The never-ending cold weather already makes it difficult to stay active in the Winter but trying to exercise from home because of Quarantine doesn’t help us stay motivated to do so either. I can’t be the only one who’s tired of running on the treadmill or making up workouts to do on the floor of my bedroom. So, I’ve decided to compile a list of my favorite at-home workouts that’ll help you get the blood flowing and reach your daily step count goal — hopefully, you’ll be able to add them to your routine!

My family hasn’t touched our old Wii Gaming System in at least five years, but we found our old Just Dance video games and rebooted the system to try it out after all this time. Turns out after a few rounds of dancing you really do break into a sweat. It’s a fun way to dance along to some of your favorite pop classics while getting in a full-body workout. It’s even more fun when you can get your family members or roommates to join and make it a competition!

Sticking with the dancing theme, Zumba is one of my all-time favorite group exercise classes to attend. It may seem silly at first to dance to a YouTube recording in your living room, but once you start, you can’t stop. LiveLoveParty and Carolina B’s YouTube Channels have hundreds of Zumba workouts for all ages and skill levels. You can quickly sift through and pick out the routines to your favorite songs and create a playlist to get a full 45 minute to an hour-long workout! Drexel’s Rec Center also offers their group exercise classes on Zoom through a first come first serve sign up basis, which includes Zumba, yoga and more!

TV show themed workouts have become a fast trend on social media and it’s a fun way to get up and move while enjoying the newest episode of your favorite show. I’ve seen a few of these workout lists floating around on Instagram and Pinterest where certain situations that occur on the episode correlate with an exercise or a stretch, such as doing 10 push-ups every time a contestant cries on “the Bachelor” or holding a 30-second plank every time a doctor is paged into surgery on “Grey’s Anatomy.” The workouts go by much faster when your mind is preoccupied with something much more enjoyable.

Because I work a hybrid schedule for co-op this term, I find myself sitting in the same spot for hours on end when I work from home. This leaves me feeling sore and achy from not moving all day, and by the time I’m done with all my work for the day I have no motivation or energy to even think about working out. A coworker once shared in a meeting that she devotes the last 10 minutes of every hour to take a walk around her house, fill up her water bottle or just stretch out her legs. It’s an easy way to get some much-needed steps in, but it also boosts your productivity as you return to your desk with a clearer brain! Obviously, with meetings and pre-scheduled events, this is not always possible, but taking the time to spend 10 minutes away from your laptop every so often to just walk around is great for the body and mind.

Using your Alexa or Google Home device is a great guided fitness or stretch routine. You can use the coordinating app for the device to “learn the skill” so you can ask Alexa or Google to “start my 15-minute ab workout” or “start six-minute full-body stretch.” There are even embedded features that can help keep track of your daily water intake or step count by speaking to the device each time you hit a milestone. While you can perform these exercises without the device, it’s nice to have someone talk you through the routine so you know that you’re doing it properly, even if that someone is a robot!

While many gyms and community center facilities remain closed, it’s nice to have a set of indoor workout routines you can turn to when it’s too cold to go outside and you want to mix it up! Hopefully, this gives you an idea of new exercises you can implement into your schedule!

As humans, we cling to any bit of light we find amidst the darkness that surrounds us, and most of the time, we hold onto words. The United States’ youngest inaugural poet, Amanda Gorman, was the ray of hope many Americans needed in a time of great distress and panic. At only 22 years old, Gorman stood before the country at the exact spot where Trump supporters breached the Capitol two weeks earlier. Yet on this day, Gorman recited a poem she wrote, “The Hill We Climb,” which is still ringing through my ears a week later.

There are times when we find it difficult to put into words how we are feeling, and it’s a truly magical experience when a complete stranger is able to accurately depict the thoughts swirling through your head. Poetry has the power to soothe, inspire and reassure, which is how many of us felt hearing Gorman spoke. It was as if the country came to a still silence as we watched and listened with bruised, yet open, hearts. In a time where most of us are still grieving over everything that has happened in the last year, Gorman’s poem gave us the start of a healing period, where we must continue moving forward and focus on what is to come.

It’s easy to think only of the past traumas that we have faced as a country. That’s why a poem that highlights the future and what we are striving for as a nation is what we needed to hear the most.

Gorman makes pop culture and historical references in her piece, which connects people of all ages. She speaks of bravery and our purpose as a nation; we may be far from perfect, yet we are working together to leave our divisions in the past. The vulnerability we feel as citizens is evident through her words as she points out how hurt and tired we feel, yet we must continue to build bridges.

Gorman brings up the future multiple times throughout her poem, and while the future may feel far away, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be our main focus. She states that even though we didn’t feel prepared, “We found the power to author a new chapter,” and that “we will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be.” Resilience radiates between her words, giving Americans the assurance, inspiration and guidance to continue taking baby steps forward every day.

Leaving a lasting impact with just a few words is not an easy task. There will come a day where “The Hill We Climb” will be included in English textbooks across the United States, when students will try to understand the way we felt as a country on Inauguration Day of 2021. Amanda Gorman’s words hold power and truth. After all, the pen is far mightier than the sword.

The most wonderful time of the year is finally here, and while we’ll never forget this holiday season, quarantining and social distancing doesn’t have to dampen our spirits. While most of us are staying hunkered down, there are still so many ways to spread joy and enjoy our favorite winter activities this year!

I’ve always enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, cooking and baking with my family, but thanks to the pandemic and the hours of Food Network Baking Competitions I have watched this year, my skills have improved tremendously. So instead of just watching these competitions, it’s so easy to recreate them from home. You could have cake decorating, cookie baking or gingerbread house building competitions against your family members, the ideas are truly endless. Plus, who wouldn’t want to have mountains of desserts to snack on for the rest of the week. It’s also the perfect time to try new recipes and experiment in the kitchen so you have them perfected for when it’s finally okay to have all your friends and family over again.

Like most people, I’ve watched an insane amount of TV this year — more than I ever have —  which is why movie nights have become a weekly staple in my family. Now that streaming services offer multiple users to watch shows and movies at the same time, I love getting to watch movies with my little cousins. We may not be able to go to the movie theaters or all squish onto the couch to watch our favorite holiday movies, but getting to watch the same movies together this way from home is still just as special. Over the last few years, Netflix has released so many original holiday movies, and with so many to choose from, frequent movie nights this season have become a must!

Personally, I prefer to stay home when the weather gets cold but for the adventurous ones, Pennsylvania and its surrounding states are filled with hikes perfect for the winter. Safety precautions must be taken, but frozen waterfalls and snow-covered fields are definitely a sight not to be missed. Some of my favorites include Ridley Creek State Park and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Light shows and displays have also become popular over the last few years as it’s the perfect way to enjoy thousands of twinkling lights set to music without ever having to leave your car. Shadybrook Farm in Yardley, PA has more than three million lights displayed across the entire farm and is an experience my family looks forward to every year!

Shopping during this time of year is always on everyone’s minds, but it’s important to try and shop local and support small businesses and entrepreneurs! Philly’s Christmas Village and Peddler’s Village in New Hope, PA are a few of my favorite holiday-themed “villages.” Not only can you find the best hot chocolate at these markets, but the knick-knacks and presents are sure to impress the people you gift them to. Even if you can’t check out these Christmas spots this year, look into the small business in your hometown and find ways to support them this season!

The holidays will certainly be much different this year, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be as enjoyable! Hopefully, I’ve been able to inspire your winter bucket list with activities you, your family and friends can enjoy safely this year!

Editors Note: In the story sent at: 12.03.2020 22:48

. This is corrected repeat.

As we approach the upcoming presidential election, I hope each and every one of you takes the time to become a registered voter in your county and become aware of what it means to be a voter in America. November 3, 2020 will be the first election I am eligible to vote in, and it is a moment I have been waiting for since I turned 18. I wasted no time in filling out my registration paperwork on my birthday two years ago because I understand the power my vote holds and the privilege I have in voting with ease. Not everyone has this same opportunity. As we gear towards the possibility of most of us using mail-in-ballots to vote, it is in your best interest to understand important deadlines and information to ensure your voice is still heard through your vote this fall.

I am lucky to live in a town where my local polling place is less than a mile away from my house; I could walk there if I wanted to! In fact, my small town has at least five polling locations, which makes them incredibly easy for voters to access on Election Day. The polling places are efficient, and lines never get too long because there are so many locations within the town.

However, this is not the case for all places. Some polling locations across the country have their voters waiting in line for over two hours, which becomes an issue for people who can’t leave their job for that long in order to cast their vote. In fact, there are companies that refuse to let their workers to leave work on election day in order to vote. Sometimes polling locations close due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving voters to show up to closed polling places. Other times, registered voters are turned away at the door at open polling locations. And now, with the growing concern and spread of COVID-19, many voters are unable to leave the safety of their home as they or someone they live with are at high risk for getting the virus. Voter suppression goes unnoticed by many voters who have never faced these issues, which is why the importance of mail-in ballots this upcoming election is growing. Everyone should be able to vote in the national election with ease while staying safe and comfortable.

The purpose of mail-in ballots isn’t to ensure a certain group of people have “more power” than anyone else. It equals out the playing field in a system designed to benefit certain individuals or towns. With the option of mail-in ballots, people who aren’t usually able to vote in person, such as low-income voters, the elderly, and voters with disabilities, have the opportunity to participate in civic duty just like everyone else. However, this mail-in system does have some important logistics to keep in mind. For Pennsylvania, applications to vote by mail must be received by your county office by October 27 at 5 p.m. Voted ballots must then be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 postmarks do not count. It is recommended to mail your ballot at least two weeks before Nov. 3 to ensure that your vote is counted for in the event that there are delays. Many counties have drop-off locations as well, where you can drop your sealed mail-in ballot at a drop-off box supervised by officials on Election Day. Each state and county has its own rules, so take the time to do your research!

I recommend visiting Voter.org to receive more information and to request a mail-in absentee ballot. Every state has its own guidelines for mail-in ballots, and state election office websites also have more information. While the 2020 Presidential Election will be different than all elections prior, it is vital that we take the time to become registered voters, educate ourselves on voter suppression and remember that we have the opportunity to make changes happen. Whether you will be voting in person or through the mail, keep in mind that the mail-in ballot is the only way some Americans are able to cast their vote this year.

Summer as a Drexel student is already atypical, with most of us either on campus taking classes or on co-op. This means that it hardly feels like the summers we’re used to from our childhood. Now with the current situation and social distancing, cabin fever is in full swing. I’ve compiled a quick list of my favorite summer activities and places to visit in the suburbs of Philly which are perfect for those itching to get outside with their family. But these activities also make for perfect weekend adventures when you’re back on campus. While following the CDC guidelines and maintaining healthy hygiene practices, these summer fun spots are sure to help you beat your boredom!

Valley Forge National Historic Park, located in King of Prussia, PA, is the perfect daytime getaway to help you forget the busy town or city life you may be used to. This historic park is actually where George Washington and his troops spent the winter of 1777 before defeating the British Army. There’s an Encampment Tour that guides visitors through locations around the 3500-acre park and transports them back in time. The park also has paved paths for biking, rollerblading and walking; there are also many trails through mountains, by the Schuylkill River, and deep in the forests within the park for hikers. There are even fishing spots, and massive fields perfect for picnics and sunset-watching. Whether you’re into capturing the perfect Instagram picture or looking to hit your exercise goal, there is definitely something for everyone here!

Marsh Creek State Park in Downingtown, PA, is the perfect way to experience water activities in a land-locked state. This state park has a huge lake for boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and fishing. For many people who are opting to skip the beach this summer, boat rentals and relaxing by the lake may be an option to look into. Many picnic locations are scattered throughout the parks, whether you prefer to be by the lake or the forest, that have grilling stations to help create the perfect get-together. Wildlife-watching is a big part of the state park, where visitors are encouraged to try and identify all the different species of birds that can be found on the property. There are also hiking trails within the park, where visitors can walk through various habitats including the forest, fields, and wetlands providing a change of scenery to the daily neighborhood walks some of us have resorted to.

For nature lovers, arboretums, are the perfect outdoor activity. Jenkins Arboretum located in Devon, PA, is comprised of many gardens, each with its own set of unique plants, flowers and trees. The gardens are home to rare and accredited collections that are part of a nationwide study, research, and breeding project designed to protect wildlife. There are self-guided tours offered during this time due to CDC restrictions, but wandering the gardens this way is the best way to literally stop and smell the roses. The arboretum also sells seedlings to help you create your own garden based on the plants you come across at the park. Jenkins Arboretum is for sure a photographer’s dream, where visitors can get up close and personal with the plants and really immerse themselves in the beauty around them.

While we may be wishing for those fun summer days, there is still so much to explore in Philly’s backyard! Continuing to follow the CDC guidelines does not mean we have to sacrifice our outdoor adventures. There are so many places to discover in the suburbs while staying safe, and hopefully these places help you start your Philly Suburb Outdoor Bucket List!

Now that many of us have taken to Instagram by storm, showing our love and support as we stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, it is time to continue taking matters into our own hands. Re-posting on our Instagram stories is just the start. We must go above and beyond, because this fight is not over, and this most certainly isn’t a passing trend. We are fighting for a better future. There is so much more we can do after showing our support through social media posts, and during a time where we have access to unlimited resources and the power to educate ourselves, we must let our voices roar.

The importance of education, teaching ourselves from right and wrong and understanding the privilege we may have can be used as a tool to help ourselves and the people around us uncover deeper truths we were unaware of. “The Arrow Journal” is the perfect place to start, as it includes many blog-style posts and longer essays on pressing social, political and cultural activism, along with personal testimonials. Each published piece is unique and forces the reader to reflect and “take a walk in the author’s shoes.”

Netflix recently launched a Black Lives Matter Collection that includes movies, TV shows and documentaries, which can fill in gaps of knowledge viewers may have and keep the conversation going. We cannot rely on what “we already think we know,” and going forward, it is up to each of us to stop, reflect and educate ourselves. We must become aware of the society we live in and how we are going to help make change happen.

Recently, many high school students have taken to Instagram, opening up about the racism they have encountered during the school day, how their administration dealt with it and how they feel about the course material taught. This is leading some school districts to implement changes to the curriculum and promises for a better educational future, and students are becoming more confident with contacting their schools and voicing their opinions.

There is a lot we can learn from these high school students when it comes to reaching out and using our voices. Emailing and calling local officials and discussing our concerns can help us understand whether the official is meeting the needs of their constituents. This also helps the general public decide whether or not their local official is doing their absolute most to ensure a safer tomorrow. We cannot waste time waiting for another community member to speak up during a time like this. It is everyone’s responsibility to fight for much needed change, and contacting local officials, local governments and township leaders is a good place to start.

When we reflect on civic duty and how we can become active members of our local and national government, the first thing that comes to mind is voting. Over the years, we have begun to realize the importance of voting, and not just during national elections, but during primaries and smaller elections as well. However, there is so much more we can do besides the bare minimum of voting every four years.

Peaceful protests have been occurring in both major cities and suburban towns. These protests are a way for supporters to gather, discuss and show their support. My local township has also set up many meetings outside our township building, where community members are invited to ask questions to our local police department and learn more about how they can support the Black community in our area. Currently, many alumni of the public school district in my area are in the process of planning meetings with the school administration. They plan to talk about ways to integrate more Black history education and discussions in classrooms ranging from elementary to high school. Planning events like these, where the public has the opportunity to voice their concerns, desires and opinions, is powerful and can be started by a small group of people.

While social media may be the first place most of us think about as a way to share our opinion, it is important to remember it is not the only way. We have to keep this conversation going and not limit it to just Instagram and Snapchat. It may be uncomfortable for some people, but now is not the time to be shying away from “difficult” conversations. And in the end, all it takes is one person to start a chain reaction and make a lasting impact on their community.

With A-round job postings and interview requests now over, most students on the fall/winter co-op cycle are starting to think ahead to interview time. Interviewing for co-ops, especially your first one, can be an intimidating task. However, due to COVID-19, we may have to adjust to a new style of interviews this upcoming co-op season. Zoom is the medium almost all Drexel students use for daily classes and project/homework meet-ups, but it may also be the resource employers use to conduct interviews this time around. I have spent quite a bit of time looking into the major differences between in-person and virtual interviews, and I have compiled a list of the best tips I can offer you all as we transition to this new style of interviewing!

Like all interviews, maintaining appropriate business attire is just as important in-person as it is online. We may have gotten used to the sweatpants lifestyle during this time. However, it is important to treat Zoom interviews with the same amount of class and respect as we do when we interview in-person.

Along with your own appearance, your setting is something to keep in mind as well. While most of our interviews won’t take place for another two to three weeks, start to think about the best place in your apartment or home for the interview to take place. Ideally, you should sit in a quiet place with a lot of natural light (or good lighting in general). It also helps the interviewer if you sit against a blank background, such as a plain wall. That way, they are able to see you clearly and aren’t distracted by your surroundings.

Maintaining good eye contact is key. However, when you’re on video chat it may become difficult. I tend to always look at the person onscreen as I’m talking, rather than the little webcam at the top of my computer screen. This leads the person on the other end to think my eyes are half closed. It’s definitely something you have to be conscious of, but take time to look up at the webcam and practice directing your speech there instead of the person in the screen.

Now that you look the part and are situated in the perfect location, let’s move onto to preparing for the interview. Here are things to keep in mind during the video call.

Make sure you are prepared way before the start of the interview. Have all your papers or notes gathered, so that you aren’t shuffling through folders or accidentally forgetting something important.

It’s always a good idea to have a copy of your current resume with you, either in print or pulled up in a tab on your computer. That way, you always have it for reference purposes and can guide the interviewer through the page when you want to highlight your skills, past experiences or what you’ve been working on in classes.

It’s always a little more stressful using technology for situations that easier done face-to-face. With that in mind, make sure to speak loud and clear. Sometimes the audio from your device doesn’t always pick up everything you say, especially when you mumble or trail off at the end of a sentence. Also, don’t be embarrassed to ask your interviewer if they are able to hear and see you properly to ensure everything is running smoothly on their end as well.

Co-op 101 stresses the importance of making a personal connection with the interviewer to show them your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the company and the position you’re interviewing for. Trying to force a connection is awkward on its own, but it can become even more difficult through Zoom. The best way to show interest in the company is to ask questions. This can be prepared for ahead of time, too! Prior to your interview, take some time to research the company and position in depth to help formulate some questions or topics you may want to discuss during the interview. Also, take into consideration the current situation and how COVID-19 may affect your day-to-day routine at work. This is the perfect opportunity to ask what is expected of you as a co-op student during this time, and whether it involves and special requirements, such as work-from-home or a socially-distanced work environment.

Interviewing is stressful on its own, but it’s important to remember that we are all going through this together. Despite the circumstances, it can be done successfully if you take the time to familiarize yourself with the new process of a virtual interview style.

Like many students, I was looking forward to spring term classes, as I had been away on co-op for the last six months. Now that I have survived the first few weeks of spring term online, I have gotten into a routine that has helped me focus and perform better in a remote setting. While we may not have the distraction of friends sitting next to us in class, it’s tempting to pull up Netflix or text your friends when you’re supposed to be paying attention in a synchronous lecture. Some of us may even have more free time during the day, since we can’t hang out by the volleyball courts or hit the gym between classes, which can lead to feeling stuck or cramped at home. To combat this, I have compiled a list of tips and ideas to work towards a successful spring term and help make the most of this unprecedented situation!

One of the biggest changes I have noticed is the lack of time I now spend outside. I definitely took walking outside between classes for granted, especially since those 10 minutes were the perfect time to decompress from the previous class and prepare for the next lecture. Now, I rush to exit one online class and log into the next, leaving me exhausted by the start of class since I didn’t have a chance to stretch my legs or take a short break.

This is why I have started to leave my window open during the day or even take a class in my backyard. Obviously, I can’t work outside for all my classes, but I have really enjoyed doing it for my discussion-based courses. Fresh air in any form helps relax the body, clear the mind from over-stimulation and can calm us down in stressful situations. On days when I have longer breaks between classes, I take walks around my neighborhood, which helps get my blood flowing and removes me from my “study bubble.” When studying or working on homework, it’s important to step away for some time to help retain and digest the information before continuing. While we are restricted in where we can go, a walk around the neighborhood helps us forget the fact that we haven’t left our homes in weeks.

Technology has become more essential than ever during this time of social distancing and is one of the key factors in being academically successful this term. On campus, it was easy to meet up with your friends to grind out homework at the library, during office hours or even from the comfort of your dorm.

However, most of us have now resorted to FaceTime as a way to study or compare notes with a friend. I have found it helpful to meet up with my friends over video chat and rewatch lectures, go over class notes or read the textbook together. Zoom also lets you start your own meeting, which means that you can become a host and send a link to your study group; then, everyone can meet over Zoom to discuss coursework. One of the best features of this is screensharing. In classes that require a lot of math work, sharing your screen allows everyone to see what steps you took to solve the problem. There are so many resources out there that can help us feel connected and aid our study efforts, helping us to make the best out of this situation.

I truly believe in the power of scheduling, specifically block scheduling. For example, on Mondays and Wednesdays, I have two large windows of time in between my classes. On Sunday night, I take a look at what assignments I have to complete and what upcoming quizzes or exams I have to study for. From there, I divide these chunks of free time into study periods, where I devote a certain portion of my mornings to complete my engineering homework and a portion of the time in the afternoon to complete my statics homework. I try to maintain this routine each week so that I have a steady rhythm to help me focus.

My professors tend to stick to a general pattern when it comes to due dates for assignments; for example, math is always due on Tuesdays and Thursdays, whereas my programming assignments are due on Mondays. By completing a subject’s assignment at the same time and day each week, I know for sure that I am finishing all my work in a timely manner and I can develop a steady routine. This may not work for everything, but it is definitely helpful during the beginning of the term when you’re adjusting to all of your classes. Establishing your own fixed schedule keeps you from  feeling overwhelmed with the amount of coursework each professor assigns.

As we head toward midterms, hopefully you now know some new ways to help stay calm and study during this time of remote learning!

During this time of social distancing, like many of you, I have relied on streaming services to cure my boredom. With the fast-paced nature of Drexel’s quarter system, I had a lot of catching up to do in terms of TV shows and movies. I have loved using my family’s Disney Plus account to re-watch all of my favorite childhood favorites and timeless classics, but I was craving something different last week. After spending more time than I’d like to admit searching through the service’s options, I came across “The Imagineering Story.”

This is a documentary broken up into a series of episodes that take us behind the scenes of Walt Disney’s Imagineering, a company made up of engineers, artists, and business people who have turned the cartoon company into a 12 theme park and cruise owning mega-business. This isn’t your typical documentary by any means — it shows all the hard work, creativity and money that goes into making “The Disney Magic” we’ve grown up loving.

I don’t want to give too much away by revealing all the secrets from the show, but I do want to highlight how students can learn so much from a television series documentary, which absolutely makes me feel way less guilty watching all the episodes straight through. From an engineering student perspective, the show is filled with how roller-coasters are built, how the robotic figures found inside rides can operate smoothly and more importantly, how the “impossible to be real” rides are designed. Working as a Disney Imagineer is a dream for many students and to see how engineers of all disciplines can come together to create some of the most iconic attractions of our time, is unbelievable.

The show breaks down the creative process into steps beginning with the idea pitch, then a concept design, followed by how this can all be mathematically possible. One of the most important lessons I learned from the series was that in order for engineers to succeed, whether you work for Disney or not, is to be creative. Just because your job requires math and science doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t think outside the box. Disney Imagineers prove that the combination of art and engineering results in rides like Space Mountain, the nighttime electrical parades and how Cinderella’s Castle can put on visual shows through projection.

Every detail in the Disney Parks is carefully decided by a team of artists who decide what colors appeal to the public, which colors won’t fade after many years, and how the stories can come to life based on the design of the ride, attraction or setting. In an episode the artists discuss the deeper meaning behind the colors they chose for the main entrance of Disneyland Hong Kong. Bright red and gold were used to symbolize luck and happiness, the same fortune the park was hoping to accomplish. By tying Chinese heritage into the park, it has helped visitors feel “at home.”

There was also a huge portion of an episode dedicated to how the Asian and African countries were depicted in the Animal Kingdom. Imagineers were sent out as field scientists to take pictures and sketch what they saw in many African and Asian countries so they could help recreate a similar space in the middle of Florida. While many people assume artists would only be needed when designing cartoon characters on a storyboard, the documentary series highlights the importance of graphic designers, painters, sculptors and so many more.

When Disneyland became a huge success, it only made sense for the theme park to expand and reach new corners of the country, which is how Disney World in Florida came to be. Without the stellar marketing and business tactics of the Walt Disney Company, it would have been much harder to gain a strong following of Disney lovers around the world.

The episodes walk through each of the 12 Disney Parks and the bumps along the way of this expansion process. Each of the 12 Disney Parks is unique to its area in terms of food, culture, rides and what they offer. For example, Disneyland Paris wasn’t as big of a success as the company wanted, partly because it was designed as an “American Disneyworld” relocated to Paris. While the engineers and artists can use sketches and designs to help build a new park, it’s the business people who truly know what changes need to be made to reach the audience of the area.

While the cultural changes can be made by respecting the city in which the park is being built, the TV series emphasizes the power of negotiation and the need for strong business leaders in the company. Despite not being a business major, I felt inspired to help grow a company into a household name. At the end of the day, it was the business people behind the scenes who turned the cartoon-making Walt Disney Company into a parent company of a dozen theme parks and a fleet of cruise ships sailing the whole world.

After watching the series, I have a newfound appreciation for disciplines I didn’t realize played such an important role in creating the “Disney magic” I have always loved. As cheesy as it sounds, the Disney Imagineering Story now makes me think of the company in a whole new light. Separately engineers, artists, and business people can accomplish things, but when put in a collaborative environment is why the Walt Disney Company has been able to remain at the top since the beginning, and why the company will continue to thrive.

As much as I enjoy being outside in nature, I’ve never considered gardening before, which turns out to be a great way to bring the great outdoors inside. Whether we like it or not, college students spend so much of their time locked away in shoe-box sized dorms or apartments with less space than desirable. I’ve never had the greenest thumb, however after researching the benefits of having houseplants or even growing tiny succulents, I am definitely planning on becoming a “plant mom” this spring!

Having any sort of plant or fresh flowers growing in your living space could contribute more to your life than you might realize. Plants can improve sleep cycles, productivity levels, and lead to a more positive mindset. Many older adults are also encouraged to garden by physicians because it can decrease dementia risks. While we are clearly on the younger side when it comes to age, our memory retention can still benefit from this, which might be helpful with all studying. Though we may be limited by the space and time we can spend tending to house plants, there are so many different types of plants that can provide college students with many health benefits!

Aloe Vera is one of the most common types of houseplants, as they are low maintenance, grow year-round and are an amazing natural remedy for many skin conditions. The jelly-like substance found inside the leaves of this plant can be put directly on sunburns, dry skin, mosquito bites, scrapes and burns. It can be used to rejuvenate skin which is vital in the winter months and can be used to soothe skin in the summer. Instead of using manufactured products from the local pharmacy, Aloe Vera can heal skin within days without irritating the it. The plant requires very little water and just some sunlight, making it easy to take care of.

Orchids are a type of flower typically found in warmer, more tropical regions, which is why we don’t usually see them growing outside in the Northeast United States. However, they can be grown as house plants, and aside from how beautiful they are, they can to our immune systems during the winter months. Orchids increase the humidity in the air, which means that we aren’t breathing in dry air around these flowers. Dry air is what causes runny noses, sore throats and other cold-like symptoms. The chemical process orchids undergo when producing a more humid air quality is similar to what humidifiers do.

Finally are herbs, and not only are they flavorful, but they have just as many health benefits but in the form of nutrition. These types of plants can be grown in tiny pots right on your kitchen counter or on the windowsill. Herbs are actually deemed as “beginner” plants, making them perfect for college students. The best part is that you can easily add them to your food or just eat straight from the plant. There’s a long list of possible home-grown herbs, like basil, oregano and mint, to name a few. It’s hard to turn down free nutrients and antioxidants.

These low-maintenance plants don’t require much on our part except for the occasional watering and sunlight, yet the benefits are surprising. Plants are an easy and affordable decoration to any room, and with the many health benefits they provide, I’m hoping more Drexel students find their green thumbs this spring!