By George Brown Brother: Look to me – do you not see your own reflection? You know what misery is; then winter should have meaning to you. I am unlike you in this only: I do not impose on the shelter of my form, rather I lie around in its being and live that it may become my own. And what will I know of me that self disguised as matter when it becomes all there is to know; do I know your winter, brother, and if I do not, will I know the spring flood when it c

The tricky world of netspeak. By Julia Palor Photograph by Carina McCallum Skibidi. Bop. Dubai Chocolate. Crack. Performative male. Labubu. When it comes to sheer volume of mumbo jumbo created, Shakespeare’s got some competition. Internet lingo, also known as netspeak, is virtually inescapable in this day and age. While most netspeak can be boiled down to harmless memes, funny sayings, or shorthand for longer phrases, a rising tide of internet language reveals cultural bia

Decade-Old Styles Are Back, Refined, and Ready to Wear By Sareena Haq Graphic by Katie-Ann Small As we all reeled in the new year, many on social media were reminiscing on 2016, and what it looked like ten years ago. Instagram was suddenly filled with nostalgic studded accessories, skinny jeans, full-glam makeup, ballet flats, and velvet clothing. Beyond fashion, people remembered the broader pop culture of the time, including the peak of Snapchat, Lemonade by Beyoncé, an

It All Blurs Together Until You Get a Little Lost By Anya Yasenovets Photograph by Mia Bianco I travel because I want to know what different cultures look, taste, and sound like. I am curious about how life feels in different countries, but often, Dubai reminds me of New York City, and San Juan resembles Boston. Most places I have traveled to feature the same touristy streets with the same stores and the same latte art. Competition for visitors has led cities to be increa

Learning to Measure Your Own Success By Mayzie Wusz Graphic by Catarina Koehler In Boston where nearly every block seems to house another college campus, ambition becomes part of the atmosphere. It sometimes seems as though all conversations circle back to internships, research, and plans for after graduation. In this environment, it’s easy to measure your worth against everyone else’s. Imposter syndrome often creeps into career conversations and can convince you that you

Easy Breakfast Spots in Beantown for College Students By Yoni Andorsky Photograph by Emma Almaraz Brunch is more than just a combination of breakfast and lunch; it’s not simply a meal eaten between the two, either. Brunch is a phenomenon that takes over weekend mornings. Its slow-paced, leisurely nature makes it a special experience, rather than just a meal. Time must be set aside because going out to brunch is, essentially, a luxury. But what about us college students who

In a culture that glorifies exceptionalism, being “normal” has quietly become a source of shame. Rhea El-Madhoun El-Yafi Graphic by Katie-Ann Small There’s a quiet panic that follows a lot of us around, not loud enough to name, but constant enough to shape everything we do. It’s the fear of being ordinary. Not failing, exactly. Not doing badly. Just blending in. Being average . Living a life that doesn’t stand out, doesn’t impress, doesn’t make anyone pause and say “wow.”

Grace LaPlaca March 15, 2026 The Little Treat: Consumerism or Care? Photograph by Serenidy Ryan Open TikTok or Instagram, and you’ll stumble across a familiar phrase: I deserve a little treat. Whether it’s a $6 latte sweating in your hand, a swipe of new lip gloss, a pastry eaten on the walk home, or a candle tossed into the cart at Target, the little treat has become a defining ritual of young adult culture. These tiny indulgences feel essential, almost medicinal. Framed as

By Erica Schwartz Photograph by Julien Pedro As a longtime weightlifter and recently minted Certified Personal Trainer, I often have friends ask me how to get started in the gym. Starting weightlifting can feel intimidating, especially for women and gender nonconforming people, but it doesn’t have to be. Lifting weights is an incredible stress reliever and plays an important role in long term health. So, here is some of my advice to get you started Don’t be afraid to ask for

A collection of the best coffee, matcha, and food for finals week. by Lina Moini Photograph by Diya Kapoor Finals week is approaching, which means long review sessions, late nights, lack of sleep, caffeine overconsumption, and…no seats at Mugar Memorial Library. Here’s where to study instead. First on the list is located in Coolidge Corner, and is open until 9 p.m. L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates offers premium chocolates and desserts, and plenty of seating for yourself and