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To The Students That Are Looking For ‘Balance’

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Firstly, congratulations on your college acceptance and moving to the Big Apple! This humid, humming conglomerate of boroughs and subway stations is a pulsing city of excitement. Your heartbeat upon arrival may be currently matching the coursing nature of the city. There truly is no other feeling like moving to New York City.

As I sit here, sweat rolling down from my armpits in early June, I’m reflecting on the biggest tenant of survival that I learned during my undergraduate experience. That being my perception of the word ‘balance’. When I started undergrad, I had a lot of expectations as to what my newest chapter of life would look like, and in maybe a naïve way, it was lots of sunshine, rainbows, and the perfect morning routine. I have documents upon documents of Google Doc schedules planned down to 30-minute intervals, spanning planned activities of 7:30 AM wake-up times, morning yoga, a zen cup of coffee, breakfast meal prep, Pomodoro-method interval study breaks, and more. On paper, this is a very balanced lifestyle, and one I still try to aim for on a consistent level. However, with this excitement of entering college and the tribulations of new experiences, this ‘balance’ can take on a different form.

Yoga is a huge part of my life and has been since I was 16. I found an aptitude for yoga, and really liked this centering through a flow of movement and the practice of breathwork. Moving to such a big city that loves aesthetics, yoga classes are available by the bushel. I figured I could not only do yoga in my shared room, but also start going to a studio somewhat-religiously. My roommate at the time was very into hot-yoga and would go to an hour-long class every day. I thought I would try it because it looked like balance.

I forced myself through one class, slipping around on my own sweat pooled on the yoga mat. I signed up for another one, buying a $40 towel for my mat this time, and shook my way through another sauna-like class. Then, I signed up for a 6AM class. Balance at the time looked to me like uncomfortable persistence and an optimal morning routine that frankly, no 18-year-old needs to complete. This class, I got a compliment on my warrior pose in the first 10 minutes of the class, but then overheated so much I had to lie down for the remainder of the 40 minutes. When the rest of the class went into savasana, I went to the bathroom and threw up. I was so overworked that I went home and slept the rest of the day, missing my 8AM Theology class and the other class I had, with over $100 spent on these three intro yoga sessions.

Hot yoga works for a lot of people, but I had to face it may not work for me. It seemed to center my roommate but provided a negative experience for me. Later in college, I took the courses Yoga 1 and Yoga 2, which focused more on breathwork and seated, restorative poses. This combated my original power-house idea of how yoga would fit into my collegiate life, but after every class, I felt more flexible and mentally sharper for my classes during that day. Not being able to be a ‘hot yoga baddie’ took me aback, but finding yin yoga and pranayama have changed my habits. My thinking of the word ‘balance’ and my perception of myself then adjusted.

There is balance in the excitement of college, as there is equally excitement in finding a holistic practice that grounds you during this time. In finding that balance, there is the remembrance that you are headed to college for finding you and the pursuit of your innate talents. 

The corner of my room for designated for yin yoga and journaling my Junior year.

And for a before class treat or after yoga refresher, here is a Campus Clipper approved coffee discount offer!

By: Madeleine Misner

Madeleine Misner is a writer and NYU graduate student in the MS in Publishing program. She loves going out to dinner with her friends, reading long books, and attending spoken-word poetry events. Madeleine always loves to connect with other writers and creative thinkers alike!

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.

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Resilience in Routine

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
Photo by Alyssa Hong. Here I am sitting in a field of overly bloomed tulips at the Queens Botanical Garden.

One of the most essential parts of college is finding ways to continue a healthy lifestyle despite having copious amounts of free will. For this, I suggest enrolling in classes with friends for things like yoga, pilates, or anything really. 

What started out as Thursday evening classes for yoga simply began as a question: 

“Do you want to try Fitbear classes with me?”

Monica, my best friend, asked me this during our first year in college after the first semester. Still timid, my voice appeared firm in accepting her offer but the tremble of my body could not shake this anxious moment. I wondered if the class would paint us as newbies and that we would be made fun of – superficial concerns which made no sense looking back because everyone starts somewhere. 

Our first class had me looking over my shoulder constantly. I put on my leggings for the first time since COVID era, which had me doing Chloe Ting workouts in my bedroom. Highschool kept me so preoccupied I only had time for dance club so I had wildly let myself go. I went down the elevator to the first floor where the water station was and filled my Awola full of water since I was not sure how hard I would be sweating for “vinyasa” yoga. 

I did not even know what “vinyasa” meant. 

I knocked on Monica’s door since we lived in the same small hallway; we were on our way. Geared with her yoga mat, leggings, and water bottle, Monica was prepared for the next hour of downward facing dogs later. As we rode the elevator down, my face kept making the same grin of nervousness. My hands shook like no other. Soon, I found myself in the basement of the main campus building for our class with my hand gripping the handle of the door. As I opened it, the world began to shine in on me. 

Starting by reaching down towards our feet, I felt the release of all my stresses of homesickness to future career anxieties diminish. Halfway lift — holding my breath, I stared at my posture in the mirror, diligently focusing on my body and how it felt. Then down into a down-dog while bending our knees side-by-side. Stretching my body through every pose was my revenge on this fast-moving world. 

With Monica keeping me accountable, I learned the art of yoga: finding stillness and intention. Each pose should be made with intent and slow movement rather than rushing through. I thought about engaging my core, where my hands were, and finally how my body felt. The tension housed within my joints transpired as I held my intention from the beginning of the class to the very end. 

After my very first class, Monica and I continued these classes even adding two a week to our schedules if time permitted. That’s how we ended up trying a Zumba class on a random given Wednesday. 

Without her pushing me out of my own comfort (my mind), I would have never found the art of truly slowing down in yoga. We still go to these classes only now they are Friday morning classes at 9 AM instead. We always find time within our schedules and are always seeking to learn something new in our fitness journeys like how to perform frog pose or a proper chaturanga. 

I have also learned so much about Monica from this routine. She prefers cardio whereas I hate cardio entirely. I found this out after one of our conversations post-class (Total Sculpt) which was filled with cardio. 

“I like it because you can feel it.”

“I hate it for that exact reason.”

She also used to train mainly using cardio for rowing in Highschool and still does for when she scuba dives in the summer. Whereas, I only did cardio for dance in Middle School which I still hated. 

Nevertheless, yoga, or more generally, fitness classes have become our routine to resist anything college throws our way. It is not only a way to connect with others, but a chance to learn something new about them and yourself. 

Working out can be a helpful activity for the mind and soul alongside the body. Use this coupon to start your fitness training package with Nimble Fitness!

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.

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What is “wellness” anyway?

Friday, June 20th, 2025

Wellness.

It’s everywhere, and it’s constantly making  its way into our daily lives. Whether it’s Tiktok influencers buying concerning amounts of expensive makeup and skincare to “prevent aging” and look as young and pristine as possible, or other influencers posting mind-boggling exercise routines to achieve unattainable body standards, it feels as though what was once known as wellness simply isn’t well anymore – it’s junk. 

It’s particularly overwhelming to consider the amount of young adults like myself who use these types of apps and succumb to this information. According to Pew Research Center, 78% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they use Instagram, and 62% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they use TikTok. Looking at other studies, such as a survey done by Katrine Wallace, an assistant professor at the University of Chicago, 56% of Gen Z use platforms like TikTok for health advice without double checking sources. Recent studies also show the way in which young adults are more unhappy than ever before, lowering the happiness curve which should be higher for young adults aged 18-29. When combined with uncertainties of the future and higher risks of anxiety and depression due to isolation from peers and family, how does that affect a time where one is supposed to find who they are, and find the people that will ultimately become colleagues or lifelong friends? How do we combat a never ending cycle of isolation caused by being on our phones for hours without end, while also making sure to take care of ourselves and enrich our brains?

Coming off from my first year of college at NYU, these are some tips I would encourage you to try in order to feel peace, happiness, and zen while balancing a new environment, peers, and classes.

I. Exercise

Running along the Hudson River Park.

New York City is the perfect backdrop to get into any form of exercise, but my favorite is running. Being a Cross Country and Track runner in high school, one of the first ways I tried to find community was through running, and luckily NYU has a running club where I was able to do many 5K, 10K and even my first half marathon with!

Me, excited after running the Brooklyn Half Marathon in April.

Even when it comes to exercising alone, running along the Hudson River Greenway has been one of my go to spots for tranquility, great views, and fresh air. Being cooped up all day in a dorm room, library, or classroom is not going to make you feel productive; being active often gives you the clarity needed to do assignments and tasks with your brain feeling much more resetted. Even if running isn’t the sport for you, finding time outside whether it’s window shopping, drinking a warm coffee on a rainy day while strolling the streets, or even hitting the gym for a good weight training session is enough to be a productive yet enjoyable break from the hustle of school work. Being in such a walkable city allows for exercise to happen even without thinking, and some of the best ways I have gotten around have been by simply running throughout New York and seeing what is out there.

II. Nutrition

Late night run to Joe’s Pizza.

I love NYC Pizza like anyone else, but if I had to constantly eat it I think my body would shut down. Finding ways to eat healthy (getting fiber, protein, carbs, and healthy fats) will ultimately lead you to feel satiated, energized, and may even improve your mood and alertness if you tend to feel fatigued. Oftentimes, college is the first time in which you are let go from the foods that your parents would constantly give you, and being on your own often leads to people struggling to find or maintain a healthy relationship with food. It is so important to learn what foods really fuel your body, because at the end of the day I find that money is best spent on what makes your body feel its best.

Mid-day lunch break at Le Botaniste.

One of my favourite places to have lunch in the city, Le Botaniste, has locally sourced plant based meals at pretty affordable prices. Eating there always makes me feel comforted, happy, and leaves me knowing that my body is going to feel rewarded with nutrients that will help me go about my day. My roommate and I also got heavily into making our own smoothies, which in NYC can be quite expensive. Buying ingredients such as frozen fruit, coconut milk, and getting bananas from the dining hall were ways in which we saved money while also eating something that is equally as nutritious as it is delicious. Being creative and economical is all it takes, along with some effort into researching, to find what foods are best for your body and will leave you feeling happy in the process. When you have a the late-night craving though, Joe’s is a classic to hit up.

III. Social Connections

Me, out with some friends on my birthday.

One of the most important tips I can give anyone entering college – GO OUT THERE!! College is the last time where you are in a generally controlled environment, often living with people roughly your age, and getting your first taste of what it’s like to be an adult. Find the people and circles where you feel heard, seen, and appreciated. There is nothing worse than having people around you that don’t care about you and your well-being, and finding the people who see you for who you are is what will make college feel like home.  Join clubs, try new activities, and share aspects of yourself that you once thought were silly or that you have never had the opportunity to do so otherwise. Finding the people is the most crucial step in making college feel enjoyable and doable, especially when classes start feeling rough and time feels like it’s slipping away.

Enjoying some watercolor painting and coffee at Moshava Coffee.

Find the connections that will be there for you when you first come onto campus so that when those times come, you know who has your back. Another great tip I would advise is to enjoy your own company. College gets hectic and not everyone is available to hang out all the time, so learning to appreciate the amazing person you are and enjoy the variety of solo activities there are out there will help combat boredom, and maybe even help you find out new and exciting things about yourself.

Wellness means a lot of things for different people, but the main thing that comes to mind when I think of wellness is how subjective it is. Finding what makes me feel well, healthy, secure, and happy may be completely different to what makes you feel well, healthy, secure, and happy – and that’s completely okay! The main thing I would suggest is to be open to new ideas of wellness, confide in people who have your back, try new things, and take advantage of the resources, people, and opportunities that lie at your fingertips. 

Maybe that’s what wellness is. A community. Your community. Be brave, and open doors to find it.

After your workout, or even as a mid-day snack, try Playa Bowls! Get 10% off with your student ID on your next Açaí bowl, smoothie, or coffee!

By Avril Walter

Avril Walter is a Sophomore at New York University, majoring in Drama and Cinema Studies. Coming from an Argentinian background, she loves anything related to futbol, steak, and dulce de leche. When she is not in class, she can be found playing the violin, running, cooking, or at the movie theatre.

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.

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The Body I Brought To College

Tuesday, June 17th, 2025

The first thing they tell you when you enter the world of college is to make your health and wellness a priority and that downtime is important. As a college student, you are constantly thinking about the assignments to turn in, the exam you need to cram for since it’s worth forty percent of your grade, or the big group project that your professor recommends starting two weeks into the semester even though it isn’t due until the end of the year. 

Your health and wellness is an essential part in being successful in your college experience, but it isn’t about hitting the gym or eating a salad. They’re about how your body functions, how you manage stress, and how you show up for yourself every day. In college, it’s easy to treat your body like an afterthought and not prioritize the key functions such as sleep, nutrition, and movement. When you don’t listen to your body, it starts speaking louder through exhaustion, illness, and burnout, which can make it difficult to perform at your full potential best in all areas of college.

A college student suffering from burnout. Image credit: https://songdochronicle.com/2384/latest-posts/am-i-lazy-or-exhausted-academic-burnout-rises-among-university-students/

My entire life, I have suffered from severe scoliosis, a condition where my spine is curved in an “s” shape. Although I have managed this condition throughout my life, when I entered college, it gave me several different challenges that I didn’t realize I’d have to face. Nurturing a proper sleep schedule, having good eating habits, and maintaining minimal movement are important in college, as it can balance out the academic stressors. Before college, I never really thought twice about my body. Even with my medical condition, I ate when I was hungry, slept when I was supposed to, and was at my peak physically. Once I entered college, I didn’t realize that the pressures of academics in combination with my medical condition would make my time in college even more challenging than expected, forcing me to rethink everything about wellness and fitness. A lot of days, my body feels like it’s working against me. I wake up tired, my muscles ache, and I can’t push myself the way other students can. It’s frustrating and isolating, but it’s also taught me the importance of listening to my body and honoring its limits.

I’ve learned to be intentional about rest and my sleep schedule. At night, I give myself a 9 p.m curfew and a bedtime of 10 p.m, which allows me to relax before I close my eyes so that I can sleep better at night. I’ve also had to redefine what fitness meant for me, meaning going on nice, long walks around the city, doing yoga, or choreographing dances to keep myself loose. Everybody’s health and wellness looks different in college, but there are very consistent ways to make sure that your health and wellness are acknowledged and prioritized. First, sleep is non-negotiable. It is recommended to get 8 hours of sleep, so aiming for 7 to 9 hours is best. You should fuel your body consistently. It’s okay to eat what’s available, but try to include whole foods when you can, especially fruits, protein, and complex carbs. You should also move with intention, even if it’s 10 minutes a day. Find movement that feels good for you. Although it’s okay to push yourself, you shouldn’t push yourself too hard, because it’s supposed to feel invigorating and reviving instead of feeling like an obligation. The most important aspect is to be honest with yourself and your needs. Whether you live with a health condition or not, give yourself grace and adapt your routines accordingly. 

Wellness and fitness isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being aware. Although college stresses the importance of academics, it is important to prioritize health and wellness. Your body is the one place you have to live in during college. Take care of it like it’s your most valuable asset.

Nibble Fitness is a great way to help you with your wellness and fitness! Use your student I.D to schedule your complementary fitness assessment!

By: Yamilia Ford

Yamilia Ford is a rising senior at Pace University with a major in business management and three minors in journalism, creative writing, and film studies. Her passion for writing allows her to inspire through her own creative lens, giving people the opportunity to relate to her.

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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How To Exercise When You Don’t Want to

Thursday, July 25th, 2024

One of the most challenging things I’ve faced as a working-class college student is sedentarism. Although my body is in constant motion between my five courses and thirty-two-hour work week, none is deliberate enough to constitute exercise—although the exhaustion my body feels every day would make one think otherwise. Additionally, with each passing semester, I have less free time to work out. As I ventured into my fitness journey last year during summer break, I learned that my mental health also affected my body on a physical level. On one hand, lacking the will to move my body was a sign of mental exhaustion, while on the other, not moving my body because of said mental state made me stiff and weak, affecting my physical health. It is a hard-to-break cycle I’ve been dealing with my whole life, but its effects have intensified since the start of my college journey. 

It doesn’t help that I really dislike exercising. Many say that it’s an enjoyable activity, and perhaps it is for them. For me, it is dreadful and annoying from beginning to end. Last year I worked out rigorously for four months and it never got better. Sure, I loved how my body felt after the fact but while I was doing it? I don’t think so. Again, this is just my experience because I know many people who love exercising. I really wish I was like them, but I am not, so we must work with what we have. Thus, for us lazy folks (and maybe a bit neuro-spicy folks), I have put together a guide to exercise when we don’t want to because, well—I’m sorry to break it to you—we need to move our bodies to maintain physical and mental health. So, here it goes:

Image Credit: https://www.thenortherner.com/news/2020/02/25/balancing-a-healthy-diet-as-a-college-student/
  1. When you wake up, before leaving your bed, stretch your muscles. There are plenty of stretches one can do in bed and it is important to develop flexibility to avoid muscle injury. The activity can last as much time as you have available, but it should be for a minimum of ten minutes. 
  2. When you are reading class materials, don’t sit down. Adults should take at least 10,000 steps each day. So, use your reading time to walk around your home, neighborhood, or campus to get them in without even thinking about it–audiobooks are also great for this. The activity is not exhaustive, and it is beneficial to boost your stamina. Even I, who hates exercise, enjoyed this one. 
  3. Similarly, when you are typing tirelessly on your computer, spend some time standing up. Find a place to put your laptop or monitor higher up so you can work while on your feet. This one is trickier because you may not have the space to do this, so if you don’t, try to do seated stretches to release shoulders and lower back tension. 
  4. Find an activity that requires you to move your body and that you enjoy. Here is where you must have slightly more discipline to try different things. Yoga, dancing, martial arts, hiking, biking, and many others are activities that do not necessarily feel like exercise, but they are. If you hate every single one of them, that’s okay. You can try the previous steps. 
  5. Lastly, surround yourself with people who love exercising. I hate to admit that it can work. They can be good motivators, and since they have your well-being at heart, they usually hold you accountable when you don’t move your body enough. And if you are a bit competitive, they might inspire you to train more! It is always nurturing to surround yourself with different perspectives.
As you can see, some days it is harder than others to just walk enough.

And there you have it: five simple steps to improve your energy and flexibility. Although moving your body is essential, the most important thing to practice during your college journey is compassion. We are often so hard on ourselves because college takes our time to do things we enjoy, but we need to accept that our careers are demanding and try our best anyway. There are weeks where I don’t follow any of the steps and my body surely pays the price, but I don’t beat myself too hard on it because I must also protect my mind. I hope you do as well.

Talking about surrounding yourself with motivating people, use this discount for training packages! Remember the importance of moving your body.

By Roxanna Cardenas

Roxanna is a Venezuelan writer living in New York City. Her works include essays, poetry, screenplays, and short stories. She explores fiction and non-fiction genres, with a special interest in horror and sci-fi. She has an A.A. in Writing and Literature and is working on her B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration.

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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My Body’s Intuition

Tuesday, July 16th, 2024

I grew up in a culture where being “overweight” was one of the worst things that could happen to you. Eating plenty of food without guilt was rare and starvation to lose the extra kilos was normal. By culture I don’t mean my country, I mean most of the world. After all, I grew up in the early 2000s when people would call Jennifer Aniston “fat.” Early 2000s JENNIFER ANISTON. 

Naturally, I developed a complicated relationship with food. When I was a teenager, my appetite was insatiable. I would eat more than any adult in my family and barely gain any weight. Some people would call me lucky while others warned that my body would eventually change, and I would need to control my food intake. The pleasure food gave me was always followed by an almost silent whisper of regret. Still, I continued to eat unbalanced food in abundance. Although I was skinny—underweight really—and my body was often described as beautiful and “desirable,” I remember that time as my most unhealthy years. I would get sick often, visiting urgent care at least once a month for respiratory issues; I would feel tired all the time and have no strength in my muscles. Above all else, I would look in the mirror and see fat sitting in places where there was none. I had body dysmorphia, and I wasn’t aware of what that was. 

Like it often happens when you emigrate, my life changed completely after I moved to the US, including my food habits. I don’t know if my body finally changed like people used to warn me or if this new country’s food was different, but after a month of eating endless American food, I finally gained some weight. And then I gained some more. I became aware of how much bigger I was from my time in Venezuela, and I started to freak out. Without understanding a thing about dieting, I simply did what I had learned from the women around me: I starved myself. I started eating only two meals a day, sometimes one. I would go on like that for a month, and then have a rampage of food intake the next. It became a cycle where my body weight fluctuated aggressively. Consequently, my health paid the price. I would continue to get sick constantly and feel weak. What I didn’t realize is that the symptoms were more severe during my starvation mode than when I would eat whatever I wanted. Still, both habits were damaging. 

When I finally decided to seek help, I had been meeting my extreme habits in the middle. I would skip one meal a day—often breakfast—and eat big portions for the remaining two. Although I wasn’t getting sick anymore, the sense of tiredness remained, and my weight was slowly increasing. Around the same time, I did a lot of unlearning about body weight and although I wasn’t comfortable with the extra pounds, I convinced myself that I was beautiful nonetheless. For the first time in my life, my biggest concern was how I felt, not how I looked. I wanted to feel energized and strong but, how could I accomplish this?

Food Tracker for my trainer. Noticing patterns.

I was lucky to have made friends with a very generous woman who was also a personal trainer who educated me about my food habits. She made me track two weeks of meals and pointed out my meal skips, uncontrolled snacking, and massive dinners. She showed me how the unbalanced meals—mostly consisting of carbs and fats—were partly the source of my tiredness. Additionally, she tracked my daily steps and exercise, which was near zero. With this information, we planned to increase my protein and vitamin intake and my workouts. Although strict, this plan was heavily based on my body’s intuition. My trainer helped me differentiate healthy cravings from my eating disorder. We did this by tracking my menstrual cycle, understanding that in certain weeks of the month, my body would crave more fatty and sugary meals and that this was okay. Slowly, the guilt I would feel after every meal disappeared. I created disciplined habits filled with compassion. By the end of our regiment, I had lost some weight, but the most important thing was that I felt the strongest I’ve ever been. I barely had stomach problems or got sick, and I had the energy necessary to go through my day.

I would change the “but” for “and” because you can listen to both. Both are right.

It’s been a year now since I learned about my body’s intuition. It is still hard to fight my eating disorders which crave the “comfort meals” that ultimately harm my body. It is a battle I am still in, but I fight it with patience and lots of love for myself. My body weight continues to fluctuate, but how it is supposed to. It is normal to fluctuate between five to ten pounds, but I don’t really keep track. I measure my health not on the scale any longer; I do so with how my body reacts to exercise, with how energized I feel. It has been life-changing learning to listen to my body because it made me appreciate the wonderful things it does for me.

Every meal should be a “guilt-free” meal! Enjoy this delicious free cookie with your student ID

By Roxanna Cardenas

Roxanna is a Venezuelan writer living in New York City. Her works include essays, poetry, screenplays, and short stories. She explores fiction and non-fiction genres, with a special interest in horror and sci-fi. She has an A.A. in Writing and Literature and is working on her B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration.

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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You Can Fit It All… But Should You?

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024

Going back to college when in your 20s can be nerve-wracking. At first, life as a student excited me because of the things I was about to learn, the student discounts I would get in different venues, and the possibility of making new friends. However, as time went on stress added itself to the picture, harming the joy I felt for starting school again. 

When I started at the community college, I noticed most of my classmates were much younger than me. Although I was learning and getting my student deals, my freshman year was unsuccessful in giving me any friends. Additionally, I kept comparing myself to my younger classmates. They would graduate before me (age-wise) and start working before me. This made me feel like I had a race to win. Slowly, I kept taking more and more classes to make sure I graduated faster. I even tried to graduate in three semesters instead of four, but my job schedule didn’t allow it. I was so occupied with schoolwork and regular work that for two years I barely had time to take advantage of everything the school offered. I never used the many resources available or joined any club. I spent those years like a ghost.

A normal week in my planner during the semester. During the weekend, my body gave up and I got sick.

It wasn’t until my last semester when I met some students my age in my major that I realized other people were giving themselves the chance to go to school again and that there was no need to race anybody. We met after class during office hours, and I finally felt I had a community. It lasted only four months. Then I graduated, and it was time to transfer to a different campus. Once again, thoughts about finishing my degree as fast as possible came to the surface, and without my friends around, I purposely kept myself busy. I signed up for five literature courses while working two jobs for 32 hours a week, a choice that already felt like a lot. However, I didn’t stop there. I didn’t want to make the same mistake I did back in community college, so I was set on using as many resources as possible. I signed up for the internship program at the career center, applied for multiple scholarships, and submitted work for awards. Additionally, I went to office hours, joined a few club meetings, and stayed available for student events. 

When I talk about my spring semester, people often ask me how I did it. How was I able to accomplish so many things? Some assume my GPA paid the price, but it didn’t. Some think I’m just a superhuman, which I am not. The truth is that I had to sacrifice something to have time for all my school-related occurrences. I had to sacrifice multiple things, actually. And I did so without realizing it at first.

My messy desk reflects my inner turmoil and stress.

The first thing I sacrificed was spending time with my loved ones. I had limited time off, which I used to attend school events; thus, dates with my husband and hanging out with my friends were left behind. The second thing I sacrificed was my house chores. We usually divided our time to clean, but my family took over my chores during the semester. Naturally, this brought up some tension in the household. The third thing was my physical health. Before the spring of 2024, I followed a balanced and fulfilling diet, and I would exercise regularly. My tight schedule eliminated the time to cook or move my body, which translated into stomach problems and joint pain. Lastly, the fourth thing I sacrificed was my mental health. I have never had a stellar one, to begin with, but the overload helped only to intensify pre-existing issues—and generate new ones. I had no time to give my mind a break and cope with everything that I was experiencing. I was in a constant state of numbness and inertia that I am just becoming aware of now. Ever since the semester ended, all I can do is sleep for 10 or more hours. I can’t even write as much as I wished to do during the summer break. My mind and body are exhausted. 

Slowly, I am becoming myself again. I am reconnecting with my friends, taking over my house chores once more, returning to better food habits and exercise, and caring for my mental health. More importantly, I am learning about limits. Our culture celebrates overachievers, and it is tempting to always take on a new challenge to prove—to others—that you can do better.  However, prioritizing rest is not a lazy habit. It is a balanced one. What is the point of racing if your body succumbs before the finish line?

Allow yourself to prioritize your wellbeing and relax with this coupon.

By Roxanna Cardenas

Roxanna is a Venezuelan writer living in New York City. Her works include essays, poetry, screenplays, and short stories. She explores fiction and non-fiction genres, with a special interest in horror and sci-fi. She has an A.A. in Writing and Literature and is working on her B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration.

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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Chapter Four: Embracing My Cult

Monday, July 10th, 2023
Banshee Halloween party

My frisbee team is called the Brandeis Banshee, and we are a cult. 

Off the field, we host social events to bond and get to know each other a little better. There’s generally something every week, whether it’s a party or a group meal or something a little… odder. 

Everyone gets a special name—different from their real name—to go by on the frisbee field. On the day of the naming ceremony, I had to bring a list of things to “sacrifice” to the upperclassmen, including exactly 21 grains of rice and a sign from campus. It was very cold that night; I was shivering in my leather jacket as they led us in silence through the pitch black woods. After zigzagging our way up a winding, tree-rooted hill, myself and the other newbies were given fake names that the upperclassmen chanted all around the circle (let’s just say some of the names might not be appropriate to mention here). We drank the blood of the past Banshees (CapriSuns) and were sent on a scavenger hunt throughout campus where we had to take videos of ourselves doing questionable things. I had to re-enact the birth of our captain while the others had to do things like ask to take a sip of someone’s drink, sing karaoke in the campus center, and perform an orientation leader dance in one of our campus eateries. After all that embarrassment, we finally migrated to the captain’s apartment and received our real names! Mine was Apex, but I don’t get to know why until senior year (another tradition). 

It’s not all culty, though. We also have banquets where we present silly awards, costume parties, Mario Kart tournaments, and other fun events. We have another event where we all sit quietly around a fire and share our deepest thoughts and troubles, which is quite therapeutic.

Banshee talent show costumes

There’s also a wine & cheese night where we watch Ratatouille, the greatest movie ever made. Lunches venting about all of our problems. Chill afternoons tossing the frisbee on a beautiful day. Library study days that turn into hour-long chats. These people, they don’t just cheer for me on the field, they bring joy to my life every single day. 

One night, when I was a freshman, I was hanging out with some of the seniors. We played a word game for a while, talked, and made cookies. Remember when I talked about my insecurities and how I wasn’t sure if my friends actually wanted to hang out with me? I was a little skeptical that these seniors just felt bad since I was the one who asked if I could hang out. I’m not exactly sure how the words slipped out, but I asked if they liked hanging out with me or if I was annoying for asking them. My captain replied with: “Apex, I don’t think you realize how much you’re loved.” And I will remember that moment forever. It pierced my heart. More than a year later, after all these friends graduated, I still talk to them regularly and meet up to hang out, because these guys changed my life. Some of my closest friends at college are on this frisbee team, and I know I can count on them for anything. The game of frisbee is exciting, but even more important is having fun and making connections, even if it means engaging in weird cult-like activities. I am so grateful that I met these amazing people and found this amazing family.

Use this student discount to treat yourself!

By Agatha Edwards

Agatha Edwards is a rising junior at Brandeis University from Brooklyn, New York. She is majoring in health: science, society, and policy as well as psychology. She enjoys playing ultimate frisbee with her college team, going on runs, reading, writing, and binging TV shows. She enjoys exploring NYC and Boston with friends, especially where there are cute coffee shops involved.

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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Chapter Three: The Circle of Life

Thursday, July 6th, 2023
My frisbee team winning the spirit award at a tournament!
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A smile crept over my face as I read the email. I was chosen. Me, the quiet freshman with no experience in frisbee, had been recognized as a hardworking, dedicated member of the team. My improvement over the past four seasons had been noteworthy, and I was ready to take it to the next level. 

But was I really a leader? I was afraid to let people down. I always preferred to listen rather than take initiative, so that I had a clear set of directions to follow. Public speaking had never really been my strong suit, either. Sometimes, I don’t even answer phone calls because I’m scared to talk to the person on the other end. I was afraid that I was going to mess this administrator thing up and that people would question why I was in that position. I’m still learning the art of ultimate frisbee, too—though I’d significantly improved, there were plenty of teammates who were more skilled and I was worried that they might look down on me. 

I shouldn’t think that, because my team isn’t like that; we’re a family. It’s an issue I have with almost every social scenario. Doing group work for classes, I worry if I’m doing my part correctly. At work, I worry about whether my boss is going to fire me because I made a small error. Even while hanging out with close friends, I wonder if they really want to meet up with me or if they’re doing it out of obligation or because they can’t say no. 

I still have these intrusive thoughts, but I had to remind myself that being nominated was a good thing. A good thing. I talked to some of my teammates and they were nothing but encouraging. I didn’t have to have anything figured out at the time, and I was allowed to keep learning too. I had the entire team to back me, and not out of obligation—but out of their hearts—because I would do the exact same for them.

Old and new Banshee leadership!

Though I’m new on this journey, I’ll do my best to make my frisbee team better. I want to serve this community and give back joy and confidence which was instilled in me by past leaders. Without the incredible teammates who rooted for me, even when I made mistakes, I wouldn’t have found the courage to continue finding my passion for the sport. I have had special moments with all of my past captains and administrators, all of whom have helped me to grow, but two of them really stand out. One of my captains from my freshman year would always high five me and hype me up. She really made practice fun and helped me to open up. That same year,  one of the administrators helped me learn how to throw a flick and was very patient and supportive of me. Now, I get to be that person for other newcomers and help them find their love for frisbee. It’s the circle of life. I’m proud of myself for getting to this point and excited to take on the challenges ahead.

Use this student discount to treat yourself to some ice cream!

By Agatha Edwards

Agatha Edwards is a rising junior at Brandeis University from Brooklyn, New York. She is majoring in health: science, society, and policy as well as psychology. She enjoys playing ultimate frisbee with her college team, going on runs, reading, writing, and binging TV shows. She enjoys exploring NYC and Boston with friends, especially where there are cute coffee shops involved.


For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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Chapter Two: Commitment is Key

Monday, June 26th, 2023
Me (black shirt) gripping the frisbee disc at a tournament.

In ninth grade, I was running along the pier when I saw a girl on my high school frisbee team deliver a perfect flick throw on a field. As the disc cut crisply through the air, I wished I could do that too. I tried with my own frisbee at home later that day, but it came crashing to the ground a few feet in front of me. The throw seemed impossible. I’d probably never learn how to do it. 

When I joined ultimate frisbee in college, I already knew how to perform the basic backhand throw, where you bring your arm across the side of your body to release. I learned how to grip the disc correctly for different scenarios. To aim for accuracy and stability, I learned the fan grip, and for longer and more powerful throws, I learned the power grip. I had no idea how to do the flick throw, a notoriously difficult maneuver for beginners. It usually takes a couple months to learn and get comfortable with, and I was no exception. The flick involves bringing your arm back towards your forehand side instead of across your body, a hand grip shaped like a gun, and wrist rather than arm movement to release the disc. 

I was annoyed at myself for not being able to grasp the concept at first. Lots of these girls had done frisbee in high school but the ones who hadn’t seemed to be improving faster than me. I was embarrassed when I had to throw a flick and it wobbled to the side just seconds after the disc was released from my hand. But the energy and atmosphere of the team motivated me to keep trying. Even when I failed or messed up, I would receive high fives and constructive feedback from the captains. They always told me what I had done well and how I could improve. When we were doing drills or practice scrimmages, they would always yell at me to “get in there!” and cheer loudly for me. Not just me, for everybody, but I was especially motivated when they called out my name. And slowly, I began to improve. I gained confidence and was able to throw smoother and longer flicks. It was fun. It became so easy that I started to prefer flicks over backhands.   

At a tournament a couple months ago, I faked a deep cut and sprinted under to receive the disc. Now that I’d caught it, I had to look for someone to pass the disc to next. Almost like it was in slow motion, I saw one of my teammates running full speed towards the endzone. I had an instinct, like I knew what to do without even thinking. I brought my right arm back and 

swung the disc with all my might. It was a perfect flick, sailing through the air, headed directly towards where my teammate was running. The next couple minutes were a blur of cheers, screams, and hugs as we celebrated that amazing play. Everyone was in awe of that throw. It may have been the longest, most accurate, most beautiful throw I had ever performed in my ultimate career, and it came at the perfect moment without me even really preparing or thinking about it. It just came naturally. 

Me hugging my teammate who caught the disc after my flick throw described above.

Even though the whole play was probably under 15 seconds, I think fondly of it all the time. I watch the video someone took of that throw just to relive that moment and hear everyone screaming my name. I think about how all the practice, all the failed flicks, and all the wobbly discs have all paid off for that moment. All the frustration from my mediocre throws was motivation for me to keep practicing those flicks, and now throwing a seamless flick with the right grip is automated for me. There’s still room to improve, of course, so I’ve been practicing longer, more powerful throws. But now I know what I can do. I know what I’m capable of. I came from that first terrible throw all those years ago to an amazing throw just like that girl from high school. Practicing may not always seem like it’ll pay off, but there will be a moment where you know it did. That moment came about a year and a half after I joined ultimate frisbee, when I made that throw. I realized that while every practice and throw may not be my best, they all contribute to the end result. Commitment is key. Don’t give up. 

I was able to talk to Dawn Culton, a nationally regarded rising ultimate frisbee star. She played throughout high school and for the University of North Carolina, and is now part of the US Women’s U-24 team for ultimate frisbee. She talked about how being committed to the sport has helped her grow. There were significant challenges, including the pandemic, but being physically and mentally present to all tournaments and practices is what pushed her through. The point about being mentally present really spoke to me, because you can be in the best physical shape but without the right mindset, you’re toast. I’ve learned to have a growth mindset in frisbee and focus on my improvements rather than my failures, which translates to all aspects of college. I’ve had a lot of “oops” moments where I’m running behind on an assignment or I have an issue with my friend or roommate, but instead of getting in my head about it, I really try to improve for the future. I’m a big overthinker but frisbee has taught me to trust the process and be more free. To not think so much but to just let it happen naturally. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and excited for the growth that’s yet to come.

Use this student discount to treat yourself to a smoothie or bowl!


By Agatha Edwards

Agatha Edwards is a rising junior at Brandeis University from Brooklyn, New York. She is majoring in health: science, society, and policy as well as psychology. She enjoys playing ultimate frisbee with her college team, going on runs, reading, writing, and binging TV shows. She enjoys exploring NYC and Boston with friends, especially where there are cute coffee shops involved.

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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