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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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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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How I Find Balance When Indulgences Become a Habit
Submitted by Angelina Ng After a long, stressful, week of classes, I found myself rewarding my small behaviors a little too much. It would bring me so much joy in such an easy process: find something I like, take out my card, and now I have it! There are some small indulgences I would do after I complete a task: go out and buy a snack, go to small shops and buy some jewelry, allow myself to eat more snacks, or get a large drink from Dunkin Donuts. These small actions definitely made me feel accomplished for my hard work throughout the week, but it eventually started to feel costly…
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How Asian Cultures Are Formed
Asia, often referred to as the world's largest and most diverse continent, includes a variety of cultures intertwined together through generations of history. From the vibrant and exciting Filipino festivals to the beauty of Japanese tea ceremonies, Asian cultures encapsulate a rich blend of traditions, beliefs, languages, and lifestyles. But how are these complex cultural identities formed? Let’s dive into the multifaceted process of cultural formation in Asia, exploring the dynamic interplay of factors that have shaped its diverse tapestry.
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A Letter to My Past and Future Self
Dear Past and Future Me, I sit down to write this letter currently at the age of 20 years, 6 months, and 26 days. I find myself in a moment of reflection, caught between the memories of my past and the expectations of my future. At 20 years old, I stand on the threshold of adulthood as well as feeling like a child. I have thoughts of unrealistic dreams of the future like a child, but harsh realities headed my adult life. However...
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Flavorful Narratives: Stephanie Soo, Queen of Mukbang and Digital Storytelling
In the vast growing digital world where creators are fleeting attention, Stephanie Soo emerges as a multifaceted gem, often underappreciated for the amount of research, dedication, and enjoyment she creates from her dazzling content. As a female Asian creator, Stephanie brings a unique blend of vulnerability, strength, personality, dedication, and relatability to her content, weaving narratives that resonate deeply with a diverse audience. Her journey underscores her excellence as a digital storyteller and highlights the broader discourse on the representation and visibility of Asian women in media landscapes often dominated by homogeneous voices.
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Growing Up as the Youngest Child From an Immigrant Family
Being the youngest child, I have heard quite a few many stereotypes. We are known to be spoiled, attention-seeking, and even manipulative. Although I can’t confirm if I fit into these stereotypes myself, I do know that I would rather be the youngest child than the oldest, and that’s because of my brother.
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Things I Got Scolded For As A Kid
Submitted by Michelle Ewton Playing With My Chopsticks In my defense, they look like drumsticks. How will I ever live out my dream of becoming a rockstar if I don’t practice my drum solo? My parents never saw the vision, saying that the only right career paths were doctor, lawyer, or pharmacist. So what if I have no rhythm, as long as you have passion and are confident that’s all you need right? Apparently though, playing with chopsticks is considered bad manners. Something about how it’s rude and people don’t try to drum with a spoon and fork. Perhaps the real solution is that we should just use all cutlery…
