Let’s be real – while the clubs and bars promise unforgettable nights, the true highlight isn’t in those overpriced cocktails or crowded dance floors. It’s in these chaotic, intimate hours of preparation when you’re sprawled across your friend’s bed, trying on everything in her closet and belting out lyrics at full volume. I’m going to tell you exactly why these pre-party moments mean more than any night out ever could.
Category: Opinion
Why Cal Poly’s transition to semesters is worth the growing pains
This piece is featured in the Jan. 2025 print edition. John Washington is a journalism senior and opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group. Walking into class one day last quarter, I heard my professor make a bold declaration in casual conversation […]
Journalism’s excessive paywalls are leaving out young people. It’s going to kill the industry
I understand the need for paywalls in journalism. Everybody wants free news, but it takes resources to support the skilled writers who produce it. Excessive paywalls means journalism can’t reach those who need it most: young people.
The nepotism of Cal Poly housing
Zillow, Facebook housing groups and open houses will be swarmed with first, second and third years alike in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, not all Mustangs will successfully complete their search. Why can’t you find your dream college home? The answer: nepotism of Cal Poly housing of course.
The Hoof: Finding resolutions we can actually keep
With each passing year, our resolutions seemingly become more and more ambitious, but subsequently harder and harder to achieve. By now, most Americans have already given up on their serious resolutions. This begs the question: have we had it wrong all this time? Perhaps we can benefit from approaching these goals with a different mindset?
Losing free weekend parking will drive students away from campus
Today I’m absolutely ecstatic because Cal Poly has decided to gift its students with paid parking, seven days a week! Let’s all say goodbye to the relief of free parking when we have those tedious weekend club meetings, convenient open spots for the rec to motivate our good health, and the ability to access the nature around Cal Poly for free!
Yerba Mates are everywhere. Why do students love this drink?
This story is featured in the Jan. 2025 print edition. Kaylie Wang is a English freshman and Mustang News opinion columnist. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group. I never heard of Yerba Mates before coming to Cal Poly. Once school started, the yellow cans surrounded me everywhere: in […]
Instagram vs reality: college edition
The reality of college life exists in these unfiltered moments. It’s in the freshman who calls home crying after bombing their first exam or the sophomore who spends Friday night alone in their dorm room, scrolling through photos of their classmates dressed up and going out.
Unlock your anxiety: the toolkit
Anxiety is something that we often ignore and dismiss in society as being “overly stressed” or “too busy.” In reality, it’s a response to feeling a lack of control or an endless cycle of worry.
The Loneliness Epidemic: what it is and how we can help cure it
Loneliness is connected to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The loneliness epidemic is already causing and will continue to cause health and social issues. But to change it, we need to change the social fabric of our country: an intimidatingly enormous task.
Defying the Gravity of today’s political climate: How Wicked challenges society’s perception of good and evil
This film resonated with me so much more after experiencing the most anticipated election of my life. Watching a highly qualified presidential candidate lose to a convicted felon on election day made me question society’s perception of good and evil.

