Color Me OCSA: New Murals
Bella Chiodo
Community Canvas, a mural painting club at OCSA, continues its mission to represent and unite communities through large-scale murals that tell meaningful stories. The club aims to transform spaces into vibrant reflections of the people it serves. Led by VA seniors Luke Shin, Olivia Yun and Ella Tran, the group has created murals throughout Santa Ana and is working on two upcoming projects at OCSA sponsored by the paint brand BEHR.
The first mural, located near the Black Box Theatre, is set to be completed by the end of winter break. Designed to guide parents and visitors, the mural will also capture the dynamic energy of the theatre by representing the conservatories that use the space. “We wanted to tell a narrative and create an atmosphere with the mural,” Tran explained. “The goal is to excite everyone for the show they’re about to see while showcasing the conservatories involved in the performances.” Shin added, “Our design captures the feeling of the ‘backstage rush’ but also the fun of it all.”
The second mural will be located in the cafeteria and is set to begin development during the spring semester.
These projects reflect Community Canvas’s dedication to beautifying spaces and creating meaningful connections.
“Our murals are created with a focus on inclusivity, representation and teamwork, ensuring that they leave a lasting impact,” Yun shared.
Photo courtesy of Luke Shin
Shin stated, “Growing up as a first-generation Korean immigrant, I felt a lack of representation in my community. But as a visual artist, I found that art can be a tool to uplift people in those unheard communities.”
In addition to their work on campus, the club is partnering with the local El Sol Academy to create a mural in its playground space. For Community Canvas, collaboration with the community is essential to their work.
After beginning the club at OCSA, Shin and Yun went on to become members of the Dragon Kim Foundation’s eighth cohort. They credit the Foundation for providing leadership training that has shaped Community Canvas’s vision.
With their mission to unite and represent, Community Canvas continues to transform spaces into vibrant reflections of the communities they serve, ensuring their work inspires connection and tells a story. Be on the lookout for the upcoming OCSA murals!
Follow Community Canvas Club on Instagram @community_canvas_club
Secret Santa Vs. White Elephant
Annika Petras
Photo courtesy of Brendan Knox
Division has come to define modern American society. And, unsurprisingly, it has begun to extend beyond politics to even the simplest of holiday traditions. Secret Santa: a friendly tradition in which you pull names out of hats and try to find a gift for someone you may not even actually like — under a $20 budget, naturally. White Elephant: a more sneaky rendition, in which each person picks a gift, and the following person has the opportunity to either choose a new gift or steal another person’s gift — each gift can be stolen up to twice. Also known as Yankee Swap, a white elephant has the potential to cause serious damage to your friend group.
But with the growing separation between both camps, the questions arise: Which is truly superior? Who can maintain a stronghold over Christmas consumerism? Who will reign supreme this holiday season? There’s only one way to find out: put the two in the ring.
We all know Santa. From “The Santa Clause” to “The Grinch” to a short cameo in the film “Elf,” he’s made a significant impact on our popular culture. Indeed, one cannot forget Santa’s historically extensive magical powers. Between his extremely speedy sleigh and his brave army of elves, it is unsurprising that he has defeated many of his opponents in the aforementioned feature films. But the force we are dealing with here is much more sinister — this Santa is secret. We all saw what Harry Potter got up to when given access to his signature invisibility cloak: he stole a secret book from the restricted section of the Hogwarts library. This suggests that our beloved Kris Kringle could get up to some mischief when given the ability to sleuth around unnoticed.
But the opposing force is mysterious and unfamiliar, with an ability to fly under the radar. We are not truly aware of the powers it holds. On average, African bush elephants weigh 13,000 pounds and can grow up to19 feet tall. Though it has not been fully confirmed, Santa is believed to stand a meager 5 foot 7 inches and weigh only 260 pounds. Our elephant could easily crush Santa in one fell swoop. In Southeast Asian religions, the white elephant (which is not a distinct species, but rather a result of albinism) symbolized kingship, and competition over these prized creatures leading entire societies to the brink of war with each other. We’re dealing with a royal elephant here: one with the resources, riches, status, and ability to pose a great challenge to Father Christmas.
So, who will win this tense battle? In this reporter’s opinion, the answer is clear. The only thing that reigns supreme is the spirit of the holidays.
Recapping Results from Local Elections
Asmi Aggarwal
After the historic presidential election on Nov. 5 that had the media in a frenzy and citizens glued to their screens at 2:00 a.m. for updates, most individuals are very aware of Trump’s victory. With a complete Republican trifecta in Washington, D.C., Trump’s agenda has sparked dialogue across the most diverse demographics of America. However, amidst all of the commotion surrounding the happenings in D.C., it’s important not to forget about our own municipal candidates.
The local elections of Orange County—alongside many other surrounding areas—took place on the same day as the presidential race. Although there are many smaller political races for positions such as the mayor and city council members, the most notable state-specific elected officials generally fall into the categories of U.S. representatives and state senators.
As for our local U.S. representatives, the most relevant and closely followed races were those of the 40th, 46th and 47th Congressional Districts. Amongst many others, these districts encompass areas including Santa Ana, Irvine, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo and Orange—all of which are the hometowns of numerous OCSA students.
Focusing on the 40th District, Republican incumbent Young Kim won the election against Democrat Joe Kerr with a substantial majority, gathering over 10 percent more votes than Kerr. Having represented regions within Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Kim has served on several foreign affairs and financial committees within Congress; she has additionally been an active member within caucuses pertaining to specific countries and global regions, climate and racial inclusivity.
Photo courtesy of Zach Willis
Democratic incumbent Lou Correa for the 46th District won by a landslide in his fight for a seat in the House of Representatives with over 25 percent more votes than his Republican opponent, David Pan. Correa, representing areas of Orange, Fullerton, Anaheim and most notably, Santa Ana, is particularly important to know as many of his policies—especially surrounding education—have the power to directly affect the future of OCSA. He has been actively involved in Congress since 2017, serving on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Homeland Security. Correa strongly advocates for equitable education, environmental wellbeing, inclusivity and immigration, security and public safety, accessible transportation, healthcare and economic support.
Finally, in CA-47, Dave Min—former State Senator of the 37th District—won in the congressional race against Scott Baugh with just under three percent more votes. As a result of the 2020 redistricting cycle, Min will continue to represent parts of Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Seal Beach and Costa Mesa under the 47th District. He has continuously expressed his support for reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, educational equity, climate action, pro-housing measures and various other issues.
In the California State Senate elections, one of the most popular races for the region of Orange County has been that of incumbent Democrat Senator Josh Newman and Republican Steven Choi for the 37th District. In a surprising turn of events, former mayor of Irvine and California State Assemblymember Steven Choi beat Newman and, as a Republican, flipped a seat in the Senate for the first time since 1980.
Although publicity and media coverage surrounding local elections has decreased substantially since November, continue to learn about who has been chosen to represent your counties and cities. Educate yourself on various policies and governmental bodies, and always remember to advocate for your opinions because your voice makes a difference.
Gerrymandering's Effect on Elections
Gigi Kim
Image courtesy of Gigi Kim
Gerrymandering has emerged as a hotly debated topic in the 2024 elections, igniting criticism and controversy over its influence on political outcomes. Every 10 years, each state redraws its district boundary lines, which has led to the political manipulation of voter advantage, leading to one political party having an advantage over the other. This is known as gerrymandering. This practice, deeply rooted in American political history, has again taken center stage as Americans grapple with its implications for democracy.
Gerrymandering typically comes in two types: cracking and packing. Cracking refers to diluting the voting power of the opposition party’s supporters. On the other hand, packing refers to concentrating the opposition party’s voting power in one district to weaken their voting power in different districts. While this redistricting process was originally intended to ensure equal voting representation based on population shifts, it has been exploited for political gain and manipulation.
The term gerrymandering dates back to 1812, when Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a redistricting bill. The word was coined when the district’s shape resembled a salamander, and eventually a cartoon of a Massachusetts electoral district was headlined “The Gerry-mander.” The practice of partisan gerrymandering has long been controversial, with critics arguing that it undermines the principle rule of “one-person, one-vote” by creating districts that are not reflective of voters. Gerrymandered districts can yield disproportionate representation, with a political party securing a majority of seats despite not having secured a majority of votes. Proponents of gerrymandering defend the practice as an inherently legitimate component of the political voting process, and insist that voting groups are fairly represented in proportion to their population.
In the recent 2024 election, public sentiment increasingly turned against gerrymandering as a means of skewing election results, further exemplifying voter disenfranchisement. The highest concentration of gerrymandering was prevalent in parts of southern and northeastern United States, including but not limited to North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Texas and Ohio. In 2022, the Democratic Party also benefited from the practice of gerrymandering by aggressively redrawing congressional district maps in the states they controlled, as a counter to the advantage the Republican Party held.
The efforts to address gerrymandering have yielded mixed success. In the 2019 Rucho v. Common Cause case, the United States Supreme Court ultimately ruled that partisan gerrymandering claims were beyond the jurisdiction of federal courts to resolve. This decision was grounded in the “political question doctrine,” which limits the ability of the federal courts to hear constitutional questions even if justiciability requirements are met. The case involved challenges to map districts in North Carolina and Maryland, where North Carolina’s congressional district favored the Republican Party, and Maryland’s congressional districts favored the Democratic Party.
Now, at the end of 2024, gerrymandering continues to be a contentious issue in American democracy. The ongoing battle for partisan power warrants the highest scrutiny, as fair voter representation is critical to the democratic process.
America's Road to Christmas Present
Celine Curtis
While the Whos from Whoville might be the most fanatic for Christmas, I think putting up your Christmas tree on Nov. 1 should count for something too.
In modern America, Christmas has a chokehold on people and companies alike. By the first few days of November, you can’t walk into a mall without Mariah Carey proving herself yet again as the “Queen of Christmas.” We have huge ice skating rinks, massive Christmas trees and lights adorning everything. It’s incredible. Every year we do bigger and better celebrations and displays. Holiday excitement is part of our culture, but why is that? Well, the answer in one word is nostalgia.
We live in a world fueled by nostalgia. I am sure that’s no shock to anyone. The biggest companies, films, musicals and sports events use childhood classics and cultural phenomena to bring in an audience. Christmas serves the same purpose, not only because it is incredibly nostalgic, but because the holiday is uniquely linked to American nostalgia.
Photo courtesy of Kate Chung
Many Christmas traditions that are celebrated today were created due to a special combination of Civil War era fear, industrialization and immigration. This unique clash of American times and European influence led to a Christmas filled with Christmas trees from Germany and the invention of holiday cards that were quickly mass produced. During the Victorian era, kids were getting a special amount of attention during this new Christmas, with parents showing greater willingness to buy them toys, particularly manufactured ones. Gift-giving evolved into an expected tradition.
Now you can probably see where that puts America today. We are a nation tied to Christmas traditions, for our country was redefining itself alongside the holiday. Not to mention, the special childhood magic that flurries through the winter season creates an opportunity even for adults to revisit that nostalgic feeling and feel like a kid again.
So for all who celebrate during the winter season, light your lights, eat good food, wear your sweaters and indulge in nostalgia. ‘Tis the season!
Where to Spend Your Winter Break
Samuel Parigela
December is finally here! As the semester winds down, it’s the perfect time to plan a little getaway. Whether you have a couple of weeks or just a weekend, Southern California offers a variety of winter destinations to explore. Here are five ideas for your next trip:
Julian
Julian is a historic gold rush town, but nowadays, you’ll find apples (of practically every variety) in greater abundance than the yellow metal. It can get pretty cold during winter (Julian gets snow every year!), but there are more than enough cafes and bakeries to keep you warm. After all, nothing says the end of the year like some warm apple cider or a slice of apple pie. To keep yourself occupied, you can explore the charming shops and art galleries, hike through scenic trails or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Lake Arrowhead
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in SoCal, Lake Arrowhead turns into something of a winter wonderland in the latter months when there is heavy snowfall. You can take advantage of the plentiful opportunities for winter sports, like skiing, snowboarding and ice skating, or you can opt to take a scenic drive around the lake and enjoy the breathtaking landscape. If you plan on staying overnight, there are several cabins that provide great mountain views.
Photo by Ashley Kim
Wrightwood
It may not be as well-known as Big Bear, but if you’re an outdoorsy person, Wrightwood is somewhere you should definitely visit. Mountain High, its ski resort and most popular attraction, offers thrilling runs for all skill levels and a multitude of snowshoeing and hiking trails to explore. Take a walk through the small town and check out the various small establishments that line the streets-–not to mention all the country-style restaurants that are certainly worth trying.
Solvang
A charming Danish village with windmills, horse-drawn carts and a very quaint feel, Solvang is an excellent place to visit if you’re not too keen on spending time in the mountains. Admittedly, it can get a little touristy, but it is very much worth it if you’re visiting during the holidays. Solvang takes the festive season very seriously, with their signature Julefest starting late November and ending early January. This includes parades, light shows and a winter market styled after traditional European markets, just to name a few.
Death Valley
Death Valley probably seems a little out-of-place on this list, but winter is arguably the best time to experience the national park’s stark beauty. The cooler temperatures give you the perfect chance to hike through the stunning canyons and rock formations. And if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot some wildlife, such as bighorn sheep or desert tortoises. The clear skies, far away from city lights, make it perfect for stargazing. It might get a little colder at night than usual, but don’t worry—it rarely goes below freezing!
Keep Your Heart Warm
Kate Chung
Photo by Kate Chung
There’s something looming over the prospect of 2025, and I think we can all feel it a little. And with the start of a new year, our world is bound to change. Everyone is taking on a change this winter, but no matter the month, change feels so cold. In our generation, we experience and feel the world so strongly. We have a constant craving for intel on the future, and when our world is so tense with anticipation, it is easy to lose sight of the humanity in our search. We have simply forgotten the beauty in being. The anticipation of change will only rise as we approach the winter season, and we need to find a way to keep our world warm. Together, we can be each other’s fire.
There are a lot of factors to the season’s chaos, but nevertheless, I encourage you to find beauty in 2025 and view this message, not as phony positivity, but as an invitation to a year full of ambition and joy. I hope you seize every opportunity you are given and radiate kindness to those you meet. Allow yourself to share your voice with your peers and be quick to listen. Cherish the lunches you spend with the people you hold dear and relish every free lunch apple. Unleash your inner wabi sabi—that is, identify the beauty in every moment. Take a picture of every awful parking job in the lot and savor each Saturday morning latte, even while questioning why you’re at school on the weekend. Appreciate every cotton candy sunset from the square windows of the Tower. Smile at out-of-state license plates and play punch buggy in the car with your friends. Find the allure in the scent of fresh holiday pine and feel the glow of every candle as it lights up a room. Sculpt your conversations into art, and honor every person and moment. Make the best of every memory and we will keep the cold away. We will hold on to every photograph as we look towards 2025 because it will be beautiful.
Dinner in America
Sophie Dooley
“Dinner in America” is a romantic comedy first released in 2020 directed by Nevada- born director Adam Rehmeier.
The plot follows two 20-or-so-year-old offbeat protagonists, Patty, who has quit attending her classes at community college and is struggling finding her “purpose,” and rage-filled Simon, who goes by the stage name John Q. in his punk band Psyops and is on the run from the law. Although the film had a showing at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020, it received little acclaim until recently. The sudden spike in popularity can be largely attributed to TikTok blowing up “Watermelon Song” by Rehmeier, Emily Skeggs and Kyle Gallner. Gallner’s recent projects, including both “Smile” movies and “Strange Darling” have also been credited for attracting many viewers. For all of those who have been Kyle Gallner fans since his infamous emo-boy role in “Jennifer’s Body,” it feels great to see that his star quality is finally being recognized.
I have seen “Dinner in America” numerous times and there are many unique aspects that keep bringing me back. For one, the casting is impeccable. My favorite character Patty, played by Emily Skeggs. From her Costco readers, to her cat-poop smeared smock, and her full body crack ups in the film, she is an incredibly memorable character, who anyone can see themselves in.
Also among the film’s best qualities is the humor. From the hilarious and high-strung character Kevin (brother of Patty) to the many contrasting (but all too relatable) family dinner scenes, this movie makes me smile every time.
Photo by Sophie Dooley
And I have to mention the coloring and visuals. In regards to color, the theme of primary colors in Patty’s wardrobe set early on by her American flag button up, the bright neons of the arcade scene and the dull coloring of suburban agriculture all behind a perfectly grainy camera quality, will help your eyes resist boredom for the entirety of the film’s 1 hour and 46 minutes.
It is said by many that “Dinner in America” might just claim the title of a 21st century cult classic. Everyone has, at some point, felt like an outsider, which is precisely what Patty and Simon are, explaining why this movie strikes a chord with so many. What I think is so loveable about “Dinner in America” is that it isn’t really about any of the characters in particular. It is about how two people can come together and ignite so much change in each other's lives in regards to perspective and fulfillment, especially in a setting that is seemingly void of such things.
Although the film contains some problematic elements, such as violence and various slurs, which understandably has turned some away from the movie, I believe these factors were included to shed light on overlooked hostility that occurs in seemingly tame environments.
“Dinner in America” gives viewers hope and reminds them that in all time lines and circumstances, genuine people will find each other, and the start of your life is not dictated by when you start attending university or “find your purpose” in the mall food court, but when you go out and start living it on your own terms.
Lessons Learned in 2024
Olivia Lee
Photo by Olivia Lee
As we bid farewell to 2024 and look forward to the new year, we’ve likely all begun to reflect on the choices and mistakes we made over the past twelve months. I’ve had the privilege of hearing from friends and peers about the lessons they’ve learned this year. And although each person’s 2024 was unique, they’ve uncovered some universal truths that everyone can take to heart and use as a reminder of what’s truly important as we enter 2025.
Olivia Yun (VA ‘25) shared, “The smallest things don’t matter; there’s so much more to life.” In a fast-paced world where stress often feels overwhelming, Yun’s words remind us to look beyond the trivial and focus on what matters in the big picture. With students in all grades drowning in work, it’s important to take a step back and remind yourself that there is so much more to life than grades, whether someone is leaving you on delivered for too long, or what college you go to.
Evee Lee (CMD '24) found clarity in prioritizing her energy, learning the importance of not wasting energy in places where her presence isn’t valued.
Luke Shin (VA '25) reflected on the courage it takes to break new ground: “Everybody starts somewhere, and people will always judge when you try something new. But you’ll never get anywhere if you simply do what has already been done. Let judgment and failures fuel your motivation.”
Madeline Tran (CW '25) offered a comforting reminder: “Despite everything, life moves on. We’ve gotten through all the trials and tribulations of this year—even though they probably seemed awful and hopeless at the time. Nevertheless, we progressed and got through it.”
Our worries and fears of the future may feel all-encompassing at times, but as we enter the new year, it’s important to acknowledge that, even when it feels like everything’s falling apart, things will work out. As we welcome the new year, let’s carry with us these reminders to focus on the bigger picture, prioritize our energy wisely, embrace new beginnings, and move forward, leaving all negative energy in 2024. Here’s to entering 2025 with a refreshed mindset and a heart full of hope.
Christmakkah
Sara Bradecich
Photo by Sara Bradecich
Every year, Christmas falls on the 25th of December. On the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah is always on the 25th day of Kislev following a lunar pattern based on the moon. But on our calendar, this date jumps around from year to year—anywhere from late November to December. The last time the first night of Hanukkah lined up with Christmas day was in 2005. This year, 19 years later, it will happen again. So how can both be celebrated and appreciated at once?
Christmas, the remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated by many groups, like Christians, Catholics and Buddhists, and therefore, is celebrated in many different ways such as gift giving with family and friends, or watching festive movies together. Hanukkah is celebrated to honor the Jewish miracle that a small amount of oil (enough for only one day!) kept a temple’s menorah lit for a whole eight days. This represents the resilience of Jewish people in the face of oppression and religious intolerance.
I am one of the lucky ones who’s always celebrated both holidays because my mom is Jewish and my dad was raised Christian. Taking part in both holidays has always been a very important part of my life because it allowed me to see religion from various perspectives and connect different aspects to my life. I’m also fortunate to have parents that give me freedom in how I want to celebrate different parts of my religion and culture. Though I don't go to temple or church very often, celebrating these holidays makes me feel like part of a community, and celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah has made me feel connected to many people from many different religious backgrounds!
So this holiday season, regardless of whatever or however you do or don't celebrate, remember to embrace and accept our different ways of celebrating. Let’s spread the love this season!
The Silence Between Songs
Sydney Lee
Silence doesn’t last long at OCSA. Music is nonstop, whether it’s playing through headphones, echoing from DMS dance classes or in the minds of students as they move through their day. When music is not playing, the silence feels jarring for many students.
Image courtesy of Olivia Lee
“Without music, I would probably die” is an anonymous student’s six-word memoir, posted on a wall in a current lit. & comp 1 classroom. The silence between songs is more than quiet; it’s in those moments of pause that our deep reliance on music becomes most apparent. With streams of content from platforms like TikTok and Instagram, many students have become accustomed to a constant supply of noise, and sitting in silence has become a foreign experience.
“Music helps me process different experiences,” says Sophie Sukendro (IM-P ‘26). “Whether it’s getting me through studying, runs or random things in life, Spotify is the love of my life.” Many students report that without music, concentrating on tasks is nearly impossible.
“I constantly have music playing, and because of that, I have memories that I associate with certain songs or artists,” stated Sukendro. For some people, music can become milestones on a timeline. A particular song might bring back the rush of performing on stage or a specific childhood memory.
At OCSA, moments without music serve as reminders of how important music is to many students. Charlotte Balaze (CW ‘26) explained, “Music is therapy for releasing emotions, whether someone is writing music, screaming lyrics in their car or room or practicing their instrument. It’s how people express themselves, no matter the genre, no matter if they created it or not.” Without music, the silence might feel infinite and unbearable. Yet, these rare pauses could also offer something valuable: a chance to appreciate just how deeply music impacts life today.
Why the Speed Limit is a Suggestion
Zach Willis
Obtaining a license as a high school student is one of the most liberating and seminal goals one can wish to achieve—one that comes with significant responsibility, however.
Over the period I’ve had mine, I’ve had a noticeable decrease in active thought while driving; my route to school is practically done on autopilot. Regretfully, this includes overlooking the ever-shrinking speed limit of Orange County streets and freeways. Sometimes 65 miles an hour just isn’t enough to get me from point A to point B. Sometimes speeding is necessary. Everyone does it. If you went onto the I-5 without a speedometer and purely coasted at the pace of the cars around you without traffic, you’d be going at least 75 miles per hour. Holding up the natural flow of traffic to be a law-abiding citizen is simply unproductive.
On my way home the other day, my curiosity peaked. Why such a rush? Why does going a clean 65 on the freeway feel like a safety hazard to everyone around me? Why do I prioritize efficiency over safety, and why do all of the drivers around me agree?
Image courtesy of Zach Willis
Dreams of driving in my own isolated space have consumed my mind since I was 13. I wanted to get my license as soon as humanly possible. 13 turned into 14, then 15, then the coveted 16. Four days after my birthday, the license was finally mine. As I look back, however, a pattern sticks out. I lack real memories of that unlicensed period of my life. I sped so fast to reach maturity that I failed to take anything in. Now that I’m rapidly approaching adulthood, I can’t say I don’t regret it.
My current life parallels such ignorance in subtler ways. My driving speed realistically only saves a few minutes, yet the discomfort I feel from slowing down is enough to push the accelerator. Society puts so much emphasis on maturity that staying present became a seemingly impossible chore.
With this in mind, I’ve decided to take my foot off the accelerator recently—on the way home, on the way to school, and on the way to my future.
An Ode to the End of Summer Situationships
Maddie Tran
Image courtesy of Olivia Lee
As if synonymous with the seasons itself, the end of summer often marks the end of summer situationships. Unless you’re like my good friend Charlotte, one of the lucky ones, whose summer fling has continued beyond August, you and your situational other have probably ended somewhere along these autumnal lines: leaves transform into hues of orange and red, texts become more and more spaced apart, the wind has a chillier bite and the prospect of an actual relationship drifts further away.
Naturally, fall becomes the grieving period. As the days lengthen and the sun sets earlier, we allow ourselves to lament those hot summer nights and wonder what could’ve been.
But three months later, fall disappears, and it’s December. In most places—not California—the world ushers in a thick blanket of snow that covers all: a blank canvas for the incoming new year. And with a new canvas comes new paint and, more importantly, new opportunities.
So I am not going to tell you to simply get over with them, forget and move on.
If anything, I am a firm believer in not forgetting. Call me sentimental, but I believe that everything means something, and if they were worth spending your summer on, they are worth lasting in your memory.
Usually, the most pain is found in not committing to one side or the other, moving on or not. It’s the pain of waiting in limbo, where your actions and thoughts don’t quite align, and you are left in a state of yearning. It is the pain of missing someone but doing nothing about it. It is the pain of holding onto someone who is already gone.
If the door has closed, then that is that. You have your answer.
But if you believe there is a chance, if you are tired of a ping-pong game of longing back and forth, even leaving your light on to see if the other person is awake, I implore you to explore more.
If there are doors still open or questions left unanswered, this is your sign to open and ask them. So reach out. Like their story. Text back an apology or talk to them at a party. Forgive or don’t. Remind them your light is still on.
Toys I Wish I Had as a Kid
Kaylie Viloria
In today’s media-saturated world, children seem to be growing up faster than ever. The pandemic accelerated this trend, immersing kids in technology and digital spaces earlier than expected. It’s no surprise that 12-year-olds practically live in Sephora now, with younger and younger children scrolling through social media platforms. As milestones once reserved for teens become the norm for preteens, people face the challenge of balancing this early maturity with opportunities for creativity and play in their holiday gifting.
With the advancement of technology in toy production, there are many toys I would have been fascinated by, and these are the ones I would have wanted the most.
The 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Printing Pen Set seems like so much fun, especially for creative kids.
The Hatchimals Alive Mystery Hatch provides a unique unboxing experience and a cute toy, both of which I would have loved.
Image courtesy of Irene Son
The Target Toy Checklane Pretend Shopping Accessories, featuring a toy cash register, play money and shopping gear would have made for such a great time.
The Little Live Pets My Really Real Puppy - Curley the Cavoodle would have cured my desires for a puppy as a kid, with its realistic movements and attributes.
The Cookeez Makery Party Treatz Oven combines crafting with baking. You create plush "treats" that “rise” in the toy oven. This seems like such a cool experience that I want to have it even now.
The Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven Baking Bundle was something that I always wanted as a kid, with easy-to-make recipes and an edible treat at the end.