Realizations

          

              During American Studies this semester, I realized that American culture cannot be strictly defined. Every aspect of a person, including their traditions, their homes, even their clothes, hints at that individual’s identity and his influences. American culture extends past the U.S. borders. In a changing world with different cultures and advanced technology, many kinds of people can interact and influence how others live within the United States. Additionally, I learned how the rise of technology and privatization has reduced areas that are truly democratic. It’s odd realizing that the new mall is not truly a public space.

Word Count: 97

New Room, New Worries

When I was five, I moved into a new house. It was bigger than my old home, meaning I had more room to run around and lay out my toys. I even had my own room. The closet was filled with my clothes, and the desk was meant only for me. During the day, light filtered in through the crisp white curtains. Everything was bright and warm. I was at home.

But at night, my new room changed completely. The eerie, pale moonlight hovered over the objects in my room, creating menacing monsters ready to seize me at any moment. And this time, my sister wasn’t in the bottom bunk to protect me.  I heard creaking. Was that my parents as they walked up the stairs?  Or the creature under my bed shifting his weight?

I had to find out. As I leaned over to peer under the bed, my heart began to race. My hands shook violently as I reached for the bed skirt. I violently pulled the covers, ready to encounter a being with glowing red eyes and long black claws.

There was nothing.

Still shaken, I ran to my parent’s door and dragged my dad to my room, making him inspect every nook and cranny, ensuring that everything was safe. This repeated for many nights. However, as the days dragged on, my house became more familiar. The cloud of darkness came to envelop me like a warm blanket rather than trap me. At first, the dark may have been frightening at times, but I came to realize that’s what made the morning sun all the more brighter.

Fears help us better appreciate the comforting aspects of life.  

Word Count: 270

Coffee and Company

I chose the University Center’s Starbucks as my public space to examine. Maps with some observations can be seen above. People sit after getting coffee to talk with friends or to study alone or in a group. People like sitting in the more comfortable chairs or separate tables. Most customers are college students; however, younger students prefer to sit alone or solely in their group. Older students are more likely to sit next to a stranger. Since there are many younger students, the large table doesn't seem like an effective use of space. Such a change may attract more students. This may be more of a place to hang out rather than one to gather since people tend to come and go. 

Word Count: 122

A Feline Friend

A Feline Friend

Priyanka Prasad

Word Count: 260

Shortly after my seventeenth birthday, my family adopted a cat. He was a six year old Russian Blue that was supposed to be euthanized later in the week. I had always considered myself a dog person, but for some reason I put a great deal of effort in making this furry friend feel at home. For the first month, I attempted to coax him from under the bed, leaving generous piles of cat treats or talking to those glowing green eyes in hopes that he would come out.
Now those days feel like a distant dream. Whenever I call my cat’s name, I can always hear the jingling of the bell on his collar ring louder as he rushes to me. Sometimes I used to wonder if my cat considered me an oversized toy that brings food. I became scared that he didn’t care about me at all and that he wouldn’t remember me if I was gone at college for too long. Maybe my face would become as unfamiliar as on the day when he first entered my house. So when he answers my call with a friendly chirrup, I can’t help but gasp a sigh of relief. And maybe my cat even missed me too because he will shadow me when I come back home again. I like to think that my cat thinks of me as a living being, but I do not mind even if he doesn’t because he brightens my day nevertheless.

I believe animals have the power to change lives just as humans do. 

Home-style Delight

                                                                                                

In Ellicott City, there is a restaurant, Shannon’s, where my family and I like to visit. This small, homely pub started in 1982 preserves a relaxed, personal, and carefree attitude in an increasingly fast-paced environment. The restaurant isn't too well known; it generally serves an elderly crowd that sits at the wooden bar to talk about their day. But there’s something nice about having a warm home-style bowl of French Onion Soup after a long day. I hope that this restaurant will be around so that even as life gets busy, people will be reminded to take it easy.

Word Count: 99

That Swedish Store

Whenever I walk into a mall, I feel a bit more comfortable once I see that familiar red H&M sign. There I can find a stylish sweater or a cute dress that actually fits well. Best of all, this poor college student doesn't have to spend a fortune for a decent pair of pants.  I like how my clothes don’t fade or shrink when I put them in the wash, but nowadays I can’t help but feel annoyed when I see someone with the same shirt I have. Maybe I should try going to a thrift store next time.

Word Count: 99

The "Bob"

On the first day of high school, I stepped into crowded hallway to see blonde, brown, black, and red locks cascading down shoulders. It seemed like every girl had long hair. I think everyone wanted to look older and supposedly long hair did just that. If that was the case, I probably looked like an eight year-old. I ran my fingers through my hair, glancing at my freshly cut ends as they fell against my cheek. Dealing with my bob haircut was a little awkward at first, but I eventually came to love how quirky and unique it was.

Word Count: 99 

Home Is Where the Art Is

Hello all!

My name is Priyanka and I am a freshman at UMBC pursuing Interdisciplinary Studies. When I think about home, I immediately think about my cozy, relaxing house in Ellicott City, Maryland. However, as I have gotten older, I have come to find a sort of solace in art. I often keep a pencil and sketchbook in hand, and I’ll even venture to museums like the MOMA for inspiration or examples of outstanding craftsmanship. I may not be at my house as much anymore, but at least doodling brings me the same comfort as being in Ellicott City. 

(Word Count: 99)