Kathryn Milewski

If you ask my family what's a go-to gift to get me for my birthday or the food I'd most likely choose to eat if I were stranded on a desert island, they would tell you popcorn. Jiffy Pop, Jolly Time, kettle corn or covered in chocolate...I'll eat it all. One time, I even tried some blueberry flavored popcorn from Maine and it was delicious. My consumption of the food is so regular, my father is worried I might get cancer because of the fumes from heated microwave popcorn bags. If I were Georgie from Stephen King's IT and Pennywise the Dancing Clown tempted me with popcorn, there's no way I'd make it out of that sewer alive.

Ocean Gate is a coastal town in central New Jersey wedged between the Toms River and the rustic pine barrens. It is known for its long neighborhood boardwalk that twists around shallow beaches, fishing piers, and shell-colored houses. When you look out at the water, you can watch double-decker yachts and catamarans pass each other by. The famous Thomas A. Mathis bridge leading to Seaside Heights looms in the distance. Because of its unprecedented beauty, Ocean Gate is where every county local goes to unwind.

I've been writing on Vocal for over a year now, and I can say with confidence this site is one of my f a v o r i t e s in the world. The layout is easy to navigate, there's many new talented creators to check out, no disruptive ads anywhere, and you receive compensation for your hard work through reads, tips, and challenge wins! It's so addictive, and has kept me busy throughout this crazy pandemic.

I write this article the day before my country's birthday. With everything happening within our fifty states, I find it difficult to plan for tomorrow. Thinking about sparklers, frankfurters, fireworks and cheer makes me feel like I'm ignoring many elephants in the room. The 4th is the best holiday to celebrate outside, yet this year we need to stay home. Additionally, anti-racist protests demonstrate that while the Declaration calls for "certain unalienable rights," not everyone in this country enjoys those rights equally. How can we celebrate freedom in America when not everyone is truly free? I don't know about you, but it feels hypocritical to me.