What screams California more than Disneyland and live concerts? The answer is… absolutely nothing. Join Devin and I on our ultimate California getaway weekend where we will take on two days at Disneyland and a Lauren Spencer Smith concert! This trip is especially exciting because we are going during the Food and Wine Festival.
Disneyland Castle
You can find everything from food reviews to rides to two friends being silly and carefree in a place that brings them so much joy. See how many pop culture references you can catch between the two of us. The video includes our favorite rides and our honest opinions about everything we ate.
We try a variety of drinks from the Food and Wine Festival. Including drinks like a strawberry rum mimosa, blood orange beer and a pink guava mango seltzer. Make sure to watch to see our ranking.
We also went to a Lauren Spencer Smith concert, which was amazing. There are some of my favorite moments from the concert, including a surprise song, crowd chanting, spilling secrets and much more. My favorite part of the show, hands down, was being surprised that her band had cardboard cutouts of One Direction. She is an insanely talented vocalist and I included clips of her singing live so everyone can fall in love with her voice just like I did.
Make sure to watch the video below for the full run down of our weekend. This includes our ranking of food and drinks, rides, story times, messing around, singing, tips, and more!
In January of this year, I got my first ever puppy named Bambi, a miniature long-haired dachshund. Owning a dachshund had been my dream for a quite a while, and in December I finally found the perfect little girl to bring home. I had been doing extensive research pre-puppy, but I still found myself drowning in the deep end. I found that the first couple weeks, even months, had been a true struggle… in spite of all the fun and love. With my ‘never ending new experiences of puppies’ growing, I wanted to share a few tips I have learned for anyone who may be interested in taking home a puppy for the first time.
Creating a schedule
While it is obvious that puppies need tons of care and attention, it comes down to more than hard work. You must consider how often or little they may sleep, when they will need to “go potty”, and of course the dreaded (yet beloved) “zoomies”. Now it’s important to create a schedule for these little ones, but more often than not, they will make these decisions for you.
When I first brought home my sweet, wild, bundle of joy, Bambi, she had me waking up multiple times in the middle of the night. It is unlikely you will get a well rested night’s sleep for a few weeks, maybe even a month. On the bright side, it is normal and healthy for puppies to sleep from 18-20 hours a day. This way, you may be able to catch a nap to make up for your restless nights!
Potty Training
Now… the most frustrating lesson yet, getting your pup potty trained. This one is likely one of the hardest tasks, especially for me with Bambi’s being a dachshund. She is a little over 5 months old, and she still has accidents all over the house.
Depending on their age from a few weeks to months, a puppy can hold their bladder for a pretty specific amount of time. (Not usually very long.) The rule of thumb I’ve found is; however old your pup is in months, on average equates to how many hours they can hold their bladder. When I first got Bambi she was about 2 months old, so the maximum time her bladder could handle was around 2 hours.
On this note, still be sure to take your puppy outside more often than you think you should. If they are whining, sniffing the ground frequently, or doing little circles, it is likely that they’ve got to go! Using short phrases such as “go potty” when they go will help build good habits. In the same way, telling your pup “good girl/boy” during and after they go will be helpful for rewarding. Don’t forget to reward them with a treat too, this is a great incentive!
Socialization & Familiarity
Puppies are new to this large loud world and we must treat them as such! If you can spare the extra time, taking your puppy outside the house, (ex; on car rides and public areas) can bring huge benefits to their behaviors.
Of course, if your puppy is too young and does not have their vaccines yet, do not place them on the ground in public areas that other dogs and animals have been around. This can cause harm to puppies’ immune systems that aren’t strong enough without vaccines to protect them. Luckily, if you are still waiting on getting the shots, there are some alternatives for taking them out and about. Something like purchasing a sling bag or puppy tote can be really useful for transport. If you have a larger pup it may be best to only take them on car rides or in a front/backyard, if you have the space.
Allowing the puppies to get used to new people, smells, sounds, and environments is essential. It’s always fun and beneficial to have friends or family come over and introduce themselves while they are young, this way the pups have less social anxiety in the future!
Similarly, car rides can be either frightening or really exciting. You’ll want to form a routine for how they should behave and ride in the car. Additionally, getting them familiar with wearing a collar/harness when they are young is also a great tip! Bambi still wiggles like a worm sometimes when I try to put her harness on!
Playtime
Puppies can be full of energy one minute and asleep the next. You’ll never know their next move, although for those playful moments, you will want to carve out time for enriching activities. The obvious essentials would be to have some chew toys on deck. It’s always good to take the time to go play outside for some fresh air. Make sure it’s in safe enclosed areas, especially for unvaccinated pups.
Some little extra things I also found worked well are puzzles, lick mats, and stimulating, interactive toys. You can find a lot of enrichment toys online or at your local pet stores. This helps to get all their ““zoomies” and pent up energy out, especially before bedtime. I have learned from research that puppies have an easier time relaxing for bedtime after slow, but fulfilling playtime. Ideally, you don’t want to encourage running around all over the house before bed. This may lead to restless puppies!
Teething, Chewing, & Biting
Your puppy is going to eventually have some harsh growing pains, especially around 3-6 months. This will cause them to do a lot of chewing and biting due to their new adult teeth coming in. I will not be the first one to tell you that puppy teeth can be as sharp as little daggers! Honestly, the bites can hurt pretty bad. There are some things you can do to avoid going completely insane, and give your pup some relief on those fangs. I discovered purchasing some high quality bones like yak chews or Bambi’s personal favorite, beef cheek. You can also freeze items like carrots or washcloths for them to chew on. This feels really good on their shifting baby teeth!
It is imperative to note that puppies will get their paws or mouths, on anything in their sight! You will definitely want to pick up valuable or dangerous items off the floor and ground levels. For example, items like electrical cords, slippers, paperwork, boxes, or anything else you feel could be damaged or harmful. This is something you just might learn the hard way. In fact, I have lost a pair of $100 shoes to my puppy’s chompers!
These are just a handful of the tips and tricks I have for puppy ownership, but there is plenty more to learn! I strongly advocate for doing your own research before bringing your puppy home, and continuing to learn as you go! I am still discovering new information and experiences each day with Bambi.
I conducted a short interview with my mom who is a long-time owner of multiple dogs.
She told me “You will really want to take your time with your decision to own and care for a puppy/dog. They are often a lot more work than people expect. Sadly, some of these people will give their dogs up for adoption and that is how dogs end up in shelters with no homes. It is a commitment for the duration of the dog’s life.”
Bringing home any pet for the first time can be stressful, but it is also one of the most joyous feelings. You now have your best pal for life! If you or a loved one are in the market for taking on the task of caring for a fuzzy friend, I’d like to offer some links to local adoption organizations/shelters to check out. All of these are great resources to call and ask questions to see what breed would be the right fit for you and/or your family!
If you’re a Ventura College student, or know a college student you may already know how stressful things can really get with classes, assignments, work, and trying to have some kind of life outside of school. Especially around midterms and finals, it can feel like everything just hits at once. Because of that a lot of students have their own ways to deal with stress such as these in this article.
Finding places to slow down?
One thing that came up a lot when it came to my survey on how my peers deal with stress is just getting out of the house and going anywhere outside. A lot of people mentioned going to the Ventura Beach when they need some time to theirselves. They mentioned just walking, sitting, or listening to music but being by the water seems to help a lot of people clear their head and slow things down.
Location:The Ventura Pier Beach
Changing study spots
Another thing students said they do to relieve stress and boost their workflow is changing where they study. Staying in the same place all the time can make you feel stuck and sometimes unmotivated, so going somewhere like Starbucks down the street from school, Honey Cup Coffee House & Creamery, or Heritage Coffee can actually help a lot. A different environment plus a little bit of coffee can just make it easier to lock in and get things done according to students.
Exercise and Staying Active
My personal favorite way to relieve stress and keep me going is exercise and working out. When I get overwhelmed and am feeling stuck I tend to just get a quick work out in or get my body moving then I come back to doing my assignments with a refreshed mind. Places and things to do could be things such as students going to the Ventura College Gym, going on a run around campus, or even just something simpler like walking around campus. It’s less about working out seriously and more about getting out of your head for a little while and coming back to things with a clearer mind.
Spending Time with Friends & Family
Last but definitely not least hanging out with friends is a great way to relieve some stress. Out of all the things students said they did to relieve stress, almost all students said that hanging out with friends helps more than anything. Even if it’s just a quick break, talking and laughing with people can take your mind off everything.
For most college students right now, the end of the semester is right around the corner, which means we’re all cramming in the last few assignments before finals. When it comes to getting work done, a lot of us focus better with a cozy table, a warm drink nearby, and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. But in my experience, and from talking to many of my peers, finding the perfect study spot can be a challenge. Every place has its pros and cons.
So where do you even start?
Today I’m sharing a top five list that I compiled from personal experience and a little bit of survey research. I talked to 20 students at Ventura College and asked them one question: What is your favorite spot to study at, and why?
For the “why,” I expanded and asked them to consider factors like price and availability, along with anything else they value in a study spot. Here’s what they said:
Kaapicat Cafe
Kaapicat Cafe 377 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001 If you haven’t heard of Kaapicat yet, you just might discover your new favorite study destination. They are a family-owned café in the heart of downtown Ventura, with delicious breakfast food that mixes Indian flavors with American brunch items. Personally, I love their tea menu. Multiple students chose this place as their favorite, with the main reason being the spacious seating area, multiple outlets, and a staff that’s warm and welcoming. The café describes itself as a place for “remote workers, solitary readers, and writers” which welcomes students looking for a coffee shop to be at for hours on end.
Cajé Coffee Roasters 71 N Palm St, Ventura, CA 93001 Cajé is a newly trending spot for aesthetically pleasing food and drinks, with a beautiful atmosphere both inside and out on the huge patio. Students that suggested Cajé to me highlighted the insane amount of seating, reliable WiFi, and available outlets inside. And of course, the main reason it seems to be a crowd favorite is because it’s a very pleasing atmosphere to be in. It’s a solid pick whether you’re there for a couple hours to study or a common group study meetup spot. Some things to consider: Weekends get very busy and wait times can be longer, so weekday mornings or early afternoons are your best bet. The parking situation is also less than ideal— the back lot fills up fast and the only other free public lot is a short walk away.
Simones Coffee & Tea Two locations: 7818 Telegraph Rd & 2848 Cabrillo Dr, Ventura Simones has been a Ventura staple since 1996, and it’s been voted “Favorite Coffeehouse” in the county year after year, and for good reason. Many students chose Simones at their go to spot, mentioning that they have good WiFi, plenty of outlets, and a comfortable atmosphere that doesn’t make you feel like you need to buy something every 20 minutes. The Telegraph Road location is open seven days a week, and seemed to be the preferred location. The Cabrillo location is closed on weekends and the general consensus is that it’s more specifically for the workers at the hospital across the street (although some people reported it being pretty empty inside because of that reason). Some things to consider: There isn’t a huge amount of seating, especially when it’s busier or if you’re looking for an outlet since they are along the wall.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers 4820 Telephone Rd, Ventura, CA 93003 Stepping away from the coffee shops, Barnes & Noble is on this list for a very obvious reason: you don’t have to buy anything to sit and study. That’s a big deal when you’re already stretched thin (as most college students might be). Besides the financial factor, the students who suggested Barnes & Noble pointed out good WiFi, a noticeably quieter crowd compared to most coffee shops, and a low-pressure atmosphere. I will admit that there’s something about being surrounded by books that gives you more motivation to focus. There is an in-store Starbucks, so you can grab a drink if you want one but not making it a requirement is a huge bonus for this spot.
E.P. Foster Library 651 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001 A classic choice that is often overlooked. E.P. Foster Library is a free, public resource with free WiFi, public computers, so much seating, and absolutely no purchase required. In the same respect to Barnes & Noble, there tends to be less of a crowd than a coffee shop. Honestly the services they offer are great for students who need those resources or a space that is quiet. The main reason this choice is favorable is overall convenience. Important note: E.P. Foster is currently undergoing a renovation, so hours and access may be limited.
So, what makes the perfect study spot?
After hearing from my peers, I noticed that these factors for the ‘perfect study spot’ were at the top every time:
Good WiFi and plenty of outlets. That’s just essential.
Enough seating and less of a crowd. Somewhere to be for hours at a time.
Low cost or no purchase required— because this is for community college students.
I hope this helps you reflect on your perfect study spot, and maybe even discover new local cafes. Happy finals season everybody.
Being a community college student is about more than just attending classes. Many students are balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities while also preparing for their future careers. Every day looks different for me, and sometimes unexpected plans can change routines. As a student working toward completing my social media marketing degree, I am constantly learning how to manage my time, stay motivated, and continue building my career at the same time.
This article shares a realistic look at one day in my life as a community college student who is not only completing assignments but also working, creating content, and preparing for life after graduation.
Morning Routine: Resetting After a Busy Weekend
On most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my morning starts very early, around 4:30AM, so I can get to the gym before starting the rest of my daily responsibilities. However, this particular Wednesday looked a little different because I had just returned from Coachella Weekend 1, and my body needed a bit more time to recover. So, instead of waking up before sunrise as I usually do, I started my day at around 7:00AM, which gave me a much-needed boost to fulfill the day’s requirements.
My morning routine still focused on getting organized and preparing for the day ahead. I filmed a Get Ready With Me video, which is part of the content I create daily as I continue building my presence in digital media. Creating content has become an important part of my daily routine because it allows me to practice skills related to my future career in social media marketing. In addition, it is just something I enjoy doing on a daily basis.
Even on slower mornings, I remind myself that preparation sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Late Morning: Turning Free Time into Productive Time
spend a realistic day in my life with meeee!🌞🤍 #dayinmylife#Vlog#spendthedaywithme#diml#studentlife @Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai @Nespresso @Califia Farms @Garage Clothing @abercrombie & fitch @Aritzia @Wildflower Cases
Around 9:00AM, my day officially began moving. I was already dressed and ready, so I filmed the start of my Day in My Life video by showing my outfit for the day. I made coffee at home and ate breakfast, which was leftovers from the night before (a tostada with beans, cheese, ground beef, and salsa). It was a simple meal, but it gave me the energy I needed to keep my focus.
Before heading to study, I made a quick stop at Costco to get gas and a car wash. Small errands like these are part of everyday life, but they still require planning and time management. After finishing my errands, I drove to Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai to study before class. This is one of my favorite cafés (Fun Fact: I used to work here back in 2019!)
I arrived at the café around 10:00AM, ordered an iced dirty chai with almond milk, and settled in to get some work done. This was important because it allowed me to prepare for class while also working on creative projects.
While studying, I filmed and created a short video for TikTok featuring a lip combo using my new Rhode products. Creating content while studying might seem unusual and/or odd, but for me, it is part of building my career. It allows me to practice marketing, filming, editing, and branding skills in real time!
Attending Class: Investing in My Future
After studying at the Palm & Boy, I left to attend my 11:30AM Digital Content Marketing class. Attending class is one of the most important parts of my day because it provides the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in my field. I am enjoying this class because it allows me to connect, in person, to peers with similar interests as me! As a community college student, I have learned that my education is an investment in my future.
Balancing school responsibilities requires a ton discipline and focus. Even on days when I feel tired or busy, I remind myself why I started this journey in the first place and what goal I am working towards.
Afternoon: Working and gaining Real-World Experience
After class, I drove to Thousand Oaks, where I work. Before clocking in for my shift, I picked up lunch from Jersey Mike’s and prepared for the rest of the afternoon. I worked from 1:30PM to 6:00PM, helping customers and managing various other responsibilities at my job.
Working while attending school has taught me valuable skills such as time management, communication, and responsibility. These skills are just as important as the lessons I am learning in the classroom. Having a job also helps me gain real-world experience that will, hopefully, be useful in my future career.
My workday marked the end of my Day In My Life Vlog, but my responsibilities did not stop there.
Evening Reset: Finishing Responsibilities and Preparing for Tomorrow
After finishing work at 6PM, I drove home and continued organizing my space. I had just returned from a busy weekend at Coachella, so cleaning and resetting my environment was necessary to feel prepared for the upcoming week. Resetting the space is always helpful in creating a more productive environment.
Even after a long day of school and work, my responsibilities were nowhere near completed. I am currently taking Excel and we usually have a variety of assignments due on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Since this was a Wednesday, I still had a full list of assignments to complete. This part of the day requires extreme discipline, especially when I feel tired.
Later in the evening, I went to grab dinner at In-N-Out. Taking time to eat and relax is important because it allows me to recharge after a full day of responsibilities.
By the time I finished dinner, it was around 10:00PM, I took a shower, prepared for bed and got ready for my nightly “scroll-time”. Nights are a time for reflection and recovery. Even though the day was super busy, I was proud of everything I accomplished with my time management and organization. Now I am one day closer to building my dream career.
Reflecting: Becoming a Girl Boss One Day at a Time
This day in my life shows that being a community college student involves so much more than just going to class. It requires dedication, organization, and motivation. Everything I do, whether I am studying at the café, working a shift at my 9-5, creating content, or studying and doing homework, plays a role in building my future.
As the end of the semester approaches, I continue to focus on developing my skills, gaining experience, and preparing myself for my career in digital marketing. And while everyday looks different, one thing remains the same: all of the effort I put into each day helps me shape my opportunities for the next day to come.
Here’s a hard truth; In this day and age, almost everyone- if not struggling themself, knows someone that is struggling.
10 years ago, mental health was talked about a fraction of the amount it is talked about now. It has become a bigger conversation than ever, especially for students. Between school, work, relationships, the pressure to “have it all figured out”, and just trying to be a decent person, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even isolated.
But one thing keeps coming up in these conversations: community matters.
The term “community” can mean a lot of things, so it’s important we define it before we start valuing it. Community is found in the people we spend time with, the spaces we feel comfortable in, and the interactions we have daily. And while many people think of community as a big, obvious display of connection (clubs, organizations, large groups), it can also be a lot simpler. For most students it can look like a friend you can talk to between classes, a local barista that knows your order, a phone call with someone you trust, or a teacher that checks in on you. Living in a small town, and especially one as warm as Ventura, most of these aren’t foreign concepts.
According to conversations with several Ventura College students, one of the hardest parts of struggling mentally isn’t always the stress itself, but it’s feeling like you have to deal with it alone.
I talked with a senior named Relle; she shared,
“I don’t think I realized how much I needed people until I stopped seeing them regularly.”
It’s a feeling that’s more common than we think.
While there isn’t a “twice daily pill” or quick fix to struggling with mental health, connection does make it more manageable. It is our human nature to need places where we can let loose, laugh, talk, and not feel like we’ll be voted out like “Survivor” for being ourselves.
Building real connection can start with small, consistent choices. Here’s some ways students are already doing it:
Becoming a “regular” somewhere. Coffee shops, a study spot, walking around campus, showing up consistently creates familiarity, and with enough effort, connection.
Invite. Be the first to reach out! If everyone always waited for someone else to include them, no one would be invited anywhere. Take the initiative, even if it’s scary, it’s better than not trying at all. Here are some suggestions from VC students,
“Do you want to grab coffee? Would you want to study together? Can I give you a ride somewhere?”
3. Put your phone down! (Sometimes) Most people’s phone is their digital implant- hardly ever leaves their hand. Feeling that someone cares enough about what you’re saying to give you their full attention doesn’t go unnoticed and means so much more than you think. Think back to any time you’ve been talking to someone that’s on their phone. I bet it still conjures up just as much frustration now as it did then. Now think back to a conversation you’ve had with someone that looked you in the eyes. I bet you felt much more listened to, much more cared for, and much closer to that person. Listening is how we build connection, and therefore, community.
4. Low pressure. If you feel that every interaction you have to have with a person has to be meaningful, deep, and groundbreaking, that can be a lot of pressure. And chances are, you don’t always have the energy for those types of conversations. So keep it light, take the pressure off, and meet people where you are. Taking the steps to reach out, even causally, ensures you don’t slip away to an island of isolation, and that you continue to build reliable relationships.
Having “Go-to” spots also helps. Ventura naturally creates opportunities for connection (you just got to take advantage of them).
You can try: Any one of our beautiful beaches or walking paths, coffee shops (Daylight and Moon, Freedom Coffee, and Room Service are some of my favorites), places on the VC campus (the library, student center, outdoor benches/quad), local parks or lookout spots (Cemetary park, Arroyo Verde park, Surfers Point).
Having places you can depend on makes planning so much simpler. One student said,
“Something about being out in nature makes it so much easier to open up.”
I couldn’t agree more, and Ventura makes that extremely accessible.
If there’s one takeaway, let it be this: you’re not supposed to go through everything yourself. When things feel hard, or stressful, or completely overwhelming, it feels easy to push people away and deal with your problems alone. But trust me when I say, that won’t solve anything. Building community, especially in the hard times creates relationships to last. Community won’t solve all your problems, but it will help you remember that you’re seen, supported, and not the only one figuring things out. You don’t have to completely uproot your life and change your schedule, or friendships, or habits. You just have to put in a little effort. Text someone. Sit with someone. Invite someone. It might matter more than you think.
If you’ve ever opened TikTok or Instagram on a Sunday Morning and suddenly felt the urge to get your life together, you’re not alone. What starts as a quick scroll down your “For You Page” can quickly snowball into watching video after video of perfectly curated influencer routines. You might see freshly cleaned rooms with wrinkle-free bedding and matching pillows, elaborate skincare regimens, an iced matcha in aesthetically designed glasses, or a perfectly planned to-do list for the upcoming week outlining tasks to be done in preparation. Sunday resets have become a trending phenomenon, creating more pressure to do more in preparation for the upcoming week and setting unrealistic expectations for the average college student. As viewers engage with these videos, they may find them calming, yet also subconsciously internalize pressure to complete the same tasks within a day and adopt unrealistic expectations of what their lives should look like.
These types of short -form videos have taken over our feeds, showcasing a mix of productivity and self-care. As we watch these influencer “resets”, we subtly compare them to our own lack thereof. While they may appear to be simple lifestyle content, there is more happening beneath the surface. This trend has contributed to the inauthenticity surrounding the concept of what it means to be an influencer.
Through visually appealing content, the facade of “relatable” habits, and subtle product placements, these routines do not truly inspire viewers to replicate them— they instead influence consumers to purchase featured products while simultaneously creating pressure for the average person. What were once simple, mundane tasks have been transformed by social media, reshaping the meaning of productivity and giving rise to an unrealistic and unattainable lifestyle over time.
So, why are we addicted to watching this niche genre of videos when there is such an absence of reality?
For Gen- Z viewers such as myself, the “Sunday Reset” trend resonates so hard because it hits the holy trifecta of productivity, self-care, and aesthetic lifestyle content— all without feeling overwhelming due to it’s calming combination of visually appealing clips and carefully chosen audio. This draws us in as an audience, creating a sudden urge of motivation as we think, “Hey, if they can do it, so can I!” However, achieving this sense of accomplishment comes with potential downsides when attempting to replicate what these influencers have done. The average college student doesn’t have the luxury of dedicating an entire day to household tasks, a 10-step skincare routine, or purchasing overpriced groceries and meticulously organizing each item. In reality, we can often complete a portion of these activities while juggling the unpredictability that is life. Time and time again, these influencers live up to their title, as their content is primarily meant to be consumed rather than realistically replicated from a college student’s perspective.
The real kicker of the “Sunday Reset” trend and its high performance on our feeds is the “soft selling” embedded through influencer-generated content and the products they subtly incorporate into their routines. I’ve fallen victim to a few of these products— such as skincare or household gadgets— because I was drawn watching them being used in real time, often paired with a trendy song playing in the background. That combination creates a powerful setup that encourages audiences to purchase without hesitation. It’s easy to see how absorbed we can become, especially given how accessible it is to buy the items featured in these videos. Much of this is driven by features like the TikTok Shop, where a simple tap allows you to continue watching a video while adding items to your cart. Instead of explicitly saying “buy this,” influencers seamlessly embed products into their routine, shifting the message from a clear promotion to something that feels like a natural part of their lives. Gen- Z viewers, who are often wary of traditional advertising, tend to distrust anything that feels overly promotional. As a result, soft selling comes across as more authentic and unscripted, reinforcing trust in the influencers they follow. This relationship- building between influencer and follower creates a domino effect, leading the follower to become a frequent consumer of the promoted brand.
Targeted ad of under eye patches found on the TikTok Shop
Targeted ad of a supplement powder found on the TikTok Shop
To piggyback on the strong effects of “soft selling,” influencers carefully curate their image to align with their niche, aesthetic, and branding. They achieve this through neatly arranged products, cohesive color palettes, minimalist setups, and bright lighting. This visual clarity brings a sense of calm to a chaotic feed, encouraging viewers to stop and watch — often without realizing how much time has passed. Much of “Sunday Reset” content taps into these polished, effortless vibes such as glowing skin (as a result of an elaborate skincare routine), athlesuire outfits for casual outings like getting iced coffee, and ASMR-like clips cleaning and organizing their environment. All of these elements subtly communicate the idea that “this is what having your life together looks like.” That image is then perceived as both inspirational and attractive, while capturing the audience’s attention and keeps them coming back for more.
Influencer @amandaedins on TikTok
Aesthetic/Inspo account @dollicqte on TikTok
While “Sunday Reset” content is meant to feel calming and productive, it can also set an unspoken standard for what a “successful” day should look like. For majority of viewers, such as community college students, that standard isn’t realistic in a weekly basis. We have to manage our time carefully across multiple responsibilities— completing assignments, working shifts, and maintaining a social life. Instead of feeling motivated, some people end up experiencing guilt, telling themselves, “I didn’t do enough today” or “My life doesn’t look like that.”
This creates a harmful cycle in which content intended to inspire leads to comparison and self-doubt. These influencers “resets” function as highlight reels, presenting a highly curated version of their lives and creating a disconnect from reality. By turning self-care into performative tasks, they can make everyday activities feel like obligations tied to fitting into an idealized lifestyle. Before we know it, rest and relaxation becomes scheduled, and Sundays are filled with stress instead of serving as time to recharge. In this way, even “soft” productivity trends can add to the mental load rather than relieving it.
After posting an Instagram story questionnaire asking what typical Sundays look like for Gen-Z community college students, these were a few responses I had received.
“Grabbing a matcha, grocery shopping and finding somewhere to watch a sunset! This is what a Sunday of protecting my peace looks like,” said Julia Lopez, a former graduate of UCI.
Another contributor said “Bedrot,” which is a slang term for spending an extensive amount of time in bed— that involves scrolling on your phone, watching shows, or simply doing nothing.
Valeria Montes, a community college student attending Ventura College stated how “spending time with relatives,” is a typical Sunday activity she stresses the importance of.
“Going to the gym, [walking my] dogs, [hanging] out with friends,” was another response submitted by Grace Pacheco, a former graduate of SDSU.
At the end of the day, the “Sunday Reset” craze reflects exactly what it is: simply a trend that will pass as the next big thing emerges. As community college students, we can navigate this tone-deaf phenomena by recognizing its disconnect from reality. We understand that influencers spend hours curating these videos and are not authentically portraying what their lives actually look like. Instead of striving for perfection, the concept of a “reset’ should be tailored to our lives— focusing on how we can take care of ourselves, mentally and physically, to the best of our abilities.
I decided to give this trend a try and created a TikTok for what a Sunday looks like in my life, filmed clips of the activities I had done, while putting my own flare to the music choice and how I edited it as something others can say “Hey, my days kind of look like that too!”
Next time Sunday rolls around and you find yourself struggling to do a couple errands, household chores, or getting on track before the new week arrives, here’s a playlist to fuel those tasks you’ve been putting off!
In this episode, we discuss our personal top 5 essentials and we also reached out to our audience for their opinions. We also go into detail about our wonderful experience on how we indulged on our last festival on a budget.
Many community college students have other responsibilities they have to balance on top of school. This could be working full-time jobs, parenting, managing mental health, and other major responsibilities that could interfere or hinder education. Balancing these roles can feel overwhelming and exhausting. For this article, I talked with students from different backgrounds about how they balance school and life. It looks at the challenges they face and shares tips that might help others dealing with similar struggles.
Heather Ornelas, a student parent attending Ventura College, has experienced times in her life where she was caring for her mother, raising her teenage son, and attending school full-time all at once. She admitted that,
“It can feel overwhelming trying to give your best in every area of your life at once.”
Heather shares a feeling that many student parents experience, which is the pressure to do well in school while still caring for family. This stressful situation can have a big impact on mental health if not managed. That’s why having a strong plan is so important when life gets busy. Staying organized is how Heather balances hers.
“I rely a lot on planning ahead. I check Canvas daily, write down all my deadlines, and break bigger assignments into smaller steps so they don’t pile up. I also try to work ahead when I know I have a busy week coming up.”
These tips reduce a lot of stress and make time for other responsibilities. Having a structured schedule and planning ahead can really make a difference for students. When mapping out your week, setting aside time for classes, work shifts, and family, everything will start to feel more manageable.
On stressful days, prioritizing mental health is really important. For Heather, she uses campus resources and focuses on her personal wellness to help manage stress.
“I’ve used counseling resources on campus, which helped me talk through things instead of holding everything in. I’ve also started going to the gym regularly, which has made a huge difference in managing stress and anxiety.”
It’s important to use school resources when you need assistance or guidance. A lot of students try to handle stress, problems with academics, or financial challenges on their own, but colleges provide many helpful resources that they could be using for help. Many colleges offer counseling, tutoring, advising, and other support systems specifically to help students navigate difficult situations.
Every students situation is difference, so the way they manage their responsibilities will be different too. While some, like Heather, juggle parenting and caregiving, others, like Eddie, that have to manage the physical and mental strain of full-time employment.
A full-time mechanic and student, Eddie has days that are often long and exhausting. His biggest challenge, he explained, has been:
“Getting a full 8 hours of sleep, squeezing in time for homework, and balancing my personal life.”
After spending most of his day at work, he has found that he has little energy to focus on assignments. This can easily lead to missing assignments, grade drops, or added stress if not managed carefully. To prevent this, Eddie has found some solutions that has helped him:
“I plan ahead and map out deadlines on a calendar to stay on top of homework. I like to set reminders a few days before assignments are due to help prevent stress. I also think it’s important to create a consistent weekly routine, such as dedicating certain times of the day for homework.”
Planning a schedule you can consistently follow that fits your daily responsibilities can make a significant difference in staying organized and productive. Building a steady routine will also improve discipline and make you feel in control of a busy life.
Heather and Eddie’s experiences show that balance isn’t about having fewer responsibilities but more about managing them correctly. Their stories show the importance of planning, using available resources, protecting mental health, and staying on top of assignments.
Hopefully, these tips and experiences from community college students can give guidance and encouragement as you manage your own busy schedule.
Many students struggle with the costs of everyday life and many of them don’t even have time for regular part-time jobs. As someone who has also been actively looking for more ways to increase the amount in their bank account, I thought that I could help others by sharing my findings. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of common easy side hustles that people do for some extra cash. These can be easily implemented into your routine without taking over your entire schedule.
Selling Homemade Goods
Many people already have a hobby that they enjoy. Whether it’s crocheting, clay art, baked goods etc. If you already have something that you enjoy doing, you can potentially turn that into cash. You can easily set up an Etsy, Facebook, or eBay page and put your homemade goods up for sale. Depending on your skill level and other market prices, price your goods accordingly. Eventually you may be able to start taking orders or feedback from customers to better your products.
2. Campus Tutoring
Ventura College offers a wide variety of on campus jobs and one of them is their campus tutoring program. You can be a drop-in tutor which is where you choose your hours and go to the tutoring center and kind of wait for students to come (which can be easy money), OR you can be an embedded tutor where you have an assigned class. The requirements are that you have a minimum 3.0 GPA, an A or B in the subject you will be tutoring in, are in good academic standing, and you need a faculty recommendation. You don’t have to be a full-time student so that can allow for more freedom and working hours. Their pay rates are $17.33/hr for drop-in tutoring and $18.19/hr for an embedded tutor. The downside is that you can’t apply anytime you feel like it. Sign-ups seem to be only at the end of the semester. Join Our Team | Ventura College
3. Rover
Rover is an app/website where pet-owners can hire people to pet-sit or walk their animals. You can set your own rate and work your own hours. If you decide to put yourself at a minimum wage rate of $16.90 in the state of California, and work of a minimum of 10 hours a week, that means you can cash an extra $160/wk. It may not seem like much but it can add up and cover some basic costs or extra personal interests you may have.
4. Food Delivery Services
There are many food delivery services that are readily available now such as DoorDash, Grubhub etc. If you have a car, you can make this work a bit easier (keep in mind cost of gas), but there are also many people who use bikes to deliver food. People make most of their money on food delivery services through tips, and payments vary per delivery. Some tips I found were to work during peak hours. These would include lunch and dinner hours where people are more likely to order food.
5. Flipping/Reselling Items
I interviewed a fellow VC student and he said that he buys cameras off Facebook, eBay, or local thrift shops and: cleans/fixes them up, makes sure they function well, and packages them to resell for a small profit. His hobby is collecting cameras and he wants to be a photo journalist so this extra cash grab also allows him to further his knowledge of cameras and their value/quality. This shows that you can take something you are already interested in and already do and make a profit. It may not be much monetarily but the value of honing his skills more makes up for that. This can be done with clothing, toys, furniture, other electronics etc. There are so many opportunities.
One last little thing I’d like to add. Make sure that for whatever you decide to do, you plan it out accordingly. Keep in mind your actual net profit after expenses and taxes.
Finally, I asked our fellow VC student if he had any final words of advice or of encouragement and here’s what he had to say:
“Understand that it isn’t going to be “easy” easy, but that hard work will pay off. Don’t overwhelm yourself and start with a huge task or expectation. Don’t worry. If one thing doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to try something different.” -Quentin Giesea Obeck
VC Social 