For those who don’t know, I have a long running love affair with Grey’s Anatomy. I have watched the series through season 11; those who have watched it probably know why I stop there. Some may say that the show is simply a drama-filled piece of entertainment, and while I cannot deny this, I also think that it is so much more. The show itself has helped me through some of the hardest times of my life, and I truly believe there are valuable lessons underneath the superficial exterior. If you don’t believe me, then let these quotes convince you.

“There’s an end to every storm. Once all the trees have been uprooted. Once all the houses have been ripped apart. The wind will hush, the clouds will part, the rain will stop, the sky will clear in an instant. But only then, in those quiet moments after the storm, do we learn who was strong enough to survive it.”

Although it is nearly impossible to choose just two of Meredith’s iconic quotes, I thought this particular quote was necessary to include as it strikes almost too close to home right now. In a time of such uncertainty, where the world seems to be crumbling everywhere you look, there is nothing more important to remember than there will be an end, eventually.

“Maybe we’re not supposed to be happy, maybe gratitude has nothing to do with joy. Maybe being grateful means recognizing what you have for what it is, appreciating small victories. Admiring the struggle it takes simply to be human. Maybe we’re thankful for the familiar things we know. And maybe we’re thankful for the things we’ll never know. At the end of the day, the fact that we have the courage to still be standing is reason enough to celebrate.”

Yet again, Meredith mic drops some wisdom on the viewers. So much has been taken away lately, and as a senior I can admit it has been difficult to be grateful while it seems all the things to be grateful for have been ripped away. However, this quote exemplifies the mentality that we need to maintain during these times, and be thankful for what we still have and the fact that it could always be worse.

“It doesn’t matter how tough we are. Trauma always leaves a scar. It follows us home, it changes our lives. Trauma messes everybody up. But maybe that’s the point. All the pain and the fear and the crap. Maybe going through all that is what keeps us moving forward. It’s what pushes us. Maybe we have to get a little messed up, before we can step up.”

This quote is from Alex Karev, the underdog intern who came from a rough background. His optimistic viewpoint of trauma provides a refreshing view of current events, and is a necessary reminder of the unforeseen positives that can come from trauma.

“We don’t get unlimited chances to have the things that we want, and this I know. Nothing is worse than missing an opportunity that could have changed your life.”

Have you ever loved something you know you should hate? Well, that is Addison Montgomery for you. Her knowledge, however, is undeniable. While less relevant to the pandemic, there is still incredible value in her words. Now, we have more time than ever to evaluate what we want, what we need, and how we can act on this when we
have the chance.

“Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature. Be better than anyone here, and don’t give a damn what anyone thinks.”

Last, but certainly not least, is the remarkable Cristina Yang. There is no better advice on this list than this one; I intentionally saved best for last. Short but sweet, Yang hits home on how to live to the fullest extent. And, as my senior year comes to a wrap, I can verify through my experience that she is 100% correct.