Why is Peachtree City called the Bubble?

The following article was written when I was fifteen years old. Frustrated with my own life and my parents' financial struggles, I compared myself to the seemingly perfect people around me.

It was not wise of me to pin the blame on Peachtree City, especially since the things said could occur in any wealthy city. The main focus of this article was not about the city itself but rather about my fifteen-year-old self finding a place here. As a result, the title is misleading, and I am aware of it.

However, I am not going to discredit what I felt back then, for I still believe that some things hold true. I simply did not express how I truly felt back then. To clarify, the problem does not reside in the fact that the people are wealthy. The problems reside in the fact that some of the wealthy are not effectively showing and allowing their children to understand and appreciate the value of hard work.

I now know not to generalize everyone into one category, for I know that there is more than just the preconceptions. I am grateful to have been able to here for the past decade, and I am grateful for the city and what it has provided me with.

Please read the following with an open mind. If not, I completely understand. Feel free to keep mocking a fifteen-year-old in your Facebook groups.

Imagine living in your ideal life — you, a parent, have all the money, luxuries and the time disposable in your own hands. You have a loving community full of friends and family who are in the same position as you. There's not much to worry about in the world. Your only goal is to utilize all your resources and raise your family in the most loving, nurturing way as possible. You want your children to grow up successful with all these opportunities you provided for them. You hope that they, like you, will find someone to fall in love with and raise a family of their own. You wish for nothing but the best for those you care about.

Now imagine taking part of the ultimate high school experience — you, an angsty teen, go to a party, get drunk or high. You temporarily seek relief from rigidity of society and its expectations, and you stop worrying about your responsibilities for a day. You go to these escapist activities hoping to find something that will fulfill your needs. Despite living in what your parents and outsiders consider "the perfect life," you want out of it. You were provided the world, but you feel nothing.

Clichés exist, and I live in one of them.

Peachtree City, where I've lived for over a decade, is known as "The Bubble." It has a reputation for having a close-knit community, low crime rates and the best public education. The houses here are grand, and all properties are taken care of very nicely. Not to mention, it has miles of golf cart paths all around town, and you are free to drive your golf cart on them to get place to place. The city has multiple restaurants, little parks and shopping centers, so you'll run out of nothing to do.

As great as “The Bubble" sounds, it's a flawed community.

Peachtree City, my friends, would be a typical setting in a movie, show or book. You have your rich, white parents and their spoiled children. You have the smuggled drugs, and your drunk teenagers driving on golf cart paths. There's little diversity, and those who are different are immediately looked down upon, despite the community's claims of accepting everyone in the community.

And sometimes, this can be a huge issue.

SEE ALSO: 3 Types Of People In Our Society As Seen Through The Characters Of Zootopia

Too many times, I overhear people complain about how their parents won't let them buy an expensive shirt or how their parents cut off their debit cards. There are too many times I've overheard people complain about how they have to pay for their own items or how they actually have to find a job on their own instead of relying on just their parents.

You would think that the adults would do something about all this. And yet, they are oblivious to the damage that they're doing just by giving their what they believe is the best. Then again, what do you give to somebody who already has everything? Their children have grown up in a place and manner that doesn't they don't have to work for anything. What others may think as extravagant is their norm.

But are people truly happy here? After all, these people have the wealth, which is more than what most people have.

Humans are materialistic, always comparing the name brands or how expensive their latest bags were. However, it gets tiring to see money being wasted on items that only provide temporary relief. And once the initial excitement is over, it'll leave you unsatisfied. The lavish spending begin, and there's no stop to it. But in the end, money is not the issue.

Living in "The Bubble" is exactly what it sounds like. The community is in their own bubble, closed off from the entire outside world. Everyone in it feels entrapped. Nothing ever happens; nothing is ever unusual. And when something does occur, the poor person caught in the incident will be the talk of the town for who knows how long.

And people want nothing but out.

In a town where there appear to be no problems, people are left idling because they don't know what to do.

SEE ALSO: From The Small Town Girl Who Was Made For The Big City Life

How do you know what you want to change or stand up for when there's nothing? What do you do when your world is provided for you? Do you really feel a sense of accomplishment or self-worth?

Some turn towards their religious faith, some turn towards drugs. Others, myself included, are left behind wondering what our purpose in life is. There are problems within “The Bubble" that are invisible to eyes. But, if you inspect it more carefully, you'll see that things are not as perfect as it seems.

“The Bubble" could be a form of utopia — you have all you've ever wanted in a town like this, but at the end of the day, you feel like there's no meaning in life. You have nothing to work for. Everything is the same, and there seems to be no escape. In a small town where everything's scrutinized, you feel trapped. Everyone appears happy, but deep down, they're searching for something more, something greater.

Who knows? As perfect as it may sound to outsiders, the utopia setting of Peachtree City makes it a modern-day dystopia.

Sure, being in Europe is great and all, but I have to admit that being away from home during the holiday season can be tough. Here are some of the things I'll be missing most for the next month or so.

1. Spending the Season with Family
2. Picking Out a Christmas Tree
3. Hearing the Fire Squad Blasting Christmas Music through Town
4. The Cold Weather
5. Decorating the Tree
6. Putting Decorations Up Around the House
7. Listening to Christmas Music with my Roommates
8. Having a Thanksgiving Break
9. NYC Around This Time
10. American Christmas Music
11. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
12. Window Shopping in NYC around Christmas Time
13. Light Shows
14. Houses Covered in Christmas Lights
15. Houses Covered in Decorations
16. Hand-Painted Turkeys and Other Kids' Crafts
17. Actual Turkey & Gravy
18. Stuffing
19. Obligatory Cranberry Sauce
20. Sweet Potato Souffle!!
21. Football
22. Hay Rides
23. Fall Activities
24. Homemade Pies
25. Pumpkins
26. Canned Pumpkin
27. Going Around the Table to Say What We're Thankful For
28. Everyone Being Noticeably Kinder at This Time
29. Starbucks PSL Jokes
30. Packed Supermarkets
31. 25 Days of Christmas Countdown on ABC
32. Ugly Christmas Sweaters
33. Hot Cocoa & Marshmallows
34. Watching a Movie Near the Fireplace
35. Mistletoe
36. Eggnog
37. Weird Aperitifs that I Feel Compelled to Try
38. Poinsettias
39. Santa at the Mall
40. Helping Out in the Kitchen
41. School Being Completely Understanding that No Work Will Be Done over Breaks
42. Secret Santa
43. Nativities
44. Midnight Mass
45. The Smell of Real Trees
46. Fake Trees that Can Be Decorated Perfectly
47. Ice Skating
48. Stockings
49. Food Coma
50. Christmas Cookies
51. Leaving Cookies & Milk Out for Santa with Younger Cousins
52. Tracking Santa on Norton
53. Mariah Carey
54. Love, Actually
55. Watching Elf right after Thanksgiving Dinner
56. Corporate Gifts
57. Waking Up on Christmas Morning
58. Christmas Eve Pajamas
59. Baking
60. Ornaments
61. Christmas Parties
62. Making Unimpressive Gingerbread Houses
63. Seeing Exhibits of Elite Gingerbread Houses
64. Feeling Like a Little Kid
65. The Excitement of Leaving Campus and Asking Everyone About Plans
66. Sleeping In
67. Hot Coffee on a Cold Day
68. Seeing All of Dunkin's Festive Donuts
69. Charlie Brown
70. Seeing Extended Family
71. Hanging out with My Younger Cousins
72. Christmas Sales
73. Black Friday (actually who am I kidding)...
74. Cyber Monday
75. The Weird Transition Between Thanksgiving and Black Friday that Makes Everyone Mad, though Everyone Continues to Participate in the Shopping
76. Christmas Shopping
77. Christmas Socks
78. Stocking Stuffers
79. Christmas Breakfast
80. Getting Dressed for Family Events with my Sisters
81. Walking in Snow
82. My Parka
83. Buying Gifts
84. Wrapping Paper
85. Seeing Old High School Friends
86. Getting Bombarded with "Happy Thanksgiving" and "Merry Christmas" Texts
87. The Way Kids' Faces Light Up when You Ask Them About Santa
88. Santa's that Don't Look Like Santa at All
89. Not Caring About Your Diet
90. Eating Cookies for Breakfast
91. Christmas Dessert
92. 7 Fish Tradition
93. Opening Presents with Cousins
94. Fancy Christmas Wine
95. The Hour of Complete Chaos Before the Family Arrives
96. Chocolates
97. Being Sent to the Grocery Store the Day Of Because There Are Always a Few Things We Forgot About
98. Having a Permanent Smile on Your Face
99. Positive Social Media Posts
100. Feeling the Love from Family and Friends

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New Years Resolutions are a tricky thing--most people make them even if they are not written down, but a majority of the population abandons their resolutions after the first week. How crazy is that? People can only keep "self promises" for a week. I do this especially...plan to eat healthy but then after a week I miss ice cream and quickly recede back into bad habits.

I have thought about this and trying to do a hard task for an entire year is mentally daunting. So why try and do a year challenge when you could do a bunch of easy and fun weekly challenges? More than that, isn't New Years Resolutions about being the best version of yourself and having fun doing it? That's where my idea began. Things that I wanted to do, but would be too hard to continue doing. Or things I wanted to try but never had enough motivation.

So this year my New Years Resolution is not a scary list of things I need to do all the time, but instead are just weekly challenges. I encourage you to read over the weeks, save them, and try to do as many as you can.

These challenges vary on difficulty, but all promote self-discovery, kindness, fun, and the YOU that you've always wanted to be.

1. Early Week

Wake up early all 7 days of that week. Try and watch the sunrise and just breathe. Enjoy your morning. Whether you are making breakfast for yourself or finishing work you didn't do the night before. Remember, the hardest days are the second and third! Early Bird Gets the Worm!

2. Natural Beauty Week

"Natural Beauty" can mean a lot of things do a lot of different people. It can mean: you go take a hike, go to the zoo, watch sunsets or sunrises. It can also mean not wearing makeup or trying to show your inner beauty and being your best self that week. I encourage you to try and see what the words "natural beauty" mean to you and perform this challenge.

3. Game Week

End each day by playing a game. Yes you can do this easily on your phone, but I challenge you to find a game you can play with other people. Play cards with your family or get Monopoly out with your friends and ruin your friendships(just kidding). Just play and have fun.

4. Favorite Color Week

Try each day to wear something of your favorite color...it can be your t-shirt, your jacket, a bracelet, your socks. Anything. Just wear the color that makes you happiest for 7 whole days.

5. Compliment Week

By now you should be up to/near Valentines Day...this is the perfect opportunity to share your love and joy with other people. The challenge is to give 5 compliments EACH DAY and mean them. Compliment that random lady on the street with the blue jacket you like, compliment that kids sweet shoes. Small random things like that can have huge impact on someones day. Share the love:)

6. Music Week

Your challenge this week is to listen to at least 30 minutes of music each day. I am personally going to attempt to listen to a different genre each day. Rock and Roll, Latin/Salsa, Popular Hits, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Classical, and end the week with whatever I like the best. I think its important to listen to music we like and to reach out and try new genres. So often I find that we tend to dig in with our "type" of music and refuse to branch out and try anything new. Well, here's your chance to see what you like listening to.

7. Horoscope Week

Read your horoscope for each day. They are usually completely ridiculous and so vague that they are "scary accurate." If you wanted, at the end of the week you could try a psychic reading...giving a fake one or going to a real one.

8. No News Week

This challenge is harder than it appears...you can't read the news, watch it on TV or look at it on social media. All too often the news plays up all the horrible things in the world and then does silly lighthearted stories to make it up. Go without news for one whole week and see what happens.

9. Meditation Week

All you have to do is spend 10 minutes every day meditating and 10 minutes doing yoga. The most relaxing and easy 20 minutes ever. Trust me, doing this once a day for a whole week will make a huge difference.

10. Wonderful Week

When someone asks you how you are, instead of saying "good", "fine", "okay", or "tired", you have to use a happy descriptive adjective such as "Wonderful" or "Fabulous" or "Awesome". I have learned the more you answer with a word such as "tired" the more actually tired you become. If you answer with a happy descriptive word like "Amazing", you are more likely to feel amazing too. Try it!

11. Clean Week

Happy Spring Cleaning! This weeks challenge is to clean 7 different areas (like your car, a bookcase, your fridge, your room, your backpack/bag). Just 7 small areas. That's it.

12. Fruits and Veggies Week

This is definitely a tougher challenge...you have to eat fruits and veggies at every meal. Unfortunately for me, that means no Nutella toast for breakfast. I want to try and live a healthier lifestyle and this is a good place to start. More healthy foods should make one's whole body feel better.

13. Note Week

Write and leave nice notes on cars, in your favorite library book, on someones locker/desk, or even in a bottle and throw it into the ocean. Just put some nice words into the universe. With Easter here, its important to put some love in "Easter egg" like notes.

14. Dressy Week

This is a week I am looking forward to a lot because when I dress up, even when I'm not going out, I feel powerful and get a lot of work done. The goal is to dress up and look nice every day of this week...this boosts confidence and makes you feel like you can take on the world. Although it might cost a few extra minutes in the morning, it might help you feel more prepared for your week than sweatpants.

15. Donation Week

Go through your house and find 7 items to donate to good will(this can be anything--clothes, toys, cans of food). Just a simple one item a day donation could even lead you to find other things you want to donate!

16. Cold Shower Week

I love hot showers, so this will definitely be a difficult challenge for me. Cold showers are supposed to be better for your skin and hair though...just keep in mind flawless beautiful Pantene hair as you suffer through the cold showers.

17. Inspiration Week

Watch a TED talk each day or write a quote of the day somewhere or figure out who inspires you. With Finals nearing, it is important to get inspired and stay motivated. I find that TED talks are highly motivational and educational as well as something as simple as changing your phone background to an inspirational quote can really help get you through the day so you see it all the time.

18. Fitness Week

What better way to cut down on stress than a little exercise? This challenge was two parts to it. First Part: Work yourself up to 25 pushups throughout the week(5 the first day, 10 the next, and so on till the 7th day is 35) and working yourself up to 70 sit-ups(start with 10 the first day, 20 the second, and by the last day you should do 70 sit-ups). Second Part: 1 ADDITIONAL HOUR of exercise. (It can be walking or running on a treadmill, swimming, or anything else you want.) Best of luck and have fun!

19. Self-Affirmation Week

Self-image is very important...its a thing we always think about, but rarely do anything about. This week the challenge is to only think positive things about yourself. Every time you look in the mirror you should think "Wow, I am beautiful just being me" Write positive things on your hand or in your planner or on your fridge. Say things to yourself like "You got this" and "You rock. Keep up the great work" and "Its truly is amazing that you made it through the day. I am proud of you." Mean every single one. Its very important.

20. Family Week

Treat your family by taking them out to dinner or ice cream. Do something that they want to do. Spend time with them and most importantly, tell them how much you care.

21. Chopstick Week

This is a fun silly challenge....you should try to eat everything with chopsticks. I MEAN EVERYTHING!!!

22. Color Week

Put some color in your life and everyone else's. Get out your creative side and pull out your coloring supplies. Color on Sidewalks! Books! Your hair! Pop some color on everything, everywhere! The sky is the limit!

23. Late Week

So we already had early week, but now its the opposite: sleep in late and stay up late. Enjoy that extra snooze in the morning and use that time at night to recharge or do more fun things.

24. Ride Week

Take the car and go for drives. You don't have to have a destination in mind...then on the weekend take a little trip or go to an amusement park for some Thrill Rides.

25. Water Week

The challenge for this week is to drink only water and a lot of it! Its easier said than done, but if you can learn to like the taste of water, you should be golden. The second part of this challenge is to try and go to the pool at least once. I am going to try to swim as much as I can.

26. Christmas in July Week

The Christmas Spirit is a contagious joy that spreads only in the holiday season. Why not start that during Santa's off-season as well? Get a small gift for your friends or family, have some hot-chocolate and ham, sing Christmas carols and spread joy to everyone you talk to. Even put up a tree and some decor if it helps you get more in the mood. It gives you one more use for those decorations and that ugly holiday sweater you love. Plus, Santa hats in bathing suits make for a really cute picture.

27. Book Week

With Summer, comes Summer Reading and the challenge for this week is to read one book each day(for a total of 7). Now, you can spend time re-reading your favorites, reading classics you have always wanted to read but never got around to, or just reading a Dr. Seuss book to get the challenge done and a laugh while doing it. You can read a comic book, or a poetry book...Just Read!!!

28. Tourist Week

Go around your city or nearby city acting like a complete tourist and taking artsy pictures. Do all the dumb funny things you see tourists do and dress up in your best Hawaiian or "I <3 NY" shirt. This summer I got to do a "Tourist Day" with my friends in Ocean City, Maryland and we wore ridiculous bucket hats and other funny things. We spent money on over-fried food and had an absolute blast. If you've never done a "Tourist Day" I highly recommend it. Its one of the most fun things you will do all year.

29. Movie Week

Watch a movie from a different genre each night(action, comedy, romance, drama, musical, foreign) and then end with a drive in movie or one in the theaters. This is a great challenge to go out of your comfort zone to watch things you might not even like. You can starting knocking down the AFI list(100 Greatest Movies).

30. Park Week

Visit 7 parks in 7 days. Just go throw a Frisbee or walk around a trail then leave. It's easy. Here's your chance to go take pictures of that pretty tree at the park you pass everyday to work.

31. Adventure Week

This challenge is important to those who are easily talked out of doing crazy, fun things. So this weeks challenge is to do something fun, something fearless (Go Geocaching--a worldwide treasure hunt, go camping in your backyard, go explore a cave near you....here's a fun one....go test drive a fancy car without intention to buy). Do something you wouldn't do. Have an adventure--get away for the weekend--just something that will embody the adventures spirit.

32. Beach Week

For those who live near the beach, go to a different beach each day...and for those who don't....make your own beach. Go to the pool with a bunch of toys or a local water park, lather up in sunscreen, and have an outdoor picnic. Be sure to take lots of photos!

33. Unplug Week

This may be the most difficult challenge yet. Can you do it? Are you brave enough to try? No Netflix, no phone, no computer. Leave your phone on "Do Not Disturb" and the only thing you can do on your phone is make emergency calls/work calls. No fun-browsing or social media. See what happens....can you break the addiction you didn't know you had?(I think this will be very fun, but also really annoying) Try and spend your "browsing" time doing something else like reading, exercise etc...

34. Writer Week

The challenge for this week is to write a short story every day for the week(7). It can be a paragraph long or 10 pages. Or, if you're not into short stories, try 7 poems. They can be about anything and there is no length minimum or maximum. So get those creative juices flowing and put that pencil to paper. Write away.

35. Try New Foods Week

Go to your local grocery store and pick out 7 different foods you've always wanted to try but were too scared. Try one each day. Who knows? You could have a new favorite(or least favorite) food! (I am going to try random fruits like dragon fruit because it has a cool name).

36. Pointless YouTube Challenge Week

Pick a random YouTube Challenge (ASL ice bucket, Blindfolded drawing, baby food challenge etc...) and just have fun doing something totally fun and pointless. I also TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU to take a video, post it online, and tag me, so I can see it:)(NOTE: the dare has nothing to do withe the 50 week New Years Challenge....I just like watching funny, pointless videos).

37. Selfie Week

This may seem like a strange challenge, but seeing how its Pumpkin Spice Latte Season, its the perfect time to act like a "stereotypical white girl" by taking selfies with no shame. Your challenge is to take 10 selfies a day without shame. You are not allowed to delete them or edit them in any way. You have to take all 10, no matter how bad you may think you look at the time. I promise you look beautiful/handsome.

38. Black and White Week

This is a fun, creative challenge....for this week black and white are your colors. You can only wear B&W. Additional things you can do to embrace this challenge is watch a black and white movie (Citizen Kane is great) and only take photos in black and white.

39. Sing in the Shower Week

Need a way to get over the mid-semester blues? How about singing at the top of your lungs in the shower. Bring your phone, put on your favorite playlist and jam with no shame. I love singing in the shower(in fact I am pretty sure I reenact entire musicals in the shower). Just sing in the shower and just live in that moment.

40. Chef Week

Cook or bake something everyday whether it be cookies or steak. Just spend some time in the kitchen and try and make Gordon Ramsey proud.

41. Thankful Week

Contact one person each day(total 7 people) and tell them how thankful you are for them. It can be your parent(Thanks Parents), your best friends(love you guys), or even your second grade teacher who inspired you (Thank you Miss. Glass).

42. Creatives Week

This week you should do one super creative thing each day (paint something, draw/doodle something, tie dye, oragami, sew) The world is your oyster!

43. TREAT YO SELF WEEK

If You have ever watched Parks and Recreation, you know exactly what this means. If not, it means that after a year of working hard and taking care of business you deserve a week where you can relax and "Treat Yo Self". You can buy that thing you've been eyeing, get your nails done, purchase that giant cookie cake and eat it all by yourself. Treating yourself goes deeper than this too...its making sure you're mental health is accounted for and that you are happy. Taking some time to say no to other people and Yes to yourself can be a huge help to anxiety, stress, and having good mental health. TREAT YO SELF

44. Stop and Stare Week

Spend time looking around at the nature near you. No phone no camera. Just spend some time to sit and enjoy. Stop, Stare, Listen, Think. It can last for 5 minutes or an hour...you only have to do this once as long as you think the rest of the week about How lucky you are to be alive right now and how truly beautiful earth is to just exist.

45. Smile Week

This week's challenge involves brushing your teeth after every meal, flossing at least once a day, and trying to smile as often as you can. Smile at random people. Smile at babies and dogs. At your family. Show off those pearly whites everywhere you go:)

46. Letter Week

Choose 7 friends to write 7 completely hand-written letters to. Not only are letters really fun to receive, but its a great excuse to mail your friends presents as we enter the holiday season.

47. Laugh Week

The challenge for this week is very easy....look up a corny joke each day and go around telling it. Tell it to your pastor, your teacher, your friend's mom, your coworkers. Just spread some laughs and some holiday cheer.

48. Alphabet Week

This is a photography challenge...a giant scavenger hunt. You have 7 days to take photos of things as you go through the alphabet. (for instance, for A you might take a picture of an apple, B, a balloon, C, a cat....you continue down the alphabet until you have all 26 letter. Additional rules are if you see a letter in a sign, it counts). The main rule of the Alphabet Tour is that you MUST go in order of the alphabet(start with A, end with Z). This is a great opportunity to hang out with friends or family and drive around your city to places you haven't been for a fun game.

49. Catch-Up Week

This one is a necessity...its too easy to go throughout your day, your life, scrolling through friends posts, and not actually talking to them. Not checking in. Call, text, email, message 7 old friends you haven't talked to in a while and see how they are. Get together for coffee and catch-up on all the things you've missed since the last time you talked. See what happens!

50. Goal Week

Plan for next year. New year new you. You can be whoever you want, do whatever you want, as long as you put your mind to it. If You liked these 50 One-Week Challenges...do it again or make your own. Make it harder...make them two week challenges. Remember, things like this start with just the first day.

I truly hoped you enjoyed this article and try to do these one-week challenges. While they are short, they can be easily done, and they nurture positive life-changes. I hope you share this article so other people can read and attempt these challenges as well. Do one challenge or do all of them, either way you will have fun and learn something about yourself.

Silly and fun, deep and meaningful, helpful and encouraging, these challenges can replace your "New Years Goal/Resolutions" all while advocating self-discovery, fun, kindness, and above all, being the YOU you've always wanted to be.

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It is so easy to catch the motivation bug around New Years Eve/Day. Everyone is posting their goals, their plans to reach those goals, and inspirational quotes. But, there are also people poking fun at those inspiring posters because of a tale as old as time, people not sticking to their resolutions.

Every year we see the gym empty out exponentially, all of those people who vowed to be "better people" this year never volunteer, the brand new planner you bought because you swore you were going to be organized this year lays untouched all February. That's OK too - life goes on. But, if you want to be resilient and work hard for your goals, you need to stick with it.

You need to start with a plan. Every goal is not achievable if you do not have a solid plan to guide you to success. Think of it like you have to drive to a place you've never been before, without a map, you will probably never reach your destination. Take time to sit down with yourself and make a plan. Make sure the plan is logical and reasonable so that you aren't overwhelmed or disappointed if you need more time. For example, plan out workouts around your class schedule, that way you know when you can go for sure and hold yourself accountable.

Remember why you're doing it. I believe that your motivation and goals are more likely to be reached if the goal you're setting is set for yourself. What you're doing you want to do for yourself. Even if it is not, a reminder of why you're doing it can be a huge motivator to keep going. Put a sticky note on your mirror reminding yourself why you're trying to lose weight. Set a daily reminder of your phone to remind you why it is so important to get good grades this semester.

I wish you nothing but good luck and success reaching your goals this year. Here's to you!

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The Christmas season is here. Department stores have put out decorations, candles in every Christmas scent possible, red coffee cups, and if you’re like me, Mariah’s Carey’s Christmas album stays on repeat. However, in the midst of all of my favorite things about Christmas, I am also overwhelmed by the amount of hostility. That’s right, hostility. Christmas regardless of religion is a precious time for families all over the globe. Maybe that’s the one time of year where all of your family is together for the holidays. Maybe that’s the one time of year that you get some time off from work (I am not quite in "adult land" yet so someone please tell me this is true). For college students, Christmas break is probably the only break that isn’t a total tease. By that I mean, you don’t have to stare at a single textbook, pages of notes, or login to see how much homework you have for about a month. Oh, happy day!

With all of these moments to celebrate during the year, I am amazed at the lack of happiness in the media, and those taking such precautions on saying things like “Happy Holidays” as not to offend someone depending on how they celebrate their holiday. Really? “Happy Holidays” is a phrase of good wishes and happy vibes. Is someone wishing you a Merry “Xmas” versus a “Merry Christmas” really that troublesome or offensive? What I mean by that is, people have their own way of wishing good things to others. Just because it may not have the same spiritual meaning or background that you grew up practicing, there is still no reason to be spiteful. Please do not misunderstand. I have the utmost respect and understanding that families and those of different religions celebrate holiday seasons differently. However, negative attitudes and turning your nose up at someone else because they do not celebrate the way you do is, well, tacky. You do not have to agree with it. You do not even have to like it. But please remember that class and respect never go out of style (The phrase, “Never say never”, does not apply here). I remain so humbled in the fact that we live in a country where we get to celebrate and worship both national and religious holidays as we please. Some men and women are not home during the holidays to see their families, and we are arguing over Starbucks’ red cups? I can promise you a red coffee cup is not a start to the “War on Christmas”. Some families are missing loved ones that were expected to be present during the holiday season, and the only thing we are concerned about is our three paragraph rant we chose to put on social media.

I challenge all of you to take some time and reflect on exactly what kind of holiday you want to have. What examples will you set for society? What positive things can we say during a time of such controversy? Remember the reason for your season, but also remember to respect everyone else’s.

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2022 has been one of my favorite musical years in recent memory. From ‘Midnights’ and ‘Stick Season’ to so many other incredible tracks and albums, I knew I had to highlight the songs that I couldn't have made it through the year without.

House On Fire - Mimi Webb

‘House on Fire’ was my number-one played song of the year on my apple music wrapped, so it's crystal clear that thid was a hit for me. Mimi Webb is a straight up pop-star, the proof is right here in this song.

Sneakers - Knox

‘Sneakers’ couldn't be a better song to completely let loose and dance and scream the words to. Knox is going to be such a huge name in music by this time next year, especially if the music continues to be at this level of pop perfection.

Anybody - BIZZY

I found BIZZY on TikTok this year from a video using ‘Anybody’ and was instantly hooked. I feel like I've never quite related to a song more, truly. Anytime I want to dance around or do my make-up I have ‘Anybody’ playing at full volume.

I genuinely have no type and probably could fall in love with anybody.

Midnight Rain - Taylor Swift

I debated just putting every song from ‘Midnights’ on this list. ‘Midnight Rain’ was an obvious first choice, this sound was such a departure from anything we've heard from Taylor before, and I couldn't be more in love with it. There is nothing quite like dancing in a club to this track, Taylor Swift can perfect any genre.

Snow on the Beach (ft. Lana Del Ray) - Taylor Swift

I simply couldn't just put one song from ‘Midnights’ on here. ‘Snow on the Beach’ made this list for a plethora of reasons, from the stunning backing track to the beautiful harmonies, I was hooked from the first listen. Any song that incorporates the phrase “aurora borealis” is on another level.

If anyone ever compared my green eyes to the northern lights I would purpose.

Stick Season - Noah Kahan

If I had to name one artist who I think put out the absolute best music this year it would be Noah Kahan, no question. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Noah is a once-in-a-generation artist. The entirety of ‘Stick Season’ proves just that. Now as for the song ‘Stick Season,’ easily, that is the song that I haven't been able to get out of my head all year. I will scream these lyrics at an unreal volume whenever it comes on.

Sweetest Human Being Alive - George Ezra

George Ezra is a god among men, so it’s natural that I would think his entire new album, “Gold Rush Kid,” is pure perfection. Every song could easily make this list, but ‘Sweetest Human Being Alive’ just might be my favorite love song of all-time. If anyone ever sang this to me I’d genuinely combust.

X's - Georgia Webster

I never went to bars underage, but somehow i completely relate to every word Georgia is singing here on ‘X’s’ about just needing a drink after a shitty breakup. I am predicting huge things for Georgia Webster this next year, she will be THE it girl, mark my words.

Tennessee Orange - Megan Moroney

So much good country music has come out this year, but Megan Moroney has really made an impact on me. From 'Hair Salon' (which I will talk about in a different article) to this incredible admission of love, 'Tennessee Orange.' There are a million things I love about this song. but mostly just how warm it feels.

Music for a Sushi Restraunt - Harry Styles

Is 'Music For a Sushi Restaurant' the strongest song vocally or lyrically on 'Harry' House?' No! However, it's next to impossible to be in a bad mood while this track is playing. Just the backing music brings a smile to my face and makes me want to dance around whatever room I am in.

And yes, I do hope Harry eventually gives 'Ant Farm' its flowers for ripping off the theme song.

Aloe Vera - Greyson Chance

If you have read any of my music articles I don't have to tell you that I worship the ground Greyson Chance walks on. I have two tattoos of this man's lyrics, he is genuinely one of my favorite creatives around. His newest album, 'Palladium,' features 'Aloe Vera' which is my absolute go-to for a smoke session or for when I just want to vibe. There are so many incredible musical and especially vocal moments throughout 'Aloe Vera' that I can't get over.

Bitch Back (ft. Fletcher) - Olivia O'Brien

Through most of my dips in self-esteem throughout my early 20s so far I have had Olivia and Fletcher to be the soundtrack to me getting that back. Both of these women couldn't feel more like just a couple of my friends. 'Bitch Back' came out exactly when I needed it to. I pre-game to this song too often just to remind myself I am indeed THAT bitch.

Cate's Brother - Maisie Peters

'Cate's Brother' has the entirety of TikTok in a chokehold. Truly Maisie Heard 'Best Friend's Brother' from Victorious and took it as seriously as possible. And we love that for her. This song has been my favorite hairbrush song of the year, anytime I am getting ready for a night out you will see me in the mirror with this track on screaming the words.

Also, I just saw Maisie live a few weeks ago in LA and this song was an absolute party.

Blonde - Maisie Peters

I could write an entire fluff piece on why I think Maisie Peters is a pop star people will still be talking about for decades to come. She has completely mastered the art of pop songs in the way that only artists like Carly Rae Jepsen and Taylor Swift- era 1989 have. Maisie, with 'Blonde', truly had feral girl summer in full swing and I was right there with her, bleaching my hair until it was as beach blonde as my hair would allow.

Nonsense - Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter has proven with 'Emails I Can't Send' that she is a pillar in the pop music world. (I Will talk so much more about that album in a top albums of the year article I am working on) From the record 'Nonsense' is the track that I just can never get out of my head. When she said, "woke up this morning thought I'd write a pop hit" she truly accomplished that mission. I think this is one of my favorite songs out of her entire discography and think that being able to put together a song like this puts Sabrina in a whole different league than even I, as a huge fan, would have put her in before.

And that Christmas remix?! No, she came to do what she came to do with that one.

How Do You Love Somebody - Why Don't We

People sleep on Why Don't We as a group because of typical boyband tropes, which I understand, the bubblegum pop isn't really for me either at this point, but 'How Do You Love Somebody' is a complete departure. I have supported these guys since the day the band was announced and couldn't be more proud of their musical growth, If you're as obsessed with this mature pop-rock sound from the guys, be sure to follow their solo careers closely, I know Daniel Seavey just put out a killer track!

Ms. Jones - Sidney Bird

Nothing pairs better with a matcha latte and brunch in Beverly Hills than 'Ms. Jones.' Everything does indeed go well for us kids (im 25) in California. I have this song blaring through my headphones at least a few times a day.

Waves - The 502s

The 502s have brought so much joy into my life over the last year. Every single one of their songs feels sun-kissed. It's rare to find a group that solely makes feel-good music, but that's what you get with The 502s. If driving down the coast at sundown could be wrapped up into one song I am fully convinced that song would be 'Waves.' If I don't see them live soon, in Los Angeles, I will be devastated.

Hindsight - Jake Wesley Rogers

Listen, Jake Wesley Rogers may have crafted the happiest song of all time. I haven't been able to turn this track off since sitting in the theater and hearing 'Hindsight' on the soundtrack to 'Bros' (one of the best rom-coms in YEARS). I can't help but instantly be in the best mood whenever this song is on. It has been a long time since I have allowed anything to make me feel unadulterated joy in this way.

Tattoo - Young Culture

'Tattoo' is this incredible pop-rock song that I found on TikTok that feels like it was plucked right from an early 2000s movie soundtrack. Any song that manages to reference 'Pieces of Me' by the queen of pop, Ashlee Simpson, is an easy favorite for me. I haven't done a deep dive into Young Culture, but 'Tattoo' has me convinced I would be overly obsessed. They recently put out an album, 'You Had to Be There' which I will check out ASAP!

When You're Gone - Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes is years into his career, and yet, 'When You're Gone' is, in my opinion, the best song of his career. Now don't get me wrong, I am, and have always been, as big of a Shawn Mendes fan as anyone else. I've been around since vine, I've been to the shows and always supported his music, so this isn't me discrediting his career thus far. But truly, it feels like 'When You're Gone' is Shawn finally finding his groove sonically. I am fully ready for a whole record of tracks with this vibe.

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