Josie,
your post about social media and its effects, specifically in regards to the recent isolation and quarantine, was very captivating and interesting to read about! I thought your argument was very convincing and relatable. Social media can be very addictive and even harming if you let it, though I also liked how you mentioned how social media was also useful, as it kept us in the loop and helped us escape the world for a bit. I agree though, that spending time away from your phone, or other devices, is a necessary thing to do today. Like you said, “there is so much more to life than an Instagram post, a celebrity birthday, or a Snapchat story.” Taking time away from social media is very important, as living life outside of the internet is an important thing to remember to do. For me, the adjustment to the sudden isolation was difficult, and I, too, turned to social media. Eventually, I remember taking a break from it all and taking a walk in the snow, as well as spending time with my family as often as I could. And, although I think social media is a great way to interact with others and to escape from reality for a bit, it’s important to remember to not spend every waking minute there and to take the time for yourself so that you can truly live your life to the fullest. I look forward to your next posts!

I enjoyed reading your writing, “The Widespread Problem Among Teens Today” because I agree that so many students have anxiety and stress due to school and outside of school such as social media. As a high school student applying to colleges and waiting to get accepted or not gets you really anxious and nervous. One sentence that stood out to me was “Schools, parents, and counselors also ought to continually remind their students that grades are not everything; mental health takes precedence over academics.” I think this is important because students are told all the time that grades are very important and grades can reflect the type of person you are. We are expected to be the perfect students and that we should never fail. Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because of the interesting topic that you chose to write about.

I completely agree with your post. I’ve also come to understand that mental health issues are extremely common among teens and college students. It is an epidemic that needs to be treated as soon as possible. Although these issues can be attributed to many different things in a person’s life, I firmly believe that school has an enormous part to play in it. Students, especially high school and college students, need constant brain stimulation in order to keep focus. I believe that is the problem. With the introduction of phones and social media, students have lost the ability to focus for long periods of time. Although I believe the school system is flawed, I also think students should work on themselves in order to achieve a higher level of discipline.

Dear Josie :
I am intrigued by your post, “,” because it is truly giving an insight into what is happening in today’s world with young adult and whether or not our communication skills are reducing to nothing.
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: “ Perhaps it is time for students to put their devices away and spend time with the people they can physically see, and use the resources around them to build healthy relationships, relationships that are not completely reliant on social media to communicate.” I think this is important because we as a generation should know what things we are lacking in.
Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because your topics are very helpful in today’s world of understanding.
Ashley

Dear Josie :
I am emotional by your post, “The World’s need for Pilgrimage,” because you make the statement that we are forgetting about how to live to be there for one another. Also, you stated that when you said that the world is in need of pilgrimage is meaning that everyone needs to basically change their habits for the better.
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: “a pilgrimage can be a personal experience that brings someone a sense of peace and spiritual renewal” I think this is explicit because you are stating that we need to make changes to feel better with ourselves so that we are able to be a better person in the world.
Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because I liked the way you expressed that pilgrimage is needed in the world for a change that might be very beneficial. Also, you made me understand that is not a bad thing but instead a good that can make a difference in our society.
Fatima Esparza