While the initial return to Grounds was filled with warm reunions, breezy syllabus introductions and exciting new routines, the reality of a busy semester is beginning to hit. Schedules have officially settled and classes are becoming more demanding as midterms, papers and group projects start to flood calendars.
As the novelty of new classes fades, finding the motivation to stay focused can become an assignment of its own. Fortunately, film and television are filled with characters whose curiosity, discipline and ambition can make an evening spent in the library sound more appealing. Here are four stories to help students refocus, return to their goals and find inspiration for an academic comeback.
“Matilda” (1996)
Directed by Danny DeVito, this film adaptation of a Roald Dahl story follows a young girl named Matilda Wormwood who has a love of reading and exceptional intelligence. Despite receiving little encouragement from her parents at home, she develops her knowledge by visiting the library and forming a strong relationship with her teacher, Miss Honey, who supports Matilda’s education. Matilda’s motivation comes from genuine curiosity, which allows her to overcome the limitations imposed by her family and pursue the education she deserves.
While the film is directed towards younger audiences, its nostalgic nature has the power to remind college-aged students of the excitement that may have originally drawn them to their subjects. Matilda’s academic enthusiasm reminds the audience that education — while often dominated by grades, deadlines and requirements — can also be an enjoyable process. Her story can encourage college-aged students to approach studying with curiosity, rather than viewing every assignment as an obligation.
“Good Will Hunting” (1997)
In this drama directed by Gus Van Sant, Matt Damon portrays Will Hunting, a janitor who works at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology while possessing an extraordinary hidden talent for mathematics. After he gets recognized for anonymously solving an advanced math problem written on a hallway chalkboard, he begins to work on math problems with Prof. Gerald Lambeau, who realizes his talent. But although Will can solve the complex equations that challenge MIT graduate students, he is reluctant to pursue the opportunities placed before him.
Will’s greatest obstacle is not a lack of intelligence, but his fear of vulnerability and tendency to reject help. However, the support of his therapist — Sean Maguire, played by Robin Williams — and close friends encourage Will to pursue his gift and push past his hesitation. Ultimately, Will’s journey demonstrates that fulfilling one’s potential often requires more than merely natural ability. It encourages viewers to step outside of their comfort zone and believe that their own abilities are worth developing in order to set themselves up for a bright future.
“The Queen’s Gambit” (2020)
This Netflix limited series follows Beth Harmon — played by Anya Taylor-Joy — as she rises from learning chess in the basement of an orphanage to competing against the world’s most accomplished players. Beth first learns the rules of the game from the orphanage custodian and quickly reveals an instinctive ability to visualize moves and anticipate her opponents’ strategies. Her talent may appear effortless, but the series repeatedly shows that her achievements are also the product of intense preparation.
Beth studies chess books, examines past matches and replays games to identify where she went wrong. Rather than wallowing in her losses, she uses them to adjust her strategy before confronting more accomplished opponents. Yet, her obsession with success comes with consequences, as she struggles with addiction and isolation throughout the series. Her most meaningful progress occurs when she accepts support from the people around her and realizes that achievement does not have to be solitary. For students going through challenging academic moments, Beth’s story offers a relevant lesson in the value of reviewing mistakes, changing ineffective habits and allowing others to help turn individual talent into lasting growth.
“The Social Network” (2010)
Directed by David Fincher, “The Social Network” dramatizes the creation of Facebook by Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg. After developing an early website from his dorm room, Mark channels his technical ability into a social platform that rapidly expands beyond Harvard into the entire country. The film presents its university environment as a unique place where students can combine their personal knowledge with the relationships and resources around them to create something with influence far beyond campus.
Mark’s focus and determination can serve as inspiration for students who are chasing high goals, as he continues to believe in his company even in the face of various personal and legal challenges. His ultimate success with the platform offers a motivating reminder that the work students complete today could become the foundation for something world-changing. While Mark’s selfish tendencies and jaded personality alienate many of those closest to him, his insatiable drive for success and resourcefulness in the face of adversity are among the traits that ultimately enable him to become the mind behind the global media titan.
Together, these stories demonstrate that academic motivation can take many forms and can be sustained in many ways. Matilda’s curiosity inspired her pursuit of education. Will’s intrinsic potential helps him overcome personal hesitation. Beth’s disciplined practice enables her to turn challenges into opportunities with an eye on the future, whereas Mark’s pursuit of accomplishment keeps him motivated in any given moment. While none of these stories can make a reading assignment shorter or a midterm less daunting, they can make the work feel more purposeful, providing a different reason to reconnect with learning and approach the semester with renewed purpose.
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