Reading “The Lord of the Rings” changed my life for the better and shaped me into who I am today. In today’s world of social media debates, seemingly endless national conflicts and government shutdowns, a look into Tolkien’s masterpiece can remind society that good does exist in the world.

Self-driving cars have captivated society for years, featured in everything from movies and TV to news and the internet. Recently, car manufacturers have been in a race to get their version of “self-driving” or “auto-pilot” onto the road for drivers to use. However, with each push to deliver a product year after year, this technology gets more dangerous by the day.

Educators and institutions alike must recognize that more tech isn’t always better. A balanced approach, mixing digital with traditional methods, can help restore the rhythm of learning. Screen-free moments paired with in-person collaboration and intentional tech use can reduce fatigue and encourage deeper engagement.

Ever since the inception of video games, there has been a stigma that they are merely a hobby. This is a severely antiquated view, as video games are so much more than a hobby; they are the highest art form a person can experience.

In our over-politicized and under-empathetic world, war is a given. But desensitization doesn’t have to be the only response. It is possible to care for those suffering, though we’re far from the conflict. We don’t have to trade compassion fatigue for apathy. And in a world where strength is rewarded and kindness rejected, it’s of the utmost importance that we remember and respect the sanctity of human life.

For decades, women have been proving they belong in sports conversations. The real question is why society still acts like they don’t. The issue isn’t that women need to “get educated” on sports. The problem is that audiences, media and casual fans alike must stop acting surprised when women bring authority and insight to the conversation.