“Jane The Virgin” is the type of show that you wouldn’t expect to be good as it is, but also the type of show that is really good for Netflix binge-watching. That’s how I first got acquainted with Jane Gloriana Villanueva. And while the show may sound ridiculous in its basic premise—virgin becomes pregnant through accidental artificial insemination—its titular character Jane is a great example of an inspirational woman.
1. She Sticks to Her Choices (But Isn’t Afraid to Reevaluate Them)
Jane, as the title of the show suggests, is a virgin. This is a decision she made as a little girl, and she intends to stay a virgin until she is married. However, unlike a lot of characters on TV who have chosen to stay virgins, Jane isn’t judgmental about virginity, she just sees it as everyone’s choice, as she should. There are also points in the show where Jane reevaluates this choice and considers having sex, but ultimately (at least so far), she has decided not to. In all of these situations, Jane is completely in control of her body and what she wants.
2. She Follows Her Dreams
There’s a point in season one where Jane has to pick between a teaching job, which would be safe and she would like but not love, or her life’s dream of being a writer. After considering the pros and cons of both decisions, she ultimately decides to take a writing internship and enroll in grad school to become a writer. Jane knows that going for her dreams will be difficult, but she also knows that it is worth it to try.
3. She’s a Great Mom
Jane obviously was not planning to get pregnant or have a baby. However, when she does end up having a baby, Matteo, she is a great mom to him. She balances motherhood and grad school, as well as her writing and the rest of her life really well. It is good to see her being really involved in Matteo’s life and having a special bond with him while still working on following her dreams.
4. She Has a Great Relationship With Her Mom & Abuela
The relationship between the three Villanueva women is one of the best familial relationships I have seen on television. Jane grew up without her father around, so she has had her whole life to become really close with her mother and grandmother. While they all might not agree on some things, at the end of the day, they all love and support each other through everything.
5. …And With Her Dad
When her dad turns up in her life after never knowing about her, Jane is shocked at first. However, despite some misunderstandings (such as him buying her an overly-expensive car), they develop a really great relationship. Jane becomes really trusting and loving to someone she was initially skeptical of, showing that it’s always nice to give people a chance.
6. She Supports Other Women
Between her friendship with Lina and her relationship with her mother and grandmother, this may seem obvious. But the best example of this is Jane’s budding friendship with Petra. Jane and Petra have a lot of problems from their past, from loving the same man, to Petra’s mom pushing Jane’s grandmother down the stairs, to just having personalities that are pointed out in-universe as being “like oil and water.” However, despite their issues, when Petra is giving birth and in pain, Jane is there to help her. And when Jane wants to confront someone about stealing her novel idea, Petra helps her, too. Their relationship has grown so much from the beginning of the show, and despite their differences, they are there for each other.
All in all, Jane Gloriana Villanueva is a great woman to look up to. Whether you watch the show for the telenovela-like drama, the love triangle or the family relationships, watching her will always inspire you to follow your dreams and own your life choices.