On Friendship and Gratitude
For me, friendship has hardly been that simple.
Kayleigh Fongers (’18) graduated with a degree in writing and resides in West Michigan. She works as a reporter for the Grand Rapids Business Journal and Grand Rapids Magazine while also making time for freelance writing. When she’s not behind a screen, she enjoys going for walks, eating ice cream, and buying more books than she’ll ever read.
If Christmas Letters Were Honest
Christmas letters, in essence, are highlight reels.
Ten Songs About Being in Your Twenties
It’s easy to feel unaccomplished or running behind at this age, but Billy reminds us that we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be.
Church Shopping
There is no such thing as a perfect church.
Sartorial Struggles
To put it simply, I don’t know how to dress anymore.
A Costa Rican Culinary Experience
We learned how to split the exterior with our fingernails to access the fleshy white fruit inside.
A New Chapter
Change is difficult, even if it’s for the better.
The Patron Saint of Sexually Unfulfilled Women
She never condemns or criticizes anyone for their own unique experiences.
An Ode to Norm’s
From birthdays to holidays to regular weekend trips, Norm’s has been a staple of happy summer moments.
Decisions, Decisions
The idea of making the wrong choice is pretty much unbearable.
Younger Me
Little by little, I’m watching graves turn into gardens.
The Phenomenon of Good Gas Station Subs
Maybe I’m just too easy to please.
One Year Later
He was the life of the party, always saying some absurd or hilarious things.
Twin Babies and Workplace Anxiety: A Guide to My Favorite TikTok Creators
I fully expected to delete the app after about a week. But I didn’t bail; instead, I became addicted.
Little Answered Prayers
I’ve always yearned for clarity.
Let’s Stop the Community College Stigma
It didn’t make me any less of a student or a person.
Savoring This Moment
Suddenly I was keenly aware of everything. The ring box that he slipped out of his cowboy boot.
Confessions of a Coffee Avoider
With some anxious anticipation, I took a sip—and was naturally met with disappointment.
Jon and Me
When Jon says he’s blessed, I furiously believe it.
Rage, Rage Against Calling It a Night
What I do is known as revenge bedtime procrastination.
Conversations I Don’t Miss
Speaking of kids, are you seeing anyone right now?
Monsters Under the Bed, and Other Fears
If imaginary monsters are scary, I can only imagine how they’ll feel about student loans someday.
Influenced
I wish I could say I was one of those people who uses social media for the simple fun and joy of it (although I’m not sure if that’s even possible anymore).
Remembering New England
I felt like I was leaving a piece of my soul in Boston, in Orchard House, in the bookstores, in the North Bridge Inn in Concord.
On Holiness
I can’t help but commend Justin for taking this first step, if that’s indeed what it is.
“I Can’t Breathe”
It is my hope that we remember to use the breath we have in our lungs to speak up, to show mercy, and to act with love.
Restaurant Diaries
My first shift. Spilled a glass of Sprite and dropped a basket of onion rings within the first 30 minutes. Surprisingly, they let me stay.
Here’s to a New Season
Today is the first day of autumn, and instead of dreading it, I’m going to try my best to stay hopeful.
The One Where She Watched Friends (and Liked It)
I started watching Friends a little late in the game. And by late, I mean a quarter of a century after it debuted on television,
