Vivy Corral

In a world where social media feeds are adorned with motivational quotes and messages urging us to "stay positive" and "keep pushing forward," there's a darker side to this relentless pursuit of optimism – the phenomenon known as toxic positivity. This pervasive mindset promotes the idea that we should always maintain a positive outlook, regardless of the circumstances, and dismisses any form of negativity as unwelcome. At first glance, the concept of toxic positivity might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn't positivity generally considered a good thing? The problem arises when positivity becomes a shield, preventing individuals from acknowledging and addressing genuine struggles and emotions. The pressure to conform to an overly positive mindset can lead to a myriad of issues, both mentally and emotionally. When people are consistently told to "look on the bright side" or "find the silver lining," it creates a culture that suppresses...

Parents believe it's an investment in their children's future, a beacon of academic excellence. Little do they know, it's a haven for their own selfish desires. You see, I've been in this game for far too long. Teaching at Thornwood wasn't about molding young minds; it was about maintaining peace and quiet at home. Every parent sending their precious offspring to this elitist boarding school has the same ulterior motive. They're not seeking education; they're buying themselves tranquility. Thornwood isn't an institution of learning; it's a high-priced babysitter. A way for the wealthy to sweep their responsibilities under the rug. "Let the school handle it," they say as if we're glorified nannies with tweed jackets and chalk-stained fingers. The hefty tuition fees are merely a salve for their guilt, a way to appease their conscience for shipping their offspring off like excess baggage. Education? That's a mere guise, a curtain they ...

Delaney couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that crept over him as his friends filed out of the alchemy club. The Grand Master's Skull, which seemed to fascinate his friends, was just a fanciful play. He had found it lying around when he first ventured underground and thought nothing of it but a fake. As he carefully stowed it away, he chided himself for getting caught up in the whimsical scenarios he had concocted. He was too far in to go back now. His uncle Archibald's stories filled his mind with their evenings— moments of pure enchantment, where toys came alive at the wave of his uncle's hand. Delaney cherished those memories, especially the one where his uncle claimed he could turn metal into gold. It would be amazing if he could ever turn things into gold and be rich with a flick of his finger without having to work a single day. But reality hit hard when he caught sight of his uncle coughing, a subtle indication that all wasn't well. Closing the...