November 1st

Credit: Google

It’s getting closer every day. The more time passes, the closer it looms, like someone watching over your shoulder.  Although you can’t see them,  you can constantly feel their presence. It makes it somewhat challenging to focus on the present when the future keeps moving forward.  Once November 1st arrives, people will be applying and waiting to hear back from colleges, marking the beginning of our future.

After that happens, the floodgates will open. People will be either delighted or disappointed with their response from their colleges. It makes me think of all previous seniors, were they this stressed, yet excited?  Were some of them sure of their likelihood of getting in, only to be rejected, or were they correct? 

The more I think about it,  the thought that almost constantly remains the same is that after November 1st, what will happen to my friends? Where will they go? Will we be as close as we are now after departing?  Or will we slowly begin to fade from each other’s lives? As these thoughts sometimes consume me, it is those exact friends that pull me back in and remind me to enjoy now.

Drake

Listening to Drake is a life-changing experience. While some generalize him as a popular rapper with hit songs that all sound similar, his catalog and talents run much deeper.

Drake is a lyrical genius. His songs touch on all aspects of life, from the highs to the lows, which can help the listener find the right song for the moment or occasion.

Drake’s talent extends beyond rap. Drake is versatile and not afraid to rap, sing, or perform in different styles of music or even languages. Some notable hits from Drake, including “MIA” and “Gently,” both featuring Bad Bunny, exercise Drake’s talents beyond simple English rap. Drake’s hit album “Honestly Nevermind” is widely considered a top Drake album, with all but one song being House/Dance music.

Drake’s catalog is versatile and easily rotatable without the feeling of overlistening to one artist. I am currently listening to “Summer Games” from Scorpion and “Race My Mind” from Certified Lover Boy.

It is refreshing to hear different types of music conveying different sounds and feelings when listening to each song. Drake is easy to listen to and is widely respected as a top current artist, with his longevity of producing hit songs that have exceeded a decade.

Drake 'for All the Dogs' Review: Incohesive With Glimpses of Old Drake -  Business Insider

P.C. Google

The Absence of Certainty

Most aspects of life are not permanent or guaranteed, subject to spontaneous change.

Those who were once closest to you can drift apart due to physical distance or changes in character, leaving you feeling as though a piece of you was stripped away and left hollow. Artificial intelligence is increasing in its influence at an overwhelming rate, contributing to the perception that humans are obsolete in the face of technological advancements and posing a threat to human jobs. And with the current trajectory of United States politics, international students, such as myself, never know what new policies could be established that hinder or outright restrict our ability to continue my education in this country.

If these factors are out of our control, it makes us wonder why we try. If they are within our control, it makes us doubt whether we are trying hard enough. 

Now more than ever, the very act of trying or investing time into anything can feel so daunting, with there being no peace of mind that we will be reciprocated for our efforts. But as much as I find comfort in what is familiar, I realize that change is not inherently or always an adversary.

The act of continuing despite uncertainty forces us to adapt and grow in alignment with the contiously unraveling world, serving as a testament to our resiliance. So while I can not prevent the disruption of the familiar, I refuse to let it leave me behind.

Deciding in uncertainty - Thot Cursus

Picture Credit: Google

Trader Joes

I love Trader Joe’s. There should be a Trader Joe’s on every corner, and even then, that is not enough. It is so weird how they can make dupes for stuff and not get in trouble for it. I have the Brazil Nut Body Butter, and it smells almost exactly like that one Sol de Jainero lotion. Or the Rolled Tortilla Chips, Lime and Chile Flavored, and how they taste like mild Takis. But dupes aren’t the best thing about Trader Joe’s. The original snacks are so good.

Recently, I’ve been liking the Crispy Crunchy Mochi Rice Nuggets. I hate how long the names are. But the mochi nuggets are delectable. The salty, crunchy exterior is perfectly crisp every time.

Imagine this: you come back home or to your dorm after a long day at school, you had 3 tests today, two club meetings, and volleyball practice in 5 minutes, when you see the Crispy Crunchy Mochi Rice Nuggets. Suddenly, your world brightens. The once bleak reality is now filled with light. You reach for the bag to find out it is unopened! You reach your hand into the dark bag for a fried mochi cube, and you pull out the biggest, crunchiest one. You throw it into your mouth, and it is overwhelmed by the flavor. The salt bounces around as you crunch into a piece. So you slowly start throwing more and more into your mouth until you reach for the last one. You aren’t sad that you ate all of them; you are satisfied.

All this to say I love Trader Joe’s and I really want some mochi rice nuggets right now.

credit: Amazon