The call no one wants to get at 1 am on Monday morning, “We are closing school because of a suspected threat.” On May 23rd, this is the call I received. Then on Tuesday, May 24th, 2022, a teenager opened fire on an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. On Wednesday, May 25th, I sobbed in ...

A moment that ‘is’ may soon turn to a moment that ‘was.’ Warbler’s singing a tune. Listen ‘now,’ as she may sing a different song or not…next moment.   The Sun rays ‘re piercing through space between railings. Natural light’s causing a geometrical design of shadows on the deck. See ‘now,’ as new shapes may ...

Those were the days when neighbors took pride in knowing each other by first and last names Kids, pets included. O, those were the days… Those were the days when neighbors exchanged tomatoes, potatoes, and onions Milk included. O, those were the days… Those were the days when neighbors drove their cars, trucks, and trolleys ...

Strap yourselves in for today’s class as we look into a common chronic condition: Attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, popularly known as ADHD. Many people like to throw this word around, and as a result, its intended purpose and meaning are skewed. This mental health disorder stems from the inability to sit still (hyperactivity), poor concentration, and ...

Have you ever stared at a billboard, catalog, or magazine and felt inadequate? Many people harshly criticize their bodies when beauty depictions of models center around popular “highly desirable” body shapes. The media and beauty industry inundates us with unrealistically glamorous ideals. There are insider guidelines and other little hacks with step-by-step tutorials on how ...

I cannot wait to fly and touch the sky Above the clouds, beside the Sun and Moon Where Stars stand straight in line and wave their “Hi!” Where Plough and Crux appear to watch me swoon   Where Birds adapt to fly beneath the sea Where Green Sea Turtle races Octopus Where Sally Lightfoot Crab ...

On a Sunday night in March, an overwhelming achiness took over my body. Knowing how my body reacts to illness, I grabbed the thermometer to confirm I was running a fever. Well gross! Who has time for this? I slept the entire following day and felt no better. On Tuesday, I tested positive for COVID. ...

Welcome back to class, everyone. Today’s topic is widespread, done in the flesh and online with reckless abandon. Gaslighting is a repeated manipulation tactic that occurs in abusive relationships. These relationships can be between parents and children, siblings, friends, colleagues, and coworkers. However, the most spoken about relationship in which gaslighting occurs is in romantic ...

Powdery white sand shimmers its quartz in sunlight stars twinkle on ground   Singing cardinal joins the drumming woodpecker branches take a bow   Fluttering pupa amidst the dense, tall sand dunes dotted flowers bloom   Sliding waves ashore bring seaweeds, grasses, and more crabs party with bugs   Diving pelican grabs grub by its ...

PTSD affects 3.5 percent of Americans every year, which is roughly over 11,630,00 people. The disorder is commonly known as “shell-shock” or “combat fatigue”. It has a stigma surrounding it that falsely assumes only certain groups of people can suffer from it. PTSD, like every other health disorder, does not discriminate. Combat veterans are the ...