It’s the start of yet another semester. It’s like hitting the reset button and having another chance to set some serious goals and hustle for those grades. But let’s face it — staying motivated isn’t always a walk in the park. That’s why I found a little extra inspiration from unexpected places: TV shows. Yeah, you heard me. This semester I am channeling my inner Rory Gilmore and other academic icons from teen dramas. Seeing them juggle school, drama, personal hurdles, and still ace those exams? It’s like if they can do it, so can I. I’m acting as if I’m being cast in the role of Rory Gilmore or Spencer Hastings and fully embodying their characters. Lucky for me, I love drinking coffee while studying.
Below is a list of some studious icons from popular teen dramas that you can look to for academic motivation.
- Rory Gilmore
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Starting off strong with Gilmore Girls’ Rory Gilmore, the epitome of academic inspiration for many reasons, her intelligence, wit, and disciplined approach to her studies make her incredibly admirable. Despite the distractions and challenges that life throws at her, from family drama to boy troubles, she continues prioritizing her education and keeping her eyes on the prize: Harvard (even though she ends up at Yale instead). Her endless thirst for reading books and learning teaches us that feeding ourselves knowledge is a form of self-care. Every time I saw her reading a book, whether it was Anna Karenina or The Bell Jar, I’d be influenced to visit my local bookstores and purchase the same books she was reading. Now that I think of it, Rory would thrive on BookTok.
- Blair Waldorf
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Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl embodies a different but equally compelling source of academic inspiration. Blair is able to balance plotting the downfall of her enemies, running her loyal minions ragged, feeding the ducks at Central Park with Dorota, and throwing lavish parties, all while still excelling in school. Talk about impeccable time management skills. Let’s not forget her relentless pursuit of her dream school: Yale. Some might argue that she’s even more laser-focused than Rory Gilmore. After all, she did say, “Oh, I am so a better fit for Yale than that Rory.” - Spencer Hastings
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Spencer Hastings, the most studious out of all the “pretty little liars,” isn’t only dedicated to acing her classes, but is also involved in extracurriculars like the field hockey and decathlon teams. She’s the kind of student who maintains a straight-A record. With her razor-sharp intellect, she strategically tackles tough problems with ease. And get this: despite the constant chaos in her life, with a relentless stalker named “A” threatening and attacking her and her loved ones, Spencer somehow keeps her eye on the academic ball. It’s like she has a superhero ability to focus amidst all of the drama.
- Haley James
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Haley James, aka One Tree Hill’s “tutor girl,” is known for her passion and dedication to education and extracurriculars. Haley’s commitment to maintaining top grades while balancing a busy schedule working at Karen’s Cafe and tutoring other students, such as the rebellious jock, Nathan Scott, highlights her consistent pursuit of academic excellence. Her knack for time management was evident when she rocked both school and a cross-country music tour in season two. Even in the whirlwind of relationship and friendship drama and personal challenges, Haley never lost sight of her academic aspirations. In fact, she ended up as valedictorian of her graduating class.