Stress seems to be a common and a reoccurring theme throughout high school, be it a bio final or filling out university applications, it is always lurking over our shoulders. Although stress can be healthy, it has the ability to seriously take a toll on our physical and mental health if we do not deal…
Friends. They make the world go round. They can turn a frown into a laugh with just a word. The can transform a terrible day into the greatest one ever with an old joke. They pick you up when you’re down, and lift your spirits. But what if they don’t do that? What if instead of…
[source] There’s nothing worse than seeing someone obsess over their insecurities, as I too have been in that position. A girl who I called a “friend” commented on my arms one day in 5th grade, stating how I should wear long sleeve shirts more often, and it bothered me. I knew what she said was…
[source] I’ll be honest: I’m really jealous of people who can take constructive criticism easily. I struggle with the thought of being less than great, which is hard considering the school system is built on the idea that you will gradually improve and get better with every word you hear, say and write. It’s a…
Some of you may associate the Paleo diet with impressive chunks of meat and… well, more chunks of meat. But the idea behind eating “as our ancestors did” isn’t to become carnivorous, but rather to fill ourselves with vitamin and nutrient rich-foods, mostly vegetables, and eliminate the “empty calories” and inflammatory compounds that are in…
What is happiness to you? Such a straightforward question that ultimately generates a world of complicated answers. Instead, pause, look around you and ask yourself, what brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart? If you’re one to keep up with current events, or have any social media for that matter, you are…
Winter and exam-time are two extremely dreadful few weeks that happen to occur at basically the same time. Personally, I find reading extremely relaxing, especially when I’m trying to forget about the exams I’m cramming for. I compiled a mini list of books that I’ll be sure to read during the winter season. These books…
This time of year, for many of us, is extremely tiring and stressful. I totally get it. From school, to work, to extracurricular programs, I think it’s safe to say that we are busier than any bee out there. With that English midterm next week, and that math unit test tomorrow, and that huge chemistry…
Intense nostalgia. Wishing to go back in time. Constant reminiscing of the past. All symptoms of growing up. The other day, as I was walking outside, I passed by an old memory. The school I had gone to for my first few years of elementary school. And although I had passed by it nearly everyday…
Until last week, eighteen year-old Instagram model Essena O’Neill was the perfect model of what, in her opinion, Instagram and other social media sites are all about: deception, vanity, and competition. With 612 000 followers in tow, she walked through life a slave to her internet popularity; she spent hours trying to find the perfect lighting,…
I was hoping to write this before classes had even started, but as you can tell I have procrastinated once again with my posts on YAA. 61 days have passed since the first day of school and now here I am, writing an open letter to myself before being bombarded with the stress of January…
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about mental illness, it’s that it targets everybody. On the outside, most people seem so happy. But beneath the smiles and laughter is often something darker. In fact, I used to think that mental illness only found a home in those who were the type of people who don’t…
So I think that many of us have reached that point of the year when we are tired of school and we significantly place a lot less effort in our work. I admit school can be pretty tiring sometimes but I will give you 4 tips that will make sure that you are staying motivated and…
What do meeting cool people, making new friends, experiencing new moments, and helping others have in common? They are all things that are a result of volunteering! Volunteering is about so much more than just looking good on the resume — I can’t personally put into words how much being an active volunteer has…
I’m proud to announce that Ronica Li is November’s Blogger of the Month! She was recognized for regularly posting high quality articles and always having a willingness to help out. I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with her and get to learn more about her. Besides being a part of YAA, she’s also involved in…