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YOUTH ARE AWESOME

Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth. YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them. Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.

Any views or opinions expressed on this blog belong solely to the author and do not represent those of people or organizations that the blog may be associated with, unless explicitly stated. All content is for informational purposes only.

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Pick apart a poem: “This is a Photograph of Me” by Margaret Atwood

Diya K
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Pick apart a poem: “This is a Photograph of Me” by Margaret Atwood

This is a Photograph of Me

Margaret Atwood, 1939

It was taken some time ago.
At first it seems to be
a smeared
print: blurred lines and grey flecks
blended with the paper;

then, as you scan
it, you see in the left-hand corner
a thing that is like a branch: part of a tree
(balsam or spruce) emerging
and, to the right, halfway up
what ought to be a gentle
slope, a small frame house.

In the background there is a lake,
and beyond that, some low hills.

(The photograph was taken
the day after I drowned.

I am in the lake, in the center
of the picture, just under the surface.

It is difficult to say where
precisely, or to say
how large or small I am:
the effect of water
on light is a distortion

but if you look long enough,
eventually
you will be able to see me.)

 

________________________________________________________________________

Early Life: 

Born in 1939, Margaret Atwood was a Canadian poet, novelist, and short-story writer. She started writing when she was just 5 years old, and as she grew older, she decided to take writing and literature much more seriously; by even earning a master’s degree in English Literature at Harvard University. Margaret was much better known for her novels in comparison to her poems (yet her poetry still proves to be outstanding). Many of her novels included themes such as “Role Reversal” and “New Beginnings”, which I personally think contribute from the fact how she moved up north from Toronto when she was just a little kid. Along with being a stellar novelist, she created many creative poems which still continue to be dissected in schools to this day. 

Today, I’m going to dissect a peculiar poem of her’s that I stumbled upon called “This is a Photograph of Me”. 

Disclaimer: I actually have no idea what the poem really means but this is my interpretation of it!

Analysis:

Let’s take a look at the first stanza of the poem. If you don’t know what a stanza is, think of it as a chunk of the poem. In this case it is the first 4 lines. Most of the time when we begin to read a poem, it starts off with us reading the title and then each stanza. Firstly we read the words, “This is a Photograph of Me” which leads us into a physical description of this “photograph” in the first stanza. Specifically, it seems to be like this photograph was taken a long time ago and has undergone some minor damage. I made this inference from the literal first line, “It was taken some time ago”, and how the speaker described it to be a “smeared print” and with “blurred lines”. This starts off the poem with a mysterious effect as we do not know what is in the photograph yet and it doesn’t have a great quality either (for some reason it just gives me mysterious vibes at the same time too, even though I don’t really have any evidence for that). 

Then, readers approach the second stanza. It appears to be providing more description as to where the photograph was taken (which definitely eases the reader’s curiosity). The line, “as you scan it, you see in the left-hand corner a thing that is like a branch,” tells us not only more about the photograph but also what the author, Margaret, wants us to do. First of all, the speaker is not specific about what is in the picture as the speaker describes the object in the left-hand corner as a “thing that is like a branch”. Why is the speaker not specific? Is it because it is not an important detail for the rest of the poem, the speaker is just being careless with her choice of description, or is it because the speaker themselves does not know? 

 

Side note: reading this poem has taught me to question why famous writer’s say what they say. My teacher taught me how their choice of language, diction, and tone is almost always intentional. Another thing I learned is that when the author uses “I” in the poem, it is not always referring to the author themselves, but it is referring to the speaker of the poem. 

 

Anyways, back to analyzing the second stanza. After that confusing branch description, we then come to know that it is part of a tree (which the speaker doesn’t even know what kind as they say, “balsam or spruce”), and how there is a little house in the picture. By now I have come to the general conclusion that this photograph has been taken somewhere in nature. In my opinion, the second stanza doesn’t really add anything else other than helping readers gain a deeper understanding of where the photo was taken. 

 

Side note: Now I know I said to think of stanzas as chunks, but you should keep in mind that these “chunks” can be pretty small at times (like even 1 or 2 lines). 

 

After reading the second stanza, readers lay their eyes upon more imagery through the 2 lines in the third stanza. But something about this imagery seems to be more important than the descriptions from stanza two. Why do I feel this way you may ask? Well for starters, if it wasn’t so important, then why couldn’t Margaret just add those two lines to the second stanza? And then secondly, maybe the reason why she made them stand by themselves was because their purpose was to serve as a turning point, or some sort of detail that is relatively crucial to the rest of the poem? Again, I have no idea these are just some questions and ideas of mine that I am expressing through this analysis. 

We finally reach the fourth stanza. This line in brackets serves to be the line that gives me goosebumps almost every time I read it. 

“(The photograph was taken the day after I drowned.” 

My initial reaction to this line was,” HUH? WHAT DOES SHE MEAN DROWNED”?! IS SHE A GHOST OR SOMETHING?!?!?”

This singular line changes the poem tremendously as it not only advances the plot significantly but it also enhances the mysterious tone by a million (which is a hint of creepiness too). 

 

Side note: An important aspect about this poem I noticed was the use of brackets. Other than the simple usage of them in the second stanza during her confusion about trees, they are used in an important way after. From the start of the fourth stanza to the end of the poem, everything is in brackets. 

Why is everything in brackets? In modern day society, the use of brackets after phrases has become very common as it serves to indicate that the person has different intentions or words that they aren’t expressing directly. This is commonly used through texts as it would be pretty complicated to use them in real life. 

Example: I’m just going to lock in for all my exams (I have given up and there’s no hope). 

Ok that was a long “Side note” – back to the poem. 

 

I think that the first half of the poem not in brackets serves to show the perspective of the person viewing the photograph for the first time without any background context or knowledge. Then, I think the second part of the poem in brackets serves as a form of direct communication of the person in the poem and to the viewer of the picture. You will understand why I said “person” later in this analysis. 

The fifth stanza is what really shocked me. (Go scroll up and remind yourself by re-reading the poem if you have forgotten what’s happening). The lines, “I am in the lake, in the center of the picture, just under the surface.” IS SO CREEPY. I apologize for my usage of all caps, but I think that’s the only way to communicate what I feel when reading that line. This line is very very direct and blatant. I think that there is literally no underlying meaning to it. The speaker is just telling the audience where the person can be found in the photograph. No matter how strange it is to add a dead person under the surface of a lake in the photograph, it must have some kind of meaning that I can’t interpret (maybe you can!!). 

The sixth stanza basically just adds more description as to what the person looks like in the water. The speaker talks about how they don’t know where specifically they are or how large or small they are either – indicating some mental confusion. Throughout this stanza (and practically the whole poem at this point), the main emotion I felt was confusion. 

The seventh, and final stanza, ends the strange yet intriguing poem off. The speaker says how the viewers of the photograph will eventually be able to see her if they look long and close enough. Unsurprisingly, it gives off very creepy vibes. That’s pretty much all I got from the ending.How she ended the poem makes sense with how she built it up. What I mean was that it seemed like the whole poem was almost like in chronological order all the way from a person firstly viewing the photograph all the way to them examining the intricate and hidden details.

Conclusion:

I first read this poem in my grade 10 English class in November. With the help of my teacher and classmates, I was able to learn so much about not only the hidden details in this poem, but also just how to take a better approach to poetry in general. I learned that the author of the poem is not always the speaker, and how every single word, punctuation, or symbol serves its own crucial purpose. And finally, I also learned how we can’t always know the true meaning of any poem, and that we should accept and appreciate its multiple different unique interpretations – because that’s what makes poetry so beautiful

I hope you liked reading my little analysis (or honestly I would describe it as a rant), and hope that you will take a deeper dive into the beautiful world of poetry soon!

 

The Ultimate Guide: 8 Books to Keep You Motivated and Inspired

Kheta
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1
The Ultimate Guide: 8 Books to Keep You Motivated and Inspired

While all books offer a unique perspective the book I am referring to here are books that will give you serious life advice. Whether it be finance or personal well-being, these books are famously known for their ability to inspire readers. Such books may not make you an overnight millionaire however by gaining this knowledge at a young age you can feel far more prepared for the future. While reading some of these books I have not only developed my perspective but I have also developed my habits to become more organized and motivated. So without further due here are the top 10 books you should read.

  1. Atomic Habits

This book, written by James Clear, has a very simple approach to success and that is to change your habits. He discusses that habits are not the final goal yet they are the entry point which leads into a routine. He uses examples from both everyday life and inspirational people who have spent their whole careers trying to figure out the impact of habits. One of the few key takeaways from the book that I held on to the strongest is that you should focus on things you can control. As individuals in our prime years of academics, we tend to strive for a certain percentage of grades however we often forget that it is the process of learning which will serve us the most value.

2. The Happiness Advantage

The Happiness Advantage is a book which discusses how the system of achieving success is broken. As humans, we have defined happiness as what comes after success however Shawn Achor, the author, thinks of it as happiness leads to success. The book offers an insight into how work can become less stressful and more productive if we enjoy doing our tasks and use happiness as the stepping stone rather than the target.

3. Life Worth Living; A Guide to What Matters The Most

Despite not having read this book it has been on my list for quite some time and I have heard some good things about it. The author is a professor at Yale University who wrote the book for young students as a form of advice. The book refers to human life as a hamster wheel in which we forget to live in the present and focus far more on what we will do in the future.

4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is written by Stephen Covey and throughout the book there are several themes and takeaways. It goes into depth about the 7 habits and compares typical human habits to how they can be improved. The one habit that I believe is most important is to Think Win-Win. In the book they refer to how most humans believe you can only excel in your goals independently. What they miss is that not everything is a zero-sum game and helping others might also benefit you as well.

5. Hidden Potential: The Science Of Achieving Greater Things

Despite not having read this book the summary and interviews based upon this book give insight into the message of the book. Adam Grant, the author, elaborates on how all of us individuals have hidden potential and that we judge ourselves way too hard. Internally, we have trained our minds to accept that some people have more advantages and natural talent however that is not the case. The book has a common theme of unlocking the hidden potential within you so that you can achieve a greater purpose in life.

6. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

While the title is a bit extreme the book brings up points which are profound and unique. Mark Manson dives into the concept of acceptance and focus towards yourself rather than on what society says. One of my favourite ideas from the book is that we shouldn’t desire for more positive experiences because that is itself a negative experience. Instead, we must change our perspective on the negative experiences to make them positive.

7. The Alchemist

The Alchemist is different from other inspirational books as it is a fictional novel which explores how one can follow their dreams to find purpose. This book is one of my favourites because of the impactful and realistic approach given to each message. The symbolic character development and wisdom seen through various characters are also notable themes in this book.

8. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

This novel is one which was recently recommended to me and though I haven’t finished the book I have come across many meaningful ideas centred around creativity, braveness and power. One of the most discussed quotes from this book is, “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. By Elizabeth Gilbert.”

These are some of the many books which I believe should be read for personal growth. While these are just a few suggestions I encourage you to explore other motivational books to arrive at a book which encompasses your ideologies and resonates with you.

Sources:

https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/the-alchemist/characters/

Appreciating Music: Vienna by Billy Joel

S.R. Spencer
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0
Appreciating Music: Vienna by Billy Joel

Although it never was released as a single, and remained in obscurity for many years after the release of the album, “Vienna” has become one of Billy Joel’s most well-known and popular songs in modern days.

The song serves as a metaphor for growing older, with Joel telling the listener to slow down and enjoy life before it’s all over. The recent rise in popularity can be attributed to “Vienna” finding new life on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, where the song’s lyrics resonated with many young adults in their late teens and early twenties. 

As put by Mirelle Ortega, a writer from Los Angeles, “Our late teens and early 20’s tend to feel like the end of the world sometimes. We all feel a huge pressure to have it all figured out… I think ‘Vienna’ perfectly articulates that that’s not true.” “Vienna” serves as a reminder to its listeners that it’s okay to enjoy life as it passes, a message only amplified by the beautiful build-up style melody that accompanies its meaningful lyrics, allowing everyone who listens to it to appreciate it. 

  1. Billy Joel B-side ‘Vienna’ is now one of his most streamed songs — thanks to young Millennials and Gen Z | CNN (Source for Vienna quote)
  2. Vienna – Lyrics, Information, and Meaning

 

4 Helpful Tips to Appreciate Yourself

Sukrutha
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0
4 Helpful Tips to Appreciate Yourself

Interviews, public speaking, debates, speeches, presentations: these are all examples of nerve-wracking situations for some people. Many people blame their personality type, or whether they are an introvert or an extrovert, for their vulnerability to stage fright and nervousness that accompany public speaking. While your personality can definitely play a major role in affecting your behaviour in public settings, the more important factor is the level of confidence you have in yourself. An increase in self confidence allows us to trust our own abilities. This trust provides us the courage to carry ourselves with conviction, even in the most intimidating settings.

However, with that said, self confidence does not come easily. No matter what our personality is, we all want to be liked by people. Wanting to be respected by others is not wrong. However, it is important that we do not base our every action upon the desire to impress other people. Now, we’ve all heard the saying “don’t be a people-pleaser.” The truth is, no one wants to be a people pleaser. However, its hard to contain ourselves from seeking praise and approval from those around us. While there is no magic cure for this, habits that develop a positive mindset regarding ourselves can be helpful.

In this blog, I will share some habits that you can try to boost self confidence, and advocate for yourself during times of social anxiety.

 

1. Think of your past accomplishments

One of the best ways to developing strong self esteem is to reward yourself. It’s important to understand and acknowledge the good deeds that you’ve accomplished in the past, and are accomplishing currently in the present. Although accomplishments can include things like winning an award, they don’t necessarily have to be limited to this. Day-to-day accomplishments include helping a friend or family member. Achieving daily goals that you set for yourself, such as reading a book, getting good sleep, or exercising are all examples of accomplishments.

When you remind yourself that you are capable of meeting your goals, you are doing yourself a favour. Rewarding yourself reinforces a sense of trust in your self-responsibility.

 

2. Develop positive relationships

We’ve all been in friendships where we feel valued, as well as those which bring us down. When you surround yourself with people who make you feel appreciated, and who inculcate a feeling of positivity in you, your confidence naturally increases. Conversely, when you are in a toxic friendship, you are constantly overwhelmed by the urge to change yourself. This way, it is absolutely crucial that your friends are people who accept you based on who you are. Healthy friends instill a feeling of self-sufficiency, so that you feel satisfied with yourself.

 

3. Step outside of your comfort zone

Although anxiety and nervousness tend to kick in when you are in stressful situations, such as an interview or a public gathering, it’s important to expose yourself to these situations. You can develop the skills needed to tackle these uncomfortable situations only when you take the step to put yourself in these situations. That said, its also important that these steps are realistic, and not giant leaps. A person who finds public speaking absolutely nerve-wracking (like me), does not necessarily have to build this skill by joining a competitive debate team. Taking small but consistent steps such as participating more in classroom discussions or volunteering in the community are more helpful.

A part of fostering that confidence in your abilities comes with assuring yourself that you can combat challenges. To do this, you need to put yourself out there, and develop the needed skills to overcome obstacles.

 

4. Say good-bye to negative thoughts

When you have negative thoughts about yourself, you lose the trust in your abilities. This discourages you from trying new things, and you have the urge to stay in your comfort zone. Although negative thoughts are common in everyone, especially during times of stress, such as exams, it’s important that these do not limit you. While it is not easy to erase these thoughts from your mind, the strategies mentioned above can help to increase the number of positive thoughts about yourself. Indulging in activities or hobbies that you enjoy are also great ways to focus on the positive things about yourself.

 

TL;DR

We all know it’s not a good habit to be a people-pleaser, but we can’t help it sometimes. The best way to stop this is to increase self-confidence by:

  1. Reminding yourself of your achievements.
  2. Ensuring that you feel appreciated in your friendships and relationships.
  3. Taking small but consistent steps towards tackling challenging situations.
  4. Acknowledge the activities you are good at so that you have motivation and confidence to try new ones.

 

Important Tips for Better Health

Hanrong
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0
Important Tips for Better Health

Healthy Living is Paramount in our Lives

This article covers the different tips we could employ to boost our health and well-being. Many of these are considered to be “natural remedies”, and they can be easily achievable! However, all of these tips are considered to be proven by science principles.

1. A Healthy Diet

From drinking beverages to having food, everyday, there are endless choices to pick from for us to gain energy. Sometimes, the most appealing food options can also be unhealthy. You might already be aware that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, but did you know that it also increases the risk of heart disease occurring as well?

For kids, sweet beverages with artificially-added sugar can even lead to conditions that do not develop immediately, but in later years of their life, like high blood pressure and “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”. Healthier beverages include water (sparkling or not are both fine!) and unsweetened teas; many of these healthier options have existed since the ancient times!

Some walnuts
Image by Christos Giakkas from Pixabay

2. Healthy Food

Even though natural nuts and seeds are not the most flavorful, they are still very nutritious for you! With “protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals” all included within, these foods can even help lose weight. Have more nuts to be healthier!

We should decrease the amount of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) that we consume in our day-to-day lives. These would be referring to foods that have been altered significantly from their natural/original form. Examples include adding additional preservatives, colors, and artificial flavors, to form products like cake, fast food, chips, or even certain frozen meals.

The reason as to why these UPFs are considered to be “highly palatable” is because they “activate reward-related regions in the brain”. However, consuming too much ultra-processed food can cause many diseases, like obesity and heart disease, many of which are also considered to be chronic.

 

3. Coffee and Fatty Fish

This medically-reviewed healthline article contains so many tips on staying healthy! Be sure to check it out for its important recommendations. However, the article also mentions that coffee can contribute to a healthier life, arguing that being rich in antioxidants, coffee can lead to reduced risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and other diseases as well. However, the coffee should still be consumed in moderation, with the recommended intake amount to be “3-4 cups per day”. Pregnant people should limit or avoid consuming coffee entirely.

Fish is another healthy food, containing protein and fat that are very useful to the body. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish like salmon, are even considered to be anti-inflammatory.

 

4. Sleep and Exercise

We have all likely heard of the importance of sleep and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few more specific facts regarding these topics:

  • Poor sleep could lead to insulin resistance, disrupting hormones related to your appetite.
  • People who do not receive enough sleep often choose foods that are higher in fat, sugar, and calories, like the previously-mentioned ultra-processed foods.
  • Doing aerobic exercise (aka cardio) is one of the best ways to ensure a good mental and physical health.
  • Exercising aerobically reduces belly fat, which is harmful and builds up around a person’s organs.
  • In general, we should “strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week”.

 

Let’s Live a Healthy Life!

As young people, we should especially take responsibility to ensure that we live a healthy life. The habits we have now truly determine how healthy we would be long-term for the rest of our lives. Even making certain small positive adjustments in our day-to-day life can go a long way in ensuring that we remain healthy in the long run. Let’s all take care of our physical health and emotional wellbeing!

Into the Depths of “Balloonerism” by Mac Miller

Jianna H
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Into the Depths of “Balloonerism” by Mac Miller

Introduction

Mac Miller left behind a legacy of music that brought comfort through relatability and nostalgia to his listeners and fans. Yet, even 7 years after his death, his music continues to inspire and grow others.

Before his untimely death, Miller recorded his seventh studio album, “Balloonerism,” which was officially released in January 2025, nearly 8 years after its recording. While fans have had access to the tapes since 2020, after a leak, the Miller Estate has officially released the album posthumous as Miller wanted.

Paired with Miller’s timeless signature mix of Jazz and Hip-hop and the eerie themes that reflect Miller’s own life, the album has created shock waves throughout his fanbase. Alongside artists SZA and Delusional Thomas, Mac Miller musically crafts a story of his battle with drug addiction and depression through his final album. This beautiful yet haunting project encapsulates Miller’s perspective on life as he navigates a dark period in his life.

Image from Brandon Trumbull (Unsplash)

Companion Film

Alongside the album, Miller’s estate released an animated companion film, which was announced to be screened at select theatres across the world, with shows that sold out immediately (all proceeds went towards the Mac Miller Fund, which supports young musicians). The short film is now available to watch on Amazon Prime.

The film opens with a dramatic, abstract intro, accompanied by the second track on the album “DJ’s Chord Organ” ft. SZA.

The opening sequence feels like a Salvadori Painting coming to life, which sets the abstract tone for the rest of the short film. The plot begins with a group of friends playing on a playground when a magical organ falls from the sky, which transforms the children into creatures in a dark shadow world.

The children are chased by a giant turtle of time, and one by one, they’re picked off. With each of the songs from the album showcased, the children must navigate adulthood, dealing with themes largely centred around substance abuse, paralleling the battle Miller was facing at the time the album was written.

Within the short film, long-time fans can spot numerous references to Miller’s previous albums hidden within the animation, such as imagery from other albums such as pink clouds, a visual motif from “The Divine Feminine.”

Lyricism

When you sit down and listen to the album, it is filled with heartbreak as it is clear that during the production, Miller was focused on themes of dying young and the addiction battle he was facing.

“Yeah, somebody died today/ I saw his pictures in the funny papers/ Didn’t think anybody died on a Friday.”

This specific line from “Funny Papers” struck a chord with fans due to the tragic irony of Miller dying on Friday, September 7th, 2018.

“They tell you that you need to sleep, and suddenly you do/ Scared you gonna wake up as someone who isn’t you”

Many have interpreted this line from “Manakins” as Miller expressing how he feels more himself in an out-of-state mindset and afraid that if he were to confront his problems, he would no longer recognize himself. This line provides daunting insight into his mindset at the time and how he struggled with recovery.

“The dragons are flying south for the winter/ They don’t like cold weather either,”

I personally interpreted this line from “Shangri-la” as Miller shows that everyone, no matter how tough their exterior may seem, ultimately tries to run away from challenges—even beings as mystical and powerful as dragons.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this album is extraordinary and is especially potent with emotions when experienced through the short film, accompanied by the truly eye-opening craftsmanship of the animation and music.

This album is proof that even after his untimely death, Miller’s impact continues, as his fans, friends, and family continue to honour his music and art.

 

Sources:

1,2,3

Defending Love: Reflections on LGBTQ+ Rights Protests in Russia

Amy Xia
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0
Defending Love: Reflections on LGBTQ+ Rights Protests in Russia

In past years of Russia’s history, LGBTQ+ rights and the protests advocating for them have become an excellent example of how advocacy is able to shape and influence social change and empower marginalized minority communities. 

Photo by Hannah Voggenhuber on Unsplash

Under the illiberal regime of the Russian government, interest groups and social movements have relatively limited freedom to initiate impactful movements in society, especially when their ideals contradict with those of the government. For instance, LGBTQ communities and non-heterosexual relationships have been framed as some “Western import” concepts that would threaten the unity of the nation; anti-LGBT laws have been adopted in the past few years as policymakers in Russia continue to regard these minorities as what potentially infiltrate the country. 

Photo by Nikolas Gannon on Unsplash

Back in 2013, bills and laws hostile to gender minority groups were passed in Russia’s legislatures, raising wide international concerns about the circumstances of marginalized genders and criticisms against the decision of the Russian parliament. For instance, in 2013, the parliament passed a law that banned “gay propaganda” and its spreading among minors. Essentially, by passing this law, the Russian government affirmed its position of firm opposition against weighing straight and gay relationships with the same level of significance. The anti-gay propaganda law would fine individuals and media that distribute any materials on gay rights; foreigners would also receive special fines had they violated this legal code.

Photo by Nikolas Gannon on Unsplash

As a response, Russian activists insisted that they would stand for “equal rights for all and…continue to stand up against those patriarchal values that are today being actively promoted by the church and the government. [They] are doing this because [they] think these values, these norms, don’t fit into a modern society.” As stated by Igor Kochetkov, the head of LGBT Network, “the government is using these instincts – homophobia, xenophobia – to justify its policies against an independent civil society. They are making enemies out of us – not just LGBT society, but any group in society that doesn’t agree with their current politics.” 

Photo by Nikolas Gannon on Unsplash

To advocate for the deserved rights of gender minority communities, in Russia, Moscow Pride, a demonstration and protest for LGBT, made the first moves towards ensuring freedoms and rights. Even though usually banned by authorities like the Moscow City Hall and challenged by homophobic attacks yearly, these demonstrations and the organizers of these protests still fiercely persisted. For instance, one of the core leaders of these protests, Nikolay Alexandrovich Alexeyev, a Russian LGBT rights activist and lawyer, served as a prime example of how social advocacy stemming from just causes can bring tangible changes. In 2010, representing gender minorities, Nikolay Alexeyev won a case in the European Court of Human Rights against Russia; the court ruled that Russia violated the human rights of the LGBT communities by banning the Moscow Prides events for three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008. 

Photo by Nikolas Gannon on Unsplash

When reflecting on the journey of LGBTQ rights protests in Russia, we are consistently reminded of what is behind these acts of advocacy—courage in the face of systemic oppression, passion for the service of justice, and the bravery to risk safety in exchange for change. Advocates proved that the desire for dignity and love is universal and well-deserved for all genders. Their fight reminds us of the progress happening in one corner of the world and perhaps can inspire us to take similar actions against injustices that threaten our own rights and freedoms. How can we use our voices, privileges, and platforms to speak for the silenced? Advocacy begins with awareness, expands from action, and flourishes with unified efforts. Advocacy builds a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Photo by No Revisions on Unsplash

Sources:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/11/russia-law-banning-gay-propaganda

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolay_Alexeyev

Universal Healthcare: A Right, not a Privilege

Thi
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0
Universal Healthcare: A Right, not a Privilege

Imagine a world where getting sick doesn’t mean choosing between your health and your financial stability. This is the idea behind universal healthcare—a system where everyone has access to necessary medical services, regardless of their income, job, or background. It’s a topic that has sparked debates worldwide, but its importance is undeniable. Let’s dive into what universal healthcare is, why it matters, and how it can change lives.

What is Universal Healthcare?

Universal healthcare is a system that provides medical services to all residents of a country without financial hardship. In this system, healthcare is seen as a fundamental right, not a privilege for those who can afford it. It’s often funded through taxes, ensuring that everyone contributes based on their ability to pay.

Countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Sweden have successfully implemented universal healthcare systems. While the structure varies, the core principle remains the same: no one should go without medical care because they can’t afford it.

Why is it Important?

Universal healthcare is important because it ensures that all individuals, regardless of their income or social status, have access to essential medical services. By treating healthcare as a fundamental human right, universal healthcare eliminates the financial barriers that often prevent people from seeking the care they need. This system is particularly critical for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income families, and those with chronic conditions, who may otherwise be excluded from quality healthcare. Universal healthcare promotes better overall public health by focusing on preventative care, early diagnosis, and treatment, which can help avoid costly medical emergencies and reduce long-term healthcare expenses.

Moreover, it addresses health disparities, ensuring that everyone, no matter their background, has equal opportunities to achieve good health. By making healthcare accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, universal healthcare fosters a more just and equitable society. It also reduces the pressure on emergency rooms and urgent care centres, allowing healthcare systems to function more efficiently. Beyond the health benefits, universal healthcare contributes to economic stability as healthier individuals are able to work, contribute to society, and reduce absenteeism in the workplace. In the long run, universal healthcare strengthens communities by creating a safety net that allows everyone to live healthier, more productive lives, while reflecting the shared values of compassion, solidarity, and collective responsibility.

Common Concerns:

  • Cost: While universal healthcare requires higher taxes, it eliminates the need for private insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Studies show that universal systems often spend less per capita on healthcare than systems like that of the United States.
  • Wait Times: While wait times for non-urgent procedures can be longer in some universal systems, urgent and life-threatening conditions are prioritized. Many countries with universal healthcare have introduced reforms to reduce wait times without sacrificing quality.
  • Quality of Care: Universal healthcare systems consistently produce excellent health outcomes. Countries like Norway and Switzerland, with universal systems, often rank high in global healthcare performance.

Why Should you Care?

Even if you live in a country with universal healthcare, advocacy remains important. Systems need to evolve to meet changing demands, such as aging populations or new medical technologies. If you live in a country without universal healthcare, raising awareness and pushing for change can make a huge difference in people’s lives.

Healthcare is not a luxury. It’s a basic human need. Universal healthcare ensures that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified life. It’s not just about economics or politics—it’s about compassion and fairness.

How you can advocate for Universal Healthcare:

  1. Educate Yourself and Others: Understand the benefits and challenges of universal healthcare. Share credible resources with your community.
  2. Support Policy Changes: Advocate for laws and policies that move toward universal healthcare in your country.
  3. Join or Support Organizations: Many nonprofits and advocacy groups work tirelessly to promote healthcare reform. Consider volunteering or donating.
  4. Engage in Conversations: Talk to friends, family, and community members. Change often starts with awareness.

Healthcare is a necessity, no matter who anyone is. Everyone deserves the same quality of healthcare, no matter income, race, or living circumstances. After all, we are all human. Imagine a world where no one hesitates to see a doctor or pick up a prescription because of cost. That’s the promise of universal healthcare. It’s not just an ideal—it’s a goal worth striving for.

 

The Mysteries of Venus: A Planet Like No Other

Thi
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The Mysteries of Venus: A Planet Like No Other

We know that here on planet Earth, there are 365 days in a year. But did you know, that on Venus, a single day there is over a year here? It sounds crazy, but it’s true!

The Weird Science Behind Venus’ Day to Year Ratio

Venus is one of the most fascinating planets in our solar system. Its strange rotation is part of why it is. It takes Earth 24 hours to spin on it’s axis once. But for Venus, it takes a whopping 234 Earth days to do the same. That’s 5616 hours! Its slow rotation is what makes its “day” so short. Even weirder, it takes Venus 255 Earth days to orbit the Sun, which would make its days almost as long than its years!

A Backwards Spin: What makes Venus Unique?

And if you thought that wasn’t weird enough, get this; Venus spins backwards. Yep, you heard right. On Earth, the sun rises in the East, and sets West. On Venus, however, the Sun would rise on the West and set in the East. Scientists call this type of rotation retrograde motion, and they think that this is caused because of a massive collision billions of years ago or the gravitational pull of the Sun slowing Venus’ spin over time.

Free Planets Inner Planets photo and picture

Surviving Venus: Dangerous Temperatures and Pressure

You may think that the slow, gentle rotation might make nice days, but Venus’ weather is anything but nice. Venus is covered by a thick blanket of dark clouds of sulfuric acid, and has temperatures high enough to melt lead! That’s about 475 degrees Celsius (about 900 degrees Fahrenheit). Its atmospheric pressure is also about 90 times stronger than Earth’s, meaning you’d be crushed by its weight if you stood on the surface. Scary!

Venus’ strange day-to-year ratio and its harsh conditions make it one of the most extreme places in our solar system. Even so, scientists are fascinated by the planet. Future missions aim to study Venus’ mysterious past and explore why it evolved so differently from Earth, despite being called our “sister planet.”

Space never ceases to amaze us with its mysteries. What’s your favourite fact about the planets in our solar system?

 

Sources:
  • https://cen.acs.org/physical-chemistry/astrochemistry/What-can-we-learn-from-Venus/99/i11
  • https://science.nasa.gov/venus/
  • https://www.britannica.com/place/Venus-planet

Top Book Recommendations For 2025: Pt 1

Jeanne Y
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Top Book Recommendations For 2025: Pt 1

With a lot of new years’ resolutions being to improve English grades or to simply read more, I find it’s quite difficult to establish these goals without knowing what to read. BookTok isn’t particularly helpful when it comes to finding a book with actual substance, and going to the library to randomly pick out a good book can be a hit or miss.

As an avid reader, I’ve been through most genres and I’ve compiled a list of the best books here. Whether you’re into murder mystery, dystopian, fantasy, romance, self-improvement, or philosophy, I guarantee one of these books will be your cup of tea. If you’re an avid reader, still take a look at this list. Some of the books are pretty niche, so you’ll probably find something you haven’t read before.

Mystery

Hear me out when I tell you that murder mysteries are light reads. They are so immersive and fast-paced that it’s hard to put them down and you can finish one in an hour. Keep in mind that these recommendations will reflect my need for fast-paced reads though; there will be no intricately woven 2342463563452 chapter plot books here.

  1. The Westing Game, by Mac Barnett

Possibly one of the best quick-reads possible, and it’s perfect for those who want to get into mystery. There’s a decent amount of complexity in the plot, and the language is pretty simplistic. Don’t be fooled by its simplistic language; there’s so many twists and facets of the book that you’re sure to be surprised.

2. The Puzzling World of Winston Breen, Eric Berlin

It’s actually the first of a series, but I’ve only read this one so far. Again, the language is decently comprehendable and nothing beats a good modern-day mystery. Because it’s fast-paced, this book makes a wonderful light read. If you love a good puzzle, I strongly recommend this book.

3. One of Us is Lying, Karen M. McManus

Absolutely loved this book. The actual mystery was great, don’t get me wrong, but I was personally a huge fan of the characters. Yes, they followed typical high school character archtypes, but McManus managed to give them a bit more depth in this book. There’s also a sequel called One of Us is Next, and a third called One of Us is Back, but I think this first book was the best.

Philosophical

Are you likely to have read some of these in English class? Maybe. But these books are seriously so, so, soooo good if you like a little food for thought. Plus, if you read them before your English class does, then you can still enjoy the book.

  1. I Who Have Never Known Men, by Jacqueline Harpman

This book was very complex. I had to pause several times while reading it just to digest. I’m sure even after having read the book so many times over that I’m still missing a lot of the philosophical messages about the meaning of culture, segregation, and the passing of time. There was a lot of material that I didn’t understand going through it the first time, so be prepared to be a little bamboozled. I’m going to be honest: it’s a dense read. But if you’re persistent, I promise it’s worth it.

2. Animal Farm, by George Orwell

One of the most classic, well-written allegories ever, Animal Farm is a satirical novella that shares Orwell’s take on the Russian Revolution and on the corruption of those in power. It was first recommended to me by one of my closest friends when I was thirteen, and three years later I still remember it. The allegory was the perfect combination of clever, funny, and a little bit morbid, and it got the message across. If you read anything in this genre, you should read Animal Farm.

3. The Giver, by Lois Lowry

Did you read this in second grade? I don’t care. It’s a good book, and the awesome thing about philosophical books is that their significance changes as you age. So I still recommend you read this one again. And if you haven’t read The Giver yet, what are you doing? Go read it!

Sci-Fi and Dystopian

Sci-fi is one of my favorite genres ever! It’s almost like a mix of futuristic fantasy and understandable philosophy all in one fast-paced novel. I’ve read the majority of the books of this genre in my school library.

  1. When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead

So well written. If you’re wanting a light-read time-travel novel, this is the perfect afternoon read. No more needs to be said.

2. Rabbit and Robot, by Andrew Smith

This one has a bit of crude language and some mature themes. But the central futuristic theme of the book really hooked me in, and its projections on the future seemed quite a bit like those of the Disney movie WALL-E. If you enjoyed that movie and don’t mind a foul main character narrative, this book is pretty good.

3. 1984, by George Orwell

A little bit morbid and a little bit cautionary, 1984 is another novel by George Orwell with a whole ton of hidden meaning behind it. It’s banned in many countries for its political and social themes (it discusses the dangers of totalitarian government), which is how you know it’s a really good book. A little bit on the denser side, but if you read it and unpack it before your English class does I can guarantee you that you’ll enjoy it.

Romance

Don’t roll your eyes. Romance can be a pretty good light-read, and you’ll find yourself rooting for a ship along with a whole fandom if you pick a popular book. But also be careful when you pick out your romance novels; you don’t want to flip open an innocent-looking book of open-door spice on accident.

  1. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Jenny Han

Probably the book that got me reading romance. It’s like a rom-com, but in a book form and super cute! The language is also okay; for a romance book, it has some pretty nice rhetoric use. I also love the characters: after all, who doesn’t love Peter Kavinsky?

2. The Fault in Our Stars, John Green

Also super, super cute. I don’t even know how to describe how well-written this book is without spoiling it, so I will just tell you that the language is great, the plot is great, the trope is great, and you should definitely read it.

3. A Court of Thorns and Roses, Sarah J. Maas

There’s a whole fandom for this one. And yes, it is technically fantasy, but it’s the romance that really takes front and centre. Just stay away from the last 3 books of the series; in my opinion they’re a little gross and the plot just dies off. But the first few books are great! The characters, the plot, and the world-building is done pretty well.

There’s so many more books that I need to recommend, so stay tuned for pt 2!

Nintendo Switch 2: What You Need To Know About It

Bowen Zheng
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0
Nintendo Switch 2: What You Need To Know About It
Introduction:

The Nintendo Switch gaming console has without a doubt revolutionized the world of gaming, in which it combines as a home console and a portable gaming device. The Switch was one of the greatest investments in Nintendo history because since its release date in March 2017, it has amassed a global sale of 130 million consoles as of 2025. This consolidates the Switch as one of the most best-selling consoles of all time, only being behind the PlayStation Two and the Nintendo DS. Evidently, the love for the Nintendo Switch was tremendous and ecstatic fans questioned if Nintendo was going to release a successor to the console. It was only until January 16, 2025, that Nintendo released a “first-look” trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2, that the fans’ suspicions were answered.

What Makes It Different And What Can We Expect?

Note: Hardware differences have not been leaked yet. Therefore, I will be strictly talking about the physical differences that were shown in the teaser.

From just looking at the Switch 2, we can see that instead of the iconic full blue and red joycons on the first Switch, we only get the colours blue and red on the bottom of the joysticks. This seems to be the only element of colour on the Switch as everything else is a sleek and clean black. The trailer also compares the sizes of the two models together, the Switch Two seems to be much larger than the Switch One, allowing some questions to arise about its playability with using a larger handheld console.

As well as this, instead of the joycons switching on from the side of the console, they are instead directly placed upon the console, possibly putting aside the iconic “switch” sound of the console. The stand on the back of the Switch is also enlarged, ranging from the whole length of the Switch, instead of being just a single paltry kickstand.

The teaser for the Switch Two suggests that all games from the Switch One are compatible with the Switch Two. However, many new games will only be compatible with the Switch Two, increasing demand for the new model.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Switch Two seems like a console that will greatly push forward the future of gaming and the Nintendo industry. We can expect it to further outclass the Switch One in many different aspects.

Toxic Male Technique: Mate and Die – A New Solution to Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Lucy Choi
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Toxic Male Technique: Mate and Die – A New Solution to Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquitoes: The World’s Deadliest Animal

Did you know that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified mosquitoes as the “world’s deadliest animal?” Mosquitoes only weigh 2.5 milligrams but cause vector-borne diseases that account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 700,000 deaths worldwide every year.  The new technology that aims to decrease mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, and Zika by decreasing the lifespan of the female mosquito that mated with the male mosquitoes was discovered.

The “Toxic Male Technique” (TMT)

Researchers at Australia’s Macquarie University have developed a technology that decreases the lifespan of the female mosquito that mates with the male mosquito, “Toxic Male Technique” (TMT) to combat mosquito-borne diseases including dengue, Zika, and malaria. TMT significantly reduce female mosquitos’ life span by 37-64% by using genetically modified male mosquitos to produce toxic substances such as spider and sea anemones which are transferred to females during mating. TMT involves genetically engineering males to produce spider and sea anemone venom proteins, which they inject into females during mating, reducing their lifespan. The lead author, Same Beach from Macquarie University hopes to reduce 390m mosquito-borne disease outbreaks without using insecticides to protect local beneficial insects by making female mosquitoes die immediately after they mate with a male mosquito. From this method, he wants to immediately decrease the female mosquito population to reduce the spread of these vector-borne illnesses quickly.

This method lowers the blood-feeding rates by approximately 40-60% as it specifically targets female mosquitoes that bite humans and transmit diseases. TMT is different from traditional methods like the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and RIDL) as it directly impacts female mosquitoes without harming beneficial species, addressing issues like insecticide resistance.

Initial experiments were held with fruit flies and computer simulations, which showed promising results with its prioritization for both humans and the environment’s safety. TMT has been filed as a patent and it was published in Nature Communications. They are planning to extend their research to ensure its efficacy and safety.

Images sources: 1 / 2 / 3

Bioprinting: The Future of 3D Printing in Medicine

Daniella
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0
Bioprinting: The Future of 3D Printing in Medicine

Bioprinting, a cutting-edge application of 3D printing technology, is rapidly transforming the landscape of medicine. By using living cells as “ink” instead of synthetic materials, bioprinting allows scientists to create tissues, organs, and more tailored to individual patients. While it’s still an emerging technology, its potential to revolutionize healthcare is enormous, from personalized implants to solving the organ shortage crisis.

 

What is Bioprinting?

Bioprinting is a process that involves printing living cells in precise patterns to create 3D structures that mimic human tissues. Unlike traditional 3D printing, bioprinting leverages biological materials to build tissues layer by layer. This technology promises the production of everything from simple skin patches to complex tissues and organs that could one day be used in transplants.

 

 Key Applications

  • Personalized Implants & Prosthetics – One of the most immediate benefits of bioprinting is the ability to create customized implants and prosthetics. Whether it’s a joint replacement, dental implant, or bone repair, bioprinting can tailor these devices to fit a patient’s anatomy. This personalized approach leads to better fit, faster recovery, and improved patient outcomes.
  • Organ and Tissue Printing – While full organ printing is still in the research phase, scientists have succeeded in printing tissues like skin, cartilage, and liver cells. These tissues are used in research to test drugs and study disease progression. The ultimate goal is to print complex organs like kidneys, hearts, or livers. This could drastically reduce the waiting time for organ transplants and save countless lives.
  • Drug Testing – Bioprinting is also making waves in drug testing. Traditional drug testing involves animal models or 2D cell cultures. This method can often be inaccurate and time-consuming. With bioprinted tissues, researchers can test how drugs interact with human-like tissues, speeding up the process and improving the precision of results. This could lead to safer, more effective drugs and a reduction in the need for animal testing.

 

Challenges and Future Potential

Despite its promising applications, bioprinting faces several significant challenges. The most critical obstacle is vascularization, or the ability to create functional blood vessels within printed tissues. For tissues to survive and function, a blood supply is required to deliver nutrients and oxygen. While researchers are making strides in printing vascular networks, it’s a complex process, especially for larger organs. Additionally, regulatory and ethical concerns must be addressed as bioprinted organs become more feasible. Questions around organ ownership, accessibility, and the safety of using bioprinted tissues in human patients need to be carefully considered as technology advances.

While there are hurdles to overcome, the future of bioprinting is incredibly promising. Researchers are improving printing techniques, and there have been multiple breakthroughs in creating more complex tissues. In the coming years, we could see bioprinted tissues used in clinical settings for burn victims, drug testing, and even as temporary solutions for organ failure. The dream of printing fully functional, transplantable organs could become a reality. This would not only address the global shortage of organs, but could eliminate the need for organ rejection medication, as bioprinted organs could be tailored to a patient’s cells.

Bioprinting represents a major leap forward in medical technology. Offering custom solutions and life-saving treatments for all patients, bioprinting could become a central player in the medical field. The future of bioprinting in medicine is bright, and it’s only a matter of time before it transforms how we approach healthcare.

 

Sources:

Capital One Outrage

Riley J
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Capital One Outrage

Capital One customers are still left without any answers for days after they started reporting issues about their paychecks and other account features. As frustrations grow, the company has apologized for the inconvenience but has not yet fully restored its services.

According to a statement released Friday morning, Capital One was working closely with its third-party vendor to ensure customers that the issue was being resolved. They stated that “system restoration is underway but is not fully operational yet,” and “We apologize to our customers for this continued inconvenience.”

The problems started earlier this week when the bank realized it was having trouble making deposits and processing payments for its retail, business, and institutional customers. Customers began to crowd social media and web forums as of 9 a.m. Friday, *Down Detector* tracked nearly 4,000 reports. Most, that is, 91%, were deposit-related.

To USA TODAY: FIS Global, the service provider of Capital One, was contacted by *USA TODAY* on Friday morning. FIS Global said in the middle of Friday morning that it restored access to the applications affected by the power outages. The company also assured affected clients that it was working to finalize transactions submitted while the system was down, continuing with most, if not all, processing expected to be completed before the end of the day.

In the days that followed, frustrations on the part of Capital One customers continued to grow. On Thursday, the new update was posted to X, where the company vaguely accepted the inconvenient nature of this situation and pleaded for more patience as it worked to bring things back. Responses from angry customers soon followed on the post; understandably, most were pitching a fit about the delayed response.

“It is a temporary issue,” said Capital One in an interview with customers. However, it’s been three days now (as of Saturday, January 18th), and it’s raised more of a question as to how temporary the disruption is. While Capital One continues to restore service, customers are left jobless as they wait for their paychecks, direct deposits, and payments. The company apologized for the inconvenience, and it remains to be seen how long it will take to fully restore service.

Right now, there is nothing but frustration and growing doubt among many Capital One users as to when they will have access to their finances.

Your Birth Order, Your Personality.

Mahnoor Altaf
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Your Birth Order, Your Personality.

What is Birth Order Theory?

Birth order theory was first explored and developed by Alfred Adler in the 20th century. It’s the idea that the order in which you were born affects your personality traits and behaviors. This influence is shaped by the amount of attention you received from your parents, how you interacted with your siblings, and how your experiences growing up were impacted by your birth order.

Oldest Child

As the oldest child, you’ve likely received the most attention growing up. You’ve also likely had to take on a leadership role, as you’re seen as a role model for your younger siblings and held to high expectations by your parents.

General Characteristics of the Oldest Child:

  • Sense of responsibility
  • Perfectionist
  • Compelled to meet people’s expectations
  • Drawn to leadership roles
  • Rule follower
  • Well-behaved
  • Ambitious
  • High achiever
  • Competitive
  • Impatient
  • Displays self-reliance
  • Has a serious attitude
  • Behaves conventionally to keep parental attention
  • Trusts their own capabilities
  • Upholds family traditions and morals
  • Imitates parental behavior in caring for younger siblings
  • Intense fear of failure
  • Struggles to feel satisfied with accomplishments
  • Inflexible (dislikes change, scared to step out of comfort zone)
  • Stressed (due to responsibilities given by parents)

Middle Child

As the middle child, you’ve likely experienced a mix of independence and adaptability. You may feel overshadowed by your older sibling but find ways to carve out your unique identity in the family dynamic.

General Characteristics of the Middle Child:

  • Most independent of the siblings
  • Ambitious
  • Thoughtful
  • Sociable
  • Less family-oriented than siblings
  • Feels overshadowed
  • Mobile (often first to move out and moves the farthest away)
  • Not a perfectionist (tends to excel in areas the oldest sibling doesn’t)
  • Competitive
  • Lacks undivided parental attention
  • People pleaser and peacemaker
  • Develops abilities the first child doesn’t exhibit to gain attention
  • Rebellious
  • Independent and doesn’t rely on others
  • Agreeable
  • Go-with-the-flow type

Youngest Child

As the youngest child, you’ve likely been the baby of the family, receiving the most attention and pampering. You may have grown up feeling protected and supported by your older siblings and parents. This often makes you charming, playful, and great at winning people over, but it can also mean you rely on others more than your older siblings do.

General Characteristics of the Youngest Child:

  • Risk-taking
  • Entrepreneurial mindset
  • Prosocial
  • Resilient
  • Spoiled
  • Fun-loving
  • Uncomplicated
  • Manipulative
  • Outgoing
  • Attention-seeking
  • Self-centered

Only Child

As an only child, you’ve likely been the sole focus of your parents’ attention, which often means receiving their full support and encouragement. You may have grown up being independent and mature for your age, as you didn’t have siblings to share responsibilities or attention with. This often makes you self-reliant, confident, and comfortable around adults, but it can also mean you’re used to being in control or prefer your own company.

General Characteristics of the Only Child:

  • Mature for their age
  • Perfectionist
  • Conscientious
  • Diligent
  • Leaders
  • Maturity
  • Creativity
  • Intelligence
  • Easier transition into adulthood
  • Independent
  • Selfish
  • High self-esteem
  • Difficulty with criticism

 

Conclusion

Now that you’ve explored the common characteristics associated with each birth order, remember that different environments and life experiences can lead to varying outcomes. While the traits listed above may not apply to everyone, it’s still fascinating to consider the similarities, differences, strengths, and weaknesses that often come with your birth order.

sources:

An Analysis of Empirical Validity of Alfred Adler’s Theory of Birth Order

Birth order theory: Personality traits and more

Understanding Oldest Child Syndrome and How It Shapes Childhood Development

How Birth Order May Influence Your Kid’s Personality Traits

What to Know About Middle-Child Syndrome

What is Only Child Syndrome?

The Surprising Ways Your Birth Order Impacts Your Personality Type | True You Journal

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