Prom is basically an excuse to max out your dad’s credit cards on a $1,500 dress, new heels, and an updo that’s going to fall apart by 6 p.m. But what happens when you end up at prom surrounded by mostly strangers, and form a tiny friend group with the people sitting at your table? Prom was just a few weeks ago, and I still can't shake the feeling of how perfect it was. From dinner to dancing to making friends, the night was a total hit.

Today, I completed my final assignments for my Early Childhood Education and Psychology classes. To say I feel excited, nervous, and relieved all at once feels surreal. Reflecting on the past five years, starting with enrolling in PA Cyber and launching my own blog, it's clear I’ve been incredibly fortunate. What a whirlwind this journey has been!

This thread was inspired by the rainy day we had yesterday. As I sat inside finishing lesson planning for the week and finishing up some extra school work, I realized how much I cherish rainy, relaxing days. One of my poems is also inspired by one of my close friends that I have recently spent a bunch of time with. These last couple months have been a breeze which is why I am excited to release yet another poetry thread. 

A whisper of wind, a splash in the sea, or even a snow angel in the cold—Fahlo (Fall - Oh) is a new, trendy way to spread your love for animals through a simple bracelet, card, and phone! Whether you’re tracking an elephant or watching a video of a snow leopard, Fahlo does its part to protect animals in a fun, safe, and engaging way!

Stuck at home in the midst of the flu, I find myself in deep connection with myself. After a long month filled with friends, happiness, lots of Dunkin’ coffee, and music, I finally have the opportunity to take a sick day and catch up on all the fun things your favorite writer has endured! A Cozy Catch-Up is in order, so please grab your favorite coffee-inspired drink, sit back, and read.

Valentine’s Day – an ever-recurring theme here on the blog. Last year, on this life-sucking holiday, I found myself wrapped in the magic of Disney, surrounded by love, princesses, and pixie dust, all while nursing a minor heartbreak that felt a little too major at the time. Funny how that works, right?

As I wrap up my senior year, I’ve found myself with more free time to connect with friends and family, all while embracing the quiet whispers of nature. During these cold, snowy months, I often find myself longing for the long, sun-filled summer days, the crisp breeze in the air, and the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us. Nature has a way of making everything feel more alive, more meaningful, and I hope my reflection on it resonates with you, as it does with me.

I often find myself reflecting on gratitude: the people, experiences, and moments I’m thankful for. Writing has become my way of pausing to appreciate the life I’m building and acknowledging how, even in the toughest times, happiness always seems to find a way to return to me. After ringing in the New Year, I took some time to reflect on the year that passed, spending quality moments with the people I cherish most and thinking about everything I achieved in 2024.

The Christmas season is a surreal time to be engulfed by love and warmth. I've taken this month to reflect on the things I cherish, the people I hold dear, and what exactly the future holds for me. Spending time with those closest to me is so special, and I had the opportunity to reflect on these things on Christmas Eve, at Mass, under the light of God, and with the two most important women in my life. 

After seeing a lot of snot falling from my students’ noses and hearing countless coughs this weekend, I quickly realized that these chilly months bring more than just cold weather—they also bring important life experiences. I've always loved winter: the snowfall, the hot chocolate, and cozying up to a warm Christmas movie. To continue my poetry series, I’ve decided to make this one winter-themed.

When I was in second grade, my teacher assigned each of us to create our own "chapter book." It was the first time I truly remember enjoying the beauty of writing and creating something all my own. Those little memories from my childhood blossomed into something grander, turning my love for writing and reading into passions I’ve relied on for years. Now, as a senior, with only a few Sundays left in my high school career, I find myself reflecting on everything I’m grateful for, what I’ve accomplished so far, and what I hope to achieve in the years to come.