New England makes up less than 5% of the United States’ population. But for as low as that overall slice of the pie is, there is a wicked strong cultural identity for the region. I’m not talking about the stereotypical ‘R’-dropping, Dunks-in-hand, rude-to-the-face caricature that is portrayed in an SNL skit, but rather the hardworking, stoic, and loyal nature of New Englanders.

Times of transition are not easy. Sometimes they are welcomed, like graduations, while others are not, like a death in the family. Both have natural progressions that ease into the new normal that you ultimately end up in.

There is a romanticism to chasing your dreams, no question about it. In a world today full of hustle culture ‘influencers’ telling you to lock-in and make things happen, the desire to stick it to the 9-5 life is intoxicating.

Amidst a chaotic world in early 2026, one piece of media has everyone talking. Project Hail Mary has captivated movie audiences, including myself.

If you told me back in high school that by my late 20’s I’d only be driving once a week or so, I wouldn’t have believed you.