The Wizard's Journey

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How magical would it be if you could use Wizards of Waverly Place the Movie to help you out in school? With school either already here or right around the corner, those of us still taking our education will soon have to get back into the groove of things, and just as the journey back to school comes around, so does the Hero’s Journey. The classic story outline makes some students happy and stumps others, but no matter if you think it’s fun or just plain confusing, I’ve put a little twist on the first five steps of the Hero’s Journey to cast just a little more magic into your school days. Or make you wish you had something like this when you were still in school.

1. The Call to Adventure
After Alex disrespects her parents and abuses her magic privileges, Theresa and Jerry decide that no magic will be allowed for the duration of their upcoming family vacation to the Caribbean. Having stolen the wizard’s Book of Forbidden Spells from Justin’s possession, Alex brings it on the trip against her parents’ orders.

2. Refusal of the Call
Miffed at being dragged along on what she thinks of as a stupid family vacation, Alex acts rude and obnoxious the entire trip, especially once she realizes that Justin acted strangely disobedient and brought the full-powered, family wand with him.

3. Supernatural Aid
When Max makes a spectacle out of a street magician and his parrot companion, the guy introduces himself to the family as a fellow wizard and asks for their help in uncovering the Stone of Dreams, but Jerry politely declines for all of them.

4. The Crossing of the First Threshold
One thing leads to another and an out-of-control Alex wishes Jerry and Theresa never even met – with the spellbook in her hands.

5. The Belly of the Whale
Having accidentally cast her wish into reality, Alex now faces a mother and father who not only have no idea who the other is but also have no recollection of either Max, Justin, or herself. Not knowing what else to do the three of them approach Jerry for help, and once again the Stone of Dreams comes up. Giving Max the task of watching out for their parents, Justin and Alex seek out the magician to search for the Stone of Dreams.

Think your teachers would believe who your tutor was? Just tell 'em you learned from a wiz.