Seriously, why is the cold so saddening? 

As a person who loves colder temperatures, to a point at least, it seems so strange to me that seasonal depression occurs in winter. This week is currently the warmest in months, yet this falls under seasonal depression. But cold weather isn't the only factor at play. Shorter days, crippled further by the ugly face of daylight saving time, makes this period a nightmare of productivity. I can feel the motivation drain from my bones once night falls. This fact is only exponentially increased by the period it takes place. The end of a semester creates the need to study for midterms, and then there is the beginning of the second semester when many classes start taking everything much more seriously than before. In this cold and dark period, you need to find what makes you joyful, you cannot simply be happy without a drive to do so, despite what others might tell you. You need to take time for yourself when your soul is being crushed. Personal enjoyment is the fertilizer for a healthy soul, I'm sure any spiritualist can tell you that. Keep going, breathe, take a break, eat some food, go outside, watch a movie, talk to your friends; do all of that and more to keep your spirits high, and your depression low. 

Feeling Sad? Try This!

Do you ever feel sad? Sadness is a depressingly widespread phenomenon plaguing this country. And why is that? Perhaps it’s due to the sheer weight of expectation, lack of support structures or third spaces, the overbearing pressure of success, or the economic fears of debt, poverty, and despair. It’s probably none of those things! When you feel sad, you have to try to stop being sad. Why search for a light in the darkness when you can make one yourself? Be happy to spite those who wish you misfortune. Be happy to spite those you wish misfortune upon. Be happy to spite your Scorpio ex, who elegantly fits into both categories. Happiness is both an expectation and a goal. To achieve it gives you immense power over those who are not happy. The perks include: bragging rights, telling other people to “Just be happy,” a glowing aura of yellow light only visible to those who can perceive the psychic plane, and, of course, smiles. Of course, there are downsides. Being too happy can make you feel sad, bad, mad, and perhaps a little rad. To fix these concerns, simply be more happy! Become the light in the darkness by shining a flashlight into the eyes of all dark and depressed. So why not try it today?

-Austin

   Life is a complex situation, and humans are even more of a strange thing. We’re unpredictable and complicated.

 Human emotions are intricate things, and fragile as well, which is why so many conflicts arise in normal life. The possibly worst emotional status to go through is what most people would call depression. Which by definition (of Merriam Webster) is an act of depressing or state of being depressed. In summary; a deep level of sadness, is normally followed by low spirits.

 It’s a quite well-known thing, and you might even meet some people who’ve gone through depression or are still going through it. It’s a darkness in life that is difficult to escape from. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

 Finding hope in those times is something that can be difficult to achieve. One of the things I’ve heard that actually helps, even if it’s just the smallest bit; is friends. People who get you. 

 What I’d like to get across to everyone reading this, is that people who you get along with and can interact with without feeling massively pressured- are good for you. So, attempt to be smarter, and find people whom you can surround yourself with positively.

-Charlotte

  Stories have a way of pulling us out of the dark. Whether it’s the flicker of hope in a film, the comforting words of a book, or the power of a song, storytelling reminds us that even in the darkest moments, light exists.

My name is Seun, and I’m a student at       High School. I have always been drawn to storytelling in all its forms- through writing, film, or even the narratives we create in our own lives. English has always been a favorite subject of mine because of my love for writing and the ability to express my thoughts freely. In my free time, I find joy in journaling, watching movies, and getting lost in TV shows. There’s something magical about watching a story unfold, stepping into a character’s world, and experiencing their triumphs and struggles as if they were our own.

Recently, I started reading The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained, and it opened my eyes to how deeply stories shape our understanding of the world. Philosophy and storytelling share something in common: they both seek meaning in the chaos, searching for truth where there is uncertainty. Some of the greatest films, books, and songs do the same. They remind us that even when things seem bleak, there’s always something to hold onto.

This week’s theme, finding light in the darkness, couldn’t be more fitting. Whether it’s the resilience of a hero in a movie, the comfort of a nostalgic TV show, or the lyrics of a song that remind you that you’re not alone, pop culture is filled with moments that help us see the light. Through this column, I hope to explore how the media we consume reflects the challenges we face, the lessons we learn, and the hope we carry forward.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what stories do best. They remind us that even in the darkest moments, the light is never too far away.

-Seun