Collin College: DigitalCommons@Collin

Artwork from the 2025 edition of Forces on display in the Art Gallery.https://digitalcommons.collin.edu/forcesexhibition2025/1034/thumbnail.jp

FORCES - 35

Artwork from the 2025 edition of Forces on display in the Art Gallery.https://digitalcommons.collin.edu/forcesexhibition2025/1039/thumbnail.jp

FORCES Gallery - 02

Monotype - 2025 16”x21” Instructor Carter Scaggs: Printmakinghttps://digitalcommons.collin.edu/studentinvitational2025/1009/thumbnail.jp

Conde, Sofia

El Toro

Wood - 2025 5”x1” Instructor Alex Johnson: Sculpturehttps://digitalcommons.collin.edu/studentinvitational2025/1035/thumbnail.jp

Taylor, Natalie

No Spoons Left

Silver Gelatin Print - 2025 8”x10” Instructor Ross Faircloth: Photography IIhttps://digitalcommons.collin.edu/studentinvitational2025/1037/thumbnail.jp

O\u27Shaughnessy, Lora

Olympia

Pigma Ink - 2024 16”x20” Instructor Lisa Means: Fashionhttps://digitalcommons.collin.edu/studentinvitational2025/1048/thumbnail.jp

Duncan, Mandy

Stroll

Gum Bichromate Print - 2025 3.5”x5.5” Instructor Dr. Anna Fritzel: Expressive Photographyhttps://digitalcommons.collin.edu/studentinvitational2025/1056/thumbnail.jp

Scott, Ethan

Untitled Gum Print

Nguyen, Hoang (Katy)

A Colorful World of Creativity and Surprises 
A colorful store located in the bustling heart of Stonebriar Mall, Pop Mart, is a paradise 
for collectors and dreamers like me. This store specializes in collectibles, particularly those 
hidden inside "blind boxes," which are mystery boxes wrapped in bright colors containing a 
random item, mainly figurines or accessories, sourced from China and frequently collaborated 
with large brands like Disney. I am lucky to work there, where the smell is familiar. In the front, 
we decorate with holiday themes, and the latest items are displayed to attract customers. In the 
left side of the store, there are display shelves lined with smooth, colorful blind boxes that create 
an eye-catching view. Each blind box contains a small mystery, like a treasure chest filled with 
surprises waiting to be discovered. We decorate each store column with a different concept tied 
to the character it represents. For example, the columns near the entrance might feature blind 
boxes of the Molly and The Monsters character series. Just behind the noisy cashier counter, the 
wall is decorated with a large photo of popular Pop Mart characters, such as Molly, Dimoo, 
Hirono and Labubu, as well as the limited-edition products on display, serving as the frenetic 
center of excitement. A display case of oversized figures to the right is illuminated under soft 
lights, standing like silent guards watching over the store. The cool, polished tile floor beneath 
my feet contrasts with the chatter of customers enthusiastically discussing their passions. Up 
above, music hums loudly, mingling with the rustle of packaging and occasional exclamations of 
delight. This store is my favorite place to be and also my workplace, not just a store but a world 
of creativity and wonder, where each visit brings new surprises and memorable experiences, 
sometimes joyful, sometimes disappointing, all in the lively atmosphere of the shopping mall. 


A Colorful World of Creativity and Surprises

Cortez, Brittany

Forces 
Volume 2025 Article 20 
5-16-2025 
Happiest Place on Earth 
Brittany Cortez 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.collin.edu/forces 
Recommended Citation 
Cortez, Brittany (2025) "Happiest Place on Earth," Forces: Vol. 2025, Article 20. 
Available at: https://digitalcommons.collin.edu/forces/vol2025/iss1/20 
This Photograph is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@Collin. It has been accepted for 
inclusion in Forces by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@Collin. For more information, please contact 
mtomlin@collin.edu. 
6 1
F O R C E S    I    2 O 2 5
Hey! What’s Skitching?
D. J. Lorenzo
Grey mush fills the early morning sky 
LaGuardia bound Boeing 727 Fly-By
Bitter Cold Stings the Nose 
Water Frozen in the Hose
Heading to Steinway Street … Astoria’s JHS 141
Going down 21st Ave., is where we have our Fun
Astoria, one of NY’s finest blue-collar Neighborhoods
JHS called Middle School … in Yall’s neck of these woods
Black Ice covers the Street
At the Corner, at the stoplight
 Is Where We Meet
Waiting for the Opportune Ride 
Behind parked Cars is where we hide
Run Up behind … as one comes to a stop
Duck-Down, rear bumper grab-on, Flippety-Flop
Unaware Driver is what is sought
Sliding Sneakers on the Ice, Don’t Get Caught
Carbon Monoxide inhalation, Euphoric Ride 
Hold on Tight! … Enjoy the Slide!
Nearing school, the heart is a Thumper 
Release, tuck and roll
Mittens still stuck to that Bumper
Happiest Place on Earth   I   
Brittany Cortez


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FORCES - 35

FORCES Gallery - 02

El Toro

No Spoons Left

Olympia

Stroll

Untitled Gum Print

A Colorful World of Creativity and Surprises

Happiest Place on Earth

Plushes Throughout Time

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