“My Strange Addiction” has both entertained and horrified viewers across the country; featuring wild affinities for the most unlikely of objects or habits. However, some students harbor much tamer “addictions” that influence their style, persona and how they express themselves.

Plushies, Hello Kitty and piercings- all of which have little in common, except that some students find them comforting. Although many naysayers find certain hobbies or likes too ‘childish’, most studies show a positive correlation in creativity and the reduction of stress.

“I always knew that [Hello Kitty] was my queen, and she would never be too childish for me,” Gemma Royo Acedevo said.

For Royo Acedevo, Hello Kitty has been pretty much integrated in her lifestyle ever since she was toddler. As the years have passed, her love for the character has not faltered as she continues to look for accessories and trinkets that display the signature character.

“The guy that invented Hello Kitty [designed her with] no mouth because it teaches you to be a listener,” Roya Acedevo said, “she [also] teaches about love” Royo-Acedevo said.

The next “addiction” is not for the faint of heart. Piercings, though common, are usually done at a young age with most people maxing out on 2-3. Maya Green, a Junior, has taken her love for piercings to a whole new level. Green has a total of 20 piercings that were all acquired within a year and a half. 

“I like being able to put different kinds of jewelry on… I like the way it looks [and] you can have a fully blinged out design on yourself,” Green said.

Jewelry can be a practical way to accessorize on a daily basis, however, piercings are much more permanent and require maintenance every once in a while.

“As long as you take the time to clean them when you first get them, they’ll usually be fine after that,” Green said.

Another “addiction” includes Lilly Vu affinity for stuffed animals- she has about 100 in her collection and has no intention of stopping.

“Most of the ones that I have are hand-me-downs, but usually when I am out buying stuff, I try to look for ones that I like,” Lilly Vu said.

Stuffed animal collecting is among the most popular “addictions” and is often harshly criticized; consequently, Lilly Vu discusses why it’s unfair to be negative about what people like.

Everyone has what they like, and I don’t think it’s necessarily childish [because] it’s not right to bash someone,” Lilly Vu said, “It brings joy [to collect] so I think you should be able to show it without [being judged].”