Updating My Internal Bio
A person is many things, though it’s easier to take on labels and titles that feel like they fit. It’s for ease of communication, for networking, or for appearance's sake. In this piece, Sydney reflects on the positioning that ADHD allows and requires while managing a life that feels right. They describe the reality of taking care of oneself alongside running a business (or two) and fronting endless projects with the occasional impending freeze or self-doubt. Although it isn’t always rock bottom, the potential for a spiral into overwhelm is usually waiting, but acceptance and understanding can almost always be waiting too.
The Hermit: On the Outside Looking In
Alexandra’s piece uses the hermit tarot card as an example of her perspective in life, and how it perpetuates a cycle of “comfort, unfulfillment, and fear.” Time alone facilitates comfort — and although joy can be found with or around others, it isn’t always so simple. She associates this tendency with avoidance and how it can affect interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, this piece is a deep dive into the perspective of the hermit — both where they start and end up, and what truly informs their experience.
Intentional Time Alone
Personal essay writer Nia details the discomfort found when attempting to dine alone. By choosing to dedicate specific time to herself, she stumbled on a crossroads between the pressure we put on ourselves and what we view as “productive.” Nia explores the realization that joy is both deserved and fully necessary; Self-love is not tacky, and it’s about time we start perfecting the way we categorize it.
Thankfully Missed Connections
Sydney’s debut in the Brooklyn music scene was tainted with questionable intentions from others which resulted in a nearly half-a-year hermit phase. Now on the brighter end and ready to re-emerge, they are reconsidering what it means to be so present in the digital age. Maybe it’s not New Year's resolutions at the end, but they sure as hell are words to live by.
My Friends Taught Me How to Love
For the past hurts, the past confusions, there’s a number of reasonings, sure, but the absolute care and security felt through friendship is like no other. In this piece, Sydney depicts the realization of practicing healthy love for years in actuality, despite feeling ill-equipped when entering new attempts at lasting primary partnership. Love is about honoring your independence, and sustainability in any relationship is about being considerate, straightforward, and downright romantic. The ability to access such a capable state of mind comes in height with those nearest and dearest, so it’s a love letter to you, me, and all of us.
Crying in my prom dress: musings from a high school graduate
Nia Mahmud tells the story of her own prom night and how the realities of the end of high school and the beginning of a new chapter had begun to set upon her.
A Structural Vendetta Against Joy
Society has dictated what we can or can’t do for a long time. Even interests that are said to be of a non-male dominated audience tend to be highly ridiculed and called “cringy” by the public. Alexandra Kim describes the misogynistic world will live in and its vendetta against joy.
Failing Gracefully
Nia Mahmud writes about her journey throughout the past year of trying, succeeding, or failing.
An Indeterminate Ballroom Dance (I’m Still Learning)
Go through the dance of life as Sydney Tate shares a story of love, heartbreak, and everything in between.
24 Hours a Day, No Time to Smell the Roses
The Hustle isn’t for everyone. Alexandra shares her thoughts and ideas of how in this world there are some people who take their time to smell the roses.
There’s No Such Thing as Incorrect: On Elitism in Poetry
Insta Poetry is becoming more and more popular and allowing poets to show that poetry is and has always been interesting. Read more to find out how Insta poetry is perceived and what this sort of perception means.
Returning Home, Where My Heart Lies
Present-day Alexandra Kim writes different messages to her past selves on what she has learned throughout the journey of her life.
Do Not Perceive Me
Writer Sydney Tate talks about her journey of self-discovery through other’s perceptions.
It's All in The Process
Writer Patrick Green shares his story of self-reflection and productivity during this pandemic.
love in a lost year
Patrick Green gives a raw and truthful review of love in a lost year, a story about love, loneliness, and a pandemic.
Living for the Sake of it
Nia Mahmud writes about the struggles and stigmas of doing things for the sake of it and the importance of just living your life.
How Sweet it is to Leave You
Sydney Tate tells her story of finding beauty in solicitude.
Meeting Ourselves in Isolation
Alexandra Kim writes about her journey of finding herself throughout this pandemic.
Who Am I Beyond My GPA?
Shelby Edison tells the story of her struggles of finding out who she is beyond her GPA.