During my high school years, I experienced the challenges of being in a mentally abusive and emotionally exhausting relationship. Looking back, I realized that I didn't have the tools to recognize the warning signs or to leave when things became unhealthy. Taylor Swift's song "Clean" from her album 1989 resonates with me because it beautifully portrays the aftermath of a toxic relationship in a raw and honest way. The song's unique blend of emotional vulnerability and strength helped me recognize that it is possible to find healing after those types of relationships. Swift's lyrics in "Clean" describe the feeling of suffocation, drowning, and screaming for help, but not being heard. Her opening line, "When the flowers that we'd grown together died of thirst, it was months and months of back and forth," captures the feeling of disappointment and regret over a relationship that had potential but ultimately didn't survive. Although the introduction is harsh, the song's lyrics shift to a more positive message. The bridge of the song is particularly powerful, with Swift singing, "Ten months sober, I must admit, just because you're clean, don't mean you don't miss it." This line acknowledges the difficulty of letting go of a toxic relationship, even after the initial pain has subsided. It's a reminder that healing is a process and that even after we've moved on, we may still be tempted to revisit our past. The chorus of "Clean" captures the sense of release and relief that comes with finally breaking free from a toxic relationship. The repeated phrase "Rain came pouring down, when I was drowning that's when I could finally breathe," serves as a powerful reminder that healing is a process and that even after we've moved on, we may still be tempted to revisit our past. "Clean" features a unique production style that adds to its emotional impact. The use of electronic beats and atmospheric sounds creates a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere that complements the song's theme of rebirth and renewal. The vocals are also particularly impressive, with Swift's voice conveying a sense of raw emotion and vulnerability. The combination of lyrics and production make the song a powerful anthem about moving on and finding closure after a toxic relationship. In conclusion, "Clean" is my favorite song from Taylor Swift's 1989 album because of its unique blend of emotional vulnerability and strength. Its vivid imagery and metaphor, combined with its ethereal production style, make it a moving piece of music. Most importantly, "Clean" is a powerful reminder that healing is possible after a toxic relationship. The song has helped me personally to navigate through similar situations and I believe it can help others who may be going through similar experiences.

My best back-to-school tip is understanding that you will make mistakes, miss assignments, and even fail a test. However, the best advice I could give is to keep moving forward. In Eric Thomas' book "The Secret of Success" he mentions that a setback can be a good position for a comeback. Learn from your mistakes, what works for you, and how to progress for the future. Now with all of this said, many would believe that they have to take on the burden of learning from their mistakes by themselves. I can confidently assure you that this isn't the case. There are many support outlets and people that could be in your inner circle that you can rely on and seek guidance from. Many people regret not relying on others for help because they were embarrassed or too afraid to ask. However, those people want the best for you and your education and I can guarantee it will lift the stress off your shoulders. My Instagram @: bereket.denslow