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Love Perspectives: How Different Asian Countries Celebrate Love and Relationship
Submitted by Jodie Li Ah, it’s February again—the month of love, affection, and heartfelt connections! Whether you’re celebrating romance, friendship, or family bonds, this is the perfect time to cherish the relationships that matter most. From bromances and Galentine’s gatherings to parent-child bonds and, of course, couples in love, everyone has their own way of expressing and celebrating these emotions. And just as individuals have their unique traditions, so do cultures around the world. Across Asia, countries like China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the Philippines each have their own beautiful and distinct ways of honoring love and connection. So, no matter how you celebrate, let this month let you…
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How I Keep In Touch With Friends I Never See
Submitted by Will Chen As a college student, I have grown up with many friends, some of whom I do not get to see often. Graduating high school was an emotional time as the people I grew up with would soon go down their own paths and live their own lives. Three years into college, it is now apparent that maintaining the connections grown throughout the years of middle and high school would require effort. I do not get to see some of my closest friends for months. However, each time I see them in person, it is as if we haven’t spent even a day apart. This is thanks…
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Why Valentine’s Day Should Be Everyday
Submitted by Angelina Ng One of the most popular holidays in the month of February is Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is represented to celebrate love, whether it is romantically, platonically, or pure admiration. Every year, on February 14th, loved ones express their love through words and actions. The National Retail Federation (NRF) conducted an annual survey, which resulted in a statistic that concluded that in 2024, Americans spent around $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day. The average American spent over half their Valentine’s Day budget on their significant other. Additionally, Americans spend the majority on gifts for family members, friends, teachers, classmates, and even pets! February’s month encompasses a time of…
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Seeing Climate Change in Action: Where are the Blizzards?
Submitted by Will Chen Winter is one of my favorite seasons of the year to experience. I love the cold air and brisk morning winds. Most of all, I love playing in the snow and watching snowflakes drift down. On winter days, looking out my window and seeing piles of pearly white snow brings me so much joy. However, as each year passes by, the Earth is getting warmer. More specifically, the amount of snowfall in the Northeast has dramatically decreased over the past few years. Many of my happiest memories consisted of snow days, staying indoors, and shoveling the pavement. Nowadays, I only remember sprinkles of snow each winter.…
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A Letter To My Best Friends
Submitted by Daniella Avisado Dear Best Friend(s), If someone were to ask me what I’m most thankful for, my answer would be instant: you guys. That’s a question that doesn’t require any thought—because I’m so sure. Of course, I’m thankful for family, food, and good health, but you all are right up there at the top of the list. I think a lot of people underestimate the power of friendship. The difference it makes to be surrounded by good people is life-changing. Being able to find people who share the same values, morals, and lifestyle as you is a blessing. I’m lucky to say I’ve found mine. I’ve never met…
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Why I Always Finish Each Grain of Rice
Submitted by Ruthie Suarez “Every Grain of Rice: A Lesson from Nanay” Growing up, my Filipino nanay—my grandmother— was a source of endless wisdom and gentle teachings. When she moved to America she worked for S.O.M.E (So Others Might Eat) where they strive to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Her voice was a steady guide in my childhood, weaving lessons into my everyday life. Of all the teachings she taught me, one stuck with me the most: “Finish every grain of rice on your plate. There are hungry children in the Philippines who would give anything for what you have.” As a child, I didn’t fully understand her…
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Unspoken Struggles: A Gap with My Family
Submitted by Jodie Li Like everyone else, I’ve had my ups and downs. I’ve struggled, felt lost, and been overwhelmed, but these thoughts have never been shared with my family. It’s not that I don’t trust them—it’s that I don’t want to burden them. There’s also a part of me that worries they might not understand how I feel; worse, I fear they might even be disappointed. My parents, specifically, are traditional Chinese immigrants—strong-willed and hardworking. I wanted to appear just as strong, capable, and independent—the person they raised me to be. But in choosing not to share my struggles, I often felt disconnected from them, carrying burdens that might…
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How Korean Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving
By Hera Lee Thanksgiving is a special holiday that is celebrated in the United States. Americans come together with families and friends to celebrate the holiday of giving thanks; hence the name Thanksgiving. One of this celebration’s main key points is sharing a huge and elaborate feast that includes foods like turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. These are the standard dishes you may see on the dining table, but some people, especially those from different ethnic backgrounds, might bring different cuisines. Korean Americans, for example, love celebrating Thanksgiving for sharing delicious food. Koreans are known for their style of sharing food—we don’t order food for…
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Things I Bought That I Definitely Shouldn’t Have: A Journey of Regret and Laughter
Submitted by Steven Pham Ah, the joys of adulthood—when the freedom of spending your hard-earned money comes with the bittersweet taste of regret. Let me take you on a whimsical journey through my wallet’s misadventures, highlighting two shining examples of how I managed to part ways with my cash: Valorant skins and an omakase experience that fell flat. The Allure of Valorant Skins Imagine this: I’m immersed in a fierce Valorant match, adrenaline surging as I grip my mouse, poised to turn the tide for my team. My heart races not only from the intensity of the game but also from the stark realization that my knife skin is as…
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Lies I’ve Told My Asian Parents (And Will Continue to Tell Them)
Submitted by Ruthie Suarez Growing up in a strict but loving household means navigating the trials of expectations and family traditions. In my journey, I’ve found that telling little white lies has become a survival skill. I know that sounds terrible but it works! Here are some common little lies I’ve told my Asian parents—and some I’ll probably keep telling them for years to come. 1. “I Never Go Out with Wet Hair” The classic fear my mom has against me: to go outside with wet hair. My mom surely believes this is a way to catch a cold, fever, or any other mysterious illness that might come upon me.…
