Just the other day, in conversation with my mom I described New York as having a "ghetto majestic" element. Severe laughter ensued, mostly because my mom was wondering what the hell I was talking about.
What I meant by describing my city in that way, especially as a Bronx resident, is that despite its rough, tough, and ruthless outer appearance, when you look a little closer, New York can be gentle. Amid the chaos in the jungle, for a moment, there is stillness and beauty.
When I was learning how to talk, I was taught both Portuguese and English at the same time. In elementary school, I started taking mandatory Spanish classes, which I did well in because of my knowledge of Portuguese. Then in high school, on top of taking Spanish, I also started taking French. Now, in college, already fluent in English and Portuguese, I'm in the process of becoming fluent in Spanish, and I have a standard high school level understanding of French.
All my life there has been many people who been involved in a variety of languages. My mom is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. I remember her trying to learn Arabic when I was younger and she used to know German. My dad is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish while managing well enough with English. My step mom is fluent in Spanish and English, and has learned Portuguese since dating my father. Because of them and others, my environment has always been conducive to learning multiple languages.
Up until I started working in high school, I took all of this for granted. However, I soon learned there were significant benefits to knowing more than just English. Anyone that knows one or more languages than English understands how satisfying these reasons are.
At work, on the streets, in a grocery store, or literally anywhere else, there are moments when people who don't speak English struggles with their surroundings. Trying to speak to someone who doesn't understand their native language, looking for directions, or asking for help with something becomes difficult for them and frustrating. For example, I was on break at work once and while passing the food station, a man was trying to order a meal in Spanish. The cashier didn't understand Spanish and saw me passing by, so he asked me to help since he knew I understood and spoke Spanish. It's always made me feel really great being able to help others through using other languages.
This definitely includes when they're talking about you. The feeling of satisfaction and self-pride when you can shock people by pointing out that, "hey I know exactly what you're saying about me," is probably my favorite reason on this list. It's also really fun hearing people gossiping about others, whether you know who those other people are or not. You could be in a completely normal setting, like a hair salon, and one haircut later, you know all about how your hairdresser's sister just got divorced and now there's a nasty custody battle going on to see who gets the kids. It's highly entertaining to hear about the lives of others without them knowing, even if we're aware that it's kind of messed up and makes us seem nosy.
This is heard all the time when our parents, teachers, and advisers tell us we need to learn a foreign language in school. Sure it gets annoying to hear, but it's also really true. Knowing languages can open up more job opportunities because employers look for people who can either bring a more diverse group to them or who can keep up with the diverse group they already have coming in. Most jobs can be helped or expanded through the knowledge of other languages, and some even have it as a job requirement. Knowing more than just the English language puts you at a higher advantage than other applicants.
When you go to a foreign country and find someone that speaks English, it's the best feeling in the world. You don't feel so alone anymore! The same thing applies to when people from foreign countries or when people who don't speak English come here. It feels like they've finally found something familiar in a sea of the unknown. Knowing languages also allows for you to connect to more people through also learning their culture. Cultures all over the world are vast and unique, and by connecting to someone through their language, you're able to discuss the culture of their country and can compare it to your own culture. It's always really intriguing learning about the experiences others have had in their homelands, and being told about those experiences brings you closer to those people.
Obviously, this depends on where you go, but if you go somewhere that you know the language, then it holds true. Besides relaxing by the beach, one of the top things people do when they're on vacation is going sightseeing. At one time or another (or maybe every vacation), it happens that you get lost while on your way to places you're dying to see. Having trouble communicating in a foreign country is one of the biggest worries when traveling, besides safety. No need to worry about that anymore when you understand the language can read road signs and maps, and can speak to natives about the culture of their country.
I am without a doubt one of those people who refuses to start decorating for Christmas or listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving has become an underrated holiday over the years. You barely see any Thanksgiving decorations in stores; it's like they skip right from Halloween to Christmas.
Here are some reasons why Thanksgiving is still bomb, illustrated by some of our favorite Disney characters:
No matter how much your family may annoy you, you know deep down that you love them. Any time you get to spend with your family should be cherished.
Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin pie...you want to skip right all over that stuff? No, that's what I thought.
Remember: Thanksgiving calories don't count.
Whether you get a full week off for Thanksgiving or just a few days, it still means you have the opportunity to take a break from stressing about classes. And you get to see your dog, what's better than that?
Goodbye flannels and cute booties. Goodbye pumpkin spice everything and the beautiful red and orange leaves. Goodbye sweater dresses and goodbye not wearing a coat when you go outside. Thanksgiving is like the going away party for fall.
Truly a staple in the American household for Thanksgiving morning.
Just be patient, Christmastime will be in full swing once Thanksgiving is over and the wait isn't that long. Also let's be real-- it will start snowing soon and the cold weather will approach us, something most people like to hold out on anyway.
Even though you should appreciate what you have all the time, some people don't really think about it until Thanksgiving when everyone else is doing it. I guess it's better late than never, but you should always be thankful for what you have.
Some universities only get two or three days off for Thanksgiving break. Or, if your university is like mine, you get the whole week off go go home. A whole week off is a long time. I'm not complaining, because I'd rather have a whole week off than three days, but there is a lot of down time. Here are some ideas as to what you can do to get the most out of your Thanksgiving break.
The Thanksgiving break of my freshman year of college was when I really got to see which of my high school friends I actively wanted to be friends with after graduation and which I was friends with only because I was in classes with them for four years straight. With these friends, it can be fun comparing our daily lives from different colleges and reminiscing on how awful high school was. Go to a coffee shop and catch up!
Because there's truly nothing more exciting than running into that guy from your graduating class who posts snapchat stories of him lifting weights at your local gym in order to try and impress the ladies. But also, Thanksgiving meal carbs. Ugh.
Take a break from all that homework I know you're getting ahead on. Find a new show that you can binge watch during your vacation.
We all know there's never enough of that in college.
Because sometimes in college you don't have access to vegetables/fruit/a kitchen.
If you think the three suitcases I took home with me for this one week of Thanksgiving break is too much...think about how many clothes I'll bring back home with me in a few weeks.
All of the holiday gift ads are coming out this week!
With all that money that a typical college student has, right?
It's that time of year again- Thanksgiving Break is finally approaching. For college students everywhere, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and not really worry about homework (well, depending on what major you're in). However, going home for Thanksgiving is actually a lot more complicated and stressful than it looks. From traveling, to Thanksgiving in general, the stages of going home can drive students crazy.
Traveling is stressful for everyone, including college students. However, traveling on Thanksgiving is a whole other monster.
We have all thought about this during at least one Thanksgiving dinner.
Unless you are so terrible at cooking that you need an intervention from Gordon Ramsay, you will probably help out with Thanksgiving prep. Or, if your family doesn't want to deal with cooking at all, you can always go out to eat!
Goodbye summer clothes, and hello sweaters and scarves!
Thanksgiving means seeing family and old friends at a very fast rate. Be prepared for inevitable questions including: "Do you have a job yet?" or "How are your grades?"
Honestly, any kind of wine goes really nice with your Thanksgiving dinner.
It's inevitable that you're going to get a food coma on Thanksgiving. Be prepared.
Going home for Thanksgiving also means more sleep. And then you realize that all-nighters eventually add up.
Procrastination is inevitable.
And instead of studying you'll probably be looking at ugly Christmas sweaters and potential Christmas gifts.
Have we all heard the saying "happy wife, happy life?"
Your relationship doesn´t have to be full of exchanges of lavish gifts. You do not have to go on elaborate dates and try crazy things. While those are great for a relationship, there are much simpler ways to ensure a happy and stable union.
I must say that this is very common among partners. Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of the truth between the both of you. Although your love may be strong, this may also cause you to become insecure. This insecurity may be about things that might not even exist. This may stem from personal insecurities, but I do think that a lot of people start thinking things like "What if he/she doesn´t love me?" At that point, thoughts like that can possibly negatively affect the relationship. Whenever it happens, make sure to shift your focus to the good and beautiful things in your relationship instead.
There are different ways to solve your problems. It is best that you avoid confrontation that is toxic and full of anger. Focus on what the problem is and see how you both can reach an agreement. Arguing and screaming at one another does make both of you feel really bad and can put a slight dent on the healthiness of the relationship. Sit with your partner and talk things out. It is not easy to do, but you will find that it will make you both happier and more understanding of one another.
THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. People may think that gifts and huge proclamations of love may be the key to a good relationship, but I believe that it is much more simple than that. The most important thing is for your partner to KNOW that you love them and to see that you truly care about them. You don´t avoid them and you make them a priority. If you're with a person, they should become a priority and they shouldn't have to question your motives.
My boyfriend and I don't share similar interests. We don't necessarily have to, though, to make things work. It wasn't too easy at first because I really have zero interest in half of the things he does, but my appreciation and deep love for him made me want to understand him more. He does the same for me and this has greatly improved our relationship. So, if you really don't seem to have much in common with your partner, make sure you give them some time to show you what they love.
My boyfriend is the type to keep things within. He's not the biggest fan of romance or verbally expressing love. But I am the opposite. Sometimes it hurts my feelings because I just work differently than he does. We spoke about it, and he has tried to be better at expressing his love for me. This has also improved our feelings about one another. Telling your partner what you feel is significant can make you guys even closer than before.
Songs About Being 17
Grey's Anatomy Quotes
Vine Quotes
4 Leaf Clover
Self Respect
1. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society
2. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook
3. Kristen Haddox, Penn State University
4. Jennifer Kustanovich, SUNY Stony Brook
5. Clare Regelbrugge, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
