In the midst of a pandemic, many of us (including myself) have had a hard time coping with the consequences and yearned for some words of the wiser. Our world seemed to turn upside down so suddenly, and we weren’t ready for such a frightening change. I had the opportunity to FaceTime a 74-year-old senior and interview him to inquire about his perspective and learn from his life story. I first...

Author’s Note: Throughout my life, I have witnessed hatred among many groups of people. Whether these biases are based off of race, gender, sexuality, or religion, I’ve noticed that humans have a tendency to stereotype those around them. When I was growing up in India, people limited the opportunities of women because of societal expectations and preconceived notions. My grandmothers never received...

they laugh, beam, play, bloom under the setting sun. oh, such a close to a day lost to  romping through the meadow and forest green, bursting with merry life like them. i do relive that dream again, much joy, i see their eyes piercing yet warmer than fire, hair soft like flowers pressed in spring by thee,  when i was the only thing they desire, and our arms wrapped ‘round...

the amiable lilac bush   Stumbling out of the forest, I came upon a meadow With the sun shining above and the grass green below. In the middle of this fresh, flowery field stood a lilac bush: Purple, tall, and proud.   I set down my blanket before it and pull out my picnic basket. Half for me, half for the lilac bush, both wrapped in gingham: Pastries and little...

“Matthias.” A man flicked at his match irritatedly. “What?” “Give me a light.” “You still have your pipe?” “Does it bother you?” The man settled deeper into his layer of fur coating. The neck of the match snapped, and he reached into the matchbox to draw another. Thick brown gloves adorned his fingers, so that he fumbled to grasp at the slender sticks. “No.” The...

If you try to divide by zero, it will split like broken glass. It will shatter in shards, And leave behind it a void. It envelops your eraser shavings, Your broken lead, The blood from your paper cuts, All your sins and vices And the numeral above.   If Johnny cuts a pie into zero pieces, he is never seen again. His house disappears from the street His name...

Essay: “TIME FOR STACK IT UP!” I announce above the din of chatter and laughter. Excited children emerge from the bouncy castle. Sweating teenagers drop their basketballs. Conversing adults saunter across the grass. All my neighbors gather around the folding table in my front yard to find a stack of red, plastic cups stationed at the center. I step up first to model the game for those who may...

Prompt: If you are applying to the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences as a first-year applicant, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something particular about Duke that attracts you? (250)   Essay: When I stepped onto the Duke campus, I was enthralled by the combination of expansive nature and Gothic architecture; above all, I could feel the school spirit...