Jean Grey is a mutant with vast empathic, telepathic, and telekinetic abilities, being intimately associated with the Phoenix, an immensely powerful cosmic entity. Her psychic powers were traumatically awakened during childhood when she witnessed her best friend's death. For years, Jean Grey was mentored by mutant specialist Professor Charles Xavier, a telepath himself. When he started a school for mutants to prepare his students to carry on his dream of peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans, Jean Grey was enrolled as Marvel Girl, becoming the last of his first class of original X-Men, a group that fights for a world that hates and fears mutants. Over time, Jean Grey has become Xavier's most trusted pupil, constantly acting as his right hand and close friend.