Sales and Marketing: Jim Halpart from “The Office”
Jim Halpart from “The Office” exemplifies the steadfast, resilient nature of sales and marketing career aspirations. Despite being laid-back in the office, Halpart develops into the mature, confident leader we all know and love during his time at Dunder Mifflin. Channeling his charisma, intelligence and personal rapport into the workplace, he steadily climbs the sales ladder, eventually founding his company, Athlead, and stepping into managerial roles. His career development showcases his personal growth, professional achievements and overall fulfillment. Despite the commitment marketing requires and personal relationship challenges, Halpart maintains a healthy social and love life.
Law: Elle Woods from “Legally Blonde”
Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde” embodies the intersection between honoring one’s passion and stepping out of your comfort zone. Although initially known for her love of fashion, Woods’s career aspirations pivot into law when her love life takes an unexpected turn. Defying stereotypes and judgment, Woods works her way to Harvard Law School. Using her love for fashion to her advantage, Woods exemplifies her attention to detail and creativity when she defends her client with her knowledge of perm hair care. Her journey illustrates one’s passion, such as fashion, does not limit one’s professional journey. Rather, embracing your true self and passion can complement your career aspirations, just as Woods made her a fashion and legal icon.
Physicist: Sheldon Cooper from “Young Sheldon”
Sheldon Cooper, a young prodigy with a passion for science, shines for his extraordinary intellect and passion for uncovering the mysteries of life, such as the universal field theory. Despite his lack of social skills and emotional intelligence, Cooper far outpaces his peers and educators with his relentless love for learning and pursuit of scientific knowledge. His dedication to scientific advancements, unique personality and discipline in theoretical physics culminate through early brilliance shining through adolescent challenges. Cooper’s exceptional journey highlights the importance of pursuing one’s passion to the fullest, embracing all opportunities while learning from obstacles along the way.
Theater: Troy Bolton from “High School Musical”
Troy Bolton from “High School Musical” grapples with an internal conflict: conforming to societal expectations by staying on the basketball court or jumping onto stage with his heart in his hand. As the star basketball player, Bolton is expected to keep his head in the game, but his unexpected love for theater clouds his vision. Despite pressures to focus solely on basketball as his life’s passion, Bolton challenges himself by stepping outside of his comfort zone and exploring his passion for performing. His school’s musical allows him to unlock his inner creativity and reveal his hidden talent, despite his desire to please others. Ultimately, Bolton demonstrates that honoring one’s passion, despite the challenges and societal pressures, leads to true fulfillment and growth. He embraces all sides of himself — on the basketball court, on the stage and among friends. When he’s not on the basketball court, you’ll be sure to find him in the rehearsal rooms at Blair.
Journalism: Rory Gilmore from “Gilmore Girls”
Rory Gilmore was a young, ambitious student in the early 2000s classic, “Gilmore Girls.” We constantly see Gilmore taking on large academic endeavors to achieve her lifelong goal of becoming a foreign correspondent. Her determination and diligence take center stage for much of the series, yet she remains authentic as we witness her struggles with the pressures of high-stakes academics and burnout. Nonetheless, Gilmore continues to work towards her dreams. She can often be seen in the show diving into various literary works, from Sylvia Plath to George Orwell. When she’s not immersed in classic literature, she’s often seen with a coffee in tow, fueling herself as her workload grows. So, for all aspiring journalists out there, grab a cup of coffee from Suzie’s, pick up a copy of “The Bell Jar” from your favorite campus library and throw on your best Y2K fit.
Pre-Medical: Meredith Grey from “Grey’s Anatomy”
It’s hard to go through your teens without encountering the hit medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.” The show’s lead, Meredith Grey, is a strong protagonist who does anything she can to look after her patients as a general surgeon. While some may call her headstrong and abrasive, Grey’s strong personality and resilience give her the strength to make even the hardest medical decisions. Other than her outstanding medical achievements, her love story with Derek Shepard is a testament to living your life to the fullest amidst career challenges. Yet, like any great leading lady, she is relatable as viewers see her experience many painful struggles. Most importantly, we must remember that if she can survive Gen Chem, so can you!
Elementary Education: Jessica Day from “New Girl”
The 2010’s show, “New Girl,” follows Jessica Day, a loveable and eccentric elementary school teacher who navigates life with her three male roommates in Los Angeles. She is often seen carrying dioramas, crafts and her iconic “feelings stick.” Beyond the school crafts and the lesson plans, Day strives to be an advocate for her students and positively impact their futures, all while sporting vibrantly patterned dresses, dark-frame glasses and her iconic bangs. She is a light in many lives, due to her warm and bubbly personality, a sure fit for Peabody.
