Matters That Matter

 Hey there, future college grads! Feeling the excitement about graduation creeping in yet? Awesome! But let's be honest, there's probably a tiny voice in the back of your head whispering about the "real world" too. Headlines scream about unemployment, minimum wage woes, and a potential recession – enough to make anyone sweat a little about finding that first apartment and landing a decent job. The truth is, it's getting brutal out there. We've all seen it – minimum wage jobs in major cities can barely afford a shoebox studio, let alone a decent apartment with a roommate. A 2024 study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition basically said "good luck" to anyone hoping to afford a two-bedroom on minimum wage in a major city. Even grabbing an internship or part-time job to build that resume seems like a fight these days. Why the struggle? Well, it's a tangled mess. COVID messed things up big time. Companies went on hiring sprees, then came the i...

A huge belief or idea in society is the need to be married and have kids. This idea was introduced when I was watching a show called Brooklyn 99, a show about the police station where a detective named Rosa is someone who challenges societal norms. She is bisexual and does not think that to be happy, she needs to be in a relationship. I also had an idea before that to be happy or fulfilled, you first make a career until the late 20s, then get married and have a family, or get married in the mid-20s.  Rosa has a close-knit group of friends within the precinct who act as her chosen family. They celebrate her achievements, support her through tough times, and enjoy her company. This strong bond provides a sense of belonging. She is a highly skilled detective who takes pride in her work. Solving cases and catching criminals brings her a sense of accomplishment and purpose. The show portrays her as confident and content in her career. Brooklyn Nine-Nine portrays Rosa as a happy and wel...