Oh, Sweet Freedom!

‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ Shares Important Life Lessons

By Lisset Guillen, Staff Writer

In 1986, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” provided audiences with the themes of freedom, what is important in life and friendships.

Titular character Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew Broderick, decides to skip school by pretending to be sick. He and two friends decided to take one of their parents’ cars, a 1961Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, on a Chicago day trip, attending a Cubs game, an art institute, the Von Steuben Day Parade and more.

Although the trio skipped class that day, they grew in his relationships.

“As you start to do things you love, you discover your passion and it’s about being intentional about how you continue to do those things that help you grow,” said Meagan Elsberry, the assistant dean of students at Lynn University. “It’s important to be mindful of relationships.”

Bueller mischievously wanders Chicago with his girlfriend Sloane, played by Mia Sara, and his best friend Cameron, played by Alan Ruck. Being with the people closest to him brought excitement and adventure to the day.

“Having a friend group that shares similar values, goals and interests can be so positive in terms of decision-making, social adventures and having a support system to lean on in hard times,” said Ben Jackson, a financial aid counselor at Lynn.

Cameron was a bundle of anxiety because of his strict upbringing. He was so nervous about getting caught and crashing his father’s vehicle. However, after the car crashes through his garage, he realized graduation was near, and it was fun to rebel against authority.

“The best way to enjoy life is slowly, with love, community and light,” said Sophia McClelland, a Be True to You club leader. “In high school, I wish I had spent more quality time with my friends and family.”

In the film’s finale, Bueller makes it home in time for his parents to find him in bed, where he claimed to have been all day while ill.

The film is the source of wisdom, albeit from a high school-aged character, who forewarns the audience: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around for a while, you could miss it.”