Nala: “He thinks he runs this, but we all know I do.”
Today’s Disney Princess is more so in touch with her animal instincts than her human side. That’s right; this week’s Disney Princess is the lioness Nala, from the movie, The Lion King. For those of you that are puzzled as to why you don’t see her with her own castle in the Magic Kingdom, Nala is part of royalty, (actually she is even one step better than a princess). Nala was destined to marry Simba ever since we all watched them tease each other at the elephant graveyard and sing musical numbers with various colorful creatures. Although he didn’t officially put a ring on it, Simba did marry Nala, which in return made her the Queen of Pride Rock. So, animals do have souls… and this one has a fierce independent lioness soul. Nala: 1 Humans: 0
A princess in college can learn a thing or two from this queen bee, er, feline. Nala was definitely not a coward and always followed Simba no matter the consequences, (evil hyenas, certain death, annoying bird nanny, etc.). Also, Nala was not afraid to call out Simba on his cowardice or his fear of returning home. Don’t forget the fact that she was able to slip past the evil Scar and his Nazi-marching hyena accomplices, (at some point did anyone keep count or did they just assume she died off somewhere???), but she was also able to convince the rightful heir to the throne to return and bring balance to his home. And she STILL had time to seduce him with those flirty eyes and Elton John number. Nala: 2 Humans: 0
^She knows what’s up.
Nala’s attitude and determination is what brings me to the lesson of the week: Keep your self-esteem at an all-time high.
A princess in college doesn’t have to run the plains of Africa, but she does have to run her own life, and sometimes it is stressful both physically and mentally. You can’t just wait to be King? I can’t just wait for this class to be over, or for this hair to stop making my frizzy hair look like it’s a lion’s mane. Can you feel the love tonight? No, but I can feel you grinding on my backside, and in about two seconds I am about to go all “Scar” on you and leave you to the stampede of the club. And these things are just small feats compared to figuring what you want to do, where you want to go, or who to ultimately date. At times, a princess in college can’t wait to just take a nap and let this all be over.
But you can do it princesses, channel your inner Nala! You all contain the spirit animal of a fierce lioness that is waiting for the moment to pounce on her future life and the hot guy or girl at the bar. At times you may falter and end up in a nasty graveyard in your life, but keep yourself focused and practice those flirty eyes in the mirror because you will definitely be going places if you believe you can. And don’t be afraid to bop your future partner upside the head and tell him to get their priorities together too because you’re a princess… it’s acceptable.
Princesses, college isn’t all hakuna matata, but keep your self-esteem on the positive and you might realize being content with yourself is what will bring you no more worries for the rest of your days. When in doubt, just roar.
REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE
Disney Princesses in College is a new series that explores the different princesses/females in Disney films, and how they apply to everyday life lessons in college. Each week is a new princess, so if you have any comments or suggestions as to what princess/female character you want written about for the next week, feel free to leave a comment!