Amazon.com)

We all know the longheld belief that the braces and glasses combination holds the stigma of being unappealing and nerdy. This novel has a different take and teaches its readers how to feel confident in both! Kacey Simon was an A-List social elite until her world is turned upside down and she’s doomed with a mouth full of metal and glasses. Her friend group dumps her, and she finds herself in new company; a cutie in skinny jeans who’s part of a band! Kacey takes part of the musical group and finds her new home and identity with this new crowd. As a glasses wearer, I’ve gone through the love-hate relationship with my spectacles. But, this book gave me just the empowerment I needed to strut through those hallways proudly, four eyes and all! 

2. Pitch Perfect

(IMbD)

Pitch perfect follows the misadventures of a female acapella group as they struggle to find their sound, and a balance between their many personalities. The girls are attempting to restore their group to its former glory after their lead singer Audrey absolutely blows it at finals the year before. They recruit 8 girls through an open audition, with one girl Becca, who’s reluctant to join. With so many personalities and voices, things are bound to get a little chaotic. It’s a movie of trial and error, triumph, and silly teenage memories. Through all the runs, riffs and ledger lines, the girls find a true sisterhood at the end—one that motivates and drives the storylines for the following movies. This is definitely a must read and watch! The girls do indeed crush it, as our dear friend Fat Amy would’ve said.

    3. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

(Amazon.com)

Ah, Peter Kavinsky, the man of our youth—what sort of Gen Z would I be if I neglected to include this one? To All the Boys I ever Loved Before is such a relatable read. We experience life with Lara Jean as she navigates the awkward world of young love, school, and being a daughter in a home where her mother is absent. Life was decent for Lara until well, the letters to the men she secretly admired got out. Not a common occurrence, but not impossible either! I know this novel brought me so much comfort during my phase of young love. If you didn’t get the chance to read this one, definitely try to pick up a copy! This trilogy has also been adapted into a three part movie series on Netflix which is absolutely worth giving a watch!

The funny thing is, there really is no refining an identity as robust and profound as being a woman. We’re constantly evolving and have progressed through societal oppression and cultural taboos which often oppose our presence and worth. But these pieces of media did a thorough and commendable job of creating wholesome and quirky characters that represent so many of us, and bringing us comfort the societies we live in just didn’t provide at the time. I hope you enjoyed reminiscing with me, and if you aren’t familiar with these titles, I highly encourage you to give them a try for a touch of nostalgia!