It’s Ok to Be a Beauty School Dropout

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Grease was my favorite movie when I was a kid. I had it on VHS, its cardboard cover tattered after years of viewings. I know every. single. line. I’ve wished my entire life that I could fit Into those tight-ass pants Sandy wears at the end, and I set aside all my feminist ideals when I watch the last scene and see how Danny and Sandy change for each other, understanding full well that she gives up way more of herself than he does—but oh how I love the romance!

I recently rewatched Grease with fresh eyes, probably 40 years after my first viewing. I still know every line. It was comfort TV for me, warm and fuzzy after a hard week.

And then I had an unexpected revelation that made me appreciate this movie even more.

I’ve always loved the Beauty School Dropout scene. It’s campy and colorful, and Frankie Avalon lays on the charm. I’ve always loved Frenchy—she’s the not-so-bright but lovable, loyal friend, the only Pink Lady who seems to genuinely like Sandy and have her best interests at heart. But watching it as an adult, I realized this song is so much more than silver hair rollers and fluffy lyrics. It’s empowering. It’s saying it’s ok to make a mistake, to give up a dream if it doesn’t pan out the way you expect, to make another choice if it would be in your own best interest.

Maybe you thought a certain career, a glamorous image, a “perfect” marriage was key to achieving your life dreams. Maybe it was something simpler—you were going to lose a specific amount of weight by a specific time with an ultra-specific diet. Maybe you were finally going to finish that book on your nightstand.

Maybe you were wrong.

And that’s ok.

You are allowed to take risks and experiment, and then pivot and change course to find what’s best for you.

Take the time to try new things. If you decide to let something go, you can take something positive from it—no matter how small—and move on. Don’t cry over your spilled milkshake.

When you’re starting over after divorce, it takes courage to say “yes” to new experiences. And sometimes it takes even more courage to say that a new experience just isn’t for you. Give yourself the permission to make mistakes and the grace to forgive yourself if you change your mind.

You will still be a good person if it doesn’t work out. You can learn from an experience and not be a failure. You can “give up your teasing comb and go back to high school.” You can absolutely be Frenchy and go to the prom.

It’s ok—it’s all part of your journey.