Now with the season finale over and what was a better summer because of the series, lets talk about The Summer I Turned Pretty! Sure, the almost-wedding between Jeremiah and Belly, Conrad’s confession of love, and the whirlwind love triangle were dramatic, but as a long-time Vampire Diaries fan and Twilight fan, love triangles are not exactly groundbreaking for me. What truly captivated me in the finale season was Belly in Paris.

That year changed her. She grew in ways that felt authentic and inspiring. Paris was more than just a backdrop; it was the setting for her journey of self-discovery. For once, Belly was on her own, figuring out who she really was before anyone else. There is something so valuable in meeting yourself first, and that opportunity almost slipped through her fingers.

After being rejected from the semester abroad programme upon arrival, Belly chose to brave the beautiful yet challenging city of Paris. Of course, the show romanticised her experience: she immediately finds a close group of friends, moves into a flat with an incredible view and works a bar job with under-the-table cash. Real life is rarely that seamless. Yet her story still resonates. Belly chose growth over comfort, and there is a lesson there: comfort can feel safe, but it can also become a cage. Sometimes the only way to truly grow is to break free, even when it is difficult.

Her journey makes you reflect on what it takes to reach the fullest version of ourselves. Often it is stepping into situations that feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Staying in the same patterns and environments can stunt growth, keeping us stuck in a life that no longer serves us. Breaking away, even briefly, can provide clarity. It does not have to mean moving across the globe; it could be trying something new, exploring a different environment, or surrounding yourself with people who challenge your perspective. You cannot escape yourself, but creating space to meet yourself in a new way is where real growth begins.

Personally, I have always dreamed of living abroad for a year, to see life from a new angle, to discover hidden facets of myself, and to unlock potential I would not find at home. Growth can feel stifled when we never step outside the world we have always known. Who knows what opportunities, experiences, and self-discoveries await if we simply take that leap?

Anu Aborisade