The Daily Free Press

All things fall into place

By Mayela Machribie Lumban Gaol • April 20, 2022

Trust your gut in moments where there is nothing to lose.

Let’s Talk About: The irony of anti-vaxxers, anti-maskers who say “my body, my choice”

By Mayela Machribie Lumban Gaol • December 9, 2021

Anti-maskers appropriating the slogan “My body, my choice" is an egregious indication of how little conservatives actually care about bodily autonomy.

Let’s Talk About: Hollywood’s reluctance to embrace non-western art

By Mayela Machribie Lumban Gaol • November 16, 2021

A reporter's ignorance over "Squid Game" star Lee Jung-jae's established career speaks to Western ignorance of non-Western art and artists.

Sincerely, Ally: There is no personal agency in ‘Squid Game’

By Alexia Nizhny • November 10, 2021

Since survival, under capitalism, is a money game, the “choice” the players are making in Squid Game is not to simply continue playing the game out of a selfish desire to earn money. The real choice is between living and dying, and that doesn’t seem like much of a choice at all.

Let’s Talk About: How good things come to those who wait

By Mayela Machribie Lumban Gaol • November 3, 2021

Sometimes, to get the best results, some costs and sacrifices must be made — especially during a pandemic.

Let’s Talk About: The problem of laïcité in France

By Mayela Machribie Lumban Gaol • October 28, 2021

The constitutional concept of laïcité has divided France, leaving certain communities — Muslims, in particular— to feel out of place.

Let’s Talk About: How Netflix’s “Squid Game” reveals the darker side of human nature

By Mayela Machribie Lumban Gaol • October 20, 2021

"The Hunger Games" and "Squid Games" may have a similar premise, but ultimately say different, disturbing things about human nature.

Let’s Talk About: The withdrawal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan parallels history of Soviet intervention in the country

By Mayela Machribie Lumban Gaol • October 12, 2021

Considering the recent events in Afghanistan, it’s important to address and discuss these events in relation to parallels in history.

Why everything happens for a reason

By Mayela Machribie Lumban Gaol • September 23, 2021

We need to accept and come to terms with the unexpected when situations don’t go our way.

Let’s Talk About: Real-life meetups are long overdue

By Mayela Machribie Lumban Gaol • September 15, 2021

After the extreme loneliness of the pandemic, feeling connected with others is crucial for good health.

Let’s Talk About: A Second Freshman Year

By Mayela Machribie Lumban Gaol • September 7, 2021

I felt like I was robbed of my freshman year, but ruminating on lost time may only lead to more lost experiences.