Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t just a workplace initiative or academic talking point to me. It’s part of my family’s story, etched into the calloused hands of my grandfather and carried through generations of struggle, sacrifice and resilience. Long before DEI became a formal acronym, its spirit lived in the marches where my grandfather walked, in the chants...
R'Perspectives
R’Perspective: How to keep good mental health for the next four years
Cecile Diroll -
From his intent to control the Panama Canal and Greenland to his claims about making "America rich again" with tariffs, President Donald J. Trump delivered the longest annual address in modern history. Lasting over 90 minutes, the speech covered many topics, including his policy agenda, executive orders and image. The response was polarized — viewers either hurled their controllers...
The glorious one-week stretch before April should feel like freedom. It’s a moment to pause and take a breath away from the stress and demands of college life. But before April 1 even arrives, I find that time has already slipped through my fingers. Every year, I convince myself that things will be different. I’ll be the person who...
Rising to prominence over the last few years, situationships have taken the modern dating world by storm. First coined in 2017 by Carina Hsieh, a social media influencer, she described situationships as “a hookup with emotional benefits” — a distinct definition from other relationship labels like “friends with benefits” or a “hookup.” Now, with how noncommittal a situationship is,...
R'Perspectives
R’Perspective: Trader Joe’s is popular for good reason, but let’s not get carried away
Cecile Diroll -
Trader Joe’s (TJ’s), a grocery chain known for its various frozen products, affordable prices and tropical-themed stores, will open three more locations in Tarzana, Northridge and Sherman Oaks in 2025. Growing at a fast rate in Southern California, the company opened eight new locations in 2024, including South Pasadena, Northridge, Sherman Oaks, Ladera Ranch, Murrieta, Poway and Santee.
Since opening...
Whether it’s reducing phone usage, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule or committing to stop chronic procrastination, New Year’s resolutions are a “fresh start” at the beginning of each year — motivating us to consider and change in ways that make our lives better. According to a Pew Research Center study, nearly half of adults between the ages of 19...
This was the year that made me question my existence. It all started when I decided to always say “yes” to every opportunity that came my way so that I never miss out on a possible character development arc in my life. I try to live life with no regrets, and I certainly do not regret any of the...
Finals week is like a seven-day marathon filled with mental and physical challenges. It’s the ultimate test of how much caffeine your body can handle. As a senior at the University of California Riverside (UCR), I’ve experienced a fair variety of finals from timed essays, in-person exams, group projects and, during the pandemic, awkward virtual recordings. Each finals season...
This year, I’m preparing to vote in my first general election, and it’s exciting knowing just how important my vote will be. Casting my first ballot in the Democratic primaries made me realize the power and responsibility of voting, and the importance of honoring the struggles of those who fought for this right. Voting isn’t just a right, it...
Growing up as a Palestinian Muslim woman in post 9/11 America, I have only ever known of a government that is unkind to my people. Almost every politician has made a career out of portraying Muslim and Arab victims as the political enemy, finding a way to vilify these oppressed people.
In the safety and security of my home, my...