In the mornings, as I sit at my desk, the sun shines directly in my face, making it almost impossible to see with the curtains open. As the day progresses, the light settles, and the neighborhood buildings and vast hills in the distance- often covered by puffy, white clouds become visible.

By late afternoon, if I press my face to the cool glass and turn my head to the right, I can see a sliver of the sun slipping down, but once again, when I sit at my desk, cotton candy colored clouds and vibrant blues fade into shades of purple, encompassing the sky and the moon becomes more apparent.

Once the sun is gone, my curtains are drawn, and the recessed lights that give a warm orange tone to my room turn on. This is my creative space- one where I’m left to my routines, messes and ideas, and as time passes it becomes a reflection of myself, a map of my journey, as it evolves and changes as I do.

Spring

Everything comes back to life during the transitional months between winter and summer. The cold and gloomy months of January and February are left in the past; it’s a time that feels almost impossible to get through because of the minimal breaks from school and the chilly mornings are often followed by intensely warm afternoons. Every morning is a struggle between my closet and I, especially in the panic that always arises before school. Flowers bloom and birds chirp outside my room, but there’s no real rest yet. It’s like a spiral of stairs, but you feel like you’re finally reaching the end. Those last couple of steps are always the hardest and can be our weakest moments, losing that last bit of motivation that’s gotten us this far. AP exams and studying for finals roll around quickly, feeling like every minute cannot be wasted. Spring break passes in a blink, and all I can think about next is summer.

Summer

Each day gets longer and warmer, as the hills outside my room turn a golden color and sunsets become more lively. My wardrobe shifts to colorful tank tops and denim shorts, always my favorite, and school becomes bearable, as I feel uplifted everyday. Everyone around me is full of energy and I finally feel alive. Hearing that last bell ring in June was a weight lifted off my shoulders, and I’m free, for the next two months at least. The sun got even brighter and I began to pack for Cabo, my view changing from buildings and hills to the beautifully blue ocean and pools. My sunglasses are on as I sip my Shirley Temples, excited to turn 16 in a couple of days! I love having a summer birthday, especially being able to make spontaneous plans and not having to worry about school. Late nights, sleepovers, and going out is what I always look forward to, especially watching the sun set at around 8 PM, but as the weather gets unbearably hot, my mind shifts to the cooler months of fall.

Fall

Sweaters and Uggs make an everyday appearance and my tank tops get buried to the back of my closet. School starts again, but only this time, I’m excited because I get to see my friends, go to football games, and feel that energy I always do during those last warm weeks when school starts. Soon, the air becomes crisp and leaves change, and it’s all about pumpkins and of course, my favorite holiday, Halloween. I spend hours at my desk on Pinterest, amidst endless baking recipes. I’m hoping for one with the ideal amount of spices and warmth, a pumpkin loaf fresh out of the oven topped with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting is absolute perfection. I lay down on my bed to plan pumpkin patch outings with friends and find a unique Halloween costume. Halloween day arrives quicker than I had anticipated, but my excitement doesn’t diminish. My costume was part of a duo with one of my friends, she was Little Red Riding Hood and I was the Big Bad Wolf! Around my room, makeup was scattered and my closet was a mess as I searched for the pieces of my costume, but in the end, it turned out as everything I had hoped for!

Winter

December rolls around and the year is soon to come to an end. The hills outside my window turn a deep green, clouds settle every morning in the distance and rainfall becomes a routine. Thick fog creeps up after sunset- even the buildings in front of me fade. Christmas is near, but unfortunately so are finals. Our Christmas tree comes out of storage at the beginning of December, a reminder that I should put every last ounce of motivation into staying organized for school and ending the semester strong. The bell rings and my dread quickly turns into a joyful spirit as winter break is finally here. The initial days of break are typically the slowest. I find myself once again on Pinterest, scrolling through Christmas themed baking recipes to make for family and friends. I spend time organizing my room and cleaning out old clothes and belongings. One of the things I stumbled upon was a beautifully decorated summer bucket list that my friend and I made- a reminder of an eventful summer- but it was time to look forward to the new year.

For the first two to three decades of an individual's life, they go through formative years of schooling- all the way from kindergarten to graduating high school, and then from college to the workforce. Education is significant and greatly affects the opportunities and experiences one gains. Oftentimes grades play a major role, but should it be the grading system alone that defines students as individuals? Should they be exposed to more opportunities, outside of a classroom environment? Would learning life skills and finding out more about themselves impact the outcome of their careers and how would these skills be fostered? Could all of this be taught in school? Incorporating such ideas into the education system may be a starting point, broadening the views of all children and teaching them uniqueness while also building upon their passions and abilities.

The grades a student earns is something that’s always on their mind, even over actually absorbing the information and keeping it with them. Earning good grades is something that everyone works towards, but to what extent do grades actually help a student learn? Grades may often be a reflection of the teacher as well, depending on their teaching style in addition to how well the student grasps the concepts. There are also multiple factors that can change a student's overall grade, how much is an assignment weighted? How strict of a grader is a teacher? How lenient are they with due dates? There’s so much to take into consideration when looking at grades. In addition, it also comes down to the student’s interest in a certain subject and their learning style. This greatly differs among each student, contributing to the struggle of grades.

While continuing to teach core subjects, schools should consider adding more classes that involve career exploration. In high school, not everyone knows what they’re passionate about and the career they may want to pursue, although these are important questions to gain clarity for their future. Schools should take an active role in understanding students, focusing on their identity and what their interests are. Taking these steps will foster better relationships among staff and students, and allow them to feel supported and ready for what’s next. Career exploration classes are a great way to expose students to possible new interests and prepare them. These classes may include guest speakers, where professionals in specific careers talk about their experiences, define their job, the schooling necessary, and all the key information for students to make this important decision. Similarly, having students learn in different environments besides the typical classroom setting may spark more interest and creativity. When students leave the classroom setting for these activities, new opportunities and experiences may develop into a passion. When working hands on and seeing new things, students are encouraged to become more curious and truly learn more about themselves.

In addition to career exploration classes, students may find it helpful to explore their personal qualities and uniqueness. No two people experience life in the same way, everyone is made up of different perspectives and understandings, which is why it’s important for a student to know and add onto this. Teaching students about time and emotional management, conflict resolution, and other applicable skills are key for them to succeed in the world. Understanding one’s “soft skills” are important beyond the classroom and academic setting, especially by using concepts like growth mindset, perseverance, and empathy. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that these skills cannot be taught only once, it’s an ongoing process that continues to evolve, so it’s important to remind students of their emotional wellbeing to navigate certain situations. These are the kinds of skills that prepare a student to become a balanced and collaborative individual, ultimately leading to their success.

When a student engages in writing about or remembering memorable events, their view on life might seem different because they can incorporate it into future decisions or steps they may have to take. Having this new view will allow students to share their story effectively, showing them as the best candidate for certain opportunities. While also building their personal story, it’s important to identify an individual's strengths and weaknesses. Finding strengths will allow them to know what they’re best suited for, for example, whether it’s working with other people, or by themselves. Additionally, weaknesses give them a chance to know what to work on, so they can become a better student and individual. Shifting away from a solely academic approach to education and incorporating other skills and habits will benefit the students tremendously.

While keeping all of this in mind, it’s important to remember that you are still human, it’s okay to take breaks, rest, and focus on other activities. All individuals should have a life outside of education and exploring careers. It's important to partake in hobbies, try new things, stay in touch with important people, and most importantly take time for yourself. Mental and physical health are key aspects of daily life, and it’s equally important to take care of both. Do not avoid exercise, stretch breaks, and looking up from the computer screen. Our bodies need these couple minutes to recharge, so we can then refocus and stay productive. Playing sports or going to the gym are healthy habits to add into one’s schedule, balancing work and health. In addition to resting our bodies, we must also rest our minds. It’s essential to sleep for the recommended number of hours based on the age categories, take a break from others and do something for yourself, and take days off. These rest days boost an individual’s mood and overall happiness, while also letting them take the time to do something enjoyable. Mental and physical health are important to consider and practice, even during the busiest days, because they are significant even in the long run.

Education and the schooling system allow individuals to gain academic knowledge and develop important social skills. However, it is imperative that the education system incorporate life skills, strengthen the bonds between staff and students, and set the student up for success in the future. While students grow during these important years in life, it’s important to take breaks and focus on activities students love, creating a balance between school and hobbies.

Peer Interviews:

• Do you think grades are more of a reflection of the student, teacher, or both?

I believe grades are a reflection of both the student and teacher because it depends on the work the student puts in and the ability to explain concepts clearly by the teacher. Grades reflect the effort the student is putting into the class and preparation for exams, however if the teacher hadn’t explained everything in a way everyone understands, this will also reflect in the grade.

-Anya Dusara | Incoming Junior

• Have you ever experienced a time when a non-cognitive skill (like perseverance or self-regulation) helped you more than academic knowledge? Describe it.

I recently joined a competitive water polo team, but during the first few weeks, I was often benched and struggled to find my place on the team. It was discouraging and I began to doubt myself and feel hopeless. However, instead of giving up, I made the decision to shift my mindset. I began focusing on ways I could improve: I began asking my coaches and teammates questions and staying after practice to improve. That change in mindset made all the difference because over time, my confidence grew, and I eventually earned a starting spot. This experience taught me that perseverance and self-motivation are just as important as academic knowledge, and my biggest takeaway is that mindset matters more than I ever realized and may determine the outcome of certain situations.

-Kiana Aref Adib | Incoming Sophomore

• How often do you take breaks during a study session? Rest days?

In order to manage my time effectively and take breaks to stay productive, I use the pomodoro technique, which breaks up a study session into 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5 minute break. After 4 of these intervals, there is a longer break of typically 15-20 minutes, which maximizes my productivity. In terms of rest days, my Sundays are typically relaxed and I sleep in which allows me to recharge and stay productive for the next week.

-Avani Desai | Incoming Junior

During my study sessions, I take breaks about every 30 to 45 minutes to stay productive.

-Mihikia Nagepalli | Incoming Freshman

• Should schools incorporate activities and lessons to help us understand our qualities and identity?

  • How might they do this?

High school is a pivotal time for character and identity development, shaped by the people students surround themselves with and the experiences they go through. I believe that rather than limiting this growth to solely academic lessons and extracurricular activities, it should also be created through guidance and mentorship, fostering an understanding of students' thoughts and emotions, especially as they navigate stress at home, with peers, or with teachers. Encouraging these practices can help students feel seen and validated, and may motivate them to shift from making emotional decisions to more thoughtful, rational ones, setting them up for future relationships and a stronger self-identity.

-Jinan Chazbek | Incoming Junior

• How do you believe the education you are receiving will help you in the future?

I believe the education I am receiving is currently helping me communicate effectively with my peers, manage my time wisely, and explore the activities that I’m passionate about, building a foundation for future possibilities. Specifically for me, I took the biomedical classes provided at my school which helped me navigate what I want to pursue in the future.

-Isa Nguyen | Incoming Junior

• Do you know what career(s) you’re interested in? Did school help you explore your interests and come to a decision?

I know I would like to go into the medical field and work toward becoming a pediatric nurse. I enjoy working with children a lot and I truly want to help people in need. School did not help me explore my interest because they hadn’t given me the class to further my knowledge on the overall subject, nor other resources and opportunities.

-Anya Dusara | Incoming Junior

• Do you have any tips to manage mental and physical health alongside school?

My tips to manage my health during the school year is by staying active, which I do through playing volleyball. Additionally, sleeping for about eight to nine hours and taking breaks whenever I may feel overwhelmed.

-Mihika Nagepalli | Incoming Freshman

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A large auditorium, placed awkwardly in the center of the high school campus, would now host the “28th Annual Talent Show Competition”! The chattering of nervously excited participants filled the air. Extravagant costumes and props glimmered under the sun's rays, which peeked from behind the half closed window curtains. Trails of vibrant sequins scattered among the blue carpeted floors, and feathers danced below the cool air that blew from the vents. Rows of cream colored, foldable chairs were placed on the right and left, leaving a thin walkway between. Family members placed their belongings down to claim chairs, and a cacophony of the dings from text messages, wails from little siblings, and faint music playing from the speakers next to the stage echoed among the vast room like loud drums. In anticipation for a wonderful show, everyone found their places as the auditorium lights began to dim. The clicking of heels became more distinct as a young woman appeared from the door on the right side of the building. As she made her way to the small table placed in front of the stage, only the silhouette of her tall figure could be made out. She wore a blazer and a mini skirt and her hair was tied up into a neat bun. The indistinct rustle of her clipboard rubbing against her blazer hushed the auditorium. She sat down, placed the clipboard on the surface of the table, and crossed her legs, watching the stage closely. On the edge of the table was a shiny, silver card propped up on a stand that read “judge.”

Backstage, all the groups crowded into a compact room that was divided into sections for hair and makeup, costume, and practice. The room had over twenty people, frantically pacing and doing last minute touch ups to their appearances and perfecting their acts. A group of girls that were going to sing sat up on the chairs in front of the mirrors and brought out their makeup supplies. They reapplied a bright pink lipstick and touched up their glittery eyeshadow. One girl began to re-curl her hair with a curling iron and her hair tumbled down her shoulders into perfect spirals. On the other side of the room, a young boy was hidden behind the enormous piano, playing discordant notes that made everyone flinch. He wore a black blazer with a white shirt underneath, and long pants that covered his sneakers. He tried to keep his fingers curled as he played each key, but his nervous hands continued to shake and play all the wrong notes.

“Ten minutes till the curtains open!” yelled the manager, in a firm voice that carried throughout the room.

Everyone began to squeal, as they tried to refocus on their practice. Moments later, a group of students that appeared to be around fourteen or fifteen years old burst into the room. It was clear they were from the newspaper class offered at the school, coming to interview the local elementary and middle schoolers that would soon perform for the talent show. They walked over to groups of people and pointed the cameras at themselves, their words clearly scripted.

“How long have you girls been practicing?” asked one of the students, continuing to smile at the camera and point the microphone towards the young dancers.

“Three weeks, and for…” she stopped talking and stared at her feet.

“Two hours every Friday and Saturday,” another girl said, chiming in.

“Great! Tell me about your costumes and makeup looks,” the interviewer stated, as she looked at the girls and signaled to the cameraman to zoom out.

“Our moms put these costumes together, we just told them we wanted them to have sequins and be colorful,” one girl said.

“Goodluck on your performance,” said the interviewer, smiling and walking towards another group.

“What are you guys going to be performing today?” another interviewer asked a group of boys. They wore white gloves, black suits, and the one in the middle held a large tophat, and his friends each carried different props, from a deck of cards to a red handkerchief.

“Magic, it’s going to be the best act you’ve ever seen,” said the boy in the middle, grinning at the camera.

“How long did you practice for?” asked the interviewer, listening intently.

“We perfected our act in one day, but we also practiced a little this morning,” he said in a cocky tone.

“Best of luck guys,” said the interviewer, as he patted one of the boys on the back.

The interviewers continued to walk around the small room, their equipment causing performers to stumble and groan. They interviewed all kinds of acts and met with different kids who were all excited to show off their talents, and like that it was five minutes till the curtains opened.

The performers began to nervously chatter amongst one another, flipping sequins on their costumes and tapping their legs. All the groups stayed together like bees in a hive, sitting down and trying to calm each other. The stage manager appeared from the hall once again, his clipboard in hand, headset over his ear, and his teeth chattering and legs shaking. He began calling out the names of the acts and directing them to their spot, where they must wait before performing. Everyone soon disappeared from the dressing room, and trails of sequins were left behind, showing the different directions the groups took. It seemed as though an elephant stampede had walked through the room, unzipped makeup bags were left by the mirrors and floor, different products flooding out and clothes were thrown around, covering almost every object that decorated the room.

“3…2…1,” whispered the stage manager, his eyebrows furrowed and eyes watching the first group.

The fabulous red curtain parted, the lights recentered to the stage, and the audience began to cheer. Four girls stood on the stage, each in a different pose. The girl on the very left had her arms grabbing her leg, which extended back. The two girls in the middle stood apart and pointed their arms towards each other. Lastly, the girl on the right was on the floor in a handstand position, with one leg bent, reaching her back and the other leg flexed. Immediately the music began, and the base boomed for each beat. The girls’ costumes glittered under the stage lights, and they filled the room with a new energy. The judge was looking down, sternly, at her clipboard, but once she looked up, a smile came across her face. She took some notes, but couldn’t look away for too long. She was mesmerized by the rhythm these girls had, and their confidence. The performance winded down as the girls did their last couple steps, and the music began to fade. The audience gushed and applauded, cheering the girls’ names. The judge raised her eyebrow, and clapped for the girls as well, and they walked off the stage, but their energy was left behind in the now excited auditorium.

The highschool journalists sat front row, their camera pointed at the stage and microphones dangling at the floor. They nodded at each other, a silent gesture of amazement at the performance, until the lights abruptly turned off and a hush of confusion filled the auditorium. Suddenly, the bright lights came back, but this time three boys stood in the center, each a couple of props in hand. The boy with the tophat began speaking to the audience describing his act. He exclaimed that he’d need a deck of cards, cueing to his friend to pass them, but the bottom of the cardboard package had been torn and all the cards poured out, like a waterfall. Some cards fluttered under the light, until they gracefully rested on the floor. He nervously laughed, but decided to just move on to the next act. He then told the audience he could pull out a never ending scarf, but instead there was a toy car, followed by another deck of cards, sunglasses, and many other inanimate objects. The audience was puzzled at first, but soon they began to laugh, assuming this comedy was part of the act. The judge had a muffled laugh as well, covered by the palm of her hand, before she looked down to write notes. After multiple attempts, the boy on the right threw a smoke bomb, and the boys disappeared, amazing the crowd. The highschoolers looked at eachother with confusion, unsure if that’s how the act was supposed to be or whether the boys had messed up. The judge wrote down more notes, and looked sternly at the now empty stage.

Multiple acts followed these two, and oftentimes the judge smiled at the performers, applauding their commitment and hard work for the acts and like that the final act walked off stage. The red curtains slowly moved towards one another, the gold embroidery, that was hidden in the folds of the cloth now visible for everyone to see. The audiences’ cheers echoed in the auditorium and backstage, everyone congratulated one another. The judge tallied up the final scores to determine the winners and everyone was called back out. The judge walked up to the stage and acknowledged every group's efforts and performances, but after a slight pause she announced the first act of girls, who danced, as the winners! The fours girls jumped and hugged each other, laughing, silently expressing their sense of accomplishment. They walked to the front of the stage to collect their trophies and shake the hand of the judge, who smiled at the girls. They stood for a picture, giggling uncontrollably. Despite all the excitement, the boys that performed magic didn’t place in the top five. They began to yell at each other and part ways, frustrated by each other's negligence to their act.

The high schooler’s walked up to the stage for a couple more quick interviews, dragging their cords and wires across the stage floor.

“Congratulations! But why do you girls think you got first place?” asked one of the interviewers.

“Well, we practiced so much,” one of them said, crossing her arms in a humble manner.

“So, would you say practice is more important than your final performance?” she asked, trying to get the girls to keep thinking.

“No, I think they’re equally important, actually,” said the same girl and all of them nodded along.

This experience highlighted to all the groups that during practice, one learns their strengths and prepares themselves to showcase their skills, which is done during the performance. The journey of navigating to the performance is just as important as the end. Like that, another talent show has taken place and it was an amazing success, all the groups felt proud of themselves and each other.

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Rain

By Francis Ponge

Translated By Joshua Corey & Jean-Luc Garneau

The rain, in the backyard where I watch it fall, comes down at different rates. In the center a fine discontinuous curtain — or network — falls implacably and yet gently in drops that are probably quite light; a strengthless sempiternal precipitation, an intense fraction of the atmosphere at its purest. A little distance from the walls to the right and left plunk heavier drops, one by one. Here they seem about the size of grains of wheat, the size of a pea, while elsewhere they are big as marbles. Along gutters and window frames the rain runs horizontally, while depending from the same obstacles it hangs like individually wrapped candies. Along the entire surface of a little zinc roof under my eyes it trickles in a very thin sheet, a moiré pattern formed by the varying currents created by the imperceptible bumps and undulations of the surface. From the gutter it flows with the restraint of a shallow creek until it tumbles out into a perfectly vertical net, rather imperfectly braided, all the way to the ground where it breaks and sparkles into brilliant needles.

Each of its forms has its particular allure and corresponds to a particular patter. Together they share the intensity of a complex mechanism as precise as it is dangerous, like a steam-powered clock whose spring is wound by the force of the precipitation.

The ringing on the ground of the vertical trickles, the glug-glug of the gutters, the miniscule strikes of the gong multiply and resonate all at once in a concert without monotony, and not without a certain delicacy.

Once the spring unwinds itself certain wheels go on turning for a while, more and more slowly, until the whole mechanism comes to a stop. It all vanishes with the sun: when it finally reappears, the brilliant apparatus evaporates. It has rained.

Ponge, Francis. “Rain.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/89711/rain-5762f2f9a12fd. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Analysis:

What emotions does the rain make you feel? In “Rain” by Francis Ponge, the poet uses vivid language and descriptions to make the universal experience of watching rain fall come to life and evoke emotion in the readers. Ponge describes the pattern and characteristics of the rain in his backyard, as it streamed along the gutters and windows and how it disappeared as the sun shone. The poem conveys the alluring and gentle behavior of rain and its movements, but may be connected back to the importance of noticing small details and pausing during everyday life.

The poet focuses on setting the scene by describing his backyard as the rain dripped along the buildings. The imagery used brings the poem to life and allows the reader to be in the shoes of Ponge and live this experience as he did. “Along gutters and window frames the rain runs horizontally, while depending from the same obstacles it hangs like individually wrapped candies”. The use of the words obstacles and candies provide a playful tone, reminiscent of childhood and creates a certain appeal. These words make the poem more lighthearted and easier to connect to, as everyone has experienced being a child. Additionally, the poet describes “The ringing on the ground of the vertical trickles, the glug-glug of the gutters”, using words to describe the sounds of what he hears, encouraging the readers to engage with other senses. Ponge’s word choice for imagery allows the reader to connect and feel this experience.

Ponge’s tone is uplifting and passionate throughout the poem. He describes the rain in new ways and uses it to create a calming feeling in the readers, with thoughtful ideas and a love for the topic. He describes, “rather imperfectly braided, all the way to the ground where it breaks and sparkles into brilliant needles.” His word choices in their own way tell a story. The emotion and thoughtfulness put into the words convey an uplifting and inspirational tone, showing uniqueness. The tone helps the reader understand important ideas and an underlying message that may be interpreted from the poet’s perspective.

Ponge used simple words to convey a deeper meaning in his poem. His use of common language allows readers to connect through its simplicity. He describes the droplets as “big as marbles,” providing readers with a visual about the size of rain droplets, and how the clear and shiny surface of a marble may be similar to that of a raindrop. He additionally describes the rain’s form “like a steam-powered clock,” conveying how intricate the rain is. The poet uses a contradictory phrase, “tumbles out into a perfectly vertical net, rather imperfectly braided.” The use of both perfectly and imperfectly allows the reader to consider and interpret this scene. As the water rushes along the gutter it’s uniform, but once it starts pouring out, overlaps can be noticed, possibly connecting to the idea that one may never really see a person for who they are unless they look deeper, beyond external appearances. Lastly, he also describes the rain “in a concert without monotony,” describing the beauty in nature and how unique this scene is. By noticing every droplet, Ponge’s word choices convey his simplistic writing style and the underlying meaning and themes that may be interpreted throughout his poem. Although it may seem like he’s only describing rain, reader’s analyze the structures and creatively find new ideas.

Ponge conveys a deeper meaning and connection to life through his magical and descriptive poem about rain falling in his backyard. He used strategic word choices that connect with readers, and also provided them with the opportunity to interpret his poem in new ways. This poem provides connections to experiences in life, and our understanding of people and events that we may come across.

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As the holiday season begins, there tends to be more panic in the air, a big part of that can sometimes be to find the “perfect” gift. The holiday’s are all about spending time with loved ones and showing appreciation and care for them. The holidays are celebrated with families and groups of friends gathering and everyone coming together to catch up and enjoy themselves, especially after a busy and hectic year. This time allows for reconnections between people who may have been separated from their loved ones physically, but also emotionally, meaning they may not have communicated as much throughout the year. During this season, gifts are almost always exchanged, but what if there is more to gift-giving than just tradition?

Although gift-giving may be an essential part to the holidays, gifts can symbolize appreciation, love, and thoughtfulness. This great gesture not only lifts the receiving person's spirits, but can also impact the gift-giver positively as well. This action can make one feel good about themselves, especially after seeing the reactions of their loved ones, showing that their small gesture can always be heartwarming. Giving gifts can also help people understand each other better, making their likes and dislikes more apparent, which could, ultimately, also strengthen bonds. Something to keep in mind is that a good gift is not defined with a price tag, but rather based on the receiving person’s interests and likes. Additionally, receiving a gift is always uplifting and a nice reminder that there are always appreciative people in your life that are there for you and look out for you. Although many people do enjoy luxuries for gifts, others may prefer something small, handmade, or even just a gesture of spending time or helping the other person with a task. Though luxuries are always nice to receive, they do not always have to be the first thing that pop’s up in one’s mind after hearing the word “gift”.

Gifts do not always have to be material as well, gestures or kind words can also be considered. Doing activities that involve spending time together, or helping someone with a complicated task or through a hard time, or simply looking out for someone are all gestures to make someone feel loved and seen, which is an immense part of the purpose of gifts. The excitement of the holiday season is always a special feeling, knowing that you’ll be able to destress from everyday life and busy schedules to reconnect with loved ones is always a relief, and despite gifts being a major part during the holidays they can also be exchanged throughout the year.

(Created on Canva)

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Recently I watched a Ted Talk by Adam Leipzig, about finding one’s life purpose, and I thought he made some really interesting and unique points, and got me thinking about life and the future from a completely different perspective. The speech may have been targeted to adults, yet I found it really useful and this is my take on the message.

The speaker shared his experience at an ivy league college reunion many years after graduating, and he realized that the majority of the people he talked to that day were unhappy with their lives and had not felt like they served their “life’s purpose.” These people also happened to be very wealthy, privileged, and received the best education, however their heavy reliance on material objects made them feel even less happy and fulfilled. In contrast, the speaker included a smaller group, who had been given the same privilege to get a fine education. However, they took that opportunity to explore their passion and interests. They did not attend school, solely to find a job after, but to be able to gain a variety of new experiences. 

After watching the Ted Talk, I took note of some interesting points made, these included the idea that the smaller group of people had pursued something because they enjoyed it. Although, this surprisingly smaller percentage shows that people are more focused on finding a job and do not prioritize finding themselves and discovering who they are and potentially their role in society as a whole. I believe that feeling happy in one’s career is important but is often overlooked in today’s busy society. People go about their lives looking for a job and never really stop and understand who they are. However, at the end of the day the tasks that one accomplishes should make them feel proud of themselves and help them feel like they served a greater purpose to the community. Overall, I thought this was a very interesting video and had the power to get people thinking about what they are currently pursuing or planning to pursue. I also agree that it is always important to think about the impact that a choice can have on an individual in the long run. 

The video also made me wonder why the speaker shared this specific experience with the audience and what his main message was? It brought me to the conclusion that the speaker’s purpose may have been to inspire others to think creatively and differently. Many people talk about life purposes and passions, but never really continue in that path or fully grasp the meaning. Although, it is very important to love what you do nonetheless. The speech was a way to pull people’s attention from their daily schedule and lives and think for a moment if what they’re doing is serving a purpose for themselves and others. My main takeaway is that when you follow your passions or “purpose” you not only benefit yourself but many other people too, and you enjoy it.

“Recipe” to Find Your Life Purpose: 

1. Consider these questions (mentioned in the video): 

   1. Who are you?

   2. What do you do?

   3. Who do you do it for?

   4. What do others want or need?

   5. How have your actions helped them change?

2. Write your responses to these questions down, but always continue to make any necessary changes. 

3. Whenever you feel stuck or unsure what to do, think back to these questions. 

4. Always ask yourself if you are passionate and love what you do. 

5. Keep in mind that this is a process and does take time, so be patient with yourself!

   Ted Talk Link

Creativity is often overlooked by many, but expanding upon creative abilities can help you improve in other areas or fields as well. Creativity can also change your overall thinking and habits, but how exactly do you improve your creative abilities? 

Creativity has no limits and can be personalized, there are no rules or a specific set of instructions, it’s more based on the emotions and ideas of the creatives. I believe that creativity is being able to think differently, approach challenges from a new perspective, improve artistic abilities, and so much more, the possibilities are endless. However, expanding on your creative abilities is a journey and takes time and dedication, and often only improves through consistency.

 In order to improve artistic abilities, you can practice doodling or making small sketches, whenever you have some free time. This way your arm and brain get used to the feeling, and you also expand your imagination. Along with this, try experimenting with new art styles, this will get you thinking more about how you want your art to look. Remember to only take inspiration from other artists, don’t try to copy their art styles or techniques,  rather learn from them and see how you can tweak it to make it your own. Always remember to learn as you go, you may make mistakes, but you can always learn from them and keep going! 

Oftentimes when we hear the word “creativity,” we think of only art, but there is so much more to creativity. For example, approaching challenges from a new perspective or thinking differently. These can be expanded on through: learning a new skill, meditating or practicing mindfulness, and understanding different viewpoints in certain situations. Trying out a new skill can help us adapt to different and new methods in order to take on this new task, allowing you to change your thinking. Meditation and mindfulness helps us notice small details that we may not have even seen before and allows us to ask and consider more meaningful questions. Being able to understand and reflect on differing viewpoints may be tough, but they can really help with thinking in a different perspective, it may even get you to change your original ideas. Practicing this can help you develop a growth mindset, as well as help you see the world and those around you through a different lens, which is an important part of creativity. 

While expanding your creativity, there is a possibility of you facing some obstacles, these can include losing motivation, getting distracted, being unsure of how to move forward, not having enough time to spend, or feeling overworked or overwhelmed. These are only a few of the many things you may be faced with, but always remember to try and refocus and not lose sight of your end goal. It is important to take breaks and give your mind a rest as well, so that you can really give the task your full attention during the time period that you have set aside to complete it. 

Creativity is important and is used in many tasks that are to be completed in daily life, whether it’s for school work, or for pleasure, practicing creativity can help you see things from a new perspective and that is sure to have a positive impact on you. 

As the year comes to an end, people often look forward to coming up with their New Year’s Resolutions. As motivating and exciting as it may seem, it’s not necessary to depend on a certain date to start working towards your goals. Everyone has different resolutions, they can vary from changing old habits to trying to adapt to a new lifestyle. No matter the resolution, I believe that you shouldn’t have to wait till the New Year to start reaching your dreams. 

Sometimes it may feel like coming up with goals for the new year makes them easier to achieve or just the thought of starting fresh can be satisfying, but a date shouldn’t play a major role in deciding when to work towards a new goal or achievement. When waiting for the date to come, if you are not proactive during the waiting period, it’s easy to lose focus or interest on working towards that resolution. Along with this, New Year’s Resolutions can often be unrealistic and possibly unhealthy in the long run. These are some common reasons why it’s hard for people to stick to their resolutions, achieving your dreams can’t happen overnight. 

The phrase, “New Year New Me,” is often stated by many individuals who are working on their resolutions. Often, it may feel like you have to make a transition into your dream self by the New Year, but that doesn’t necessarily reflect reality. Lastly, this may not be the best way to maintain consistency when it comes to the things you may want to achieve. Consistency plays a key part in reaching your resolutions, being able to distribute the bigger goal into more manageable parts and having the goal planned out within a realistic timeframe is a way to not get defeated by too much pressure. Some goals might be made for the sake of having New Year’s Resolutions, but it might not be something you really want to achieve or you know you will put your 100% into. I would recommend putting these goals aside, for another time, and working on what is higher up on the list of priorities. 

Instead of putting goals on your list of New Year’s Resolutions, keep them separate and work towards them at your own pace. 

Is there another approach to consider instead of limiting yourself to New Year’s Resolutions? Maybe try goal setting. Goal setting is more effective and productive as you have everything planned out and ready for when you start. Some key components, to keep in mind, about goal setting and achieving them is having a realistic time frame, staying consistent, coming up with reasonable and realistic goals, and possibly reflecting on how this will positively affect you. 

One effective way to plan and come up with a realistic time frame (for your goal) is by using a planner. This could be either digitally or on paper, as long as you have easy access and enough space. Having a planner can be effective because being able to see the smaller tasks planned out can make the goal seem less tedious or intimidating. Since you are aware about how you’re going to begin working on it. Having a planner also means organization, so this can help you come up with new ideas or write down smaller achievements that keep you going, and they can be a huge motivator.

Another important part of goal setting is that you work based on days, weeks, or months, not years. The smaller steps that are taken in order to reach your main or bigger goal should be paced, and they should start being checked off in a matter of months or less. That way you know you are progressing towards your bigger goal efficiently. 

Equally as important as reaching your goals is, it’s also crucial to reflect on your journey and understand the big takeaway, as well as why you thought about this goal in the first place. Reflection can really help you understand and also better yourself and grow. Looking through your planner can help you see what steps you took and whether or not they helped as much in the long run and maybe how that impacts how you would work towards new goals. If you ever get stuck, here are some questions you could potentially ask yourself: Did I accomplish this goal in the timeframe I gave myself? How has reaching this goal helped me grow? Does this goal connect to any other goals that I have in mind? Was this method of goal setting effective, if not what could I try next time? There are endless possibilities of questions you could come up with, just make sure they are relevant and insightful. 

There isn’t only one way to achieve your goals, different people are able to adapt to different methods. My biggest recommendation is to try out different methods and see what works for you. New Year’s Resolutions aren’t ineffective or a bad way to plan out your goals. I would just emphasize trying out methods that are proven to be more accurate or effective, but it really comes down to what works best for you!

Tips! 

• Time management is crucial, but someday’s are just busier than others, and that’s perfectly okay. One thing to definitely keep in mind though, is try to set aside a little bit of time, this could even be 10-15 minutes, depending on your goal, but this will help you not lose motivation and focus. 

• Planners can sometimes be expensive, so I would recommend using an empty notebook or writing on separate pieces of paper and then storing them in a folder. The key is to have  all of your thoughts and plans organized together in one place. 

  • If paper isn’t really your thing, digital planners could work too! You could use Google Spreadsheets, this way you can label each box according to your organization method. Other apps can include the free IOS apps, such as Notes and Journal. Lastly, there are many apps that are designed specifically for journaling, but usually cost a little bit of money. 

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Beauty and The Beast is a Disney classic that is enjoyed by millions of young children around the world. The storyline is based around the main character Belle, who lives in a small town with her father. One day her father has to go through the forest for work, when he stumbles across a huge mansion. His curiosity wins him over as well as his desperate need for warmth, so he walks into the palace where he is immediately captured. Belle soon hears of this information and goes to save her father, when she is forced to switch places with him as her last resort. Belle is soon held captive, but she starts to build a relationship with the Beast, who is revealed to be a young prince who was cast under a spell. Belle learns that the only way he can be saved is through true love and slowly they build a relationship, which ultimately leads to his curse being broken and them living happily ever after. Sounds like a nice fairytale, but is this truly the case? 

Although this is a movie made for the purpose of entertainment, there are many false concepts and unrealistic ideas that may impact the way young audience members perceive the world. 

The first issue that can be argued is that the Beast’s behavior towards Belle and her elderly father, in the beginning, was borderline abusive. The Beast locks her in a jail cell against her will. He brings her basic necessities, like food and water, but besides that she is left in complete isolation. Later in the story, as the two characters build more trust, we see that she gains more privileges and liberty, and is able to explore different parts of the castle except for The West Wing. As the rules that The Beast sets for Belle start to loosen up, we notice a budding relationship between them. Belle continuously tries to help The Beast become more kindhearted and thoughtful. Despite her efforts, he pushes her away because of his stubborn views on the world, and there was no changing them. She shows him affection and empathy, but he continues to ignore her gestures. The Beast’s behavior shows that no matter how hard Belle tries, he mistreats her and isolates her. 

This idea can teach young viewers that what Belle was going through was acceptable because at the end of the story she is able to break the curse and is rewarded with a handsome, young prince who magically appears in front of her. She also has the privilege of living in a beautiful castle. This can completely change a young girl’s expectation of reality. 

Later in the story, Belle and the Beast have a huge argument which leads to Belle leaving the palace and attempting to go back home, but out of nowhere wolves appear and try to attack her. Moments later the Beast fights them off to save Belle, but in doing so he is severely injured. Belle wonders for a couple minutes about what to do. Quickly, she decides to help the Beast because of the risk he took on her behalf. Belle surprisingly looks past all of his previous negative behaviors towards her, and only focuses on this one moment. This could potentially mislead younger audiences and teach them that they always have to overlook many negative actions because of one positive one. These inconsistencies can change our ideas about a person, but there’s no guarantee that they won't go back to treating someone negatively again. 

Along with Belle and the Beast, we are introduced to the castle’s servants who were once humans dancing in the ballroom, when they were turned into objects because of the unfortunate curse. While these characters represent humor in the story, there is a problem with their intentions. When Belle enters the pictures, they realize that it’s a perfect opportunity for the curse to be lifted for them as well, so they try their best to make it work. Although they didn’t make it obvious they were using her for their own benefit, it seems that it still might have been their underlying intentions. They soon learn that the Beast lets her go because of his love for her, which immediately interferes with their plans, but they realize that taking advantage of a person is never the solution to getting their way. On the other hand, the story would’ve been completely different if the animated objects had talked to Belle about their ideas and they had come to a mutual agreement about their intentions.

Belle’s personality completely changes once she meets The Beast, she was once an independent character, but once she stepped foot into the palace she became helpless. Belle was considered an outlier because she didn’t follow the town’s expectations for her, mainly falling for Gaston and marrying him. Seemingly the town couldn’t figure out why Belle didn’t want to be with Gaston. This potentially makes her an outlier because the other girls in the town all wished to marry Gaston, except for Belle. Another reason she is considered an outlier is because of her love and interest towards books. Although being an outlier is always considered a negative and terrible thing to be, sometimes it can help us realize how we can become a better version of ourselves. Belle was shown hopeless and unfazed by the situation she was in, sort of powerless, but she wasn’t always like that. She had the choice of who she wanted to marry, the ability to decide what she wanted to do with her life, and the power over what to think because of all the reading she does. “I want adventure in the great-wide, somewhere, I want more than I can tell… For once it might be grand to have someone understand, I want so much more than they’ve got planned!” This quote shows that she is a strong and independent woman who can make her own decisions and choices, but it’s a little strange that she suddenly became powerless and a prisoner, not even fighting for herself, which she is capable of doing. Despite the fact that Belle did choose to be a prisoner, she never really listened to what people had to say regarding her life, however being thrown in a prison cell had a completely different effect on her.

In the beginning of the story we are introduced to the witch who had cursed the prince. She was an odd and eccentric person, never really mentioned in the story and when she was it was about how she was rejected by society because of her strong character and abnormal looks. The views that people had didn’t affect the witch, she was shown as quite a powerful woman. She had the ability to change the lives of all those at the prince's party with her curse. The witch has multiple layers to her character that are unfolded, this being one of many. On the outside she’s shown as unusual and weird, but understanding her character as an independent and powerful person changes things. Depending on how you may view the witch, it’s possible to see her as a symbol of freedom and capability because she’s not one of the people that are trying to change themselves to fit into society, she’s being herself along with the many magical powers she holds. 

The message that I’m conveying is that young audience member’s shouldn’t grow up either wanting to be the princess or the witch, not always loved by society or rejected. Finding that balance in this case is important because Belle and the witch both have some admirable qualities along with their own shortcomings. In the real world nobody’s perfect, just like Belle and the witch. A person should be able to have these combined attributes, the love and care that Belle gives along with the independence and strength that the witch holds.

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One of the most paramount safety tips I can give you, is making sure you do these activities through trusted companies and businesses. Although this might involve a higher expenditure, that extra cost might just save your life! When doing such adventures and possibly perilous activities, it’s always best to be reassured, knowing that you will be safe at all times. Bigger companies focus most on safety since they’re more reputable. This is always going to be the most important step when planning out these activities. 

10 - Roller Coaster:

One of the most underappreciated activities, in my opinion, is theme park roller coasters. I know many people are afraid of the daunting twists, turns, and loops that roller coasters take you through in a span of seconds, but facing that fear can really give you perspective. My safety advice for you, is to make sure you go to more prominent theme parks that are known for ensuring visitors safety. Some established parks are Disney Land, Six Flags, Universal Studios, and Great America. From experience, these theme parks do focus on safety as well as making sure the rides are exciting! 

9 - Treetop Rope Courses & Ziplining 

An activity that tests you physically and mentally is a treetop rope course, while being high up in trees you will be challenged to complete different levels of escalating obstacles and ziplining courses. Daring to take a leap or walk through a rope bridge is always more fun with a friend, so definitely bring someone! 

8 - Indoor Skydiving: 

Not prepared to jump out of a plane just yet? Well, do not fret, because you can take that first step by doing an alternative activity, indoor skydiving. Although the two activities themselves differ, indoor skydiving gets you used to the sensation of wind pushing against you and being able to glide across the air. There will always be a person accompanying and supporting you while being in a closed tube-shaped room, so no need to worry about all of the what-ifs of actual skydiving yet. This is a family-friendly activity since it can be done starting from the age of three, so definitely bring your kids!

7 - Parasailing: 

Parasailing is a very safe activity. The way it works is you’re strapped to a parachute which is connected to a boat, and while being high up in the air you get to see the most picturesque views. Nature from all vantage points and many different forms and hues. From personal experience, parasailing is a pretty low-key activity and it really is worth all the awe-inspiring views! 

6 - Snorkeling: 

Snorkeling is another activity in which you get to encounter many stunning views, except this time in the water. When you snorkel, you have goggles attached to a small breathing tube. It is advisable to wear a life jacket because it can become hard to float for such a long period of time. When participating in this activity, you are effortlessly gliding through still water and get to explore many different kinds of fish, corals, and plants. When I first laid eyes on what was below the ocean’s surface, I was so mesmerized. The view of all the vividly-colored fish swimming through the clear water and other sea animals making their way through the colorful coral and plants was so captivating that I didn’t even want to blink. 

5 - Paragliding 

Although paragliding and parasailing may sound similar, I assure you that they are very different activities. The main difference with paragliding is that there is no boat involved, but rather you are with a trained professional, and they control the parachute according to the wind and ensure your safety by strapping equipment, keeping you both connected at all times. All you have to do is relax and enjoy all of the wonderful sights from mountains and hills to clouds resting amongst the sky, moving slightly when the wind pushes them. Paragliding is a relatively stress-free activity, and you are ensured safety since there is a professional accompanying you!

4 - Scuba Diving

Scuba diving allows you to delve into the depths of these wonderful animals and plants closely. Unlike snorkeling, when scuba diving it is mandatory that you carry an oxygen tank with you, have the proper attire, and always remain with a group. Since you will be deeper down in the ocean and will not be able to come up for breaths, oxygen tanks are mandatory. It is also important to stay with a group in case of an emergency. I know that all of this information may cause fear, but there is nothing to worry about, as long as you do it through a trusted company. While scuba diving, it almost feels surreal, you could simply reach your hand out and feel so many different feels all at once, the bubbles that form around your hand when you swirl it around are almost hypnotic. It truly is an amazing way to explore the world beneath the waves. A couple of notes about this activity is that I would like you all to keep in mind that it is important to maintain a respectful distance from the animals and plants, do not touch them by any means, or try to destroy their delicate structures. It’s also worth noting that you must be at least ten years old to participate in this activity. 

3 - River Rafting 

River rafting is a high-thrill activity! When participating, you are in a boat or raft and have to work with a team to navigate the twists and turns of the strong currents and rapids of the rivers. While on the boat you have a life jacket as well as a paddle. You will have to have effective communication and precise coordination with your team, so you can all make it through the currents safely, with no one falling off. The vital tip to not falling off of the raft is to make sure your feet are secured and also listen to any safety tips or guidelines that the guides mention. The best part is to enjoy the exhilarating feeling of the intense currents pushing against your boat, (almost like a really bumpy roller coaster) and allow the water to soak you from head to toe. 

2 - Bungee Jumping 

Bungee jumping is known as one of the most terrifying and intimidating activities to undertake, most people may not get to experience this in a lifetime because of the fear that’s driving them. Bungee jumping is an activity in which you have a long rope or cord that is connected to safety equipment that you have on you, then you are to jump from a tall surface and bounce, following the way the cord moves up and down. Although this may sound frightening, being able to think about the positive when doing this makes that initial moment seem less worrisome, an example of this could be taking a glimpse of the scenic landscape around you!

1 - Skydiving 

Skydiving is regarded as one of the most daring activities that only a few choose to venture into. Something most people don’t know is that it can be more enjoyable than terrifying. Skydiving is an activity where you are strapped with a professional, who carries a parachute on their back, the two of you jump out of the plane and then soar across the sky, thousands of feet from the air. Yes, I do know how it sounds, but truthfully it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and being able to see an area from that vantage point is breathtaking and one of a kind. When you’re normally on the ground, you see every little component individually, (trees, buildings, and other landforms,) but being thousands of feet up in the air gives you an advantage like no other and you get to see everything come together as a whole, which is definitely something you don’t get to experience very often!

Conclusion

Reflecting on all of these activities, what’s the common theme here? Something became evident to me while doing these activities, you always are immersed in a marvelous view of nature. All of these activities also teach us that in order to gain new insights and lessons, you have to be able to step out of your shell and give something new a shot. The small details of nature interconnect to create something as beautiful as what you see when you're soaring thousands of feet up in the air or diving into the majestic depths of the ocean. Some of the small actions we take lean towards a big picture or idea, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed or lost, maybe even scared. Taking that step to build up the courage to experience one of these activities can help you regain your way of seeing things, and that can lead you toward becoming or creating something grander. 

*THIS POST ISN’T TO ENABLE YOU TO DO ANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES, BUT RATHER TO SPREAD POSITIVITY AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT!

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Despite this weather, the entire drive we saw so many new plants and landscapes, as we explored new places. One destination that my parents were eager to see was a small city along the way, Solvang. This small town is known for its Danish-style architecture and preservation of Danish heritage. It was quite cozy and the buildings were breathtaking. There were so many colorful homes and each one had a unique, antique finish. There were also small cafes and wineries to see as well! Overall I would definitely recommend visiting this town if you’re ever in the area!

Once we reached our airbnb, we were welcomed to a home surrounded by trees and plants, like a mini forest. The home itself was decorated and furnished nicely, colorful paintings and curtains were hung in the bedrooms and walls. Each painting had a story behind them and it was interesting to understand each one! That next morning, we were going to visit a Hindu temple, but before going, we decided to explore the surroundings of our airbnb more, and once we stepped outside to the patio we saw chickens! Moments later, the kids next door (who were also visiting) introduced us to two dogs that lived on the property that they had met the night before! The animals were all very friendly and we played fetch with the two dogs as well as fed the chickens some rice. 

After we spent some time with our new friends and the animals, we all showered and dressed up to visit the temple in Malibu. Once we got there we saw the intricate architecture and many pillars holding together the tiers of stone carvings and symbols, which reminded my parents of the temples back in India. The weather that day was hotter than the day before, so the moment my feet touched the stone stairs leading us to the entrance, I yelped and immediately jumped up, but had to continue taking small steps that lead us to a room, the stone was cool and my feet had immediately stopped hurting. We prayed and paid our respects to each god as we walked around the temple. This took us about an hour and after that we went down to the eating area and ordered some lunch. 

That evening we visited Zuma Beach in Malibu, the weather had finally cooled down and sunset was approaching. My parents and grandma sat down and watched the sun set behind the mountains while my brother and I played along the shore line with our feet in the water. As the sun set, the colors orange, light pink, and purple arose from below the mountains, the clouds started disappearing and the moon started becoming more visible. There were shades of blue, purple, and a cream color that were in the distance floating below the bright moon. The sounds of waves crashing and people chattering became louder as the evening rolled on. We left once the sky became dark and all the stars shined. 

The next day was our last full day, so we decided to make the best of it! I had been anticipating seeing a mural of the famous singer, Lana Del Rey, which is located near Venice beach, it’s painted behind the Ellison Hotel. We went through narrow pathways and turns, but once we reached it, I was amazed by the likeness of her and the size of the mural! The black and white painting was able to capture her beauty and soft features!

 We headed over to Venice Beach, this was one of the most lively beaches I’ve ever seen! There were a variety of shops and people riding their bikes along the sandy pathways, music blaring from different speakers all at once. The sand was blazing hot and the walk towards the ocean was long and uncomfortable, but once we approached it, my brother and I ran to the shore, feeling relieved by the cool water. We played for hours, splashing water at each other and my brother throwing sand. By the time we were ready to leave, my brother was soaking wet, his hair full of sand. 

The same evening my family decided to visit Santa Monica Pier, this was another attraction I was eager to go to! The weather was finally cooling down and the sun began to set behind the mountains. There was a cool breeze beginning to come our way, it was perfect. The Pier was just as lively as the beach, people dressed up and the screams and laughter of those riding the roller coasters resonated beyond shore. As the sky began to darken the Pier lit up, the LEDs on the Ferris Wheel changed every minute and illuminated different designs such as stars, hearts, and other shapes and texts. The colorful reflection of the Ferris Wheel shone on the surface of the ocean in the night, creating the most beautiful view. My brother was able to convince my parents to take him on one of the rides, so he waited in the long line with my dad, while my mom, grandma, and I walked around, taking in the dazzling sights. 

Once the ride was over we all walked to a Mexican restaurant nearby. Party music boomed and people chattering and laughing echoed around the room. The food arrived shortly after we ordered and the plating was vibrant and fun! I had ordered chicken tacos. The perfectly soft tortilla held together a variety of colorful vegetables, the texture was pleasant, it was soft, pillowy, and chewy. We enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant. After dinner, we walked to our car and drove back to our airbnb, the weather still being as lovely as it was before. 

This trip was amazing and we were able to find a good balance between nature and the lively city of Los Angeles. I am grateful I got the opportunity to explore this new area!

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Would you like to spend your time doing something that you enjoy and also keeps you occupied, but don’t quite know how to go about it? Don’t worry, here are some ideas that may interest you! If you’re looking for a more creative summer, then try sprucing up objects or places around you, for example: phone cases, old t-shirts, vases, notebooks, cds, or even improving your garden, your room, or researching ways that you can work on improving your community, with the help of an organization or a youth group.

Something great about summer is the warm weather, so make sure to take advantage of it and explore the outdoors. This can include bike rides, pool parties, camping in your backyard (personally I recommend s’mores,) scenic morning walks, sunsets at the beach and picnics, but just remember that these activities might be more enjoyable in larger groups! These are activities that may interest people who enjoy getting that breath of fresh air and soaking up all of those warm rays. 

Looking for a more balanced summer? Try out some of these ideas that benefit you and also keep you productive. The first idea is to take up a thirty day challenge. These are quick and easy activities that you do continuously for thirty days, some categories may be art, cooking, writing short stories, or any topic of interest that helps you improve your skills, as you practice them for these thirty days. 

Another idea is to do a summer reading log. I know that some may not have the motivation to read over the summer (myself included), but keeping a record of the book you may have read and how many pages you’ve covered per day, that way you can build a habit and possibly develop an interest for reading. Remember to diversify your collection of books, so you can really find which genre you prefer and always try to challenge yourself to learn new things from them! Tips: It may be hard to start reading continuously, but even if it’s for short amounts each day, remember to stay consistent.

The final idea is to try out a new class in a new subject. Last summer I was also trying to find new ways to occupy myself, while also being productive, so my mom took the opportunity to look for a class where I could grasp a new skill that would combine my love for art. She enrolled me in a calligraphy class, these classes involved mainly repeating the same letters multiple times, which to be frank, made it difficult to focus. I slowly took a liking to these lessons as we learned more complex techniques, and now I can say that calligraphy will always be a skill that I will always have.

Something else that I gained from my calligraphy class was that the summer is also a time to learn new concepts or skills. This doesn’t necessarily have to be from a class, it can absolutely be something you learn on your own (and this can actually be quite empowering). Try to take a moment to identify your passions or a skill you would like to learn, dig deeper into these topics by doing some research and then plan out how you would like to go about it. 

The summer offers both beautiful weather and valuable time, so remember to relax and make the most of this wonderful period of rest, but also use it to your advantage and plan out a productive yet enjoyable summer!

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A few months ago, I was sitting inside my bedroom, just hanging out and absolutely bored. My mind was wandering and thinking about so many things, but my body was the opposite; lazy and not wanting to do anything, It was around 5:30 p.m. on a Sunday evening, and an idea clicked, why don’t I make cookies? The reason I chose cookies was that they’re easy to make and quick, especially considering it was a school night. I remember scrolling through Instagram and seeing pictures of matcha cookies, I was immediately convinced they would taste good, especially when I saw the pretty, bright, green color the matcha gave and the white chocolate chips which stood out, among the green. I ran up to my dad and asked him to get me a few ingredients.

     After he left to get the ingredients I started my preparation and set up. Soon after, I started making the batter with all the ingredients, first the dry, and the wet, and then I combined the separately mixed ingredients, and by the time he was back, the batter was ready for the white chocolate chips. I was happy with the way the cookies looked and the beautiful green color that the matcha added. After baking them, everyone was so excited to try them and they all loved them! 

     The following is the recipe and ingredients I used to make these delightful and tasty matcha cookies, feel free to try the recipe out! 

Ingredients:

All Purpose Flour - 2 cups

Matcha Powder - 1 tbsp

Salt - ½ tsp

Butter - 1 cup

Coconut oil - 4 tbsp

Brown Sugar - 1 cup

Granulated Sugar - ½ cup

Eggs - 1 egg & an egg yolk

White Chocolate Chips - 1 cup (could add more!)

Mine made about 18 medium-sized cookies

Recipe:

Preheat oven to 325 F

Sift the flour, matcha powder, and salt

In a separate bowl, add in the melted butter and melted coconut oil with brown sugar and white sugar, and mix it with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer

Fold in the egg yolk plus a whole egg, and vanilla extract and fold with a spatula

Add in small portions of the dry ingredients at a time, while mixing it with either of the electric mixers

Once the dough is mixed add in the chocolate chips while folding with a spatula 

Use an ice cream scooper to scoop the dough and add it to a baking tray covered with parchment paper

Put the tray in the preheated oven and start the timer for 10 minutes

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 As a continuation of the previous blog post about prioritizing personal time, this post will elaborate and provide multiple ways that personal time can be spent. Different ideas will be categorized into sections, all relating to a certain interest based on different people's preferences. These are only a few examples that I have chosen, but there are always going to be ways to spend time with yourself based on what you like doing. 

Creative Activities: 

     What pops into your mind when you think of a creative activity? For most people, creativity might come in the form of art making, but there are a lot of other things that can be considered creative. For now, we’ll be focusing on art. Art is often thought of as an activity that allows you to think for yourself and gives you the space to express your own ideas, feelings, and opinions, all of which are important in order to create a strong sense of self. Art forms provide so much room for exploration because there really is no way to mess up an art project, it will just turn out as a new idea. Everyone can interpret artwork in their own way due to differing views. Creating art can be therapeutic and a way to pour your emotions into the piece you are making. A lot of people bury their feelings deep or try to push them into the back of their minds by overworking in another area, doing this isn’t healthy because ignoring your feelings can lead to bigger problems, such as depression and anxiety, that is why having a stress-relieving activity is crucial. During personal time one can explore their favorite artists, art styles, mediums, and many more aspects of art. 

Tips!

     Art can be created from any kind of material, so pick your medium! Allow yourself to really get involved with what you're doing, whether it’s painting, ceramics, sculpting, and many more. 

Here are some art ideas, hopefully, they inspire you and are the building blocks for more and more art pieces! (If you’re interested in any of these ideas and would like to work towards them, look out for opportunities such as workshops, art lessons, or even look up techniques on youtube! Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect, it’s all about embracing the process and learning from your mistakes! Have fun!)

• Create miniature pots from clay. 

• Paint an object or scenery in front of you.

• Sculpt a face 

• Paint nature 

• Doodle little creatures from your imagination.

• Close your eyes, imagine something, and try to draw it.

• Look online for inspiration on certain topics (Pinterest is really good!)

• Draw your favorite character from a movie or a show.

• If crafts stand out to you, look online for some templates or ideas.

• Try and experiment with watercolors, (they are definitely a tough medium, but don’t feel discouraged!)

• Tie-dye any piece of clothing.

• Paint on unusual mediums, like textured surfaces.

• Try creating something 3D, like adding shading and highlights to a drawing.

• Do a self-portrait, (doesn’t have to be realistic, try out new styles and exaggerate your features!)

• Paint a phone case.

Journaling: 

Journaling is another way to release stress and focus on yourself. Similar to art, journaling is therapeutic and calming, it also offers multiple benefits. This activity helps people stay present and mindful, it does this by simply allowing the writer to journal about events going on in their everyday lives and helps people pay attention to the little details that they might not have noticed otherwise. It also allows them to have a place where they can collect their thoughts and feelings in privacy. When someone journals it helps them reflect on what has happened throughout their day, journaling also pushes the writer to develop insight into their daily habits and routines and gives them a sense of where they can improve and also figure out what they’re good at. Being able to gain insight into yourself gives you a clearer understanding of who you are and can help you become a better person… In other words, self-improvement can do wonders for someone with a busy mind.

Tips!

     Journaling can be done with simple materials at home such as pens, pencils, markers, etc. Also, make sure you have empty notebooks to write in. All you need to get started is to jot down all your thoughts and feelings. 

Here are some journaling prompts for those who may not know where to start: 

• Write about a recent challenge.

• Write about something that's an inspiration to you.

• Create little doodles to represent your moods and feelings throughout your day.

• Write about something positive and something you can reflect on from your day. 

• List down your priorities and create a checklist for important tasks.

• Write a creative story, using your imagination.

• Write a description of an object or a person that is in front of you, (add lots of emotion, and detail, and really make it come to life.)

• List down your favorite activities or books or shows etc. mainly just anything in a category that you really enjoy!

• Create a small painting and write about how you felt doing it, what you were thinking, and feeling, why you chose the colors you used, etc.

• Write down inspiring quotes or affirmative phrases to look back to when you feel unhappy or not motivated. 

Happy Journaling!

Music: 

     Music is a way to connect deeply with certain memories or people you may be thinking of. Music can help those thoughts be remembered and brought back to the present. The same concept applies to the lyrics of a song that may have been a favorite among you and another person. Music can have a strong impact and has the ability to allow someone to travel back in time to a past memory. Music can also truly improve your mood, it has the capability of bringing back uplifting moments. An energetic and upbeat song can really cheer someone up, who may be feeling unhappy, and similarly mellow beats can help someone who’s frustrated, calm down. This demonstrates how transformative music can be and its ability to affect a person’s emotions.

Meditation: 

     Meditation has been around for centuries and is still practiced today. Meditation has been proven to effectively decrease stress and build skills to help manage it, increase self-awareness, cultivate imagination and creativity, as well as nurturing patience, and it also helps with focusing on the present, while reducing negativity. All of these benefits make meditation a perfect activity for taking time for oneself. 

Tips!

     Remember to practice it in a calm and quiet environment and if it’s your first time, it’s normal to feel easily distracted or restless while doing it, since your body is just starting to get used to it. Meditation doesn’t require many materials like the examples before, as long as you can sit in a comfortable position in a room and focus on your breathing and thoughts, you’re doing a great job! 

If it’s hard for you to sit in a quiet room, try out some of these methods that can easily be followed.

• Go to the library and read any kinds of books you enjoy.

• Sit down and listen to calming and relaxing beats.

• Sit under a tree or in a park and focus on your breathing.

• Use an app or device that offers guided meditation, like a recording. 

Spa/Massage:

     Spas and massages can also be an excellent way to unwind as they are relaxing and calming activities. Many people enjoy these because they give you an opportunity to leave your home and explore a new environment. Though it can get costly, remember that it’s only an occasional treat! Massages and spas can help relieve tense muscles and allow all of your worries to slip away for the time being. That’s why they can be a really great way to spend a couple of hours relaxing! 

​

Outdoors: 

     Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is a fantastic way to relax and take your mind off the stresses that may present themselves in everyday life. There are plenty of simple and fun ways to do this, from sitting outside in your backyard to going on a hike in the woods. The wonderful benefits of spending time outdoors are numerous- it improves mood, provides a sense of calm, offers fresh air and physical exercise for the body, as well as being the perfect balance for an overworked mind. Connecting with nature is important because it’s one of those things that gives a sense of agency and freedom. Nature can be linked to freedom because when you're outside, you're in this big open space, and in which the world can become your oyster. 

     Exploring nature is also a great way to relax your mind because it doesn’t require much thought when compared to other activities. Natural sunlight can also improve someone’s mood and provide an excellent source of vitamin D. Something as simple as taking the time to look up at the sky and admire its beauty can bring a sensation of safety and comfort just by the way it lightens the sky. Even the way light falls on plants can be something really mesmerizing. When the luminescent rays of the sun radiate down on you, don’t you feel nurtured by it too?

     Wildlife, such as animals, can bring comfort and joy, and spending time with a pet is a great way to unravel stress and give them some attention too. Plants of all kinds are lovely sights and they can also spark creativity. Here are some questions to think about when you’re connecting with nature in a creative way: In what ways have plants and other wildlife enriched your creativity?  Some common examples of creativity in nature are painting, photography, and writing descriptively, etc. about what you see. Have you ever seen the outdoors portrayed through the lens of an artist? All of these reasons show why nature is a great place to unwind!

Tips: Just remember that being outdoors doesn’t mean you have to go for a hike or do some kind of physical exercise, since that may not be everyone’s thing, but leaving your house often can be relieving, and just sitting under the sun can instantly improve one’s mood!

Friendly Reminders: 

• Always pick up after yourself or your pet.

• Respect the space of other wildlife creatures.

• If you're hiking, remember to stay on the path because it might be dangerous to you or disturbing to other wildlife. 

• Also, remember to give other people space as well.

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Conclusion: 

Self-exploration can be found in a variety of environments and ways. These are only a few examples, but remember that you can spend time with yourself in whichever way you would prefer! Once again to highlight the benefits, self-exploration is the perfect way to de-stress, learn more about yourself, and improve your overall well-being. Remember that none of these examples have to be done perfectly, it’s more about the process and really getting to know yourself! 

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Prioritizing “Me Time”: The Positive Impact of Personal Time

Personal time is one of the most beneficial things a person can do for themselves. In this generation, everyone is extremely busy attending to the needs of others, and that’s what makes it something so easy to forget. Sometimes people might completely ignore their interests and mental well-being. Carving out personal time is something everyone should include in their busy schedules because it’s one of the most beneficial things we can do for ourselves. Having time for yourself is a way to de-stress from whatever is pressuring you, whether it’s your job, school, or friends and family. What are some ways to cope with the lack of “me time”? One way is by engaging in hobbies or activities that you truly enjoy. This allows the mind to fill up with positive and calm thoughts and improves your overall mental and physical health.

In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of having time for yourself, including some common examples, and how they can have a positive impact on your life.

The Importance of Self-Exploration: 

The importance of spending time with yourself is crucial because it leads to self-exploration, which is the act of developing a better understanding of oneself. Ask yourself questions such as what brings you joy, whose company you enjoy, who pushes you to do better and what can you learn from them. Questions such as these can help you understand your likes and dislikes. Keep in mind that these questions are essential to continue to ask yourself because the answers will always evolve. Self-exploration is a great way to connect with yourself and cultivate inner peace. 

Why is Personal Time Easily Overlooked?

​ People need reminders because personal time is an easy thing to forget especially when other people demand so much from you, it’s really easy to put your needs aside especially when you’re attending to others. “Me-time” is important because it’s a way to focus on your own needs by having some time alone doing what you like. Doesn’t this sound simple and nice? Well, it isn’t really, It can easily slip one's mind because of how fast-paced everything is and how busy people are with their own tasks. Another reason is that people may not think of it as important because they might not even realize when they’ve hit their limit meaning how much they could do at once, and they just continue on. 

A Reminder to Make Sure You Schedule Personal Time for Yourself:

​ In this blog post, we covered the importance of having personal time, as well as why it could be easily overlooked. Remember not to ignore your needs and allow yourself to have times when you can cool down during stressful situations. In the next blog post, these ideas will be developed as well as new ideas such as common examples of personal time and the specific impacts each activity can have on a person. 

Part Two: Click Here

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   The holidays are right around the corner and soon, everyone will open their mailboxes to find out they were sent unique cards and gifts from close friends and family. Gifts and cards are always highly appreciated, but there is an immense difference between a handmade and store-bought gift. Nowadays, people buy any gift they see in a store for their loved ones, but this lacks personal touch and emotion. 

     I enjoy making cards for friends and family because it shows simply how fortunate I am that they’re a part of my life. This is a wonderful way to connect with them as well as understand their personality and what makes them feel content. When I give cards during the holiday season or for birthdays, I notice quite often that they appreciate handmade gifts more than store-bought gifts. I started making personalized cards and gifts at the age of eight. Recently, I have been noticing how much I’ve grown to love it. It gives me an abundance of happiness to see my friends and family appreciate my cards. They get emotional and recognize my efforts and the time I spent making them a handmade card, also expressing their gratitude by showering me with compliments. Handmade gifts create more personal value for the person rather than a generic gift. People tend to keep handmade items longer because of the sentimental feelings created. 

​  When I make cards for my friends and family, I usually think about what this individual likes, such as an activity, a color, or an object, and using these thoughts, I figure out how to incorporate it into a drawing for the cover. Later, I brainstorm what message I want to convey, talking about my favorite memories with them, often recalling conversations or events I shared with them or qualities I like about them. Finally, creating cards or personalized gifts and sending them or giving them to the special people in my life always gives me an incredible feeling of satisfaction. The uniqueness of the gift is what catches the person’s attention because it’s a representation of the things they love.

     Handmade gifts show originality since the gift is made especially for someone without anyone else’s ideas put into it. The concept of originality is essential because if someone is gifted a premade item, hundreds of people could be with that same gift, so where’s the originality and uniqueness? Therefore, there can only be originality if it’s handmade.

     I got a handmade gift when my grandma visited over the summer. She took her time and put in so much effort to make me a gorgeous, purple, chunky blanket. While she was making it, I was eager for her to finish and hand me the chunky blanket. Eventually, she concluded, and by the time it was my birthday, there it was, the lovely, bright purple blanket. I was elated; I ran over to it and felt the smooth yarn against my fingertips. I quickly set it down on my bed, and the blanket gave it a new look. I thanked my grandma with a tight hug to show her how special her gift was.

     Even though handmade gifts require a lot of time and effort, they’re still worth it. I strongly believe that handmade gifts and cards create more memories and help develop better relationships. So this is why I recommend everyone to make handmade gifts for special people on special occasions.

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 What comes to mind when you hear the word vacation? I bet it’s sitting on a warm beach on a tropical island, with a straw hat blocking the sun from view, sipping a cold and refreshing cocktail or lemonade. Although that is the ideal vacation for many, a vacation doesn’t have to be grand and expensive, it can mean taking time off for yourself or a way to bond with close friends and family. A vacation can also be a road trip to nearby places for a few days. A memorable road trip of mine is our trip over the winter break to the small city of Paso Robles. 

One evening my mom was scrolling through her Instagram feed and an ad popped up. She was immediately swept away by the beauty of these sublime lights that dazzled at night with their vivid colors glowing among the many acres of land. Later, she explained what she stumbled upon and told us that on the first Saturday of winter break, we were going to Paso Robles.

    The drive was around three hours from where we live. We reached our destination, Light at Sensorio. At the time we were in the parking lot, the sun was starting to set behind the rolling hills, and the beautiful colors started to seep into the once-blue sky, showing shades of golden yellow, deep orange, bright pink, and light blue all faded into one another. Once we parked our car and checked in, we started walking along the dirt path, which was slightly declined as well as extremely rocky and easy to trip over and twist an ankle. At first, we walked past a couple of food trucks, a seating area, and a live performance of a woman singing and strumming her guitar. There weren’t a lot of people when we first entered, but soon people started pouring in and the entire place was eventually crowded. At this point, my brother was getting really impatient and bugging my parents about how long it was taking for us to reach the lights, but then, we saw the entrance we were waiting for. ​

    There it was, exactly as we saw in the pictures, the beautiful view of a field of lights, glowing. We were all in awe and so excited to walk around and look at all the different colors. As we walked along the path we saw the thousands and thousands of lights change colors every couple of minutes and it was absolutely mesmerizing to see how all the colors worked so well together. As we continued to walk around and see the lights, we noticed that there were other light exhibitions to see. We passed through a structure made of glass bottles with colorful light, carefully wrapped around inside the bottle, and stacked up in multiple rocks. There were many glass bottles in each structure, and as we walked past each colorful display, we were amazed by all the effort and time this must have taken. We also passed by small firefly lights scattered around the area, showing a golden color. As the night progressed it started to get so cold I felt numb, my hands felt detached from my arms and my legs were barely moving and my face felt frozen, like a snowman’s.  All of us were shivering and ready to go relax in our heated hotel room. We exited the place an hour before when we arrived. It was a truly magical experience and the lights were beautiful. I would definitely recommend this place!

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Over fall break in 2022, I went to the picturesque island of Maui, Hawaii. The island is known for its diverse history and culture as well as its scenic roads surrounded by tropical plants and vibrant flowers. My family and I visited Maui for about five days and we did a lot of new activities as well as tried new foods! Our first day was really laid back, but my brother and I went for a swim at the beach. The water there is so much warmer and clearer compared to the beaches where I live.  We enjoyed swimming in the beautiful water as the waves pushed us back to shore and swallowed us back in. 

The next day rain clouds blanketed the sky and the sun disappeared behind. We planned to go zip-lining in warm and sunny weather, but instead, there were showers and gloomy skies, but we thought nothing of it and continued the drive to the zip-lining area. Once we arrived it started to pour and we were drenched before even starting, but instead of complaining about the cold and wet weather, we decided to make the best of it and think of it as a new and exciting experience.

The next day we went on a boat that took us to our scenic snorkeling dive place. The boat ride was beautiful and the boat itself was immense and in nice condition. Once we reached our spot everyone jumped into the water not knowing what lies deep beneath. The view was absolutely breathtaking, we swam in the ocean mesmerized by the reef’s small schools of fish swimming past and the aquatic plants, and we were even lucky enough to see a couple of turtles! The only disadvantage was how much salt water I drank, it tasted horrible! Later that afternoon my brother and I went to the pool that was part of our hotel. The pool was like any ordinary pool, but the views were amazing outside, like the trees, plumeria flowers, and little pathways leading under little decorated shelters. That night we were so tired that I fell asleep in less than a minute! 

The next morning we left our hotel at around 8 am and the moment I stepped outside, there was a wave of warm breeze and the air was hot and humid. We walked over to the beach for our next exciting activity, parasailing! We got onto a little inflatable boat that carried us onto the main one. It was much smaller than the snorkeling boat, but I was comfortable. I went with my mom and we raised hundreds of feet into the air. We had the best view of Maui, all the luscious green plants and tall mountains and hills. That was my first time going parasailing and I really enjoyed it! That evening we were going to learn a lot about Maui’s history and culture because…we were going to a luau! A luau is a traditional Hawaiian event, where people gather to eat food and watch people perform dances and other forms of entertainment that all relate to Hawaiian culture. The event was so wonderful to watch, the performers twirled around and danced so gracefully and as lightly as feathers. Soon things became more dangerous, a performer started playing with fire, I couldn’t even blink, for fear, I might miss something because of how fast and cool it was. In the end, he lit his tongue on fire, and the crowd cheered and was amazed by his bravery and talent. 

The next day was, unfortunately, our last and our activity was slow and calm because we were going on a submarine! We had to wake up at around 7:00 and everyone got ready since the submarine was going to leave early in the morning. Once everyone settled in the giant submarine, the crew went over some safety measures and talked about some places we were going to visit. After that, we were off! Submarines are slower compared to an average car, but we didn’t miss anything! There was a woman who was telling us about the fish and animals we were seeing and we were lucky enough to see small sharks and stingrays, which are pretty uncommon. Once the tour was over the boat that picked us up from the harbor was going to drop us there too, so we all got on the boat and went back to the harbor. That night we were going for a drive to return some items we bought and to eat dinner. Our trip to Hawaii had seemed like it passed in minutes, but it really was an amazing place to visit!

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