Opinion Archives - GirlSpring https://www.girlspring.com/category/opinion/ is an online community for girls (13-18) where all opinions are respected and welcome. Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:28:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 /wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cropped-gs_icon-32x32.png Opinion Archives - GirlSpring https://www.girlspring.com/category/opinion/ 32 32 Groupthink: Why Do We Follow A Crowd? https://www.girlspring.com/groupthink-why-do-we-follow-a-crowd/ https://www.girlspring.com/groupthink-why-do-we-follow-a-crowd/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:27:56 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=35792   We like to think that we are all independent, a force to be reckoned with. We pride ourselves on making our...

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We like to think that we are all independent, a force to be reckoned with. We pride ourselves on making our own decisions, being different from the crowd, and being altogether our own person. History and daily life give evidence against such things: evidence that suggests how we follow the masses beyond our understanding.

It’s not wrong; it is just what makes us deeply human.

Comfort in Conformity

Human beings evolved as social creatures, as we depended on each other for the survival of the race and as individuals. Tribal culture was all that was ever known, so most people were dependent without another thought. Being cast out meant vulnerability, even death. So, the instinct to belong became part of our wiring.

That instinct still guides us, though the threats have changed. Today, we don’t fear a predator looming in the dark, but more intangible things such as social isolation, shame, or public exile. So we adapt. We mirror others’ beliefs, mimic their behaviors, laugh when they laugh, agree when we disagree, all in pursuit of the same invisible reward: acceptance.

In its entirety, it is much easier to blend in than stand out.

Choice as a Gimmick

Modern society sells us individualism as a brand, something to acquire. We customize our playlists, curate our feeds, and choose from endless options, but everything is limited to a range. Everyone is supposed to find a place of their own with people who are alike. Trends shift towards the “new” thing or the thing with the loudest voice, but a trend somehow speaks to everyone.

When everyone wears “different,” it becomes the new uniform. Even rebellion becomes a style that can be bought and sold. Hot Topic sells emo, Ralph Lauren sells old money, and Chanel sells avant-garde. True individuality, then, is not the absence of influence, but the awareness of it.

When Consensus Becomes Control

Collective agreement constantly masks collective failure. Empires expanded under the belief that conquest was destiny. Wars were justified because the majority believed in them. Prejudices survived because too many chose comfort over confrontation. The absence of dissent is what makes groupthink turn sour. Those who challenge group norms are often labeled as difficult, dramatic, or deviant. Even before we have thought about what is right, we fear disagreement and discerning looks. The thought itself gets too scared to appear.

In the midst of the chaos, we forget that the crowd isn’t always right; it just has the loudest voice. By standing apart, we invite scrutiny, and eventually everyone crumbles.

What of within?

Like everything, these thoughts start within. Think back to being a child when embarrassment was barely an afterthought. That mentality, where you are the truest version of you, is influenced, often unknowingly, by the version of you that your crowd will always see.

We practice smiles in the mirror, sentences in our heads, and our opinions out loud. But when authenticity is a risk, fitting in and agreeing becomes a habit. Conformity, while comfortable, is costly. It dulls curiosity, erases nuance, and replaces conviction with convenience.

The Choice to Choose

Progress comes from questions, whether moral, intellectual, or creative. We must wait and reflect on the “whys” in our lives. You can belong to a community and still question it. You can walk with the crowd without losing yourself in it. The goal isn’t to be different for the sake of “looking different” but to be honest and understanding.

Is Groupthink inevitable? No.
Unfortunate? Definitely not.
But occurrent? Absolutely.

Sometimes, the bravest act isn’t leading the crowd.
It’s stepping out of it.

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Representation in Film & Media https://www.girlspring.com/representation-in-film-media/ https://www.girlspring.com/representation-in-film-media/#respond Wed, 08 Oct 2025 01:20:59 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=35656 When we talk about representation, it’s very easy for people to label it a numbers game: how many women, how many people...

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When we talk about representation, it’s very easy for people to label it a numbers game: how many women, how many people of color, how many diversities? A quota to fulfil, perhaps, but if we stop there, we miss the heart of the matter. It is no longer just about the fact that they appear, a checkbox to tick: it’s about why they appear, how they seem, and what stories they portray. Real representation is authenticity. It’s giving people the due depth, complexity, and humanity rather than relying on stereotypes or token inclusions for textbook agreements.

The Screen & Its Almighty Power

For many people, the screen becomes the first impression of different cultures, personalities, genders, and identities, making interaction all the more important. Those portrayals shape empathy, prejudice, and aspiration. For example, if a young girl were only to see films where a female lead is just a secondary character, then leadership and central roles will never be what she aspires to be. A boy who sees people of his race always depicted as villains may subconsciously internalize shame. The narrative perspective must be clear and deliberate to ensure the impact is not harmful.

People shape their personalities based on what they see in the media. If victimized, always the victim. If villainized, always the villain. The media plants the scripts in our heads, leading to a story that we never wrote. This makes representation an instruction dictating how people see others and, more dangerously, themselves.

In the course of History

In the past, representation could be synonymous with absence. Hollywood, in particular, has a long history of “whitewashing”- allowing white people to portray exaggerated or offensive versions of stereotypical characters, tunnel-visioning the public’s image of certain groups. The silence history has offered time and time again is now reflected in the minds of those who simply make judgments on the stereotypes seen on their favourite shows. While not a justification, the person cannot be truly blamed if that is all they have ever known?

In recent years, films like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians have demonstrated that diverse stories are not niche, but rather globally celebrated. They allow the celebration of diversity in its truest form, ensuring that no story goes untold. Access to the internet and streaming platforms for newer, younger artists widens the playing field, allowing marginalized storytellers with a story worth sharing to access global audiences where their stories can be told untarnished, unaltered, and unfiltered.

Intersectional Realities

But representation must go beyond surface diversity. There are layers to personality. When ignored, you risk flattening people in one-dimensional portrayals. For example, women of color often face double the bias compared to white women or men of color. Accurate representation means acknowledging those overlaps and creating nuanced portrayals that reflect the full spectrum of human experience. It matters purely because, without it, representation becomes a performance.

Representation can go wrong when it’s forced or shallow. A “token” character inserted just to tick a diversity box does more harm than good. Ironically, it reinforces a stereotype because a classic narrative is picked to ensure that people are “rightfully represented.” A cosmetic showpiece indicates ornamental displays of an ignorant man’s claims of being just and fair, or simply to avoid public judgment or critique.

Horizons

The future of representation is not dependent upon seeing “more” of a certain face on the screen. It’s not
about letting the story of famed individuals spark inspiration. It’s not about making a statement to the world. It is about whether children grow up believing their voices matter in the world’s narrative. Every frame of film, every character arc, and every choice of casting either affirms or denies that sense of belonging. Diversity is not about display; it’s about its own reality —the messy, the flawed, the apologetic, the unsavoury, but ultimately, the truth.

In other words, representation as a whole can be posed as a question: Who gets to be seen & who gets to matter? A question that deserves an incomprehensibly urgent answer.

 

Looking for some diverse film recommendations? Click here!

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K-Pop Demon Hunters: Feminist Certified https://www.girlspring.com/k-pop-demon-hunters-feminist-certified/ https://www.girlspring.com/k-pop-demon-hunters-feminist-certified/#respond Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:02:05 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=35323 This summer, the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters exploded in popularity on an international level. At first glance, it may be confusing why....

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This summer, the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters exploded in popularity on an international level. At first glance, it may be confusing why. The premise of the movie appears to be little more than a fever dream. It follows the fictional K-Pop band HUNTR/X and its members Rumi, Zoey, and Mira. To the public eye, they are the most popular singers in the world. However, their true purpose is to protect humanity from evil demons who take human souls and give them to their master. In this world, there is a protective layer between humans and demons called the Honmoon, which is powered by how popular the girls are.

 

Sounds crazy, right? But this movie is popular for reasons beyond the catchy songs and stunning animation. It goes further than even its impactful messages of acceptance and forgiveness. The true driver of its success was an untapped audience: girls.

For one of the first times in modern movie history, we finally get a film that genuinely understands and loves women. K-Pop Demon Hunters allows its female characters to struggle without shame. It doesn’t belittle them when they want romance. It also shows realistic, healthy female friendships.

This movie is more than just a fun and successful summer blockbuster. It is a blueprint for how Hollywood should write female characters.

 

Spoilers Ahead!

If you haven’t seen the movie —spoilers ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

She is Everything or Nothing

The media today often portrays women in one of two molds. The first is the Captain Marvel-type: powerful, perfect, and flawless. The second is the Bella Swan-type: unable to do anything for herself. Both extremes are problematic.

If women followed the Captain Marvel route, we would isolate ourselves from connection and community. We would burn out because it is impossible to be perfect and do everything alone. On the other hand, the Bella Swan mold robs women of agency, individuality, and power.

In K-Pop Demon Hunters, we see each female character struggling with demons, with self-acceptance, and with the impossible mold society sets for them. Yes, they are fierce, funny, and strong. But we also see them hurting, breaking, and ultimately thriving.

This balance between strength and struggle makes them inspiring role models for young girls. At the same time, they are deeply relatable reflections of the challenges women face every day. This is why K-Pop Demon Hunters‘ feminism stands out in Hollywood.

 

The Limit of Romance

Two additional molds often forced onto women are the “soft girl,” whose sole purpose is romance, and the “strong girl,” who has forsaken it entirely. Like before, this is also problematic. These roles teach girls that they can only be complex human beings if they are single. But if they dare to desire love, they become accessories to their partners.

Although romance is not the primary theme of K-Pop Demon Hunters, it is consistent throughout the story. When female characters do experience romance, they grow from it rather than being diminished by it. What is love if not a way to connect, accept, and grow with another person?

The movie does not mock women for wanting love. It does not show them losing themselves to it. Instead, they find themselves through it. When looking for love, girls should seek one who gives, not one who takes.

 

Alone

No matter if a female character is everything or nothing, if she has no partners or a million, one thing she almost never has is genuine female friendship. Out of all the female characters in media, how many have we seen share a scene with another woman without thinking about a man, talking about a man, or having a man present? And out of those rare interactions, how many were between two women who truly cared for each other, supported one another, and shared love for one another?

Rumi, Zoey, and Mira are some of the first female characters to experience this kind of connection on screen in abundance. Their relationship is not always perfect, but it is messy, beautiful, and authentic in a way movies before have not bothered capturing.

 

Breaking Free

At its core, K-Pop Demon Hunters is proof that the world is ready to change. It breaks away from damsels in distress and the impossible super-heroine. It challenges the lover girl trope, as well as the Independent-Boss-Queen stereotype. It fosters a sense of sisterhood between its female characters. By breaking the molds that have held back female characters for decades, K-Pop Demon Hunters’ feminism welcomes a new era on the big screen.

 

Want more movie reviews? Click here!

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All Young People Deserve Sex Education https://www.girlspring.com/all-young-people-deserve-sex-education/ https://www.girlspring.com/all-young-people-deserve-sex-education/#respond Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:40:46 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=35467 Why Sex Education Matters Sex education goes beyond teaching about the human body. It helps young people understand how their bodies work...

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Why Sex Education Matters

Sex education goes beyond teaching about the human body. It helps young people understand how their bodies work while also developing relationship skills and making responsible choices. Since puberty brings rapid changes, teens need accurate guidance. As a result, schools that teach sex education support not only personal health but also community well-being.

Building Knowledge and Confidence

The first benefit of sex education is knowledge. Without it, puberty can bring confusion and fear. For example, students who learn about reproductive health, consent, safe sex, menstruation, and sexual orientation gain confidence and avoid shame. Moreover, the CDC (2021) confirms that complete sex education promotes healthy behavior, delays sexual activity, and increases protection use among active teens.

Supporting Mental Health

In addition to physical health, sex education strengthens mental well-being. Many teens struggle with body image, self-esteem, and anxiety due to peer pressure. However, programs that address gender identity, LGBTQ+ issues, and emotional readiness create a safe and inclusive environment. Consequently, students feel recognized and are less likely to face depression or bullying.

Strengthening Relationships

Furthermore, sex education improves how teens connect with others. Lessons on communication, consent, boundaries, and emotional intelligence help students build healthy relationships with peers and family members. In addition, parents and caregivers play a key role by continuing open discussions at home. According to the Guttmacher Institute (2020), these skills lead to safer choices and greater respect for others.

Combating Myths and Misinformation

Modern society requires sex education to counter myths and misinformation spread by media and peers. Therefore, fact-based lessons give students accurate knowledge while also respecting cultural values. On the other hand, without proper guidance, misinformation can spread quickly and lead to risky decisions.

Benefits for Society

The impact of sex education extends beyond individuals. For instance, it reduces teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), lowering public health costs. Moreover, it fosters respect, equality, and safety at a time when conversations about gender-based violence are urgent.

A Foundation for Life

Ultimately, sex education builds lifelong skills for health, respect, and resilience. It equips teens to care for their physical and mental health, build safe relationships, and contribute to a more informed and compassionate society. Therefore, investing in sex education benefits not only individuals but also communities and the world as a whole.

Resources

https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth/what-works-in-schools/

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/overview

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My Di Zhao Flute: A Personal Journey in Music and Craftsmanship https://www.girlspring.com/my-di-zhao-flute-a-personal-journey-in-music-and-craftsmanship/ https://www.girlspring.com/my-di-zhao-flute-a-personal-journey-in-music-and-craftsmanship/#comments Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:00:14 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=32747 My Di Zhao Flute  I still remember how I felt when I laid my hands on my first flute. It was the...

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My Di Zhao Flute

 I still remember how I felt when I laid my hands on my first flute. It was the summer before sixth grade, the first year of middle school, and I had chosen band as my elective. The magical metal invention felt so light yet so heavy in my hands. It had a beautiful engraving at the bottom of the head joint of the flute. At that time, I didn’t take much notice of it. But when the store associate told us the price, I quickly understood why. Of course, as a musician, the expenses of buying an instrument and maintaining it were not new to me. Once my father had gotten me a piano after playing for years on my keyboard. But this time, my dad trusted me with an expensive instrument before I knew how to play it. I felt exhilarated to learn to play such a beautiful and high-quality flute. Truthfully, I felt it was almost too fancy for a complete amateur like me. But I was still more excited to have it than to accept my dad’s offer to buy me a flute from Amazon.

Di Zhao’s story

You might be wondering why it matters so much that this flute comes from the Di Zhao brand. Well, a Di Zhao flute isn’t a run-of-the-mill instrument. Di Zhao is one of the best flute companies in the world. The brand is dedicated to crafting hand-made flutes while incorporating modern production techniques to keep up with the market. Mr. Zhao, the company’s founder, was a flutist himself. His father gave him a wooden flute on his 7th birthday. He was ecstatic to play it, but it broke apart two days later. Di Zhao asked his father for a new one. But buying an instrument wasn’t easy due to his family’s financial position. After graduating and becoming the principal flutist of the National Ensemble Orchestra of China, he pursued a master’s degree at the University of Indiana in the United States.

Mr. Zhao wanted beginner musicians to experience top-quality instruments at a reasonable price. When he was younger, instruments of such caliber were typically only afforded to professionals at an expensive price. Di Zhao gained techniques from professional and world-class flute-making companies. He developed a great knowledge of the intricacies of hand-crafted flutes. Equipped with this expertise, Di Zhao decided to found his own flute-making company. Di Zhao’s childhood experience and his dreams to provide his children with what he never had, motivated him. He founded his company in 2006 and quickly grew it. Since then, his company has remained committed to Zhao’s mission, which became a key part of my own journey as a musician and marked the beginning of my life as an avid “band kid”.

Personal Impact

I started my junior year of high school using the same Di Zhao flute for both marching band and concert band. Yet the value of my flute hadn’t struck me until it started to have problems. The repairs, which began with my apprehension about being told to upgrade, triggered the same sense of novelty and care I when I first got the flute. Especially since I wasn’t planning on getting a new flute or returning to the repair shop yet again. I had grown comfortable with it, and my carelessness had resulted in some wear and tear that was starting to show. I was thankful that my flute had lasted me a significant period. Its quality and durability allowed me to advance through different levels of music and experience the joys of marching shows. Unfortunately, it took the physical damage of my flute to remind me of its value in granting me those enjoyable experiences. 

The Evolving Value of My Flute

Predictably, I treated the flute carefully back when I first got it because I was aware of its value assigned by the price tag. But after owning it for some time, I grew careless with it. Value is such a strange thing that humans assign to things regularly. Even within my review of my Di Zhao flute, I evaluate its value concerning myself. Value varies from person to person, but it is ultimately determined by how it affects one’s world. The value of our relationships with people or material objects we purchase depends on our criteria. In the seven years of owning my flute, I didn’t bother to learn the about the history or creator behind the brand Di Zhao. It was not until I realized how much the instrument had let me do when it was working properly- allowing me to play music with my friends by myself- that I became curious about the brand. It’s weird how we don’t appreciate the value of things until they leave or inconvenience us. I guess we should be more critical of why we are so quick to qualify something’s value to decide how to treat it.

What is Value?

We often forget how we determine the value of things. We give things value through a mesh of our personal experience and a shared perception of its usefulness projected by society. The world operates on how we place value on things. This is true of each food item that we buy from the grocery store. It holds true within the capitalistic economy that we keep alive and which keeps us alive. Value has become less transient and more decisively stagnant. Fast fashion, fast food, and short-form content push a society geared towards quick, extreme judgments. This guiding perception has infiltrated our lives. Divergence and discussion aren’t encouraged anymore as we continue to let the values decided by others influence our own sense of value.

Conclusion

The value of my flute may come from the unforgettable memories I made through the band with my friends. It may come from the relationship between my experience as a child of immigrants, and Di Zhao’s dream to provide any kid with the chance to play top-quality instruments. Or perhaps the fine craftsmanship and well-reputable brand gives it its value. My determination of its value could be for any specific reason at any point of time.

 My review of the Di Zhao flute inevitably ends in a rating. However, the reasons behind the value I assign to it now will likely be different from those I’ll consider years from now. The values someone else places on something can only influence you if you don’t question the motives behind it. We should think more carefully about value, instead of treating it in the haphazard way we’re accustomed to.

At first, on impulse, I had valued my flute for its cost, reputation, and quality. Now, its value to me comes from Di Zhao’s hope for young musicians, the people I met because of it, and the unique musical experiences I’ve had with it.

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Turning 17 https://www.girlspring.com/turning-17/ https://www.girlspring.com/turning-17/#comments Sun, 06 Oct 2024 13:22:46 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=32795 17  What a weird age to stumble upon Neither adult-like or child-like An interim within the interim of teenagehood Clinging to the...

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17 

What a weird age to stumble upon

Neither adult-like or child-like

An interim within the interim of teenagehood

Clinging to the remnants left of our innocence

Nearing the edge of a chapter that risks all yet shows nothing in return

A static feeling that threatens to paralyze fills the soul

Enthusiasm for the future flits around restless as a butterfly escaping from its cocoon

Yet, the shadows from that very cocoon pose scary questions about the future

These conflicting emotions fight to flee like the magma from an active volcano.

One day my concerns lie with what’s for lunch

The next day it lies in what I’m supposed to do for the rest of my life

Wishing to possess the foresight, my thoughts fling back and forth frustratedly 

In the company of my friends, the voices all seem to quiet down

Feeling the time pass and being in the same position, my body relaxes

Once they leave, melancholy washes through me 

And the thoughts replay like a broken record

An exhausted melody of uncertainty, bated excitement, and nostalgia

Acceptance

A feeling humans seek to validate themselves with constantly

Acceptance of themselves, someone else, or something

Maybe that journey of acceptance never ends

But, despite all my worries and struggles acceptance has started to set in

Not complete acceptance, but slight acknowledgment

I repeat the mantra in my head time and time again

“I’ve done it before, I can do it again”

Whether this statement is a form of gaslighting or tricks my mind

I decide to coast life with that jacket around my neck

It is neither suffocating nor too comfortable

It simply performs its job

A simple need that I desperately search to be

I want to be that missing puzzle piece that fits in

But, not at the cost of my happiness or passions

Although often than not, I’m the one who limits myself

The ball lies in my court, yet I’m the one who’s too scared to try to lift it up

Or angrily I toss it at the wall and let it ricochet back into myself

Other times, it goes straight through the net too, but it’s easier to focus on the countless missed shots than the ones that go through.

The ghosts of those countless past versions visit me 

They comfort me, they hurt me, they make me stronger, and they build the current me  

Ugly and pretty, guilty and free, honest and dishonest, arrogant and insecure

All those 17 years of me were truly me 

 

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Is There More? https://www.girlspring.com/is-there-more/ https://www.girlspring.com/is-there-more/#respond Mon, 08 Apr 2024 15:16:09 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=31639  “Is there more to life than just when I’m feeling alive?” (“Is There More,” Drake) One neverending aspect of life for us,...

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 “Is there more to life than just when I’m feeling alive?” (“Is There More,” Drake)

One neverending aspect of life for us, as a society, is the obsession over our purpose and how that plays into this life. To be direct, no, there is no more to life than just when you’re feeling alive. To feel alive is to experience every sense in your body converging in unison. To feel alive is to feel present and grounded in a moment. Society as a whole has always had a difficult time being present. We’re constantly trying to fix things that aren’t broken and breaking things that are already very broken (and sometimes we mend what needs to be mended, slowly but surely).

The concept of the American dream fuels the pressure to remain constantly determined to move up and succeed in life through pure hard work. Although there are truths to the notion, it fails to account for the value of feeling present throughout the extent of our everyday lives. I think of sitting on a green beanbag, holding a cup of orange juice, in my friend’s lightly decorated room with the slight buzz of a Harry Potter movie playing in the background. The scene is beautiful and simplistic, and I believe that as a society, we overlook these very real moments. 

This forces the question of who decides what it means to succeed in life. Don’t we all have different interpretations of success? I hope so. We’d live in an incredibly mundane society if we each equated success to being CEO of a company or becoming the best rapper. Furthermore, who convinced us to pay more attention to the “big things” in life? As I near the end of my high school experience, it has become obvious that my time there was never about graduating — rather, it was about the class that always made me laugh, losing my voice after a football game, crying in the locker room after a bad practice, and the friendships that grew and those that ended, to name a few. It was always about feeling human and experiencing life as it arrives in small moments. 

Drake’s question interests me because, deep down, when I consider it, I want to say, “Yes, there is more to life than just feeling alive.” However, my experiences thus far force me to say no, and that is OK. Recognizing that we have to face our feelings and our life can be scary. Nevertheless, it means so much to be free from our expectations of life.

Nowadays, we put so much effort into escaping our lives—whether through social media, music, or movies. We do so because it seems easier. I’ve learned that I feel more at ease when I pay attention to my life and recognize my feelings, even when they feel overwhelming. In the end, we don’t need to know what “it” is about. Constantly trying to figure “this” out ruins the fun. We need to start appreciating the tremendous life in front of us and stop asking whether there is more. 

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Things You Can Do To Enjoy Spring! https://www.girlspring.com/things-you-can-do-to-enjoy-spring/ https://www.girlspring.com/things-you-can-do-to-enjoy-spring/#respond Mon, 01 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=31970 Things You Can Do To Enjoy Spring! Spring is blooming! You might have noticed the blossoms of flowers where you live or...

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Things You Can Do To Enjoy Spring!

Spring is blooming! You might have noticed the blossoms of flowers where you live or the subtle changes in weather. Spring is here, and here are some things you can do to enjoy it!

Spend time outdoors!

With the weather so beautiful there’s so much to do outside. Going on walks is great for everything. They clear your mind, they’re good exercise, and it’s really nice to enjoy the outdoors while it’s not too hot but not too cold. Another thing that is great to do outside is go for a run. Running is also great exercise and good for your mind. Lastly, just really spending time outside. I love to just go lie outside and enjoy the sun. In the spring, you can really do anything outside.

Read.

Reading is so good for your mind, and it’s a great way to spend your free time. Recently I read “I Will Always Right Back”, by  Caitlen Alifirenka, Martin Ganda, and Liz Welch, and it was so good! It’s a story that follows the pen-pal friendship of a girl that lives in the US and a boy who lives in Africa. I couldn’t put it down and it reminded me of how fun it is to find a good book. In the age of social media, picking up a book is a lot less common but it’s so much more beneficial than picking up a phone. I’ve definitely experienced the struggle of finding the right book, but when you do it’s a lot of fun. Another way to find a great book is to swap books with a friend. Overall, reading is a great thing to do!

Hangout with friends and family.

Go enjoy time with loved ones. Watch movies, play games, do some artwork, or go on walks. There’s so many great things to do in the spring, and doing that with the people you love makes it all the better. Enjoy the flowers, go outside, and do things that make you happy. Spring is the time to have new beginnings, start over, and enjoy the world. So, be bright and happy and enjoy yourself.

I hope everyone’s start to spring goes well!

 

For more fun things to do in spring, check out 5 Activities To Do This Spring!

 

 

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5 Korean Dramas to Watch https://www.girlspring.com/5-korean-dramas-to-watch/ https://www.girlspring.com/5-korean-dramas-to-watch/#respond Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:00:37 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=31685 5 Korean Dramas to Watch Korean dramas have recently become popular internationally, generally consisting of a variety of genres including romance, drama,...

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5 Korean Dramas to Watch

Korean dramas have recently become popular internationally, generally consisting of a variety of genres including romance, drama, action, mystery, etc. These dramas are known for their unpredictable endings, talented actors, high quality production values, and unique storylines. As an avid fan of kdramas, I wanted to introduce a few popular and personal favorite series to watch.

         1. Parasite

An award winning cinematic masterpiece directed by Bong Joon Ho, this movie provides an intense narrative on the themes of class struggle and social inequality. The plot centers around the Kim family who live in a basement of a poor neighborhood making money through part time jobs as they begin to exploit and leech off the wealthy Park family with deceitful means. With the plot twists and thought provoking ideas of societal corruption, this film is a must watch and will certainly keep you entertained.

          2. The Glory

This series centers around a woman named Moon Dong Eun, who has centered her life around taking revenge on her high school bullies. It depicts themes of social issues and human psychology throughout the 16 episodes. The Glory stands out from typical kdramas for its captivating portrayal of revenge, bullying, as well as corruption within society. It was also revealed that this movie is based on a true story, which is very gruesome to process since finishing the series, but it is overall a very thrilling and fascinating movie to watch.

          3. Train to Busan

This film was released in 2016 and gained widespread popularity for the intense action and well developed storyline. Train to Busan is a zombie apocalypse thriller movie that follows a group of passengers on a train who must fight for their lives as a zombie outbreak threatens their lives. Its emotional depth and exciting plot, it has become a fan favorite within the array of horror movies. I highly recommend watching this movie as it is one of my top favorites.

          4. True Beauty

This captivating and lighthearted Korean drama offers a combination of comedy, coming of age, and romantic themes. This series follows the life of a high school girl who journeys through finding inner beauty and security, while being stuck between two love interests both pursuing her. Filled with heartfelt moments, and an engaging storyline, I found it very easy to follow and understand. Many other fans of Korean dramas have enjoyed this series as it is uniquely charming and very interesting overall. 

          5. 20th Century Girl

Last, but definitely not least, this Korean drama series takes viewers on a nostalgic journey of a young high school student as they navigate friendships, personal growth, and love. Although I found this series very warmhearted and cute, there is a plot twist along with a shocking and sad ending. If you are not looking for a korean drama to watch that will completely shatter your heart, I recommend watching another series because I was left in tears and heartbreak. Regardless of the sad ending, I really loved and enjoyed 20th Century Girl and it is a very well crafted story that will definitely be a fun and entertaining watch. 

 

For more great show and movie recommendations, check out Girl Spring contributor, Trina Hannah’s Movie Recommendations!

And click the links below to watch these exciting k-dramas!

Parasite

The Glory

Train to Busan

True Beauty

20th Century Girl

 

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Different Ways To Use Music In Your Life https://www.girlspring.com/different-ways-to-use-music-in-your-life/ https://www.girlspring.com/different-ways-to-use-music-in-your-life/#respond Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:00:10 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=31812 Music is more than just a collection of sounds; it’s a powerful force that can shape our emotions, inspire creativity, and bring...

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Music is more than just a collection of sounds; it’s a powerful force that can shape our emotions, inspire creativity, and bring people together. For teen girls navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, music can be an invaluable companion and a source of endless possibilities. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys listening to your favorite tunes, there are countless ways to incorporate music into your life that can uplift your spirits and enrich your experiences.

Express Yourself Through Music:

  • One of the most beautiful aspects of music is its ability to express emotions that words alone cannot capture. Whether you’re feeling joyful, sad, or somewhere in between, music can be a safe outlet for expressing your innermost thoughts and feelings. Take some time to explore different genres and artists until you find the songs that resonate with you on a personal level. Create playlists for different moods or occasions, and let the music be a reflection of who you are.

Find Your Rhythm:

  • Beyond just listening, consider exploring the world of music through rhythm and movement. Dancing to your favorite songs can be an exhilarating way to release stress, boost your mood, and get your body moving. Don’t worry about being a perfect dancer – the most important thing is to let go and have fun. Whether you’re dancing alone in your room or joining a dance class with friends, let the music be your guide and embrace the freedom of movement.

Discover New Perspectives:

  • Music has the power to transport us to different places and cultures, allowing us to explore perspectives and experiences beyond our own. Take the time to broaden your musical horizons by listening to music from different parts of the world. Whether it’s the vibrant rhythms of Latin America, the soulful melodies of Africa, or the intricate harmonies of classical music, each genre offers a unique glimpse into the diversity of human expression.

Create Your Own Soundtrack:

  • Imagine your life as a movie – what songs would be on the soundtrack? Creating your own personal soundtrack can be a fun and creative way to document your experiences and memories. Keep a journal where you write down the songs that resonate with you at different moments in your life, whether it’s a song that makes you feel empowered, a song that reminds you of a special friendship, or a song that captures the essence of a memorable moment. Over time, your personal soundtrack will become a cherished keepsake filled with musical memories.

Use Music as Motivation:

  • Whether you’re studying for exams, working out at the gym, or tackling a challenging project, music can be a powerful motivator to help you stay focused and energized. Create playlists filled with upbeat and motivational songs that inspire you to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough. Let the music be the fuel that propels you toward your goals and reminds you of your own strength and resilience.

Connect with Others:

  • Music has a unique ability to bring people together and foster connections across differences. Whether it’s bonding over shared musical tastes with friends, attending concerts and music festivals, or joining a choir or band, music can be a powerful catalyst for building relationships and creating lasting memories. Embrace the opportunity to connect with others through music, and you may be surprised at the meaningful connections you’ll make along the way.

Music is a universal language that has the power to uplift, inspire, and transform our lives in countless ways. As teen girls, we have the opportunity to harness the magic of music and let it guide us on our journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether we’re listening to our favorite songs, dancing to the rhythm of life, or creating our own musical masterpieces, let’s embrace the beauty of music and let it be a source of joy, inspiration, and empowerment in our lives.

 

For inspiration on music to bring into your life, check out this positive energy music playlist by Girl Spring Contributor, Eden!



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