We love how group chats feel like their own little universes. It’s us hyping each other up, sharing niche finds, and turning a random convo into exactly what we needed that day. This is our version. Each month, we’ll pull a few of our favorite things you send in — your art, poetry, playlists, photos, whatever you’re proud of. Got something for the chat? Drop it here.

We’re kicking it off with a back-to-school theme. This month: an essay from Sunnie intern Lara, plus tips, takes, and emotional support items from our friends on the Sunnie Advisory Board.

I grew up in a tight-knit family with an older sister who paved the way. Teachers loved her, so they loved me. I tagged along with her and her friends, never having more than two or three of my own. 

To this day, I can still proudly say my sister is my best friend.

For most of my childhood, I didn’t feel the need to branch out. I played tennis like everyone else in my family, liked the same things my sister liked, and felt comfortable staying close to home. 

But in sixth grade, something started to shift. I had my first sleepover. My first group hangout. I began to explore interests that felt like mine. That year, it felt like my life was beginning to open up.

Then we went into lockdown. School turned into hours of screen time. Weekends disappeared. Plans were canceled. I was back inside, surrounded by the same routine and the same faces. It started to feel like I was moving backwards. 

And the worst part was that I had no idea how to fix it. I tried writing music, focusing on school, calling my friends, deleting social media, then redownloading TikTok. Even tennis, which had once been my favorite way to pass the time, felt like a chore. 

So that got me thinking; maybe I needed to step out of the box. 

I took to Google and typed in the only idea I had: “boarding school”. And that was the moment I fell down the rabbit hole and found Wonderland. The sprawling campuses. The mountain of new activities to sink my teeth into. Faces I didn’t recognize. Teachers who didn’t know anything about me. 

When I brought it up to my parents I could see the confusion in my mom’s eyes. Why would her twelve-year-old daughter want to leave home? But I made my case. It wasn’t about leaving them. It was about choosing something different for myself. And eventually, they said yes.

Two years later, I stood with a suitcase in hand about to step into a life I’d only imagined. 

I still hadn’t fully considered what leaving home actually meant. Remember: I’d never even been to sleepaway camp before. Now I was about to navigate a place where my parents weren’t just down the hall. 

There was so much to take in. New people, new routines, new challenges. It was exciting, but also overwhelming. For the first time, I didn’t have a path already carved out for me. It felt like everyone else knew everything, while I knew nothing.

But even in those early moments of uncertainty, I was determined to make it work. I wanted this new place to feel like home, and thankfully, it welcomed me in. My teachers, advisors, and friends made it easier to build the kind of environment I had always hoped for.

For me, going back to school represents the part of me I have created for myself. It represents me putting that little girl first, the one who just needed a change.

Soon, I’ll be heading into my final year. The last first day. The last round of traditions. The last time I’ll be here with these people. And yes, that hurts. But it’s not really goodbye.

Because I’m taking the most important parts with me. The friends I’ve made, the lessons I’ve learned, and the version of myself I found along the way. That’s what makes it special. And wherever I go next, whatever comes after this, I’ll bring her with me. And I know she’s going to make me proud.

"I absolutely can’t live without my rose quartz crystal! Rose quartz brings healing benefits and is used for stress reduction. I carry it around with me as a reminder to stay positive." 

✦ Avery Colvert - founder of Altadena Girls, a non-profit restoring dignity to teen girls following the LA fires

"Laying out my outfit and packing my bag the night before. It takes just 10 minutes in the evening, but it saves me so much stress in the morning. I can get ready on autopilot."

✦ Noor Hassan - high school athlete (volleyball), fundraiser for cancer research, and school newspaper journalist

“How to build real friendships. When I started at my school, I tried to be friends with everyone. It seemed like the easiest way to fit in, but it left me feeling drained and disconnected. By senior year, I made two real friends, the kind who made every day better just by being there. That made all the difference. School covers a lot, but not how to find your people. And honestly, that’s one of the most important lessons of all.”

✦ Khloe Thompson - founder of Khloe Kares, a non-profit focused on homelessness and water access in Ghana, author, and speaker

"Hard Times' by Paramore. This song has such a happy and uplifting vibe, and reminds us that in the overwhelming times, we can always pick ourselves up and get through it! I think this is perfect for the back to school season, giving off a “confidence boost” for the upcoming year!" 

✦ Francesca Tarantino - singer-songwriter 

“Remember that collaboration is a practice. It’s not just about dividing up slides or tasks, it’s about showing up with intention, listening like you mean it, and making sure the quietest ideas get the same airtime as the loudest ones. I’ve learned that the best teams are the ones where everyone feels seen, trusted, and inspired to do their best work. So be kind, be clear, and lead with care. That’s how we shine together."

✦ Marley Dias - Harvard student, founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, author, and speaker

"Finding common interests or current “obsessions” - I love hearing other people talk passionately about the things they love to do or are interested in so finding things you are both into like music, film, books, or hobbies can be a good way to build an easy connection!"

✦ Brooklynn Riley  - founder of the positivity campaign Stick2Kindness and a competitive cheerleader