Salon de Louie in the Financial District is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a modern, intimate salon with a warm and personal vibe. The space is small but clean and well-designed, with festive decorations that make it feel extra welcoming. You’re never just another appointment here—the staff take their time to listen to what you want and make sure you leave happy with your look.
What really stood out to me was how friendly and attentive everyone was. The stylists don’t just do your hair; they chat with you, tell stories, and make the whole experience enjoyable. It feels less like a chore and more like catching up with friends. If you’re looking for a salon that’s professional but still personal, I’d definitely recommend Salon de Louie.
Salon De Louie has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer Pace University students a 10% discount when they show their valid student ID.
When I was 18, I watched When Harry Met Sally for the first time via a pirated film service that no longer exists. I was cold and confused in September in Chicago, bawling my eyes out to a relatable Billy Crystal and his somber evening with Mallomars and dubious soliloquies. By Christmas, I had seen it probably more than 10 times.
First snow of the season for Boston!
During my undergrad, with several campus libraries at my disposal, I dove into everything Ephron had to offer. I watched all her films, I read all her books, I scoured the internet for her articles, recipes, and commencement speeches, and I solidified her as my writing idol.
Ephron’s use of humor paralleled with her examinations of mortality is something so valuable and necessary to make it through the harder parts of life. When Harry Met Sally’s witty dialogue makes the theme of impermanence a softer pill to swallow: Harry reads the last page of every book he buys first just in case he dies before he makes it to the end; Sally is petrified of eventually someday turning 40— “It’s just sitting there like this big dead end!”; Their awkward New Year’s kiss marks the end of their friendship and the beginning of their road to love. When we really look into it, the undertone of this fan-favored rom-com is actually quite pensive, reflecting on the various ways that people perceive the passing of time, especially in terms of love and loss.
In Ephron’s novel, I Feel Bad About My Neck, She tackles the subject of getting older with the same irreverence, blending comedy with the melancholy of losing physical vitality. While Ephron is always funny first, there is an intense poignant edge to her reflections, and right when she seems to be getting almost too serious for comfort, she throws a lighthearted life preserver to her audience: “Sometimes I think that not having to worry about your hair anymore is the secret upside of death.”
My ideal Sunday morning: Watching Gossip Girl in my reading nook.
The holidays always make me think of Ephron. When the leaves begin to die and the possibility of snow shows up in the forecast, I start to see her writing at every turn. It makes sense: the coming together of family and friends (or lack thereof), the traditions lost and new, my birthday, and the end of another year— Not to mention I manage to be surprised by the threat of mortality every December. Sometimes it feels like the holiday parties and birthday celebrations are simply fun ways to cope with the end of an era, whatever that may be to us personally. It’s a good thing! I think movies are something of the same.
More than a holiday party or birthday dinner to mask the existentialism of the winter, sometimes what we’re really in need of is some self-care–on our own terms. When I think of self-care during the ‘ber months, I envision mornings laying in bed until 9:00 a.m. and watching You’ve Got Mail over biscuits and coffee (Yes, for me, 9:00 a.m. is late). Often, all we really need is to feel close to the little things in life that bring us joy.
Speaking of things that bring us joy, The Carrie Bradshaw in me has been finding joy in new shoes, like these Berkleigh Blacks from Steve Madden. I quote, “When one door closes, a shoe box opens.”
Whether it be the general orchestrating stress of the holidays, the existentialism that comes with the seasons, or problems that hit closer to home, make sure you’re prioritizing your well-being this holiday season. For students in Boston, I’ve compiled a list of self-care activities for any kind of person, but all of which are quite Ephron-esque.
One of my favorite self-care activities last year was taking icy walks in the snow with the birds. I was freezing, but at least I saw some nature.
1. Visit a Cozy Café
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a warm drink. Head to a local café like Tatte or Caffé Nero and treat yourself to hot coffee or cocoa, soups, and pastries.
2. Take a Winter Walk in the Snow
Bundle up and enjoy the beauty of a quiet winter walk through areas like Boston Common, The Public Garden, or along the Charles River Esplanade. The fresh air and peaceful atmosphere can be incredibly refreshing. Researchers claim just five minutes of exercise in green space or snow space can help your mental health.
3. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery
Spend a few hours at one of Boston’s amazing museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, or the Institute of Contemporary Art (a favorite of mine!). Exploring art or history is both educational and a great way to escape the cold.
4. Take a Long, Relaxing Bath
When the temperature drops, there’s nothing like a warm bath to unwind. Add some Epsom salts, essential oils, or a bath bomb for extra relaxation. Light a few candles and play calming music to create a spa-like experience at home.
5. Attend a Yoga or Meditation Class
Winter can sometimes feel isolating, so attending a yoga or meditation class is a great way to stay grounded. Studios like Prana Power Yoga or YogaWorks offer a variety of classes, or you can find local options online for home practice.
6. Go Ice Skating at Frog Pond
If you’re looking for an outdoor activity, try ice skating on the Frog Pond in Boston Common. It’s a beautiful location to enjoy some winter fun. While you’re there, you can check out The Embrace sculpture and head over to Cafe Bonjour for some French cuisine.
7. Cook a Comforting Winter Meal
Take time to prepare a hearty, warming meal like a vegetable stew, chili, or homemade soup. Enjoying a homemade meal is a nourishing act of self-care, especially when paired with your favorite podcast or music.
8. Read a Book by the Fireplace
If you have access to a fireplace or a cozy corner, curl up with a good book and enjoy the warmth. Whether it’s a comforting novel, an inspiring self-help book, or even poetry, this is a perfect way to relax and unwind.
9. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
You could book a facial, get a massage, or try a DIY spa day with hydrating face masks, hand scrubs, and foot soaks. Exhale Spa and MG Spa (which offers 20% off to students!) are great local spots to relax and rejuvenate.
10. Of Course, Watch a Movie Marathon or Binge a TV Series
In my opinion, there’s nothing better than snuggling up with blankets and watching your favorite movies or TV shows. Whether it’s a holiday classic or a binge-worthy series, winter is the ideal time to indulge in a cozy movie marathon with your favorite snacks.
Head to MG Spa for some self-care this winter and get 20% off with your student ID!
Brenna Sheets is a graduate student in Emerson College’s Writing and Publishing M.A. program. She is also a teacher, currently specializing in middle school history. Her hobbies include going on long walks, reading and writing, and watching bad television.
The velvety blue seats and sprawling faux flora at the entrance of Gnocco.
Just outside the bustling charm of Little Italy lies a hidden gem of authentic Italian cuisine. Past the velvety blue seats, sprawling faux flora, and a chic bar area, you’ll find a refined yet welcoming space for locals and tourists alike. Twinkling lights snake through walls of lush greenery, casting a soft, inviting glow over patrons. The attentive staff, a group of charming young men armed with warm smiles and witty banter, enhances the experience with their thoughtful service. Nestled among the lively establishments of the Lower East Side, this inviting eatery—Gnocco—takes its name from its signature offering: pillowy, doughy bread.
The evening was brisk, with temperatures dipping below thirty degrees, but the restaurant enveloped us in its warmth. The air carried hints of butter and truffle, mingling with the buzz of conversation. Groups of young professionals laughed softly in the corners, their clinking glasses harmonizing with a familiar yet elusive tune playing overhead. Indulging in a hearty meal felt instinctive during the grind of finals season, especially after many days of snacking on processed foods.
We started with an assortment of appetizers. First came the gnocco fritto, deep-fried diamond-shaped puffs of bread that can be enjoyed solo or paired with cold cuts. The serving was generous, followed by a heaping order of crisp truffle fries sprinkled with parsley and paired with a rich black truffle aioli, leaving a buttery, savory imprint on the palate. The classic Italian meatballs, smothered in sweet marinara sauce, were accompanied by golden, toasted bruschetta. A beautifully curated antipasto platter featured various cheeses, cured meats, olives, and candied pickled onions marinated in balsamic vinegar. Each bite was a symphony of contrasting textures and flavors, with the pickled onions adding a delightful zing.
The assortment of appetizers.
Matia, the charismatic manager, added a personal touch to our meal. Throughout the evening, he shared stories of his hometown, cultural insights, and the journey that brought him to New York. At one point, he even pulled up a chair to join us, radiating enthusiasm as he connected with every table in the room. It’s rare to encounter such authentic human connection in a setting not inherently designed for it, but Matia and his team masterfully cultivated a sense of belonging. Their curated hospitality transformed the dining experience into something profoundly memorable.
The main courses showcased Gnocco’s dedication to Italian culinary tradition. The gnocchi, light and creamy, were nestled in a bed of buffalo tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil. Each bite felt like a warm embrace, the sauce elevating the simplicity of the dish. The sliced Angus ribeye, topped with slivers of Parmigiano and served over baby arugula and grape tomatoes, offered a hearty counterpart, its flavors balanced by nourishing pearls of mozzarella.
The evening spread.
To complement the meal, I indulged in a ‘Guavissimo’ mocktail, a refreshing mix of guava syrup, lime, club soda, and blended berries. The balance of citrus and sweetness cut through the richness of the dishes, resetting my palate. Later, a lavender-infused mocktail with dried lime and floral elements brought a soothing, aromatic finish to the evening.
Dessert arrived as a delightful spread of almond biscuits and tarts, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. The simplicity of the presentation mirrored the understated elegance of the meal. Each bite struck the perfect balance of sweetness, leaving just a hint of stickiness on the lips—a satisfying finale.
The dessert platter.
Gnocco is more than a restaurant; it’s a haven where exceptional food and genuine connections converge. It’s the kind of place you’d eagerly return to—not just for the delicious cuisine, but for the warmth of its ambiance and the people who make it special. It’s where I’d bring my family for a cheerful gathering, knowing they’d leave with full hearts and even fuller stomachs.
We found the place to be a modern Chinese restaurant with soft lighting and a warm ambience.
As an Asian American student, I often find myself feeling homesick and longing for the flavors that defined my childhood. Dishes with notes of chili sauce, sesame oil, or other familiar ingredients in a warm and comforting meal instantly take me back to the halcyon days of my youth. Now that I’ve moved to New York City, hundreds of miles from my grandmother’s kitchen, I’ve been on a quest to rediscover those nostalgic flavors in local restaurants. For those brisk, harsh-weather days when Pace University students would rather not trek to Chinatown, there’s a perfect spot nearby: Dim Sum Palace.
We perused the lengthy menu for a while before finally deciding on our evening meal.
Fellow student Kimi Debarger-Gestring and I spent our evening exploring the menu at Dim Sum Palace, selecting familiar comfort dishes and venturing into plates we’d never tried before. Conveniently located on Williams Street, just a short walk from our university dorms, the restaurant stands out with its glowing neon lights and warm interior. Inside, a modern arrangement of tables and fish tanks welcomes customers. The lighting is soft and soothing, creating a calming atmosphere. The baby-blue fish tanks, filled with eels, king crabs, and a variety of other sea creatures, added a unique touch. We even watched a staff member carefully retrieve a king crab from one of the tanks—talk about fresh food!
Kimi reflected on atmosphere, stating that the “overall aesthetic was very clean and put together, especially with the bright lighting.”
As we settled in, we couldn’t help but admire the ambiance. The gentle murmur of a diverse crowd and the soft clinking of teapots made the space feel lively yet relaxing. While the restaurant featured a modern vibe, it still felt authentically Chinese. It wasn’t overly formal—perfect for a hearty dinner after a long day of classes—though the waitstaff were impeccably groomed and uniformed, exuding professionalism. The menus offered a wide array of delectable options, leaving us both delightfully overwhelmed.
Our drinks and first course!
To start, I ordered a hot chrysanthemum tea, served in a glass pot perched over a candle flame. It was perfectly brewed—neither bitter nor over-steeped—with a subtle sweetness and floral notes that made it irresistibly soothing. We enjoyed it so much that we ended up drinking three pots! Kimi opted for another drink, Mai Tai, which she described as perfectly balanced—not overly strong with alcohol and delightfully fruity. It was the ideal complement to the warm flavors of the meal to come.
Our first course featured two flavorful starters: cold sesame noodles and mini sliced cucumbers with spicy Szechuan sauce. Both dishes had us eagerly diving in, their bold flavors setting the tone for the evening. The refreshing crunch of the cucumbers paired perfectly with the rich, oily noodles—a great way to begin the meal. Our main courses arrived shortly after. Kimi chose the Buddha Delight dumpling and spicy fresh mushroom dumpling, both vegetarian-friendly options that suited her dietary needs.
Our main course!
Meanwhile, I opted for a mix of shrimp dumplings, chicken dumplings, pork shumai, and shrimp shumai. The steamed traditional Chinese shrimp dim sum had a soft, delicate wrapping that allowed the seafood filling to shine. The shumai—both the shrimp and pork varieties—were hearty and flavorful, leaving me surprisingly full after just a few pieces. When paired with soy sauce and the cold sesame noodles, the dumplings made for a satisfying combination. My favorite dish of the night was the pork shumai, while Kimi’s top pick was her spicy mushroom dumplings.
“I think as someone who is Chinese and vegetarian, this was a great experience!” Kimi shared. “Oftentimes, I struggle to find Chinese restaurants with multiple options for me, but this place had four different vegetarian dumpling options—and that’s not counting the dishes we didn’t order. The interior of the restaurant felt modern and classy, and it reminded me of the Chinese restaurants I grew up visiting back home in California. I’d happily come back, especially to try more items!”
An array of sweet treats.
To end the night on a sweet note, we ordered taro buns and egg tarts, both of which were unforgettable. The taro buns were light purple, beautifully designed with swirls baked into their dough. They had a subtle taro flavor, incorporated into a soft, cakey, sweet dessert. The egg tarts, one of my personal favorites, had a flaky, crispy crust and a creamy, gooey filling. I may have eaten more than I care to admit!
The desserts alone—especially the egg tarts paired with tea—make Dim Sum Palace worth a visit. Overall, the meal was a delightful experience for both of us, especially as Asian American college students seeking flavors that connect us to our cultures.
Use this coupon to receive a discount the next time you visit!
Dim Sum Palace is offering students a 10% discount when they show their valid student ID and our Campus Clipper coupon!
Enter the back of the deli to find a wide range of snacks and pantry staples.
The Seaport Deli, a modest corner store near Pace University, offers an abundance of pastries, sandwiches, and other affordable conveniences for tourists and locals alike. With well-stocked shelves and diverse snack options, the deli caters to hungry students seeking pantry staples as well as Financial District regulars looking for a quick bite. Its seating area provides a cozy space for customers to unwind, chat, and enjoy the freshly prepared meals enticingly displayed behind glass.
Nadia Cook, a fellow Pace student, joined me for lunch at this local gem. We were greeted by an enthusiastic team of employees behind the counter, skillfully assembling sandwiches for a bustling lunch-hour crowd while maintaining cheerful, welcoming smiles. Their friendly banter and lighthearted jokes added to the deli’s authentic community charm. Toward the back, the store opens into a dining area and a section for browsing unique beverages, classic snacks, and basic cooking items, making the Seaport Deli a one-stop shop for meals and groceries.
Our weekday lunch included tea, chips, and paninis. I chose a peach oolong tea, jalapeño chips, and the Italian panini, while Nadia opted for a white mango tea, sour cream and onion chips, and the Oven Gold panini. These flavorful meals, paired with delicately sweet beverages, were the perfect midday pick-me-up after our long classes.
Our filling lunch in-between classes and meetings.
“The portions are great! For my first Italian panini, it was pretty good. If you like paninis, they have a lot of options,” Nadia noted. “I also liked how the store had a lot of different varieties of food, whether it’s snacks or sandwiches.”
The Italian panini featured tender ham and melted cheese layered with a generous spread of pesto, delivering a savory punch. The golden, perfectly toasted bread enhanced the flavor, making each bite satisfying. Paired with the tangy kick of my chips and the refreshing chilled tea, it was an excellent option for a quick but hearty meal.
For Pace students and Financial District professionals seeking a convenient and budget-friendly meal, the Seaport Deli is a true gem. Located just steps from Pace’s 151 Williams Street building, it offers freshly prepared options, from filling paninis to ice-cold drinks, all at affordable prices. Skip the chains and enjoy quality, community-based meals that won’t break the bank—perfect for students on a budget.
Thanks to a partnership with Campus Clipper, the Seaport Deli offers a 10% discount to university students, faculty, and staff with a valid ID.
Just around the corner from Pace University, nestled amid the glass-and-steel modernity of the Financial District, stands an eclectic convenience store stocked with goods and necessities for students and staff alike. 118 Fulton Convenience recently opened near the famous Fulton Center station, its prominent fluorescent neon lights and colorful interior beckoning to passersby. This novel spot is packed with sweet treats, energy drinks, and essentials like toilet paper—everything a college student might need, all within walking distance.
An array of chocolate items within the neon-lit store.
The unique charm of 118 Fulton Convenience lies in its vibrant ambiance. Bright, colorful lights line the store, and the walls are covered with a variety of snacks. The bodega’s signage immediately catches the eye, drawing in a young crowd. I visited the shop with my friend Marlie Capuano to sample some of the sugary delights on offer.
“Even though they had a smaller floor plan to work with, the really high ceilings keep the space open,” Capuano noted. “The store was organized well to keep customers moving through instead of lingering in one area.”
The store’s wide assortment of affordable candies.
Most of the customers were teenagers and college students grabbing chips, cookies, and chocolate. However, the store’s selection extends far beyond snacks, offering items like incense, laundry detergent, and paper towels. A side wall features a mosaic of small comforts—Oreos, gummy bears, potato chips, and more. The shelves exude an artful chaos, brimming with assorted candies and packaged baked goods.
“They had an interesting selection of food! There were a lot of things I don’t normally see at a convenience store, so that was definitely fun,” Capuano added.
We picked up bite-sized hazelnut wafers, Nutella “B-ready” sticks, chocolate biscuits, strawberry yogurt-dipped pretzels, and strawberry jam-filled flaky puff pastries for a small gathering with friends. All of our items cost less than $20—a bargain for sweet treats to entertain six peckish students! The Nutella desserts were the crowd favorite, closely followed by the strawberry pretzels.
A wide range of chips for snacking.
118 Fulton Convenience, unlike many sterile and impersonal stores, has carved out a niche that feels exciting and fresh to the busy and bustling young professionals in the area. It’s perfect for students and employees in need of a quick bite or a bottle of detergent without having to trek to a big-box store.
The Campus Clipper is offering a 15% discount on grocery items at 118 Fulton Convenience to all university students, staff, and faculty who present a valid university ID.
I’m in my first semester of Senior year now, and listen— I’m still afraid of the dining hall. Kind of. It’s big, busy, and bright. It’s a space that still feels uncomfortable for me to enter some days. During my first three years of college, when I relied on the dining hall for meals because I lived on-campus, it was sort of like exposure therapy going in and out of that place at least twice a day. Now it takes more of an effort. The dining hall is unfamiliar again. But I push through that, and I go in anyway because I know I can. Because it’s not actually that bad once I get in there and sit down.
A few months into this semester, I’ve managed to find a rhythm. Every Monday I meet some friends for coffee, Wednesday we get dinner, Thursday we hang out after class. I try to make time for work, for the gym, for my school work, for my creative endeavors, and for my friends. All with the help of Google Calendar, of course. Every semester is a bit different. I meet new groups of people, and I experience new things. When I first started college I was 18, and now I can go out to bars on the weekends with those same friends I had back then. Things have changed, and so have I. I spend my time with people I’m comfortable around, and people who make me feel heard. Gone are the days where I forced myself to be around people who don’t respect me or my boundaries, the days where I overextended my social battery and pushed myself past the limit of what I was able to do.
my favorite area to walk around in the morning before class, Beacon Hill. There’s a new cat cafe that just opened up!
What I’ve learned (and am still learning) in my time at school is the importance of communication—clear, concise communication. Specifically, drawing lines when needed. It can be especially difficult, because even when there’s plenty of “how-to-set-boundaries” guides online and in books, ultimately it depends on every person involved. I mean, everyone thinks differently, right? But being able to effectively communicate your boundaries is an essential part of friendship, and it’s something I’m still learning to do. Saying “yes” even when you’re scared can be so important, but sometimes saying ‘yes’ to everything can cause issues. The importance of “no” is just as crucial in friendships. Knowing yourself, your boundaries, your energy and comfort levels—staying aware of what you need will no-doubt help your relationships with other people— can be what makes the difference in a meaningful relationship. Real friends won’t expect you to bend backwards at their every beck and call. Saying “yes” to everything is just as problematic as the opposite—something else I learned in my first years at college. There’s a certain balance that’s different for everyone, but by staying in tune with your body and mind, you’ll be able to figure out what works for you.
Human connections are the most important aspect of life. Even the most antisocial of us are social creatures. Our experiences, how we behave, and how we perceive the world are impacted by who we spend our time around. I’m trying to find the people I’ll spend the rest of it with, the people who make me feel like ‘me.’ I’m heading off into the so-called “real world” in just a few short months. I hear those first few months after college are going to be the “worst of my life,” which of course leaves me trembling in fear. But here’s the thing: sure people say it will be that, but I don’t think it has to be. There’s no point in my life I have to be at right now, or even next June or July—there’s no clear-cut blueprint for the point I’m supposed to be in my life by then. Or ever, really. I might feel lost, I mean, I feel lost now, months before I walk the stage at commencement. But taking a step back, I have to remind myself of what really matters. Life is about the relationships I form in my life, and the people I spend my time around. I think that’s true, at least. I’m only 22, I may need a few more years to figure out the meaning of life. But now I know that I’m capable of overcoming my fears, even if it takes a while. My outlook has changed and is still changing.
Enjoy 20% off at KongDog in Somerville with this coupon and a student ID!
By: Meg Carey
Meg Carey is studying creative writing and publishing at Emerson College in Boston. They love reading and writing sci-fi, horror, and romance (bonus points if it’s all three), as well as poetry. You can find them on instagram @megcareywrites, and substack @megcarey.
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.
To be honest, I’m tired of always being in a transition phase. I’ve been moving from place-to-place, never fully settling down, since starting college. I think it’s something I’ll miss in the future when I feel stagnant, but these last few years I’ve been between school and home and back to school again. It’s gotten pretty exhausting. It’s a different room every year, with different roommates, working a different job depending on where I am. It often feels like as soon as I get a sense of routine, something has to throw it out-of-wack. This year is no different— yet again, I find myself in a different place, trying to figure it all out.
I just recently moved into an apartment, and I’ve been commuting to school for the first time. I’d never firsthand dealt with the technicalities behind apartment renting, so that was a huge learning curve itself, as was figuring out the wifi (and whatever the heck a modem is), gas, electricity, etc.
It’s been a huge adjustment commuting to school, since I have to account for different train times and slow areas on the tracks. Even weeks into the semester, I wind up cutting it a bit closer than I intend to when on my way to class. I’m used to being so close to campus I’m practically able to get to class from my bed in minutes. It’s taking time management skills, which I’m still building up.
I feel like I’m really learning what it means to be “on my own.” Everything is changing, and I’m about to face the most daunting transition phase of my whole life next Spring—graduating college.
Local cat tests out the climb-ability of our new apartment
But for right now, I’m trying to enjoy it. If I think too much about what happens afterward, I won’t be able to stand it. “Where will I live?” “Who will I live with?” “Where will I be working?” They’re all questions on the forefront of my mind, and other peoples’ too—just this last weekend I went home for my birthday and got asked all sorts of questions about my plans post-graduation. But I’ve come to realize I can take things a bit more slowly, going step-by-step. I can enjoy my last year of college and spend time with the people I love, while keeping my future in the back of my mind.
There’s this book my coworker recommended to me called ‘The Art of Now” by Eckhard Tolle. In the book he talks a lot about living in the moment and “letting the universe work for you.” I’ve never given “the universe” much thought, but there’s a lot of really uplifting sentiments that I got from reading the book—and I’m not usually a huge nonfiction fan. It inspired me to make an active effort to stay in the moment, and to stay centered in the present even while applying for internships and jobs in the future. Making sure I see the people I care about, I let my creativity out, and I spend my time mentally relaxing and doing things I enjoy— all while maintaining my grades and doing all my work on-time. It’s definitely no easy feat, but most worthwhile things aren’t easy. I’m trying, at the very least.
Living off-campus definitely makes things feel a bit more distant. Everything and everyone used to feel so close. I’ve noticed it’s taking more effort to stay in touch with friends; it feels like everything’s a bit out of my reach. Still, part of “staying in the moment” to me is staying in contact with people who help me enjoy the moment, like my friends, my girlfriend—the relationships that matter to me.
Things seem to be going by so fast and I’m trying not to forget to enjoy it—even if there’s a lot of new, stressful aspects of my life, and even if I’m not completely sure where I’ll be this time next year. All I can do is be the best “me” now, so I can be the best “me” a year from now, for myself and everyone around me.
Get 10% off at Cambridge Naturals with this coupon and a student ID!
By: Meg Carey
Meg Carey is studying creative writing and publishing at Emerson College in Boston. They love reading and writing sci-fi, horror, and romance (bonus points if it’s all three), as well as poetry. You can find them on instagram @megcareywrites, and substack @megcarey.
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.
Raquel Beatriz Pidal (She/They) is an assistant professor of publishing in the Writing, Literature, and Publishing department at Emerson College. Pidal has been a professor at Emerson since 2018, taking on a full-time role in the fall of 2023. Their career in publishing and literature has taken on many forms in the last two decades, from distributing, designing, and ghostwriting all the way to editorial directing, small- and large-press publishing, and writing coaching.
In addition to Pidal’s accolades and credentials, they are an avid journaler! I sat down with Pidal for an insightful conversation on how journaling has influenced her professional and personal lives, all starting with a diary at 8 years old.
Pidal:I started keeping a diary of sorts when I was very small, and I’ve probably been keeping some form of journal or diary ever since then. I’m not super consistent with it. There have definitely been years where I haven’t done very much journaling, and then there are other times where I do it every day. It’s more about how it helps me and serves me as opposed to having to keep a routine.
Q: Have you kept all your journals since you were 8 years old?
Pidal: I pretty much keep them all. I don’t necessarily reread them, but I have gone back and looked at some of them sometimes, especially if I’m like, “What was going on at this point in my life?”
An old picture of my journal from 2022 that gained character development as my unstable bedside coaster.
Q: Have you noticed a pattern in when you tend to journal more, or if you change the way that you journal throughout different stages of your life?
Pidal:A lot of times, I have turned to journaling if I’m having problems. It’s a good place to vent, put problems down, brainstorm solutions, and figure out what I’m thinking. For example, if I’m having a challenge, or if I’m trying to figure out what my feelings are about something. I also use it when I’m trying to make a decision. It’s very helpful for pros and cons lists. I certainly use it for many other things, but those seem to be times when I really use it and get very prodigious with it in terms of everyday journaling and working through that stuff.
Q: what’s your favorite thing about journaling? What’s your least favorite?
Pidal:My favorite thing about it is that it’s a good way to know what you’re thinking. It’s a good way to have a conversation with yourself. A lot of times I’ve not realized I’ve had a feeling or a thought until I’ve written it down, and it’s been really helpful in that way.
Maybe my least favorite thing about it is having a really fancy notebook and then feeling anxious about what I’m going to put in it. Am I going to use it for writing about stuff and then it’s going to get messy, or am I going to keep it for something special? The feeling of having a pristine notebook and what you’re going to put in it seems very silly and trite, but I think people understand that.
Everyone experiences writer’s block, even my dog, Goob! (He stole my papers.)
Q: How has journaling influenced your writing?
Pidal:I use journaling a lot when I’m writing, and it helps me figure out my ideas. I use it for drafting pre-writing, and figuring out what it is I want to say. I’m an editor by trade, so I’m not a big fan of the blank page and the draft. That’s my least favorite part, which is funny because I know a lot of writers, and their least favorite part is revision, but that’s my favorite part.
I like to revise, and it’s hard for me to get stuff down on the page, so a lot of times, I use specific writing notebooks or journals to keep track of my ideas, or actually just write about the writing process, which seems very meta, but can be really helpful. By working stuff out in advance, it makes it easier when I sit down to do the drafting.
Especially for non-fiction projects–I’m working on one right now–the act of just keeping track of ideas, not solely trusting my brain to keep track of them but putting them into a notebook when I have the ideas, is really key. Right now I’m trying to determine what kind of content my book is going to have and how I’m going to structure it. I can’t know that until I figure out some ideas, and I need a place to put them where I’m allowed to be really messy and figure out what it is I want to say, and that’s what the journal is helpful for. If feel like it feels too official to sit down and start typing, I’m allowed to just kind of meander when I’m in a journal; I can just poke around and explore and have that conversation with myself.
Q: What advice would you give to people who are just starting to get into journaling, whether it be to push their creative endeavors or just to manage their day-to-day lives?
Pidal: I would say people shouldn’t feel daunted or afraid or worried that they’re doing it wrong. It’s really for you; you can use your journal in whatever way you want. There are lots of books of prompts out there that can be really helpful. So, if people are like, “I really want to start journaling, but I don’t really know what to write about, I have nothing to say,” there can be really good books out there that help people with big, open-ended questions.
Also, a journal can just be a book of lists: “Here are five things I saw today that are really interesting,” or it can be a place where you keep track of stuff you want to do. There are so many different ways to use a journal. So I think for people who are just starting out, there are no rules. It’s really up to you. And I have all kinds of notebooks for all kinds of stuff. And if it feels daunting to call it a journal, just call it a notebook. It’s just your “notebook of stuff,” and that can be helpful.
Boston students! Get a free coffee from Taiyaki in Cambridge!
Brenna Sheets is a graduate student in Emerson College’s Writing and Publishing M.A. program. She is also a teacher, currently specializing in middle school history. Her hobbies include going on long walks, reading and writing, and watching bad television.
Intern Brenna Sheets from Emerson College is joined by fellow students Amber Call and Grace Rubin to discuss the reality of dating in the digital age. Whether you're an undergrad grinding through finals or a grad student juggling class, TA positions, and a work schedule, adding dating to the mix can feel like an unpaid […]
Intern Brenna Sheets from Emerson College is joined by Cambridge Natural's Emily K. to discuss natural health and wellness in the modern age. They discuss how supplements and herbal teas are being used, marketed, and perceived in our fast-paced, wellness-obsessed society. Is our reliance on these products a sign of empowerment—taking control of our health […]
Intern Brenna Sheets from Emerson College leads today's discussion on self-care and wellness in college. With fellow interns Aidann Gia (Pace University) and Agatha Edwards (Brandeis University), the group discusses what American culture says about self-care, everyone's favorite wellness activities after a stressful week, what gets in the way of students prioritizing themselves, and the […]
Intern Katie leads today's discussion. We talk about the pandemic's effect on college students, since current juniors and seniors' college experiences have been largely defined by the pandemic. We discuss what it was like being sent home from college in 2020, navigating online classes and extracurricular activities, and the lessons we've learned from this whole […]
Welcome back to a new season of the Campus Clipper podcast!Intern Megan leads today's discussion. We talk about the activities that inspire creativity in our cities and how to balance creative hobbies with schoolwork and internships. We also discuss the uncertainty and insecurity that we often feel when putting our creative work out in the […]
Intern Ehani leads today's discussion. We talk about the films, series, books, and other art that has touched our hearts, even when the world makes us want to be dark and cynical. We also discuss what role our passions have in our lives, and what passion means to us. Mentioned in this episode:Call Me By […]
In this episode, our interns talk about going to college in a big city - from the cultural advantages to how they deal with the expensive cost of living. We also share our favorite things to splurge on. Mentioned in this episode:The Whitney MuseumThe Tenement MuseumTips for budgeting (even when you're not the budgeting type)Check out […]
In this episode, our publishing interns talk about why they love writing and how they use writing and creativity as a tool for personal development and mental health. Check out our publishing interns' writing on the Campus Clipper Blog. This episode was recorded at the new East Village, NYC location of Marinara Pizza. Click this […]
