I used Hong’s writing as a model for my first draft because her writing style spoke out to me. She was consistant in her writing and set the tone. She allowed her writing to flow smoothly using craft moves such as scenery, dialogue, rhetorical questions. Her characterization really helped the audience understand their role in the story and it made a huge impact. I included as much dialogue into my writing as much as possible while also showing what was happening instead of telling using scenery. I think this made a difference and improve my writing.

“Good Days” by SZA was released two years ago. Her music has been described as alternative R&B, however it sounds calming and peaceful to me. She mostly expresses growth and finding her inner peace. Her tone throughout the song was positive and the music just sounds surreal. Her vocals were soothing all around. This song has so much meaning overall and she exhibits her strive to escape negativity and her personal obstacles she endures.

When this song came out, it was during quarantine. It was the most dreadful and draining period of my life, I felt sucked out of reality. Most of the time I was tired and unmotivated, and the times I weren’t, it was because of this song. At the time, I would click the repeat button at least 3 times from how much it helped me feel at peace even though deep down I knew I wasn’t. It made me realize that there’s more to life if I embraced change and my personal issues. I felt like it was an essential for me to listen to the song at least 2 times a day to keep me sane.

2 years later, I never would have realized how much Good Days impacted my life for the better. It allowed me to accept change and face the obstacles that were dragging me down day by day. It drove me to discover my inner peace and growth which was so important to me. I went from being drained and unmotivated to being able living life to the fullest. There is more to life than to have a pessimistic mindset. SZA helped me acknowledge and embrace the “good days” in life.

Ingredients

• 6 bananas
• One quart of heavy cream
• Half a can of condensed milk
• Vanilla pudding
• Nilla cookies

How to Cook

Step 1: Mix together heavy cream and condensed milk together using a mixer until 90% peaks form.

Step 2: Mix in the vanilla pudding into the cream mixture.

Step 3: Cut your bananas into thin slices.

Step 4: Add both the thinly cut bananas and Nilla cookies into the mixture and evenly mix everything.

Step 5: Cover the banana pudding and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Step 6: Put the pudding in containers and serve, or eat it straight from the pan.

Throughout my life I’ve been a picky eater. I would rather eat the same thing for a month straight than to try something new. I’ve always thought it was a weird fear of mine, not enjoying new food. Banana pudding was one of those food I’ve always contemplating on trying. The thought of banana flavored food was odd but intriguing to me. I decided to try and make it on my own in hopes of enjoying it because of the enthusiasm people felt from Magnolia Bakery’s famous banana pudding. After making a huge batch, I decided to store some for my friends to try. After tasting the banana pudding, my attitude towards trying new things ultimately changed. My family and friends enjoyed my banana pudding despite being picky eaters as well. Seeing my friends and family devouring my food made me enjoying baking and cooking new recipes for them. This transformed my view and allowed me to expand my ideas of trying something new whether it is food or habits or hobbies.