“Watch out, world, I’m grown now.”
It’s crazy to believe that Zoey from ABC series “Black-ish,” is all grown up. Zoey, played by Yara Shahidi, is now a college freshman at Cal U on Freeform’s “Grown-ish.” Every Thursday on Freeform, the world watches as Zoey takes on a new challenge and embraces her independence.
Although the series is entertaining, there are a few lessons to be learned.
FIRST: Your inner circle is everything
Zoey met a majority of her inner circle in her midnight digital marketing strategies class. Her crew ranges from athletic twins raised in the inner city, to a fashionable, freshman, male, who’s not afraid to wear a skirt.
Zoey’s college journey has been less than a breeze, as she’s fought through stress and anxiety, relationship drama, and political unrest. Her circle has stood as a strong support system as she’s navigated her way through those moments.
Zoey has evolved from her circle’s support, and her friends have evolved from Zoey’s guidance. Although everyone comes from different walks of life, they’re the perfect blend for one another.
SECOND: Be comfortable with being uncomfortable
In episode 11, Zoey and her friends planned a peaceful protest because of threats to disband Hawkins Hall, a majority African-American dorm and safe space.
They soon discovered that a friend in their circle, was on the other end of the political spectrum.
This sent their friendship, and their campus, into chaos as they began to turn against one another. The drama resulted in Hawkins Hall, and every other safe space being closed.
Zoey stepped in by playing the middleman, and realized that her friends were passionate about their viewpoints.
The episode taught the importance of learning from discomfort, and realizing that everyone’s feelings and views are valid. Zoey and her friends realized they could coexist with others who viewed differently from them, and respect them in spite of.
THIRD: You’re not alone
Zoey experienced a lot in her first semester, and it was common to see her peers experience the same thing.
For example, the twists and turns of Zoey’s dating life were a staple during the first season. This was also a struggle for those around her.
In episode 10, everyone realized dating and identifying what they wanted in a mate was tough. They spent a lot of time discussing what they liked and disliked, which helped them evaluate themselves.
Ultimately, Zoey and her crew wouldn’t have been able to experience conflict resolution without one another.
It’s sad that the first season has come to an end, but a second season bag has already been secured. A date for season two hasn’t been announced, but many are waiting to see Zoey and her closest friends journeys’ continue.
