Public Diary

We have officially hit that point in the semester. Morale seems low, sleep seems optional, and due dates are never-ending. In this episode, Jala discusses why students must prioritize their well-being during this challenging time to avoid accepting the same lackluster routine. School is important, but it is not worth your mental health. Jala thinks the key to being a low-stress, happy, and successful student is finding a balance between honoring your responsibilities and also your needs simultaneously.

In this episode, Jala talks about how while we can be appreciative for good in our lives, it's always important to acknowledge the people who have helped us get there. While she always strives to practice gratitude, in this episode, she goes a step further to think about all of the thank you notes she has not written, but should. She discusses how these thank you notes' recipients have dramatically impacted how she views the world and her place in it.

What does your education mean to you? To Jala, education is everything. In this episode, Jala unpacks the importance of education, teachers, education reform, and overall how schooling can deeply affect how one views their place in the world. 

Self-Expression allows us to communicate our feelings and ideas, but it also challenges us to think deeply about our relationships with ourselves and the things around us. There are so many different forms of expression from fashion, art, debate, to simply just yelling. Although forms of expression vary, to express yourself, you must be creative. In this episode, Jala discusses self-expression and creativity and debunks the assertion that you have to fit within an "artist" category to label yourself as creative. 

One of our greatest aspirations in life is to be happy. Being happy sounds so simple, but the process of achieving it can sometimes be extremely challenging. In this episode, Jala describes her journey to happiness over the years. Discussing mental health, negativity, and practicing positivity, she discusses all topics related to this journey. 

When's the last time you answered the question "how are you?" honestly? Because Jala can't remember the last time she did. Having meaningful conversations is essential for building connections with those around us. In this episode, Jala unpacks this topic and all that comes with it.

Over the past year, we all have experienced drastic changes in our lives. Many of us during this time, were granted the ability to reflect and evolve as people. But what does this mean? What does "bettering yourself" look like? Change is essential, but discussing the growing pains that come from it is too. In this episode, Jala dives into this topic, describing her own experiences when she chose herself.

Jala talks about the power of clothing. Over the past year, comfort has been prioritized over creativity in Jala's fashion choices. In this episode, Jala discusses this mentality's effect on her while also exploring topics like personal style, the idea of "dressing for success," and more.

In this episode, Jala has a "girl talk" with her listeners. Examining how the female role models in her life have informed what she knows today, Jala attempts to describe what her womanhood means to her. Discussing sisterhood, the power of no, woman empowerment, and more, Jala is extremely candid about it all. 

In this episode, Jala embodies the nature of her diary. Discussing what her life has been like lately, Jala speaks about topics ranging from her recent lack of creativity, to her worries regarding college, to accepting that not everything will go according to plan.

A good friend is hard to come by. In this episode, Jala has a conversation with one of her oldest friends, Abby. During this conversation, you will hear these two be incredibly candid about what it takes to foster a long-lasting and healthy friendship. They will discuss one-sided friendships, communication, what they have learned from their past friendships, and how they strive to be good friends every day.

In this episode, Jala talks about the safe space she finds in books. As Jala describes how reading has changed her life, she simultaneously tries to convince you to put down your phone and pick up a book.

In this episode, Jala talks about the connection between jealousy, confidence, and positivity. Jala explains how she views jealousy as a distraction from confronting our feelings of inadequacy. She believes that if that negative energy is transformed into positivity, it will help you become confident and inspire you to root for the success of others.

In this episode, Jala has a conversation with one of the most influential people in her life, her dad. In this conversation, you will hear these two laugh, reminisce, and bounce off one another as they discuss topics related to fatherhood. Sharing stories about his upbringing, experience navigating fatherhood, and more; Jala's dad enlightens us to new perspectives regarding love, integrity, and family.

In this episode, Jala talks about perfectionism. She opens up about her struggles with accepting the unattainability of perfection. With summer here, Jala is determined to allow herself to take a break and be okay with having a more relaxed routine.

In this episode, Jala talks about hobbies. She shares that while she hasn't always had multiple hobbies over the past couple of months, she's learned what a necessity they are. Jala believes that having hobbies is the key to maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle.

In this episode, Jala talks about the pros and cons of social media. She discusses how if not regulated properly social media can do more harm than good, and that's why she thinks she's overdue for a social media cleanse.

In this episode, Jala talks about the impact we all have on each other's lives. She discusses how our identities are interwoven with the moments we have shared with others. Jala shares some of the memories and moments that make up her mosaic. 

In this episode, Jala talks about the body positivity movement. Jala unpacks topics including diet culture, the portrayal of body positivity on social media, and the dangers of fatphobia.  

In this episode, Jala talks about the importance of valuing our voices. We often forget how powerful our voices are, and Jala talks about her journey to finding hers which she describes as an "awkward and confusing process".