Feature
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How I Met My Best Friend
Submitted by Ruthie Suarez Starting college is supposed to be one of the most exciting times in your life. It’s when you step out into independence, meet new people, and begin shaping the path toward your future. But for me, my freshman year began with something I never expected: bullying. Up until that point, I had never been bullied before in my life. I had gone through middle school and high school without ever experiencing that kind of mistreatment. So when it happened in college – the one place I thought people would finally be mature and grown enough to know better – it was shocking. It didn’t feel real…
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My First Time in a Club
Submitted by Sophia Li First semester of senior year, how exciting! It’s a new beginning because this will be my first year in a club (AAPC). I’ve never been in a club before, mainly because I have no time and I’m busy with classes. Now that I’m in my senior year, I’m in fewer classes and have more time. It’s pretty challenging because I’m not used to this, and I’m still trying to get the hang of it. I am usually behind on things or still getting the hang of it, but with more time, I’m sure I will do better. Joining this club was a good experience to meet…
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Advice To My Younger Self
Submitted by Steven Pham There are so many things I could talk about, but if I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: start earlier, whether that’s calisthenics or anything else you’re passionate about. Looking back, I remember hesitating because I was worried I would be seen as unready, not disciplined enough to commit, or a failure in front of others. Though the truth is, if I had started earlier, I could have made more progress, and I would have developed the discipline, confidence, and resilience that come from putting yourself out there sooner. Challenges, whether learning a new skill, pursuing a passion, or…
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How Cultural Identity Shapes the College Experience
Submitted by Zoe Pecson There is something very special that we all as humans inherently feel and share: a desire for community. We all strive to find and connect with people who experience and enjoy life in ways that resonate with us. Many communities we find ourselves in can be built upon shared hobbies and passions, family ties, academic or professional endeavors, or past experiences; however, we are often most deeply connected through culture. Entering college often intensifies our craving for community. Faced with a new and unfamiliar world and life experience, we seek out others to share it with, people to witness our lives. Campuses offer many ways to…
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The Hidden Language of Red Envelopes
Submitted by Jodie Li Red envelopes (hóngbāo in Mandarin, lai see in Cantonese) are a symbol of Chinese culture and tradition. These vibrant envelopes are usually associated with Lunar New Year, weddings, and other grand celebrations. But these pockets hold deeper meanings beyond their monetary gifts—they carry wishes of luck, protection, and connection across generations. Origins in Legend The tradition of red envelopes traces back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). The tale goes that villagers would place coins in red paper under children’s pillows to ward off a demon named Sui. The color red symbolizes fire and vitality, which is why it was believed to repel evil spirits. By…
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The Symbolism of My Chinese Zodiac Sign
Submitted by Angelina Ng The Chinese zodiac sign is similar to a horoscope: your sign is determined by the animal that is associated with the year in which you are born. The twelve zodiac signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. With the twelve animal signs, it is believed that each has unique personality traits and characteristics associated with it. This was assigned by the ancient Chinese. They believed that these traits would be embodied in people, according to their zodiac sign. Born in 2004, my Chinese zodiac sign is a monkey (猴). Overall, a monkey’s personality traits are described as…
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My Wardrobe Changes from Winter to Spring Season
Submitted by Gina Choi As we move from season to season, naturally things change–one of the most noticeable being our wardrobes. Whether you are passionate about fashion or roll out of bed in yesterday’s clothes, everyone’s closet changes with the season. Personally, I’ve always had a passion for fashion, and believe a good outfit can make or break your day. In this article, I would like to share with you my specific wardrobe “ins” and “outs” for this upcoming Spring season! If there’s one thing I could wear for the rest of my life, it would have to be a nice pair of jeans. To me, jeans are not exclusive…
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How I Get Out of Seasonal Depression
Submitted by Ruthie Suarez Seasonal depression has been a challenge for me, especially during transitions between warm and cold weather or from cold to warm weather. As summer fades into fall and winter shifts into spring, I often find myself feeling down, unmotivated, and emotionally drained. These changes in temperature and daylight impact my mood, making it harder to stay productive and engaged with daily life. However, over time, I’ve found ways to navigate these feelings and lift myself out of seasonal depression. One of the biggest things that helps me is going out on some days more and surrounding myself with people who make me feel happy and supported.…
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Clothing As A Reflection of Identity
Submitted by Steven Pham Fashion is more than clothing, it is a language of self-expression, confidence, and identity. As people grow, so does their understanding of themselves. Early in life, individuals may follow trends or dress to fit in, but personal style becomes more intentional over time. Clothing choices start reflecting values, personality, and self-assurance, signifying a transition from seeking approval from others to embracing personal satisfaction. Clothing as a Form of Self-Expression Over time, clothing becomes a form of self-expression, reflecting an individual’s beliefs, aspirations, and mindset. Some people embrace minimalist wardrobes to symbolize clarity and purpose, while others choose bold, statement pieces to showcase creativity. Ethical fashion, sustainability,…
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From Petals to Personality: Blooming in September with the Aster
Submitted by Jodie Li Born in September, my birth month flower is the aster—a delicate yet resilient flower known as the “star of the garden.” Its vibrant colors and rich symbolism reflect who I’ve grown to be: my personality, values, and journey as a young woman navigating her early 20s. Asters are challengers and overcomers, blooming in late summer and early fall when other flowers fade. This resilience mirrors my approach to life. Like the aster, I’ve learned to adapt and grow, even when faced with obstacles. Life can be harsh, and personal challenges or pursuing goals often feel like uphill battles. But stepping back doesn’t mean giving up—it means…
