On Seeing
“The relation between what we see and what we know is never settled” -John Berger, Ways of Seeing In the opening sentences of his 1972 book, Berger differentiates the act of seeing from the process of knowing. He says, “Each evening we see the sun set. We know that the earth is turning away from it. Yet the knowledge, the […]
Block. Creative Block.
Here’s your lucky Slytherin-green fountain pen. There’s your favorite Hunger Games planner. On top of both is an inch of dust because you’re experiencing the worst creative block ever. The odds are clearly not in your favor. This time of the year is for ideating exciting new projects and essays, for fortifying your profile in preparation for […]
Everyday Sociology
A prominent lesson that stays with me after five years of university education in sociology is the everydayness of it. As an undergrad, I was introduced to multiple topics of social importance that could enrich a sociologist’s arsenal of knowledge. Social theories pushed a student to look deeper into Indian social institutions, their functioning and dynamics that […]
Surviving and Thriving with Parents during a Pandemic: A Mini Guide
I have to confess, this is borderline clickbait since I usually have NO idea of how to avoid fights with my parents, let alone advise you on yours. Today, however, we’re discussing a very specific category of arguments—the ones that have arisen during the course of this year’s collective, prolonged grounding, which seem strangely worse […]
The Language of Anthropology
“Anthropology is that which makes the unfamiliar familiar and the familiar unfamiliar”- is how my professor would define it. These words resonate with my understanding and experience of our socio-cultural worlds. Anthropology is a language that renders alien cultures understandable and one’s own societies mysterious. Although I have acquired myriad complexities from anthropology, I have […]
The Wisdom and War of College Interviews
Under the soft light of her desk, Padma sits with her pen between her teeth, flipping thoughtlessly through her ancient Greek history textbook. There’s an exam coming up, but she just can’t seem to focus her bleary eyes on the Acropolis. Her mind is far too preoccupied. Tomorrow, she has an interview with an alumnus […]
How to Adjust to College Life
“You can’t sit with us”, mean girl Regina George’s words echoed in my head as I made my way to college for the first time. I cursed myself for watching Mean Girls the night before. Will college life for me be one of continuous anxiety or like Cady, I would eventually find my people and […]
Three Time Management Techniques to Conquer the Clock
Days tick by. Then months. Deadlines race toward us with a vengeance. The college application process often feels like a battle against the clock. And often, we feel like we’re losing. While juggling an onslaught of never-ending tasks, from standardized tests, school examinations, capstone projects, research papers, and much more, it’s almost like you’re constantly […]
How to Write a Powerful UK Personal Statement
Wakey wakey, UCAS applicant! I come bearing tips on writing a winning Personal Statement. Tip 1: Hook the reader “I remember when I was ten years old. After returning home from school, I would spend hours putting LEGO parts together to make a car.” How do you feel? I, for one, am uninterested. The above […]
Let’s Talk about Mental Health
“Of course it is happening inside your head, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” Harry Potter, JK Rowling Health: a state of being when your body, mind, and spirit function in perfect harmony. “Perfect” is definitely not a word that could be used to describe our current reality when […]