News Pop Culture and Entertainment 8 Life Lessons I Learned from Star Wars By Janelle Grodsky Updated on May 25, 2017 @ 01:15PM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Lucasfilm Happy 40th Anniversary, Star Wars! Can you believe the first film in the sci-fi franchise hit theaters in 1977? It seems like ages ago (cue in-a-galaxy-far-far-away joke), but in reality, its themes, stories, and characters are as relevant today as they were back then. I'd even go as far to say that Episodes I through VII helped shape who I am today. Bold statement, right? But seriously, I've been watching the trilogies for as long as I can remember. I almost wore Princess Leia's cinnamon bun hairdo to a school dance, but more on that later. Between Yoda, Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and even Rey (Daisy Ridley) in the latest film, I've learned so much about life from these fictional characters. Scroll down to find out what the cult classic has taught me. 01 of 08 WOMEN RULE THE UNIVERSE Lucasfilm This one is a given, but the Star Wars franchise solidified my opinion on this subject thanks to the kick-ass women who make the movies what they are. I'm looking at you Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman), and Rey. 02 of 08 FIND A MENTOR Lucasfilm From Obi Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker, the Jedi masters look to Yoda for advice and mentorship. We all need a Yoda in our lives, or at least someone who can pass on all of their wisdom, teachings, and understanding of the world to us. More importantly, someone who says things like: "Patience you must have, my young padawan." 03 of 08 HUMOR IS NECESSARY Lucasfilm Han Solo and Chewbacca provide random bits of comedic relief throughout the entire franchise, so I have them to thank for my appreciation of dry wit and sarcasm. When Skywalker questions Solo's flying abilities after they escape Tatooine, he quips, "Watch your mouth kid or you're going to find yourself floating home." Then, when they've successfully escaped, he says, "Don't everyone thank me at once." I'm sure you can guess Chewy's response. 04 of 08 USE THE FORCE Lucasfilm This one is obvious since it's basically the premise of the entire franchise, but I've gained a greater appreciation of my surroundings, tangible or not, regardless. May the force be with you. 05 of 08 BESTIES ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT Lucasfilm C-3PO and R2-D2 are the ultimate BFFs. They spend almost all of their time chatting, bickering, and tinkering together. Those two robots taught me so much about the power of friendship. Han Solo and Chewbacca are bestie goals too. 06 of 08 STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD Lucasfilm All Storm Troopers are the same, right? Wrong! John Boyega's Finn proved that we don't all have to be the same. We can have our own opinions, thoughts, and actions even though they might go against the group. 07 of 08 EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE Lucasfilm Unpopular opinion: I feel slightly bad for Darth Vader. He's so misunderstood! Even his son (Luke Skywalker) reconciles with him in the end, which shows me that even the most evil people in your life deserve a second chance. 08 of 08 HAIR BUNS ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE Lucasfilm While Princess Leia can rock those hair buns like no other, I'm firsthand experience that they don't work on everyone. Before a high school formal dance, I went to a local hair salon and asked for the cinnamon bun special. When I got home, I took one look in the mirror and quickly unraveled the Leia-inspired 'do before any of my friends (or my date!) could bear witness to it.