As high school students, one can see themselves in the recent coming-of-age movie “Ladybird”, filled with the struggle for college acceptance, steady jobs, social standings and most importantly, coming to terms that dreams don’t always happen the way we plan them to.

Paired with phenomenal acting and a fitting soundtrack, “Ladybird” follows the story of Christine ‘Ladybird’ McPherson as she navigates her senior year of high school in 2000.

While this narrative seems horribly overdone and typically isn’t accurate, “Ladybird” blew me away so much I saw it twice: with the right touch of real-world issues and humorous cheesiness, this movie is a refreshing take on high school life.

“Ladybird” incorporates struggles I didn’t think I would see represented accurately on a big-screen, including money issues, depression and gay representation.

Ladybird attends a private, religious school in Sacramento, California and she goes great lengths throughout the movie to hide how her family isn’t like the other wealthy students’.

Somewhere in our lives, whether it be to fit in or to stand out, most people have tried to change themselves to receive validation from others. This movie’s depiction of this journey is poignant, real and utterly raw.

On the other side of things, “Ladybird” even delves into parenting such a strong-willed child, showcasing a beautiful story of a mother and daughter coming together in the hardest of times.

Although it wasn’t easy throughout her life, ‘Ladybird’ and her mother share a connection most teenagers can see themselves in, whether it be through the fights or the surprisingly tender moments they share in the midst of a too-fast world.

From the well-done, thoughtful plot, to the wonderful cinematography, to how I left the movie feeling as if I was friends with Ladybird herself, this movie is easily one of my favorites. “Ladybird” is a movie that won’t only make you cry or laugh, but will leave you feeling as extraordinary as her name.