Myla Balser (she/her) writes opinions for The Front. She’s a third-year Journalism student at Western, minoring in political science and film. You’ll usually find her reading, movie-marathoning or never turning down a good debate. You can reach her at mylabalser.thefront@gmail.com.
Many of the myths surrounding SNAP are fueled by the belief that people in poverty cannot be trusted to spend responsibly and should “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” This rhetoric, perpetuated and associated with American individualism and meritocracy, ignores the fact that millions of households are struggling to cover the rising cost of food.
Being poor in America often means paying more for the basics of survival. From unaffordable housing and overpriced groceries to overdraft fees and payday loans, the cost of simply existing without wealth is nearly impossible to escape.
There was a time when thrifting was a quiet act of necessity. A place where affordability met sustainability before either was fashionable. But today, thrift stores have been rebranded, and what was once a lifeline has become an aesthetic.
In a town where the average rent has increased by $200 in just a year, side hustles aren’t just trendy, they’re survival.
While American prisons are typically geared toward incarceration, a growing movement believes that true rehabilitation may begin between the pages of a book.
Sometimes, the right movie finds you at the right time, not just to entertain, but to shift your world view. Coming-of-age films do more than show the awkward journey to adulthood. They echo your questions, heartbreaks and hopes.
It’s not unusual to see students eating alone, walking campus paths with headphones in, or reading quietly under a tree. What looks like isolation to some, may be an intentional practice of solitude for others.
In Bellingham where blank walls and concrete corners dominate the city, a new initiative to liven the space is ongoing. Urban art is now being embraced as a tool for connection and neighborhood renewal.
Solutions by The State News
