With the show concluding, the family and I have reflected deeply on how this show has impacted us over the years. Here’s our mini testimonies on how this show has left us forever changed:

“I vividly remember watching the first season of Stranger Things in 8th grade. It fueled my passion for storytelling and acting, inspiring me to go all in working in Film/TV. Since then, I’ve also learned how to write from the Duffer Brothers. I've grown up with this show, each season marking a different chapter in my life. I’m forever grateful for the memories I've experienced with Stranger Things and the journey we took with these characters. Now I’ll do my best to live out my gratitude in life and in my work as an artist!” ~ Matthew

“This show came during a time when I was feeling out of place. Middle school was a period of my life when I constantly felt like an outsider. I never wanted to be like everyone else, but I didn’t want to be alone either. Stranger Things taught me I could find confidence in who I was and what I should look for in a true friend. I made the big leap to homeschool and pursue my acting career during Season 2, and I give credit to this show for helping me find the courage to go all in. I still feel like an outsider, but I have a new comfort knowing now, with confidence, that I’m not alone and I never will be. I thank God for Stranger Things and its characters, for being a part of a very pivotal season in my life. It will always hold a special place in my heart.” ~ Jemileen

“Before Stranger Things, I was having trouble sleeping at night. I would go on for several days with fearful thoughts, wondering what sinister force would rise up from the dark unknown to snatch the people I care about. I struggled with that terror for a long time - until Stranger Things came into my life. Fear doesn't stop me in my tracks anymore - it propels me towards humility. In that state of humility, I’ve discovered a calling to courage. Even if my family is faced with danger, I have faith in the care and passion of my heart. Stranger Things, through its perspectives on friendship and family, has empowered me to rise above my fears with determination. The love displayed in this show gives me hope, and I'm grateful to God for this transformative story.” ~ Joshua

“The journey of watching Stranger Things with my family has been filled with wonderful revelations and conversations that I will forever be grateful for. Watching a show that stars children similar to the age of my own kids allowed for deep conversations with them about the challenges and joys of growing up. The rich story beyond the sci-fi allowed for us to put ourselves in the place of so many moments that reached a deeper part of our hearts. This show was somewhat of a backdrop to the most precious story of my children’s youth. It made us think deeper, believe more, hope more, and above all dream more. I am so inspired by how this show can inspire and move so many people and I have gained so many memories with my family and friends that I will cherish forever. When I look back to this show, I will always remember the wonder of my 3 kids going from kids into adulthood and how much we shared through it all.” ~ Jenny

“When I was a kid, my family fell apart and my hope, my optimism, almost died. As a grown up I sit here now aware of two significant moments in the Stranger Things finale that strengthen my resolve to heal those wounds: All of our characters fighting Vecna together and Eleven making the ultimate sacrifice for those she loves. I shed tears as I received the reminder that the key to true happiness is to will the good of the ones I love; even if this means stepping into my own suffering for them. A great evil threatened our heroes and they came together as a family to defeat it and they did, because they did it, for LOVE. It’s always about LOVE. It is precisely LOVE that calls me to show up fully for my wife and kids, for as long as I am given life. I know someday I will have to let them go and this show has given me a sense of the faith and courage it takes to do this; who knew a TV show could do that…?” ~ Jose

Art is meant to elevate us, to challenge us, and help us see the world in different ways. We are forever grateful for the impact this show has had on all of us and we hope to express this gratitude through the work we create, hopefully inspiring others in the process.

Written By: Jemileen V.