Powerful. Fashionable. Unstoppable.

These are often the first words that come to mind when you hear the name Blair Waldorf. 

The iconic character from Gossip Girl is so much more than the perfect on-screen queen bee, representing what it truly means to live in a complex, demanding society.

Alongside being the perfect Halloween costume for brunettes, she can teach us so much about navigating the difficulties of growing up under so much expectation; something so many young girls can relate to today.

As an ambitious person myself, it was a great source of comfort to see someone like myself unapologetically go after what she wanted. Whether it was Yale or a leadership role, watching her dedication to her goals helped me realise that aiming high is something to be proud of. Despite facing setbacks, she consistently remains resilient; an example we should all follow.

Undoubtedly, all of us have faced challenges in our friendships; Blair is no exception. Her relationship with Serena Van Der Woodsen was complex but real. They faced betrayal and anger, yet always managed to reconcile their relationship. This has taught me that relationships are not always easy to maintain- they require patience, loyalty and forgiveness however, when you care about the relationship, it will always thrive.

After asking fellow Gossip Girl fan Rhea  about how Blair had impacted her, she told me that “after rewatching the show for a second time, I felt so much more connected to Blair. I felt as if she acted as a motif of courage and independence- something many people in our generation struggle with. Her character empowers people.”

Behind her fiery personality and tough exterior, Blair demonstrated many moments of vulnerability. Her need for validation and perfectionism has shown me that even the strongest people we know can struggle with self- doubt and insecurity on the inside and that these feelings within oneself are normal. 

Her character is not about perfection but striving to be the best person one can be. Her acceptance of her flaws has resonated deeply with me, helping me appreciate the beauty of self-confidence and resilience and that success often comes when we embrace our flaws.