On January 3, just a couple days before heading back to Northwestern for our winter quarter, I took a trip to the movie theater with my dad to watch the Adam Sandler drama Uncut Gems. I enjoyed the flick trip, but little did I know that the first movie theater excursion I took in 2020 … Continue reading The Rich, Delectable Hollywood Year of 2019
The High Ground: Moral Ambiguity in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
The following essay is my final paper for my Media Contexts class at Northwestern. The prompt was to look at the importance of context in the meaning of any movie, and, naturally, I chose to explore Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Enjoy! Sitting alongside Anakin Skywalker during a pivotal scene in the … Continue reading The High Ground: Moral Ambiguity in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Should the Cowboys Pony Up for Dak Prescott?
When I traveled to Soldier Field to see my Dallas Cowboys take on the Chicago Bears last December, I braced myself for a lot of taunts and aggressive fan behavior. Bears fans did not disappoint, and as the Bears’ lead grew each demoralizing drive, so did those fans’ voices. The taunts were pretty unimaginative (but … Continue reading Should the Cowboys Pony Up for Dak Prescott?
The Best from Year 1 at the Daily
Today marked the last day of classes for my freshman year. It was definitely an interesting one, and a lot happened: in the world, in my classes, and in the dorm game room. Today, I just wanted to compile some of my best clips from my first year with the Daily Northwestern. I most closely … Continue reading The Best from Year 1 at the Daily
Back to the Track: A Retrospective on High School Running
One year ago today, I crossed the line at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland after the 1600m state championships, officially completing my high school distance running career. A lot has happened since then: I’ve moved to Illinois, transitioned from high school and college, and taken the longest break from running I’ve had since starting … Continue reading Back to the Track: A Retrospective on High School Running
Riker Film: Screen Time
Be careful what you wish for...
Sports Pantheon: My Favorite Sports Books
A quick scan of my Goodreads profile will reveal a clear trend — I read a lot of sports books. That should come as no surprise, as I hope to be a sports journalist and have goals of writing books in the future. Reading about sports was as formative to my fan experience as watching … Continue reading Sports Pantheon: My Favorite Sports Books
In turbulent Disney era, Clone Wars triumphs
How big is a galaxy? That’s the question Star Wars fans have tackled for decades. Are the original three Star Wars movies “the real Star Wars”, as generations that grew up with Luke and Leia often attest? Or are just the first six, the originals and the prequels, the legitimate ones, like many Star Wars … Continue reading In turbulent Disney era, Clone Wars triumphs
Where’d the Love Go? The Ultimate Quarantine NFL Mock Draft
10 NFL megafans. 32 first round selections. 10 trades. 60 minutes. Zero Jordan Love. Unlimited fun. In the barren landscape of professional sports, the NFL Draft, which starts this Thursday on ESPN, is a tantalizing oasis. But even though the draft goes on, it will be a draft like no other. To prepare for the … Continue reading Where’d the Love Go? The Ultimate Quarantine NFL Mock Draft
Nostalgia Blast: Growing Up Riker
Northwestern’s spring quarter officially kicks off this Monday, and while NU has yet to officially decide about whether classes will be online for the entirety of the quarter until mid-June, all signs point toward a full quarter of remote work. To boil that down — my physical freshman year, my year of living in Evanston, … Continue reading Nostalgia Blast: Growing Up Riker









