-
My Go-To Comfort Shows and Movies
Written by Steven Pham With Thanksgiving break right around the corner (and exams stressing all of us out), I figured this was the perfect time to share some of my go-to comfort shows and movies. I’m also breaking down the science behind why rewatching comfort content can genuinely help you relax and reset. If you need something to unwind with this break, here are a few of my favorites: One Punch Man Light, hilarious, and perfect when you want action without the stress. It’s also incredibly entertaining to watch the main character be so effortlessly overpowered. Ratatouille Cozy, warm, nostalgic, and always satisfying. This movie is an instant comfort classic…
-
How I Have Given Back to Communities Close to my Heart
Written by Zoe Pecson Since starting college, I have committed myself to working as a College Outreach Program Ambassador for the PUSO Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is Filipino-founded and focused on creating meaningful change in underserved communities. In this role, I’ve helped organize donation drives, promoted fundraising efforts, and connected other students to philanthropic opportunities. It has been a way for me to stay rooted in my culture while also expanding my impact beyond campus. Being part of PUSO has reminded me that service doesn’t have to be grand to matter. Every small effort adds up, and we’re stronger together when we show up for one another. This…
-
My Thanksgiving Dinner
Written by Sophia Li The holidays are just around the corner, and Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays, not because of the food but because of how thankful I am for everything. I would tell God how grateful I am, but Thanksgiving is a day to show it and to celebrate. Honestly, the food isn’t even the best part of Thanksgiving. For me, the holiday is more about showcasing my gratitude for all of my friends and family. Growing Up Chinese: Hotpot Over Turkey “Hot pot is an interactive and communal dining experience where diners cook their own ingredients in a simmering pot of broth at the center of…
-
The Best Surprise I’ve Ever Received
Written by Ruthie Suarez The summer before my sophomore year of college was one of the hardest times of my life. My grandfather passed away from liver cancer, and even though we all knew he was getting weaker, it still didn’t feel real when it happened. He was someone who had always been there for me, someone who made me feel safe and loved. When he passed, I felt like something inside me went quiet, and going back to school with all that sadness still fresh was really hard. A few months later, I came home for the weekend. I was tired from classes and honestly just trying to get…
-
The Taste of Gratitude
Written by Hannah Sazon As the season of thanks rolls around, I’ve been thinking about how food plays such a big role in our cultures. It’s one of the first ways we learn love and care, even before realizing it. In my own life, gratitude has always shown up through the dishes that remind me of the people who raised me and the memories that come with them. It doesn’t always have to be an extravagant meal; what matters is the comfort and memories tied to it. Here are a few examples of what make up the taste of gratitude in my life. 1. Filipino Red Hot Dogs with Cheese…
-
Passing the Torch: Family Traditions I Continue to Uphold
Written by Francesca Tero My family has been at the heart of my earliest memories, shaping the traditions that have formed my strongest opinions and values. Every June during my most formative years, I would stand on stage to perform at an annual vocal recital in front of my entire community. This included my peers, teachers, various members of the church at which the recitals were always held, but most importantly, my parents, sister, cousins, Ninongs, and Ninangs, occupying a row of their own. Out of all of the people in the crowd, this was the only row whose eyes made me nervous. I remember also feeling shy at the…
-
Silent Thanks: Unspoken Ways Asian Families Show Appreciation
Written by Asmi Chinauriya Asian households are known to be strict, and the children are known to be disciplined from a young age. Many Asian children don’t learn to show their appreciation for things from a young age because they never had anyone to teach them. Though the parents do a wonderful job teaching their children how to respect others and how to act in public, they often forget to teach them how to show their appreciation. Does this mean that no one in an Asian household shows appreciation? Absolutely not. It means that it just may not be in the way that many people around the world are used…
-
Mental Health Misconceptions
Written by Steven Pham In today’s fast-paced world, conversations about mental health have become more common but not necessarily more accurate. While society has made progress in recognizing the importance of emotional well-being, harmful misconceptions still surround mental health, preventing many people from getting the support they need. As a senior at the University of Delaware majoring Management and Marketing with a minor in Business Analytics, I’ve seen firsthand how stress, performance pressure, and comparison can affect mental health. Between balancing coursework, leadership roles, side projects, and a part-time job, I’ve learned how easy it is to overlook the importance of mental well-being in pursuit of success. That experience pushed…
-
Letter to my Future Self
Written by Zoe Pecson Dear future self,I hope this letter finds you well,you who’s many years older and (hopefully) wiser.I don’t really recognize you; it seems we have changed a lotbetween the time of me and the time of you.But you know things that I don’t,and I can’t help but ask you some questions, so here goes: Do we reach that goal, that dream we’ve had?Do we get there soon, or was it not as easy as that?Did the path to that dream twist, turn, and climb,or was it left in the past, covered in vines?Tell me, my future self, did we get out of this hole,the one I’ve dug…
-
How to Get Out of a Funk
Written by Hannah Sazon As midterm season rolls around, I know how easy it can be to get stuck in a funk, especially when your plate is as full as mine. Juggling classes, a job, and multiple leadership positions doesn’t make it easier. I’ve had nights where I’m staying up at ungodly hours to cram for an exam or sometimes sitting on the third floor of Morris Library, just staring at my MacBook. It’s not always about studying, though, as there are times I hit creative burnout from making graphics for AAPC or choreographing for my dance team. It’s exhausting, but over the years, I’ve found ways to reset, recharge,…
