Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays. Between the music, the lights and the decorations, what’s not to love? While Christmas is a commemoration of the birth of Christ, the holiday is pretty secular for my family, and that’s OK.   Religion...

... to take things one day at a time. Ally Formeller | Columnist Finals week inevitably means constantly studying for exams and finishing term papers. Looking at a full week’s worth of work is anxiety-inducing and stressful. It can become hard to...

With finals week rapidly approaching, students are eagerly anticipating winter break which lasts from Dec. 12 to Jan. 17. However, while there is a desperate need to relax during this time, it’s important to make the most of your break while celebrating...

I came to NIU after spending my first two years of college on two different campuses, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the College of Lake County. I committed to NIU based on the fact that their journalism program was one of Illinois’ best.  My...

It’s not cliché to say that I’ve grown a ton since I first arrived at the Northern Star, in part because the Northern Star has been a part of my life since I was 15 years old. I first walked into the Northern Star offices in between my freshman...

This fall has been my seventh and last semester at the Northern Star, and it’s nothing like I expected it to be.  This semester has drained me. It’s true that the Northern Star has been the biggest source of stress this year. It’s also true...

I don’t like being cold. I get cold easily, and I’m usually sporting hoodies and fuzzy socks to keep warm.  Hot showers feel like heaven, especially after a long day or when I can’t warm up in the colder months.  But cold showers aren’t...

As the end of the semester approaches, many students must face end-of-term projects, final exams and possibly graduation. College can be stressful during these last few weeks, so it’s important to remember that it’s okay to treat yourself, especially...

Millennials are among the poorest generation of Americans, owning just 5.6% of American wealth compared to 28.6% of Generation X, according to The Federal Reserve. Around 40% of Americans have less than $300 in savings, according to GoBanking. With college...

In years past, Black Friday meant rushing to your favorite stores right after Thanksgiving dinner in order to get the best deals. Bundled up in puffy winter jackets, snow boots and wool gloves, shoppers would form a line that stretched across the parking...

Thanksgiving is almost here, and many students will be heading home to spend time with their friends and family. Being back with your family can be challenging after spending so much time apart, so here are some tips on how to make your time at home go...

Since the founding of the United States, women’s rights have been argued against, politicized, ignored and invalidated. Even in the 21st century, women’s rights seem to be backsliding, and it’s increasingly frustrating to see.  When women first...