Bren

By: Brenda Nieves Before I get into the topic of letting go I thought it would be important to tell you why I was thinking about it so much. Soooooo, I got a, “big-girl-job” to teach English in Indonesia with the Peace Corps. This was literally the dream job I have always wanted. I feel so blessed to have the this-this opportunity. However, the thought of leaving my friends, family, and loved ones behind were lingering in my mind. I wasn’t sure how to approach this situation, so I literally had to think about what, “letting go” meant to me. The photo was taken by Damon Mackin @legaltrapmack Letting go was pretty hard for me. ***WARNING IT'S ABOUT TO GET DEEP*** I was in a relationship that was extremely toxic. I was cheated on and it took a toll on me. I tried to hold on to what I had and it made me feel like I wasn’t good enough, ugly, and worthless in every capacity. I wanted to let go, but I felt like if I did I would have to end many relationships around me. I f...

(photo taken by: Ayaris Perez)                                                        **An attempt at using iambic pentameter. This was done two years ago** By : Brenda Nieves Looking into your eyes and seeing your love It’s tantalizing! You promised to be nothing but true, see when love is tested a man must prevail. Oh, Lovers far away the lies become truth. What can I see here? Blinded by a veil. I find the messages Your lust has taken her and love has failed.

I decided to write this blog because if you didn’t notice already I am a college graduate! #Lit #Finally #FMLStudentloans Although this is indeed wonderful news there is something that isn’t talked about, so I thought it would be beneficial to address this wonderful thing called post-graduate depression. (Photos by @legaltrapmack) My thoughts: When I was told about post-graduate depression I definitely didn’t think it existed or that it would ever happen to me...but look at me now. This feeling felt like a ton of bricks and they came before graduation. I was worried about my personal relationship, friendships, and life decisions. I had thoughts like: is this the right decision, do I really want to go on this path in life, why did I come to college, and why am I not as excited to graduate college. There was even a moment where I cried because I couldn’t find socks in the morning ( don’t judge me ). It wasn’t until someone told me that they ask themselves these questions and...

(photo taken by Freedom Club member) by: Brenda Nieves When I think of him my stomach tightens and I begin to sweat. I just don’t know what to do. I thought this was a myth! brown-eyedn eyed sweetheart is really trying me and it feels like a threat. Into my heart, you go? Ha. I don’t think so. I’m building a wall 50 ft tall and in width. Two beers in and then I remember. It’s crazy how thing fall together. It sucks that I’m leaving in September. My story started without you and here you are writing yourself in. I’m sorry love, but I’m not gonna keep you around straglin’ *This piece was published in Shenandoah's Literary Magazine for 2018 Spring*

How to Listen There are many things that are currently happening in America, Trump becoming president, laws changing, and people fighting for their rights. In this moment of turmoil, the best thing we can do is understand each other, instead of physically hurting each other. I’m not saying to take someone else's belief and make them your own, but just listen to what others have to say so that you can better understand their actions.This can create a less hostile environment so that there is room for civil conversations. I think this is pretty fucking important because it seems like we're living in a very important time in American History (fingers crossed). (I don't own this photo. Click here ) Topics That are Causing Conflict I’m currently living in Virginia and the two topics that have been causing some conflicts here are the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) and the Confederate flag. I have heard about BLM from fellow peers saying things such as “they’re a...

Living in a small town has really been tough for me because grew up in New York. I lived the fast life and Winchester, Virginia slowed my pace down tremendously. The first two years here there were only two places I went to which was my university’s cafeteria and the student center. (That one time the cafeteria had lobster before Thanksgiving Break) Now don’t get me wrong I enjoyed it and there were times I was a bit bored, but I worked with what I had. In the cafeteria, I would run to the international food section and try to spice up my life. When it came down to the student center I made sure I was there for the fun events such as karaoke night, pool tournaments, ping-pong tournaments etc. Luckily, I started making friends who lived off campus and had cars, which was absolutely amazing to me because I’m from the city and we don’t really need cars (WE ROAD TRAINS!). I was able to go to new places and really get to know this placed called Winchester. So I thoug...

(Photo Taken By: Ayaris Perez) by: Brenda Nieves  That moment when you thought everything was perfect in your life. When you believed that there was a balance financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Then you realize that there is a void that starts in your stomach and creeps up to your heart and knots up in your throats until it enters your mind. You immediately are filled with memories and reminisce to that one time with that person. You remember the funny moments, like that one time you made someone else laugh so hard that the sound of his or her laugh danced into your ears and created the best endorphin you could have ever felt. But not all of the memories were great and sometimes they would seep into your dreams. Remember that one time you pretended to be asleep when you were really browsing the Internet because you were afraid to dream. Looking out into your dark room wondering what would you do without them. Unfortunately, life ...