I have eaten instant noodles for more years of my life than I have not eaten them. Instant noodles are a cheap and convenient food made from precooked, dried noodles, typically sold in a block with seasoning packets, and designed to be cooked quickly in boiling water. There are many varieties of instant noodles, and here, I rank the top ranking instant noodles in the United States, Canada, and Japan.
First is the U.S. with its signature instant noodle brand, Maruchan. It’s quite simple to make, only needing hot water added to the cup and about 3-4 minutes of wait time. The noodle itself is very plain and boring, but very nostalgic, having grown up on this noodle for years. I give it a 3/5 as in I would eat this if handed to me, but not the first one im reaching for.
Next is Canada with their signature brand, Mr. Noodles. It’s similar to the Maruchan one, but is rather plain in visuals. With Marchan, there was peas, carrots, and corn, and (although disgusting) added a tiny bit of color. Mr. Noodle also just tastes the same as Maruchan, a factory manufactured chicken flavor. I also give it a 5/10.
Lastly is Japan with one of their signature brands, Sapporo Ichiban. Now this one is VERY different from the U.S. and Canada considering that Asia was the place that ramen was invented. Therefore, the noodles are hand pulled instead of factory made wheat noodles and they have two packets, a powder and vegetable packet. Other than that, the outcome relatively looks the same. The flavor, however, is immaculate. The flavor is strong but not so much that it’s over-powering and is just delectable enough to be able to leave you full. I give it a 8/10 for its flavor and fullness, removing 2 points for this specific brand being a more “treat yourself” noodle than one that I can easily eat everyday.
Tazya Jones
Think of high school as a practice run for real life. It is a four-year window where you can try
new things without much risk. Instead of just trying to get through each day, try to see high
school as a place to find out what you actually like. You don’t need to have your whole life
figured out at fourteen, but you should be willing to explore.
During your first two years, your goal is to try everything. Join a club that sounds weird, try out
for a team, or take a class in a subject you know nothing about. This is the best time to test
drive different hobbies. It is okay if you realize you hate something; knowing what you don’t like
is just as helpful as finding what you love.
By the time you are a junior, start to focus on a few things. You don’t need a list of twenty
activities to look good. It is much better to be really involved in two or three things you actually
care about. Whether you are helping others, making art, or playing a sport, stay consistent.
Showing up and working hard over a long time builds a type of strength that a grade on a paper
can’t show.
When it comes to your classes, don’t just aim for the grade; aim to understand. High school is
where you learn how to handle hard work. If a subject like math is tough, don’t give up. Learning
how to ask for help and how to manage your time are the most important tools you will ever
own. These habits will help you succeed long after you leave the classroom.
Don’t forget that your happiness matters. High school can be stressful, so find friends who make
you feel good about yourself. You don’t need to be popular; you just need a few people who
have your back. Make sure you get enough sleep and take breaks. If you push yourself too hard
without resting, you won’t be able to enjoy any of your success.
Lastly, remember that high school is a bridge to your future, not the end of the world. It feels like
every test or social drama is a huge deal, but life is much bigger than these four years. Use this
time to grow into a person you are proud of. If you work hard and stay kind, you will leave high
school ready for whatever comes next.
