Growing up in the early to mid-2000s, our generation spent every Saturday morning crouched in front of the TV watching cartoons. Whether we realize it or not these cartoons have greatly influenced us to behave the way we do today.

 “The Fairly Odd Parents” made us believe no matter how bad things get there could always be a good turnout. This show tells the story of a 10-year-old Timmy Turner who is neglected by his parents and tortured by his babysitter. One day, he is granted two fairy godparents, who grant his every wish to improve his miserable life. This show taught us that when things seem tough just know they can always get better.

“Phineas and Ferb” taught us to always be creative and think outside of the box. This show is about two stepbrothers who find inventive activities to do each day of their summer vacation, such as building crazy inventions out of materials you would find in your home. I found myself many times after watching this show trying to build something crazy like a catapult or roller coaster out of things in my room. This show gave us the lesson of the crazy accomplishments that even kids can have if they put their minds to it and think outside of the box. 

“Gravity Falls” is another show that shaped our generation. Twin siblings, Dipper and Mabel Pines spend the summer at their great-uncle’s motel in Gravity Falls, Oregon. Dipper is a bright kid who is obsessed with the paranormal and discovering mysteries. Mabel is a funny kid obsessed with boy bands and falling in love with boys. These polar opposite personalities prove that people like this can get along great even if they have different interests.

“Fish Hooks” felt very relatable and got us excited about school. The series revolves around teen fish Milo, his brother Oscar and their friend Bea Goldfishberg. They attend a school submerged in an aquarium in a pet store. The series chronicles their daily lives as they wish for everything from eel attacks and field trips to romance and homework. These fish made school fun and exciting which in turn helped us get excited about school.

“Kim Possible” was a great show for younger girls because she was a great role model for kids to show that everyone goes through problems but they are nothing we cannot handle. This show is an animated action-adventure series. The main character is a teenage girl tasked with fighting crime on a regular basis while coping with everyday issues commonly associated with kids and teens.

“SpongeBob SquarePants” taught us valuable life lessons through crazy adventures underwater. This cartoon is about a yellow sponge who lives underwater in a town called Bikini Bottom. He lives in a two-story pineapple house with his neighbor, Squidward Tentacles, and his best friend, Patrick Star. In the words of SpongeBob, “You never really know the true value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” SpongeBob values his time, even when he is alone. He chooses to live by the motto that life is made up of tiny moments – don’t let them pass you by.