Guest Writer: Naomi Sanchez, Age 16/An Opinion Piece Authors Note: Have you ever had thousands of words just flying in your head, but you just can’t place them together in a coherent stream of thought? If you know the feeling, then you can relate with how I am feeling writing this. Writing this is on my list of the top 10 hardest things I’ve ever done; I’ve spent hours meditating and pondering how to start this, I’ve spent hours crying over this, I’ve spent hours writing rough drafts, I’ve spent hours discussing and asking advice for this, I’ve devoted a part of myself to this, and I hope that’s enough to get some respect. Preface: This week at school, my crazy APUSH (AP US History) teacher, had my classmates and I do an activity called, Speed Dating. Don’t worry, it’s not actual speed dating, it was an activity were he had each us portray and research a famous reformer during the First Industrial Revolution, and then we had to get to know all of the …

This is clearly the selfie era. Don’t worry, all you, self- proclaimed selfie queens, the purpose of this blog is to not come against you. Shoot! This last year, I’ve dabbled in the world of selfies, and I am unquestionably not good at it. I have come to the conclusion, certainly after many fails, that it -undeniably- takes some skills to take a picture that is worthy of posting on Facebook and/or Instagram. I applaud selfie experts and their ability to get that “just right” angle, and selecting a fitting filter that captures that flawless face look. It just doesn’t work for me. Perhaps, it has to do with my distinct Puerto Rican features- my bitty eyes, my narrow, long nose, or my pointed chin. But, I wouldn’t trade them. Combined they give me a “look”.  A look that I actually love and appreciate. Together It says that I am stern, confident, strong and determined. My “look” has won wars for me. I didn’t need to say a word, all it took was my “look.” …