The atmosphere shifts when someone hears that I’m majoring in English. Without fail, the next words to cascade from their lips are, “Why would you willingly choose to read so much for class?”
Their reasoning is that reading is not entertaining – at least not to the degree it was when our books had pictures.

This post was updated May 11 at 7:47 p.m.
Many years ago, I took the entrance exam to pursue graduate studies in my birth country, Iran.

This post was updated May 11 at 7:44 p.m.
Editor’s Note: The following article contains mentions of sexual assault.
I was dead sober at my first fraternity party.

The White House has operated a unified government since President Donald Trump’s January inauguration.
With Republican majorities in the United States House of Representatives and the U.S.

“Please select your racial identity from the choices below.”
It’s that time of year, standardized testing season. Something every middle and high schooler knows and disdains.

This post was updated April 29 at 9:02 p.m.
He is a band drummer and music enthusiast. She is a dedicated student and member of the Chancellor’s LINK program.

This post was updated April 27 at 7:35 p.m.
Editor’s note: This article contains mentions of sexual abuse against a minor.
There are some things more important than ranking, talent and winning.

This post was updated April 22 at 9:23 p.m.
It’s easy to lose sight of untouched nature in a city like Los Angeles.
Helicopters and airplanes often look like birds, freedom from traffic often seems impossible and skyscrapers are the giants of this concrete jungle we live in.

This post was updated April 27 at 7:47 p.m.
I have become increasingly skeptical about the morality of the emerging generation. It’s become common to blur the lines in conversations that, in reality, should have clear and bold boundaries.

“Beyond the Statute” is a series created by Sierra Benayon-Abraham, an assistant Opinion editor and third-year public health student. In these columns, she will be exploring various public health policies, laws and experiences that different marginalized communities encounter, along with the truths behind them.