Arrow Zhang arrived at Yale University with a sense of excitement and a desire to explore new interests. In high school, she had dedicated most of her free time to writing and playing the piano. However, at Yale, she envisioned herself engaging in a variety of activities ranging from finance to international relations. Unfortunately, Zhang …
Last December, I witnessed an intriguing moment in my classroom when one of my students reacted strongly to Moby-Dick. While the book itself didn’t elicit this response, it was the student’s realization of a connection between the plot and the 2008 financial crisis. As a finance enthusiast, he spent weeks exploring the parallels between whaling …
The art of flash fiction thrives on desire, captivating readers with brief tales that leave them yearning for more. This desire is not only the driving force behind the act of writing, but also a means of exploring new ways to depict the world. Our collection of shorter stories this year explores the theme of …
Rachel Simmons, who was raised Catholic and later joined a Presbyterian church, shared that the closest she’s ever felt to true religion came from a childhood friendship. In middle school, Rachel, Margo Darragh, and Sam Lodge formed a group called “RMS” using the initials of their first names. This elevated their friendship to a sacred …
Growing up in a big family with five siblings, Carlita Gay cherished the unique dynamics and exposure to various personalities. Although distance separated her from her hometown and family, therapy as an adult helped her realize the significance of her siblings as a refuge due to their shared history and deep understanding. Gay, now 33 …
Abortion access, gun safety, immigrant treatment, safety net size, voting ease, and LGBTQ rights are just a few policy issues that have caused a significant divide between red and blue states over the past thirty years. This divide has not only affected taxes, benefits, and government interactions, but also the cost of housing. Blue states, …
As summer draws to a close and students prepare to return to school, the stress of college applications looms over them. This can be an incredibly overwhelming time for young individuals who are faced with significant decisions. Unfortunately, the way adults communicate with them about these choices can exacerbate the difficulties they face. School counselors …
In 2014, B. J. Novak, the actor known for playing Ryan in The Office, made a surprising confession on the Late Show With David Letterman. He revealed his involvement, during his high school years, in a small role that had a significant impact on the American far right. Alongside a classmate from Romania with a …
Joining the world of soccer felt like gaining access to an exclusive club in my younger years. At the age of 7, I eagerly joined a boys’ team since the first girls’ league hadn’t yet arrived in my New Jersey town. Soccer was still a budding sport in the United States at that time. As …
I am a girl, asking a boy to love me. Specifically, I am a girl, protesting in front of a studio executive, demanding fair pay. Imagine John Cusack holding a boom box that plays “What do we want? Contracts! When do we want them? Now!” I work in late-night comedy, but I’ve always seen my …