“How do I become a scarer?” Mike Wazowski’s question in Monsters University isn’t just about scaring. It’s about chasing a dream. Many college students have witnessed something inspiring or are dreaming of becoming someone. While Monsters University may seem like a lighthearted and comedic prequel to Monsters Inc., it provides a beautiful message that goes beyond finding oneself. This film delivers a powerful message about resilience, teamwork, and redefining success. Mike’s journey reminds us that failure isn’t the end. It’s the foundation for growth.
You don’t belong on a scare floor
From the time Mike was little, monsters told him he didn’t belong on a scare floor. Fueled by the determination to prove them wrong, Mike enrolls at Monsters University to become a scarer. From the original Monsters Inc. film, we know that Mike and Sulley are best friends and work together at a scare company. But how did they get here? Sulley, born into a family of legendary scarers, enters the program with natural talent and confidence. Their rivalry begins when Sulley dismisses Mike, saying, “This is a party for scare students who actually, you know… have a chance.” Mike accepts this as a challenge.
Mike studies relentlessly for the final exam, hoping to impress Dean Hardscrabble. But their rivalry leads to disaster, and they ruin their chances in the scare simulator. Hardscrabble delivers a harsh truth to Mike:
“What you lack is something that cannot be taught. You’re not scary.”
Dean Hardscrabble
As a result, Hardscrabble dismisses both Sulley and Mike from the scaring program.
oozma kappa
Distraught but determined, Mike joins the scare games with the Oozma Kappa fraternity. He strikes a deal with Hardscrabble: if his team wins, he will be readmitted. Sulley reluctantly joins, and together they transform the underdog team through hard work and training. From this moment, Mike’s journey becomes a revolution of teamwork and embracing one’s differences. The team struggled trying to fit in with the other fraternities and scarers through the games. With Mike’s expertise on scaring, he changed their views and built confidence. Against all odds, they reach the final round.
I did everything right
During the finale of the scare games, Mike surprises the entire school, earning Oozma Kappa the trophy. But his triumph shatters when he learns Sulley cheated, fearing Mike couldn’t win on his own. Heartbroken, Mike breaks into the human world to prove his worth, only to realize scaring isn’t meant for him, and finally gives up on his dream. In a vulnerable moment, Sulley finds him, and they confront their insecurities.
In order to escape the human world, they must scare their way out. Once again, Mike’s genius expertise gets them out and causes the entire laboratory to explode. The stunt gets them expelled.
You’re fearless
Due to their expulsion, both must set out on a new path. Sulley acknowledges Mike’s hard work, skills, and fearlessness. Dean Hardscrabble’s parting words echo this truth: “Keep surprising people.” Mike may never be the scariest monster, but his resilience and ingenuity make him indispensable.
If you find yourself in this position, Mike’s journey is proof that life is filled with hard work, failures, and self-belief. Throughout his journey, we see how it’s okay to fail; sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way you wanted it to. But with determination and redirection, you will end up in the place you’re meant to be. Although Mike never became a scarer, he proved he still belonged on the scare floor.