As a writer, I live in my head. My typical weekday involves rapidly typing on the laptop with my stubby fingers while racing deadlines from home in solitude. Couple that with my socially anxious nature, and it isn’t a surprise that I rarely go out and mingle with people. I make up my lack of socializing by living vicariously through books and movies.

As these characters come to life for me, I put myself inside their minds and wonder, could I do it? If I were to get laid off, would I have it in me to get right back up and reinvent myself? If I were to relocate to a new town, would I be able to kick homesickness in the face and welcome my new life? Life is scary and beautiful; storytelling is profound and powerful. If not for these insightful stories and relatable characters, I probably would be content staying at home forever – but if there’s one thing these characters have taught me, it’s that there’s a little spark in everyone and we can always do more. Thanks to these five fictional role models, I’m ready to start growing, and dive into the next chapter of my life.

Becky Fuller, Morning Glory (2010 film)

Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) is every ambitious person’s spirit animal. After being laid off at Good Morning New Jersey, she lands herself with a new job at Daybreak, a show which is the butt of jokes in the television broadcasting industry. There’s workplace friction and budgeting issues. Worse, her mother and boss have doubts about her capabilities — the matriarch of the family even begs her to give up before it gets too heartbreaking. But Becky is one tough cookie; she’ll be damned if she doesn’t give it a shot. Watching her trying to save Daybreak from being canceled, you can’t help but be inspired: whether you’re 8, 18, or 28 (an age her mother deems as “embarrassing”), it’s never too late to dream big and make it happen. As a writer who’s had her fair share of duds and flops, this gives me renewed confidence that there’s a winner in us ready to be unleashed. (Editor’s note: the screenplay from this film was written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the co-creator of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”! – EK)

Kiki, Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989 film)

Kiki is a 13-year-old trainee witch. She has a flying broom, a talking black cat and high hopes. When she leaves home and settles into life in a new city, she launches an air courier service, delivering goods on her broomstick. Like every new business owner, Kiki faces challenges like her inexperience and unpredictable weather conditions. The obstacles in her job are only the beginning. Loneliness and low self-esteem creep in; she falters and loses faith in herself — at one point, the air of melancholy gets so intense that her magic power completely disappears. But when Kiki realizes her friend’s in danger after witnessing an accident on TV, she musters her courage and successfully reunites with her power. The scene where Kiki defeats her adversity is a powerful sight to behold. It taught me that when you overcome your Kryptonite (in this case, it’s my darn self-doubts), you’ve already won half the battle.

Tomika, The School of Rock (2003 film)

When Dewey Finn holds an audition for his new rock band, he assigns Tomika, his shyest student, as one of his roadies. Unhappy with his choice, Tomika approaches him and voices her concerns and sings, flawlessly demonstrating her vocal prowess – Finn is surprised; he has underestimated her. He appoints Tomika as one of his backup singers, and her powerful vocals eventually becomes an asset in their school band. It’s a massive encouragement boost watching Tomika blossom from an insecure to a confident singer. Sometimes all it takes is the first step for us to get what we want. The two things you have to do? Stand tall and make the first move.

River Tam, “Firefly” (2002 TV series)

Anxiety and panic attacks can be brought on by many triggers. But for River Tam (played by Summer Glau), a child prodigy who had been experimented on by corrupted doctors and scientists, panic leads her to snap into an action hero mode, beating back oppressors as much as she can. After these episodes, she disintegrates emotionally – a side effect of the mind control experiments she suffered. In the episode “Objects In Space,” River volunteers to leave the spaceship for good for the sake of the safety of her crew members. Fortunately, towards the end of the series, she stays behind. We see River embracing her struggles and proving that she is greater than her obstacles. What River teaches us is the importance of acceptance and the resilience to pick ourselves up in the face of adversity.

Veronica Mars, “Veronica Mars” (2004 TV series)

More than a modern-day Nancy Drew, Veronica Mars (played by Kristen Bell) is a combative, independent-thinking, smart-mouthed and mature high school student who moonlights as a private investigator at her dad’s firm. After the gruesome murder of her best friend, Veronica sets out to find the killer, desperate for justice. Bullies, violence, and corruption are not going to stop this strong-willed strategic thinker. In fact, it makes her even more hell-bent on putting these crooks behind bars. Veronica may be cold and unapproachable on the outside — but, in truth, she’s living proof of Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s sentiment on being soft and not letting the world make you hard. Really, inside, she’s a marshmallow (which is also what Veronica Mars’ passionate fans call themselves). When a dear friend gets bullied in school, she imparts one advice: “You get tough. You get even.” Bullies exist outside the classroom, so this is the one gem of wisdom I bet all of us hold close to our heart. I know I do.

When I watch these shows, I am reminded that – although our specific circumstances may differ in details – I’m in the same boat as many of these strong female characters, learning to conquer my fears and to live each moment one day at a time.

This piece was submitted as part of the GrokWithUs initiative, designed to highlight the stories and experiences of GrokNation readers.

Priscilla Tan is a profile feature writer from Singapore.