Four Valuable Lessons Students Can Learn from Zendaya

Zendaya is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces today and has recently been named among TIME’s 100 most influential people.

Zendaya is a highly recognizable name in modern pop culture due to her popularity as an actress and her presence in the media. She has established herself as a unique and original figure in Hollywood, and what sets her apart is that she has achieved success on her own terms, without compromising her individuality.

Life lessons from Zendaya

Always come prepared

Zendaya’s success is attributed in part to her exceptional level of preparation. She devotes a significant amount of time and effort to perfecting her craft, whether it be acting or fashion. For instance, she spent months learning trapeze to perform her own stunts in “The Greatest Showman.” This meticulous approach to her work sets her apart from others in her field.

It shows just how much extra preparation can do to propel you forward so the next time you’re thinking of skipping that reading before class or skimming through research for a company you’re applying for, don’t

Believe in your capabilities

Throughout her career, Zendaya has been dedicated to challenging the limitations within the entertainment industry. She has actively sought out roles that challenge the traditional Hollywood narrative, which has historically favoured white actresses. For instance, when she was approached by Disney to star in “K.C. Undercover,” she made a point to ensure that her character’s family was portrayed as people of colour. By taking such steps, Zendaya is helping to bring about a more inclusive and diverse representation of individuals within the media.

She set out a list of other conditions, too. “I wanted to make sure that she wasn’t good at singing or acting or dancing,” she told Vogue. “That she wasn’t artistically inclined. … There are other things that a girl can be.” 

This is an attitude you can adopt as a student, too. Don’t close yourself off from experiences that might make you uncomfortable, especially if you’re only holding back because nobody else is doing it. 

Read Also: How to Be an Actually Good College Roommate

Take advantage of the opportunities given to you

Before she became one of the most recognisable faces in Hollywood, Zendaya was a Disney starlet who was relatively unknown. It was the 2015 Oscars that put her on the map where she was pictured with dreadlock-styled hair that received criticism from the fashion world. “I feel like she smells like patchouli oil,” said E’s Giuliana Rancic, and off-camera, a voice added, “Or weed.”

This sparked outrage among internet users, pointing out Rancic’s and the wider fashion world’s racial ignorance but it wasn’t until Zendaya posted up a response herself that the controversy truly took off. 

There is already harsh criticism of African American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair,

My wearing my hair in locs on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of colour that our hair is good enough.

she said in an Instagram post.

The post went viral, being lauded by celebrities and internet users alike. 

Zendaya’s greatest asset is her ability to seize opportunities and use them to her advantage, which has helped define her career. Her success illustrates that creating your own opportunities can lead to significant career growth. Therefore, if you have an opportunity to make something happen for yourself, it’s crucial to take that leap without hesitation.

Use your privilege to be of service to others

Despite her fame and success, Zendaya doesn’t indulge in the luxuries that come with her status. Instead, she uses her platform and leverages to bring attention to the racial disparities that exist within the entertainment industry. By acknowledging her privilege, she highlights the importance of using one’s position of influence to make a positive impact on the world.

A lot of people who aren’t people of colour can’t quite understand what it’s like to grow up and not see yourself in mainstream media,

And you know, there is so much work left to be done.”

she said in a 2017 Glamour interview.

You don’t need Zendaya’s stardom or platform to make a difference in others’ lives; you have the knowledge and experience you’ve gained through your own education and personal journey, and that is enough.