A long time ago in local theaters across the world (or stars… “Across the Stars”… thank you, John Williams), a film that captivated audiences of all ages was introduced to the masses: “Star Wars.” While the saga is known for its battles and themes of rebellion, unity and the eternal clash between light and dark, another powerful force runs through every trilogy: the force of love. With May 4th approaching, an international “Star Wars” holiday, this is the perfect time to explore the couplings across the trilogies and answer a lingering question: Which “Star Wars” couple reigns supreme in modern romance? The three pairings– Padmé and Anakin, Leia and Han Solo and Rey and Kylo Ren– offer it all. Let us see which one truly ends up with the high ground.

The Prequel Romance: Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker

First, let us delve into the romance between young Senator Padmé Amidala and rising Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. What began as a childhood infatuation on Anakin’s part evolved into a secret and forbidden relationship—one they pursued despite political obligations and Jedi restrictions. With Anakin’s dramatic “From the moment I met you…” monologue and Padmé’s unwavering support, even in the face of his growing emotional instability, their love was nothing if not passionate and intense. Anakin’s fear of losing Padmé overwhelmed his thoughts and became a central force in his descent into darkness—not just a sign of deep yearning, but a warning of how love, when tangled with fear and control, can turn destructive.

Though their story has become viral in recent years with TikTok users commenting things like “[Anakin’s] obsession is all I want,” it is fair to say the couple is riddled with toxicity, rooted in possessiveness and control. Devotion and support are important aspects of any relationship, but Anakin relies on Padmé as if she were a lifeline. Despite her support, his trust in her crumbles by the end of Revenge of the Sith. His obsession with preventing her death becomes the very thing that leads to her loss.

The Original Romance: Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo

Now, let us turn our attention to the determined Princess Leia and the sarcastic smuggler Han Solo. The original duo, though less intense in terms of romance than Padmé and Anakin’s bond, is more grounded in reality. Their love story unfolds at a slower pace, with their connection truly beginning to flourish after their initial, contentious meeting. Unlike the grand romantic declarations between Anakin and Padmé, the sarcastic, quick-witted banter between Leia and Han creates a different kind of tension—one built on humor, teasing and gradual understanding.

Their relationship is not without flaws. The two often clash due to their strong personalities. Han is drawn to independence and personal gain, while Leia is driven by duty and devotion to the rebellion. These conflicting values—protecting the self versus protecting others—create friction. Still, their willingness to challenge each other helps them grow. Over time, they manage to reconcile their differences and remain a team, proving their force of love can withstand conflict and change.

The Sequel Romance: Rey Palpatine and Ben “Kylo Ren” Solo

The complete opposite of Anakin and Padmé’s relationship–a love that fell into darkness– force-wielding scavenger Rey and dark side warrior Kylo Ren’s relationship begins with one already deep within it. Rey senses the goodness still within Ben Solo, even as he is consumed by the dark side. In turn, Ben is drawn to Rey’s strength and clarity, and the two form a rare Force bond that allows them to see each other in ways no one else can. Their connection is undeniable, forged through their rare Force bond and strengthened by shared moments of vulnerability and understanding. 

However, their bond is built on versions of each other that do not exist in full. Rey clings to the vision of a redeemed Ben Solo, a Jedi who returns to the light. Ben imagines Rey as a partner who will join him in creating a New Order. Their relationship is built more on hope and fantasy than on trust and acceptance. Though the emotional connection is strong, it is not grounded in reality. What they want from each other exists more in potential than in truth– a romance that feels powerful on screen but would falter in the real world.

Who Has the High Ground?

Each Star Wars couple has its strengths and weaknesses, reflecting a unique perspective on what love can be. But through it all, the couple that claims the high ground is from the original trilogy– Leia Organa and Han Solo. Despite their friction and flaws, they remain the most admirable pairing because of the growth they inspire in one another and the balance they ultimately achieve. So as we celebrate the galaxy far, far away this May 4th, let us raise a toast to the couple that proves real love takes work, patience and a little bit of wit– and May the Fourth be with you.

If you are blessed without debilitating pollen allergies, springtime has some of the best weather that Mother Nature can offer. Few things boost serotonin like gentle breezes and warm sunlight. These simple and natural pleasures are often overlooked in the intensity of college routine. One would imagine that a campus circumscribed by looming infrastructure and crisscrossed by stretches of concrete would not offer too many green spaces to soak up the sun, but if you know where to look, Philadelphia has a variety of places where visitors can forget about city life for an afternoon and truly appreciate the gift of warm weather.

The Cira Green is the place that most people would recommend if you are seeking out somewhere to bask in the sunshine, and people sing its praises for good reason. The Cira Green is a publicly accessible rooftop park only a shout away from most Drexel facilities. It is nestled between two skyscrapers, but the sun still shines on every square inch of the park. There is no shortage of green spaces to lounge or socialize with a few cabanas and assorted seating to relax in. Additionally, the park is equipped with other amenities for visitors to enjoy like a burger joint, a dog park and a big-screen TV attached to one of the connected buildings. Like many public parks, Cira Green stays lively with a number of organized events held throughout the week. I love Cira Green because it encapsulates the feeling of community that is often an afterthought in large-scale urban areas like Philadelphia.

If you desire a more intimate places, one location that I usually find myself is the small triangular garden next to the Pearlstein Gallery. The park is wedged between two sidestreets, so the sound of traffic or clamoring passersby is relatively minimized. Although it is only a street’s width from the Summit, the park fortunately avoids the encompassing shadows cast by the towering building. Still, the lawn is dotted with a few trees for those who prefer shade. From my own experiences, I have always found this place to be relatively empty, never having to share the space with more than two people. Granted, this article will, if anything, bring more activity to this spot that I take pride in for its lack of visitors, but I trust that the loyal readers of this newspaper will not let the secret of my beloved park space reach the mainstream.

I hope that this article was able to enlighten you all on my personal favorite places to enjoy everything that spring has to offer. Do not let the sometimes suffocating modern architecture of Drexel campus fool you; Philly is speckled with a number of well-maintained community parks that allow for much-needed urban escapism during the warmer seasons. Although there is always a patch of grass available along Lancaster Walk, I implore you all to seek out outdoor spaces around campus that you can claim as your own hidden gem.

If you are blessed without debilitating pollen allergies, springtime has some of the best weather that Mother Nature can offer. Few things boost serotonin like gentle breezes and warm sunlight. These simple and natural pleasures are often overlooked in the intensity of college routine. One would imagine that a campus circumscribed by looming infrastructure and crisscrossed by stretches of concrete would not offer too many green spaces to soak up the sun, but if you know where to look, Philadelphia has a variety of places where visitors can forget about city life for an afternoon and truly appreciate the gift of warm weather.

The Cira Green is the place that most people would recommend if you are seeking out somewhere to bask in the sunshine, and people sing its praises for good reason. The Cira Green is a publicly accessible rooftop park only a shout away from most Drexel facilities. It is nestled between two skyscrapers, but the sun still shines on every square inch of the park. There is no shortage of green spaces to lounge or socialize with a few cabanas and assorted seating to relax in. Additionally, the park is equipped with other amenities for visitors to enjoy like a burger joint, a dog park and a big-screen TV attached to one of the connected buildings. Like many public parks, Cira Green stays lively with a number of organized events held throughout the week. I love Cira Green because it encapsulates the feeling of community that is often an afterthought in large-scale urban areas like Philadelphia.

If you desire a more intimate places, one location that I usually find myself is the small triangular garden next to the Pearlstein Gallery. The park is wedged between two sidestreets, so the sound of traffic or clamoring passersby is relatively minimized. Although it is only a street’s width from the Summit, the park fortunately avoids the encompassing shadows cast by the towering building. Still, the lawn is dotted with a few trees for those who prefer shade. From my own experiences, I have always found this place to be relatively empty, never having to share the space with more than two people. Granted, this article will, if anything, bring more activity to this spot that I take pride in for its lack of visitors, but I trust that the loyal readers of this newspaper will not let the secret of my beloved park space reach the mainstream.

I hope that this article was able to enlighten you all on my personal favorite places to enjoy everything that spring has to offer. Do not let the sometimes suffocating modern architecture of Drexel campus fool you; Philly is speckled with a number of well-maintained community parks that allow for much-needed urban escapism during the warmer seasons. Although there is always a patch of grass available along Lancaster Walk, I implore you all to seek out outdoor spaces around campus that you can claim as your own hidden gem.

Forget resumes and LinkedIn profiles — your real first impression is the bag you haul into Wawa at midnight. One walk down Lancaster or a quick stop at Summit, and two favorites dominate the scene: the sleek, navy Longchamp Le Pliage and the slightly battered Trader Joe’s tote. They are less about what you carry and more about what you are quietly broadcasting.

At first glance, they could pass as distant cousins at a crowded family reunion — both durable, both mysteriously able to carry a week’s worth of chaos while still pretending to be “casual.” But make no mistake: these bags are carrying a lot more than your laptop and leftover Chipotle. They are carrying narratives. Because on campus, your tote bag might just be your loudest statement.

In the wild, i.e., the stretch between Millenium and Saxbys, few objects spill the economic tea quite like what you sling over your shoulder. It is not just canvas and straps. It is signaling. Pure, portable signaling.

Enter: Drexel’s two reigning champs of the tote scene. On one end, the sleek navy Longchamp — a $150 whisper that says “I brunch at Sabrina’s and my LinkedIn is a minor deity.” On the other, the Trader Joe’s tote — crumpled, character-filled and quietly screaming, “I’m chill, eco-conscious and yes, I did bring my own cup to Starbucks.”

Let us break it down. The Longchamp is what economists call a costly signal. It is not yelling; it is curating. Think Pinterest-board-turned-purse. It does not just hold things — it holds taste. You can spot it under the elbows of students who look like they were born with co-op offers and who somehow never forget their reusable straw.

The Trader Joe’s tote, meanwhile, is playing a different economic game. It is the thrift-flex. The look-at-me-not-looking-at-you flex. It says, “I care more about carbon footprints than capitalism and I probably thrifted this entire outfit.” And the kicker? It is five bucks. Which somehow makes it cooler. Because, in the right crowd, being above the flex is the ultimate flex.

But here is the catch: both bags are playing the same game. They are signaling identity, status and tribe. One says you summer in the Hamptons (or pretend to), the other says you volunteer at the food co-op (or at least thought about it once). In both cases, the bag is talking before you even say a word.

And this is where social proof sneaks in. One Longchamp becomes two, then twelve and suddenly it is an unofficial uniform. Same with the Trader Joe’s tote. You’re not just carrying groceries — you’re carrying credibility. It is anthropology, but with better fonts.

At a school like Drexel — part business incubator, part liberal arts fever dream — fitting in takes finesse. You’re dropped into a swirl of co-op kids, design majors, finance bros and future TED Talkers. There is no dress code. Just vibes. So you watch. You adapt. You tote.

Because in the chaos of quarter system survival, sometimes the fastest way to say “I belong here” is with the right tote bag.

For a lot of us, Drexel is a huge transition. Maybe you came from a tiny suburban town, or maybe you commuted from a neighborhood where no one cared about “fit pics.” Maybe, like me, you come from a different socioeconomic background, where owning a $150 tote bag seemed absurd. Suddenly, you are surrounded by students whose LinkedIn profiles are shinier than your GPA and who treat spring break trips to Europe like a given, not a flex.

Fashion becomes survival — armor against the cognitive biases that favor the elite.  Tote bags, Sambas, oversized jackets: they are not just trends. They are a silent answer to the question we are all quietly asking: “Do I fit here?” And sometimes, they are the silent hope that one day, the answer will feel like an automatic yes. There is, unsurprisingly, a lot of psychology behind fashion. I like to tell myself that I want a Longchamp because it is cute (and it is). But deep down, there is more to it.

At the end of the day, whether you are team Longchamp, team Trader Joe’s or team “whatever fits my charger and bad decisions,” your choice is rarely just about utility.  It is about signaling the version of yourself you want to project. It is about social proof and the very human urge to belong, especially in environments that can feel overwhelming and new. 

So next time you spot another Longchamp or Trader Joe’s bag breezing past you on the Korman, remember: nobody is just hauling textbooks. They are carrying economic strategies. Psychological biases. And a perfectly curated version of themselves. Totes tell.

A long time ago in local theaters across the world (or stars… “Across the Stars”… thank you, John Williams), a film that captivated audiences of all ages was introduced to the masses: “Star Wars.” While the saga is known for its battles and themes of rebellion, unity and the eternal clash between light and dark, another powerful force runs through every trilogy: the force of love. With May 4th approaching, an international “Star Wars” holiday, this is the perfect time to explore the couplings across the trilogies and answer a lingering question: Which “Star Wars” couple reigns supreme in modern romance? The three pairings– Padmé and Anakin, Leia and Han Solo and Rey and Kylo Ren– offer it all. Let us see which one truly ends up with the high ground.

The Prequel Romance: Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker

First, let us delve into the romance between young Senator Padmé Amidala and rising Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. What began as a childhood infatuation on Anakin’s part evolved into a secret and forbidden relationship—one they pursued despite political obligations and Jedi restrictions. With Anakin’s dramatic “From the moment I met you…” monologue and Padmé’s unwavering support, even in the face of his growing emotional instability, their love was nothing if not passionate and intense. Anakin’s fear of losing Padmé overwhelmed his thoughts and became a central force in his descent into darkness—not just a sign of deep yearning, but a warning of how love, when tangled with fear and control, can turn destructive.

Though their story has become viral in recent years with TikTok users commenting things like “[Anakin’s] obsession is all I want,” it is fair to say the couple is riddled with toxicity, rooted in possessiveness and control. Devotion and support are important aspects of any relationship, but Anakin relies on Padmé as if she were a lifeline. Despite her support, his trust in her crumbles by the end of Revenge of the Sith. His obsession with preventing her death becomes the very thing that leads to her loss.

The Original Romance: Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo

Now, let us turn our attention to the determined Princess Leia and the sarcastic smuggler Han Solo. The original duo, though less intense in terms of romance than Padmé and Anakin’s bond, is more grounded in reality. Their love story unfolds at a slower pace, with their connection truly beginning to flourish after their initial, contentious meeting. Unlike the grand romantic declarations between Anakin and Padmé, the sarcastic, quick-witted banter between Leia and Han creates a different kind of tension—one built on humor, teasing and gradual understanding.

Their relationship is not without flaws. The two often clash due to their strong personalities. Han is drawn to independence and personal gain, while Leia is driven by duty and devotion to the rebellion. These conflicting values—protecting the self versus protecting others—create friction. Still, their willingness to challenge each other helps them grow. Over time, they manage to reconcile their differences and remain a team, proving their force of love can withstand conflict and change.

The Sequel Romance: Rey Palpatine and Ben “Kylo Ren” Solo

The complete opposite of Anakin and Padmé’s relationship–a love that fell into darkness– force-wielding scavenger Rey and dark side warrior Kylo Ren’s relationship begins with one already deep within it. Rey senses the goodness still within Ben Solo, even as he is consumed by the dark side. In turn, Ben is drawn to Rey’s strength and clarity, and the two form a rare Force bond that allows them to see each other in ways no one else can. Their connection is undeniable, forged through their rare Force bond and strengthened by shared moments of vulnerability and understanding. 

However, their bond is built on versions of each other that do not exist in full. Rey clings to the vision of a redeemed Ben Solo, a Jedi who returns to the light. Ben imagines Rey as a partner who will join him in creating a New Order. Their relationship is built more on hope and fantasy than on trust and acceptance. Though the emotional connection is strong, it is not grounded in reality. What they want from each other exists more in potential than in truth– a romance that feels powerful on screen but would falter in the real world.

Who Has the High Ground?

Each Star Wars couple has its strengths and weaknesses, reflecting a unique perspective on what love can be. But through it all, the couple that claims the high ground is from the original trilogy– Leia Organa and Han Solo. Despite their friction and flaws, they remain the most admirable pairing because of the growth they inspire in one another and the balance they ultimately achieve. So as we celebrate the galaxy far, far away this May 4th, let us raise a toast to the couple that proves real love takes work, patience and a little bit of wit– and May the Fourth be with you.

Growing up, many of us heard the phrase, “Made with my secret ingredient, love.” It might have seemed like a playful line from a parent or grandparent, but there is more to the sentiment than meets the eye. The connection between love and food is as timeless as it is powerful, with certain ingredients taking center stage in the pursuit of romance. What if the “secret ingredient” was not just care and effort but the food itself, with the ability to intensify feelings of love and connection?

Introducing aphrodisiacs: foods named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. These ingredients have long been believed to stir desire, heighten attraction, and spark romance. While many of these associations stem from ancient traditions and symbolic meanings, their allure has endured, linking certain foods to the mysteries of love, fertility, and passionate intimacy.

So, what ingredients should you reach for the next time you want to treat someone special to a romantic homemade dinner?

Spices have always played a role in setting the mood, with cinnamon taking the lead. Its sweet, warming aroma is often associated with passion and care, making it a favorite in comforting winter desserts that evoke connection. Vanilla, with its rich and soothing scent, adds a layer of nostalgia and elegance, naturally complementing romantic moments. Other spices like cloves and saffron contribute to the feelings of enchantment and allure, proving that the right seasoning can transform any dish into a subtle celebration of love.

Building on the allure of spices, herbs also play a significant role as aphrodisiacs, bringing both flavor and romantic potential to the table. Ginseng, particularly red ginseng, is widely celebrated not only for its distinct taste but also for its ability to enhance libido and desire. Similarly, tribulus, a herb often linked to traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, has gained recognition for its reported effects on boosting feelings of attraction and intimacy. Together, these herbs demonstrate how natural elements can subtly heighten romantic connections while adding depth to any dish.

Now that we have explored the flavorful spices and herbs in the world of aphrodisiacs, are there any actual foods tied to this phenomenon? The answer is a resounding yes. Certain foods have long been associated with romance, not just for their nutritional properties but for the symbolism and sensory experiences they offer. One key food, often gifted on Valentine’s Day, is chocolate. This sweet treat is known to stimulate the release of two important chemicals in the brain: tryptophan, a building block of serotonin, and phenylethylamine, a natural stimulant. Both chemicals are linked to the feelings of falling in love, making chocolate both a delicious indulgence and a powerful tool for evoking romance. Another iconic aphrodisiac is oysters. Known for their high zinc content, oysters are often believed to enhance fertility and sexual desire. Rich in amino acids, they also stimulate the production of sex hormones, making them a perfect addition to a romantic meal. In addition to chocolate and oysters, other foods like watermelon, bananas, and strawberries are also considered aphrodisiacs. Watermelon, with its hydrating properties, contains citrulline, which may help increase blood flow, while bananas, rich in potassium and B vitamins, are believed to boost energy and libido. Strawberries, often seen as a symbol of love, are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a sweet and sensual choice for a romantic meal.

The number one secret ingredient in any home-cooked meal made especially for you will always be the love behind it. While aphrodisiacs may seem like a shortcut, almost like a “love potion” meant to instantly spark passion, their true role is to enhance the foundational feelings already present. These ingredients serve as a subtle reminder of the care, effort, and thoughtfulness that goes into a meal prepared with love, though the ultimate secret ingredient is genuine love itself.