International Students Club: Books

October 4th, 2024

I simply cannot continue with this International Students Club: Making Community Through Entertainment series without including books. As a serial book lover, it’s imperative to not discredit books as one of the best sources of entertainment. Books are often overlooked when entertainment comes into the conversation because they’re probably the most time-consuming way to have fun. The act of reading, however, and creating or joining communities with other like-minded bibliophiles is a fantastic way to connect with people through a shared hobby. 

The first step to making a community through bookish entertainment is book clubs. The great thing about book clubs is that they are literally everywhere. Check your university’s student organizations and there will likely be a book club of some sort. If there isn’t one that suits your reading tastes, you can always start your own! If you start showing up consistently, bonds will inevitably spark. At Emerson College for example, where I attend as an undergraduate, the main book club is called Emerson Reads, previously known as Emerson Reads YA. They host monthly meetings about the book they picked that month, while also holding all sorts of fun events to relax, talk about books, and make cute bookish items, such as bookmarks. 

In-person book clubs are not the only option, however. Fable is a great app to join or create virtual book clubs. You can even buy the e-books straight from the app, making it a one-stop shop and social media for buying books, tracking them, rating and reviewing, joining clubs, and making posts about anything book-related. I myself have joined book clubs hosted by some of my favorite book content creators on YouTube, and it’s been fun to see everyone’s reactions. Apps like Storygraph and Goodreads are also great tools for tracking your reading and interacting with other users about books.  

Courtesy of Fable / Mashable

I also recommend going out into the physical world and exploring bookstores aside from the typical Barnes & Noble. Going out to independent bookstores is such a fun and exciting way to get to know your community. Go with friends or go alone — it’s a different experience every time. I also suggest being on the lookout for author talks and signing events. Many independent bookstores partner with authors to have them talk about their newly released books. Most of these events are completely free to attend and the authors will usually sign their books too! And as a little caveat, don’t neglect your local libraries. Libraries often also hold talks and author events, writing workshops, and book clubs of their own. 

Brattle Book Shop / Courtesy of Brattle Book Shop / Ziptopia  

The last thing worth knowing about is to watch out for book festivals. The Boston Book Festival is an annual festival being held on Saturday, October 26th this year. According to the Boston Book Festival website, “The Boston Book Festival celebrates the power of words to stimulate, agitate, unite, delight, and inspire by holding year-round events culminating in an annual, free Festival that promotes a culture of reading and ideas and enhances the vibrancy of our city.” The festival is in Copley Square, it’s completely free to attend, and registration is not required. So, show up, browse books, talk to authors and literary agents, and have some fun! If you would like to volunteer at the Boston Book Festival, you can register on their website. 

The Boston Book Festival / Courtesy of Olivia Nadel / Boston Book Festival / GBH

These ideas are just a few ways to create and join communities through shared hobbies such as reading. These tips may be especially helpful for international students because apps like Fable can connect you with other readers from across the world, bookstores can host authors and events that represent different cultures and groups of people, and The Boston Book Festival is known for its inclusion and celebration of all kinds of people. These avenues are truly wonderful if you want to appreciate book culture, but may be apprehensive if there is a space for you. In the book world, there is always space for everyone. 

Use this student discount to get a FREE coffee with any $5 purchase at TaiyakiNYC in Cambridge!

By Natia Kirvalidze 

Natia Kirvalidze studies Writing, Literature, and Publishing at Emerson College. She is a Publishing Intern at Campus Clipper, serves as the Features Editor for Page Turner Magazine, and is the Managing Editor of Green Magazine. She enjoys playing chess, hiking, and making checklists. 

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.

Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in onBooks | No Comments »

Intentionality as a Young Adult: Creative Ways To Make Money

October 4th, 2024

When looking for internships for this summer, I stumbled across Spoon University, a blog run through the organization Her Campus, that aims to make food content written by college students for college students. If you’ve been keeping up with the rest of my chapters, you’ll know that this is quite literally my dream gig. I applied, thrilled that there was something out there so uniquely up my alley. Due to my passion for food, I got the internship. Even though it’s now over, I still write with them to this day, getting to cover some of the most exciting food releases and restaurants. 

This was a paid position, and I was also sent food regularly for review. However, this wouldn’t have been possible for me to achieve without marketing my skills. If you would like to do the same, don’t worry — that’s what I’m here to tell you how to do!

When applying to Spoon, I went on a very common rant that I would give my friends — my opinions on the Dunkin’ Spring 2024 menu. From my interview, I gathered that this had definitely made me stand out from the competition. So my first piece of advice is to do your research! Within your specific passion, find niche topics that you know you can consistently talk about and feel like you’re well-educated on. If you only passively enjoy something and don’t have developed opinions on it, maybe it’s not the right passion for you to try and make money from. You want to be able to call yourself an expert on this thing and mean it!

Picture I took of myself trying TikTok’s viral fluffy coke for Spoon University this summer. 

Another example of a creative way I’ve made money is through music reviews. I had been writing for music blogs through my college for the past few years, until I found a website called EveryDejaVu. As a student who attends college in Boston for the majority of the year, I found out about this publication through many of the local artists I had written about. This leads to my next recommendation, which is don’t be afraid of reaching out to smaller organizations within your community! Just because it’s a smaller organization doesn’t mean they don’t have funding, and big-name brands certainly aren’t everything. 

When you’re applying to jobs and especially internships, it can be very tempting to only apply to places you’ve already heard of before and admire. But some of the best places I’ve worked have been companies I’ve only found because I’ve been applying. These businesses tend to place a much bigger focus on work-life balance, and can even sometimes pay better than working for a bigger name. 

I also really recommend leaning fully into your interest of choice. Don’t be afraid of doing work just because you like it, without the promise of money at the end! I tend to go to a lot of both in-person and virtual writing events, like writing workshops. Through these, I’ve been able to get writing gigs just through the power of networking. For years, I had served as a reader for multiple literary magazines pro bono, just learning how they worked. But after rubbing elbows with the right people and expressing my true passion for this field, I’ve gotten jobs as a judge in writing contests, an opportunity that has paid up to $50 per contest! When you find the right people to share your passions with, amazing things can happen. 

Ultimately, these probably won’t become your full source of income. Especially at the beginning, it may take a while to actually make money this way. But I do find these options significantly more heartfelt than the often soulless get-rich-quick schemes like filling out surveys for hours on end, to only receive maybe $10 by the end of it. I especially think these can be great options for college students who often fill their free time with extracurriculars anyway. These are just like that, but with the potential of a surprising amount of extra cash!  

When you make that extra money, this is a great place to spend it! Especially with this 20% off coupon, that you just have to bring to the store along with your Student ID.

By Izzy Astuto

Izzy Astuto (he/they) is a writer currently majoring in Creative Writing at Emerson College, with a specific interest in screenwriting. His work has previously been published by Hearth and Coffin, Sage Cigarettes, and The Gorko Gazette, amongst others. He is currently a reader for journals such as PRISM international and Alien Magazine. You can find more of their work on their website, at https://izzyastuto.weebly.com/. Their Instagram is izzyastuto2.0 and Twitter is adivine_tragedy. 

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.

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in onCollege, onJobs, onValues, Resume Building | No Comments »

Right and Wrong and In-The-Middle

October 3rd, 2024

When I was younger—like elementary-school-age—I was always the most talkative person in the room. When I tell people that nowaday, they think it’s the funniest thing in the world since I’m so different, but it’s just how I was! I loved making my thoughts known and letting the world know who I was. It didn’t always work out in my favor, though. 

I remember this one soccer practice where I tried to play along with a joke another group was making. All I got was three pairs of eyes staring at me, and someone muttering something like “what was that?” Whatever, kids are mean. I was too, probably. What I’ve realized over time is that people are capable of changing, and that holding grudges only makes things worse for yourself. 

Miscommunication was always my issue. Everyone miscommunicates sometimes, but for me it felt like the end of the world every time it happened. Like I’d failed the most basic part of life. I’d always  say things and get misunderstood, or my words would come out wrong but I wouldn’t always realize. When I did realize it sent me into great distress. Spoken words seem to fail me when they matter most. That still holds true now.  

Me!

When I was about twelve I realized I wasn’t being received how I wanted to be, and I made an effort to close myself off, quiet down a bit. To put it simply, the goal was to be liked. I think maturing and growing up a little in college (and hopefully more in the future too) is realizing that it’s impossible to be liked by everyone, or to even get along with everyone. Making such a huge effort to be liked is just not worth it. It’s exhausting. I’d bend over backwards and shape myself into an entirely different person to try to get through the day. I’ve tried to figure out the solution to the problem of communication—or conversation—but I think there isn’t a clear-cut solution. Everyone’s different; everyone wants different things. I’m still quiet and a bit careful with my words, but I’m trying to find that balance. To be a bit more free to express myself. 

I was always told college is where you meet your “lifelong friends,” so when I first entered college and didn’t immediately click with someone I took it as a personal failure. There’s so much pressure in that first week, you forget you still have the rest of those four years to get through. 

I think there’s no right or wrong answer to when you meet your lifelong friends. And there’s also no right or wrong answer to who will, or can, be your friend. But if you continue to put in an effort, any friendship can last a long time. I mean, there’s been friendships I’ve let go of for this reason or that, but I do feel like there’s certain people I can see after a year and it still feels the same as it always did. That type of friendship is precious. It’s a fragile thing that requires love and effort that you have to be willing to give. 

It was difficult, but eventually I found my people. You can’t force things like that. If you force them they fall apart, which is what a lot of us learn in our first years at college. 

I started to understand what I look for in a friend as I spent time in different circles, floating around. People came into my life and left it. Life is an endless cycle of “hellos” and “goodbyes.” 

Relationships are the most confusing but the most rewarding thing in the world. 

Do you love boba like I do? Enjoy this buy 1 get 1 free deal at Kung Fu Tea with 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.

Share

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Friendship, onLife, onLove, onValues, Relationships | No Comments »

Time to go

October 1st, 2024

When I was fifteen, my mom told me one of the most horrific things: Sometimes, you need to hit rock bottom before you can leave a relationship. Unfortunately, she was right. I stayed with my partner longer than I should have and allowed more than was right. A year later, I left. 

Hitting rock bottom is something I never wanted to do; but, I waited, ignoring all the signs that said to leave until I couldn’t anymore. When people ask me why I stayed so long, I try to think of the simplest answer. Sometimes I respond with: “Well, I thought he’d change.” Other times I think about the good moments that made it so hard to leave in the first place: the kisses, the promises, the laughter. 

Good moments are necessary in relationships, but in a toxic one, they are a tether—the shackles that keep you compliant. I dwelled on those good moments. I soaked up his promises. I basked in his laughter… I still remember my fifteenth birthday. The surprise parties (yes, two!) he planned; the ice cream cake he bought, which had no cake in it; and the scavenger hunt for presents. Those memories are still deeply planted in me five years later. Now that time has moved on, though, I don’t remember as many good memories between us. What I do remember, however, is the crying, arguing, and constant confusion. 

Puppy I met in Boston Gardens!

It isn’t healthy to wait until rock bottom. We endure more than we should, and we are likely to feel the effects even years later. So, how do we stop ignoring the signs of all our toxic relationships and finally let them go?

Sometimes the signs are clear: emotional disconnect, unhappiness, loss of trust, lack of respect, inability to communicate, different values or life goals, inability to grow, or just an innate sense of knowing. Other times, the signs are more complex, such as constant confusion, repulsion, or other physical symptoms. 

It is hard to broach these topics, to look at the people we care about and know that we should go our separate ways. It takes courage. So, how do we take those steps? 

  1. Admitting that something isn’t working in the relationship.
  2. Acknowledging that we’d like to let the relationship go.
  3. Understanding fear is natural: it’s okay to be scared, but we can’t let fear inhibit us from moving forward. 
  4. Shifting focus: instead of focusing on the good moments we may be losing, focus on the good that is to come. 
  5. Planning: it is always good to have a clear plan about how we want to communicate with the other person. A good place to start is to reflect on personal values. Do you value honesty? Do you value communication? Also, is it safe to communicate the truth or at all? All of these components should help you reflect on the best path forward. 
  6. Seek support: talk with people who care about you. This can be friends, family, a partner, or a therapist. Overall, sharing your feelings and concerns can help make you feel less alone and add the necessary support needed to take the next steps. 
  7. Practicing self-care: take care of your health—physical and mental. Through emotional upheaval, your body may be more tired or hungry; be sure to fuel your body appropriately and be compassionate with yourself. 
  8. Communicate: the biggest step to take is to let the other person know your decision. As mentioned, reflecting on personal values can help stitch together a good plan. Communication can be hard, so be patient with yourself. 
On a date with someone new!

It is normal and difficult to leave relationships when they don’t fit anymore. I was young when I entered into my aforementioned relationship. Maybe this impacted my staying—him being my first love and high school sweetheart. It was incredibly difficult to leave; but, at the end of the day, I knew when it was time to go. 

Now, he is just another person in my story, and I am just another person in his; we are both better for it. He is dating someone new and accomplishing his dreams. And I am bolder, freer, brighter. I lift up my arms and embrace this new city with the love of a child coming home—becoming the person I wanted to be all along. Letting go takes courage, but it is definitely worth it. 

Cafe Landwer is a great place to study, plan, or enjoy coffee and a sweet treat! Use code LANDWERSTUDENT to get $10 off your mobile order!

Molly Peay is pursuing her BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston. She is a transfer student who graduated from a JC with an English Associate’s Degree and a General Studies Associate with an emphasis in Culture and Communication. She is passionate about leadership, advocacy, writing, and sharing new voices through art.

Share

Tags:
Posted in onValues | No Comments »

The Emotional Support Journal

September 30th, 2024

If you know me, you know I rarely leave the house without my journal. There was a time when I used to be terrified to bring it to work and school; I’d imagine someone mischievously poking through my bag and finding it, proceeding to read it aloud to a derisive room of people who would point and laugh at me—the usual. I was so afraid of anyone knowing what went on inside my head (there’s a LOT). However, once I realized that journaling gave me emotional clarity and stress relief, I found it hard not to bring my journal places. What if I feel anxious on the train when the crazy, shoeless man talks about Democrats being Salem witches reincarnated? Eventually, my journal dependence reached a point that outweighed my paranoia. Now, it is my little companion. 

Apple trees from my trip to Lookout Farm, a highlight of the weekend and a must-visit for all Boston Students!

If you were to open my journal, you’d see a lot of cursive-slob handwriting, dates, time stamps, bullet points, agendas, geometric doodles, coffee stains, and the most frequent words: “I feel.” I am constantly writing how I feel in my journal, and often I am writing how I feel when I don’t feel so good. I write the most when I am anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated, irritated, hormonal, sick, in despair, having a panic attack, or just tired. Sometimes I write tens of pages at a time if I am really going through it. When I finish journaling, the feelings I have just poured out onto paper often change to some degree: I feel less of them—that is the beauty of journaling. It’s like talking something out with a friend and finding comfort in the fact that every feeling, awful or wonderful, is temporary. 

For anxious overthinkers like myself, life can become overwhelming very quickly. Sometimes, all it takes is one extra piece of information, one extra task, one extra event in the day, and everything suddenly goes from somewhat manageable to: “Wait, let’s just all be quiet and take a break before I start to cry, please.” Personally, I find I get anxious when I don’t have enough time to process information, or I don’t have enough information in general. Journaling helps me both process information and brainstorm information, which makes me feel like I have a little more control over my situation. 

This morning, I journaled at 5:00 a.m. This is not a normal occurrence, but I just so happened to be wide awake, with various stressors and details of the day flashing before my eyes. You know that feeling when all your responsibilities are jumbling around in your brain, seemingly growing in size by the second? I got up, washed my face, put some clothes on, and sat back down in bed. I took out my journal and started to unfold all the events I had today, tomorrow, and this weekend. I also wrote about the feelings that came up for me when I thought about these things. “I’m anxious because I’ll have five days in a row of being mentally ‘on’ for twelve plus consecutive hours, and I just want to be able to manage everything but also have a moment to relax.” Insert dramatic sigh. Sometimes there is no direct solution, but by writing this I realized I needed to take this week day-by-day, even hour-by-hour, and focus on being present rather than looking at the week as a whole, which is much more overwhelming.

A photo I took of the Red Sox against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night at Fenway.

A Joan Didion quote about journaling I have always resonated with, for better or for worse, is the following:

“The impulse to write things down is a peculiarly compulsive one, inexplicable to those who do not share it, useful only accidentally, only secondarily, in the way that any compulsion tries to justify itself. I suppose that it begins or does not begin in the cradle. Although I have felt compelled to write things down since I was five years old, I doubt that my daughter ever will, for she is a singularly blessed and accepting child, delighted with life exactly as life presents itself to her, unafraid to go to sleep and unafraid to wake up. Keepers of private notebooks are a different breed altogether, lonely and resistant rearrangers of things, anxious malcontents, children afflicted apparently at birth with some presentiment of loss.”

The most wondrous thing about journaling is that it may not solve your problems, but it can help you look after yourself. It is especially useful if you are one who tends to get swept up in the incomprehensibility of what is seemingly ordinary to everyone else. 

Let cuffing season commence! Boston students, get a Student Wax Pass from European Wax Center!

Brenna Sheets is a graduate student in Emerson College’s Writing and Publishing M.A. program. She is currently a teacher, specializing in middle school history. Her hobbies include going on long walks, watching bad television, reading, and writing.


Share

Posted in onValues | No Comments »

International Student Club: Film

September 28th, 2024

When using entertainment to create our communities, film cannot be understated. International films enjoyed through cinemas or film festivals are the perfect way to escape stress. Like music, which I discussed in the previous chapter, film can unite people who may otherwise feel disconnected from their communities. 

To start with cinemas, AMC famously has student discount pricing. Students can bring their IDs to the box office and save money on any movie they want to watch. They also offer monthly subscriptions with AMC Stubs, providing different tiers. The AList tier, for example, offers up to 3 movies every week for around $25 a month. Film theaters are more readily accessible than film festivals, so it’s only fair to acknowledge them first and foremost. 

Film festivals, however, are where it gets exciting. Film festivals often show independent films that we don’t get to see in regular theaters. For anyone looking to watch international independent films, film festivals are perfect for us international student cinephiles. Massachusetts Film Office offers a comprehensive list of all the film festivals held year-round in the Greater Boston area, North of Boston & Greater Merrimack Valley, MetroWest & Central MA, Cape Cod & The Islands, and Western Massachusetts. Some notable festivals to note are the ones happening during the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Boston Asian American Film Festival / Courtesy of Eddie Vo / Taken from The Berkeley Beacon

Keep an eye out for the Taiwan Film Festival in Cambridge on September 28-29, The GlobeDocs Film Festival in Brookline & Cambridge on October 22-27, Boston Asian American Film Festival in Boston & Cambridge on October 17-27, the CineFest Latino Boston festival on September 25-29, Boston Jewish Film Festival in November, Wicked Queer Film Festival on November 15-18, and the Boston Palestine Film Festival on October 18-27. These are just a few options out of the many listed on the site. ScreenDaily and WBUR also provide helpful lists to stay on top of film festivals. 

For the spring of 2025, there will be the Independent Film Festival (IFFBoston) taking place in Somerville, Brattle, and the Coolidge Corner theaters during April 23-30, The Roxbury International Film Festival from June 20 to July 2nd, and the Boston SciFi in February held in a hybrid model between live and virtual. The Boston Underground Film Festival (BUFF) will be held in March 19-23.

Most of these festivals require paid tickets to attend, but many offer cheaper online programs and there are free film festivals during other times of the year. The annual Films at the Gate Festival, for example, is a free Chinese-language film festival in Chinatown typically held in August. The Boston Short Film Festival offers either low-cost or free screenings, and the Boston Film Festival may offer free college day screenings. 

It is no secret that films deeply affect our psychology. When we feel misunderstood or lonely, even when surrounded by people, movies can offer a sense of connection and understanding that we are craving, and impact our emotions simultaneously. Take advantage of these opportunities, whether it’s going to the cinema with your friends or taking the subway to go see a day-long film festival. Either way, there is so much culture to connect with. Happy exploring! 

Use this student discount to treat yourself to $10 off your Cafe Landwer mobile order!

By Natia Kirvalidze 

Natia Kirvalidze studies Writing, Literature, and Publishing at Emerson College. She is a Publishing Intern at Campus Clipper, serves as the Features Editor for Page Turner Magazine, and is the Managing Editor of Green Magazine. She enjoys playing chess, hiking, and making checklists. 

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.

Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in onEntertainment | No Comments »

Intentionality as a Young Adult: Identifying What You Find Valuable

September 27th, 2024

I originally went into college as a Political Communications major, my school’s version of Political Science. I had always been very passionate about politics and thought the best way to utilize this interest was to go into the political field directly. Maybe become a lawyer, or even run for office one day! About a month into college, though, I realized there was no way I could continue with this as my full-time job. It stressed me out way too much, and I could feel my mental health beginning to decline in the worst way. I also go to a very creative college, and I looked around at all my peers, many of whom were following their creative passions, and felt jealous that my whole life wasn’t the one thing I’ve always loved above all else — writing. So after my first semester, I ended up changing my major to Creative Writing. 

I don’t start off with this story to tell anyone that going into a creative field is definitely the right thing for them. On the contrary — going into a creative field has its downsides too. The study “Creative Burnout: Suffocating The Future of Design” by Kayla Roles discusses in depth how creative individuals who make their passion their whole life can experience a type of burnout that prevents them from finding joy in their art.

(Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-sitting-on-bed-with-flying-books-yHG6llFLjS0)

I tell this story instead to demonstrate how I began to identify the things I find valuable in my life. While I care deeply about politics, I also value my mental health. And above most other things, I value my creativity, and having avenues to explore it in my day-to-day life; hence why I wanted to study it full time.

But how do you truly identify what you find valuable? You may have a vast array of interests and, as I mentioned in the previous chapter, experience a choice paralysis in determining which are the most important to you. I have a series of questions I tend to ask myself when deciding if I should pursue something new. First, what are the things I find myself gravitating towards the most often? What do I spend the most time thinking about? For me, one of these things, whether it was negative or positive, was food. Even if I was anxious about my food consumption, it was ultimately because I’ve always enjoyed food so much. 

Like in the case of Political Communications, I also always ask if this is something I can actually see myself doing. While you may have certain passions, not all of them are realistic with our lifestyles or personalities. I also have a vested interest in sea creatures, but I don’t think it’s realistic with my current education or location to try and become a marine biologist. 

Lastly, if something is truly valuable to you, it will also add value to your life. Like with the food example, you may really enjoy specifically fast food. However, if you’re just eating fast food all the time, that isn’t going to be particularly positive for your body. You can always reshape this into something more positive overall, though, such as an appreciation for food in general. That way, you can find healthier alternatives that you may end up enjoying more!

At the end of the day, even if the things that you find valuable don’t necessarily become your job, it’s important to make time for the things that you find true value in. Just going through the motions in your everyday life won’t lead to living the life you truly want or deserve to lead. However, if you are interested in making a career out of your passions, or using them to make some extra cash, then be sure to check back in for my next chapters. 


For when you’re stressed out by all the potential opportunities in your life, you can get 20% off your next treatment at Best MG Spa! Just pay with cash and bring this coupon and your student ID. 

By Izzy Astuto

Izzy Astuto (he/they) is a writer currently majoring in Creative Writing at Emerson College, with a specific interest in screenwriting. His work has previously been published by Hearth and Coffin, Sage Cigarettes, and The Gorko Gazette, amongst others. He is currently a reader for journals such as PRISM international and Alien Magazine. You can find more of their work on their website, at https://izzyastuto.weebly.com/. Their Instagram is izzyastuto2.0 and Twitter is adivine_tragedy. 

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.

Share

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in onCollege, onFood, onValues | No Comments »

My Second Biggest Fear Starting College Was The Dining Hall.

September 26th, 2024

First was move-in. 

For me, it was the not-knowing of it all. I felt like the whole move-in process was something everybody understood except me, that there was a certain way to do things. I was worried about a wide assortment of things—will people be instructing me through it? What if I don’t have the correct documentation? What if my parents park our car in the wrong spot? The panicked thoughts that move-in brought were countless and utterly overwhelming. 

Some context: I’m Autistic, but I only recently got tested and figured it out. When I started college I thought I just had this terrible case of social anxiety. Everything felt scary, from a conversation with a close friend to a room full of strangers. Interpersonal relationships have always been my biggest struggle—but at the same time, my biggest desire. Human beings are social creatures, after all. My relationships with other people are some of the most important aspects of my life. You can’t get through life without talking to people—they’re everywhere you look! I used to think that was a terrible thing, but I’ve come to realize it’s a beautiful part of life. 

So while I was terrified to start college, I was also thrilled to open up this new part of my life and meet all these new people from different backgrounds. 

And on that first day, I wasn’t the only one who felt at-a-loss about move-in. It’s freshman year; it’s new for everyone. Everybody is in the same boat. Even if I felt as though I were more clueless than most, that wasn’t necessarily the truth. 

The thing about Freshman year of college is that everyone runs to make friends at the very start, desperately afraid of being alone, and oftentimes those groups fall apart quickly. During orientation, everyone was so nice it was almost ridiculous. 

Then, it all died off. Friendships dwindled, people figured out who ‘worked’ for them and who didn’t—and it seemed I didn’t ‘work’ for the people I’d chosen that first week. I rushed into it like everyone else, afraid that if I didn’t instantaneously make friends upon arrival, I’d be alone forever—and I ended up alone anyways. 

Not forever, though. Of course not forever. 

Boston Public garden

I didn’t set foot in the dining hall until October. 

There was a list of reasons why. They might seem completely irrational (and they are!), but to myself at the time these reasons summoned just enough anxiety for me to choose a different option for food—to the detriment of my bank account, might I add. There were too many people I didn’t know—unfamiliar faces, people whose thoughts I didn’t know. I didn’t know where anything was, so what if I walked into the wrong area? What if I didn’t know what to eat? What if there were no seats left and I didn’t have anywhere to sit? These tiny molehills of concerns felt like mountains to me, impossible to overcome. 

Then I was invited to get dinner with a new friend. Someone I hardly knew, back then. Someone I got to know better by finally deciding today’s the day and agreeing to join them for dinner.

And, surprise! The dining hall was not the Hell-on-Earth I thought it would be. It was just, you know, the dining hall. A cafeteria. Like a bigger, slightly better version of what there was in high school. All it took was getting in there and going through the process of acquainting myself with new things. All it took was a push, a kind hand outreached. Sometimes, all you need to say is ‘yes.’

Caffe Bene is one of my favorite coffee shops to write at in Boston, enjoy 10% off with this coupon and 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.

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Family, Friendship, onCollege, onLife, onLove, onValues, Relationships | No Comments »

Hold On or Let Go?

September 24th, 2024

Last Sunday was my mom’s birthday. I called her and asked how she was and how life was at home. She told me: “Everything is the same.” I wondered how everything could be, considering I was on the other side of the country. Perhaps she meant it as support—comfort, that even if everything seemed to be changing, at least my life in LA wouldn’t change. But, those words wound around my heart; hurt and fear became a coiling thing I could not ignore. 

Ever since I began planning for college, I wanted to get out. I wanted to leave behind complicated familial relationships, grow out of them like hand-me-downs, and live my own life. The plan was ironclad, and I saw no room for fault. Then, I came here: Boston. Three thousand miles from my family, the distance only amplified what was already missing. 

Charles River Esplanade

Three weeks before the big move, I met my therapist. I told her I was scared. Was I moving because I knew where I was meant to be, or was I running away? She stared at me and asked: “When does the feeling of escapism come up for you?” 

Me: “When I am feeling upset, out of control, or triggered.” 

T: “What makes you feel upset, out of control, or triggered?”

Me: “When I am dissatisfied with my relationships or feel like my needs are not met.” 

T: “So the feeling of escapism means what?” 

Me: “That there is a need for change.” 

While I physically left my past behind, escaping did not wipe the slate clean, make my relationships better, or change them in any way. However, this physical distance has given me one thing: a choice. Do I let these relationships stay the same and feel the hurt of our distance, or do I hold onto hope and try to fix what has felt so irrevocably wrong?

Dumplings from Chinatown!

From my new apartment window, I often see people lugging their baggage to the nearby hotels, and I think about my mom and dad. I think about the three of us just a month before, trudging down the street just like them. I can see us several days later saying our goodbyes outside the very building I reside in. My parents hugged me and told me they loved me. I replied the same. They gave me advice about college and life. I tried to listen, but my unhideable annoyance shut it down. I think of all the support they attempted to give me, even if, to my stubborn brain, it had been nothing more than: “I already know this.” I think about all these things, and the regret hits like a tidal wave. 

Perhaps this is what it means to want to hold on. To feel regret over the things that didn’t change. And to remember the positive moments and smile—playing dumpling roulette, eating sandwiches from North End at a small park surrounded by squirrels, and walking through the Commons in the comfort of all the greenery. 

So, today, I’ll call my parents. I’ll tell them about my life in Boston—about my supportive friends, the guy I like, and the date he has planned for us, the clubs I’ve joined, and the adventures I am going on. Most importantly, I’ll call and tell them how I feel: I miss them and know things have been complicated and strained, but I want us to be close. 

There is only so much I can do to fix our relationship now, especially so far from home. But, I can inspire change with the people I love by communicating my feelings instead of hiding it all away. Maybe my effort won’t change anything tremendous, but I can at least say I tried.

Kung Fu Tea is a great place to get boba for you and your friends! Bring your student ID for a Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal!

Molly Peay is pursuing her BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston. She is a transfer student who graduated from a JC with an English Associate’s Degree and a General Studies Associate with an emphasis in Culture and Communication. She is passionate about leadership, advocacy, writing, and sharing new voices through art.

Share

Tags:
Posted in Family, Friendship, onLove, onValues, Relationships | No Comments »

Delulu is the Solulu: Journaling for Creative Expression

September 23rd, 2024

Contrary to popular ‘film bro’ belief, you actually do not need to take psychedelics to unlock your inner creativity. Among the many ways one can use journaling for personal wellness, arguably one of the most popular is to explore creative expression. Often, the idea of journaling is met with the stereotypical image of a teenage girl in her bedroom, feet swinging in the air, a smile on her face, and a familiar “Dear Diary…” monologue that almost always includes a crush on a boy (because what else could women possibly have to think about, right?) However, journaling doesn’t have to be all touchy-feely-existential-dread all the time; it can be a strategic machine that helps writers, lyricists, filmmakers, artists, and other creators overcome their mental blocks and find inspiration. 

A photo I took around this time last year of gloomy autumn weather.

One of my favorite ways to stay in tune with my creative writing is doing something I call “The Five Senses.” When I journal in the evening, I usually recount the most prominent events and feelings I encountered that day. “I am absolutely exhausted” shows up a lot. “Today at work…” is another popular one, unfortunately. But sometimes this can take away from the actual sensations I experience on a second-to-second basis—all the little things that make life so beautifully sappy. I write down the five senses and try to describe the most influential senses I experienced or the ones that brought me the most joy. Here’s an example from my journal from this past Thursday:

Sight: Dark, gloomy overcast. Wet asphalt. Tiny raindrops on the passenger seat window. 

Smell: Orange citrus from my vitamins. Potent, nauseating, artificial.

Taste: Curry tofu, sweet and spicy, rich, crispy. soft, chewy potatoes. Savory, satisfying. 

Touch: My boyfriend’s 5 o’clock shadow. Prickly, comforting, endorphin-releasing, lovely.

Sound: Autumn Lo-Fi Jazz I play at work to concentrate. Soothing, familiar, easy. 

This technique helps me describe sensations in more detail, easing my transition from journal writing to creative writing. It also helps me stay present and appreciate all of the wonderful things happening around me, which is definitely needed in a world like today’s. 

love love love curry tofu in the fall.

Some other prompts can help you think more outside the box. If you need a creative spark that’s going to really turn some heads, consider getting a journal prompt book, which is available online and in stores for cheap. You can also find prompts on the internet and use those once a week or month for your journaling practice. Some examples include:

  • Make a list of questions you would ask a future version of yourself. Which version would you want to speak with the most?
  • Choose a random object in your room. What characteristics do you have in common with it, metaphorically and physically?
  • Invent an impossible tool that would make your life more efficient or interesting.
  • Imagine you get the chance to be any animal for a day. Which animal would you pick, and what would you do?
  • If you could visit the past, where would you go, and what would you do there?

Another popular way to unlock your creative expression is to free write. This is a technique where you time yourself and write down whatever comes to mind without pausing to think or erase anything. I often free write with a time limit of five minutes, although it’s not uncommon to lengthen your session. Sometimes when I read over my free-write, it is purely gibberish and more of a stream-of-consciousness than anything. Other times, I realize there is a pattern of thought going on in my brain, and that pattern might be a good topic to explore in my writing. 

Let’s not forget that journaling is a form of creativity in itself. Annie Ernaux, a French writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2022, published her diary entries as a collection titled “Getting Lost.” The book was listed as one of the best books of 2022 by the BBC and a must-read by Time. It is a favorite of mine for its honest portrayal of emotional vulnerability.

Overall, there are a ton of ways to participate in journaling as a means of creative expression. You may need to try a few to see which ones work the best for you, but once you find your niche, you’re sure to flourish.  

Calling all Boston students! Welcome the chilly fall season with some piping hot Indian cuisine from Maharaja’s in Cambridge, and take 20% off with a student ID!

Brenna Sheets is a graduate student in Emerson College’s Writing and Publishing M.A. program. She is currently a teacher, specializing in middle school history. Her hobbies include going on long walks, watching bad television, reading, and writing.

Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Creativity, on Writing, onLove, University, Writing | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »