What does it actually mean to become the person you're capable of being — without losing the person you already are?

In this episode of The Still Growing Up Film Club, Cece Fanning revisits the beloved coming-of-age classic The Princess Diaries and Mia Thermopolis's unexpected journey from invisible teenager to Princess of Genovia.

Through princess lessons, makeovers, friendship fallouts, embarrassing mistakes and one very important royal decision, Cece explores what Mia's story can teach us about identity, confidence, courage and finding our own voice. She considers the difference between changing to meet other people's expectations and allowing ourselves to grow in ways that genuinely feel right.

Cece also looks at The Princess Diaries through a neurodivergent lens, reflecting on the parts of Mia she finds particularly relatable — from literal thinking and feeling awkward or out of place to the struggle of stepping outside an identity other people have prescribed for us.

Because becoming more confident doesn't have to mean becoming somebody else. Sometimes growing up is about discovering that you can change, make mistakes, ask for help and still remain entirely yourself.

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Produced for the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.

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