The rear end of a train explodes and causes it to derail. Fumes burn the lungs of the surviving passengers. Debris is tossed ferociously across the cave lit only by flames of destruction.

The cast of ABC’s “General Hospital” are essentially rag dolls during this epic episode of an everlasting soap opera.

Ever since first watching the complexities of various storylines at 9 years old, GH has had me hooked. Before then, my mind was full of repetitive theme songs from Nick Jr. I soon grew tiresome of the same concepts of finding Dora’s destination when she’s the one with the map.  

The writers of soap operas take creativity to a whole other level.

From women being trapped in cars hanging off the edge of bridges to the most dramatic daytime weddings, these writers think of everything possible to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

It is these elaborate ideas that have sparked the creativity in my mind.

However, soap operas are the ignored child in the genre family. I — for the life of me — can’t seem to come up with one legitimate reason why.

There’s always an imaginative concept to every storyline. Whether Sam’s baby is deemed dead when really he was switched at birth or a killer is on the loose — jumping out of the shadows — attacking only women, there’s never a dull moment.

The job of the viewer is to figure out who did what and find out the next step in solving a mystery only we can. This is why my mind is always engrossed in every aspect of the show. The answer is never flat out given to us.

 Whether I’m reading a book or working on a project, a multitude of perceptions flow through my mind. Thus, making my academic life much simpler, all thanks to the minds of GH’s writers.

Recently in English, sophomores were assigned to read “To Kill a Mockingbird.” When asked what the theme of the book was, the general consensus was that it’s important to walk in someone’s shoes before judging them.
   
My trained intuitive nature went to work at that moment. I asked myself: What else is there to this book? I decided there were so many ways to interpret it. My perspective of the novel is that learning morals at a young age is important for a successful life. Both are true.
   
Because I’ve become more accustomed to trying to see things differently by never missing an episode of GH, I’ve ultimately become more open to a variety of opinions.

Guessing is a routine step in figuring out the truth on the show. Analyzing a character’s true colors is the quickest way to figuring out if they’re truly genuine.

The same concept applies to everyday life.

First impressions can make or break a friendship. Generally people make good ones. Nevertheless, there are those situations when we meet someone who gives off a bad vibe.Those are the people we steer clear of.
   
On the other hand, when we’ve known someone for quite some time, their true colors have already been painted in our minds. This is why it is so easy to realize when they’re telling the truth or lying.

Nonetheless, because there are so many minds that are sculpted in different ways, one situation could be seen through millions of approaches.
   
I grasped this idea very young– around the age of 9. Not only did I grasp it, I’ve practically mastered it.  

Unfortunately, life is somewhat like a jigsaw puzzle. It takes strenuous determination to accept the fact that there’s so many ways to perceive something.
     
Through the diverse storylines, watching “General Hospital” has taught me to never view something in one way.

When evaluating a situation, my mind is truly put to work.

Although soap operas aren’t popular among this generation, I’ve gained a valuable skill from watching them.

There’s no shame in enjoying watching the drama unfold. Let the glow of the television shine when on Channel 10 at 1 p.m weekdays. There’s a great possibility a lesson will be taught.