personal essay

A person is many things, though it’s easier to take on labels and titles that feel like they fit. It’s for ease of communication, for networking, or for appearance's sake. In this piece, Sydney reflects on the positioning that ADHD allows and requires while managing a life that feels right. They describe the reality of taking care of oneself alongside running a business (or two) and fronting endless projects with the occasional impending freeze or self-doubt. Although it isn’t always rock bottom, the potential for a spiral into overwhelm is usually waiting, but acceptance and understanding can almost always be waiting too. 

Personal essay writer Nia details the discomfort found when attempting to dine alone. By choosing to dedicate specific time to herself, she stumbled on a crossroads between the pressure we put on ourselves and what we view as “productive.” Nia explores the realization that joy is both deserved and fully necessary; Self-love is not tacky, and it’s about time we start perfecting the way we categorize it.

Sydney’s debut in the Brooklyn music scene was tainted with questionable intentions from others which resulted in a nearly half-a-year hermit phase. Now on the brighter end and ready to re-emerge, they are reconsidering what it means to be so present in the digital age. Maybe it’s not New Year's resolutions at the end, but they sure as hell are words to live by.

For the past hurts, the past confusions, there’s a number of reasonings, sure, but the absolute care and security felt through friendship is like no other. In this piece, Sydney depicts the realization of practicing healthy love for years in actuality, despite feeling ill-equipped when entering new attempts at lasting primary partnership. Love is about honoring your independence, and sustainability in any relationship is about being considerate, straightforward, and downright romantic. The ability to access such a capable state of mind comes in height with those nearest and dearest, so it’s a love letter to you, me, and all of us.

Nia Mahmud tells the story of her own prom night and how the realities of the end of high school and the beginning of a new chapter had begun to set upon her.

Society has dictated what we can or can’t do for a long time. Even interests that are said to be of a non-male dominated audience tend to be highly ridiculed and called “cringy” by the public. Alexandra Kim describes the misogynistic world will live in and its vendetta against joy.

Nia Mahmud writes about her journey throughout the past year of trying, succeeding, or failing.

Go through the dance of life as Sydney Tate shares a story of love, heartbreak, and everything in between.

The Hustle isn’t for everyone. Alexandra shares her thoughts and ideas of how in this world there are some people who take their time to smell the roses.