A Lil’ Bit Grown-Ish

Hey there,

Let's talk about a show that's not only binge-worthy but also super relatable when it comes to the ups and downs of young adulthood—Grown-ish! If you're like me, you've probably spent a few late nights glued to the screen, watching Zoey and her friends navigate college life, relationships, and all the craziness that comes with transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.

Real Talk: Relationships and Sexual Health

One of the things I love most about Grown-ish is how it tackles sexual health and relationships head-on with transparency. Whether it's figuring out the complexities of casual hookups, dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of a serious relationship, or understanding the importance of consent, the show doesn't shy away from these crucial topics.

Remember that episode where Ana and Aaron had a thing, but then it got complicated with Zoey in the mix? It was messy, real, and oh-so-relatable. It got me thinking about my own experiences and the drama that can unfold when feelings are involved or when you’re in a relationship and someone or something tries to intervene. Navigating relationships is tough, and shows like Grown-ish remind us that it's okay to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow with your partner!

Staying True to Yourself

One of the overarching messages of Grown-ish is the importance of staying true to yourself. Zoey's journey is all about self-discovery and figuring out who she is outside of her family and her high school persona. This resonates so much because, let's face it, college and young adulthood are all about finding your path, being independent, and finding out your identity.

I just graduated high school, and I am transitioning into college. I am so nervous but excited for the journey ahead! In high school, I sometimes lost sight of who I really was trying to make friends with so many different people or just pushing to fit in. It took some time, but I eventually realized that being true to myself was the key to genuine connections and happiness. Like Zoey, we all need to embrace our uniqueness and not be afraid to stand outside the box.

Independence: The Ultimate Goal

In today's world, being independent is more important than ever. Grown-ish shows us that independence isn't just about living on your own or paying your bills—it's about making decisions that are right for you, even when they're tough to come up with. Independence is empowering, whether it's choosing a major, deciding to take a break from a toxic relationship, or standing up for what you believe in. It is a great message to younger viewers.

A personal example? During my internship at Power to Decide, I had to make tough choices about my audience and what I was trying to convey in my writing. There were times when I felt overwhelmed and unsure if people would like my writing or the messages that I was putting out there to the world. But watching shows like Grown-ish reminded me that it's okay to take risks and follow my intuition as an advocate! In the end, those decisions helped shape who I am today.

Let's Chat!

So, what do you think about Grown-ish? Have you had any experiences that remind you of the show? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let's get the conversation going. And remember, navigating young adulthood might be challenging, but staying true to yourself and embracing independence will always lead you in the right direction.

Xoxo, Jalyn

Jalyn will graduate from Jackson Reed High School in Washington, DC. She is the DC Youth Attorney General and a member of NHS for the class of 2024 and plans to study nursing and cosmetic dermatology in college.