In high school without lockers, carrying a bulky coat was a hassle. I wore a thin windbreaker and tucked it into my backpack during class. This simple trick kept me warm on the way to school while keeping my hands free and my load light throughout the day.

As a kid, I had a dead roach pulled from my ear at the hospital—it was shocking and painful! If you have a persistent earache, don’t ignore it. Sometimes, the cause can be something unexpected crawling inside. Stay safe and get it checked out!

I was all dressed up for an assembly when Andres suddenly pushed me into the school water fountain. My lip hit the metal nozzle, bleeding and ruining my favorite white shirt. That surprising moment still sticks with me as a day I won’t forget.

Growing up in the Bronx, I learned the highs and lows of having name brand sneakers. From teasing over my old Action III shoes to finally scoring a prized pair of Nikes thanks to my hardworking mom, those memories remind me how much she sacrificed for us.

Growing up in the Bronx means experiencing a vibrant mix of culture, food, and music. It’s a place where diverse communities come together to celebrate life through street food, lively music, and strong neighborhood bonds that make the borough truly special.

When I was younger, my mom tried to get me a full fare bus pass due to my asthma, but instead, the NYC education system put me on a yellow school bus. Leaving early was nice, but riding the cheese bus as a teenager brought its own set of challenges.