When I was a young girl, my grandmother told me that my courage would not be dependent on my ability to stand up for myself, but instead, it would be measured by my ability to stand up for others. Since then, I have lived by that. For example, Over centuries, systemic sexism has become so ingrained in our society that we've stopped noticing it. And, as change remains stagnant, many have stopped fighting it. But I care too much to simply stop fighting. So, when I see someone attempting to enforce an inherently sexist rule, I speak up. Because I am a woman. And if I cannot fight for myself, I cannot fight for anything. When I was a sophomore in high school, I had a conflict with a teacher. My school didn't have "gym clothes," so we wore our regular clothes. On warmer days, I wore a tank top, just as most of the other girls in my class did. My gym teacher, however, didn’t approve of these clothing choices. He made public, inappropriate comments to us. Once, he asked me “where my shirt was.” Another time, he told me I looked like I was dressed for the club. At first, I was humiliated. He had made me insecure in my own body. And, I couldn’t react. My school’s dress code, which had been implemented over a decade earlier, forbade female students from wearing “spaghetti-strap tank-tops” and “revealing clothing.” I couldn’t do anything without incurring further discipline. And, at some point, I became fed up with it. I went to a different teacher, one whom I trusted. I told her about the situation and asked her what I should do. She proposed a solution that transcended my expectations. She told me that I should rewrite the dress code. So, I did. I gathered several of my peers, and we met with our school’s vice principal to address the issue. He agreed that our dress code was outdated, that it targeted female students, and that we needed to modify it. So, we did. After several meetings, we created a revised dress code, and then we presented it to our school’s principal and superintendent. I never confronted my gym teacher about the issue. I didn’t see any benefit in it when he’d already chosen to address the situation immaturely. Instead, I chose the path that promoted progress—and I will continue to walk down this path. The adage rings true: "You can do anything that you put your mind to." Challenging and changing my school's dress code wasn't merely about clothes; it was a testament to my capabilities. As I move forward in life, I am emboldened by the knowledge that no challenge is insurmountable. This experience inspired me; now that I knew my capabilities, I had to further pursue this path--the path of courage. Sadly, becoming a superhero proved to be unfeasible, so I settled for something I know that I’m good at; I am going to become a journalist. As a professional journalist, each article I write will be an opportunity to advocate for the underrepresented, uncover hidden truths, or give voice to the unheard. With every piece, I won’t merely be narrating something, I will be advocating for it, and that is exactly why I find it so important. In the future, I don’t want to be known for my sole accomplishments. I don’t strive for fame or wealth. I just want to help people. Sometimes, it is that simple.

I've read over 300 books in the last few years, but Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty, and its subsequent television series, showcase one of the best fictional love triangles. While watching "The Summer I Turned Pretty," I came to a definitive stance: I am Team Conrad. Though Jeremiah has many undeniable allures, Conrad, as an individual and as a partner to Belly, deeply resonated with me. The central aspect of my opinion is founded on the intricate dynamic between Conrad and Belly. From the moment they meet, as the movement slows and "Lover" by Taylor Swift begins, viewers can tell--Belly and Conrad have a bond beyond friendship. From the beginning, viewers can tell that Conrad is Belly's world. Just as Laurel says, "For Belly. Conrad is the sun." But, as the first season progresses, it becomes incredibly obvious that Conrad reciprocates that sentiment. And, at the end of that season, he proves it. The first season is entertaining in its own right, but the second season is an emotional rollercoaster, and it captivated me throughout. Whether Conrad and Belly were drinking hot cocoa in front of a fireplace or arguing on the beach, their chemistry was enthralling. Regardless of the scene, it is transparent that Conrad and Belly have completely invested themselves in one another, to the point where Jeremiah just fades away. Beyond their connection, Conrad's character offers a level of complexity and depth that is unmatched by Jeremiah. In the first season, he appears callous and uncaring, but his moments of vulnerability, such as the song he sings at Susannah's funeral or when he has personal conversations with Cleveland, emphasize his multifaceted personality. One standout attribute of Conrad is his selflessness throughout the series. Prior to the show's opening, he had discovered the resurgence of Susannah's illness, and he chose to shoulder that burden on his own, as opposed to placing it onto Jeremiah or Belly. In the second season, though many believe that Conrad is manipulating Belly by lying to her, truthfully, he is doing what he believes is best for her--letting her guiltlessly be with his brother--to save her from himself. Even though he is still desperately in love with Belly, he puts her and Jeremiah's desires above his own. Jeremiah distinctly lacks this trait. He is impulsive, constantly seeking personal gratification. Unlike Conrad, who suppresses his desire for Belly, Jeremiah acts without considering the broader implications. When he lights fireworks to interrupt a personal moment between Conrad and Belly, or when he punctuates their private conversations, he reveals his ultimate goal--Jeremiah seeks to best his brother, whom he has maintained a rivalry with since their adolescence. Jeremiah, just like Conrad, is multifaceted, but that is where their similarities end. Though both brothers have a connection with Belly, through their dynamism, emotional interactions, and the overall depth of their relationship, Conrad and Belly prove to be the better couple. As someone who has already read the trilogy, Conrad is--and always will be--the one for Belly.