Sparkling Snippets

     As my first year of college wraps up, I’ve been thinking a lot about the classes that actually changed how I see the world— and surprisingly, Principles of Social Media was one of them. Going into the course, I thought I already knew everything I needed to about social media. I mean, I use Instagram daily, scroll TikTok like it’s my job and keep up streaks on Snapchat. But it turns out there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes— and now, I can’t unsee it.      One of the first things I learned was that the algorithm is everything— and it's also constantly changing. The content we see, the posts that blow up and even the trends we think are totally organic are often the result of calculated, ever- evolving algorithms. I always thought going viral was kind of random, but there’s actual strategy behind it, and that strategy has to keep shifting. Social media users, especially creators and brands, have to adapt constantly or risk being left behind. Wh...

    Summer kicks off in less than two weeks! While I'm going to miss all my friends here at ONU, I can't wait for everything summer has to offer. I don’t have the entire season planned, but here are just a few things I’m looking forward to over the next few months.       On May 16, right after Freshman Showcase, I’m headed to Indiana for my oldest brother’s graduation. For those who don’t know, I have two older brothers. Thomas is the oldest, and Daniel is in the middle ( we’re each two years apart). While Daniel is at the Air Force Academy studying engineering, Thomas has been pursuing mechanical engineering at Purdue University. He chose to participate in a co- op program that allowed him to work during some semesters in different states. He finally graduates this May, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate him.           After Thomas’ graduation, I already have some time planned with my hometown best friends, Nate and ...

     A while back, I shared a roundup of the books I’ve read so far in 2025. If you’re new to my blog, welcome! I absolutely adore reading and the journey each story can take you on. Every year I set a reading goal—usually 80 books—but this year I’m reaching for 85. I enjoy a variety of genres, but you’ll definitely notice a strong leaning toward romance. With the stress of schoolwork, there’s nothing like a sweet love story to give me the serotonin boost I need. Here’s a look at some of my most recent reads. Cross the Line by Simone Soltani ☆☆☆☆ This romance stood out with its Formula 1 setting, offering a fresh backdrop that added excitement. I really enjoyed the tension and playful banter between the main characters. While it might not be a book I return to often, it was a fun and lighthearted read that delivered the kind of fluff I love. The Wrong Mr. Right by Stephanie Archer ☆☆☆☆ Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this book nailed it—especially wi...

     After watching The Social Dilemma in class, it became clear that the platforms we rely on to connect, inform and entertain are also harvesting our data, shaping our thoughts and selling our attention to the highest bidder. The documentary, directed by Jeff Orlowski, features interviews with former employees of tech giants like Google, Facebook and Twitter, revealing the alarming ways these platforms manipulate users. The message is clear: we are the product, not the customer.      Social media has transformed the way we live. It helps families stay in touch across continents, provides real-time news and gives voice to movements that might otherwise be silenced. But behind the convenience lies a system designed not to serve the user, but to profit from their behavior. Every like, comment and share feeds a powerful algorithm engineered to keep us scrolling longer, engaging more and, most importantly, giving away more of our personal information. ...