In a world where imagination knows no bounds, my personal Barbie Dream Haven transcends conventional expectations. Nestled in a whimsical countryside, preferably somewhere in Italy or France (but I’ll accept several acres in my native Florida) this architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to elegance, creativity, and boundless potential. The Barbie Dream Haven, a manifestation of childhood dreams, welcomes all with its enchanting exterior and remarkable features that promise unforgettable experiences. The Barbie Dream Haven enjoys breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, vibrant wildflowers, and a serene brook. This peaceful countryside offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of everyday life. The Dream Haven's exterior design is a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and fairytale charm. Elements of Conch houses, a style developed in my hometown Key West, such as the large wrap-around porches and balconies around doors, as well as other neoclassical and revivalist styles, serve as the main architectural inspirations for the home. Walking into the grand entrance showcases a shimmering crystal chandelier that cascades from the foyer's high ceiling, casting a gentle glow on visitors. The house is adorned with large bay windows, flooding the interior with natural light. Step through the Dream Haven's doors, and a world of enchantment awaits. The interior’s design celebrates elegance, style, and versatility. The spacious living room exudes sophistication, featuring plush sofas and a cozy fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves house an extensive collection of books, ensuring endless intellectual pursuits and cozy reading corners. The dream kitchen is a culinary sanctuary, equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, a marble island, and a walk-in pantry filled with gourmet ingredients, perfect for experimenting with new recipes and hosting delightful gatherings with friends. The Dream Haven also boasts a luxurious spa, complete with a marble jacuzzi, a rejuvenating sauna, and a calming meditation room, perfect for ending a hard day’s work or relaxing with friends. The walk-in wardrobe is a fashionista's dream come true. It showcases a meticulously organized collection of designer outfits, accessories, and shoes. A glamorous dressing area with professional lighting allows for the expression of unique styles and experimentation with fashion. Complementing all of the lavish rooms, The Dream Haven seamlessly integrates modern technology into its design. Smart home features, voice-activated assistants, and interactive holographic displays bring an element of magic and convenience to every room. The Barbie Dream Haven is a testament to the limitless potential of imagination, celebrating elegance, creativity, and friendship. Nestled amidst nature's splendor, this architectural gem offers an idyllic retreat where dreams come to life. With its enchanting exterior, elegant interior, and an array of fabulous features, the Dream Haven serves as a sanctuary for its residents, inspiring limitless adventures and lifelong memories. In this extraordinary dream house, the world is theirs to create, explore, and embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

At 10, I spent two weeks at my grandma's house in northern New Jersey with my cousins. In 2015, I attended Taylor Swift's 1989 concert, an album that marked her transition from country to pop. The concert was a highlight of my childhood. Eight years later, I still reminisce about the concert and wish I could have seen Taylor again on the Eras tour. As a ten-year-old, I couldn't truly appreciate this album. But now, as a seventeen-year-old rising senior who has had her fair share of heartbreaks, I listen to this album in the present not only with a feeling of nostalgia but with the newfound sense of being understood by Swift. I know this essay prompts me to write about my favorite song, however, I struggle to pick. How can you pick a singular song off an album that defined your first romantic experiences? It’s an impossible feat, in my opinion, but I’ll do my best to narrow it down, so let me give some praise to a few of my honorable mentions. “Style”, is the pop-rock, third track from 1989. Style describes a relationship with looming failure. She knows they’re unstable. She knows he’s been unfaithful. But, despite their flaws, she believes that they are perfect for each other. “I Wish You Would” is the seventh track, where Taylor describes how she wishes a man would come back to her and all of the things he should do over a pop beat. Every track on this iconic album speaks to the pitfalls and highs of teenage romance. I listen to these songs when I feel tears coming to my eyes thinking about a failed relationship, or when I wish an old lover would come back or right his wrongs. However, I have to give a monumental amount of praise to my favorite song on this album, the thirteenth (Taylor’s lucky number) and final track, “Clean”. The lyrics consist of Swift comparing a destructive romantic relationship to sobriety using analogies, which juxtaposes with the bubbly pop beat. She has problems leaving this relationship, which is the primary subject of the track. What's amiss is she has become dependent on the connection. She describes the experience of ending the relationship to quitting smoking, likening letting go of a relationship to quitting an addiction. My favorite line from this ballad is “Ten months sober, I must admit, Just because you're clean don’t mean you don’t-miss-it”. As a teen girl going through my first romantic relationship, and its subsequent (and catastrophic) end, this song helped me feel less alone. I felt understood, and I felt seen. Someone else knows how it feels to struggle with letting go of a relationship you know is terrible for you. I didn’t feel belittled as an emotional, obsessive, and naive teenage girl as others had made me feel, I felt like someone understood I’d never gone through this before and didn’t know how to process these emotions. This track comforted me and genuinely helped me move through my first heartbreak. When I see an ex-boyfriend at school, or when I "watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep", I can regulate my breathing, I can find peace, and I can keep moving by reminding myself “Ten months older I won't give in, Now that I’m clean I’m never gonna risk it.”