featured this issue
Memories are so crazy… Holding onto my dad’s finger. My mom’s tears. Surgery… Different is not good. Things are good at home. But then there is school … Just ignore them. Pretend they are not even there and they will go away… Why am I so ugly? Why does my life suck? I break through the sanctuary of home, crashing to my bedroom floor… I drop to my knees in prayer for the first time… My mind is being transformed. All the darkness is being replaced by light… One day, all of your pain will be used to help others. From darkness to light, and I had everything I needed inside me the whole time.
Keith Luscher
Whether it’s those days when you’re barely keeping afloat, or the ones when getting out of bed feels like a mountain to climb, remember – just show up! This article unravels how the act of ‘being there’ can make a world of difference. Drawing inspiration from real-life stories, we uncover the truth that your best is often better than you think.
Jackie Dee
Dive into this delightful short story about a thrilling day spent at a county fair. With youthful zest, siblings Billy and Tabby explore the rides, indulge in sugary treats, and relish the carnival atmosphere. But the day takes an unexpected turn when Billy has a close call on the Round-Up ride, leading to a mix of shock and relief. This tale serves as a vivid and engaging portrayal of the highs and lows of an unforgettable day, punctuated with lessons on the unpredictability of life and the joy of shared experiences.
Benjamin Lee
Explore the benefits of pursuing a college degree beyond the immediate focus of career preparation. It highlights the author’s personal journey of exploration, self-discovery, and skill acquisition during their time in university. It emphasizes that a college education allows for broader academic exposure and the opportunity to explore various interests, ultimately arguing that the potential for personal and professional growth justifies the investment.
Jackie Dee
Join us at Newark City Schools’ Rally in the Alley on Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 9 till 11 am at The Works. We are seeking clothing, uniforms, coats, shoes toiletries, backpacks and anything useful for teens. Message us to arrange drop-off or pickup of items. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Jennifer Cuevas
“Decoding the Ubiquitous ‘Like’: A Linguistic Journey” delves into the fascinating history and implications of the term “like” in everyday language. Originating from diverse subcultures and evolving into a commonplace conversational crutch, “like” serves many linguistic functions from providing comparatives to softening messages. Despite its overuse, this article suggests that “like” fills a significant gap in our communication, embodying thoughts in motion and reinforcing ideas, shaping the way we express ourselves today and in future generations.
Laurie Lane
This article explores the effects of social media addiction, particularly among teens, through the author’s personal experience. The narrative highlights the pitfalls of constant validation-seeking, the resultant negative impact on mental health, and the struggle with the fear of missing out. Providing an insightful commentary on the artificiality of online personas, the lure of dopamine-driven social media interactions, and the insubstantiality of online friendships, the author encourages readers to step back from the digital world. Advocating for a God-centric perspective, the article ends with a meaningful exercise for self-affirmation and the embrace of one’s worth in the eyes of God. A must-read for everyone navigating the tricky waters of social media.
FEATURED
Diana Baus
Memories are so crazy… Holding onto my dad’s finger. My mom’s tears. Surgery… Different is not good. Things are good at home. But then there is school … Just ignore them. Pretend they are not even there and they will go away… Why am I so ugly? Why does my life suck? I break through the sanctuary of home, crashing to my bedroom floor… I drop to my knees in prayer for the first time… My mind is being transformed. All the darkness is being replaced by light… One day, all of your pain will be used to help others. From darkness to light, and I had everything I needed inside me the whole time.
Keith Luscher
Whether it’s those days when you’re barely keeping afloat, or the ones when getting out of bed feels like a mountain to climb, remember – just show up! This article unravels how the act of ‘being there’ can make a world of difference. Drawing inspiration from real-life stories, we uncover the truth that your best is often better than you think.
Jackie Dee
Dive into this delightful short story about a thrilling day spent at a county fair. With youthful zest, siblings Billy and Tabby explore the rides, indulge in sugary treats, and relish the carnival atmosphere. But the day takes an unexpected turn when Billy has a close call on the Round-Up ride, leading to a mix of shock and relief. This tale serves as a vivid and engaging portrayal of the highs and lows of an unforgettable day, punctuated with lessons on the unpredictability of life and the joy of shared experiences.
Benjamin Lee
Explore the benefits of pursuing a college degree beyond the immediate focus of career preparation. It highlights the author’s personal journey of exploration, self-discovery, and skill acquisition during their time in university. It emphasizes that a college education allows for broader academic exposure and the opportunity to explore various interests, ultimately arguing that the potential for personal and professional growth justifies the investment.
Jackie Dee
Join us at Newark City Schools’ Rally in the Alley on Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 9 till 11 am at The Works. We are seeking clothing, uniforms, coats, shoes toiletries, backpacks and anything useful for teens. Message us to arrange drop-off or pickup of items. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Jennifer Cuevas
“Decoding the Ubiquitous ‘Like’: A Linguistic Journey” delves into the fascinating history and implications of the term “like” in everyday language. Originating from diverse subcultures and evolving into a commonplace conversational crutch, “like” serves many linguistic functions from providing comparatives to softening messages. Despite its overuse, this article suggests that “like” fills a significant gap in our communication, embodying thoughts in motion and reinforcing ideas, shaping the way we express ourselves today and in future generations.
Laurie Lane
This article explores the effects of social media addiction, particularly among teens, through the author’s personal experience. The narrative highlights the pitfalls of constant validation-seeking, the resultant negative impact on mental health, and the struggle with the fear of missing out. Providing an insightful commentary on the artificiality of online personas, the lure of dopamine-driven social media interactions, and the insubstantiality of online friendships, the author encourages readers to step back from the digital world. Advocating for a God-centric perspective, the article ends with a meaningful exercise for self-affirmation and the embrace of one’s worth in the eyes of God. A must-read for everyone navigating the tricky waters of social media.