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The Role Models in Your Life: On Looking to Friends for Inspiration

June 10th, 2026

While taking your first steps into adulthood, you may find yourself at odds with the already-adults in your life. Perhaps you are reading distrust while they eagerly offer you a fistful of advice and give warnings about the responsibilities that come with expanding your freedom. It may be, in fact, that while you feel like you are ready for the large shift in your independence, your loved ones are experiencing an urgency to protect you from adult-sized mistakes and life-altering consequences. Unfortunately, once you reach this in-between stage in life, you may no longer be receptive to their insight. In fact, it may not be until long after you leave home that you realize the benefit in having let them impart their wisdom to you. When you do find yourself in this state of uncertainty, the world will present a variety of guides for leading you through your adult life, but I have found some of the most valuable consultants to be my friends and peers.

*My friends, Emerson and Grace, who have been inspiring me for 10 years*

Take a moment to picture the faces of individuals in your life who you can relate to and yet still be largely influenced, challenged, or inspired by. Think about all that you have already gained from them: mannerisms, habits, mindsets, and the like. Then, think about all that you admire—or even envy—about them. Maybe you are recalling their capacity for being highly productive, adaptable, optimistic, or involved. Perhaps your thoughts are now shifting to reflect upon all of their strengths that you lack. However, chances are, they have experienced or are experiencing the exact same feelings of anxiety or inadequacy as you.

When asked questions similar to “Who inspires you most?” the common instinct is to reference a family member—particularly parents—mentors, teachers, or public and historical figures. Surely, the number isn’t zero when tallying up the individuals who point to one of their friends as their source of inspiration. Still, I have to wonder—if most people tend to think first of such personal relationships as those formed in the family—why do the reputations of those they spend the majority of their formative and adult years surrounded by (namely, their friends and peers) fall to the wayside before their recollections of major icons? Perhaps we overlook their resilience because we witness them fail and face adversity in real-time. It may be that we confuse role models for complete and fully matured individuals rather than people who have navigated or are continuing to navigate pitfalls, detours, and setbacks of their own.

So here, I encourage you to have thorough, inquisitive conversations with your friends about their own difficulties with and approaches to “adulting.” Allow for them to be perceived as the highly admirable figures that they most likely are; you did choose them for friends for a reason. Even if you simply take the time to observe and appreciate the methods for success utilized by one of your peers, you can still find a means for applying them to your own life.

As the saying goes, “You are who you surround yourself with,” and it is not only a very famous quote but also a very truthful one. It can be recited as a warning or act as an invitation for reflection, and perhaps, for you, it has been both. I know it has been for me. But as much weight as it holds in its meditative ambiguity, this phrase is also a pure statement of fact because you actually can become more like who you surround yourself with.

So if you are ever feeling a little lost, stuck, or listless in your young life—and other guides, spaces to vent, or sources for instilling a sense of purpose seem to be misunderstanding you or not quite fit your circumstances—look to your friends, who may just be the most helpful, empathetic, and supportive role models of all.

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By Lauren Gascon

Lauren Gascon studies Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU and enjoys discussing people’s relationships with each other and themselves. When she’s not on campus, you can find her café hopping, browsing bookstores, or enjoying lunch in one of New York City’s many beautiful parks.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

Tags: adulthood, deep-seated feelings of inadequacy, friendships, growing up, inspirations, parents
Posted in Family, Friendship, onCollege, onLife | No Comments »

Introduction: My Journey So Far

June 10th, 2026

I was born into an American-Israeli family and my upbringing in a multilingual household. From an early age, I was surrounded by English, Hebrew, and Yiddish, the languages spoken by my parents and many of my relatives. Language was not only a way of communicating in our home but also a connection to our family’s history, culture, and traditions. My father grew up in Borough Park, a religious neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its strong Jewish community. My mother was raised in Mea Shearim, a religious neighborhood in Jerusalem with deep historical and cultural roots. Although they grew up on different continents, both were shaped by close-knit communities, religious traditions, and strong family values.

My Time in Israel

The story of my family extends far beyond New York and Jerusalem. My grandparents came from immigrant backgrounds, seeking opportunities and building new lives in the United States and Israel. Their journeys were driven by hope, determination, and a desire to create a better future for the generations that would follow. Even further back, my great-grandparents experienced some of the darkest events of the twentieth century. As Holocaust survivors, they endured persecution, loss, and unimaginable hardship during the rise of Nazi Germany and World War II. After the war, they sought safety and refuge, rebuilding their lives in the United States and Israel. Their resilience and perseverance left a lasting impact on my family’s story.

Growing up in South Florida, specifically the vibrant cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, further shaped my perspective in unique ways. I was raised in a close-knit Jewish religious community and attended Jewish private schools for most of my life. While I appreciated the sense of tradition and community, my experience wasn’t always easy. I struggled with bullying throughout my childhood, which made those years difficult and often left me feeling isolated, even within my own community.

As I reached adolescence, these challenges led me to question and reevaluate my relationship with religion. Gradually, I began moving away from strict religious observance, finding myself drawn more toward a secular or reform approach to Judaism. This transition was not easy, but it became an important part of my personal growth. Through this journey, I developed a stronger sense of self and learned to find my own place and voice. These lessons would later guide me through my internship and beyond.

The values passed down through generations—resilience, gratitude, and an appreciation for opportunity—continued to influence my identity and choices as I navigated my own path in life, even as my perspective evolved.

New Chapter at NYU

Leaving South Florida to go to college in New York City at nineteen at Pace University in the Financial District was something I’ve been wanting to do since I was a teenager. I fell in love with how big the city was compared to the small tight-knit neighborhood I grew up in my whole life. I didn’t realize at the time that this actually would be one of the setbacks that would’ve affected my conscious thinking and survival instinct at the time. After fifteen months of systematic psychological mental health battles, I was able to finally transfer to a different college, NYU. There I have been given the ability to heal and to finally have the experience I deserved as a child and in my adolescence. At NYU, within the first week I finally had a guy friend like me who could understand me and who wanted to be my friend. Ultimately, transferring changed my life, I found my place in this world with peace and a community at last.

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By Aaron Newman

Aaron Newman is an Education Studies major minoring in Digital Studies. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, he writes about relationships, entertainment and fashion. He also writes about the hardship and being optimistic about his struggles and looking forward to the present and future.

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Fashion as Personal Expression

June 9th, 2026

Photo by Polina Makarova. A street view in SoHo, one of New York City’s most fashion-focused neighborhoods.

Surprisingly, when people think about fashion, they usually think about trends, brands, or appearances. While fashion can certainly be those things, my relationship with it became something much more personal after moving to the United States. During a time when almost everything in my life felt unfamiliar, fashion became one of the few things that helped me stay connected to myself. Instead of simply following trends, what I wore became a reflection of who I was becoming.

Moving to a new country can make you question many parts of your identity. Suddenly, you are surrounded by different people, different social expectations, and a completely different environment. College can make this feeling even stronger because everyone seems to be figuring out who they are at the same time. While that can be exciting, it can also feel overwhelming.

When I first arrived in New York, there were days when I felt invisible. Adjusting to a different way of life took time, and fitting in did not happen overnight. Making friends was not always easy, and homesickness stayed with me longer than I expected. Some days I felt confident, while other days I felt uncertain about where I belonged. One thing I noticed, however, was that when I put thought into what I wore, I carried myself differently. It was never about impressing other people. It was about feeling more like myself.

During that period, many things felt outside of my control. I could not instantly adapt to a new culture. I could not make homesickness disappear overnight. I could not magically become comfortable in every social situation. But every morning, I could choose how I wanted to present myself. That small decision gave me a sense of confidence during a time when everything else felt uncertain.

Fashion became another form of self-expression. Some people express themselves through art, music, or writing. For me, clothing became a way to communicate parts of my personality that I sometimes struggled to put into words. Certain outfits made me feel more confident. Others reflected my mood or mindset. Sometimes even a simple accessory could make me feel more confident throughout the day. Different outfits reflected different moods and helped me express how I was feeling.

Over time, expressing myself through fashion became more natural and helped me feel more comfortable in my own skin. One of the things I love most about New York City is how people express themselves through fashion. Walking through the city, you see people expressing themselves in countless ways. Some people dress boldly and creatively, while others prefer a simpler style. There is no single “right” way to present yourself. Seeing that freedom made me more comfortable embracing my own style.

College can sometimes create pressure to fit in. Social media often makes that pressure even stronger. It is easy to compare yourself to carefully curated photos and feel like everyone else has everything figured out. Over time, I realized that confidence comes from being comfortable with yourself rather than trying to be like everyone else. The people who seemed most confident were often the people who were simply comfortable being themselves.

One of the most important things fashion taught me is that self-expression does not have to be expensive. Confidence is not determined by designer brands or the amount of money you spend on clothes. Some of my favorite outfits have been simple combinations of pieces that make me feel comfortable and authentic. Personal style feels most meaningful when it reflects who you are rather than trying to be perfect.

As time went on, fashion also became connected to my overall wellness. Of course, clothing cannot solve every problem, but taking the time to express yourself can have a positive impact on your confidence and mindset. On days when I put effort into getting ready, I often felt more productive, motivated, and positive. It was a small act of self-care that helped me start the day feeling more confident.

Looking back, fashion helped me navigate one of the biggest transitions of my life. It gave me confidence during uncertain moments and allowed me to express parts of my identity that I was still discovering. Even when so much around me was changing, fashion helped me stay connected to who I was. Most importantly, it reminded me that self-expression is not about impressing other people. It is about feeling comfortable enough to be yourself.

Takeaway

Fashion is often viewed as something external, but it can also be a powerful form of self-expression. During times of change and uncertainty, personal style can help people feel more confident, authentic, and connected to themselves. Sometimes the smallest forms of self-expression can make the biggest difference.

Use this student discount at Amorino and enjoy a sweet treat while exploring New York City. Sometimes a small break can be the perfect form of self-care during a busy semester.

By Polina Makarova

Polina Makarova is an English and Literature major at Pace University with a minor in Journalism and Digital Storytelling. Originally from Russia, she writes about student life, identity, fashion, wellness, and adapting to life in a new country.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagramand TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

Tags: college life, Confidence, Fashion, Student Life, wellness
Posted in Fashion, onCollege, Student Issues | No Comments »

The First Year is Key: On Prioritizing and Priorities Your Freshman Year

June 2nd, 2026

As an incoming freshman, it can be very easy to overlook the impact of your first year on your entire undergraduate experience. Of course, we all know that the purpose of going to college is to earn a degree that will allow us to step into a well-paying, largely fulfilling, and even highly impressive career. However, along with these more pressing academic and professional challenges, students are also exposed to new social and personal demands, and how they choose to respond to all these importunities establishes the foundation for the rest of their four years.

*My friends and I on the lawn of the Washington Monument during the March 2025 lunar eclipse*

My own freshman year was fairly unusual and equally experimental. As someone who was admitted as a first-year Study Away student at NYU, I spent my first two semesters of college with a small cohort of about forty freshmen at the university’s Washington, DC site. Despite the one-building campus still donning the famous torch banner and offering residents access to the school’s academic, career, and mental and emotional well-being resources, the limited extracurricular opportunities, course options, and student population lead me to view my sophomore year—and my first year in New York City—as my true first year at NYU.

However, being in Manhattan introduced a fresh set of new-adult challenges. In late September, about a month after my 2025 fall semester kicked off, I experienced an intense and persistent immune system flare-up. Not too long afterwards, I decided to commit myself to my first romantic relationship, which also happened to be long-distance. While attempting to navigate these major life changes, I began to unintentionally isolate myself, and before I knew it, I had become caught up in a heavily routine and often unfulfilling day-to-day.

*My boyfriend and I watched The Great Gatsby Broadway musical while he visited me in NYC*

My point is not to ignore fluctuations in your physical health—which may be signals of discomfort or difficulty adjusting. Nor should you avoid untraditional first-year experiences or introducing highly impactful relationships to your life, since both may prove to be significant opportunities for growth. Rather, my advice is this: frame your expectations for your freshman year—and college as a whole—in terms of aspects of life that you want to prioritize. This will let you more easily adapt to inexpectancies and keep you from prematurely dismissing their value.

Unlike your goals, your priorities do not have to be distinctly defined. Though they can be, deciding you want to care for your overall health and well-being can be just as effective as making a pact with yourself to stick to a specific weight-loss diet or strength-training regimen. In fact, as a more indecisive individual, I have found that being less specific about my priorities helps me make decisions that better align with my more specific goals. By taking off the pressure to maximize time and avoid future regrets, the vagueness can actually aid you in working more productively and cohesively towards achieving your goals.

Your priorities may shift depending on the circumstances that arise in your four years. Heading into college, I had already determined that socializing, nurturing my already-formed friendships, job hunting, optimally studying, and making time for myself and my favorite pastimes would all be of great importance to me. I might have said that I was blindsided by the limited nature of NYU’s DC campus or by my health obstacles and love life developments, but these anomalies were truly opportunities to practice rebalancing my priorities.

My biggest mistake yet has been writing off my two “first years” before taking the time to reflect upon how they could inform my following years at NYU. In fact, thanks to the adjustments I faced in my freshman and sophomore years, I am going into my junior year believing that as a college student it is most important to prioritize building resilience for moments when even our best-laid plans go awry.

So, as you enter your freshman year, set yourself up for unpredictability. Decide which aspects of life you want to prioritize. Then, watch how making them the foundation of your decision-making allows you to appreciate even the most surprising circumstances—because at the end of your undergraduate career, it is not exactly what you did that will matter, but how fulfilled you feel.

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By Lauren Gascon

Tags: freshman year, life decisions, planning, prioritization
Posted in onCollege, Relationships | No Comments »

Resisting Homesickness in Dining Halls

June 2nd, 2026

In a flash, everything I had ever known became what I left behind. Here I was standing in front of Barnard gates, waving goodbye to my last family members during orientation week. Watching so intently, my arms shook and eyes never left the uber that took my aunt and uncle to the airport.

My feet shuffled through the courtyard as I scanned my newly-instated ID. Slowly dragging myself back to my dorm, time moved frame by frame. Eventually, I made my way to the corridor which held the only water fountain in the entire building. My legs staggered on their own as I paced through the dimly lit path towards the fountain. The bare white walls encased my body — my chest began to do a dance, an unbearable pounding.

There at the water fountain was a girl, Diana, from my floor filling her Brita to the brim. We met earlier when our families helped us unpack our things and moved in. She too was Vietnamese; that was how we found connection. She turned towards me and smiled.

“What are you doing here?” she inquired. Her hand lay on her hip as her smile transformed into a mischievous smirk.

Flooding my eyes, my smile back to her broke into violent sobs. In an instant, I realized what I had lost — everything I had left behind.

Diana threw herself over me; her arms wrapped around my mind tightly. She laid her head on my shoulder, and gently patted my worries away. After collecting myself, I slowly peeled away from her embrace.

“Thank you.”

No doubt I became miserably homesick. I was barely through my first week away from home, yet I had nobody to rely on for the simple pleasure of company. Without anyone to understand me, there I was in a foreign room holding all my things and regretting everything. However, as the sun set, there was a knock on my door.

“Let’s grab dinner. Which dining hall do you want to eat at?” It was Diana again.

*Baked artichoke pasta with grilled chicken accompanied by hot tea and banana bread for dessert at Alyssa’s favorite dining hall*.

Pulling me out of my encased misery, we headed to the nearest dining hall for dinner. Back and forth, Diana and I took our turns grabbing cutlery and then drinks. My stomach began to swell with the realization that enjoying family dinners was something I could no longer do until the next time I went home.

“Are you feeling better?” She broke my spiral.

“Yeah, I just think I really miss my family. Do you feel like this too?”

“Not really but if you ever want to grab dinner again, just call me or text me, especially when you’re feeling down.”

I never imagined how many times I’d ask to go to the dining halls to escape my suffering. Diana, Monica, and others — dining hall dinners, breakfast, and lunch became my new normal. We bonded over meals and our time became sacred.

*Surf and Turf day with friends on the lawns provided by a dining hall!*

Asking about majors and classes began a routine that enabled my exposure to so many people who might too feel the way I do. In an instant, a conversation about dinner at a dining hall turns into an intimate ritual of connecting with others by learning about their experiences. Not only can this dinner excuse connect you to a web of others, it can enlighten one’s perspective. Many international students, FLI students, etc. hold unique experiences that, when shared, can build empathy and understanding of other cultures when one takes the time to really listen. Thus, these discussions over dining hall food inspires connection and learning by exposing oneself to a variety of perspectives.

This transformation did not erase my homesickness, but it eased it. Some of my best friends were people I got to know in dining halls. As simple as it sounds, one of the best ways to overcome this lonesome feeling is to fill it with company — a key tactic that I implore anyone to use.

Sometimes when home is all we can remanence about, food can connect us back to our culture. For me, when homesickness calls, I need something only Vietnamese food can fix. Use this coupon to get a discount on any Viet dish to bring comfort back through your stomach!

By Alyssa Hong

Alyssa Hong is a rising Junior at Barnard College, studying Political Science with a minor in English. As a first-generation, low-income student, she writes about moving across the country for college and its adjustments. She utilizes entertainment, wellness/health/food, and fashion/beauty as methods to making new connections with others whilst always learning.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

Tags: dining, dining halls, food, homesick, homesickness, making friends at college, relationships; values; escapism; family; friendship; communication; honesty; love; homesickness
Posted in Friendship, onCollege, onFood, onHealth, onLife, student discounts | No Comments »

Starting Over in a New Country

June 2nd, 2026

Excitement fills the air when people talk about moving to another country, but underneath it can also feel stressful and lonely. When I moved from Russia to the U.S., I carried more than just luggage with me. I expected the hardest part to be the language or learning how to navigate a new city, but honestly, the hardest part was adjusting to a completely unfamiliar environment while also trying to figure out who I was becoming. That question stayed in my mind constantly.

At first, nothing felt completely comfortable. Grocery stores, classes, conversations, public transportation – even small everyday things felt overwhelming because I was always trying to adjust to a different rhythm. Some days I felt excited and confident, and other days I felt completely out of place. I think a lot of people who move to a new country experience this feeling, even if they do not always talk about it openly.

College life already comes with pressure, and adapting to a different culture at the same time can make it even harder mentally and emotionally. There is pressure to succeed academically, make friends, look confident, and act like everything is fine even when it is not. Social media also makes it easy to compare yourself to other students who seem completely settled and happy. Meanwhile, homesickness, anxiety, loneliness, and emotional stress quietly build up in the background. Even when surrounded by people, it is possible to still feel disconnected and far away from home.

Over time, I realized that small things could actually make a big difference emotionally. Fashion became one of those things for me. When everything around me felt unfamiliar, putting together an outfit that made me feel comfortable and confident could genuinely improve my mood. It may sound simple, but self-expression can really affect the way you feel mentally and emotionally.

For me, fashion was never really about impressing other people. It became a way to reconnect with

myself during a period where everything felt uncertain. Moving to a new place can make you feel like you are rebuilding your identity from the beginning. College already feels like a major life transition, but moving countries at the same time makes that feeling even stronger. You begin thinking more deeply about where you belong, how you want people to see you, and who you want to become.

I also learned that wellness is not always about perfect routines or always feeling motivated. Sometimes wellness simply means giving yourself time to adjust. Starting over can feel emotionally exhausting, and I think many students put pressure on themselves to adapt too quickly. Real growth takes time.

Little by little, I started creating routines that made me feel more grounded. Walking through New York City, focusing on school, building small self-care habits, spending time with supportive people, and expressing myself more confidently all helped me emotionally. I still experience stressful moments, but I’ve realized that moving to a new country does not mean losing who you are. It means learning how to grow while still staying connected to yourself.

Looking back now, moving to another country changed me in both difficult and positive ways. It made me more independent, emotionally aware, and understanding of myself. Even though the adjustment process was difficult, it taught me that confidence does not come from being perfect or fitting in immediately. Sometimes confidence simply comes from continuing to move forward even when everything around you feels unfamiliar.

Takeaway

Moving to a new country during college can feel emotionally overwhelming and isolating at times. Adjusting takes time, and it is important not to compare your journey to other people’s experiences. Small routines, supportive people, self-expression, and self-care can make a huge difference when it comes to mental health and confidence during major life changes.

Taking care of yourself is important, especially during stressful times. Use this student discount at Baya Bar and enjoy a healthy break while exploring New York City.

By Polina Makarova

Tags: college life, international students, mental health, New York City, Student Life
Posted in Fashion, onCollege, Student Issues | No Comments »

A High School Graduate’s Expectations for College: An Interview with My Sister

May 29th, 2026

With the 2025-2026 academic year coming to a close for high schools and colleges across the nation, I have felt a need to reflect upon my intentions for my next couple years of undergrad. However, this has also called for me to look back on my last two school years—to consider the growth I have undergone within the past four semesters and to recall my expectations for university as a high school graduate. Unfortunately, two years can feel like a lifetime ago, and I am sure that many, if not most of us, who are midway through our undergraduate years have difficulty remembering what we were hoping, above all else, to get out of university. So to better orient myself within the mind of an incoming college freshman, I decided to interview my sister, Gwenyth—a graduating high school senior and soon-to-be student athlete for the Lees-McRae College Division 1 cycling team.

*Gwenyth repping Lees-McRae in her Senior Sunday Instagram post. Photo taken by @_laurentaylorphotography*

I asked her a series of thirteen questions, all related to her perspective on the college experience before having the opportunity to even step on campus. But rather than having her expand upon what she is most excited about for college, we framed her expectations in terms of her priorities, plans, skill set, and toolbox, as they have been formed without the influence of a college experience.

When asked what aspects of her life she intends to prioritize, Gwenyth shared that while starting out her mountain biking career in high school, she learned the importance of maintaining her physical and mental well-being. She established a strong sense of routine by aligning the blocks of time within which she trained and finished homework with the times of day when her energy levels were highest. As of now, she expects that being able to effectively balance her sport and studies will prove to be her most challenging task. Her plan to ensure that she effectively cares for her health involves maintaining a healthy diet; settling in for bed at a reasonable time and getting an ample amount of sleep; exercising regularly—through other forms of movement outside of her cycling training; and designating limited blocks of time for her assignments so as to not overwork herself.

I was also curious about which resources from home and at her university she believes will be most helpful in aiding her transition and navigating the next four years. She shared that other than having learned in high school how to manage making time for schoolwork, the people in her life, and activities she enjoys—like drawing, painting, camping, and swimming—she expects to glean a large amount of support from her teammates, coaches, and professors at Lees-McRae. As for setting herself up for life after graduation, during the school years, she will likely end up dedicating all of her time to her studies and athletics while becoming more involved with internship opportunities that bring her one step closer to a career in physical therapy during her summers.

Many of us current university students may remember assuming that our experiences would look very much like what my sister has envisioned for herself. Regardless of this idealism, my hope for my sister is that throughout her college journey, she develops strong values and versatile habits. When asked which of such she would prefer to come away with, she listed the virtues of leaning into patience, peace, and rest.

By the time she graduates, I want her to be able to call to mind her intentions for her college experience while the thrill of high school seniority is still the fuel for her fire. My ideal is for her to appreciate the growth she experienced during her time as a university student and to be able to say that despite any interruptions in her plans, she was able to have it all in college and made every opportunity to learn—both within and outside of the classroom—worthwhile.