Kayla's Blog

Through the blogging process this semester, I ultimately realized how I work best as a writer, which is something that will be immensely helpful throughout my life! To begin, I reflected on the topics I had chosen to write about this semester, all of which consisted on reflecting on certain events/items in the past or present: from my favorite books I read in 2023, to my current favorites, to my overall favorite memories of high school, something that came up again and again was the idea of ‘favorites’. This idea isn’t just something I’ve found in my writing, it’s something that has helped me throughout my years of high school. By picking out and thinking about my favorite things, I’ve always had something to look forward to, whether it’s reading my favorite book, listening to my favorite artist, or reminiscing on special memories. Therefore, the blogging process this semester ultimately brought to light something I’ve been doing throughout these years, without even thinking about it: focusing on my favorite things! 

Although I loved choosing what topics to blog about, my absolute favorite blog of the semester was the one assigned post, the poetry difficulty essay. This blog was definitely the hardest, I remember devoting half an hour every day to a stanza of On the Beach at Night by Walt Whitman. However, I found parts of this process enjoyable, as I was able to apply my left-brained mind- working through each reference and phrase to find meaning was like using an algorithm or equation. Also, it was so rewarding to finally come to a conclusion about the poem that was all my own: family, our beliefs, or religion are powerful avenues for comfort to answer the question of how we can deal with ‘the burial of stars’, i.e. being consumed by grief, when Jupiter (our power and control) cannot shine through. 

From the blogging process, especially writing my poetry difficulty essay, I learned that one of the best strategies for powerful writing is to break up the assignment into each paragraph or each component. It also helps if you can choose what you write or read about, which was part of the joy of the Voices project! I initially started reading The House of Spirits, which I’m sure is an amazing book, but I couldn’t quite get into the storyline. So, I switched to Purple Hibiscus, which I would absolutely recommend! Purple Hibiscus follows an under-represented voice, that of a young girl in Nigeria, and is both illuminating to the issues of colonization and its harm on morale, as well as being entertaining and incredibly moving! I especially loved the ending of the book, which I won’t spoil, you’ll just have to read it! 

Not only did I enjoy reading Purple Hibiscus, I also enjoyed the new ideas I walked away with. To begin, prior to reading this book, I had never considered the harm on women’s morale that comes from the colonization into Western religions. Along with becoming educated on this topic, through researching and giving my final speech, I was reassured that change is always possible in our seemingly crazy world when awareness and education set the stage. 

Of course, my whole senior year at NNHS didn’t just consist of doing work for AP lit: it was definitely a challenging year, but I had a lot of 

fun and learned a lot about how to thrive when there are so many consuming elements. To begin, it is so helpful to understand yourself: for so long, I was working on applications for all these big state schools, because that’s what my peers were doing. I never considered attending a small liberal arts school until October, and even then, I still thought it wouldn’t be for me until I visited one! I know I will be so much happier at Carleton than any big state school, and knowing that has made these past few months less stressful! So, consider every option, know yourself, and don’t be afraid to go against the grain! I would also recommend having fun with everything you can. As my coach told me a few weeks ago, “stop thinking of track like a job you’re forced to do”- so much of what we do should be fun, even if it’s hard, we still have the privilege of getting to do it! So, romanticize everything you can, choose to do things out of love, and every year, not just senior year, can be amazing!

 

It’s getting to be that time of the semester: with senior day and senior celebration having already passed, an increasing amount of senior ditch days, and prom and AP testing not too far away, high school is making its way to a close. While I definitely feel ready to move on, I can’t help but reminisce on some of my favorite memories from these last four years! 

At about every senior event we’ve had this year, the administration has mentioned how our class had the rockiest start, but ultimately were the class that got the school back to ‘normal’. There definitely were some interesting moments- zoom school, 90 minute class periods, and school security issues, however, there were definitely plenty of happy times also! All of that being said, here are my fondest memories from high school! 

 

#1: Twilight 

Twilight is our home cross country meet, drawing teams from all over the state to a competitive race that takes place at night. For many of us on the team, this is the favored meet: it is the last meet before championship season starts, 

has the best fall vibes, and there is nothing quite like racing at night! Also, this meet usually takes place on the Wednesdaybefore parent teacher conferences, and there is nothing quite like finishing a race and knowing you cansleep in the next day! Further, it is a team tradition to run to The Growing Place and get pumpkins the next day and carving them together afterwards. I’ve had my best race every season at this meet, and our team traditions that go along with it are some of the most memorable! 

 

#2: Treehaven 

When I first heard my friend from Central wasn’t going on the APES Treehaven trip, I considered not

going- but I’m so glad I did! Treehaven is a part of UW- Stevenson, and is a research/recreation area that showcases the beautiful Northwoods habitat. While at first the hours of plant identification on this trip were a bit tiring, it quickly became my favorite field trip! It was so cool to see all the plants we had read about in our textbooks and do hands-on water and soil surveys. However, my favorite memories of this trip definitely come from after our scheduled learning time. I will never forget hiking

through the forest at night and stargazing with some of the other juniors, roasting marshmallows, going for early morning runs, and watching the sunset from our dorm rooms.

 

#3: Playing Tennis During Gym

While this memory isn’t as monumental as the previous ones, it is still one of my favorites! I’m not much of a gym person (I’ve been in Online PE for the past two years), and definitely am not the best at any sports that require hand-eye coordination, but that didn’t matter! I had one of my good friends, Sydney, in this class, and tennis quickly became the perfect time to catch-up while volleying back and forth once every few minutes. I also loved getting to go outside everyday and enjoy the late-spring weather. This time of the school year is one I will always look back on fondly, when it is finally starting to get warm after a mock-Spring, State is coming up for track, and all of the end-of-year celebrations are starting up!

 

#4: Sophomore Year Homecoming 

Sophomore year was more like a freshman year for us, our first time experiencing the classic high school activities. With that comes one of the most iconic high school traditions: homecoming! While I usually prefer 

getting ready and going out for dinner more than the actual dance, this one was extra special, as the dance was outside under a tent! I think the theme was something along the lines of “Night Under the Stars”, and I

 definitely remember taking breaks from dancing and running outside into the crisp night air with my friends. This was the perfect first high school dance! 

 

#5: The APES Hot Cocoa Bar 

By now, you might be noticing some common themes emerging from my favorite high school memories: APES being one of them! I loved taking APES for a number of reasons, but one memory that sticks out particularly is the hot cocoa bar our teacher, Mrs. Smith set up for us during finals season. Every day when we walked into class, we could choose from a wide array of toppings that spanned an entire lab table! It was so nice to have something to look forward to during one of the more stressful parts of the semester and was very thoughtful of our teacher. Sitting down with my hot chocolate, taking notes on different ecosystems or invasive species was my favorite part of the day during those weeks! 

 

Overall, this blog captures only a few of the reasons why I will look back on these years fondly. High school is a very, very challenging time, but with good friends, fun activities, caring teachers, and a little bit of romanticizing-the-everyday, it can also be an exciting, memorable time!

As a proud romanticizer-of-life, I’ve realized the key to contentedness comes from small habits and moments- let’s face it, we’re all busy and not quite in the place to make major changes in our daily lives. Looking back, a majority of my blogs have focused on this concept: my favorite fall-inspired products from Trader Joe’s, ways to embrace the Winter months, even my favorite books of 2023. In Summer, Fall, and Winter, this process was almost automatic, however, I’ve always struggled with finding peace and presence during Springtime- some of this is likely due to the tiresome Illinois-spring we get, but also to the mindset that many of us unintentionally carry around, the “we’re almost there!” mindset, counting down the days to summer vacation. 

So, following my main resolution for 2024, to find small hobbies that allow me to be more present, I’ve compiled some of my current favorites that are allowing me to enjoy Springtime! 

 

1. Whipped Coffee

A Quarantine favorite, whipped coffee combines instant coffee, sugar, and water to create a fluffy, caffeinated 

drink. I’m a big coffee drinker, if you haven’t noticed, and while I usually opt for hot coffee, something changed the last few weeks: whether it was the cold I caught that made warm drinks unpleasant, or more likely, the fresh, breezy air that brings me straight back to quarantine. I am incredibly privileged to have fond memories of the pandemic- sleeping in every day, watching Outer Banks, it was truly a time I don’t mind reminiscing on. So, I’ve been making whipped coffee every morning on the weekends, enjoying it while I read in my living room: every sip brings me back to March 2020.  

 

2. The Great British Baking Show

While I’m not a big TV-show watcher, these past few weeks I was craving an entertaining show that I could sit back and sort of half-watch. Ever since Netflix removed Friends, Parks and Rec, and The Office, simultaneously, TV shows just weren’t hitting the same anymore. Until, that is, I discovered The Great British Baking Show. I had had my fair share with baking shows from Food Network, though there was something so refreshing about the non-competitive, feel-good British version. The familiarity of the three different challenges in each episode (the signature, technical, and showstopper), fun and eccentric bakers on the show, myriad of desserts I hadn’t seen before, as well as the beautiful, sunny English countryside often pictured, created the perfect show to watch in my downtime. 

I recently discovered that one of my teammate’s watches The Great British Baking Show during our weekly treadmill workout to stay entertained- while I definitely could not pay attention to it during such a hard workout, it is definitely still a favorite of mine and one I gravitate towards this time of year! 

 

3. Sunset Walks with Friends 

Though it is so tempting to ‘chill’ at someone’s house or go out for a fast-casual dinner, I am always looking for new, fun activities to try with my friends: this one was so simple, and also so enjoyable! One of my closest fri

ends is always begging to go on walks during hang-outs, and while most of us usually dismiss that idea (we’re good friends, I promise!) I began to take her up on it. I know I do so much better when I spend time outside everyday, and certainly everyone can benefit from a little sunlight-serotonin. While the views weren’t anything close to

 those I reminisce from Washington, Montana, or Maine, they are refreshing in their own, Midwestern way. There is something so therapeutic about simply taking a walk and chatting during sunset when it’s a brisk 50 degrees out. So, we’ve made it a part of our weekly hangout regime! 

 

4. Still Woozy 

Music is a big part of my life, so this blog wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of my current favorite artists! I’ve been listening to Still Woozy since Spring 2021- when I actually got covid, but I was lucky to have it minorly enough that my quarantined days mainly consisted of biking around and listening to music. Again, something about the warm breeze brings me back to the covid times, and I was inspired to listen to my favorite, upbeat artist, whose Indie-pop

 songs truly remind me of Springtime. His single Anyone But You, which was featured in the Romcom by the same title, as well as Lucy and Maybe She are some of my current favorites! I find the music I listen to has a major influence on my overall mood, which can be challenging as a lot of popular music revolves around more negative ideas. So, if you have any recommendations for more upbeat artists, please let me know! 

 

5. Drawing/painting 

Before I got into track and cross country, art was my ‘thing’: I spent my after-school hours attending art lessons, practicing cello, and then going home to draw some more. Over the years, I’ve been able to find time for my artistic side, picking up guitar and learning to crochet, but returning to pen-and-paper art was way too intimidating. I was, once again, inspired by my friend, who has a collection of drawings on her wall that I always find myself admiring. So, over the past long weekend, I picked up my abandoned watercolors and colored pencils, and started drawing some of my favorite things: flowers, sunsets, mountains, and animals. I’m still relearning the process, so I won’t be including any of my drawings yet, but maybe in a future blog 🙂 Overall, I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of learning something new, and also the relaxing side to it!

 

I think that’s all for now! I hope you enjoyed reading and were inspired, either to implement some of these favorites or to focus more on the power of small things 🙂 

 

Upon my first read of On the Beach at Night, my immediate thought was that the poem was too straightforward, certainly too clear to be analyzed in an essay specifically about working through difficult poetry: detailing a father and daughter on a beach, gazing out at the clouds and stars, it seemed to constitute some vague theme of love and grief. All in all, this is exactly what drew me to the poem- I knew ahead of time I gravitated towards the atmosphere Walt Whitman creates, emphasizing the beauty of nature as it relates to human relationships. So, knowing I absolutely wanted to analyze the writing of one of my favorite poets, I went back again, and again, searching for some vast complexity that constituted ‘difficulty’. That difficulty I absolutely found in the extensive references, overwhelmingly vivid visuals, and confusing rhetorical questions, leading up to a mystical theme I had yet to uncover. 

A majority of my confusion originated in the second stanza. As I hovered my pencil over each line, ready to circle anything of note, I couldn’t help but become overwhelmed by all the references, the far-off images I had never before considered. Whitman paints a detailed picture of the stars hovering in the distance, specifically the “the lord-star Jupiter” (8), followed closely by “the delicate sisters the Pleiades” (10). At first, I decided to pass by these terms I wasn’t familiar with and hope Whitman was just referencing the

name of the stars, but they came up again, and again in the poem. This repetition suggested a motif of sorts- something I definitely needed to understand. Upon researching, I found that Jupiter and

Pleiades are both Roman Gods; Jupiter being similar to Zeus, the God of lightning and overall ruler, symbolizing power. The later, Pleiades represented a group of sisters, said to symbolize dealing with sorrow. I was a bit perplexed by the combination of these varying elements, power and coping, but by knowing them, I was able to move onto other elements of this now less-overwhelming stanza. 

 

Whitman describes the “burial clouds” (5) and “clear belt of ether” (7), and I wondered how all of these elements could possibly fit in one sky. So, I employed the same strategy of breaking down each element. Though I couldn’t find an exact definition for burial clouds, understanding the context of grief within this poem, I could picture them as darkclouds, likely carrying a symbol of loss. A quick search of ether revealed a simple explanation- that of a clear sky. So, breaking down the stanza into each element, I was able to work through the initial intimidation I felt at all of the seemingly-obscure references. Further, I began to paint a picture in my mind of the scene: the dark clouds spreading into the clear sky, beginning to block out the bright stars of Jupiter and Pleiades.

 

The next element of the poem that created a challenge was when Whitman began to pose rhetorical questions in the second to last stanza. Prior to that, the poem focused on developing the rich symbol of the night sky, how just as the dark clouds will pass and Jupiter and Pleiades “shall shine again” (22), so too will the daughter’s grief. Howeve

r, this trajectory abruptly shifts when Whitman poses “Then dearest child mournest thou only for Jupiter? Considerest thou alone the burial of the stars?” (23-24). I was instantly puzzled by these questions, because I truly did not understand what they meant- what is “the burial of the stars”? Why would the child mourn Jupiter? To answer these questions, I decided to slow down my reading, and apply the context I had gained from the rest of the text. For instance, knowing that burial clouds were dark clouds that blocked out the stars, I could infer that that is exactly what “the burial of the stars” meant, it was simply phrased differently. Now that I understood this part of the equation, I rephrased the question the speaker was asking: is the clouding over of Jupiter enough to block out the night sky? Applying knowledge I had recently gained, that Jupiter symbolizes power and ruling, I finally deciphered this question on a metaphorical level- is the loss of power enough to cloud over one’s whole spirit? Or will the Pleiades, representing coping, be enough to get by?

 

Understanding these questions, I was ready to approach my final hurdle: the last stanza. I hadn’t before noticed that this part was actually a response to the questions in the prior stanza, detailing the ways in which one can cope with sorrow when the light of Jupiter is blocked out. On my initial read, I highlighted the phrases “something there is more immortal even than the stars…shall endure longer even than lustrous Jupiter, longer than sun or any revolving satellite, or the radiant sisters the Pleiades” (28-32). This contrasted greatly from the rest of the poem, as it suggested that there was something more powerful than the all-mighty stars. I at first assumed it was referencing some vague theme of love, however, now I knew that it had to answer the rhetorical question posed before; how one should live with sorrow when they feel powerless. 

 

Using my newly gained context, I came to a more accurate, detailed analysis. Throughout the poem, the ramblings about Jupiter and Pleiades were interrupted by the speaker comforting his daughter with “weep not, child, weep not,

my darling, with these kisses let me remove your tears” (14-16). Further, the opening scene details the father and daughter on the beach, which I realized was the last straw that would lead to my understanding. As the father comforts his daughter, it becomes clear that this idea, of something greater than the stars, is the comfort in guidance: whether that be family, our beliefs, or religion (in reference to the father). These avenues for comfort answer the question of how we can deal with ‘the burial of stars’, i.e. being consumed by grief, when Jupiter (our power and control) cannot shine through. 

 

From working through this poem, I learned the importance of understanding each element from the start, as the poem will likely build on those ideas or symbols to create the overall meaning. Thus, by taking the time to research and understand the metaphors of each element, I became less overwhelmed by all of the references, and was able to apply this context to decipher rhetorical questions and thematic elements later on in the poem. I initially chose this poem based on the picturesque title, knowing I would be swept off to a whole new atmosphere; the coastline at night. However, I left with something greater: an understanding of how one can deal with grief, as well as a certain sense of satisfaction, knowing I worked though this poem deliberately, uncovering its meaning and Whitman’s purpose. All in all, I know in the future I’ll still partake in reading poetry simply for enjoyment, but every once in a while, I might pick up a pencil and take the time to truly decipher the poem’s message, every phrase and every word. 

 

Reading is a past-time I appreciate more and more every year- as life seems to get more and more complicated, there is nothing like a good book to bring you out of your own situation and provide a glimpse into another. Every sunday morning, summer-afternoon after practice, plane-ride, or 5 a.m. lifeguarding shift, you could find me with a book in hand. So, 11,2

55 pages, 33 books, and about 205 hours later (give or take), I have selected my top five favorite books that I have read this year!

 

5. Starting off strong, we have Daisy Jones & The Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Reid is one of my favorite current novelists, and choosing only one of her books to include here was a bit of a challenge. However, I believe Daisy Jones & The Six is well deserving of this position- both for its intricacy and page-turning-ability. This book examines the close, complex bond between the members of this fictional band, and highlights some of the sad truths that allowed for anunknown, young Daisy Jones to make it big in the music world. Reading this book, I found myself telling myself “just 1 more chapter” of reading before bed, which I hadn’t felt the need to do in forever. If you are looking for a quick-paced book detailing intricate relationships, this one is definitely for you!

 

4. Up next is a book that I can assure almost all book-lovers have read, one that is well-loved and would definitely make the list of best books published in 2023- that is, Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, by Gabrielle Zevin. This book stayed on my TBR for a very, very long time- while I knew it had rave reviews, I couldn’t get over one of the main concepts, that of the book revolving around video games, something I have absolutely no interest in. However, this book is so much more than video games: it follows two childhood best friends for 30 years, as they reunite and pursue video game creation. This book deeply examines how the impacts of grief are constant, and the power of platonic love. The description on Goodreads argues “Yes, it is a love story, but it is not one you have read before”. This perfectly describes it- if you are looking for a book that delves into love in ways that aren’t often written, give this one a read!

 

3. Now we’re onto the podium! I can’t think of a book more deserving for this spot than Emily Henry’s Happy Place. I’ve read every other book by Henry, and it has been fascinating to see her grow as a writer- while her

other books were more simple, predictable rom-coms (still a great read, of course!), this book brings her writing to a whole new level, featuring deeper themes of personal development, right person wrong time, and the difficulties of growing out of friendships as time passes. Something I particularly appreciated about this book was that it didn’t follow a stereotypical rom-com trajectory- the girl doesn’t eventually give up everything for the guy by the end of the novel. I also loved the sense of place Henry created- a cabin getaway in a small tone in Maine, college best friends meeting up years later. I read this novel right after I got back from Maine, so I loved almost traveling back there through this novel. If you’re going to read any rom-com this year, I suggest you read this one!

 

2. My second favorite book out of all the books I read in 2023 is one some of you may actually be reading this semester- The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet. I was so happy to see this one on the list, because I truly think it is one everyone should read. Two mixed twin sisters, one with lighter skin and one with darker skin, live two different lives: one blends in with an all-white community, the other stays with her roots. As you can infer, this book deals with very heavy topics, mainly racial identity, but also some gender identity ideas and the way our community shapes our lives (or how we shape our communities). While some heavier topics can ‘slow down’ the pace of a book, this was a true page-turner: the inter-generational structure and fascinating storytelling leads to a detailed and almost-consuming plot. If you didn’t select this book to read for class, I would consider reading it otherwise!

 

1. Finally, we have first place. This was a very challenging choice to make, due to all the amazing books I was able to read this year! For this one, I have selected a book that I haven’t heard many people talk about, certainly not on booktok- Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult. I happened to pick-up this book in the ‘popular picks’ section and decided to give it a shot. It begins as a charming story of teenage-love, until Asher is convicted of killing Lily. As the details of Lily’s death are revealed and argued in court, so too, are the details of each character’s past. This book kept me guessing till the last page about what truly happened, and I loved how it incorporated deeper concepts, such as the complexity of the past and where it belongs in the present. If you are interested in a love story turned mystery, give this one a try! 

 

Making this selection was challenging- but it was truly worth it to know I may have inspired one of you to read one of these books! I think reading is a lost art in our generation- at the fault of no one- it is so, so challenging to turn to reading a book when it is so much easier to scroll through Tiktok. But I am here to tell you, as a math/science oriented person who really struggled to enjoy literature, it is absolutely possible! That being said, my goal is to read 40 books this year- so please let me know if you have any recommendations!

The routine opportunity in this classroom to write about anything we wish is something many of us are not familiar with- it was, also, one of the greatest challenges to partake in. Sitting down, knowing I could write just about anything allowed me to engage my creativity. While at first, this was somewhat of a struggle, I was able to learn about what I love to write about. Initially, I focused on more analytical, descriptive list-based blogs, until I later learned that I prefer writing about topics that come easily, those that I feel would truly help others. 

Looking back to my first blogs in the semester, I took a very different approach than how I would now. I gravitated towards a more analytical approach- discussing the details of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bagels, that they are “seasoned with pumpkin spice- the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger”, or describing different hikes in Olympic National Park, the “amazing views of the mountain range everywhere you look, and a view of Canada at the top” of the Hurricane Ridge Trail. I assumed that because these topics weren’t as personal or centered around a philosophy/belief, they would be simpler. However, the opposite was true: I would spend immense amounts of time researching details and trying to decipher what was truly important to include. 

For my most recent blog, “Redefining Hibernation: A Guide to Embracing the Colder Months”, I took a different approach. Instead of beginning research days beforehand, or looking at others’ blogs when lost for ideas, I just sat and wrote down what felt relevant, something that would help out my classmates. For this reason, this blog was the most enjoyable- talking about habits that have benefited me in the winter months, such as “setting aside twenty minutes to call a friend or have dinner with your family”, “[reading] a cozy book or [watching] a comfort movie”  or to “see a little sunlight” every day, I felt as though I was truly helping out my peers. 

 

And this is one of my greatest takeaways from the semester, that my best writing comes from writing with purpose. When I wrote with intention in mind, time would slip away as I became fully absorbed in every word I typed on the page. I believe this concept also applies to just about everything outside of writing, and in the following semester I hope to approach aspects of my everyday life with more passion: even the mundane, such as driving to school, sitting through a class, or eating lunch. In psychology, this is commonly referred to as “flow”- being so in-tune and absorbed with each process we partake in, and is one of the key factors creating happiness. 

On another note, one aspect that greatly helped me to grow as a writer was reading other people’s blogs, such as Kiki’s blog “My Coveted Top Pets (Really Just Dogs)”, Lauren’s blog “The Rise of New Jeans”, and countless others, I realized what is so incredibly special about these blogs- they provide a glimpse into other’s lives, their passions and perspectives, creating a true sense of community within the classroom. I loved being able to find what I had in common with others- some similar music taste to Cate, and being a houseplant fanatic like Ms. Hitzeman. Reading these blogs encouraged me to focus on my true passions when writing, as well as to look for connections with my peers. 

Overall, this blogging experience helped me to focus on the present moment- whether that was sitting down to write whatever came to mind, or reading other’s blogs and admiring the joy we can all find in differing aspects of our lives. 

With temperatures dipping into the low twenties, paired with a wind chill towards the teens, it only seems fitting to write about my favorite season- winter. 

As fall sports, applications, and the general business of the beginning of the school year begin to wrap up, it can be so easy to fall into a state of sluggishness. And I get it- we’ve all worked hard these months- but winter can be so much more than an in-between period. It can be a time to refocus, while also allowing for ourselves to rejuvenate. 

While Chicago is situated far enough north to experience a true winter, it isn’t far enough to the point in which our culture embraces the cold, such as those in Canada, Alaska, and other Nordic regions. Just because Chicago as a whole tends to have a disdain for winter, doesn’t mean you have to also- in fact, with the right attitude and actions, winter can become quite enjoyable. 

 

First, I’d like to redefine a term that carries many misconceptions: hibernation. I don’t think I’m alone in my experience of thinking it referred to a literal season-long nap. It more loosely is defined as a time in which animals expend less energy to prepare for spring. While humans do not qualify as hibernating animals, with less sunlight, we’re meant to slow down a bit. So, here’s how we can embrace this time, finding the right balance between recovering and avoiding a slump:

 

1. Get Outside

We’ve all heard it. We’ve all made the walk from our cars to the school and decided to skip that afternoon walk. So many times, I’ve opted to run in my basement on the treadmill, staring at a wall, or opting to not run at all. And I can promise, it is so much better for your mental state to see a little sunlight. At first it may seem like a chore, but I’ve learned to love it- there is nothing so exhilarating as the cold air, a beautiful winter sunset, and the clarity and peace in the silence. It is a great way to process the day, and one of the best times to think- in fact, I came up with the idea for this blog on my run today!

2. Connect 

Unlike hibernating animals, we are not meant to isolate ourselves in caves for the winter. So, no matter your level of introversion, find time to connect with those you care about. You don’t have to go on a 10-mile hike or 10-hour shopping spree- setting aside twenty minutes to call a friend or have dinner with your family will do the trick. 

This can also be the perfect way to embrace the season- go ice skating, grab a cup of hot chocolate and admire the lights downtown, or have a movie night- my personal favorites!

On a side note, pets can also count for this! With more time at home, I’ve loved having more time with my cat, Luna. She always joins me when I’m reading on the couch or watching a movie- she definitely loves the attention!

 

3. Romanticize it
   

   Snowflake decorations I made

A few simple actions can make a big difference- here are my favorite things I’ve implemented to brighten this season: 

1. Decorate your space! Recently, I’ve loved making paper snowflakes to hang up on my windows. Fairy lights, winter candles, and cozy blankets are all perfect ways to winterize your room!
2. Read a cozy book or watch a comfort movie. Whether you prefer holiday movies or rom-coms, movies provide a great way to relax and unwind, and embrace this coziness. Further,winter provides a great time to get back into reading. This time of year, I especially enjoy fantasies- I
   

   Some nice lighting can make a difference!

   am currently reading Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, which has the perfect elements for a cozy winter read.

3. Enjoy baked goods and warm drinks. My favorite routine is to make a hot cup of tea after my run to wind down for homework- while it physically warms you up, it also provides comfort and calmness. Also, a good soup or quick bread can perfectly capture the flavors of the season.

 

Overall, the idea behind these strategies can be encapsulated by a Danish concept called Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga). I was initially made aware of this through TikTok, and upon further research, realized it is something I have implemented for years- to embrace a cozy and content mood to make it through the winter: by connecting with others, making time for ourselves, and rejuvenating. So, no matter your opinions on winter, I hope you can try some of these ideas inspired by Hygge to redefine hibernation and the winter months, making for a better season! 

 

Though my college essay revolves heavily around the importance of being mindful, it can’t hurt to daydream every now and then. And, what better thing to daydream of than one of the best places on this Earth: Olympic National Park. 

As the “organizer” of the family, I usually end up researching the must-do activities for every trip and studying every map to plan the best route. Sometimes, my family even gets a little annoyed with my type-a, hustle-bustle personality on supposed relaxing vacations, and the subsequent early wake-up times and packed days. So, I figured I would channel some of this energy into my blog post instead! 

Part 1: Considering the Logistics 

Olympic National Park is located right on the coastline of the beautiful state of Washington- which also means it is one of the farthest places from Illinois in the continental U.S. So, be prepared for a long plane flight, I believe at least five hours. Bring books, (bonus points if you bring Twilight!), snacks, and a pre-downloaded playlist to listen to as you romanticize the trip ahead. The closest airport is the Seattle-Tacoma airport, which is about two hours away from the park itself. 

Timing-wise, this trip requires five full days in the park and two travel days. You may also consider staying a few extra days to visit Mount Rainier, a relatively nearby park. Due to the mountainous climate and subsequent snow and fog, I would recommend visiting during late July- and even then, be prepared for some snow on the trails. 

Finally, an important aspect to consider is where you will be staying. Like many National Parks, there isn’t much civilization nearby. This makes it all the more fun however, as you can get some of the road trip experience every day. I would recommend staying in Port Angeles, a medium-sized city about an hour from the park. There are many Airbnb options, which may be a little pricier but are worth it for the comfort and spaciousness. 

 

Day 1: Crescent Lake 

Crescent Lake is the perfect place to start your visit! It is about an hour’s drive from the entrance, in which you can admire the scenery and get a feel for the park. The main draw of this area is the glacier-created Lake which has a beautiful azure color and is surrounded by mountains on every side. 

Of course, the day here will begin with a hike! Beginning at the Storm King Ranger Station, walk along the “Marymere Falls Trail” to reach an astonishing waterfall view! Loop back the other way, onto the “Moments in Time Trail”, where

you can admire ancient-looking plant life. This path winds around to the historic Lake Crescent Lodge (about 6 miles total), where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy some Lavender Lemonade!

From there, the lake offers activities for the rest of the afternoon. I would recommend renting a canoe or kayak to explore the lake some more- do be careful of the strong current, Naomi and I very nearly missed getting caught in it. 

 

 

Day 2: Hurricane Ridge 

Hurricane Ridge is one of the main areas in the park- and thus, has one of the best visitors center! Definitely take some time to look in the gift shop, admire the view from the patio out back, and stock up on water!! 

There are a series of small loops around the visitor center- while very steep, these are a pretty good warm-up for the day. Admire the beautiful wildflowers growing along the side of the trail, and also be on the lookout for bears! This is a

great place to spot them- please remember to be respectful though! These series of loops add up to about two miles and give a great feel of the Hurricane Ridge area. Somehow, Naomi and I lost our parents here (one of the most straightforward paths in the park)- so try to stay together if you can! 

The second hike of the day is very intense- be sure you are well hydrated, as there is no shade, and it is straight uphill. This is the “Hurricane Ridge Trail”, which should definitely not be missed! You will get amazing views of the mountain range everywhere you look, and a view of Canada at the top. Don’t forget to cool off with a snowball fight with snow from still-frozen glaciers! 

 

Day 3: Rialto Beach 

Be sure to check the tidal schedule before planning this day! You want to arrive about half an hour before low tide to get the full tide pooling experience- which for us meant leaving the AirBnB around 5 a.m.- it’s worth it, I promise! Rialto Beach is about a 2-hour drive from the entrance, passing through Forks, where you can live out your Twilight

fantasies. Don’t be fooled by the heat in other areas of the park though, it is constantly

about 40 degrees and misty, so be prepared with layers. 

Be sure to admire all the sea life: starfish, anemones, and mollusks as you walk along the foggy beach to the famous “Hole in the Wall” rock formation. I was completely in awe of this part of the park- it felt like an entire world completely, so definitely don’t miss it! 

 

Day 4: The Hoh Rainforest 

The Hoh Rainforest is famous for being a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO- due to this, it is one of the most popular areas of the park. In fact, my family had to wait in a line of cars for about 2 hours to get in, so try to get there earlier in the day if you can! 

Warm up with the popular “Spruce Rainforest Trail”, about a 1-mile hike that serves as a great introduction to the

unique biosphere here. Than, take the Hoh River Trail out to an astonishingly clear river and back, about three miles. This trail goes on for 37 miles, so feel free to hike some more as you please! 

 

Day 5: Sol Duc Springs 

The Olympic Hot Springs is a smaller part of the park, so it is definitely best if you’re looking for a less rigorous day towards the end of the trip. This part of the park is known for the Sol Duc Springs Resort, where you can rent a cabin and stay for the night! 

To start the day, hike through the forested Sol Duc Falls trail! This is a heavily wooded, gradual uphill trail that leads to the Sol Duc waterfall. Once you reach the end, take some time to enjoy the scenery and wade in the river as you wish! 

After the hike, relax in the natural hot springs. These are located behind the resort, and there are a variety of different temperature springs to choose from. Beware, it does smell a lot like sulfur and attracts a resort crowd that you wouldn’t typically see in a National Park. 

 

And that wraps up the perfect five-day trip to Olympic National Park! My favorite thing about this park is the wide variety of features it has- from biodiverse rainforests to glacier-formed lakes, mountain ranges, misty coastlines, and hot springs, there is something for everyone. I hope you found this itinerary helpful, and let me know in the comments if you have or plan to visit Olympic National Park! 

Sitting here, shivering in study hall, it only seems appropriate to talk about the autumn season- while the school heating system may still be adjusting to the change, I have been ready for fall since late August! 

There are so many great things about fall- the beautiful weather and scenery makes the outdoors even more enjoyable (if that’s possible), fall fashion, cross country season, cozy books and movies- just to name a few. I can’t mention all of these without mentioning one of the best ways to ring in the season- fall foods! 

Every year, there are more and more pumpkin spice products- just taking a walk down the aisles of Trader Joe’s has become a fall tradition for me and my mom! I love seeing all of the new products they have come up with, and of course the free samples (which are finally back after the pandemic!). After sampling a multitude of these products, I have definitely discovered my favorites that I would love to share with you! 

1. Pumpkin Bagels 

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Bagels are made from pumpkin flour (I hadn’t heard of that one before this product!), seasoned with pumpkin spice- the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Since I tried these bagels, I’ve had them just about every morning for breakfast, and haven’t tired of them yet- they’re that good! What I especially love about them is that they’re not overbearingly sweet like a lot of pumpkin baked goods- ensuring I won’t get a sugar crashbefore the school day has even started. They are a perfect way to start the morning- I look forward to a few moments every morning where I can sit and eat my pumpkin bagel, without any distractions. They pair great with butter, but I’ve recently gotten to try a new product that goes even better with them: pumpkin cream cheese! 

2. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread 

I’ve seen this product on Tiktok the past few years, but every time I went to the store it was never there! Until two weeks ago, when the mythical pumpkin cream cheese finally made its’ appearance in the refrigerator section. While most supermarket cream cheese is overly-rich and usually makes my stomach hurt, this one has a nic

e, light texture. It spreads perfectly, and is the perfect light orange color- which comes from real pumpkin puree! This spread isn’t super heavy on the pumpkin spice- it’s more just pumpkin with a dash of sugar. This is actually very effective, as sometimes pumpkin spice can overshadow the actual pumpkin flavor. On a side note, the packaging is also a nice touch- Trader Joe’s never fails with their marketing! 

3. Autumnal Harvest Sauce 

I currently have five jars of Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Sauce in my pantry- I had to stock up before they stop selling it! This sauce incorporates all the vegetables you would expect to come from an autumn harvest- butternut squash, carrots, tomatoes, and of course pumpkin. This blend of vegetables creates the perfect, full flavor, that is both savory and slightly sweet. A touch of cream makes the sauce even richer, and spices such as rosemary and sage fully deliver this fall flavor. I am a pasta fanatic- and this is probably my favorite supermarket pasta sauce ever. I love to add this sauce to my favorite pasta, penne: it makes for the perfect meal and midday pick-me-up. If you’ve seen Fantastic Mr. Fox, this definitely seems like an item he would keep on hand. 

4. Harvest Blend Herbal Tea 

If you’re a tea drinker, you have to try this! I was first intrigued by the cute cartoon fox and vibrant leaves on the packaging, and I was pleasantly surprised with how good it was. Sometimes tea can taste too bitter or sour, or have a weird aftertaste, but this one is just perfect: it has an aromatic blend of spices- the first notes are of orange and cinnamon, followed by a nice apple flavor and ginger. I would describe it as sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy- but you definitely should try it yourself to get the full flavor! I love making a cup of this tea and settling down to read a good book- especially a cozy murder-mystery by Agatha Christie. 

5. Pumpkin Spiced Teeny-Tiny Pretzels 

Finally, to round out this list, I wanted to include a dessert/snack item- and my mind immediately went to this one! This product is brand new this year, and consequently, they’ve had free samples of it every time I’ve stopped by Trader Joe’s. I’ve always

been tempted to grab a second sample of these, but the lady working was too kind- and definitely keeping tabs on who had already gotten some. I am a huge fan of the sweet and salty combination of chocolate-covered pretzels, and this product takes that concept to a whole new level. Beginning with cute bite-sized pieces, coated

in a sweet, pumpkin-spice yogurt topping- and there’s more! The pretzels have bits of pumpkin seeds on them- adding a nice crunch and flavor. Finally, they are topped with pumpkin spice and lemon peel. All of these flavors and textures work perfectly to create a delicious snack!

It was definitely hard to pick my favorite’s- Trader Joe’s has so many options, but I think I did a pretty good job! Let me know if you happen to try or have tried any of these before and enjoy them- and if you have any recommendations! All in all, I absolutely love Trader Joe’s; they always come up with the most unique, new flavors and concepts, one’s that other brands would deem too risky. Their store has the perfect ambiance (it does get crowded on the weekends though), and many vegan/vegetarian options. 

All of this is exemplified in their fall line of products- so next time you have a chance, you should definitely stop at the Trader Joe’s on Washington and enjoy all they have to offer! 

Many people believe that the quality of your day begins with your morning routine, and intuitively, this makes complete sense: the morning does mark the start of a new day! 

But I am here to argue that the way your day goes actually begins the night before, with your night routine. Think about it: if you go to bed stressed, you are likely to have a difficult time falling asleep, meaning the next day you will be exhausted, and likely will have a bad day. 

As I am learning in my Psychology class, sleep is when our brains are able to sort through all the memories and knowledge from the past day, deciding what is necessary to keep, and what would just take up extra space. If we cannot get ample sleep, we are likely to wake up feeling bogged down from yesterdays’ memories. 

Sleep is our brain’s way of creating a clean slate for the next day. 

 

“Think about how productive you feel when you come to work with nothing on your desk. Now think of the instant stress you feel with a pile of papers on your desk” – Why a Nighttime Routine Matters, from Family Service Regina

 

Now that you know the psychological/biological importance of sleep and how this impacts our ability to function the next day, how can we ensure we are getting good sleep?

The answer is simple, though not always easy- a realistic, grounding nighttime routine. Take a moment to think about what you do before bed: many of us fall victim to doing homework till the last minute, or scrolling through videos on tiktok. These activities leave our brain feeling overstimulated, still analyzing the media/tasks we are feeding it- making it impossible to get good quality sleep. 

So, what makes a good nighttime routine? 

The main goal of any nighttime routine is to prepare for a good night’s sleep, which often requires relaxing your mind and forming closure on the day. This routine will absolutely vary from person to person: we all experience different stress levels and have different amounts of time available in the evening. So, in order to create an effective nighttime routine, we must approach it individually. 

How can we develop one that works for us?

1. The first step is to examine where you are at now (the same holds true for any change you are trying to make in your life). Ask yourself these questions: What is my routine? Why do I partake in these activities? 

• For example, last year, I used to scroll on Tiktok for two hours before bed every night- something that was very overstimulating and negatively impacted my sleep. As I thought about it, I realized the true reason I was doing this: Tiktok was an easy source of entertainment, I could simply pull out my phone and scroll instead of having to pick out a TV show to watch or make the effort to read a book.

2. Now that you have determined the motivations behind your actions, you can search for better alternatives that will still fulfill this initial reason. In my scenario, Tiktok served as a form of entertainment- I needed something that would pique my interest, especially as my days seemed to follow a usual script. So, I began to incorporate reading into my routine- a healthier, more relaxing alternative.

• Keep in mind, these alternatives will often require more effort- however, more effort will yield greater results- a better bedtime routine! 

3. Now that you have replaced activities that were negatively influencing your nighttime routine, identify positive things you would like to add. The best way to go about this is by thinking of areas in your life you could improve upon, and how you may implement these into your nighttime routine. Here are some examples from my life:

 

• I was lacking gratitude- I went through my days on autopilot, blind to all the privileges and opportunities I had. To solve this, I would take less than ten minutes every night to write down a list of things I was grateful for- maybe a good meal I had, someone’s smile that made my day, or if I couldn’t think of anything else; simply being alive and well. 
• Another habit I was struggling with was being mindful- taking time to enjoy the moment. While this can easily be incorporated throughout the day, I found it especially helpful to devote a few minutes before I went to bed to simply breathe and examine how I felt, what thoughts came to mind. 

The evening is a great time to incorporate these activities because it provides us with uninterrupted time, something we don’t have during the school day or in the mornings (unless you would prefer to wake up earlier to employ a new habit- whatever works for you!) 

4. Don’t be afraid to try something new!  Sticking to the same old habits leads to stagnation. I get it- trying new things is intimidating, but at some point, you’re going to have to do something new- so you might as well get comfortable stepping out of your shell. For instance, I recently learned to crochet, and now I often incorporate this into my routine as a way of practicing creativity, something I felt I was in need of (see step 3). 

Sticking to Routines

Coming up with a routine is only half of the journey; now, you must incorporate it. Breaking old habits and incorporating new ones takes consistency- something that is challenging given the mirage that we ‘don’t have time’, and the variability in our schedules. 

So, find what works for you! Experiment with different habits- find which ones you truly enjoy and are willing to make time for. Pick out one habit each week to focus on, and before you know it, you’ll have a consistent, effective routine! 

Most importantly, your nighttime routine should be something you look forward to- it should be a relaxing time to unwind, not something else to add to your to-do list.