Category: Perspectives Essay Competition

  • Dorm Window

    Dorm Window

    By: Maya Martinez For me, my success is not defined by the amount of money I want to make or fame I receive. I want to experience the world, explore as much as I can, and most of all make a positive difference with the life path I chose to take. That’s what this photo…

  • The Old Man and I

    The Old Man and I

    Written by Alexander Green What does the future hold for me? As I age and wither into the old man I want to be, I hope to have succeeded in many ways.  I’ve always envisioned my future to be one filled with stories and laughter. A man that has spent his life telling others the…

  • ‘Tis the Season

    ‘Tis the Season

    Written by Catherina Chowdhury. Graphic by Quynhmai Tran. I haven’t met anyone who picked “dare” in years.  Over time, my friends and I started calling the game “truth or truth” just because it was more to the point. Then it became “hot seat,” because it wasn’t like anyone wasn’t going to answer the questions. As young people,…

  • The Taxonomy of Blankets

    The Taxonomy of Blankets

    Written by Kayla Hays. Graphic by Quynhmai Tran. “We bought this for you,” said my mom, handing over a hot pink blanket which burned brightly in both the soft fabric and the forced femininity for my five-year-old self. Of course, I didn’t know to care at the time; I didn’t know to care that my blanket was…

  • I Carry You With Me

    I Carry You With Me

    Written by Kate Diller. Graphic by Quynhmai Tran. – I never was much for wearing jewelry every day. I wear a watch on my left wrist, over the spot I plan to remember one of you with a tattoo. Some days, I’ll wear a necklace, one from Ryan, or Turkey, or you. There’s a ring…

  • The Brown, Wooden Box

    The Brown, Wooden Box

    Written by Jadyn Simental. Graphic by Quynhmai Tran. – Not many people know about the brown, wooden box. The box is small, but the wooden figures that live in the brown, wooden box aren’t fragile to the large territories surrounding. I imagine the little people in the box as pieces of treasure, untouchable. The figures…

  • Sanctuary of Snakes

    Sanctuary of Snakes

    Written by Sophie Schott. Graphic by Quynhmai Tran. – “God smites people who smuggle snakes into Mass.” As we crouch in the dapple of discolored fall leaves and plunge our chubby fingers into the writhing nest of baby garden snakes on a misty Sunday morning, my oldest cousin, Charlie, hailing from the wise, ripe age…

  • Civility in Academia

    Civility in Academia

    Written by Patrick Lee.Graphic by Peyton Cabaniss. – My perception of academia coming into college was that of an exuberant idea factory, pumping out world-changing publications and smart people capable of ethically advancing the human base of knowledge. But, as in many cases, the appearance of things has the effect of masking its truer form.…

  • Yelling and Waiting

    Yelling and Waiting

    Written by Terrane Ansley.Graphic by Peyton Cabaniss. – I sat in the grass that I was allergic to and waited. The sound of the head coach’s whistle was rarely heard; he opted for yelling instead. In rare moments, he would blow the whistle before letting it drop to his chest. Then he would yell. The…

  • The Best Teacher

    The Best Teacher

    Written by Ryan Hurt. Graphic by Peyton Cabaniss. – True, authentic love is a mystery. It can be right in front of our faces without our realization, while at the same time being remote when we think it’s right next to us. From a sincere “How are you?” all the way to “What the hell…