Taylor Swift, a talented American singer-songwriter with a creative and successful music career. Her ‘1989’ album from 2014 was an iconic Synth-pop genre superhit that thrilled many young individuals including myself as I was an 11-year-old in middle school. I remember as if it were just yesterday listening to ‘1989’ on my iPod, such a memorable year for Swifties, a nickname that distinguishes Taylor Swift fans. My favorite song from ‘1989’ is “Welcome to New York” which has a positive tone and mood. The meaning behind this demonstrates Taylor’s new lifestyle as she moved from Nashville, Tennessee to New York. This was an inspirational song for her as she expressed freedom, beginning a new chapter in her life. In September 2014, Taylor publicly shared her optimistic feelings about ‘1989’ and her living situation with Rolling Stone, an American news magazine focusing on music, politics, and pop culture. She simply said that she is happy and enjoys her life, album, and New York which delighted many fans. My favorite lines in the song are the following: “The lights are so bright, but they never blind me, me Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you Welcome to New York, welcome to New York” The first line shares visual imagery of the city as lights project happiness and freedom to Taylor. The second and third lines give a warm welcome to everyone living outside the city of New York as it is a place to visit and get to know new people and sites. I enjoy how Taylor sings these lines passionately as it gives a positive view of the city, encouraging everyone to travel, move to a new environment, and change some habits. New York is a large touristic city and listening to “Welcome to New York” makes me feel adventurous. I love traveling, especially to large cities during the spring and summer. I have never been to New York and the way it is portrayed in Taylor’s song and in the media makes me want to book a flight. I hope to one day visit and take pictures of the Statue of Liberty and Times Square while listening to the ‘1989’ album. “Welcome to New York” plays on an animated comedy movie called “The Secret Life of Pets” from 2016. This movie takes place in New York and demonstrates what pets do, specifically dogs when their owners are not home. During the movie, the pets casually walked in the streets and parks of New York, presenting tall, glassy, and colorful buildings. This vibrant scenery made me feel as if I were inside the film.

Vivir Mi Vida is a Spanish song by Marc Anthony and is one of the many positive songs I love listening to when I am in need of motivation. This song is about living life to the fullest along with happiness and laughter. Do what makes you proud, smile, laugh, and dance. This song makes me think of how I want my future to look like. I strive to have a happy and successful life. In order to do so, I will continue my college education to become a mental health professional, specifically a behavior technician. "Voy a vivir el momento, Para entender el destino, Voy a escuchar en silencio, Para encontrar el camino". This verse received my full attention. It means "I'm going to live the moment, To understand the futurе, I'm going to listen in silence, To find thе way". I made a personal connection with the first two phrases as a college student. "I'm going to live the moment, To understand the future" is currently what I'm doing as a first year college student as I continue learning new subjects and topics to prepare for my mental health career. "I'm going to listen in silence, To find the way" tells me to avoid negative influences and advice so I can move on with my life and accomplishments. I make decisions myself and know whats best for me and my future. I don't let anyone tell me what I can or can't do. Negativity will not underestimate me or my potential. The guidance I follow comes from my family and educators.

There are so many great and helpful back-to-school tips. I specifically encourage all students at any grade level to socialize more and connect with your peers, teachers, and counselors. Build a confident relationship with everyone at school. This can help you make friends, work in pairs or groups and build strong social skills. No student is ever alone. We all have the valuable resources we need to help us academically. Remember that everyone is there to help, guide, and advise you with assignments and personal life situations.