Gems of Petaluma

Written By: Layla Hakim Sometimes, with the stress and pressure of school, a good low-effort relaxing day can help clear our mind and uplift our mood. With Petaluma as my hometown, I’ve become accustomed to the activities and landmarks that are offered. While I haven’t explored all of the town, I have found a few

When Will the Gym Become a Safe Space for Everyone?

Written by Layla Hakim Trigger Warning:  Mentions of sexual harassment and assault While a place we go to work on ourselves and feel better overall, it is unfortunately common that the gym can quickly turn into an environment of discomfort, caution, and anxiety for many of us. It might not take much – a few

My Love/Hate Relationship with Being Introverted

Written by Layla Hakim Growing up, I absolutely hated when people called me an introvert. I took it almost as if they were calling me the scum of the Earth. I remember when my family would call me introverted, I’d do everything in my power to convince them that I was, in fact, the most

American Girl Doll: History and Education in Disguise

Written By: Layla Hakim Some of my favorite nostalgic memories surround sitting in a sprawled-out assortment of toys, acting out a thoroughly planned storyline with my sister. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a household where I did have a variety of different toys, however, one of my favorites was my American Girl

The Lingering Glass Ceiling

Written by Layla Hakim Content Warning: Brief mentions of sexual harassment When we think of gender inequality in the workplace, our minds typically go to the wage gap. However, just as detrimental to the road to gender equity is a term I have only recently been introduced to: the “glass ceiling.” The glass ceiling is

Always an Angel, Never a God

Written by Layla Hakim “Always an angel, never a god” as said by Boygenius in their hit song, “Not Strong Enough.” I listen to a lot of music, but it is rare for a song lyric to stick with me as much as this. The line, repeated twelve times consecutively at the end of the

An Ode to Motherhood

Written by Layla Hakim In a time when women are expected to want to grow up, get married, and have kids, it is easy to dismiss just how much strength and bravery motherhood takes. Not only are they taking one of the biggest leaps of their lives, but also dedicating themselves to another human being.

5 Inspirational Women for Women’s History Month

Written by Layla Hakim Content Warning: Violence With March being Women’s History Month, I took a moment to think about some of the influential women I have learned about throughout my life. While there are countless more that I can name, I compiled a list of the five that first came to mind. These women