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February 14th, 2017

For the longest time, I was one of those people who got a bit sad on Valentine’s Day. Our society, as well as popular media, always portrayed this “holiday” as something that was reserved ONLY for those who had a loved one to share it with. I’m sure everyone of us has...

The Power of Words

For as long as I can remember, I have always found a strong amount of value within the power of literature. As a misunderstood and misbehaved child throughout my grade-school years, I would refuse to do any activities except sitting in the corner of the room and...

My Thoughts on the Immigration Ban

This week in politics, a very controversial ban, in the form of an executive order, was passed in regards to immigration into the United States.  Written in the verbiage of a seventh grader, it essentially stated, in confusingly broad terms, that all immigration,...

Becoming an Entrepreneur

**disclaimer: I am no way well-versed, or even versed at all, in the realm of business, but want to look into it to create a platform for my idea. If any of you smarty-pants people in the PLA have any advice to give me on this, please let me know!  Over the past...

2017 Insights (feat. Michelle Obama)

I, like the majority of individuals around this time of year, like to make resolutions for the upcoming twelve months. Acting as a beacon of hope for the successful new year, it allows us to critically and introspectively look into ourselves and think, What am I...

A Conscious String of Thought about Body Image

Growing up, I was never the “pretty one.” In fact, I was often compared to my sister, now a freshman here at State College, who was one of the most beautiful children on the planet. My grandmother used to tell my mother to keep an eye on her, as she was afraid that...

My Brother Seamus

These past two days have been a bit emotionally taxing in the Leonard house, but today I received some great news. I have been chosen, by my brother, to be his sponsor for his Confirmation! My family is Catholic, so all of us have been confirmed – it’s a tradition....

Some Thank Yous & A Warning

This week has been a tough one for me, even beyond the election. Of course, that didn’t help matters, but any kind of bad news or bad luck I could receive this week I got. SO, in light of all of this, I figured why not keep things light and bright and take some time...

The Utility of Observation

For some reason, I am a really bad baker. I have never known why – it’s just that everything I have ever tried to bake has either exploded or burnt. However, I can cook like it’s nobody’s business. And for someone who has absolutely zero housekeeping skills, this is...

Life 12 lbs. Later: A Reflection

YES – I have officially lost about twelve pounds! What an accomplishment and, quite frankly, I am so proud of myself! This is something I needed to do, and I decided to take it seriously over the summer. I feel as though I have more work to do in this department, but...