Gen here! How’s it going, City Tech?

On today’s agenda, I wanted to bring up a kind of tea known as Oolong. As far as the name’s origin, it is said that this tea was specified after its place or birth, the Wuyi Mountain. It was discovered by a man named Sulong Wulong. As I mentioned last week, tea can be a useful factor in our lives,Not many like the taste or the thought of drinking tea because they believe it’s only leaves and hot water but, it’s more than that; it’s a way of life and a  key to successfully good health.

According to an article written by Josh Axe, “food is medicine.” Oolong tea contains flavonoids, caffeine (although not as much as black tea), theanine and fluoride. However, ladies in gentlemen as a disclaimer, the information provided is not intended to replace health care professional help, please seek advice from a doctor or a licensed physician for more pressing matters, or serious illnesses.

In the article Axe explains that “Many oolong tea benefits are due in part to the presence of catechins, a particular type of flavonoid. The list of those benefits is not what you’d call short—oolong tea is associated with lower instances of heart disease, obesity and cancer; prevention of diabetes; a reduction in both inflammation and oxidative stress; increase in cognitive function; healthy skin and even healthy bones.” It’s due to these antioxidants that people can use teas as a way to lose weight; both Oolong and green tea give amazing results. Due to my slim figure, I don’t drink much of either teas because I’ve seen the results work myself, and quite frankly I’m trying to gain weight not lose, so I drink other types of teas instead. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover; give it a try, because it may be beneficial for you. Let me know what you think and what you’ve tried, comment below!

Hey City Tech! Gen here welcoming you all back from the long break. I hope you all had an amazing holiday and new year filled with new goals and prosperity. Now that we are back from the winter break I want to remind everyone to be calm for the new semester. Yes, I’m talking to you freshmen. Keep a calm profile, everything’s going to be all right you just need to breathe and remember that the syllabus gives you everything that needs to be done. Don’t stress yourself out; I’m sure you can do this! As for my other viewers, sophomores, juniors, seniors, or those who are embarking on another year in City Tech, I’d like to remind you of all your success. Another semester in college, another step closer to graduation. What better way to celebrate that then with a delicious cup of tea?

“Cup of tea you say? Why tea?” Is what you’re all probably asking from the other side of the screen. Lemme tell you why. For me, tea is a great balancing supplement that helps me with anxiety and stress it keeps me calm. On a higher note, given by Harvard Health Publishing “… it turns out that tea does contain substances that have been linked to a lower risk for heart disease, cancer, and other health problems that affect men.” Tea, however, has benefits for all of us not just men. But, the point is that tea can do wonders for both the body and the soul. As we all know and hear about, green tea is a prime example to essential and good health. In that same post it said that “… tea contains certain substances linked to better health. The main players are chemicals called polyphenols, in particular catechins and epicatechins.” These chemicals are a form of antioxidants that come in day to day natural food and drinks, such as fruits and vegetables along with tea and wine. There’s a reason as to why nature’s given us these plants and remedies rather than pills on trees. Ya know, some illnesses can be naturally treated, and even, prevented rather than what we get from our doctors. In a quick point, the body needs antioxidants, without them our bodies grow to be weak and prone to more illness and attacks. My recommendation?? Drink more tea! It’s cheap, easy to make, and it tastes great hot or iced; whichever way you like it.

Good Afternoon City Tech! For City Tech Freshman I want to say that, I hope finals went well for you, congrats on making it this far I know it’s hard but it goes to show that you’re capable of doing big things, just being here is a massive achievement. I also want to remind you that as students you have rights within the CUNY system. In the end if you feel as if you haven’t been graded fairly you can always speak to your professor and if they’re not responding then you may go to the Department Chair.

On a better note, the holidays are almost here and as the year is coming to an end I’d like to send warm wishes to everyone. I would love to send a massive shoutout to everyone at The Buzz for their love, devotion and support, this group gave me something worth wild, a community of strong and intelligent woman who do not fear to speak their minds. Today’s post is a short one but a meaningful one. Brianna and Sabrina, you both brought of enthusiasm and light into the table and you both helped me get through this semester and reminded me to breathe and calm down. I’d also would love to send a shout out to Professor Genevieve Hitchings! Although you were my professor last semester, you kept in contact. When I needed help you were the first person I can think of to email, ladies and gentleman she’s a prime example that professor’s do care for your wellbeing and will help you if you ever need assistance is your academics or if you just need someone to hear you out, that goes to you freshman! don’t be afraid to speak up! 

Illustrator: Gennessy Palma

Good Afternoon city tech, Genny here! The semester is finally coming to end. Phew! Give yourselves a pat on the back for coming so far. As for the freshmen, congrats! If you made it this far you can get through anything. Although the semester is almost finished, it doesn’t mean you slack off, this isn’t high school. Here you have important finals that you must study and prepare for, weeks in advance. First things first, based on your classes you’ll either have an exam or a project. If you have an exam, create a review sheet of everything that’s been taught within the class; flashcards work too. It all depends on how you work. If you have a project, as I mentioned in a previous post, flash drives are key! Always have a spare flash drive or as I call it, a back up with your work inside it because if you come into class empty handed to a final presentation, well that’s on you. This is college and here we learn to take responsibility for our work and actions.

Calligraphy by: Gennessy Palma

For you freshman, I know it’s rough, I’ve been there. Just keep in mind that there’s lots of resources in this school that you can use if you’re anxious or nervous. During this time in the semester there are also stands in the school that offer free beverages and foods to take if you left the house with an empty stomach before an exam. It’s never a good thing to skip breakfast especially on an important day like finals, you can get lightheaded and you won’t be able to concentrate well, or worse, you could even faint. The most important thing to understand is sleep. Ladies and gentlemen without sleep how will you function in your exams??? Don’t make the same mistakes I’ve made, staying up all night before an exam to study, I was deeply disoriented from lack of sleep since I did not sleep the night before either, fortunately I passed the exam but not on very good terms/grades. To wrap this post up, breathe and keep a calm head because we as humans don’t do well heated up or afraid. Fears cloud the mind and a clouded mind leads to failure. Keep your head up we will see this through the end! Best of luck to anyone who’s already taking finals this week!

Photographer/Illustrator/Translator: Gennessy Palma

Good Afternoon City Tech, it’s your friendly nature loving blogger here and I just want to welcome everyone back from the thanksgiving break. I hope everyone had an amazing week, but now it’s back to business! On the topic of the break, I started  vacation early; its outcome was a wonderful experience. Last week before the break began, I was invited to the Sterling Hall. This beautiful assembly hall is located in Hicksville, Long Island.

I was invited here for a family wedding, it was beautiful to experience new customs as this was a Hindu wedding. Did you know that a Hindu Wedding lasts three days? Their culture is so beautiful and graceful. It meant the world to me to have the ability to see a whole new perspective of life. I loved going to their temple and seeing the interior designs, and their customs. The clothing was beautiful, as was the bride and groom.

This Hall had very considerate and professional staff; whom of which were pleasant to talk to. The interior of this building was exquisite and simply breathtaking, it’s not something I normally talk about within my posts but I couldn’t help myself on talking about what I had experienced within the week! Do you have an important event and can’t yet decide a place? Then I highly recommend this place! You won’t regret it and, oh, the food was just perfect. It’s even better during cocktail hour as they called it. The  food and drinks and were just very fulfilling. To my viewers/ readers If you wish to know more about the experience within the hall, lemme know! I’d love to tell you all about it! Cheers to one and all!

Roses beautiful, never the same, each with thorns, never without; they protect themselves from harm. For even beautiful creatures can harm. Flowers, the very essence of nature’s presence, I appreciate every petal, every blossom For my regular readers, you all know I love nature, so I dedicate this post to nature’s perfume, flowers.

With the season coming to an end, and winter fast approaching, the flowers wilt, the colors of the earth turn to shades, grey, white, and black. It’s an exciting transformation but a sad one as well; as if mother nature, herself, enters hibernation. But there is beauty in the dullness of winter. I guess that conversation will be a topic for another day  *hint-hint*.

Flowers are my remedy, and I can define that in so many ways. In both mental and physical meanings, flowers hold a strong healing ability. They give us a natural way to heal from anxiety and depression. In a document, created by Doctor Edward group DC, it is mentioned that “Color is everywhere and has many functions. In nature, animals and plants use color for camouflage and to facilitate mating. Humans decorate and dress with color for expression. Color preference has a psychological effect on mood and affects people on a subconscious level.” So in other words, colors induce different emotions like how many people describe blue to be a sad emotion or red to be an angry emotion. How would you describe color??

It’s no wonder why nowadays we have adult coloring books, it relieves a lot of people stress but, for me, I keep it to a physical level. I like to use my senses, the ability to touch and see nature helps keep me calm and relaxed. To me, something about actually being there, in the moment, leads me to a state of tranquility. When I’m at home I often feel suppressed as if I’m a bird in a cage. I long to be free, since the noise engulfs my very spirit. So, I take walks to wherever there is color or vibrancy to help me clear my mind from life’s daily stressful thoughts.

Cars honking, trains under our feet, vibrations, it’s the city life. Though to me, nature brings me inner peace, to others it’s the city life. From the people to the machinery and architecture, the liveliness of the city brings joy and relaxation to many. Perhaps it makes them feel not so alone? After all it’s wired in our very core; the need to socialize and to not be alone. Our school, City Tech, is a great example, since there are  so many buildings surrounding the area, so much people, and different ways to get around with public transportation. It’s even better at night; the night life in the city. Especially when the holidays come around, we see lit up ornaments and trees; it’s a true beauty if you ask me. Nothing like a cup of coffee during this cold season and staring into the beautiful scenery to calm the nerves; or perhaps tea if you’re not a coffee person.

On the note of beverages, it’s yet another good way of relaxation! To me, peppermint tea or chamomile tea is great to help soothe my nerves! And when I’m sick and I’m in desperate need of sleep, I drink Eucalyptus tea. It’s my secret soothing remedy and I recommend it to anyone who is sick or is having trouble sleeping. For me, personally, I prefer to use 2-3 leaves of Eucalyptus. Because it is very overpowering and will knock you out like a lightbulb, there’s no need to add too many leaves. Just be prepared for the best sleep in your life because believe me, it leaves you feeling refreshed in the morning. Eucalyptus can be bought anywhere; from your local store or a big brand market; just go to the herbs aisle and you’ll find it there! Have any questions or thoughts as to teas and recommendations? Feel free te message below! Let me know what’s your soothing drink!

Photographer: Gennessy Palma Tea Brand: Celestial Seasonings

Night to day and day to night, nature has its ways of revealing its beauty; like it’s peak of the morning where night and day meet. Coming here is what I call a “happy accident.” My boyfriend and I were on our way to fresh meadows park when we took a wrong turn, this wrong turn led us to one of the most beautiful horizons; it had a lovely view of the ocean and  city. This place is known as Road Marina.

Photographer: Gennessy Palma

Hidden yet seen by the eyes of the observant, this place was a wonderful experience. Though it is near city life, the ambiance is soothing and silent. The area is great for quality family time and is a great place to relax ESPECIALLY after midterms, am I right? Think about it, a breather, riding along in a car making a stop to a quiet and peaceful area. Some place to collect yourself, along with it is a soft breeze, allow yourself to feel it’s embrace on your skin let it dance in your hair, ever so playfully.

Photographer: Gennessy Palma

To my nature lovers, I recommend this place  if you’re in need of a quiet spot or just a new place to venture. Whether you want a new breathing spot or a studying spot, this is a good location to go to. After that you can always go to fresh meadows! It’s not so far from there; the Marina is fairly close to meadows.  Here you can enjoy the many beautiful monuments within the park; such as the famous globe. Interesting display, isn’t it? Looks better at sunset, in my opinion. Dearest readers, if you have any questions or recommendations, feel free to talk, I’m all ears! Have a place in mind? Lemme know! I’d love to explore new places, as always, positive vibes to all!

Photographer: Gennessy Palma