Dryden Students Write...
May 19, 2021
Lessons Learned from Bugs Bunny
Inspired by a column titled "Lessons Learned from Bugs Bunny",
students explored what they gleaned from their favorite TV shows, movies, and books.
Putting their thoughts into words, they created their own "Lessons Learned" pieces.
This is the first episode.
Lessons Learned From Non-Fiction TV Shows
by Nathan Baughman
From centuries of looking for an important treasure to those just trying to make a living, there are many lessons that can be learned from non-fiction TV shows.
When many people think about the lessons they have learned, few will think about shows from the History or Discovery channels. While shows from these channels not only teach you about what is going on in the real world, they can also teach you important life lessons. Here are some of my top choices.
1. The Curse of Oak Island
For those who are not familiar with the show, Oak Island is an island in Nova Scotia, Canada where people have been searching for treasure for over 225 years. It is believed that during the 15th century, members of the knights' templar sailed to Oak Island from Europe and buried their treasure. The treasure is said to contain millions of dollars worth of gold, silver, and gems, along with priceless religious artifacts and historical documents. So far six people have lost their lives trying to find the treasure and many more have almost died due to cave-ins and floods in tunnels they dug to try and reach the treasure.
The main lesson of this show is to never give up on what you believe in. The guys currently working on the island have been there for over a decade and have plans to stay until they uncover the truth.
2. Gold Rush
This show is about a few different groups of people who are digging for gold in order to make a living. While digging for gold, they often face many challenges such as machines breaking down or water hoses bursting. While these events often cost them tens of thousands of dollars, they always push through until the end.
The main lesson that can be learned from this show is to never give up. The guys who do this for a living usually end up making a decent living off of it and they enjoy doing it as well.
3. Lost Gold of World War II
This third and final show on my list is about a group of treasure hunters from The US who travel to the Philippines in search of treasure buried at the end of World War II. At the end of the war, the Japanese buried the treasure that they looted from other countries and buried it across the Philippines in hope of someday retrieving it. Throughout the years, many people have died trying to find the treasure. Not only can finding something get you killed by locals, but the Japanese boobytrapped the area in hopes of keeping people away. These traps killed a group of treasure hunters in the 80s when they accidentally hit a cyanide bottle with a shovel.
The main lesson from this show is similar to the last two and that is; don’t stop trying, do what you love to do. These people understand the risk and what happened to people there before them, however, they insist on finding the treasure and aren’t giving up.
Lessons in the Fast and Furious Franchise
by Tyler Biggs
I believe it would be fair to say that the Fast and Furious franchise is one of the most popular in history. Yes, they are movies about people who drive big, fancy cars trying to outrun the law, but there is much more to those movies. This franchise means so much to people not because of the action and cars, but because of the lessons learned along the way. Three of the biggest lessons in these movies are the importance of teamwork, understanding, and family.
Let’s start with the teamwork aspect of these movies. Throughout the entire series, the crew always seek to help each other out. Being best friends because of their common interests and similarities only makes them stronger and more caring. Nearly every action sequence in these films involves one member of the crew being helped by another. Once again, yes, they are criminals evading the law and causing all kinds of destruction, but if that is all you see, then you do not understand the meaning of these movies. The connection between Brian O’Conner (played by Paul Walker) and Dominic Toretto (played by Vin Diesel) is unrivaled, which allowed them to push and help each other through every situation. This is why the loss of Paul was so detrimental to not only the cast and crew but to the fans who loved the movies and seemingly grew a connection with each actor’s persona.
When it comes to understanding, there are at least a few scenes that I can think of right off the bat where at least one of the characters exhibited some level of understanding. The main one I can think of is from Furious 8 when one of them suggests that they may need to go find Brian to help them. Dom turned down the suggestion because Brian had a family and left at the end of Furious 7. This was a change made to the storyline due to Paul Walker’s passing. Dom didn’t want to disturb Brian’s happy life with his family, so they decided to work together and persevere until they succeeded. He definitely had his moments where he chose understanding over trying to be cool or the best, as did the others.
The third and arguably most important lesson of the three is family and how it was shown in these films. Each of the members had grown such a level of friendship with each other that they are family, that is by the standards of the audience. They always showed commitment to protecting each other and everything else they loved. When you develop that level of friendship, that is certainly a strong, close family. It would take a while to write about all of the times they protected each other and showed loyalty, so I’ll just say this: they argue like family, they protect like family, and they love like family.
While this is quite short and there are most likely more lessons in the series than listed here, these are arguably the most important of the lessons. I could definitely go deeper, but that would require a deep dive into all of the nine, soon-to-be-ten movies in the franchise. Many people have come to love these films because they love the somewhat discrete lessons within them, and they may not even recognize that that is why they like them. My personal favorite lessons I have seen in the films have to be family and perseverance. Another good lesson is understanding, as it as a lesson is commonly overlooked. You may be wondering where I got these important lessons are in these films, but they’re in there and they mean a lot.
3 Television Shows That Taught Me Invaluable Life Lessons
by Ava DeVlaminck
Throughout people’s lives, they watch television shows after television shows, laughing at the humor, depth, and creativity. But is that all there is to a good TV show? No, these shows have been carefully handcrafted to portray so much more! Life lessons are a big part of the background in a television show. And surprisingly, there are some that you may have never seen coming. As I was watching Friends, The Good Doctor, and The Office, I noticed some very important life lessons.
1. Friends - Keep your sense of humor because it will get you through a lot of life’s rough patches.
“Chandler- “I’m not so good with advice, can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?”
“Rachel - “Well, isn’t that just kick-you-in-the-crotch, spit-on-your-neck fantastic?”
The show Friends, (the best show) shows many lessons. In the show, when Chandler says “I’m not so good with advice, can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?” it shows that when Chandler is uncomfortable, he makes jokes. Another example is when Ross brought home a new girlfriend after going on a trip to China. Rachel was so mad and embarrassed that she said, “Well, isn’t that just kick-you-in-the-crotch, spit-on-your-neck fantastic?” as a way of getting her point across. In the end, Friends has so many life lessons, but this one is definitely in every single episode. So now you know, if you’re ever in an uncomfortable situation, just laugh your way out of it.
The Good Doctor- People on the spectrum can do so much more than people may think.
Shaun Murphy - “I am Dr. Shaun Murphy, I have autism, and I am a surgeon.”
In the show, The Good Doctor, there are many challenges. Especially when it comes to Shaun having autism. If you have never seen the show, it is about an autistic surgeon who is exceptionally good at his job. By watching this show, you learn that people with autism need more credit than people give them. I have learned that autistic people are no different than you and me, but this show really proved that to me. This show proves that people with autism are able to do so much since they are so incredibly smart in their own way. By Shaun saying “I am Dr. Shaun Murphy, I have autism, and I am a surgeon.”, it shows that not only did the people at the hospital give him a chance, but he himself gave him a chance, and that is the real lesson.
3. The Office - Make the best out of any situation.
Michael Scott - “I have flaws. What are they? I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. I’ll occasionally hit somebody with my car, so sue me.”
Michael Scott - “If I had a gun, with two bullets, and I was in a room with Hitler, Bin Laden and Toby, I would shoot Toby twice.”
The office has given me many laughs. Even though this is a comedy, the jokes always seem to catch you by surprise. In the show, The Office, Michael Scott is an inappropriate, carefree, and overall obnoxious boss. This quote, for example, states that Michael, the boss of the company, hits a coworker, Meredith, with a car. This goes with the life lesson of making the best out of every situation because you still work there. You got hit by the car, and you have to deal with it. The second quote explains that Michael has no respect for his employees. Toby, who works in human resources, did nothing wrong to Michael, yet he hates him. Toby just has to deal with it and make the best out of every situation.
Overall, there are so many television shows that provide life lessons hidden in the comedy, romance, and/or despair in the show. Sometimes you don’t really see it. So even though times may get tough, keep smiling through. People that are different aren’t always incapable and sometimes you have to take what you can get.
We’ll be there for you: 10 Life Lessons we Learned from our FRIENDS
by Lily Finnigan
Anyone who has watched a TV show has learned life lessons in the process. The TV show Friends stars six young New Yorkers, most of whom have known each other for a lifetime. In each episode, you learn life lessons about life, love, and friendship from different people without even knowing it. Most of the lessons are hard-learned but come from the best intentions.
1. If you go out with your best friend's sister, remember which one.
On Joey's birthday, Chandler gets drunk and messes around with Joey’s sister. The only problem is he can not remember which one. Joey has seven sisters who all look very similar. Joey is very excited when Chandler tells him about what happened. Chandler then goes to talk to Mary Angela but when he knocks on the door, Joey answers it. Joey invites him to have dinner with the family but whenever Chandler asks Mary Angela questions to find out what one she is, someone answers for her. After not being able to tell the sisters apart, Joey gives them permission to beat him up. This example is a life lesson to not go out with your best friend's sister if you can’t tell them apart.
2. Everyone has a lobster.
When Ross and Rachel were having problems with their relationship, Phoebe doesn’t worry. Phoebe is convinced that Ross and Rachel are lobsters, meaning they are the perfect match for one another. Phoebe thinks everyone has a lobster and you will find them eventually. When Ross and Rachel finally make up, Phoebe ends up being right and saying “See, he’s her lobster”. This tells us that everyone has the person who is perfect for them and they will find them someday and stick together for the rest of their life.
3. Don’t say the wrong name at your wedding.
When Ross was at his wedding with Emily, he ends up saying he takes Rachel instead of Emily. This made Emily very upset but she still ended up marrying him. Shortly after the wedding, she ended up escaping through the window and Ross could not get in contact with her. Ross waited for her at the airport where Rachel was attempting to get a flight back to New York. Once it was time to board, Emily wasn’t there and Ross had an extra ticket for his honeymoon so he decided to take Rachel. Emily showed up as Ross and Rachel were boarding and this made her even more upset. This is a life lesson to not say the wrong name at the wedding and if you say the wrong name to not go on your honeymoon with the girl whose name was said instead.
4. Always make sure you have health insurance.
Rachel hurt her ankle and wouldn't go anywhere so Monica made her go to the doctor. The only problem is Rachel didn’t have health insurance. Rachel asked Monica if she could use hers and Monica allowed her. The pair met a couple of doctors and asked to go out with them. Monica and Rachel had to go by the opposite names so the Doctors didn’t know they lied. They were called back down to the doctors but didn’t know why. They thought they were going to get caught, but in reality, they just forgot to sign a form. This is a lesson to always have health insurance and if you don’t, then do not borrow someone else’s because it will get messy.
5. Keep the original and copy of recipes away from each other.
Phoebe's grandma always made the best cookies. Phoebe had the recipe but kept the original and copy together. Her apartment caught on fire and both the recipes were lost. There were a couple of cookies left over in the freezer so Monica made dozens of cookies to try and find the recipe. They compared the cookies but couldn’t find the match. Phoebe then says her grandma got the recipe from her french friend “Nestle Toulouse”. Monica then realizes the cookies are the recipe on the back of the Nestle Toll House bag. This is an example of a life lesson to not put the original and copy of recipes together. If the recipes are together, you risk losing everything.
6. If you do not want to go somewhere with someone, just say you are going to Yemen.
When Janice saw Chandler but didn’t know Chandler was going out with Monica, he told Janice he was going to Yemen. He told her he had to go home and pack because he hadn’t started yet. Janice goes to his apartment to help him and even takes him to the airport. Janice decides to walk in with him and tells him she is going to be there until the plane takes off. Chandler wasn’t actually trying to go to Yemen so he attempted to buy a fake ticket. He ended up buying an actual ticket and flying to Yemen. He tells Janice his address is “15 Yemen Road, Yemen” but it is just a made up place. This is a lesson to say you are going to Yemen when you don’t want to go somewhere with someone. Just don’t tell someone like Janice because they will be there until you leave.
7. If you go tanning, make sure you switch sides.
After seeing Monica’s tan, Ross decides to go too. Ross asks for a two but he didn’t follow the directions. He became double the darkness he wanted but only on one side of his body. He then went to get sprayed at another tanning salon and messed up those directions as well. He then became an eight on one side and a zero on the other. This is a life lesson to listen to directions while tanning so you don't become an eight instead of a two.
8. Ross and Rachel were on a break.
When Rachel tells Ross she thought it was best to take a break from their relationship Ross got very sad. He ended up going to a bar that night and slept with a girl named Chloe. Rachel messaged him but he didn’t see it until the next morning. She said she was coming over at eight but Chloe was still there from the night before. He had to rush her out but when he opened the door, Rachel was there. The girl he slept with had to hide behind the door and Rachel didn’t know at first. She wasn’t mad at him until she found out Chloe was there at the same time she was. This is an example of a life lesson that when you are on a break with your girlfriend, do not hook up with someone else.
9. Never kiss your friend's girlfriend. (Don’t cross the line.)
Joey was going out with a girl named Kathy but Chandler secretly liked her. Kathy came over to visit Joey but Joey’s car broke down so he couldn’t get back in time. While Kathy and Chandler are alone in the apartment, they get to talking and Kathy cuts his hair. Joey calls back and Kathy decides it is best to leave. On her way out, they kissed. Kathy then comes back in for her purse and they kiss again. They immediately regretted what they did but it was too late. When Chandler tells Joey he likes Kathy, he was surprised but Kathy had just broken up with him. Joey was fine with it because he was happy Chandler came to him first. When Chandler finally tells him he already kissed her, he becomes very upset with Chandler because he went behind his back. Chandler feels bad and says he was over the line. Joey responds by saying “Over the line?! You-you’re-you’re so far past the line, that you-you can’t even see the line! The line is a dot to you!” This is a lesson to not kiss your friend's girlfriend and most importantly, to not cross the line.
10. Don’t over whiten your teeth.
Preparing for his date, Ross decides to whiten his teeth. He left them on longer so they would be extra white, but it turned out to be too long. On his date with Hillary, he would nod instead of speaking and when he actually spoke, he had something covering his mouth. They moved to Hillary’s apartment where they turned on black lights. His teeth were so white you couldn't see anything else. The date didn’t end up working out. This is a lesson to be careful while whitening your teeth and to only whiten them the amount stated on the box.
While watching shows, we learn lessons without even knowing it. You can go shopping with Rachel, visit a museum with Ross, get a massage with Phoebe, see a play with Joey, go out to eat with Monica, or have some laughs with Chandler. Sometimes, all you really need is to spend a little time with your FRIENDS.
Dryden Junior/Senior High School
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