fashion. culture. music.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2026
When the Playlist Changes
One year ago today I was settling into my college apartment, in the heart of LA, with my best friends, prepared to take on my senior year. The only thing on my mind was whether or not we would be getting frozen yogurt that night. My notes app was simply used to document my homework schedule. My Spotify consisted of playlists titled “pregame”, “getting ready”, “chill study mix.” My everyday bag had a bit of Mary Poppins to it: small on the outside, yet endless on the inside. My weekend plans included grabbing a coffee with my girls in the morning, and hitting the town with them at night.
Now, I’m back home with my family, and so are my best friends. The only thing on my mind is my future. My notes app is a jumble of ideas for columns. My Spotify consists of playlists titled “drive to work”, “relaxing”, “throwback”. My everyday bag consists of my wallet, my lipgloss, and my work keys. My weekend plans include making a quick coffee at home, and getting ready for my shift.
Sometimes it’s easier for me to reminisce on the past, rather than focus on all the blessings I have in my present. Yes, life looks different, but is that such a bad thing? I often find myself thinking that this new phase of life is simply a shrunken version of the last. However, looking through a clearer lens, I think it’s just a new adaptation of the same song. The artist is the same, and the melody is fairly similar, but the lyrics are different.
So yes, my notes app looks different and so does my purse. I think about what my future is going to look like, and it’s exciting. I still get frozen yogurt with my girls because that’s non-negotiable. I get to clock in at a job that allows me to grow in exactly the field I want to build a career in.
In the end, my playlist looks a little different. I no longer reach for “pregame” as often, opting for “drive to work” instead. Things are changing and I’m realizing that it’s simply part of life, perhaps even the most riveting part. Same artist, same melodies, new lyrics.
