What does it mean to feel sentimental?
I’ve always been naturally curious about my surroundings. Whether it’s a fleeting encounter or stumbling upon a hidden cafe, I’m drawn to the moments that gently shift my sense of direction, a quiet reminder that my journey is still unfolding. With so much to do and such little time to spare, I’ve learned to value the moments I share with my loved ones every chance I get. Whenever I arrive home for break after a restless semester, I look back at every photobooth picture I’ve ever taken along with a stack of high school memos written on a whim, recharging my energy as I leaf through my collection. Perhaps the rush of adrenaline reminiscing about my youth doesn’t stem from the excitement of revisiting these memories but rather the feeling of wanting to go back. To relive the years of a carefree teen whose burden only consists of making it back home in time for dinner, while finding solace in what the future will bring us. That is a dream we all yearn for, but will never be able to return to.
What does it mean to show acceptance through heartbreak?
I’ve never had my heart broken from a singular entity. No rejection can push me to the very edge, yet I’m still left grasping for what could have been. To envy those who are rich in life is to be trapped in an eternal state of despair. Even then, I subconsciously subject myself to such treatment, wondering if I could ever reach the unattainable. I never enjoyed forcing myself into conversations nor embraced the thought of changing myself just to fit in with the crowd. But if everyone else does so, then who am I to judge? Is sacrificing a part of me to blend in worth it? I know better not to give into the temptation in fear of losing who I am. Though I cope with the resolution of never truly finding my place, there’s comfort in knowing that at the very least, I’m able to prioritize myself first.
What does it mean to be a romantic?
To love and grieve instantaneously is a condition we know all too well. The art of using emotional rationale to guide our words and actions means we are bound by the laws of empathy, even when logic prefers we look away. We give affection and apprehension, inspired by the nature of where we are and how we feel in the moment. To be a romantic is to understand how we are fueled by our emotions and to embrace the beauty of “feeling” unapologetically.
And I…
I am a romantic.
Lauren Jim
Copy Editor
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