12 Things Rory Gilmore Taught Us About Growing Up

She's basically perfect.

1. Sometimes your first day at a new school will suck, but you’ll get through it and school will get better.

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Rory started at Chilton midway through the semester. Although her first couple months were filled with Tristan calling her "Mary" and some mean girls, she eventually found her place.

2. Don’t try and hide things from your mother; she will always find out.

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Lorelai Gilmore seemed to know everything that happened in Rory’s life. And if Rory didn't tell her she would always find out eventually. When Rory had her first kiss with Dean, she was afraid to tell Lorelai, but within days Lorelai knew.

3. Fight for those that you love.

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If you love someone you have to tell them. Rory loved Dean, and she let that idiot know!

4. School comes first. No questions asked.

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Rory knew from a young age that the key to being successful in the future was a good work ethic. She knew that all of her schoolwork had to be done before the fun could happen.

5. Decisions are hard; follow your gut and don't let anyone else sway your decision.

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Rory had always thought she would attend Harvard, however after visiting Yale she knew that it was the right school for her. Though hesitant about choosing Yale because of her mom’s love of Harvard, Rory followed her gut by attending Yale. Go Bulldogs!

6. Wallowing helps to mend a broken heart. Sometimes you just need to wallow.

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A Gilmore Girls tradition, wallowing, always helped heal a heart break. Consisting of eating tons of junk food and watching hours of television, wallowing makes a girl feel better.

7. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.

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Even as valedictorian at her high school graduation, Rory never failed to be herself. As she was handed her diploma Rory walked across the stage sticking out her tongue and making a silly face. You do you, girl.

8. It’s okay to need your mom, no matter how old you are.

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Life is hard. Don’t be embarrassed to rely on your mom for comfort and advice.

9. Don't judge a book by its cover... sometimes people will surprise you.

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Although Rory was initially on Paris' short list for being the new girl who could potentially steal her thunder, the pair eventually became best friends.

10. Take risks and take chances -- even when you’re scared.

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Although Rory tended to be a goody-goody most of her life, she also took opportunities to live her life to the fullest. When Logan asked her to jump off a seven story scaffolding tower with him and his friends, her initial reaction was no, but she reconsidered when Logan reminded her that she only lives once. YOLO.

11. Don’t let the criticism of one person stop you from following your dreams, no matter how powerful that person may be.

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Even though Mitchum Huntzberger’s harsh words pushed Rory into a downward spiral, she was able recover and become a journalist. She refused to let one man get in the way of her goals.

12. Don’t forget about the people who helped you along the way. Make sure to thank them.

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Lorelai raised Rory in partnership with the entire town of Stars Hollow. Without Stars Hollow, Rory would not have been Rory. At Rory’s Bon Voyage party, she thanked the town and expressed her gratitude.

Thank you, Rory, for all the guidance.