10 Lessons Elle Woods Taught Every College Girl In Legally Blonde

Upon returning to textbooks, football games, and all-nighters, there is no better inspiration than Elle Woods. Legally Blonde is the ultimate feel-good movie that can inspire us all to have the best semester yet. Elle is both beauty and brains and shows us how to balance it all with grace and sass.

1. There will be people who doubt your ability to succeed, but this should only motivate you.

Elle’s boyfriend Warner broke up with her because she was too “blonde”, however she was not going to let this or anything else stop her from getting admitted to Harvard Law. When she arrived to Harvard, she was judged based on her appearance. Being turned away from the smart crowd didn’t faze her one bit. She created her own path for success. In college, there will be people who judge you on impact and may not see you as the “smart one”. Let this be your motivator. Show these people that you can and will succeed.

2. Finding professors who support you is vital.

Professor Stromwell wanted nothing more than to see Elle succeed. When Elle was turned down by Warner and had a moment of weakness, Professor Stromwell told Elle, “If you’re going to let one stupid prick ruin your life… you’re not the girl I thought you were.” We all need these individuals who are going to push us to be better and stronger. Look for a few professors who you can relate to on a personal level. Eventually, you will create a relationship with these professors who will help you tremendously in college and beyond.

3. It’s okay to move away from the norm and be different.

When Elle Woods arrived at Harvard covered in pink, feathers, and glitter from head to toe, she was definitely unconcerned with fitting in. At first, she was laughed at and turned away from certain groups. These groups aren’t the ones you should dedicate your time to. You will find friends who will accept you for who you are. The ones who turned Elle away because she was different weren’t laughing anymore when she gave her class’s graduation speech.

4. Learning the classroom dynamic will take time, but you should not give up. You will learn how to impress both your peers and professors with you continual hard work.

Elle showed up to class on the first day with nothing but a pink notebook and fuzzy pen. She had not read the assignments and failed to answer questions when called on. Although she was embarrassed in front of her entire class and kicked out, this was not going to stop someone like Elle Woods. Instead, she got the supplies she needed, read the assignments, and impressed everyone with well-articulated answers in the next class. Make sure to read the syllabus and prep for classes ahead of time. As time goes on, you will learn how to function in specific classrooms and exceed professors’ expectations.

5. “First impressions are not always correct.”

Elle’s worst enemy, Vivienne Kensington, eventually became one of her best friends at Harvard. Vivienne and Elle may have looked different upon first impression, however they later learned that they were not much different at all. Never turn down a friendship in college. You never know who will be there for you when you need it most.

6. When you set your eyes on what you want, anything is possible (yes, even law school).

When Elle decided that she wanted to go to Harvard Law, she was not taking no for an answer. She skipped parties for study dates and made herself stand out from other applicants in extravagant ways. Achieving certain things in college will be tough, but not impossible. Whether your goals include law school or a 4.0 GPA, go and get what you want. 

7. Balancing your time for staying fit and studying IS possible.

Elle was so dedicated to fitness and her studies that she would read textbooks while working out. While grades are important, make sure to dedicate time for fitness. A healthy body is vital for a healthy mind. Time management in college is everything.

8. “You must always have faith in yourself”.

Elle would not have been able to get accepted to Harvard and graduate with honors without having a tremendous amount of faith. Self-confidence is key to getting what you want. You can be either your worst enemy or best friend. The only person standing between you and your goals is yourself!

9. Fight for what you believe in.

Elle won her court case defending Brooke Wyndham because she truly believed that she was innocent – and she was correct. Even when all evidence pointed to Brooke being guilty, she wholeheartedly believed that she was not. If you believe something is right, don’t stop fighting for it, no matter what.

10. Failure is a part of the plan.

Elle had her fair share of failure while at Harvard. She successfully showed us that we should never give up, no matter how many times we may fall. We see through the movie that her failures turn to lessons and all turned out for the best. There will undoubtedly be several failures endured during life in college. These can either defeat us or strengthen us, so choose the latter.

When in search of motivation this semester, look to Elle Woods. She showed us all that anything is possible with a little pink and a lot of faith.