How I Survived Social Media   My experience with social media started at age 10 with the app Musically. I danced every day, and I dreamed of being a dancer. When I heard about the app Musical.ly, I immediately downloaded it. Musical.ly helped shape my identity! Dance was a goal I wanted to achieve. It boosted my confidence and gave me pride. It also helped me cope with anxiety. After a couple of years went by, I was in middle school at the time and was bullied for my weight. I [...]

The holiday season can be a time of great joy and gratitude. Movies, commercials, pictures in social media, all give the impression that every family (except our own) is perfect.  For many, however, the holidays can be very stressful. Many families experience difficult situations including estranged relationships, personal disappointments, loss, and grief. These difficulties hurt in a very real way. Here are some tips to help prepare for this time and experience less stress during the season. Plan ahead to feel empowered. Many people feel pressured during the holidays to [...]

Summer has come to a close, at least according to the Philadelphia School District and other school calendars. Parents and caregivers have been in the throes of back-to-school shopping, backpack stuffing, and other preparations to get their kids ready to go back to school. For the approximately 200,000 Philadelphia students returning to school, there is undoubtedly a mix of emotions. For some it is disappointment over the end of the slower, laid back days of summer. For others it is excitement in thinking about their new teachers and classes and [...]