The Impact

Lost and Found

Lost and Found

Valerie Lopez, Senior Editor October 16, 2020

I was raised in a Christian church. I absolutely loved worshipping God and feeling the Holy Spirit. Since I was a trained dancer, I would choreograph dances for Sunday's service. It was a break from...

In Sickness and in Health

In Sickness and in Health

Valerie Lopez, Impact Staff September 14, 2020

My palms were sweaty and my stomach tightened as the nurse revealed my positive test results over the phone. What would this mean for me; for my family? On March 16, during our wonderful return home...

Losing Innocence

Losing Innocence

Valerie Lopez, Associate Editor April 20, 2020

 The eager bee never misses his date with a perky flower.  He buzzes around the yard searching for one for the afternoon. It was not the red beauty queen rose or the proud white calla lily he longed...

If I Die Before I Wake

If I Die Before I Wake

Valerie Lopez, Associate Editor April 6, 2020

COVID-19 has really done a number on all of us, with the confirmed deaths in the United States alone being 10,377 and counting. Every day, Governor Andrew Cuomo gives us a new briefing on the news in New...

Strength of a Lion on Land and at Sea

Strength of a Lion on Land and at Sea

Valerie Lopez, Associate Editor March 9, 2020

"Being underwater in a submarine for that long could really drive you crazy, but I just thought about my mother; how strong-minded she is, and it gave me the motivation to keep going."   My cousin...

Whats The 27 Club?

“What’s The 27 Club?”

Valerie Lopez, Associate Editor December 13, 2019

On Sunday, Dec. 8, Juice WRLD, aka Jarad Higgins, died of a seizure from alleged Percocet overdose in an airport in Chicago. Supposedly, he did this to avoid a drug bust from the Feds who were awaiting...

When Pineapple Meets Pizza

When Pineapple Meets Pizza

Valerie Lopez, Associate Editor November 24, 2019

All was running smoothly. Thanksgiving was approaching, and I was feeling grateful for our Friendsgiving celebration here at the Impact quarters. I have so much to be thankful for. My friends are amazing,...

Me and My Lonely

Me and My Lonely

Valerie Lopez, Associate Editor October 1, 2019

I have always feared abandonment. I suppose it was something I developed from my emotionally unstable parents. They would break up and make up every week. My father is an amazing person but really struggled...

Advice to my Sister

Advice to my Sister

Valerie Lopez, Associate Editor May 15, 2019

My sister is one of my best friends. We have this unexplainable bond ever since we were as young as I can remember. We call each other Cheetah girls because that has been our favorite movie since 2006...

A Day In A Life Of Chronic Depression

A Day In A Life Of Chronic Depression

Valerie Lopez, Associate Editor May 9, 2019

Chronic depression isn’t just being sad or crying all the time. Sometimes it’s being so numb you can’t feel anything at all. It's sleeping in, having a messy room, isolating yourself and sometimes...

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