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During my teens, my idol was Elle Woods, the leading lady of the movie “Legally Blonde”. In many ways, her influence on my life is very clear: I rose to captain of my high school’s male-dominated debate team, became an International Relations major in college to learn how to create positive global change, joined a sorority where I served as the Director of Ritual, and own more pink clothes than I want to admit. However, in addition to the obvious influence, Elle has had on the visible surface of my life, she has also shaped who I am at my core. I know that sounds dramatic, but as someone who grew up without an older sister, Elle taught me many of the essential life lessons that a happy and confident young lady must know. Here are the seven life lessons Elle Woods taught me in “Legally Blonde” that has been the most essential to me, even though I am a brunette.
1. Find Your Sisterhood
Life is easier when you have people who support you. Whether it is through joining an actual sorority like Elle’s Delta Nu or an organization like the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, having a group of women who celebrate your triumphs and support you through challenges is not only essential but also makes life more joyous and fun.
2. You Thrive When You’re You
The scene where Elle wins her first case is iconic for a reason. It is at this point in the movie, sheAt is fully embracing her strengths, values, and identity and not striving to win anyone over. Instead, she is rocking her pink suit and using her hair care knowledge to win a huge case. She thrived and succeeded at this moment because she stopped conforming to others’ expectations of her and just let the real Elle shine her brightest. Every one of us is uniquely gifted with certain strengths, special values, and distinctive personalities to make us who we are. When you are to embrace that true self, you cannaturally thrive and are guided to your life path.
3. Feminity ≠ Weakness, Failure, or Less
Elle Woods embodied the definition of embracing one’s feminity in a man-dominated world. Instead of making herself less feminine, she demanded the same respect, recognition, and praise for her work as her male counterparts. Growing up, I struggled with embracing my feminity for fear of being viewed as naive, incapable, or less than others. During my time in a high school debate, I was repeatedly told to lower the pitch of my voice and smile less to seem less feminine in order to receive better scores. I thought that being openly feminine would always mean that others would see me as less. Elle showed me it is possible to stand in front of a room in a pink suit, full glam, and act professionally as your natural self and still command respect. She is one of the key figures who helped me embrace my feminine side as an asset instead of viewing it as a weakness and inspired me to purchase my own pink suit.
4. Take Care Of Yourself
Throughout the movie, Elle constantly uses healthy habits to cope with the stress of being a law school student. Whether is by spending time with her dog, getting her nails done, or walking on the treadmill while studying, Elle takes the time to decompress and protect her well-being. Personally, I love to take a walk outside in the sun, drink a cherry limeade, and spend time with my loved ones to decompress. In order to give 100% you need to be 100% mentally and physically, so find what sparks joy and creates relaxation and try to incorporate it into your day!
5. Ethical Behavior Leads To Success
There are multiple times where Elle’s ethics were challenged throughout the film, such as when Professor Callahan acts inappropriately towards her or when Warner tries to get back together with her while still engaged to Vivian. Elle could have relented to these ethically wrong lures, which promised that she would receive the job and the man she wanted. However, Elle instead chose the more difficult, but moral and honest path forward, and achieved greater success than she had ever hoped for. Incredible successes are possible and much more satisfying when received as a result of ethical choices instead of dishonorable deeds.
6. Don’t Be Scared To Dream Big and Push Yourself
When Elle Wood’s decided she wanted to get into Harvard Law, everyone thought she was crazy. It's intimidating and quite frankly scary to create big goals that seem challenging to achieve. And a lot of the time, when your dream is so big, complex, and unthinkable, people may second guess you. Like Elle, don’t let their doubt dissuade you. Allow yourself to dream big and push yourself to do what you need to achieve it. It's okay if people think your ambitions and hard work are crazy because it's your life, not theirs. Go do the thing, give it your all, and shock everyone.
7. You Are Your Own Most Important Cheerleader
My favorite line in Legally Blonde is during Elle’s Harvard Law graduation speech when she states, “You must always have faith in people, and most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.” This line is one of the most blatant and obvious pieces of practical life advice in the movie, but it is also some of the hardest to implement. It is hard to believe in yourself when you feel like you’re failing or behind or not good enough, but it is absolutely essential that you do not stop. Like Elle had to learn to believe in herself when the odds were stacked against her, you have to do that too. Regardless of the amazing support systems, you may have, at the end of the day, the only guaranteed person you have is yourself. So make your relationship with yourself a kind, nurturing, and supportive one, and cheer yourself on to the best of your ability through all of life's challenges and successes.
About The Author:
Ashlyn Dahl '23
International Relations and Global Studies
Entrepreneurial LeadHERship Student
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