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When Pixar Feels Like a Love Letter: Watching “Elemental”
Written by Mikhaella Lopez The theme of love is a recurring point that is seen in almost every Pixar movie. Whether that be familial love like Marlin and Nemo in Finding Nemo, or a platonic love between Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan in Monsters University, love exists in every single movie Pixar has created. As someone who grew up watching Disney and Pixar movies, I fell in love with the different characters throughout the years; from Lightning McQueen from Cars to Mama Imelda from Coco, there were many characters to love. I first heard of Elemental back when I still used to work as a boba barista at a…
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3 Love Songs That Hit Different: Thinking Out Loud, Goodbye, and All of Me
Love comes in many forms: sweet, tearful, exciting, and heart-melting. Music has a way of expressing these emotions that words alone often can’t. From the thrill of new romance to the ache of heartbreak, certain songs stand out for their lyrics, melodies, and pure emotional energy. Here are three love songs that hit differently and remain timeless favorites. 1. “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran No list of modern love songs is complete without Ed Sheeran’s masterpiece. With its smooth piano, gentle rhythm, and heartfelt lyrics, Thinking Out Loud is the ultimate celebration of enduring love. Sheeran’s voice makes every line feel personal and intimate, whether you’re slow dancing…
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How I’m Spending Winter Break
Written by Hannah Sazon One thing about UD is that we are blessed with an especially long winter break. With classes not starting back up until February, breaks are a rare opportunity to actually breathe, reset, and make the most of the time we don’t have during the semester. Instead of letting it slip by, I am planning to make the most of this break by keeping myself busy, balancing rest, personal interests, and preparation for the spring semester. During the semester, hobbies are the first thing to go when things get hectic, so one of my priorities this break is to get back into the things I enjoy. I…
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How to: Become a True Academic Weapon
Written by Francesca Tero Hey AAPC fam! It’s that beloved time of year again! The holidays! Hmm… well, not quite yet. It’s actually finals season, but your brain likely can’t tell the difference with the amount of emotions you might be feeling. So close yet so far. Many of us are college students balancing our challenging course loads, executive board positions, and RSO involvements, as well as jobs or internships. We may have some courses where the final is optional, or we only need an easily attainable score to pass. However, we may also have some courses where we are becoming an Excel mastermind to create a foolproof grade calculator…
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Best Christmas Songs
Written By Mikhaella Lopez Christmas. Pasko. There are many different names for Christmas across all cultures. Even for the families that don’t celebrate Christmas, everyone hears the same songs on the radio. No, I’m not talking about the same five pop songs that you hear on the morning AM radio on the way to work or school. I’m talking about Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You”, or Wham’s “Last Christmas” on repeat for the nth time in thirty minutes. As someone who started celebrating Christmas the moment September 1st hit, I’ve been listening to among the hundreds of thousands of holiday songs Spotify and the radio have…
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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…
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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…
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“constantly”
An original song written by: Aili Inguito Context: I wrote “constantly” last June late one night with my guitar. The song, especially the chorus and Verse 3, is a reminder to myself to slow down and take a break during the journey of life, amidst a world that keeps on turning and demanding more of us… constantly. This song, particularly in the pre-chorus and bridge, also mentions themes of perfectionism and burnout. These subjects tie into this month’s overall theme of Mental Health. Lyrics: Verse 1: constantly thinking life is so messy leave me a clue constantly trying don’t know if i’m ready so much more to do …
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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,…
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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…
