The Art of Caring

This week, I experienced something that made me stop and really think about how much care matters. 

I have been stressed out the past couple of weeks…actually months if I’m being honest….trying to manage school, work, leadership responsibilities, and studying for the LSAT.

As my LSAT approached this week, I couldn’t help but become more and more nervous and more stressed. Many things were thrown my way on Monday, the day before my exam, and I was feeling so overwhelmed. 

Since there were no open spots to test in Kearney, I was required to go to Lincoln during the middle of the week, which only added to the stress. 

I arrived in Lincoln later than I wanted to on Monday night and was able to see my mom who was in town for work. 

Being able to see her was enough for me. I feel like moms always know what to say and can fix anything. Not only did I receive great advice, but also a little gift.

Earlier that day, my mom and my sister picked out a little care basket for me. 

That might not seem like a big deal, but to me, those little acts of care in that moment felt like a pause, a reminder to breathe and that I wasn’t facing everything alone.

Not only that, but I also received a flood of texts from friends and family offering words of encouragement for my LSAT. Individually, each message might have seemed small, but they meant the world to me.

I feel like sometimes it’s easy to think of caring as grand gestures like throwing someone a surprise party, or solving a huge problem for them. But sometimes, the little things can mean just as much, if not more. 

A text as simple as, “You got this.” 

A gift picked out with thought and love. 

A phone call just to check in. 

These small actions carry a weight that can lift spirits and calm nerves, even when they come as a surprise.

What hit me was how intentional these acts were. Someone took a moment out of their day to reach out, to encourage, and to show they were thinking of me. That intention and thoughtfulness really reminded me that caring doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be genuine. 

And in our chaotic world that often feels rushed and impersonal, these little moments of care stand out and they matter.

Thank you to my mom, sister, my friends, and everyone who sent a message or gift just because. You’ve reminded me how loved I am and how much I am truly cared for.

David Carr Reflection

In today’s world, everything is at our fingertips. We live in a time where everything from food delivery to streaming shows  is available in an instant. 

David Carr’s column, “We Want It and Waiting Is No Option,” dives into that culture of immediacy and how technology has shaped it. Reading it made me realize how true that still is, maybe even more now than when he wrote it in 2008.

Maybe a little too accurate.

Carr sets the scene inside the Virgin Megastore in Times Square, which can be inferred as a place that was once a hub for physical media. 

He notices two groups of shoppers existing in the same space but in completely different worlds: older adults flipping through CDs and younger people trading headphones and listening to songs they’ll later download.

It’s a moment frozen in time. The tipping point between the physical and the digital, between owning and accessing. 

Carr quotes Clay Shirky, an author and professor known for studying how the internet changes the people share and consume information, who says, “The need to hold media that you consume, the physical purchase, is going away.” 

Looking back, that feels less like a prediction and more like an observation of the inevitable.

Carr understood something that we live every day now: not only do people want content, they want it immediately. As he puts it, consumers “expect exactly what they want, when and how they want it.”

Whether it’s binge-watching an entire season the night it drops or scrolling TikTok because even YouTube feels too slow, that’s basically the foundation of how our generation interacts with media. 

What I like most about Carr’s work is that he doesn’t just write about technology. He focuses on people and the messy ways we adapt. Even when he’s describing the downfall of CDs, there’s always a sense of empathy behind his words. He’s observing what it means to live in a culture that never stops changing.

This can be seen more clearly in his book “The Night of the Gun,” where he says:

“If I said I was a fat thug who beat up women and sold bad coke, would you like my story? … We tell ourselves that we lie to protect others, but the self usually comes out looking damn good in the process.”

That same self-awareness is what makes Carr’s writing so powerful. He never pretends to stand above the world he’s analyzing. In the column, he even admits to falling right into the convenience of the new digital world, like  ordering prints from Snapfish, reading David Pogue’s reviews, and streaming “Friday Night Lights,” on Netflix. He knows he’s part of the same shift he’s writing about.

By the end, Carr reminds readers that real storytelling will outlast any platform or format. 

Quoting Shirky again, he writes, “Storytelling is a hard problem that is cognitive rather than technological.”

And that line stuck with me. It’s comforting to think that even as technology keeps evolving at a rapid pace, what matters most in communication is connecting through stories.

Overall, I really enjoyed this column. Even though it was written over 15 years ago, it still applies to our world today. Carr had a way of capturing moments that seemed small but actually reflected much bigger cultural changes. His writing made me think about how quickly we’ve adapted to instant everything, and how that’s changed not just our habits, but the way we experience the world.

What stood out most to me is his ability to balance criticism with understanding. He doesn’t shame people for embracing technology, he just asks readers to notice what it’s doing to society. I really appreciate how he took a topic so ordinary and made it worth reading about.

Are Mental Health Days Making Kids Soft?

Screenshot of original threads post

A few days ago, while scrolling through Threads, I came across a mom who shared a seemingly small story: she let her child stay home from school for a “mental health day.” The post included a screenshot of a text message conversation between her and her daughter, in which the daughter asked if she could skip school the next day. The mom’s post ended with a simple sentence:

“Sometimes it’s okay to give your kids a day off just because.“

Once I started reading the responses, I was torn. Because while I believe mental health is essential, I also think school plays a vital role in teaching accountability.

The responses seemed to be half and half. Many threads users praised the mom and sympathized with her:

Others were less sympathetic and poking fun at the the mom’s post:

I believe mental health is important. Stress, anxiety, and burnout aren’t just adult problems; they affect kids and teens too. Ignoring these issues can have real consequences for learning, social development, and overall well-being.

I absolutely agree that children deserve support, understanding, and strategies for coping with stress.

On the other hand though, I believe school is also a foundation for life. Attending classes, completing assignments, and facing challenges, even when uncomfortable, builds skills that are necessary for kids to learn before they become adults

I don’t think I’d be the high achiever I am today or handle stressful situations as well as I do if it weren’t for the experiences I went through when I was younger. There were things I didn’t want to do, things that scared me or stressed me out, but I still faced them, and I genuinely believe those moments helped shape me into a stronger, more capable person.

If children are allowed to skip school whenever they feel overwhelmed, it risks sending the message that avoiding difficulties is an acceptable solution. One day here or there might be fine, but it can’t become a habit without ruining the resilience and responsibility schools are meant to instill in children.

I think mental health and accountability need to coexist. A child who is truly struggling may benefit from a day to reset, but students should also learn strategies and mechanisms to cope with stress and push through challenges.

I think this is a fine line, and finding that balance between the two is crucial.

Parents, teachers, and schools should work together to identify when a mental health day is genuinely necessary and when it might be better to find strategies for managing stress while still attending school.

This is not the first time I’ve thought about this topic. Earlier this semester, I wrote a blog post about how mental health resources need to be funded in schools. I mostly focused my thoughts on college campuses, but I think the same thing could apply to elementary and high schools.

Giving students tools to help deal with stress and becoming overwhelmed will benefit them better in the long run instead of letting them give up when things are tough.

I think this Threads post isn’t just a simple social media debate. It really raises important questions that maybe we as a society should be thinking about.

How do we define wellness? How do we teach resilience? How do we prepare kids for the realities of life, where we can’t always take a break when we feel like it?

Mental health matters, but so does showing up. The goal isn’t to choose one over the other, instead it’s to teach students that both can exist at the same time.

Taking a break when truly needed can be healthy, but learning to manage stress, meet obligations, and handle discomfort is part of growing up.

It’s Okay to Rethink Your Future

When I first came to college, I was absolutely sure of one thing: I was going to law school and would become an attorney. I declared my major in political science, a field I believed would lay the foundation for my future in law, as it combined my love for debate, research, and big-picture thinking. I started my political science classes with one goal in mind, thinking that each step I took was bringing me closer to law school. 

But as freshman year unfolded, I found myself thinking more deeply about what I wanted my career, and life, to look like.

I’ve wanted to be an attorney ever since high school. It was something I was completely dead set on, and I didn’t really entertain any other options. 

My aunt, who is a successful attorney, has always been a role model to me, and I have had the privilege of watching her navigate her career. Seeing her passion for the law and the impact she makes in her community really reinforced my desire to follow in her footsteps. 

My Aunt Bergan and I

But as I started hearing more about the competitive and stressful environment of law school, I began to question whether this path was truly my dream or just something I’d always assumed I would do.

I started looking into other fields where I could use my skills and passions, which led me to add a journalism major at the end of my freshman year. This second major started as a “backup plan,” but it quickly became much more.

 Journalism has introduced me to a different way of using my interests in analysis, writing and storytelling. Skills that weren’t so different from those needed in law.

Growing up, my mom has also been a huge influence in my life. With her background in journalism, I have watched her as she has made a successful career for herself, and I have admired how she has used her voice to inform and connect with others. 

My Mom and I

Over time, I realized that the elements of journalism like telling compelling stories, informing the public and making an impact, were things that deeply resonate with me.

As I have explored the journalism field, I have found that I am also drawn to producing video content, a side of the field that allows me to bring stories to life in new, creative ways. I’ve discovered that I love not only writing and talking to people through interviews but also creating narratives in the form of video, which has opened up even more possibilities for my career.

In addition to my academic journey, I’ve also gained practical experience in both fields through internships. I had the opportunity to intern at a business in my hometown where I was able to work on my writing skills and work on producing video and social media content.

While working there, I learned the power of storytelling, and the thrill of creating content that could inform and engage an audience. 

Me filming content for my internship this past summer

I have also interned at a law firm, where I have been able to observe attorneys in action, whether behind the scenes of a firm or in the courtroom. Watching lawyers handle complex cases and being able to see them in action has given me a clearer understanding of what that life would entail.

My aunt and I (almost) twinning at the law office

These internships have given me a better sense of the realities of both paths, and they’ve helped me develop skills I can apply to whichever direction I choose.

Now, I am a senior, and as I approach graduation, I feel both uncertain and excited about my future. I’m still planning to go to law school, as I take my LSAT next week, so becoming an attorney is still very much on the table.

But I am also drawn to the creativity and storytelling that journalism offers. The idea of connecting with people, sharing their experiences, and using writing or video production as a way to make an impact continues to inspire me.

This dual-major journey has taught me that our paths don’t have to be set in stone, and that sometimes, the “backup plan” can turn into something we never knew we’d love. Whether I end up in a courtroom, a newsroom, or something in between, I’m learning that I don’t always have to have everything figured out. What matters most is staying open to where each opportunity leads me.

Two Food Articles

I decided to choose two articles, one from Sarah Baker Hansen and one from Tim Carman. I found Sarah Baker Hansen very interesting since she is reviewing restaurants within our state. Tim Carman also has some very interesting pieces as well and has a captivating way of drawing his readers in. The two articles I chose explore very different sides of food, but they also are connected in many ways. 

What are the writers discussing?

Sarah Baker Hansen writes about “Chances ‘R,’” a historic steakhouse in York, Nebraska. Throughout the article, she writes about the restaurant’s community importance, homemade food, and long history. It’s a deep dive into the restaurant as a local landmark and a place where food, history, and culture mix together to create something special. 

On the other hand, in Tim Carman’s article, he looks at food as a tool for protest, tracing the history of people throwing things like tomatoes, pies, and sandwiches to make political statements. His focus is more on the symbolic, cultural, and sometimes humorous aspects of food in society.

Why is this topic worth considering?

Both pieces show that food is more than just something we consume. Instead, it tells stories, reflects culture, and connects people in ways we might not immediately notice. 

Hansen’s review explains the role of food in building community and preserving tradition, while Carman shows how food can express disagreement, humor, or even social commentary. I think these topics can help influence readers to see that something as everyday as food can carry so much meaning, whether it’s bringing a town together or making a political statement.

How do I feel about it?

I think it’s really interesting to see how different angles on food can be. When I think of a food review, I usually think of people tasting dishes and describing flavors or presentations. But reading these two articles shows that food can also tell a story about history, community, or even politics.

Hansen’s article makes me appreciate local restaurants and the sense of history and community they provide. Her article makes me want to visit Chances “R” and experience it for myself, as well as support locally run restaurants. 

Meanwhile, Carman’s article is entertaining and thought-provoking. He explains how food can be used creatively to send messages or challenge authority. He also shows the surprising ways something as ordinary as a tomato, pie, or sandwich can carry a deeper meaning and become a symbol of protest, humor, or rebellion. It connects historical examples to modern-day events, which makes me really think about the cultural and political power that can be in everyday acts involving food.

Together, these articles make me think about how powerful food can be as both a personal and cultural experience, shaping our memories, traditions, and even social movements.

The Place That Made Me

This is the pool where I swam my first swim meet.
Terrified to jump,
heart pounding louder than the cheers,
and later,
this same water would carry me all the way to nationals
during my high school career.

This is the route I ran every fall cross country practice.
Gravel crunching under feet that didn’t necessarily love the miles,
but somehow learned to.
Now I run it for peace,
not a stopwatch.

This is the kindergarten playground where I met my two best friends
before we knew what friendship really meant,
before we grew into the kind of people
who still text just to say “thinking of you.”

This is where we watched movie after movie,
arms full of snacks and laughter.
The old theater’s gone now,
but the memories still play on in my mind.

This is the gym where they called my name
where I won homecoming queen
with shaky hands and a racing heart,
smiling at faces I’d known since preschool.

This is where I Irish danced
and watched the green horse go by.
Now, I celebrate with the older crowd,
still holding tight to the Irish pride.

This is where I broke my elbow.
A scraped-up, teary lesson
in how quickly life can change
on an ordinary day
and now that scare reminds me
how much I’ve grown since

This is where I learned that I like being involved.
Where clubs, teams, and group projects weren’t just obligations,
they were invitations.
And now, I carry that with me still,
filling my days with people, purpose, and showing up.

This is where seniors left their mark.
Painting messages on the bridge along the Cowboy Trail,
a tradition long since faded from my own class’s colors,
but still alive in every brushstroke I see
when I run that path again and again.

This is where I used to ask my mom
what her job was like.
Words that were hard to explain to my friends,
and now, I’m working
in that very same building,
doing the work she once did,
feeling connected across time and place.

This place, this community, is where I learned how to belong,
not all at once,
but memory by memory,
moment by moment,
street by street.

And when I say “I’m from Holt County,”
I don’t mean the place on the map,
I mean this map of memories,
this path I keep retracing,
where every stop has a name
and every name holds a part of me.

This place has changed a lot over the years.
New faces, new ideas, old buildings torn down or repurposed.
Some things I miss,
but I’ve learned that change can be good
if we carry the right things forward.
I want what’s best for this community,
because it gave me the best of myself.
And I hope I’ll always be part of its story:
not just as a memory,
but as someone who helped write the next chapter.

A Bite of Kearney You Don’t Expect

I’ve driven past the Saru Hibachi and Sushi food truck in Kearney countless times, usually catching a glimpse of the bright red truck parked in its usual spot. I’d always told myself I need to remember that it’s there and to stop by and try it sometime.

Sushi from a food truck sounds like a bit of a gamble though…something that could either be surprisingly good or a total regret. But as it turns out, it was one of my best decisions.

I decided to try the Fire Roll, a California roll topped with crab meat, crunchy bits, spicy mayo, and hot sauce. The name makes it sound like something that will set your mouth on fire, but it’s more of a slight warmth that sneaks in after a few bites. The crab on top was creamy and rich, blending perfectly with the soft rice and avocado underneath, and the crunchy cucumber added the right amount of texture to keep things interesting.

That first bite had a perfect contrast. The cool, creamy crab against the crisp topping, the soft rice balanced with just enough bite to hold it all together. The spicy mayo and hot sauce added more flavor than heat, coating each bite in a subtle richness that made it hard to stop eating. 

What stood out most, though, was the freshness. You’d never guess it came from a truck. The ingredients tasted clean and balanced, and there was a clear attention to detail in how it was prepared. By the time I finished, I was already planning my next visit. I think next time I’ll maybe try one of their speciality rolls like the Green Dragon or maybe even something from the hibachi menu.

The Saru Hibachi and Sushi food truck might not look like your typical sushi spot, but it absolutely delivers like one. It’s standing proof that great food can come from the most unexpected places.

A Fall Break to Remember

This fall break, my best friend Kylie and I packed our bags and headed to Colorado for a few days of exploring, relaxing, and soaking up mountain views. This was the first trip that I have been able to take on a break during school. Usually, I just go home to work, visit family, and stress about homework or upcoming exams. But this break was a little different, and I’m beyond grateful for that.

Our first stop on our trip was Golden, a small town that has so much charm. We got there in the evening and started at the Golden Mill for some fun drinks. The Golden Mill is a self-pour tap room with what seemed like a million options. It was a cute little place with a lot of outdoor seating and a great view of the mountains.

Then, we grabbed supper at a little hole in the wall diner called Bob’s Atomic Burgers. Honestly, one of the best burgers I’ve had in a while. And then, we ended up spending most of the night at Ace-Hi Tavern which is a classic local hangout spot where we sang karaoke and really embraced the small-town energy.

Next up was Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, which honestly blew me away. The pictures I took don’t do it justice. The red rock formations tower above you, and all of the amazing views on the trail were just unreal. We hiked a few of the trails and stopped about every ten steps to take more photos. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way.

The best part of the trip was the Flatland Cavalry concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and it was everything I hoped it would be. This was my fourth time seeing Flatland in concert and they just gets better every time. There’s something magical about Red Rocks, especially since it was my very first time there. The sound, the stars overhead, and the view of Denver twinkling in the distance. Everyone in the crowd was dancing around, singing along, and just having such a great time. Hearing Flatland Cavalry play live, surrounded by the incredible scenery, was such a surreal moment for sure.

The morning before heading home, we drove back to Red Rocks to watch the sunrise. As the sun peeked over the horizon, the rocks glowed this deep, fiery orange, and the whole place felt calm and peaceful. The air was chilly, but not too cold. The world felt still, except for the faint rustle of wind through the rocks and the sound of our footsteps echoing in the amphitheater. All I could think about was how grateful I was to be sitting here in this moment, completely at peace, soaking in the end of such a fun fall break. It was the perfect way to end the trip.

By the time we headed home, I felt that perfect mix of tired and happy that only comes from a good trip.We had a little bit of everything from relaxing, hiking, and just taking in all of the views. It was nice to actually have the opportunity to take a “break” for once and have fun without having to worry about work or school. I’ll definitely remember this trip for years to come and I hope I can visit again soon!

Jonathan Gold Reaction

After reading some of Jonathan Gold’s reviews, I can see why people say he changed the game for food writing. Both reviews I read, “Claws and Effect: Everyone’s Crowding into Macau Street for the Fried Crab,” and “The Great White Duck,” are about Chinese restaurants in the L.A. area, but what really stood out to me is how Gold just doesn’t describe the food, but instead tells a whole story around it. By the end, I felt like I had actually been in the restaurant and not just read about it. 

In “Claws and Effect: Everyone’s Crowding into Macau Street for the Fried Crab,” Gold paints a fun and chaotic picture of Macau Street. I could really imagine the noise of the crowd, see the flat-screen TVs playing ESPN, and smell the fried crab that everyone in the restaurant seemed to be ordering. The way he describes the crab as, “fried to a glorious crackle,” instantly made me hungry. 

What I love is how he ties in the cultural background too. He starts talking about how people expect Macanese food to be full of Portuguese influences and then flips that expectation by explaining that the restaurant’s food is actually mostly Cantonese. It’s really more than just a food review. It’s him discovering what the place really is. 

In “ The Great White Duck,” Gold takes a totally different path. The whole vibe is quieter and more serious, which I think is the aura of the restaurant. He describes the Nanjing duck as “cold and ghostly white,” which immediately sets the mood. I think it’s really interesting that he admits he’s not the biggest fan of the dish, but still gives respect. He doesn’t try to make himself sound like the ultimate authority. He just shares his honest reaction while still recognizing the skill and effort put into it. I think that makes him more of a reliable and relatable writer. 

What I enjoyed most about both of these pieces is how Gold uses food as a way to talk about people and culture. Whether he’s describing the fun, chaotic environment of Macau Street or the calmness of Nanjing Kitchen, he made me feel more than just hunger. His writing is funny, very descriptive, and you can feel his curiosity through his words. 

These reviews made me really think about food writing and how it isn’t just saying if something tastes good or not. It’s about capturing a place, its people, and the experience that comes with it. Gold does that so naturally that by the end of each review, readers will be wanting to try more than just the dish. They’ll want to know the story behind them.

Review of “Songbird”

A couple of weeks ago, Waylon Jennings released a new album titled, “Songbird.” How is this possible though? He passed away nearly 20 years ago. 

Shooter Jennings, Waylon’s son, announced the release of this new album that is a collection of recordings from Waylon produced between 1973 and 1984. 

Now, this isn’t some AI rendering of Waylon’s voice – these songs are the real deal pulled straight from the Jennings musical archives. These are actual songs that Waylon recorded with his band decades ago but were never released.

The story behind this album is great and all, but I am not here to tell you that. I love all country music, but there’s just something about the older generation of country music like Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty that just hits different. 

I did not grow up in this era of music, but listening to it makes me feel like I am being transported back in time. I don’t think music like this can come close to being recreated. 

Starting off the album is “Songbird,” which actually is not an original of his. Instead, it’s a Fleetwood Mac cover. I think it’s really interesting that the album title and the first song on the album would be a cover, but I am not mad about it. 

I think this cover might be the best song on the album, with Waylon’s deep voice giving it a completely new meaning. Christine McVie’s version is soft and emotional in the classic Fleetwood Mac way, but Waylon turns it into something that feels rugged and soulful. You can really hear the emotion in his voice throughout. It’s tender, but still tough just like the rest of his music. 

Another song I really enjoyed off the album was “The Cowboy (Small Texas Town).” The beginning of the song sounds very similar to his hit with Willie Nelson, “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up To be Cowboys,” which kind of surprised me. But this song has that classic outlaw sound that Waylon was known for. It has a steady rhythm and that tune that makes you want to tap your foot along. It’s one of those songs that makes you wish you could go back and see him perform live. 

“I’d Like to Love You Baby,” shows a different side of Waylon. It’s a softer and more romantic kind of song that reminds me he wasn’t just an outlaw. He had real warmth in his music too. The production feels very vintage and his voice carries a confidence that seems he can only pull off. 

Another highlight off the album is, “I’m Gonna Lay Back With My Woman,” which has an easy-going groove. It’s simple and honest with a charm that really gives the “classic” country vibe. 

One of the more emotional tracks on the album is “Wrong Road Again.” Throughout the song, it feels like Waylon is reflecting on life and his choices. You can almost feel the regret that he is singing about. His delivery is powerful. It doesn’t feel like he’s trying to impress anyone, he’s just telling it like it is. 

Waylon then brings back the outlaw energy with “I Hate to Go Searchin’ Them Bars Again.” It’s about heartbreak and late nights trying to move on but then ending up in the same places. A typical type of song for him

The rest of the album includes songs like, “Brand New Tennessee Waltz,” “(I don’t Have) Anymore Love Songs,” “After the Ball,” and “Dink’s Blues”. These continue the mix of grit and grace with “Brand New Tennessee Waltz,” sounding like a classic sad country tune, while “Dink’s Blues” ends the album with a raw and soulful sound. It’s a great combination of old-school country storytelling and that bluesy sound Waylon did so well. 

What’s interesting about this album is that even though these songs were recorded decades ago, they still sound new, like they were recently recorded. Shooter Jennings did a fantastic job keeping his dad’s sound intact while cleaning it up just enough for today’s listeners. The album feels authentic and not overproduced like a lot of modern country music tends to be. 

This album is a reminder of why Waylon was, and still is, one of the best country music artists. He never cared about being perfect. He cared about being real and that’s what this album delivers. 

Although I don’t think it’s any better than his older albums, I do think this album deserves a little more recognition. I appreciate the older country in this generation of new.