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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…
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The Sweetest Fruits to Add to Your Fruit Salad this Spring
Submitted by Angelina Ng As the months of winter come to an end, spring presents a flourishment of sweet fruits that can be found in any market. With the usual winter fruits of bananas, pears, apples, and grapes, some other delicious fruits are available during this spring season. In this article is a list of the juiciest and sweetest fruits to put in your fruit salad for this spring! Strawberries For the best-tasting strawberries, it is best to buy them during spring and early summer. The bold red color and juicy sweetness of strawberries are at their prime during this season. This fruit is considered ‘good’ this season due to…
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How to Make the Prettiest Bouquet
Submitted by Francesca Tero While I’m no flower expert, I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by people who are. These tips will be derived from special arrangements I’ve received from my mom and my boyfriend. I believe flower arranging can initially be a daunting task, however, a few simple adjustments can take the bouquet from store-bought to appearing artisanally curated. After all, arranging a bouquet has a special, intangible ingredient. The task requires more thought, effort, and attention to detail, not necessarily expertise in floral design. Tip #1: Take the flowers out of the plastic they come in from the grocery store! I know this sounds obvious, but doing…
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The Traits of a Perfect Couple: What We Admire Most
Submitted by Steven Pham When we think of the perfect couple, images of love-filled moments, mutual respect, and unwavering support often come to mind. Whether it’s inspired by a romantic comedy or an Instagram post, society tends to paint an idealized picture of relationships. But what truly makes a couple “perfect”? Perfection doesn’t mean flawless, rather, it’s about the qualities that help couples thrive and grow together. Let’s take a look at some of the most cherished qualities that help a relationship endure and thrive over time. 1. Communication: The Foundation of Strong Relationships At the heart of every successful relationship is clear and honest communication. Perfect couples are those…
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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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My Best First Date Story
Submitted by Ruthie Suarez It was the end of October, with Halloween just around the corner– and I was about to head out for my first date ever in my life. I had never gone on one before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. We decided to go to a movie theatre on Main Street to watch Five Nights at Freddy’s. As a big fan of the game franchise, I was super excited. He had offered to buy the tickets for both of us beforehand so we could get good seats. At this time, I was so nervous that I kept fidgeting in my seat and thinking about what…
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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…
