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

Wednesday, 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.

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

Tuesday, 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 

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.

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Resisting Homesickness in Dining Halls

Tuesday, 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.

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Chapter 4: Finding Oasis: escapes from the noise and hustle

Monday, August 4th, 2025
People skateboarding in Washington Square Park Fountain
Jazz players at Washington Square Park

The streets are always full of noise and busy. From the people who skateboard in the fountain at Washington Square Park, to the musicians who play jazz along our morning commute. The various conversations you pick up on from the people who walk by, or maybe even the music from your noise-cancelling headphones as you explore the city. The sounds of glasses clinking, food being eaten, art being made and cars honking trying to get from one side of the city to the other. The sounds of the subways roaring under you as you walk through the blocks and explore each neighborhood or borough. 

Taxi passes by 5th Avenue.

New York is never, and never will be, utterly “quiet.”

Nothing can silence the city that never sleeps.

So…what do you do when you want some peace and quiet? When you want to reflect, think, or simply relax with nature?

Luckily, there are hidden spots all throughout the city that allow you to have proximity to green spaces that are as tranquil as you can get in the city with roughly 8.3 million. Here are some of my favorite (and some I have even gatekept until now) spots that I frequent when I want to relax.

  1. Liz Christy Garden 
Flowers blooming while visiting the garden

Right off of the F-Train on the intersection between East Houston Street and 2nd Ave, you’ll find one of the cutest and in my opinion, most secluded corners of the city: Liz Christy Garden, a community endeavor founded over 50 years ago in 1974 and still thriving today.

Koi Fish swimming in the pond

Within it, you will find a beautiful koi pond with a variety of fish (and turtles!) swimming, benches and chairs to relax in, and blooming trees and other flora that disperse sunlight throughout every corner. The garden has little paths for you to walk alongside on, a composting section to fertilize the soil, and they are always looking for volunteers to help maintain and make the garden a space for everyone! I found this place one day by accident, just strolling around the East Village (which is one of my favorite neighborhoods generally).

More Koi fish I saw!

Upon finding it, I felt like I had legitimately left the city and despite still hearing the noise, it all dissipated. I felt so at ease, and even decided to sit down a bit and pay more attention to the beautiful nature all around me. This place is somewhere I go to whenever I feel stressed, bored, or want some fresh air. In the early fall or spring I also really enjoy taking in the warm sun, reading a book, journaling, or making phone calls here, as the scenery allows me to simply let go and be creative. 

  1. Pier 35
Views from Pier 35 Swings
Image Credit: https://secretnyc.co/pier-35-swings-nyc/

Overlooking the Brooklyn skyline, Pier 35 is a beautiful area to walk alongside if you want a change of pace from the (in my opinion) hectic and busy Hudson River Greenway.

There are plenty of benches to walk alongside, and it’s nice to see the various boats come and go from the nearby piers. What makes this place the best, however, are the swings by the river. Although always packed with visitors, these swings are so fun to go to as a group, or simply to relax if you can snag one.

View of the Brooklyn Bridge from Pier 35

The views from the swings are also amazing, overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge, World Trade Center, and other panoramic views of the area. I’ve been here both alone and with friends, but what really makes the key difference is coming late at night.

More views of the Brooklyn Bridge

The lights around both boroughs mesmerize you, and I enjoy standing by the railing and watching the cars come and go, as well as people who are walking or cycling the bridge as well.

  1. Tompkins Square Park

Another East Village/Alphabet City staple, Tompkins Square Park mirrors Washington Square Park but holds some more peaceful, cozy vibes. With a basketball court that’s jam-packed on sunny days, fountains, and even a playground, there is something for everyone.

Panoramic View of Tompkins Square Park
Image Credit: https://theclio.com/entry/22173

I love to watch people here, watch the sunset, and see the cute dogs that people walk past with. I think the reason why this park is one I enjoy more than the bigger WSP is because of the fact it doesn’t feel as overwhelming – instead, I feel a bit more invisible.

People sunbathing, having picnics, and enjoying a sunny day at Tompkins Square Park
Image Credit: https://www.tripsavvy.com/tompkins-square-park-the-complete-guide-4165940

I have often come here on what I would call “bad days,” and in hindsight I always find something that cheers me up. On the plus side, this area boasts a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and nightlife, so it’s a perfect little square that allows you to have the best of both worlds. If you are lucky, you will find a guy who writes free poems on his typewriter, one of which I got when I was feeling really down. It definitely cheered me up, and hopefully it can be a spot for you to rethink things or see a new perspective.

Snapshot of the letter that typewriter guy gave me

We live in a place, a world, a city where fast pace = life. But it doesn’t always have to be. If we simply slow down, lift our heads, and take things with a bit more calmness, we can open our eyes to what is right in front of us. Nature truly is magical.

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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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Posted in Creativity, Friendship, onFun, onValues, Out On The Town, Uniqueness in NYC | No Comments »

What Are Friends For?

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Maintaining friendships is something I’ve struggled with in my time in college. There is so much talk about romantic heartbreak that we aren’t really prepped to lose a friend. It can be just as painful, especially the kind of friend you thought would be in your life forever. College has taught me that not all friendships are meant to last and learning that lesson is one of the most defining parts of growing up. 

As someone who is more reserved, quiet, and a little rigid when it comes to my beliefs, making friends is very hard for me. It can be hard for me to put myself out there and show my true personality. Throughout my time in college, I’ve made some incredible friendships. People I laughed with until I cried, studied with until 2 a.m., vented about life, etc. These friendships carried me through some of the hardest and happiest moments of my life. But I’ve also watched a few of them dissolve quietly, unexpectedly, or sometimes through conflict I never saw coming.

Some breakups happened because we simply grew apart. Our schedules no longer aligned, our values shifted, or we stopped showing up for each other. Others ended in messier ways. Misunderstandings that were never resolved, hurt feelings that were never addressed, or boundaries that were crossed too many times. Regardless of how it ended, the aftermath always had the same emotion… grief. 

One of the hardest friendships I lost was this past semester. I had my friend in my second semester of sophomore year, and we clicked almost instantly. We had pretty similar lives and bonded over very similar experiences throughout our lives. We eventually became roommates all of junior year and shared everything from meals, secrets, and inside jokes. At the tail end of the second semester, I had changed. I struggled a lot with my mental health, which made me push myself away, causing a bit of a shift. I also wasn’t perfect and did things that I shouldn’t have done, causing the friendship to take a rift. I left the end of the semester with us on bad terms and haven’t talked to her since. In hindsight, the friendship ending was mainly my fault, and now I take accountability for a lot of things happening. Losing this friendship was probably one of the toughest experiences I’ve gone through. I always thought she would be one of my bridesmaids or like an aunt to my future children. I cried for weeks and not because I was angry, but because I missed her.

Although losing my friend was really hard, it did teach me a lot of things. I learned a lot about how I am and how to proceed with friendships in the future. The first and most important thing is to allow yourself to grieve. Whether it was your fault or not for the friendship ending, it’s okay to feel sad, angry, confused, or betrayed. Your emotions are valid even if no one else sees the loss. The second takeaway is to set emotional boundaries. If you’re tempted to keep checking their social media or overthinking every last conversation, pause and give yourself time and distance to process. The third takeaway is to not romanticize the past. It’s easy to only remember the good times, but reflect honestly. The fourth and final takeaway is to make space for new connections. Losing one friend doesn’t mean you’re unlovable. Sometimes it just means you’re making room for better alignment. Take those friendships as a learning experience for someone else you meet.

Friendships evolving into love and unity.
Image credit: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-kids-call-the-shots/202208/how-to-foster-friendships-filled-with-love-heart-and-spirit

Friendship breakups can impact your mental health just as much as any romantic one. Sometimes the most painful endings lead to the most powerful growth, and while I’ll always carry love for the friends I’ve lost, I’ve learned to carry it in a way that doesn’t weigh me down. I keep going back to the time I had with my friend and reflect on the positive, which gave me lifelong memories I’ll never forget and cherish for the rest of my life. 

Let’s face it… the best thing to do after a breakup is to eat food. When I went through my friendship breakup the first thing I ate was ice cream. At Sundaes and Cones, you can enjoy a free topping with any purchase. Use your school I.D and enjoy!

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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Chapter 6: The Screen Between Me and Myself

Wednesday, July 16th, 2025

I was convinced I had everything under control in high school, and I even signed up for a debate on “How Media and Devices Shape the Youth.” And guess what? I argued passionately about how my phone helps us stay connected, learn faster, and express ourselves. And honestly, they do — but only if we know where to draw the line. ​​

But looking back… I wasn’t defending this media and devices. I was defending my dependence on it. I was using “productivity” and “connection” as a mask to avoid admitting the truth: I couldn’t go ten minutes without checking my phone. That it gave me dopamine hits, I didn’t want to give up. That I needed it more than I wanted to admit.

For the longest time, I thought this addiction started in college, but the truth is,  it’s been with me for years. I just didn’t realize it until now. You might wonder how I didn’t notice it back in high school. Well…I was wrapped up in my ego back then. My mom used to tell me I was addicted to my phone, but I would always brush it off. In my mind, as long as I kept my GPA high, it didn’t count as a real problem. And to be fair, I was pulling 90s, even while glued to my screen. So I thought, “How bad could it be?”

But then college hit, things changed. My grades slipped. My confidence collapsed. Suddenly, the tricks that used to work didn’t anymore. My ability to multitask, to study with distractions, to function while constantly checking notifications — it all failed me. And for the first time, I couldn’t deny it: this was an addiction. 

I started to realize that my phone had become a coping mechanism. Any time I felt anxious, bored, lonely, or overwhelmed, I’d reach for it without thinking. 

One thing I’ve really started to notice is how much my behavior has changed. I’m almost always in a bad mood. I barely have the will to do anything, even the basics. It’s like I’m constantly stuck in this fog, and I can’t shake it. I used to have drive, ideas, and things I wanted to get done. But now, even getting out of bed feels like a chore. Everything feels forced, like I’m running on empty.

It hasn’t just affected how I feel, it’s affected how I treat the people around me, too. My relationships with my family and friends have started to change, and not in a good way. I’ve become more impatient, more distant. I snap at people for no reason. I zone out when they’re talking to me. I’ve noticed myself getting irritated over the smallest things. I give short replies, ignore calls, and cancel plans. And the truth is, it’s not because I don’t care. It’s because I don’t have it in me to care the way I used to. I’m so caught up in my own fatigue, my own scrolling, my own world on a screen, that I’ve started pushing people away without even realizing it.

The worst part of dependence is that you don’t know how to stop. And even when you do know, it still feels like you can’t. You feel trapped in your own habits, in your own head. And you keep hoping one day you’ll just snap out of it.

But change doesn’t come all at once. It starts with awareness. With honesty. With moments like this, you finally stop pretending everything’s fine and admit that something needs to shift.

And that’s where I am now. I don’t have it all figured out. But I’ve stopped lying to myself. I’ve started setting limits. Whether in the form of feeling guilty after every doomscroll, or setting a timer, or just acknowledging the limit. I’ve started trying, even if it’s messy and slow. Because at the end of the day, I still believe in who I can become. I still believe there’s a version of me out there who’s more present, more connected, not to a screen, but to life.

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By Marzia Seemat

Marzia Seemat is a sophomore at NYU studying civil engineering and creative writing. She loves being close to nature, especially at the beach. Her favorite things include good food, morning tea, hour-long movies, and spending time with the people she loves.

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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Home Away From Home

Tuesday, July 15th, 2025

In college, it is important to have a strong support system. Whether it’s your family, friends, legal guardians, or mentors at school, having a good support system allows you to lean on them when you are struggling. When I left for college, the hardest goodbye I faced was my family, specifically my mom and dad. For eighteen years, they have stood by my side and have given me great opportunities and memories, so it was hard to let go and live my life on my own. I struggled in my first semester while I was away, and my family was my support system.

Family can be your strongest support system, or it can be a complicated one. In my case, I’ve had moments where my family lifted me up when I was feeling stressed about adjusting to college life, my academics, and my health. Whether it was a quick phone call from either of my parents or a package of stuff from my room to remind me of home, the little things keep me supported and motivated to keep going.

Although my family has supported me throughout my time in college, there have been times where my family didn’t fully understand what I was going through. They couldn’t always relate to the stress of college, my health struggles, or my mental health journey. It took time for me to realize that family support doesn’t always look the way you want it to. My parents have always been very keen on giving me honest and realistic feedback and telling me how it is, even if it means disagreeing with me and how I feel. This has given me a newfound perspective that support comes in all different ways.

A picture of my family who is my biggest support system.

Friendships, on the other hand, are constantly evolving in college. Some of my high school friends faded out naturally. Others stayed and became my emotional anchors. I also formed new friendships, some quickly, some over time. I think the hardest part about forming friendships is that not all of them last. College friendships are different because you’re growing, changing, and figuring out who you are, and that growth can bring you closer or pull you apart.

Family and friends deeply affect your wellness, mental health, and fitness more than most people realize. When I felt supported, I took better care of myself. I slept better, ate more regularly, and felt motivated to move my body. This proves that if you have a good support system with the relationships around you, you are more likely to succeed in every aspect of your college life.

An effective relationship can give you the stability to maintain yourself. Some key takeaways I’ve learned along the way is to one, always communicate openly. Your family and friends can’t support you if they don’t know what’s going on. Be honest about how you’re doing, even when it’s messy or uncomfortable. The second takeaway is to make time for the community, even if it’s just a 10-minute call or a quick text. The third takeaway is to show up when you can, because support goes both ways. Be the friend or sibling you want to have. The fourth and most important takeaway I’ve learned is to not force what doesn’t fit. If a friendship feels one-sided or harmful, it’s okay to let go.

Your heart, your background, your people, all come with you. Learning how to balance your academic goals with your emotional ties is part of the process. At the end of the day, when you’re done with college, the people you keep around during that process will still be around, and that’s something you should hold onto forever.

One thing I love to do when my family comes to visit me while at college is to take them to a restaurant to try new things. My parents, specifically my dad, loves a good fresh deli sandwich. Whether it’s your family, friends, etc, treat your support system to Finest Deli but using this 20% off coupon.

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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Chapter 5: A different kind of college story

Thursday, July 10th, 2025
Me trying to make a circuit for my project

My orientation week at Tandon NYU was different from what I expected. I saw it on my first day of college. I planned the perfect outfit and makeup to show up as the perfect version of myself. If there was one thing I struggled with in high school, it was limiting my yapping. I’d talk too much, share too many personal details, and often walk away from conversations wondering if I’d come off the wrong way. So, during my orientation, I wanted to have a little balance. With this in mind, I expected to struggle a lot, wondering if I was blending in the right amount. 

But I guess everyone else was just as nervous—so nervous that they didn’t talk much at all. So, I felt like I had to bring my yapper self out just to make the room feel a little more alive. And so I did. And that beginning made me believe that maybe in college I could be a yapper and be okay. 

But then came the first week of classes, where things got real. As time went on, I was swept into the rush of assignments, exams, and the constant fear that maybe I wasn’t smart enough. Being one of the smartest people in my classes for most of my life had suddenly turned into feeling like one of the dumbest. I truly started questioning my place among all these people who, somehow, just seemed effortlessly smarter than me. And that was when I kind of noticed myself going quiet. All I wanted to do was just go to college, attend my lectures, do my labs, come back home, finish my homework, and cry before going to sleep. Amidst this chaos, I really forgot to go out, have fun, and be the yapper I enjoyed being. 

To be honest, with a routine like that, it would normally be pretty hard to make friends. But I guess I was lucky—people still found me friendly. Maybe we just trauma-bonded over the engineering grind. Whatever it was, it made integration in calculus a little more bearable, three-dimensional motion in physics slightly less painful, and those six-hour labs just tolerable enough to survive. 

Sometimes I wonder if people on this engineering campus even get a chance to enjoy college. I see my friends from high school going to parties every weekend, going out every day, posting stories from rooftops and cafes while I’m sitting in the library Googling “how to survive thermodynamics without crying.” For a while, it felt like I was missing out, and maybe I should just be a writing major, then at least I would have some time to breathe. 

It was really tempting. I remember almost going to my advisor and changing my major. After all, I have a passion for writing as well. But I didn’t. I felt ashamed, like changing majors meant I’d failed. Like, I wasn’t strong enough to handle engineering. That feeling hit my ego hard. Instead of admitting defeat, my pride pushed me to try even harder, maybe more out of stubbornness than anything else. It became less about what I truly wanted and more about proving to myself that I could do it, regardless of the circumstances.

Maybe this is what my college journey is really about—not the wild parties or the packed social calendars like some of my friends talk about. For me, it looks different. It’s late nights spent struggling with physics problems, trying to make sense of mechanics. It’s staring at a page filled with symbols until integration by parts finally seems okay. It’s discovering how to design something that doesn’t just look good but stands.

It’s the small victories of finally understanding a tricky concept or the moments of laughter with friends during study sessions. It’s about learning who I am when everything feels overwhelming. It’s about learning how I learn and thrive.

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By Marzia Seemat

Marzia Seemat is a sophomore at NYU studying civil engineering and creative writing. She loves being close to nature, especially at the beach. Her favorite things include good food, morning tea, hour-long movies, and spending time with the people she loves.

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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It All Started With A Play

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

When I started college as a freshman, I had this image in my head of what I wanted to do in my life. Before I was accepted into school, I had declared a major in business management and hoped to join the dance program, as I was a dancer in high school that wanted to continue my training and eventually open up my own dance studio franchise.

My very first semester, I had taken a course called gender, race, and class, which was something I wasn’t necessarily interested in but took because I needed the credits. For the final exam, each student had to create some kind of visual or written presentation on a certain topic we had learned. Most of my classmates decided to write an essay or draw a picture, but I decided to do something different and write a play. When I wrote the play, I thought nothing of it and turned it in thinking I was done with the class. When I received the feedback for my professor, she gave me a perfect score and urged me to publish it, claiming that I had a knack for creative writing.

One of the most overlooked advantages of college is utilizing the relationships in college. The people around you can really shape your entire experience, from how you perform academically to how supported you feel emotionally. The professional and academic connections can change your outlook on certain topics you learn and even change the trajectory of your career, making these relationships some of the most important. I would have never known I had a knack for creative writing without the proper connection from my professor. 

Your professors and classmates are more than just people you see in class. They can become mentors, collaborators, and part of your support network. As someone who was not very actively speaking in class, I felt behind with the classwork because I didn’t ask questions. When I finally pushed myself to go to office hours, I realized that most professors want to help and they notice the students who are engaged. They remember the ones who ask for clarification or show interest beyond the test. 

A professor helping a student during office hours. Image Credit: https://www.towson.edu/cofac/resources/

I talk a lot about my mental and physical health, and how it affects my learning abilities, particularly last semester. When I was really struggling with the one class, I anxiously reached out to my professor and explained my situation. That professor was very kind and offered a lot of flexibility for me. When you build relationships with your instructors early on, it’s easier to ask for help when life gets hard.

As far as professional relationships, whether it be your academic advisors or alumni mentors, these people aren’t just there to fill out forms or sign off hours, they can offer guidance, encouragement, and real-world connections.

Last semester, I realized I’d be graduating a semester behind. When I spoke to my academic advisor, she and I worked together to devise a plan so that I didn’t have to jam pack my schedule and be overwhelmed. She also encouraged me by saying that it was normal for most students to graduate a little late. 

Not all relationships are easy. Some professors are rigid. Some classmates are competitive. Some advisors are hard to reach. But even when it’s tough, you can still learn how to advocate for yourself, navigate difficult dynamics, and build relationships with people who do want to see you thrive.

When you’re building and maintaining relationships, there are several ways you can take to maximize your college experience. The first and most important tip to me is to introduce yourself early. Whether it’s a professor or classmate, take the first step. A simple “Hi, I’m ___” goes a long way. The second one is to ask questions and show interest. Professors especially remember when you’re curious and engaged. The third one, which I also feel is very important, is to follow up. You should always send a thank-you email, schedule a check-in, or stay in touch after a helpful meeting. The fourth and final one is to show gratitude. When someone helps you, let them know how much you appreciate and how much it has helped you.

College is not a solo journey, but a community experience, and the people you surround yourself with can either support your wellness or strain it, so choose wisely and invest intentionally. Never be afraid to reach out, even if you feel anxious about it, because sometimes the right conversation changes everything.

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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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Chapter 4: Another Kind of Growing

Thursday, July 3rd, 2025
Lunch with family on a random Sunday

Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision to stay home for college. Honestly, I kind of regret it sometimes. I chose to stay because I wanted to be there for my parents. Coming from an immigrant family, I felt this responsibility, like my presence might make things easier for them, like I owed them that much after everything they had sacrificed. 

At first, it felt like the right choice. My parents were happy I stayed, and there was a kind of comfort in being home.  It felt easier in a way. I got to stay in my room, sleep in my bed, have my own routine, and just be the old me. I also liked being around if they needed help with something, like paperwork or errands, or even just to sit and talk. It felt like I was doing the right thing, for them and myself.

Over time, things started to feel different. Staying close meant I was there for everything. Not just the warm family dinners or quick chats in the kitchen, but also the tension, the arguments, the quiet disappointments. I don’t know exactly when it shifted, but once college started and I settled into my routine, I began noticing things I hadn’t before. The closer I stayed, the more clearly I saw them. Not just as my parents, but as people. I started seeing the cracks in how they speak, how they handle stress, how they show love, and how they fail every day.

The more I see, the more I want to run. Not because I don’t love them, but because I know them too well. 

Sometimes, I regret that I’m not growing the way others are. My friends who live on campus talk about doing their laundry at midnight, cooking instant noodles together, and pulling all-nighters in the library. They tell stories about navigating awkward roommate situations, learning how to budget, arguing with friends, and fixing it on their own. They’re learning how to be adults. 

I, on the other hand, come home to food that’s already made. I don’t worry about whether the laundry machine is available or if the communal bathroom is clean. I’m still someone’s child in this house, not quite my own person. And when I fight with a friend, I don’t go knock on their door two floors down and talk it out at 2 a.m. I just sit with it. Alone. 

There are times I want to tell my friends I made this choice for a reason. I stayed to help my parents, to be present, to save money. But still, I feel like I’m not becoming the version of myself I thought I’d be by now. I want to say all of this out loud, but I don’t.

Instead, I nod along when they talk about dorm drama and late-night adventures, even though I can’t relate. I laugh when they joke about bad dining hall food while I’m washing dishes at home. I say I’m doing great, even when I’m not sure what I’m doing at all. It’s easier that way. Less explaining. Less chance they’ll look at me with that mix of pity and confusion, like I’ve missed out on something I’m supposed to want.

And maybe I have. But I’ve also gained something they haven’t.

I’ve learned how to be there for people, even when it’s hard. I’ve learned how to show up every day—not just when I feel like it, but because someone depends on me. I’ve learned how to be still. How to be grounded when everything feels uncertain. Living at home hasn’t just kept me close to my family, it’s brought me closer to myself. I’ve noticed how my mom sighs differently when she’s tired versus when she’s disappointed. I’ve memorized the quiet routines that make this house function, the invisible labor that held my childhood together. I’ve gained the kind of strength that doesn’t announce itself. The kind that comes from choosing the hard thing, over and over, without anyone clapping for you. The kind that builds slowly, through early mornings, through uncomfortable silence, through the ache of watching life happen elsewhere.

It’s not loud. It’s not charming. But it’s mine. And one day, I think I’ll look back and realize this was a version of becoming, too. Just not the one I expected.

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By Marzia Seemat

Marzia Seemat is a sophomore at NYU studying civil engineering and creative writing. She loves being close to nature, especially at the beach. Her favorite things include good food, morning tea, hour-long movies, and spending time with the people she loves.

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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