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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…
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A Lesson I Learned From the Film ‘Didi’
Submitted by Gina Choi The coming-of-age film Didi follows a Taiwanese American teenage boy as he navigates the challenges of adolescence, trying to balance his cultural heritage with the pressures of fitting in with his American peers. The film does an excellent job portraying the awkwardness of puberty and the often embarrassing moments that come with growing up. It captures the universal struggles that come with adolescence, making it easy for anyone, regardless of background, to relate to Didi’s journey. As an Asian woman raised in American culture, I found myself connecting deeply with Didi’s experience. While the film didn’t teach me any particularly new lessons, it definitely reinforced things…
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My Obsession with Watching Mukbangs
Submitted by Hera Lee If you haven’t come across a mukbang video, have you been living under a rock? Mukkbang, for those who are unaware of its popularity, is an online video trend that involves people eating food in front of an online audience. This trend originated in South Korea, hence the name. The term is a blend of the Korean words “muk-da” (먹다) meaning “to eat” and “bang-song” (방송) meaning “broadcast”. These mukbang videos have hosts eating large, sometimes impressive amounts of food while interacting with their audience in real-time or through pre-recorded content. Sometimes, mukbang videos can be served as ASMR content, which are sensory and satisfying videos…
