“I wanna be a billionaire so fricking bad,” these are the lyrics to the popular song “Billionaire,” by Travie Mccoy, lead singer of Gym Class Heroes. After listening to this song, I began to ponder about the future aspirations of America’s youth. Statistically, the United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy and births in the western industrialized world. I read an … [Read more...]

There are a few people in my life, particularly my mother, whose opinion far exceeds any others. I’m by no means approval dependent but her perspective on certain matters, especially matters of the heart -- most often than not -- reinforces mine. This not only gives me a sense of comfort but more confidence to persevere. While the need for approval is akin to human … [Read more...]

Hi there! This is a follow up to my previous post about literary jargons. As I explained before, my little brother Alex has been having some difficulties defining as well as incorporating certain literary devices into his English assignments. This is my way of performing my sisterly duties and helping him out a bit. I’ve assembled a few of the terms he’s currently learning in … [Read more...]

It’s Midnight, the in-between hour and I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being pulled in two separate directions. A lot has changed in my life during the last few months. Although the many changes that have occurred in my external world have hardened me to the point where I yearn for my naivety, it’s the gradual change manifesting within me that is so perplexing. Don’t … [Read more...]

Have you ever been attracted to someone but can’t stand to be in the same room with them? I currently find myself in the midst of this puzzling and utterly frustrating predicament. This man, who will remain nameless, is profoundly chauvinistic, superficial, judgmental, arrogant, brash and not to mention, disrespectful. Intellectually, let’s just say his wheel is still spinning … [Read more...]

I saw him again today, the man with the briefcase. For the past three days, around the same time, he has been standing by the flickering lamp post near the playground, always waiting for the same wild-haired woman. I began watching him because I simply couldn’t help myself. I was curious by this recurring nightly meeting. I reckoned it was a romantic tryst. When I … [Read more...]

Lately, my little brother Alex (my heart), has been having a bit of trouble in English class, mainly with differentiating between metaphors, similes and other literary jargons. So I thought I would start a blog post to define certain literary devices, techniques and elements in his honor. Today’s terms are:   1.      Irony- the use of … [Read more...]

What is it about a steaming cup of hot chocolate that makes you feel so at home? Perhaps it’s that inviting aroma, the velvety feel as it coats the back of your tongue while blanketing you with its warmth or the sweet release of endorphins from the chocolate itself. Whatever the appeal, hot chocolate has remained one of the very few comforts with the ability to transport me … [Read more...]