Indistinct Chatter

As much as I’ve enjoyed the excitement and reflection that this time of year brings, something I’ve highlighted in my recent blogs, I am absolutely ready to go home. There’s something about knowing you’re about to step back into the comfort of familiar surroundings with the people who know you best that makes the countdown feel endless. This weekend, however, will look a little different than usual. My sister is picking me up from the airport on Friday night, and I’ll spend the weekend with her. It’s been a while since we’ve had uninterrupted time together, and I’m genuinely excited about it. When you’re constantly busy with school, work, and everything else life throws at you, it’s easy to forget how refreshing it can be to hang out with family, laugh, and catch up on life. The reason for this unique setup? My parents will be out of town celebrating a friend’s 50th birthday. I mentioned this in a previous blog, and while I’ll miss the usual family routine when I first get home, I’m ha...

Watching The Social Dilemma in class was both eye-opening and unsettling. It’s no secret that social media is designed to keep us engaged, but seeing the behind-the-scenes strategies laid bare made me pause and reflect on how my habits have evolved over the years. There was a time when I wasn’t on social media at all for three whole years. During that time, I felt happier and more at peace. My mind felt clearer without the endless notifications or the pressure to constantly scroll. I could focus on the present moment and engage in activities that genuinely brought me joy. However, as my responsibilities increased, I reintroduced social media into my life, and the change has been significant. I use my phone much more now, especially to check social platforms. While I try to set limits, it’s easy to lose track of time when I’m scrolling. One of my most vivid memories of being disconnected comes from my high school years. I attended a camp on an island in New York where they took our...

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. There’s something about the season that feels like pure magic, a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and togetherness that makes everything brighter. Maybe it’s the lights, the music, or the smell of fresh pine, but every December, I find myself diving into the Christmas spirit. One of the things I love most about Christmas is the way our family traditions have stayed intact over the years. Even now, my grandma still asks my sister and me for our Christmas lists. We’re 24 and 22, so you’d think we might be past that point, but it’s something she’s done since we were kids, and it’s one of those small gestures that makes the season feel extra special. Every year, she’ll call or text, asking what we want. No matter how old we get, it’s her way of staying connected, reminding us that we’re always her “little ones.” It’s a tradition that always brings a smile to my face and makes me feel so grateful for the family bonds we share. Another highl...

TikTok has grown incredibly fast, evolving from the quirky short-video app to a powerful marketing platform that brands are using to connect with millions of people worldwide. It launched in 2016, and now, with over 1.5 billion users, it’s become the go-to place for reaching Gen Z and Millennials. While brands are diving into TikTok to find new audiences, my own experience with the app is a bit more laid-back. Mostly, I’m there for the laughs, watching comedy clips, viral challenges, and funny skits that make the rounds. I haven’t been tempted to try TikTok Shop, mainly because I’m not entirely convinced it’s a place I can trust for shopping. For businesses, though, TikTok’s a game-changer. Brands that really nail it here use TikTok’s unique features to pull off creative, interactive campaigns that don’t feel out of place in people’s feeds. Having a business account opens up tools to make content more visible and engaging. I’ve seen big names like Chipotle and Crocs use TikTok in sma...

 As we near the end of the semester, it’s crunch time, the time when mental fatigue sets in, and the finish line feels both close and far away. This period demands resilience and focus, pushing us to power through heavy workloads, exams, and the remaining assignments. The excitement of the semester's start has been replaced with a need to finish strong, knowing that the hard work now will lead to a well-earned break. I’m especially looking forward to heading home to Maryland for Thanksgiving. This year feels even more special, as my dad just celebrated his 50th birthday, and my mom will be turning 50 soon, too. They’re in a phase of celebrating life with friends and family, embracing every moment together. Being able to share in these milestone moments with them adds a lot of meaning to going home, and I’m grateful for the chance to unwind and reconnect. While at home, I plan on spending quality time with my sister Cailee, catching up on everything we’ve missed during the semes...

As many of you could tell in class, I am a huge fan of YouTube. It’s been fascinating to learn about how companies leverage the platform to reach and engage with consumers. With 2.49 billion monthly active users watching billions of videos daily, YouTube has become a powerful tool for marketers and the second most popular website globally, right after Google. The insights from class have shown me how brands optimize their content to get discovered, engage audiences, and build loyalty through the platform’s many features and ad formats. From creating a dedicated YouTube channel to designing compelling video thumbnails, companies have countless ways to draw attention and retain viewers. One thing I learned is how essential the YouTube algorithm is in determining what content users see. The platform personalizes video recommendations based on three key areas: personalization, performance, and external factors. Personalization is based on a user’s watch history, meaning that my frequent vi...