Mary Huynh

There’s something transformative that occurs throughout the month of August. You don’t notice when it approaches, riding the high of the continuing summer months.

I love running out of town to ignore my responsibilities. When life gets a bit too busy and overwhelming, or when a new semester is just about to begin, I like to go somewhere relaxing but still fun to get in a better headspace of calm and optimism.

I think I find myself on the verge of tears at concerts for two reasons. One is just the mere fact that all these people have come together to witness this one artist or group. The second is that I often associate moments of my life with music.

To my friends, you are the most important and special thing I have in this life.

I love movies about real, extraordinary people. In honor of the “Oppenheimer” release, these are my favorite movies (and one show) also based on a true story.

I’ve always worked in customer service. Many of us take these jobs to make money and survive, but I like to think we choose them over other minimum wage jobs for a reason.

In typical teenage fashion, my angst and stubbornness made me villainize my father for simply wanting me to be a better student and a better person. I wanted to just be young and careless, but my dad always knew I was destined for more. I am so proud to be my father’s daughter.

Although it seems excessive to most, my recent trip has shown me that I can’t really blame these people for placing so much value and joy into a place like Disneyland. It acts as a sort of utopia within a frequently frightening and dark world that we are always adapting to.

However fulfilling (or not) my future may become, I’ve been trying to remember that I still have myself, and this singular existence is still something special that I have as my own.

My dad has never ever told me what he’s wanted for any holiday, making it an incredibly hectic and stressful time to find him something special. This is my guide for all of the different father figures in our lives to ensure a happy dad with these personalized and meaningful gifts.