Mira: Guide for Remote Learning

Hey everyone!! CA Mira here! Now that we are almost a month into the spring semester, I wanted to check in with y’all! Online classes and remote learning can be HARD, but I am PROUD OF YOU for getting through it!!

In case any of you lovely people are struggling a bit with your classes this semester, here are four tips that I have picked up over the last few months that have really helped me to succeed while studying remotely!

DESIGNATE ONE SPACE FOR ZOOM CLASSES

Since you’re at home, it’s more important than ever to categorize your spaces, otherwise your entire house will feel like a place to do work- and you don’t want that. I always do my zoom classes in my room (at my desk) and that way I feel like I’m able to separate school and work! What’s nice about doing all your classes in one place is that if there is ever a day where you feel really restless, you can do your zoom classes somewhere else for just that one day, and it kind of tricks you into thinking that you’re doing something new!

GO TAKE A WALK

Being at your desk for a long time can really hurt your body and strain your eyes! Go outside and get some fresh air between your classes! It’s such a game changer and will really boost your mood! Even when I’m not feeling it, I’ll still drag myself outside before or after class (even for a minute) and I’ll be really happy I did!

REACH OUT TO YOUR CLASSMATES ON ZOOM

Zoom has a private chat feature- USE IT! Trust me- you’re going to regret not befriending your classmates when you have an assignment due at midnight and you have no idea what on earth the prompt is asking you to do. It’s a lot harder to make acquaintances over zoom, but it’s important to have a friend in class that you can reach out to if you need help!

WAKE UP AT THE SAME TIME EVERYDAY

I know that when you have a class that starts at 2pm, it’s easy to want to sleep in for a couple more hours, but hear me out on this! I have found that it really helps me to wake up every single day at the same time AND to wake up at least half an hour before my classes start. Don’t get me wrong, I have most definitely had days when I simply rolled out of bed at 8:59AM to get to my 9AM class, but every time I did that, I found myself feeling groggy and zoned out during the lecture. Not fun, and not productive. Do yourself a favor and make sure your body is on a sleep schedule that gets you up out of bed and TRULY ready for your day!

Anyway, that’s all for now but I hope you find these tips helpful and that you use them to make online classes a little more bearable! YOU GOT THIS and good luck this semester!!

Katherine: Back to the Basics! Childhood Activities to Combat Anxiety

Back to the Basics: Childhood Activities to Combat Anxiety

BY: Katherine Gotard

I have personally experienced the stress that social isolation has inflicted upon students in 2021 alone. It has become a default to worry myself over the future when I don’t have a clear picture of what’s to come for my friends and me. And when I was put into quarantine for 10 days at the start of this semester, I felt the effects of this anxiety the strongest. However, these moments of stress and boredom forced me to return to tried-and-true solutions, even though I was previously convinced I had outgrown them.

As an artist, my mind is often filled with creative ideas that I am itching to put on paper. Instead of just committing to these concepts, I allow them to fall to the waste side, determining that I’m too busy to start the project or that I won’t be able to properly execute my vision. While in the quarantine dorms, I could no longer produce a reason why I shouldn’t just go for it. So, I dusted off my set of Prismacolor pencils, drew what I wanted, and forced myself to finish what I started.

It felt incredible to throw myself into a piece of art again, letting all my anxious thoughts slip away as I completely focused on choosing the right color or final touches. I was reminded of how much I used to love just sketching whatever thought popped into my head. My advice - prioritize yourself and your personal goals, no matter how lofty or pointless they seem. Allow yourself to find joy in these hobbies and passions that you had when you were younger and undoubtedly less busy. You won’t regret it.

When the last major snowstorm of the season hit Boston, I decided that I was going to go sledding. No matter if I had to use a plastic tray, piece of cardboard, or concede to purchasing a sled from Target - I was going to take advantage of the powder covering the Commons. Yes, I could have gotten ahead on assignments or finished more work instead of playing in the snow, but all I could think of was how much I wanted to be in the present, to feel the cold snow beyond my dorm room window. 

I got to go sledding that night on a pool floaty that took about 20 minutes to blow up in the middle of the park. The Commons were empty except for a few Emerson students who had the same idea as me. We all enjoyed the moment together and allowed our inner kids to flourish on that rather short downward slope. While it may seem like it’s impossible to create those quintessential college memories during this LFA semester, there are plenty of opportunities to do so - you just have to seize them. 

You may think you’ve outgrown the simple joys we had during your childhood, like coloring or playing outside, but this is the time to return to them. Right now we’re living in that bittersweet spot between childhood and adulthood. Remember to ease your stress with nostalgia, taking advantage of this transitory phase in a semester defined by uncertainty.

Colbi: Why I recommend a social media detox

Why I recommend a social media detox

By Colbi Edmonds

At the beginning of the new year, I decided to challenge myself and my usage of social media. I deleted Instagram off of my phone, turned off the notifications for any other platforms I have and do my best to limit my screen time. 

Social media is a great tool for connecting with friends and family, keeping up to date on current events and having a laugh every once in a while when you come across a funny video.

But, for me, social media has also turned into a really toxic environment, one where I constantly compare myself to what everyone around me is doing. I’m also prone to doom scrolling — when you just keep scrolling and scrolling through bad news — which isn’t great for my mental health.

So, in an effort to prioritize the things that make me happy and are productive for my well-being, I knew taking a serious detox from social media is what I needed. And it’s already been so amazing.

You don’t realize how easy it is to mindlessly scroll on Instagram or TikTok for hours taking in everyone’s picture-perfect photo ops, everyone else’s amazing successes on LinkedIn and the awful news of yet another unprecedented event on Twitter.

I think you will find that it’s much easier to focus on your work and stay present in the moment when you don’t have the urge to constantly check your phone. I also just feel so much more intentional with the things I do. Have you ever found yourself doing an activity just to post about it? I know I definitely have. I want to have fun and see people because I genuinely want to — not because I need a new photo to post.

It’s definitely a difficult task, especially for certain professions. As a journalist, I need Twitter and Instagram for reporting and crowdsourcing. It’s something that will definitely be in my life forever but I am slowly learning how to create those work life balances.

I would rather nurture the relationships in my life than feed photos to a 1,000 people on Instagram who I haven’t talked to since high school. So, if you have this mindset as well or just need a break from all of the current chaos, I recommend stepping back from social media for a bit.

Photo by dole777 on Unsplash

Megan: You Can Do It! Mid-semester Tips

Merry Midterms! I hope you’re staying warm and keeping it cool as we approach the middle of the semester. 

New Year’s Resolutions great, but I find myself a less “put together” towards the middle of the semester. During the pandemic, it’s easy for even the most organized students to find themselves in a pit of unfinished assignments, unresponded to text messages, and undesirable sleep schedules. 

So with that in mind, here are a few ways you can nudge yourself back on track.

  1. Get a Not-So-Scary Planner

My biggest grievances with planners is the dates. If I forget to use it, I feel bad that I’ve bought something that’s going to waste. When I’m in the paper pressure cooker of January 2021 - December 2021, I feel bad on my messier days.

However, I’ve found a solution - get an undated planner! I didn’t know these existed until recently but now that I have mine, I’ll never turn back. For example, this one from ban.do.

You add in the date you want, fill it out the night before, and use it the next day. If you forget to plan a day or even a week, no worries! It’s your schedule, not the planner’s.

  1. Get Some Sleepy Headspace

I know, every COM newsletter and that one kid in your psychology class told you to use Headspace. But I’m here to talk about the best part of Headspace: the sleepy part.

With every passing day, my sleep schedule gets crazier. Sometimes I go to bed at 6 am and sleep until noon. Other time I fall asleep on my desk at 8 pm. But a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for a healthy lifestyle.

However, if you’re a real insomniac like myself, falling asleep is easier said than done. Headspace’s sleepcasts and music are the perfect way to lull yourself to sleep and as someone who’s tried most other sleep methods, I can guarantee a wind down playlist will help you reset your sleep schedule.

  1. Schedule Weekly Friend Hangouts

During the pandemic, it’s become increasingly difficult to respond to texts and make plans. Having people in your life is important, but remembering that isn’t always easy. 

Instead of worrying about constantly scheduling, schedule it once and call it done. Pick a day when you and your friend/significant other are free, make a plan, and pop it in your Google calender. Then you don’t have to worry about those pesky text messages, because you know every Tuesday night you’re going to Netflix party with your pals and every Friday afternoon you’re going to suburb walk with your buddies.

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These tips are good, bu above all else, remember YOU are your top priority. Self-care comes in all forms. Sometimes that means cooking a healthy meal. Sometimes it means laying on the couch all day eating and listening to Driver’s License by Olivia Rodrigo on loop. You are unquestionably the most important thing in your life, so remember that when the going gets rough.

Take care of yourself,

CA Megan

Anna: Senior’s guide to the best classes at BU

As I reflect on my experiences at BU, I think back to the classes that had the greatest impact on my BU career. Here’s my list of the “best” classes I’ve taken at BU and what I got from each class (in no particular order):

My favorite COM Classes:
  1. Design and Interactive Experiences (CM523)
  • This changed my outlook on websites, the web development process, research, prototypes, and more! In this class, I went through the design process and created a website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It was phenomenal—I felt like I was learning a new program or platform every week!
  1. Design Strategy and Software (CM501)
  • Are you a newbie to the Adobe Suite? This class is a great introduction to Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The programs may be intimidating at first but my favorite part was having someone walk with you as you learn tricks and shortcuts! With every project draft, there’s a critique—that was my favorite part because you got to hear what other people thought about your design.
  1. Non-Profit Public Relations (CM345)
  • This class taught me the fundamentals of what went behind operating a non-profit. I learned the efforts it took to fundraise, find volunteers, and lead a non-profit.The summer after taking this class, I started a non-profit project, @RyannaShirts! 
  1. Media Strategies and Management (CM441)
  • From pitching, pretending to be a spokesperson, to speaking 1:1 with a real journalist, this class taught me so much. I looked forward to attending and learning about the ways PR practitioners play a role in everyday news and corporations.
  1. Writing for COM (CM331)     
  • If there’s one word to describe this class, it’s “brevity.” I learned the foundation of writing cover letters, press releases, and summaries. Most importantly, this class taught me to be an active newsreader!
  1. Media Business Entrepreneurship (FT591)
  • If you have a passion project or idea, this class will help you chase it! There’s no better way to learn about how startups work than to read case studies about disruptors, fast-followers, and failed ventures. At the end of the class, we also got to pitch and work on our own passion projects.
  1. Communication Research methods (CM321)
  • They say data is what will drive the future of the world… and it’s true! This class ignited a new interest in me for data and research. It taught me what it was like to delve into survey results and analyze them using SPSS. We learned to capture, describe, and predict variation. Whether you’re pursuing the communications industry or not, this class will give you a fundamental understanding of analytics and research, which is helpful in the “real world!”
My favorite “Around BU” Classes:

Your education is not complete without other classes beyond just COM. Here are my top classes I’ve taken outside of COM throughout my time at BU:

  1. Philosophy of Happiness (CAS PH485)
  • This class changed my life and gave me a refreshing perspective on happiness, friendship, and love! It is a discussion-focused class meaning you’d read several pieces then spend the class discussing it and how it plays in your life. It taught me to be a better communicator and more introspective on my life’s journey.
  1. Positive Psychology (SED ED212)
  • If you’re looking for ways to be a more “positive” person or learn about what it takes to be positive, this is the class to take! My biggest takeaway from this class was the weekly meditation challenges and learning about what my strengths were as an individual and leader. It’s a very self-reflective class.
  1. Improvisation Dance (PDP DA138)
  • This is the most rejuvenating and stress-relieving class I ever took at BU. Whether you’re a dancer or not, this class is perfect for you. This class is the definition of “dance like no one’s watching.” You’ll learn techniques for individual and group improvisation. 
  1. Ice Skating (PDP SK)
  • I felt like this was the most “BU class” I could ever take. I ended up taking this class for two semesters because I loved it so much (I’m not a pro ice skater now). If you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone and do something that scares you, this ice skating class might be it!
  1. Healthy Cooking on a Budget (PDP NT104)
  • Want to learn how to eat out less, set better portion controls, or stop setting your kitchen on fire? Follow along with cooking demos and learn some life skills such as dieting, budgeting, and nutrition labels! This class changed the way I look at food and how I prep my meals. 
  1. Intro to Adulting (CAS SY101)
  • I’m sure you’ve learned parents say “they should’ve taught you that in school.” Well, this is that class. In this class, you’ll learn about finances, career development, retirement, finding an apartment, and how to “Splash and Marciano’s” post-grad. Note: this class is only open to seniors.
  1. Not a class, but study abroad if you can!
  • I recommend the Madrid Study Abroad Program. I learned so much from my time there and still keep in touch with my host-family to this day!

Anna Pham_Balloons

As my time at BU comes to an end, I realized that it’s the classes and amazing people that have made the greatest impact on my education. Remember to pick your classes and spend your time wisely (but don’t fret about it if things don’t go your way)... everything happens for a reason! My undergraduate experience was truly a rollercoaster ride but in hindsight, I wouldn’t have changed anything about it! 

 Once a terrier, always a terrier,

Anna Pham (annapham@bu.edu)

Major: Public Relations | Minors: Philosophy and Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Brady: A bittersweet college sports season

As we approach a full year of pandemic life in the United States, I’ve noticed that it feels increasingly strange to look back at pictures and videos from this time in 2020, and just how different everything was. A year into this new reality, the way we live now almost seems more normal than the way we lived then.

As I look back at those memories that now feel so distant, the images of pre-pandemic college sporting events stick out to me in particular. I have pictures overlooking a packed TD Garden at the 2020 Beanpot, just a month before the college hockey season was cancelled due to the coronavirus. I have selfies in the BU pep band, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with 50 Terriers  at a BU basketball game. Now, we can’t even play our instruments, let alone do it at a BU game.

This year, there are no fans, no bands, and consequently, no college sports atmosphere. I’ve been very lucky to attend several games myself through working for BU Athletics, but I miss my fellow fans, my band friends, my media colleagues, and everyone else who has been locked out of this covid-centered season. It just doesn’t feel the same without any of them.

I find this to be especially true at hockey games. I have seen the progression of the BU men’s hockey program first-hand, and it’s bittersweet to see the team peaking just when fans are forced away. Last year, the Terriers went a pedestrian 13-13-8, with a handful of ugly home defeats that had the BU faithful headed home early. Maybe they would have stayed if they knew those would be the last games they saw in-person! I remember columns popping up about attendance dipping at BU and other arenas around the country. Oh, how silly we were then.

While the on-ice product missed the mark at times last season, this year’s edition of the men’s hockey team has been exciting, entertaining, and at times, elite. The Terriers have home wins against two top ten opponents in UMass and Boston College — beating rival BC at home for the first time since 2017 — and have shot up the national rankings, cracking the top ten themselves for the first time since 2018. The team is poised to be a major postseason threat in Hockey East and likely in the national tournament as well, and yet, no one can be there to see it. It’s too bad.

Another note on the men’s hockey team for the history buffs and sentimental BU fans like myself is that the men are playing at historic Walter Brown Arena for the first time since moving across the street to the newer Agganis Arena in 2005. The decision to play at WBA was led by covid protocols and safety guidelines, but has made for a fun reminder of what BU men’s hockey used to look like. I was only five years old when the team left Wally B, but I really wish I could have been around to see them play there in front of a rabid BU crowd, especially with a winning team.

This is just one example of why I feel a sort of reserved joy about this season of sports. I’m certainly glad the teams are back in action, and it’s nice to see some of the teams doing well amidst all the unusual circumstances. But it’s just not the same. Hockey isn’t the same without the fans of all ages, basketball isn’t the same without my fellow student reporters, lacrosse isn’t the same without the packs of parents — the list goes on.

As we’ve all learned this year, though, you have to make due with what you have. I appreciate what the Athletics department has done to simulate a more recognizable game day feel, like playing the fight song and other BU hits from the band, as well as pre-recorded crowd noise during the games. It’s a bit odd to look around an empty venue and hear the murmur of hundreds of fans, but if it makes things more familiar for the athletes, then I’m all for it.

That said, when the time comes, I’ll be more than ready to get rid of these imitations and bring in the actual source of that irreplaceable ambience. That’s what college sports are all about, and when we get that back, even if it’s a fraction of what it usually is, things will start to feel right again. When the gates open, I hope fans at BU and across NCAA will flock to the stadiums — safely, please — and I hope people will remember just how special this experience is.

At its best, you can’t beat the game day atmosphere of college sports. I hope we can all enjoy it again soon.

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Image taken by Brady Gardner

 

Lindsey: 5 Extremely Funny Movies You Need to Re-Watch (or watch)

This year, the most exciting social plans my roommates and I have are movie nights. With a year, where almost everything is canceled -- restaurants, concerts, and college parties, it’s important that you still have fun and have a laugh every now and then.

My roommates and I created a list of movies called “Extremely Funny Movies We Must Re-Watch.” Most nights of the week, we pick a movie from the list, grab the popcorn, and all re-watch a funny movie together. Although nothing about this is revolutionary, it is a nice way to end each day and also have a good laugh (we all need it). 

 If you’ve watched these, it’s worth the re-watch. And, if you haven’t, you need to watch it. 

Here’s my top five:

  1. Bridesmaids 

    A classic funny movie, with a very talented cast. This one is definitely a cackle-worthy movie.

  2. Neighbors 1 & 2

    Seth Rogan and Zac Efron in the same movie is definitely worth your time. It’s rare that the sequel is as good as the first movie, but in this case, it is.

  3. SUPER BAD

    Personally, this is my favorite movie. This movie will never not be funny. One of my roommates watched this movie for the first time last month, and she said, “I can’t believe I’ve lived my whole life without watching this, until now.”

  4. THE PROPOSAL

    Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds are so fun to watch in this movie as they grow their relationship together. It’s a Rom-Com, and very funny. 

  5. SEVENTEEN AGAIN

    Zac Efron is on this list more than once, but it’s well deserved. Right now, this movie is on Netflix and it is very entertaining.  

Movies are always a great way to pass time and a fun way to bring people together. Even if you don’t have roommates, many of these streaming services, like Netflix have ways where you can watch something virtually with others. Give it a try!

If you’re looking for more movie recommendations, I’d love to share. Email me: lindseyr@bu.edu.

Enjoy!

 

Gillian: My Self-Care Tips for a Healthy Semester

My Self-Care Tips for a Healthy Semester

Self-care is critical to your physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, we all know that. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to practice what we preach. Life gets busy, and slowing down is the last thing on anyone’s mind, but I’m here to remind you to take care of yourself. Here’s some of my tips for practicing self-care during a hectic semester:

  1. Find a TV show you love to binge-watch. Let it be your guilty pleasure. Mine are New Girl, Gilmore Girls and the Bachelor franchise. Sometimes self-care just means turning off your brain at the end of the day. Also, if you want to be with people, but don’t have the energy to talk, watching a show together at the end of the day is a great move.
  2. Experiment with different foods and diets to find the specific balance of health and indulgence that works for you. I was vegan for years until I realized that, for me, the health benefits weren’t outweighed by how badly I wanted a fried egg and a piece of milk chocolate. Make choices with both your body and heart in mind. 
  3. Find ways to move your body every day that don’t suck. Notice that you aren’t even leaving your dorm or apartment some days? Take a walk to Trader Joe’s and buy yourself some healthy snacks. Incentivize movement, and you’ll find it much easier.
  4. When you’re feeling particularly down, treat yourself to something you love. Are you a Starbucks matcha latte fiend? Treat yourself to a venti, or learn how to make it yourself (all you really need is matcha, a sweetener, milk and a milk frother). 
  5. Journal in some form or another. During the holidays, I was gifted a five year journal where I write down a sentence about what happened every day. I’ve found it to be a particularly effective way to practice self-reflection and gratitude, and highly recommend it!
  6. Get a plant. Whether it’s herbs, flowers, or just a simple succulent, adding nature into your environment is huge. Not only do house plants have a variety of physical benefits, but having to take care of another living thing often serves as a good reminder to take care of yourself.
  7. Do all the things your parents told you to do. You rolled your eyes, but taking a daily multivitamin and applying sunscreen every day (no matter the weather) are things you’ll thank yourself for doing later.
  8. Start listening to podcasts. Learn about what’s going on in the world, or just listen to your favorite influencers chat. Either way, it’s a great thing to incorporate into your day that can be paired with other self-care activities like long walks, or cleaning your apartment. 

Hopefully somewhere in that list is a tip or reminder that will help you this semester! Just remember, especially this semester, we’re all in this together. Reach out to resources on or off campus if you feel you need more support. Screen Shot 2021-03-01 at 6.04.29 PM

Laura: Wonderland, and other MBTA Misadventures

Wonderland, and other MBTA Misadventures 

It’s impossible to avoid the T if you’re on campus. Cutting right down the middle of Comm Ave, the green line is a staple, super convenient for when you need to go somewhere a little too far to walk. Freshman year I got my first semester pass and I used it nonstop, trying to adventure to other parts of Boston as much as I could, from the North End to Seaport. 

Obviously things are a little different now, and you probably don’t want to spend too much time in a crowded train car full of other people. Even so, there have been two times this school year that made me remember why I loved the T so much my first year.

The first time was at the end of last semester. My friend and I have a tradition to ride the blue line all the way to the last stop at the end of every semester, starting in 2019 when we just wanted to see what was at the stop called Wonderland. As it turns out, a beach. I was shocked to see it there, mere feet away from where the T stop let out. It felt a world away from the urban sprawl of Boston I was used to. When we went back a year later, it was just as mesmerizing. Even though the trip was on the longer side, it was more than worth it in the end.

Early this semester, I had to come up with an idea for a screenplay for class. After pondering it for a week, I was still stuck. Hoping that a change of scenery would give me some much needed inspiration, I hopped on the T, going all the way from Allston up to Harvard Square. On the ride there, I tuned everything out except for my own thoughts, and eventually began to form an idea for my script. I finalized my plans on the way back, and it was on that trip that I realized how beneficial it was to have a place where you could turn your brain off and just think. Even if it’s on noisy public transport. 

One of my favorite parts about the BU Campus is how easy it is to get from there to the rest of the city, and the T is instrumental in that. I can’t recommend just getting on and seeing where you’ll end up enough. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something you never expected. Or maybe it’s about the journey, and the great ideas you had along the way. Regardless, the opportunity is there, just outside your dorm.

Jonathan: Revisiting my passion & rocky history with books

Happy February! It’s almost been a year since quarantine began. That’s...scary to think about. So, to pivot from that horrifying realization, let’s focus on what would’ve been a great distraction from reality for me: reading. Now first, let’s run through my relationship with this activity across the years. 

I remember my elementary school days, where each Tuesday, my mom and I would go to the library. Those visits were the absolute best parts of the week. Everytime I’d walk out with a stack of new books while returning last week’s books. At my reading prime, I’d read multiple books a day, which to be honest wasn’t too impressive given my childhood self didn’t have any friends nor anything else better to do. Yes, it was a lonely childhood. 

Now as a college sophomore, I look at that version of me in awe. If you observed me in my daily life, there’d be no way to tell whether I was literate or not. You will never catch me reading a book or news publication of any sort. I think the last time I read a book in full was my junior year of highschool—and that was only because my english teacher Mr. Dury had both me and my fellow classmates charmed into doing any assignment for him. And before that, the last full book I had read was a poem anthology, which I’m almost not sure counts. All my news is from reddit headlines, youtube video titles (not even the videos themselves), instagram stories, and most importantly, podcasts. Thank goodness for podcasts. I go through those like BU students buying Chick-fil-a nuggets sold by a random business club at the GSU link tables on a pre-COVID BU Monday. NPR can take all my money and then some.

Anyway, I decided during our quarantine summer to try to rekindle my youthful reading passion. This attempt did not go well. I started off with a very intellectual book: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone but in French. I figured it’d be difficult to dive right into an adult book, given it had been so long since my last fully completed book. My thought was that I should start with something familiar and achievable. But just to add a little challenge, it was the French translation. After reading 15 pages across 3 days, I quickly switched to the French audiobook, then the English book, and then the English audio book. By the end of summer, I had listened to all of the Harry Potter series in audiobook form. But, if anybody asked, I’d say I read them cover to cover—coming out of it even with a few papercuts from all the page turning I did.

So, I guess the lesson from all this is that I’m just more of a podcast/audiobook guy. I think it’s also just very indicative of how short my attention span has become. On the bright side, it’s very easy to impress me; if you tell me you read, I will give you the utmost respect. Maybe I’ll try reading again next summer.

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