This entire series has been a roller coaster of emotions, so it's no surprise that the finale is by far the most moving of all three. Jamie has once again managed to shine, but this one will really take a toll on you.
After witnessing most of Erin's tormenting at the hands of peers (and adults), all you can hope is for her to get some peace. With this being her final year, all I wanted was for some of these people to widen up, treat her as a human instead of the trash they saw her as. Sadly, this wasn't the case for most. Mixed in with the bullying, belittling, and constant condescension towards her was her somewhat faltering relationship with Weston. Neither wanted to be apart, but they also wanted to fulfill their own dreams. Yes, they are young, but sometimes that just doesn't matter. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. But the letting go is always hard, even if it's temporary. Jamie does a stellar job portraying the guilt and second guessing of a teen in love. Erin needed to leave in order to succeed, and leaving behind those who dragged her down was the top priority. As it should have been. Is that selfish? I don't think so. After a lifetime of being told you're worthless and not good enough, I'm sure it starts to creep in to your head that maybe they're right. It doesn't matter how strong you are, words hurt.
The journey of Erin Easter-Alderman has been brilliant, and I'm thankful Jamie decided to tell this story. Maybe some eyes will open, and the things people believe are important - those material things - will be seen for what they are. THINGS. Happenstance is a story of overcoming the hand you were dealt, overcoming the obstacles placed in your way to keep you down, and discovering who you are and loving yourself.
I can't help but be thankful that this has never been my life. Having said that, Erin is stronger for how she grew up. The things she was subjected to her entire life made her who she is. And, in my opinion, she's a damn amazing young woman. If she were a real person, I'd tell her to shine on, and let the haters hate on her now.