@isabellaraellano

It was an average Friday afternoon after school. As someone who had recently moved to a whole different country and didn't have many friends, I found solace in watching YouTube videos. I was fourteen at the time, and I had developed a newfound interest in K-Pop. I began with the classics: BTS and Blackpink. I would constantly watch funny videos and listen to their songs to pass the time. However, there was this one occasion when I stumbled upon a video featuring a group I had no idea about. It happened to be recommended to me, and I still remember the title to this day: "Loona whisper challenge: gone wrong." The video showcased a group of girls I was completely unfamiliar with, and their video editing skills made me burst into laughter. Nevertheless, it piqued my curiosity. Who were these girls, and why were they attempting to yell "pineapple" at each other? There is this belief amongst Loona fans that once you open the door and fall into the rabbit hole of the "Loona lore", there is no way out. And they were right. From their lyrics and wardrobes to their videos and even their names, everything was meticulously thought out and organized, leaving me in awe. As I delved deeper into the rabbit hole, I stumbled upon what might be my favorite piece of media to ever exist: their song "Butterfly." Words cannot adequately express how I felt when I watched and listened to the music video of "Butterfly" for the first time. Although I was still somewhat unfamiliar with K-pop, I had seen my fair share of videos, and this particular one was unlike anything I had ever witnessed before. Not even other Loona videos that had been previously released could compare. The song itself is an homage to individuality, self-love, and representation. To this day, it holds a special place among Orbits--the devoted fandom of Loona. The phrase "to all the LOONA's around the world" featured in the promotions for this song, always resonates deeply with me. It was created and delivered to send a message of encouragement to everyone, regardless of their origin, race, or sexuality. For my fourteen-year-old self, who had seemingly lost all sense of identity in an unfamiliar country, that feeling was priceless. Since discovering Loona, I've felt a connection with them, unlike any other group or artist. Over the years, they have consistently shared those same messages of individuality, self-love and encouragement. Throughout the four years I've followed them, Loona has faced significant struggles as a group. What I find most admirable is that despite the challenges and doubts from outsiders, they always manage to overcome whatever comes their way. This resilience resonates deeply with me. As I watched them grow as artists during my high school and early college years, it felt like I was growing alongside them. Witnessing them conquer obstacles inspired me to overcome my own. While I acknowledge that Loona may not be one of the biggest groups out there, their influence on others and the world is undeniable; I firmly believe that by paying close attention to them and understanding their values, one can experience something profoundly influential and transformative within themselves. As Loona has expressed multiple times "LOONA causes a Butterfly effect through music for the listeners to gain courage, find oneself, and raise one's voice," Anyone curious enough to delve into the story of these twelve girls will undoubtedly experience the same effect that I did.

During my childhood, I never owned a Barbie dream house. However, this was never a concern for me, as I possessed an innate talent for crafting my imaginative dwellings. My dream houses varied greatly in design and concept. First, there was the pink shoebox, ingeniously transformed into a fully-furnished studio apartment, complete with custom-made appliances. Then, there was the enchanting garden pot that provided a tropical retreat for my beloved Barbies. Lastly, I can't forget the resplendent French chateau-style mansion, cleverly fashioned by repurposing the white dresser in my room. Yet, amidst all my inventive attempts, none could rival the allure of my grandmother's Christmas village. As a child, Christmas held a special place in my heart, encompassing joyful family gatherings, delectable feasts, and the cherished tradition of spending a week at my Grandmother's house, always accompanied by my beloved Barbies. The Christmas Village was a sight to behold, adorned with glistering fake snow, charming festive houses (although too small for my dolls) and an array of twinkling lights. Reflecting upon these memories, I am overwhelmed by a flood of nostalgia; the loud chatter amongst the adults, the little games between cousins, and the smell of my grandmother's cooking as I am scolded by my parents for playing with said little village. If I were to ever manifest my own "Dream House", it would undoubtedly replicate my favorite house within the enchanting village. I envision a kitchen capable of magically recreating each of my grandmother's cherished recipes, while my dearest loved ones reside in the neighboring miniature houses, forging a close-knit community of joy and togetherness.