Monsters University—a film I like but didn't fully understand until I hit high school and college. It wasn't until I was old enough that the movie clicked. It is a film with a profound message that can inspire and connect with dreamers like you and me.
A dream worth chasing
It's one of my all-time favorite Pixar films, unfairly underappreciated by many. I first watched it at eight, and while I enjoyed it, I didn't connect with the characters. Then, as a teenager, I rewatched it, and from there, Mike Wazowski's struggles and insecurities became relatable to me. It is one of those movies that, when you're older, you start to understand the lessons more and have them resonate with you. The lessons that it taught became much deeper than you think.
If you aren't familiar with Monsters University, it is a prequel to Monsters, Inc., a movie that I also love. A story led by Mike as he steps into college in pursuit of becoming a Scarer. Sully, on the other hand, was an arrogant jock whose reputation rested on the fame of his father, who was a famous Scarer.
There was rivalry, friendship, competition, and... college fraternities/sororities. Throughout the journey, Mike's main goal was to fulfill his dream and earn his place in the industry. Mike, being the determined and ambitious one-eyed monster, wanted to prove everyone wrong. No matter what they say, he's always working hard. However, Mike faced repeated rejection from his classmates, even Sully and the dean.
When hard work doesn't feel like enough
Every time he tries to win the approval of his peers, he gets shut down. What hurts the most is when the dean confronts him and tells him he isn't scary, which shatters Mike. Everything he had worked for led to this moment, and yet he failed. No matter how much he studied, no matter how much he practiced, no matter how dedicated he is, it still wasn't enough.
One of the scenes that resonated with me was later in the film, where Mike and Sully were stuck in the human world and had a heart-to-heart by the lake. Mike expressed disappointment after failing to scare the kids at the camp. They were more amused by him than afraid, and for that, Mike felt like he failed his dream of becoming a Scarer. He quoted:
"You were right. They weren't scared of me. I wanted it more than anyone. I thought that if I wanted it enough, I could show everyone that Mike Wazowski was something special, but I'm just not."
I feel you, Mike. I feel you.
Another scene was when Mike tried to be accepted by the fraternity, the RORs. But sadly, he was rejected by them, including Sully, because they thought that he had no chance of becoming a Scarer like them. I may not be a monster, but I can relate to the feeling of frustration and disappointment when your efforts feel unearned. I used to struggle a lot back then, not just with some subjects in school, but also socially and mentally
Honestly, high school is an emotional rollercoaster—impostor syndrome, rocky friendships, jealousy, and feeling like I didn't belong. I remember feeling like Mike, constantly trying to fit in, to prove myself, to be seen as someone special. There were times I felt like I wasn't enough. I'm not good at math, science, or physics, for example. I struggle with even simple tasks; I struggle to say "no"; I'm often trying to please others to be more liked, and I often forget things.
Finding my creative voice
Now, let me light up the mood in here! Here is when I can finally relate to him the most, once I've graduated from high school and completed my first year in college. I once thought that my lifelong dream was to be an artist or a cartoonist. Ever since I was a child, I have always enjoyed drawing. I would watch cartoons from my childhood, such as Blue's Clues, My Little Pony, Hello Kitty and Friends, and sometimes watch YouTube videos on how to draw a particular character or object, like unicorns or flowers.
Truth be told, though, I'm not exactly the most talented artist in my class. I'm more into doodles and cartoon-style drawings, sometimes featuring stick figures with cute faces. As I grew older, my drawing skills improved due to Instagram artists, art YouTubers, and my artsy friends. I started creating my original characters, or OC's, writing short fanfics about my favorite fictional characters, and drawing more often, both during and after class.
Despite improving, I am still not the best at creating the most impressive art. Heck, I can't even draw vibrant backgrounds or dynamic poses without it looking wonky. My style is just more Anime-inspired and cartoon-inspired. Even to this day, my art style is the same.
A different path can still be yours
At the end of the film, spoiler alert, Mike and Sully got kicked out of the university. It's unfortunate, I know. But does it stop them from reaching their goals of becoming Scarers? No, sir!
They become mailmen instead, then later, they climb up the ranks, and there, they become a Scare team, with Mike becoming Sully's coach while Sully becomes the Scarer. It isn't the dream Mike envisioned all his life, but it's a path meant for him. The ending scene of the film was the one that resonated with me the most because it's hopeful. It shows that there are alternative paths to achieving your dreams, and even if you failed at one goal, you can still find your place in life.
Though let's be real, not every dream pans out, no matter how hard you try. But that's okay. You did your best. You had your shot; you can always try again. Sometimes life has other plans for you. There is a path meant for you, just not the one you've hoped for. Indeed, life is unpredictable. Dreams or goals may change over time, and that's okay, too. It may be hard to accept the fact that you failed your one dream, but that doesn't mean your life is over. You can still find success and fulfillment by taking another path.
I decided to pursue a new dream: creative writing. I spent some time engaging in both traditional and digital art, but eventually, I lost my drive and motivation to draw. Although I would love to explore my artistic side further, I often feel fatigued and creatively blocked. A lot of times, I would find myself staring blankly at my digital canvas, trying to think of something to draw.
At that point, I wasn't able to draw anything for a while until I hit senior high. I feel creative again, just through a different form of art. I decided to develop my skills by writing fanfiction, primarily about fictional characters and K-pop idols. This is a step toward my goal of becoming a writer.
And here I am! A blogger who loves to write about the things she loves. It's a different path from what I wanted, which is to be a best-selling author, but it is a path that feels right for me. Who knows! I might still pursue that dream of writing a book one day. And if I can't, then it's okay. So...
Keep a little room for possibility
Don't let life or anybody stop you from pursuing your dreams. Whatever you're passionate about or whatever you're striving for, go for it! And if all fails, you can always find a way to achieve success and fulfillment. It's always good to venture out, discover, explore, and try new hobbies. And let's not forget to appreciate the efforts and the journey we've gone through. Though it's harsh and exhausting, at least we've experienced it and learned from it. Success will be yours one day.
So, what do you think of this reflection? Do you have any aspirations you'd like to share? I'd like to hear them out.
