Distraction Magazine Spring 2025 by Distraction Magazine

HANDS-ON

Everything in the palm of your hand

of the students of the

CONTACT

Cravings for human connection

the university of miami

spring 2025

CAMO Style in plain sight

HANDS ON

Everything in the palm of your hand

the university of miami magazine of the students of the

FLORAL AFFAIR

Fashion in bloom

CAMO

Style in plain sight

CONTACT

Cravings for human connection

spring 2025

Style in plain sight

CONTACT

HANDS-ON

FLORAL

HANDS-ON

Everything in the palm of your hand

of the students of the

CONTACT

Cravings for human connection

the university of miami

spring 2025

CAMO Style in plain sight

Hello, Distraction! !e latest issue has landed, and we’re here to pull you away from whatever stress, doomscrolling, or midsemester crisis you’re currently avoiding. We might not tackle breaking news, but sometimes the best stories are the ones you didn’t know you needed.

!is issue, our special section is all about touch and getting Hands-On experience. Whether it’s the human need of body contact, the precision of nail art, or even masturbation, we’re covering all the touching subjects.

Whether you’re a devoted reader or just here for the pretty pages, we’re honored to be your distraction today. So ip through, get lost for a bit, and try to forget the… interesting start this year has had already.

-Enjoy!

ABOUT US

!e magazine is produced four times per year, twice a semester. City Graphics and Bellack Miami printed 2,000 copies of the magazine on 8.5 x 11 inch, 60-pound coated text paper 4/4. !e entire magazine is printed four-color and perfect bound. Most text is nine-point Minion Pro with 9.8 points of leading set ragged with a combination of bold, medium and italic. All pages were designed using Adobe Creative Suite CC so ware InDesign with photographs and artwork handled in Photoshop and Illustrator. For additional information, visit distractionmagazine.com. Questions and comments can be sent to 1330 Miller Drive, Student Media Suite 202A, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, dropped into SSC Student Media Suite Suite 200 or emailed to distraction305@gmail.com. All articles, photographs and illustrations are copyrighted by the University of Miami.

When it comes to contributors, we’re not picky. Whether you’ve found your niche in a biology book, you’re notorious for doing “nothing” at the comm or business school or you’re halfway into your college career and still wave that “undeclared major” ag, we want to hear what you have to say. Distraction is an extracurricular/volunteer operation made for students, by students, and covers the full spectrum of student life here at !e U. If you want to get involved or have any questions or concerns email us at distraction305@gmail. com. WE LIKE YOU

THE TEAM

Editor-In-Chief_Sal Puma

Executive Editor_Lizzie Kristal

Managing Editor_Caleigh Russo

Co-Art Director_Marita Gavioti

Co-Art Director_Charlotte DeAngelis

Photography Director_Valeria Barbaglio

Assistant Photo Director_Ethan Dosa

Executive Digital Editor_Amanda Mohamad

Co-Social Media Manager_Remi Turner

Co-Social Media Manager_Morgan Black

Event Head_Devin Tompson

Fashion Director_Chloe Hatcher

Guide Section Editor_Claire Bitner

Happening Section Editor_Anika Engel

WTF Section Editor_Julia Hecht

H&W Section Editor_Emily Melissinos

Fashion Section Editor_Lucy Carlson-Pietraszec

Treasurer_Ford Kern

Faculty Adviser_Randy Stano

Supporting Faculty_Tsitsi Wakhisi

photo_ethan dosa.

photo_lizzie kristal.

photo_valeria barbaglio.

photo_valentina gomez.

THE GUIDE

Welcome to your roadmap — from the how-to’s to the best-of’s, The Guide covers it all. Learn new card games that will keep the fun going all night. Find the perfect side hustle to earn extra cash without overwhelming your schedule. And sip the campus beer culture, exploring its traditions, social scene and unspoken rules.

design_lizzie kristal.

If you’r& looking ,o u- ,.& an,&, poker isn’t the only game where you can place a wager. Depending on the game, betting money or other bling on winning points can be a great way to add intensity to any round.

Forget poker night — if you want speed, strategy and a little bit of mayhem, these three card games are where the real action is. Whether you’re slapping the deck like your life depends on it, racing to dump your hand ﬁrst or outplaying your opponents with trump cards and trickery, Peanut, Rat Slap and Euchre bring highenergy fun to any game night. Ready to test your reﬂexes, wit and maybe even your friendships? Shu e up and deal — it’s game time.

words_lizzie kristal. photo&design_valeria barbaglio.

V&lv&, ,abl&s, gild&d d&cks and a gam& nig., dri--ing in luxury — who needs a casino when the real jackpot is the constant banter group card games bring to your night in.

PEANUT

Objective

Be the $rst player to empty your peanut pile — a stack of 12 cards.

Setup

Players: two or more

Each player should have their own deck, preferably with di%erent designs to make them distinguishable. A er shu&ing well, place 12 cards face-down in a pile with only the top card facing up — this is your peanut pile. Next, make four personal build piles. Keep the rest of your deck in your hand. !e setup is similar to solitaire.

Gameplay

1. Play cards from your hand or peanut pile onto the build piles in order — king to ace, alternating colors.

2. Make shared build piles in the center of the table — built ace to king with the same suits. !ese are the cards that give you points.

3. Prioritize emptying your peanut pile, as these cards count against you a er the game ends.

Winning

!e $rst player to clear their peanut pile shouts “peanut” and wins the round.

Scoring

Count every personal card in the shared build piles towards yourself, subtracting twice the amount of cards le in your peanut pile. Whoever’s total is the highest, wins.

EUCHRE

Objective

RAT SLAP

Objective

Be the last player remaining with cards by slapping at the right moments and winning piles.

Setup

Players: two or more

Shu&e deck well. Deal all cards evenly facedown to all players. No peeking. An optional rule includes removing all rings. It gets violent.

Gameplay

1. Players take turns ipping their top card face-up into a center pile.

2. Slap when you see the following, and whoever’s hand is on the bottom, scores the hand:

• Doubles: Two same-rank cards in a row — e.g., 7-7.

• Sandwiches: A repeated card with one in between — e.g., 5-8-5.

• Playing a face card — J, Q, K, A — forces the next player to respond as follows:

• Jack — 1 chance to play another face card.

• Queen — 2 chances.

• King — 3 chances.

• Ace — 4 chances.

3. If they fail, the face card player wins the pile. If they play another face card, the challenge continues.

4. !e $rst to slap wins the pile and adds it to their deck.

5. Out of cards? You’re still in — slap to get back in. !e last player with cards wins, meaning they’ll hold the entire deck.

Be the $rst team to score 10 points by winning tricks in a trump-suit-based game.

Setup

Players: 4 — 2 teams of 2

Deck: 24-card deck — 9, 10, J, Q, K, A of each suit

Deal each player $ve cards. !e dealer places the next card face-up as the upcard. !e rest form a draw pile. Next, players, in turn, can accept the upcard’s suit as trump — dealer takes the upcard and discards— or pass. If all pass, a second round begins where players can choose any suit as trump or pass. If all pass again, the hand is re-dealt.

Gameplay

Starting a Trick:

1. Le of the dealer leads a card.

2. Players must follow suit if possible.

3. If unable, they may play any card.

Winning a Trick:

1. Highest trump played wins.

2. If no trump is played, the highest card of the lead suit wins.

3. Trick winner leads the next round.

Scoring

• 3+ tricks won by calling team: 1 point

• All 5 tricks won by calling team: 2 points

• Defending team wins 3+ tricks: 2 points — they “euchre” the calling team

W.&n your roomma,& l&av&s dir,y dis.&s in ,.& sink for days, it’s not just a clutter problem — it’s a breeding ground for bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. For a quick solution, try moving them into their pillowcase.

How to Lose a Roommate in 10 Days

UM’s housing system is already bad enough. The cherry on top after ﬁghting through application hell is ending up with a roommate you can’t vibe with. Sometimes the quarrels can’t be settled with a roommate agreement, and other tactics must be employed. So, if you’re trying to rid yourself of a bad roommate, follow these tips. words_caleigh russo. photo_ethan dosa. design_sal puma.

First things $rst: cleanliness — or lack thereof. Tidying shared spaces is a public service, and you don’t owe your roommate anything. Why do anything that directly bene$ts the enemy? Next time you think of cleaning a pot or pan, slap yourself in the face. Don’t be a people pleaser; your roommate will reap the bene$ts of clean countertops and a fridge devoid of rotten food. Instead, you need to leave your mark. !e countertops should be stained with every meal you’ve eaten this month. !e kitchen sink should be clogged with food you didn’t wash o% plates, and the bathroom sink should be clogged with your hair and toothpaste residue. If they don’t know your daily routine from the trails you’ve le on countertops, you’re doing something wrong. You pay rent, so you reserve every right to claim territory within the apartment. How should you do this? Leave your belongings everywhere. !e apartment is now your hamper. All your dirty clothes should be scattered across the living room furniture. Your dishes should occupy every inch of counter space so your roommate knows who’s boss. As for the fridge, don’t throw anything away — as you accrue more and

more food, claim more and more fridge space for yourself. It’s only a matter of time before they have none.

Living with awful roommates can make you feel super alienated, but that doesn’t mean you must be alone. If you have a special someone, why not invite them over all the time? !e more, the merrier. Whether they want to cook shirtless in your kitchen or have extreme PDA on the living room couch, why not let them come over all day, every day? Mi casa, su casa. Should your roomie have an issue with one of your guests, they can voice — or yell — their opinions toward them. You’re not responsible for their actions, so it’s not your problem.

On the topic of having company, why not invite your whole crew over for a couple of spontaneous, late-night powwows? Who cares what your roommate has to say about it? Just because it’s a Monday and your roommate has a midterm at 8 a.m. the next day, doesn’t mean you can’t host your nine closest friends for a game night in the living room until dawn. Let’s say game night goes too late, and they want to spend the night — let them. Again, this is just as much your space as it is your roommate’s, so if you want

to endlessly blast music in the kitchen, who are they to stop you?

Do you struggle with confrontation? If you’re not quite ready to air your grievances to your roommate, just talk negatively to people who know them well. Don’t be shy. Call up some mutual friends, and don’t hold back. Don’t be afraid to list all of your roommate’s aws and spare them no details. When doing this, be sure to exclude any parts of the story that make you look bad.

Sometimes, we need some liquid courage to tell our roommates what’s really on our minds. !ere is no better time to unleash all that pent-up anger and frustration than when you get home from a night out. !ey’re sound asleep? Wake them up. !is is important. Your feelings deserve to be heard, even if your speech is a bit slurred,

When it comes to roommates, why $x a relationship that’s already broken when you can chase them away and have the whole place to yourself?

Be yourself and let their address change, not your attitude. Stop letting your toxic roommate take up your precious energy — instead, drain theirs.

Wi,. many coll&g& s,ud&n,s working sid& jobs, many are using skills like graphic design, tutoring and social media management to earn extra cash. Balancing multiple gigs requires strong time management to avoid burnout and stay focused on school.

Side Hustlin’

Every student enrolled at the University of Miami is pursuing a degree of some sort. For many, the lessons learned at UM will pave the path to future careers However, amidst all the classes and career-building endeavors, some students branch out, taking on “side hustles” to earn extra cash or pursue peripheral passions. After all, it’s not like the tuition is cheap. So put everything you learned in your business seminars to work.

words_caleigh russo. photo_valeria barbaglio. design_lizzie kristal.

Wondering what a side hustle is and how to pick one up? You’ve come to the right place.

Side hustles assume all di%erent forms — there is no standard hustle. Whether you are babysitting on the weekends, doing stand-up comedy at a local club or running an oncampus student org, you are participating in a side hustle.

!ink of it this way: any endeavor that is not directly on the path to your future career can be considered a side hustle. !ere also is no “typical” reason for pursuing a side hustle. While some people pursue side hustles to pick up extra cash, others pursue side hustles related to their hobbies or passions.

So now that you know what a side hustle is, how do you $nd one that’s right for you? Learn from a few UM students who are actively embarking on their own side quests about how they found their perfect gig.

Sayde Beltran-Alvaro, a senior majoring in exercise physiology, is a student by day and a nanny by night. A er $nishing her classes each weekday, Beltran-Alvaro said she drives to pick up the 4-year-old she watches, Miles, from school. A er making him dinner and

taking him through his nighttime routine, Beltran-Alvaro waits for his parents to get home.

“When he [Miles] is happy and excited, it’s the best feeling in the world,” said BeltranAlvaro of her job. “I love getting to see his happy face and his smile because I get to know that what I’m doing has an impact on how he grows up.”

Two years ago, Isabella Pizza’s mother called her asking if she could dog sit for a family friend local to the Coral Gables area. Since then, Pizza, who is a senior majoring in biology and chemistry, has been dog-sitting whenever she can.

“I basically just hang out with a dog for however long their owner needs me to. I will feed them, walk them, play with them and just entertain them,” said Pizza.

A er graduating in May, Pizza plans to become a biomedical research assistant as she gears up for medical school. While she said that her dog-sitting side hustle does not relate to her plans to become a doctor, she still sees her side hustle as a productive step forward.

“I love animals and haven’t been able to have one of my own because of my family’s allergies,” said Pizza. “Being able to hang out with a dog for a few hours without all of the responsibility is really fun for me.”

When she was in high school, senior broadcast journalism major Regina Potenza began posting short-form videos on TikTok covering whichever topics were on her mind. It wasn’t until the summer a er her $rst year at UM, when she was sick in her bed with COVID, that her TikToks blew up because of her “book versus TV-show” comparisons of Amazon Prime Video’s “ !e Summer I Turned Pretty” — a popular short series full of teenage drama and romance.

“I spend a few hours posting and even more scrolling through social media looking for story ideas,” said Potenza. “Some days, I’m just posting TikToks that I $lm in my bedroom, while others, I am traveling two hours away to $lm videos.”

Unlike Beltran-Alvaro and Pizza, whose side hustles are more peripheral to their chosen career paths, Potenza said that her pursuit of micro-in uencing goes hand-inhand with her passion for journalism.

“You’re talking to a camera, or you’re talking to people and recording it and telling a story, and that’s exactly what journalism is,” said Potenza. “You see something happen and then you talk to people, you $lm it, and post the story. !e two are not mutually exclusive — in fact, they go hand-in-hand.”

While Beltran Alvaro’s skill set acquired from her side hustle is not directly transferable to her pursuit of a career as a physician’s assistant, she said she has learned many meaningful lessons while working as a nanny.

“ !is job has taught me so much about patience and kindness — genuinely, you learn to be so much kinder to people because you don’t know if they know how to express themselves,” said Beltran-Alvaro.

Starting Your Side

In terms of starting a side hustle, the entire UM campus is your oyster. If you’re looking for a part-time gig, UM uses Job X to post on-campus job availability. Students can ﬁlter job postings based on skills and interests to ﬁnd part-time roles where they can work 20-25 hours a week. From simple desk jobs to tutoring or working for the football team, students can use Job X to sort through hundreds of jobs.

If you’re looking for something more ﬂexible, why not pursue a hobby you’re passionate about? Think of products you could sell or services you could give. Many students start their businesses to pick up some extra cash, whether starting a band or a jewelry business. If you love what you do, it might not feel like work.

For those not looking to work on campus or take on a passion project, there are many reliable job sites to connect you with local employers. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor and Care. com can help students ﬁnd job postings from local businesses like restaurants, gyms and boutiques.

Regardless of which side hustle you may pursue, most gigs will equip you with soft skills transferable to your resume for any chosen ﬁeld. For example, food servers must be good at teamwork, multitasking and customer service. These skills are widely transferable and can help you excel in future career paths.

While it may be challenging for many students to balance a job and academics, the beneﬁts of side hustles can stretch far beyond some extra pocket money. Whether it’s pursuing a passion or learning essential soft skills, side hustles can shape more than just your bank account.

CHEERS! CHEERS! CHEERS! CHEERS!

Like most college students, to those at the University of Miami, beer is often the drink of choice. Because of its a!ordability, availability and social role, it’s become an essential part of campus life. Beer appears at every every event, from local bars to fraternity parties to “Grove Thursdays.”

words_kelly pifer & collin rieck. photo_wes lucas. design_sal puma.

!e history of beer goes back thousands of years. !e earliest known alcoholic beverage was brewed around 7000 BCE in China.!e $rst barley beer originated in the Middle East 5000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia.

Nowadays, the recipe for beer has come a long way. It begins with grain, which ventures through boiling kettles before enduring the fermentation process. Should the grains maintain a very particular pH level, a beer will be born. !ere is a world of science behind every sip. More importantly, an endless amount of options and pairings. From India Pale Ale to cream beer, taste testing to $nd your favorite beer should be an adventure.

Let’s break down anything and everything beer — from its scienti$c creation to the best spots around UM to score a delicious pint.

Sandbar, Monty’s Coconut Grove, Regatta Grove, Barracuda and Yardhouse in Coral Gables are all popular picks for students looking for a fun night.

Gabby Alvarez, a bartender at Sandbar in Coconut Grove, advises college students to indulge in lighter beers to save on cost and calories.

“Lighter for longer,” said Alvarez,who claimed light beer has the least amount of alcohol, calories and is less expensive. She said it’s perfect for students who want multiple drinks in a night or for those looking to avoid weight gain from drinking. Her recommendations: Coors Light, Corona Light or Michelob Ultra.

UM beer drinkers searching for a more adventurous brew have a wide selection to choose from. Hazy IPAs are now becoming a “Grove !ursday” pick. With their fruity aroma, minimal bitterness and smooth texture, it’s easy to see why.

Looking to avoid alcohol altogether? Alcohol-free beers are taking bars and campuses by storm. Although most popular in “Dry-January,” they are becoming common for students to enjoy year-round. One option served at Sandbar: Heineken 0.0% non-alcoholic beer. NA beers are a great alternative to normal beers, giving drinkers a way to still participate in drinking culture without the alcohol.

!e latest federal survey data on alcohol consumption shows drinking spirits is more popular than ever, and binge drinking is waning.

A 2023 report found that among full-time college students ages 18 to 22, about 46% drank alcohol, and about 28% engaged in binge drinking in the past month.

At UM, amongst the students attending

frat parties, “Grove !ursdays” or just kickbacks with their friends, beer has a heavy hold.. It has commonly been used as a tool to relax and celebrate. Alcohol, for many students, is a rite of passage into college life.

Jacob Walsh, a UM $rst year and fraternity member shared opinions on the topic.

“It’s so expensive, and especially living in Miami, you want to save as much money as possible, and a case of beer is way cheaper than a case of seltzer, like High Noon,” said Walsh.

Annabelle Aron, another UM student who identi$ed as sober-curious, o%ered a di%erent perspective.

“I don’t even drink beer,” said Aron, claiming to prefer a spirit-based cocktail like an Aperol Spritz.

Aron said social expectations and peer pressure o en shape the drinking culture at UM, in College and in Greek life in general.

“A lot of times I don’t want to go out, my friends will be like, ‘come on, let’s get drunk, blah, blah, blah,’ and I’m just like, ‘no.’ I don’t really deal with peer pressure,” said Aron.

Whether it is indulged because of social pressure or to strive for the college experience portrayed in movies, beer is a staple on campuses. Celebrated for its simplicity, availability and convenience, many students drink it because of how versatile it is and its wellestablished role within collegiate drinking culture.

What’s better than a good beer? A beer with a less-boozy acquaintance. Sandbar’s Alvarez, whose restaurant o%ers a wide assortment of food items to accompany the beer lovers, said that UM students want to eat when they drink.

“ !e saltier the better,” said Alvarez, noting that beer goes perfectly with $sh, dips and anything salty. He said Corona, one of the most beloved college beer brands, is popularly accompanied by chips and guacamole.

Looking for a meal? Bu%alo wings and $sh tacos are also highly recommended snacks to pair with beer. Or, for a night-in at your dorm, peanuts, popcorn, gold$sh, pizza, your favorite chips or even salami with cheese all pair very nicely with your beer of choice.

!e best advice when it comes to beer is to explore. Try new things and $nd new favorites. From nation-wide names to local cans, the options are practically endless. You can personalize it by switching up your selections until you $nd your perfect brew.

From ,ailga,&s ,o dorm -ar,i&s, Bud

Lig., remains a staple in college beer culture. Find this a%ordable case at just about any liquor stores and even convenience stories, like !e Munch.

sc&n&

s,ud&n,s div&rs& o-,ions, from the Tuesday tradition of Brickell’s Blackbird Ordinary to the lively atmosphere at Regatta, providing plenty of places to kick back with a cold beer a er a long week of classes.

Where to Crack a Cold One

If you feel the call of a nice, ice cold beer, there are a bunch of places you can go. From campus classics to a few underground hits, here a few places you hit to crack open cold one.

Coconut Grove The Taurus Barracuda Level 6 Rooftop Bayshore Club Brickell American Social Batch Gastropub Kush CRAFT Brickell

South Miami Pub 52 Sunset Tavern Bay 13 Bougainvillea Thorn Wynwood Temple Craft Casa La Rubia Tap42 Gramps M

HAPPENING

Happening tackles today’s hot topics and inspiring innovators. Go behind the scenes of “12 Strip,” a student ﬁlm bringing bold storytelling to the screen. Celebrate 100 years of UM with a look at the school’s evolution. Then, question just how much of the web is truly alive with the Dead Internet Theory. We bring you the latest and greatest Miami has to o!er. design_lizzie kristal.

12 STR P

A Student Production

When you think of what college student ﬁlms look like, you might be envisioning the stereotypes that media assigns them: comically long shoot days, a budget of about three bucks and Spielberg-sized dreams with the editing capabilities of CapCut. Distraction had the opportunity to sit down with some of the minds behind “12 Strip,” a student film made for a capstone film class at UM. The students’ passion-fueled process resulted in a professional ﬁlm that greatly exceeded the expectations of an old camcorder and iMovie. Join us behind the scenes to see how these dedicated directors brought their own slice of Hollywood to Miami. words&design_sal puma photos_cast&crew.

L arry Flor&s is 1: S,ri-’s Dir&c,or of P.o,ogra-.y He begain his $lm career at Texas Christian University, and a er $nding his creative voice, he’s continued his studies here at UM.

The plot of “12 Strip” follows Oliver, an introverted sophomore in high school who faces a moral dilemma when two unruly juniors ask for his help to cheat a drug test. Being caught up in this scheme forces him to choose between his values and his deep desire for true friendship.

Jordelle Beja, writer and director of “12 Strip,” had the idea for this plot.

“I went to a Catholic school in high school, and we got drug tested. People always talked about cheating on the test, but it was kind of like an urban legend that people would walk around with pee in a Ziploc bag in case they ever got drug tested,” said Beja.

While Beja said she never found herself in a drug testing predicament in high school,“12 Strip” holds a special place in her heart as a love letter to those years.A er dra ing the script in a screenwriting class during a prior semester, Beja kept “12 Strip” at the forefront of her mind for a while to ensure the $lm would eventually come to fruition.

Come senior year, when Beja got to her advanced $lmmaking class, she decided this would be the perfect time to give the script life.

In class, the students assembled their team, formulated their plan and began strategizing how the hell they were going to put it all together.

PRE-PRODUCTION

To begin $lming a movie, you don’t just wake up one day and decide to start recording scenes — there is a he y amount of pre-production that must go into any $lm to make sure everything runs smoothly. And Olivia Campmany, the $lm’s producer, was dedicated to making sure that it all did. In order to do anything, they needed money.

“ !e school gives us $400 [for CCA 451]. And that’s what they will allocate to us, and then anything else you want you have to raise yourself,” said Campmany. “So when it came to raising money, there’s one website that almost every $lm student uses. It’s called Indiegogo. And you create a campaign, and make a campaign video.”

Campmany compared the website to Kickstarter in the way that they were able to set tiers for donations. “If you donated $5, you got an exclusive digital poster, versus if you go to our most expensive perk, if you donated $250, you got an executive producer credit.”

As the team was sharing their site to friends and family, they didn’t want anyone feeling pressured into donating something. So, having those tiers with set “rewards” incentivizes people to donate regardless of the size.

“All the little donations add up,” said Beja. Subsequently, the second most important necessity for $lming is the actual equipment. Chances are that even the biggest $lm bu%s at UM do not have thousands of dollars worth of equipment sitting around the dorms. !ankfully, tuition money can come

in handy for cases like this.

“ !e biggest money saver is the fact that we have access to equipment at the school, because we had like, tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment. And it’s all free from the equipment room,” said Beja.

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Characters and settings can a%ect the $nal product drastically. Beja and Campmany wanted to make sure they chose the best they could and didn’t want to cut any corners.

Campmany was looking everywhere for potential locations they could $lm at. For the $lm primarily being set within a highschool, this was not an easy task. Although attending UM granted the team access to a variety of classrooms on campus, they wanted the movie to feel authentic.

“I mean for me, I was worried about locations and budgeting because I was scared that we weren’t gonna have the money to pay for everything that we needed to pay for,” said Campmany. “When you have to shoot on campus, it doesn’t look as good. You don’t want it to look like you’re shooting a student $lm.”

Even though their $lm took place in a private Catholic school, Campmany couldn’t use local schools of a similar nature due to high renting prices and many restrictions. !ey $nally found luck a er getting in contact with someone from Miami-Dade County Public Schools and were directed to Coral Gables Senior High, situated next to Merrick Park and only 10 minutes from campus.

“I went through [their website for renting] and I added just one classroom for the two days of shooting that we were doing there, and that came to $1,000 and that was the cheapest I could get it,” said Campmany.

Having two rooms was great, but the crew needed access to multiple classrooms and hallways. Some of the school administration members helped them by getting them into extra classrooms and hallways while they were shooting. !ey even recruited more cast members along the way.

“When we were doing our tour of the school, [they told us to], come see the drama room. And I start talking to the teacher of the classroom, and he’s from Queens, we’re chopping it up. And he’s like ‘oh you know, my wife is actually the teacher of the drama class. Do you need any more actors?’ And I was like, ‘so funny I need as many as you could get us,’” said Campmany. “So I took the number of his wife, and she gave me six kids who were interested in shooting.”

For the lead and supporting actors, the crew wanted to $nd and hire professional actors who were as close to highschool age as

If you find yours&lf in n&&d of a fancy cam&ra both the School of Communication and the Richter Library have cameras and other equipment you can rent for projects or leisure. Just take good care, you don’t want to have to pay UM any more than you already do.

possible, rather than grabbing a few of their friends from college. To do this, they went through a website called Backstage.

“On backstage, we were able to put a casting call out, and then Jordelle did most of the organization when it came to casting,” said Campmany. “So she was reaching out to everybody, and she did all of our auditions, which are all on Zoom, and all the actors we ended up choosing were local, so we didn’t have to y anybody out.”

It was a struggle at $rst. !ey wanted the casting to be authentic, but to achieve this, they would most likely have to go through the burdensome process of hiring minors.

“I don’t want my actors to look like ‘Riverdale’ teenagers. I want them to look like actual high schoolers,” said Beja. “But we decided to cast our lead [Jackson Greenspan] he’s a high school junior. And then another actor was a senior [Sean Aero]. He was 18 already.”

PROFESSIONAL TOUCHES

With equipment, actors and scenes all established, it was $nally time to start $lming. Going into shoot days, this crew wanted to embody the same level of professionalism they exhibited when planning. !is was not

just their capstone class project — it was their serious production.

“[For shoot days] I’m buying food and making sure that everybody’s dietary restrictions are being met. And, obviously, snacks, water and ca%eine,” said Campmany. “And then we also have to transport our actors. So for one of our actors, she lived 30-ish minutes away, and she would Uber back and forth. So we had to reimburse her for that.”

Especially because they rented their working locations and hired their actors, it was crucial to them that they mimicked the practice of industry standards rather than student productions.

“On student sets, sometimes it’s not the best situation because the industry standard is no more than 12 hours a day. Every six hours you need to eat something. And I want to make sure that we really uphold those standards, compared to the crazy all-nighter stu% that we do on our own projects,” said Beja.

!ere was an added pressure from the parents of the minor actors to uphold that standard. Who would want to send their children to be overworked by college students cramming for a deadline?

A er the crew $nished $lming, they entered the post-production process, where they were working on all the behind-the-scenes aspects to make the movie look and sound great a once it hits the big screen. .

“Our editor is in our class, so that was also her thesis, technically, so she cut the whole project,” said Beja.

Now, students don’t have to immediately go to these lengths to get into $lmmaking. !ose smaller student $lms have their homemade charm for a reason. If you have a story to tell, tell it.

“Take the leap. You cannot be scared of criticism, or like anything like that,” said Beja. “As long as you are passionate about what you’re working on and you have faith in your story, [it] sounds so cliche, but no matter what other people say, you’ll be $ne as an artist.”

Olivia Cam-many and Jord&ll& B&ja pictured with their three main cast members. Jackson Greenspan, Sean Aero and Brisa Gomez

A c&n,ury of &xc&ll&nc&, innova,ion and ’Can&s s-iri, — UM gears up for its 100th anniversary celebration. !e Shalala Student Center sets the stage for a historic milestone, uniting past, present and future ’Canes.

The University of Miami celebrates a hundred years of creativity, collaboration and innovation

During i,s firs, y&ar in 19:6, UM .ad 646 s,ud&n,s enrolled. Now, the current student population trumps that with a whopping 19,593 students enrolled.

During the past century, the University of Miami has grown from a tiny university in South Florida to a globally recognized leader in academia, research and healthcare. From cutting-edge technology and stateof-the-art facilities to student influencers and sororities setting the fashion trends for the rest of the country, the UM we know today is ahead of its time. With that said, let’s travel in time with an ode to our history.

words_mary-grace cardelle, layla jackson-yanez & julia manafort. photo_valentina gomez. design_charlotte deangelis.

!e UM success story began 100 years ago on April 8, 1925, when Coral Gables developer George E. Merrick and a group of prominent residents chartered UM. Based on UM’s $rst, quaint mission — to o%er “unique opportunities to develop inter-American studies, to further creative work in the arts and letters, and to conduct teaching and research programs in tropical studies” — we cannot imagine residents envisioning that 100 years later UM would be considered the gold standard by many in education.

According to university and other local historical accounts, the $rst class of UM’s 646 students enrolled a year later at !e Anastasia, an un$nished hotel building at the intersection of University Drive and Camilo Avenue. Although construction of the Merrick Building was underway on the designated campus site, $nancial setbacks halted construction. !ere was also the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926 that made matters worse at the beginning of the new school year. !e university leased the building and quickly installed cardboard room dividers to create separate classroom spaces. !e building was casually known as “Cardboard College,” and classes were held there until the Memorial classroom building was completed in 1946.

With more than four decades of leadership at UM, Patricia Whitely, senior vice president for Student A%airs and Alumni Engagement, said she has seen the ups and downs of UM during its rise.

“Where we were in the ’80s versus today is remarkable,” said Whitely, who began her career at the university in 1982 as a residence coordinator.

Kind of a Big Deal

From the tireless e%orts of its founders, presidents, administrators and faculty to the extraordinary accomplishments of its students, athletes and alumni, UM continued to lay the foundation for what has become one of the most recognized private universities in the country, UM administrators said.

Today, with 19,593 students, 2,049 faculty members and 200,000 alumni, UM celebrates its centennial year with recognition for its

extensive achievement. As one of the newest members of the Association of American Universities, an organization of 71 leading research institutions, UM is considered the gold standard in American higher education. Only three percent of four-year institutions nationwide are invited to join the AAU. Additionally, UM boasts several specialty rankings listed in the 2024-25 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best National University rankings, including a national ranking of 63.

“Since air conditioning, the GI Bill and our recognition as a member of the Association of American Universities, we’ve seen a signi$cant rise in status, recognition and rankings,” said Whitely, who is also an alumna a er receiving her doctoral degree in higher education leadership from UM.

For alumni like Jill Singer, a 1973 journalism graduate who had a decadeslong career in journalism, the university’s transformation is striking. Re ecting on her time at UM, Singer credits the university for priming her for a career that began as the $rst paid intern at !e Miami Herald and led to stints at established publications, including !e Washington Post and People Magazine.

“UM created a foundation for a career I am very proud of,” Singer said.

But it wasn’t just academics that made a lasting impact on her; it was the changes she experienced as a female student in the ’70s.

“When I was a student, the opportunities for women were very di%erent,” she said. “ !e highest honor at UM, the Iron Arrow, was only awarded to men back then, even if a female student was more accomplished.”

Singer said she took action, writing a column in !e Miami Hurricane questioning the policy. In 1976, the Iron Arrow Honor Society was sued for violating Title IX, the 1972 federal law that prohibits sexbased discrimination in schools and other educational programs that receive federal funding. !e federal government forced UM to disassociate from the society until it allowed women to join. In 1985, the honor society passed a motion to allow women.

Singer also noted how much student life has changed since her time at UM.

“When I was at UM, there were no co-ed dorms, curfews were strictly enforced and we had to sign in and out for everything,” said Singer. “It’s funny to think about now, but those rules re ected the societal norms of the time.”

However, the strict housing rules did not stop Singer from $nding her happily ever a er. She said she met her husband, Howard Singer, a psychology major, at the campus Hillel. !e couple celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in January.

UM students’ commitment to involvement is evident in Jake Chisholm, a $rst year pursuing a bachelor’s degree in advertising on the creative track. In addition to being a Foote Fellow Honors Student, Chisholm is a President’s 100 ambassador, which are handpicked, academically talented students who maintain UM’s vibrant and lively spirit at recruitment events and campus tours.

“I feel incredibly lucky to be here at the U for our centennial anniversary,” said Chisholm. “ !is is obviously a huge milestone for our university, one where we re ect on our history, and I am excited to celebrate the people who made this school what I enjoy today.”

As the university continues to become a major player in higher education in the U. S., Student Government President Roy Carrillo Zamora said that the student voice should be at the center of decision-making.

“I see Student Government continuing to be at the forefront of student advocacy on campus,” Carrillo Zamora said. “For 100 years, Student Government has been

pushing back when needed, and championing progress when achieved. !e next 100 years will be shaped by the bills that our senators write, the lobbying that our executive o cers engage in, and all the internal work that our members dedicate their time to, from our judicial branch to our four agencies.”

Whitely said the celebratory centennial theme, “ !e Future is U,” demonstrates UM’s commitment to its students and their success.

“ !is is an opportunity to look back at all we’ve achieved and look forward to all that’s yet to come,” said Whitely. “We have only just begun to realize the impact UM will continue to have in the next 100 years.”

T.& C&n,&nnial Villag& is ,.& univ&rsi,i&s n&w&s, addi,ion to on campus housing. !is year the $rst two buildings [Ibis and Coral] just opened up. And the next two buildings aim to be ready for students in the fall of 2025.

As b&au,iful as UM’s cam-us is, its $rst year faced terrible conditions due to the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926.

From Gen Z and Millennials’ mesmerization watching Kim Possible take a holographic FaceTime from her watch, to Gen X’s amazement as Marty McFly attempts to get “Back to the Future” in Doc’s DeLorean time machine — it is evident that the takeover of tech sat under our noses long before ChatGPT and deepfakes. But how much power does AI really hold? Speciﬁcally, will it one day be able to take over something as vast as the World Wide Web? Introducing “Dead Internet Theory”: the online conspiracy that argues eventually, the Internet will lose control of itself as it’s slowly taken over by AI-generated content and bot activity. words_amanda mohamad. illustration_sovannreach po. design_sal puma.

Social Suicide

Preliminary ideas relating to !e Dead Internet !eory $rst surfaced on the archive forum 4Chan in the late 2010s. A more concrete ideology appeared in a 2021 post titled “Dead Internet !eory: Most Of !e Internet Is Fake” on another forum called Agora Road’s Macintosh Cafe, according to Forbes Magazine. !e post suggests that the Internet consists of very little human activity, and AI has reformed it into an algorithmic space meant only for selling products and ideas.

For those aspiring to make a career out of the Internet and social media, the Dead Internet !eory presents pros and cons. On the one hand, if you manage to get your content to go viral just a few times, you might be a shoo-in for many users’ algorithms, and as we know, views and followers are any in uencer’s currency.

Balaj Raza, a junior at the University of Miami with more than 17,000 followers on TikTok, said he uses AI to his advantage as a content creator for his personal brand and as a social media assistant forUM’s o cial social media pages — UM’s Instagram alone has almost 260,000 followers. !e content creator says AI is “a double-edged sword.”

“It’s helped me streamline my tasks as a content creator, like editing, generating captions, suggesting content ideas — just making things more e cient,” said Raza.

Nonetheless, Raza also said he feels the other side of the sword in his work.

“Careers can get really hurt as the space gets oversaturated with AI-generated content, which makes it harder for human creators to stand out. !ere’s also a concern that brands may start relying more on AI-generated in uencers or content instead of hiring real creators,” said Raza.

“AI is blurring the line between real and fake more than ever. It’s weaponized in ways that align with the Dead Internet !eory,” said Raza. “It’s up to us to stay aware, and it’s crucial to develop digital literacy skills to navigate this space.”

Speci$cally, Raza said he suggests basic fact-checking, source veri$cation and being skeptical of content to guide us through what the Internet and social media have become in the age of AI.

What happens if we aren’t attempting to combat bots in the simplest of ways?

Just a Theory

Stephen Murrell, a computer science professor at UM specializing in AI, addresses the increase of bot content online but feels the Dead Internet !eory is, as conspiracy theories can be, far-fetched.

“You know the sort: the COVID vaccines contained microchips to track or control you, the moon landings never happened, school massacres were carried out by a government wanting an excuse to control gun ownership,” said Murrell. “ !ere is a di%erence, though. Dead Internet seems to be supported by facts,

but it is a back-formation. !ere is a lot of ‘bot created’ internet content. !e idea that it is intended to reduce human behavior is possibly just a foolish conclusion, but more likely a deliberate lie for self-aggrandizement or publicity.”.

Similarly to the conclusion of Raza, Murrell said he believes there is little we can do to minimize bot content interaction beyond the small deeds.

“Some of this activity has a lot of money behind it — a large part coming slightly indirectly from the Chinese government, some from Russia and its friends, some from corrupt government o cials and a lot from greedy corporations everywhere,” said Murrell. “My only hope is that someone with a lot more money than I could imagine having, decides to do something about this very destructive situation.”

Like other conspiracy theories, Murrell expects that the Dead Internet !eory will die out eventually. Nonetheless, the internet as we know it is bound to change inevitably.”It will just carry on as it is, getting more and more worthless. When that has continued for long enough, it may well happen that people realize it is all lies and stop paying attention,” said Murrell. “Monsters and ghosts only exist if you believe in them. I really can’t see that happening in the near future.”

Making and Breaking

!e Dead Internet !eory extends beyond the bounds of social media and the Internet at our $ngertips. For UM senior Kallie Tsartsalis, the theory will linger as she starts her post-graduate career in photography.

“Working with AI tools, particularly in Photoshop, I’ve become pretty good at recognizing AI-generated content,” said Tsartsalis. “ !e technology has improved considerably but still faces challenges, which I see with human and animal renderings.”

Tstartsalis mentioned the subtle inconsistencies she $nds in AI-generated features in programs like Adobe Photoshop, such as humans having extra $ngers, unnatural-looking proportions or animals having additional toes. However, she said she believes that AI’s repercussions go beyond her artwork and speci$cally feels that the e%ects will be seen in the education system.

“ !e ability of AI to generate answers undermines the core purpose of schooling: to foster independent learning and critical thinking. I think this shi may diminish the value of the learning process itself,” Tsartsalis said.

Michel Dupagne, a media management professor who majored in library science during his undergraduate years, would agree with Tstartallis, speci$cally regarding his students preparing to write their Capstone research papers in his media technology course.

“Students over the years have told me the content they’re getting on social media is su cient and if [they] want more

information, [they] can go to the [original] source. Are they going to go to the source? Generally speaking, no,” Dupagne said.

Just as we’re no strangers to AI, we’re also not strangers to fake news. !e $rst $ndings of the Dead Internet !eory came about around President Trump’s $rst election in 2016, when fake news in$ltrated platforms like Facebook, forcing the platform to moderate their content through censorship to maintain a positive reputation.

Like Raza, Dupagne said he encourages staying skeptical towards information, especially as platforms move away from content moderation.

“If you have less content moderation, you’re going to have more fake content, controversial content,” said Dupagne. “You need to ask yourself, if there is no moderation, do we allow people to do anything they want? Sort of a very libertarian way to do whatever you want on social media, create whatever you want. Are there no more rules or regulations?” said Dupagne. If social media platforms maintain their moderation e%orts to minimize the spread of misinformation and ‘bots,’ Dupagne said he recognizes the potential for societal backlash as this decision can be perceived as an inhibitor of free speech.

Whether you think of the Dead Internet !eory as a war to $ght, a game to play or just the new way of life, it’s up to you to make your own rulebook.

Is ,.& in,&rn&, losing i,s soul? !e Dead Internet !eory suggests that bots, AI and recycled content now dominate the web, leaving us to question what’s real and what’s arti$cially generated.

Market Go-To’s Sta Picks

Bare Red Apple Crisps

Peach Peace Tea ***

Sal Puma

Editor-In-Chief

Oh Snap! Spicy Pickles

Diet Coke ***

Lizzie Kristal Executive Editor

White Cheddar Cheez-Its Tropical Uprising Yerba Mate ***

Amanda Mohamad Executive Digital Editor

Peanut Butter RX Bar Red Bull ***

Remi Turner Social Media Manager

Salt & Vinegar Lay’s Two-Liter of Lemonade ***

Charlotte DeAngelis Art Director

Airheads Extreme Bites ***

Julia Hecht The Guide Section Editor

Cliff Peanut Butter & Chocolate Protein Bar ***

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Nerds Gummy Clusters Dr. Pepper ***

Claire Bitner Guide Section Editor

Brownie Brittle Celsius ***

Whether you’re in desperate need of a Diet Coke break or a between-class sweet treat, the campus Market is there for you. Carrying anything from Tostitos salsa to toiletries, its selection spans all. Distraction’s o ce is only a few minutes from the market, so our sta! makes a lot of Market trips during deadline. Here are our usual go-to grabs at the Market.

words&design_sal puma. photo_lizzie kristal.

Carlos Sosa TikTok Manager ----------------------------

Thank you for reading!

WHAT THE FORK

What the Fork is a foodie’s paradise, stu!ed with mouth-watering recipes and hidden-gem restaurants. Whether sweet or savory, whip up plantain recipes that do it all. Get a taste of PizzElla, the food truck serving up wood-ﬁred perfection on campus. Hit the Wednesday market and hear from students on the best bites and bowls. design_lizzie kristal.

Kinda Going Bananas

Discover the versatility of plantains with these delicious and easy-to-make recipes that showcase this tropical fruit’s rich, savory ﬂavor. Whether you’re craving a light snack or a hearty dish, these recipes are packed with nutrients and bold ﬂavors.

words_lizzie kristal. photo_valeria barbaglio. design_lizzie kristal.

Plantain Pancakes

Ingredients

- 1 ripe plantain, peeled and mashed

- 2 eggs

- ¼ cup milk or dairy-free alternative

- ½ cup our — all-purpose or oat our

- 1 tsp baking powder

- ½ tsp cinnamon

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- Pinch of salt

- Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Mash the plantain in a bowl until smooth, leaving only small lumps.

2. Add the eggs, milk and vanilla, stirring until well combined.

3. Mix in the our, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, stirring until a smooth batter forms.

4. Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.

5. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear.

6. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Serve warm with syrup, fruit, or yogurt.

Plan,ains ar&n’, jus, for frying — these u%y pancakes showcase their natural sweetness and boost your breakfast with vitamin C and complex carbs for lasting energy. !ey’re a great way to start your day.

Fried Golden Crisps

Ingredients

- 2 green or slightly ripe plantains

- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

- ½ tsp salt

- Optional: chili powder, garlic powder or paprika for seasoning

Instructions

1. Slice o% both ends of each plantain and make a shallow cut along the peel. Remove the skin carefully and discard. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, cut the plantains into thin, even rounds — about 1/8 inch thick.

2. In a deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. To test, drop a small piece of plantain into the oil — it should sizzle immediately without burning.

3. Carefully add the plantain slices in small batches, making sure they don’t overlap. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chips from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. Careful — they’ll be piping hot. While they’re still hot, sprinkle with salt and any additional seasonings you like.

5. Let the chips cool slightly before serving to enhance their crispiness. Enjoy on their own or pair with dips like guacamole, salsa or garlic aioli.

Fun Fact

Did you know plantains are sometimes called “cooking bananas” because they’re way starchier than regular bananas and are almost never eaten raw? In some places, they’re so versatile, they’re known as the “banana’s cool, savory cousin” and can be used in everything from fries to pancakes. Talk about a plantain party.

bring

sw&&,n&ss, making them the perfect addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Pair them with eggs for breakfast, tuck them into tacos, or serve them alongside grilled meats for a Caribbeaninspired meal.

Sweet-and-Savory Tostones Nachos

Ingredients

- 2 plantains, peeled and sliced into rounds

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- ½ tsp salt

- ½ tsp garlic powder

- ½ tsp smoked paprika

- ½ cup shredded cheese

- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed

- ½ avocado, diced

- ¼ cup diced tomatoes

- ¼ cup red onion, $nely chopped

- ¼ cup sour cream

- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

- 1 small lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Smash the plantain rounds gently using the bottom of a glass or a tostonera to atten them into discs. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the attened plantains until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan, drain on paper towels and season with salt, garlic powder and smoked paprika.

2. Arrange the tostones on a serving plate like nachos. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and black beans, then lightly microwave until the cheese melts. Top with diced avocado, tomatoes and red onion. Drizzle with sour cream, then garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

3. Serve immediately and enjoy this tropical twist on nachos — crispy, cheesy and full of bold avors.

T.& W&dn&sday Mark&, a, UM is .&ld w&&kly from 9 a m ,o 3 - m and is always bustling with students. Be sure to get there before closing to snag your favorite dishes.

MARKET

The Wednesday farmers market has been a staple of campus since its inception. Whether you’re a certified foodie or just a hungry student between classes, the options at the market ensure that everybody who passes through will leave satisfied. And students aren’t the only ones beneﬁting — many of the market vendors have been selling at the farmers market for years and call UM their favorite spot.

words_juan laracuente, andrew schwartz & charles picciotto. photo_ethan dosa. design_maya armster & lizzie kristal.

Olivia Garcia, a junior at the University of Miami, said she has been going to the Wednesday farmers market since she was a $rst year.

“It is a little expensive, but I enjoy treating myself once a week,” said Garcia. Garcia is among a throng of UM students, faculty and others who regularly visit the weekly campus market, which $rst opened on the UM Coral Gables campus in the fall of 2010.

!e junior said her favorite dishes found at the market are the Korean stand’s hearty beef bulgogi and the Greek stand’s chicken gyro.

15 years a er its start, the Wednesday farmer’s market,situated between the Richter Library and the Whitten University Center, is as popular as ever. It features 25 di%erent stands and tents providing unique, top-of-the-line dishes where customers can satisfy their cravings for almost any kind of cuisine.

Japanese dishes, acai bowls, burritos, pizzas and Indian food are all on the menu. If patrons are parched, vendors also o%er fresh beverages like smoothies or lemonade at the ready.

Among the most popular vendors is Benny Fruits and Vegetables. Run by Benny and John Martin, they feature everything to do with fresh fruit — from açaí bowls to fresh smoothies. !e Martins are from Honduras and share a passion for healthy food, and have been serving up fresh fruit at the market for $ve years.

UM’s decision to open a farmers market came in 2010 via an idea conceived by the UM Student Government and the UM Human Resources Department. Since its founding, the number of vendors has doubled, and it attracts about a thousand customers weekly.

Sophomore Carson Brooke said she visits the market weekly because of the wide selection of food choices.

“I initially chose a typical poke bowl, but I have expanded my eating choices,” Brooke said. “ !e local vendors at Market Wednesday allowed me to

discover Jamaican patties as well as fresh empanadas and !ai rolled ice cream, which I wouldn’t have found otherwise.”

!e interactions between vendors and students at Market Wednesday represent more than mere transactions, because these two groups forge positive connections through the market. !e market serves as an active interaction space for established and new customers alike, exploring new favorite treats and supporting family businesses.

Laura Montes, who works at her family’s baked goods business and market stand , said the farmer’s market at UM is her family’s favorite place to sell.

“My mother wished to spread our homemade products, so we began selling at tiny markets,” said Montes as she wrapped a freshly baked cinnamon roll. “Our favorite spot among all the markets proved to be this one.”

!e di%erent student groups at Market Wednesday include quick snack buyers and regular customers who visit weekly to order their favorite foods.

Another popular vendor is Barnyard Bagels, a student-run business providing fresh Northeast-style bagels and sandwiches. With UM’s huge population of students from the tri-state area, the stand has become immensely popular.

“On and o% the stand, I’ve had multiple people come up to me and ask me if I’m one of the bagel guys,” said Alex O’Sullivan, a junior who helps run the stand. “We don’t just create bagels to sell food — we make them for people to enjoy. We call out orders by name. It’s all about making the experience more desirable every Wednesday to build a community.”

!e market’s array of fabulous fresh foods bene$ts students and local businesses alike — students sample new foods and avors while businesses gain exposure and new clientele. Whether you want to indulge in a weekly acai bowl or expand your palette by sampling the market’s array of international cuisines, the market is the perfect midweek pick-me-up.

T.&s& ar&n’, your froz&n T

Jo&’s k&babs Cooked on-site and over a charcoal $re, these kebabs will melt in your mouth with its carb and veggie accompaniments.

I,s ou,door v&nu& won’, s,o- ,.& mark&, from catering freshly cooked meals. Shrimp and other meats are cooked on-site to serve you the hottest dishes.

Udon noodl&s ar& jus, on& of many carbs you can find a, ,.& mark&, — poke and bulgogi bop bowls are stacked with rice just around the corner.

rad&r

The pizza truck that took the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus by storm is back for its seventh semester — and isn’t parking there. But why is PizzElla different from other food trucks on campus, and why can’t ’Canes and South Floridians get enough of it? From the quality ingredients to the oven that creates a mouth-watering, slightly charcoaled Neapolitan pizza, here’s the real slice on the food truck that can transport you straight to Italy through one bite.

words_claire lanconi. photo_valeria barbaglio & marita gavioti. design_sal puma.

PIZZ ELL A

All PizzElla -izzas ar& a 1A-inc. crus, and s&rv&d N&a-oli,an s,yl& Some of their highly-rated menu options include pepperoni and hot honey, cacio e pepe, prosciutto and arugula and, of course, marhharita.

Whether it’s Dave Portnoy, the founder and owner of Barstool Sports, rating the pizza himself for his one-bite pizza reviews, or earning the number 40 spot in the “50 Top Pizza USA 2023” rankings by 50 Top Pizza, PizzElla is anything but crust.

Owner Larry Galper never saw a food truck as his future. In fact, his cooking career only started later on in his life.

“I le a 15-year corporate career when I was around 35 because I fell out of love with that business,” said Galper. “I didn’t know that cooking was going to be the answer, but I de$nitely knew that what I was currently doing wasn’t the answer.”

At that point, professional cooking wasn’t even on his radar; “I wasn’t cooking anything complicated. I wasn’t a trained chef by any means,” said Galper. “I just grew up in a home where my mom cooked almost every night. And as I cooked more of my meals, I became obsessed to the point where I was like, ‘this is something I want to do for my life’s work.’”

Galper then le his job for a new beginning and enrolled in the New School of Cooking in Culver City, CA. He worked two restaurant jobs during that time, but quit a er school to work at a more elevated restaurant and hone hisskill, he said.

“I would always ask to come in early to the kitchen because I knew they were prepping and I wanted to learn how to make [pizza],” said Galper. “Obviously, I couldn’t clock in and didn’t get paid for that, but I didn’t care. I got a late start at this in life, so I wanted to be a sponge and soak up as much as I could.”

Path to Pizza

Galper did just that. Something that he wanted to not only learn, but master, was pizza.

“I remember one of the $rst pizzas I made, I made for one of my best girl friends,” said Galper. “It was probably one of the worst pizzas ever made by any human being, but she was so sweet about it. At that moment, I remember thinking I can move forward one of two ways: I can be discouraged and never do this again, or the opposite and can take that anger and focus it on becoming better.”

From that moment on, he laser-focused on mastering the cra : “I made a decision in my mind that I’m going to make as many pizzas as I can every week,” said Galper. “It wasn’t even about wanting to sell pizza like that, I just wanted to be good at something that I wasn’t good at.”

!ough at the time Galper might not have foreseen a career focused on making pizzas, cooking was always going to be in his future.

“I’m a ’90s kid, and in the ’90s there were a lot of romantic comedies, all with the same formula,” said Galper. “ !e guy ends up falling in love with the girl that was his best friend, and she was there all along. !at’s how I look at cooking. It was always there, it just took me until the last act of the movie for me to realize it.”

And this journey led him to move to Miami in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic to start a business: a food truck highlighting his female family members that cooked throughout his whole life. Galper named it PizzElla, for Ella, his mother, and called the truck Doraya, a combination of both his grandmothers’ names.

Galper opened up PizzElla in Midtown Miami on Oct. 26, 2021, but it made its $rst appearance on campus on March 10, 2022.

Senior Branden Logatto, who majors in $nance and accounting, was a $rst year at the time and an intern for the marketing company Archrival. Logatto was helping host an event at the Lambda parking lot for the cryptocurrency company Exodus. !e event was organized to tie crypto to pizza — in honor of someone years ago using crypto to buy a pie of pizza, the $rst time somebody used cryptocurrency to buy a tangible item. Archrival chose PizzElla to partake in the event.

!e event was very successful, and since everyone loved the pizza, Logatto talked to Galper about the food trucks on campus and put him in contact with UM Auxiliary Services. Since then, PizzElla has become a consistent food truck on campus.

“I feel like I’m getting more credit than I should. His quality and his food speaks for itself,” said Logatto. “I de$nitely feel like a part of the journey, and it doesn’t feel like three years ago. As a freshman hosting an event of that scale, [there] was de$nitely a lot of pressure, but we worked together through that and started this great connection. I was happy to see a familiar face on campus and help him out as much as I could.”

M&&, L arry Gal-&r, ,.& c.&f and own&r b&.ind PizzElla, a Miami-based food truck serving up some of the city’s best Neapolitan-style pizzas. His dedication to the brand shouldn’t be doubted with his knuckle’s proudly displaying “PizzElla.”

Campus Crust

PizzElla is in its seventh semester on campus, and Galper isn’t only focusing on the food.

“Getting the gig at UM weekly on a regular basis was a big turning point, because we have been so well received there ,” said Galper. “You have these little pockets of time where you can change the course of someone’s day. And in a matter of a transaction that can last a good two-and-a-half minutes — plus some delicious food that I poured my heart into — to change the course of someone’s day. If your food is good and you have that hospitality too, that’s always going to be attached to your brand.”

Sophomore and industrial engineering major Sydney Butter$eld is particularly connected to the brand. Galper, who served a limited time special pizza with vodka sauce, brought it back full time, but now with a new name, the “Litty Sydney,” in honor of Butter$eld messaging Galper on Instagram requesting to bring it back.

“He’s like a dad, his personality is very inviting and I feel like I can always talk to him about anything,” said Butter$eld. “He cares a lot about his customers and wants to actually create relationships with them rather than just give them a pizza and move on. And when I got a pizza named a er me, I felt a part of PizzElla and I love it so much. I always get my friends to go so they can try my pizza because it’s the best thing ever.”

Junior Alexandra Caruso, majoring in nursing and a New Jersey native, has been coming to PizzElla for three years now. Caruso’s mom sent her the food truck schedule when she was a $rst year and she decided to go.

“ !e $rst day I went, his brother was working the register and we found out we had the same name, Alex,” said Caruso. “Ever since, Larry would remember me because I have the same name as his brother, and I just started coming consistently and he kept remembering me. It helped me get over me being homesick because I was just missing some roots from home, like a good pizza. It reminds me of a nice home cooked meal, and Larry is a genuine nice guy, he’s like family.”

!e theme of family continues with junior Brooke Poiesz, who majors in marketing. Poiesz started as a consistent PizzElla customer in her $rst year, and now is a part of the PizzElla team, helping Galper with public relations.

“It’s not only the food, but the people,” said Poiesz. “ !e whole team is just the best and it is something I look forward to every week. !e food reminds me of home, but is also something new and special and I found myself over winter break just craving PizzElla. I think PizzElla is going to be something that I re ect on for the rest of my life and a staple of being in college.”

Trucking Foward

Find PizzElla’s blu& ,ruck on S,anford Driv& every Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — just follow the tempting, Italian scents.

While not originally in his long-term plans, Galper, who changed his life from being in the corporate world to having a thriving food truck, has new ideas for the brand as PizzElla continues to grow.

“PizzElla, the brand, as it’s maturing, was never meant to be just pizza,” said Galper. “In my mind, I was going to bring people in with pizza and then show them all the other stu%, all the cool things I’ve learned and all the cuisines that have resonated with me.”

Although the structure of his brand might shi , Galper’s message for what he wants the brand to stand for has never strayed.

“I want PizzElla to mean a delicious community,” said Galper. “I want PizzElla to be a community with delicious food, so I’m going to call it a delicious community. I want it to be more than just a place where you go to eat. I want everyone to feel like they have ownership over it and they’re part of PizzElla. It’s like a culture.”

PizzElla has become not only its own culture, but a part of the UM culture. Even though Galper continues to seek opportunities to grow the brand, he doesn’t forget his roots.

“My favorite moments are when my family is proud of me for doing what I did,” said Galper. “When I le my 15-year corporate career to be a cook, my parents thought I was out of my mind. It’s not lost on me that probably for the $rst couple years, they thought it was a fad and I was going to grow out of it. But now it’s almost 10 years later and we’ve won accolades, we’ve been recognized on a national level, and we’ve been on TV.”

Whether it is the family Galper was born into, or the family he made at UM, PizzElla will always unite people together, one pizza at a time.

W.il& Pizz&lla .as ,.&ir own signa,ur& -i&s, you can always mix and mach toppings to make a pie perfect for you!

HANDS ON

This issue’s special section, “HandsOn,” explores the power of palms in every context. Connect with the importance of physical contact and how it shapes our health. Get real about masturbation and its role in self-care. Meet Nails with Trin, the student turning fingertips into masterpieces. However you use your hands, this is all about getting in touch. design_lizzie kristal.

Not getting your recommended eight hugs a day? Yeah, neither is anyone else — but does it really matter? Human touch, or the infamous “skin-to-skin,” plays a bigger role in your wellbeing than you might think. Lack of it can quietly fuel existential bed rot. The good news? There are easy ways to sneak in a few moments of human connection without texting your ex or getting romantic.

words_amber mason. photo_valentina gomez. design_joel wainberg.

From r&ducing s,r&ss ,o s,r&ng,.&ning bonds, human touch is more powerful than we realize. Science shows that holding hands can lower cortisol levels, boost oxytocin and improve overall well-being.

R&s&arc. indica,&s ,.a, r&gular .ugging can r&duc& s,r&ss and &n.anc& w&ll-b&ing. Experts recommend aiming for at least eight hugs per day to reap these bene$ts.

More Than a Feeling

Contact is a universal craving. Jesse Barney, a junior studying criminology at the University of Miami, said she experiences these feelings intensely due to being in a long-distance relationship. So, when she is reunited with her partner, the euphoria of human touch is in full e%ect.

“It makes me feel at home. It makes me feel safe and grounded,” said Barney.

It’s easy to brush o% the importance of touch, especially when bigger concerns — like stress levels and mood regulation — seem to take priority. In reality, human touch deserves a spot right up there with getting enough sleep.

“Touch deprivation can a%ect sleep quality,” said UM psychology professor Elyse Hurtado. So, not getting enough hugs might actually be a factor in why you’re missing that 8 a.m. class.

“It’s not just that we need to connect or we need to belong. A physical touch can reduce your cortisol while increasing your oxytocin and other neurotransmitters,” said Hurtado. So to speak, touch deprivation can be dumbed down to a lack of social connection, but there’s more beneath the surface.

So, what does that all mean? Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone — more touch equals less stress.

“Oxytocin is going to foster emotional bonds, enhance trust between individuals, regulate our mood, and deepen our emotional connections,” said Hurtado.

Craving Connection

Touch deprivation comes in all shapes and sizes. Junior accounting major Bea Schutte spoke of her own struggles with touch deprivation.

“I live alone at college so I’m not always with people, which can feel isolating and lonely when I don’t force myself to leave my apartment,” said Schutte.

!e physical e%ects are very felt; “No matter what I do to try and combat it, it’s like it takes time for my body to physically adjust to not having [my partner] there,” said Barney.

It’s important to remember that if being touched isn’t your thing, you’re not destined to live a stressful, isolated life either.

“People have di%erent tolerances and di%erent thresholds for being touched based on their experiences with being touched and embraced as a child, and then also if they’ve had any adverse experiences related to touch,” said Hannah Grassie, a pre-doctoral clinical psychology student at UM.

“Being more mindful of it is the $rst step there,” said Grassie.

In fact, mindfulness is key in anyone’s journey toward skin satisfaction. Because touch deprivation is o en overlooked as a predecessor for further mental struggle, it’s

important to be aware of it yourself.

“!ere’s a big emphasis on cognitive factors and touch kind of gets pushed to the side,” said Hurtado. Whereas something like depression more readily comes to mind when wondering why you feel down.

Don’t Text Your Friends

“I’ve noticed with my friends from home, I don’t usually talk to them on the phone,” said Schutte. “I usually just text with them, and at some point, it feels like you’re talking to a computer.”

“!ere’s something, too, about not having to talk about it and not having the physical comfort,” said Schutte. Keeping in touch with friends is great, but actually hanging around them does wonders.

Connecting to the community can be a great way to forge social bonds that satisfy touch deprivation.

Barney, who works at a local a er-school program, said that working in a familial environment where she gets to act as an older-sister $gure is her form of community bonding.

Take this with a grain of salt, but even friends-with-bene$ts can be a source of connection.

“!e initial reports on [friends-withbene$ts] and the research on that said that it was bene$cial, but then follow-up studies have said that the friends-with-bene$ts type of relationship can be complicated, it can be successful, but it has to be managed very carefully,” said Hurtado.

Grassie said she suggests the less confusing options, like “deep conversations or engaging in values-driven discussions or engaging in activities together that promote bonding.” However, taking dance classes, getting massages, or even giving yourself a foot rub will all do the job.

!e key is understanding your own needs and $nding ways to meet them — whether that’s through intentional physical connection or alternative forms of comfort.

Human ,ouc. can b& -ow&rful, bu, cons&n, is k&y. Whether it’s a hug, a handshake or a pat on the back, always ensure the other person is comfortable — respecting boundaries strengthens, rather than strains, connections.

PALMISTRY

The art of palmistry puts your future in the palm of your hand. Literally. Believers in this ancient practice say that the lines on your palms can predict your future. Even though we’re looking at our hands constantly, you won’t see these predictions jump out. Look for these four lines on your palm, and depending on their structure you might ﬁnd out what the future has in store for you. words&design_sal puma. illustrations sovannreach po.

1 ) Head Line

4) Life Line

2) Heart Line

The head line represents your psyche and personality. Having a straight head line means you are very logical and level headed, but a curved head line means you are more of a creative spirit. The length of the line is said to determine your decision making process. The longer the line, the more thought you put behind our behavior. This line is your lifeline to how your life will play out. A deep and long line can indicate vitality, but a straight line close to the thumb may signal fragility. If there are breaks or split ends, you might experience a lot of change in their life. Though there’s no way to tell if it’s for the better or for the worst, embrace it with open arms, or hands in this case.

As the name suggests, the heart line deals with your love life. The position and structure of the line can give some insight to how your future flings might go. If it’s broken, that means you might experience a great disappointment in love. If it’s short and straight it means that you don’t find love important in life and rather stay solitary. Though on the flip side, if your love line starts underneath your index finger, you have a stable love life ahead of you.

3) Destiny Line

The destiny line is said to spell out how you will go about your future. If it is a deep line, you will be a slave to your destiny, pushed and pulled in every direction. Though, if it’s hard to see, that means you are independent and will seize your destiny. If it has a sudden change in direction, that means there might be something blocking you from achieving your full destiny, so straighten that out before you continue on your path.

deep tissue

Between back-to-back classes, late-night study sessions and the stress of balancing it all, University of Miami students carry more tension than their backpacks. Enter massage therapy — the underrated remedy for knots, both physical and mental. Whether it’s a deep tissue session to undo hours hunched over a laptop or a quick relaxation massage between exams, a little hands-on relief might be just what overworked students need to reset and recharge.

words_morgan mechler. illustration_sovannreach po. design_charlotte deangelis.

Mor& ,.an jus, r&laxa,ion — massages can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and even lower cortisol levels, making them a powerful tool for students to unwind from their daily stress.

assages promote relaxation, and their advantages extend beyond stress relief. ts of a massage include reduced muscle tension, better quality of sleep, a boosted immune system and even improved digestion. On the mental health side, massages can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and wellbeing, as well as increase alertness and focus, something that would be helpful for passing rigorous classes UM o%ers.

Christine Kumpf, masseuse and physical therapist at Ederra Beauty Concepts, discussed the transformation and popularization massages have undergone.

“In my 20 years as a licensed massage therapist, I’ve witnessed the evolution of the practice,” said Kumpf. “Today, it is considered a ‘mainstream’ part of health and wellness, and accepted widely by the medical world.”

Why Massages

Becoming a vital part of overall health, massages are safe and e%ective for all ages.

“From prenatal, to children in sports, to college students, adults, those even in hospice, the bene$ts are plenty. It has an impact on almost every system of the body, such as the musculoskeletal, lymphatic, circulatory, digestive and especially the nervous system,” said Kumpf. .

Jamilleth Elizalde, client coordinator of Hydrology Wellness Spa in Coral Gables, said she understands how essential massages are for human growth and comfort.

“We at Hydrology believe in ‘ageless living — not about preventing aging but about embracing the aging process gracefully while prioritizing one’s overall well-being and vitality,” said Elizalde.

Hydrology strives to make clients feel as beautiful and relaxed as they are. Hydrology is a short walk across the street from campus at !esis, o%ering over 50 services, making it the perfect choice for students to stop in for a

quick massage between classes or a er a long week of exams.

!e local spa o%ers a myriad of di%erent massages, including deep tissue, prenatal, sports, lymphatic drainage, Swedish and theragun. Sessions can last for 60, 90 or 120 minutes and are sold in packs of 1, 5, 10 or 15. For those seeking a frequent means of winding down or taking the edge o%, Hydrology has custom membership packages. Simply schedule a consultation and their team will help you determine what package is right for you.

“Along with being a wellness center, we have created a full spa ambiance, o%ering health services such as an infrared sauna, cryotherapy, IV therapy and compression therapy,” said Jamilleth.“On the other hand, if you are looking to ‘glow-up,’ stop in for beauty services like botox, micro needling, $llers, hydra facials, chemical peels and hair removals.”

UM athletes, including the Hurricanes football team, visit Hydrology for recovery days, taking advantage of all the center’s health and wellness services. Students who are highly active are great candidates for a sports massage; however, athleticism is not a requirement for rejuvenation.

Freshman Ella Corigliano said she enjoys treating herself to a spa day every once in a while, adding that her favorite place to get a massage is !e Ritz-Carlton in South Beach.

“I love to pamper myself. Being a nursing major, memorizing the body and doubling up on tough classes like anatomy de$nitely call for a massage,” said Corigliano. “Whenever my mom comes to visit, we always have a spa day together. It is so nice to be able to relax and unwind.”

Junior Paige Spoors said she gets her massages at Setai Spa and Lifetime Spa.

“Living in Lifetime makes it really easy to get a relaxing massage whenever I feel like it. If I had a rough week, I know I can just book an appointment and unwind,” said Spoors. “Or if I want to plan a whole day of relaxation, I take a trip to Setai Spa in Miami Beach.”

Sophomore Vic Olsen said she frequently visits the Biltmore Hotel for their Swedish massage.

“Halfway through the semester, I like to get a massage to help me get focused,” said Olsen.” Midterms can be stressful, and my workload can catch up to me mentally. But the serene experience of a massage helps me reset and conquer my classes.”

At-Home Help

Don’t have a car? Not a problem — you can even book a mobile massage and bring the relaxation to the comfort of your apartment or home. Spa !eory is a great resource for students living on or o% campus without transportation. !e app sends out a specialized in-home massage therapist in Miami right to your doorstep at whatever time and place is convenient for you. Hydrology Wellness also o%ers a complete

mobile spa that travels in range to bring the luxury to you.

Although the e%ects of massages are undeniably worth it for many, services can be pricey. But don’t fret — there are many ways to still enjoy the bene$ts. Students can sign up for StudentBeans with their UM student information and view deals like 15% o% their purchase or even free sessions at nearby spas like Hand and Stone.

Electric Sun in Red Road Commons also o%ers infrared light and cryotherapy sessions for very a%ordable prices. UM students get a 10% discount on all services. Just show your Cane Card at check in.

Students can also use the apps Booksy and Massagebook to book spa appointments. Both sites allow users to browse available appointments and book sessions for local spas, therapists and wellness centers.

UM’s Herbert Wellness Center o%ers massages for students at a discounted rate. One 25-minute session is just $35 for students. Massage therapy is available on !ursday from 3 p.m. to7 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to3 p.m. To schedule an appointment, email wellnessuite@miami.edu.

Other self-care methods to feel your best can be as simple as pampering yourself with a manicure or lighting a candle and journaling. At home, students can take cold plunges to relax their muscles or take a yoga class to stretch and wind down. Cupping therapy also mimics the bene$ts of a massage by increasing blood ow and can be done in the comfort of your own home with a kit.

Human touch and relaxation are paramount to a student’s survival. College can be overwhelming, but massages can help alleviate some of that stress.

No, all massag&s ar& cr&a,&d &Bual — Swedish massages focus on relaxation, deep tissue targets muscle tension, and hot stone therapy melts away stress. Finding the right type can make all the di%erence for your body and mind.

, 90% stated that they practiced masturbation. Out of respondents, 20% of them answered “Yes” to the question, “Do you $nd conversation surrounding masturbation to be uncomfortable or negative?”

There’s no shame in the game when it comes to self-pleasure. While many act on those intimate desires to let o! some steam, conversations surrounding masturbation continue to carry negative undertones. To lean away from constituting masturbation as a taboo topic, we must recognize some of the major beneﬁts and encourage society to feel more comfortable talking about getting one’s rocks off. words_remi turner. design_sal puma.

Self-Stimulation

Masturbation is de$ned as the selfstimulation of one’s genitals for sexual pleasure. Adjunct faculty at the University of Miami and sex therapist Dr. Paz said that masturbation encompasses any form of intentional self-touching that ideally feels good.

Most of the time, the intent of masturbation is bodily exploration, resulting in orgasmic relief. Whether done solo, with a partner or with props, is personal preference. Although not always a solo activity, masturbation commonly occurs in solitude as part of an e%ort to release dopamine. Dopamine is a rewarding neurotransmitter that can grant someone all the feel-good bodily and neurological reactions. Few cases exist where exercising masturbation tactics can lead to adverse e%ects.

Dr. Porter, Associate Professor of Public Health in the School of Nursing and Health Studies at UM, explains how some masturbation reactions can be harmful.

“In a very small number of people, masturbation creates a pleasure-reward loop that can lead to compulsive behavior,” said Dr. Porter.“When masturbation starts to interfere with important aspects of life, it’s a signal that help may be needed.”

Why So Selfish?

Masturbation remains a taboo topic partly due to information spread from outside in uences like religious groups, family dynamics and a lack of sexual education.

For example, the Catholic Church views masturbation as a sin, teaching Catholics that it is inexcusable to seek sexual pleasure outside of the marital act, including taking care of business on one’s own. In Islam, active debates exist over whether masturbation should be condemned. !e majority of Islamic scholars argue that self-pleasure is impermissible to practice except when there is a necessity due to possible physical harm.

Negative connotations with masturbation can also be attributed to how previous generations feel uncomfortable in their own skin and avoid discussing the topic, especially with children.

“Messaging around masturbation is generationally passed down because masturbation starts in adolescence, and

we are uncomfortable with the idea of sexualizing children,” said Dr. Paz.

Senior psychology major and public health minor at UM, Lauren Prenaveau said she thinks there should be more proper sexual education for children.

“We must teach kids from a young age about sexual health because kids are curious. !ey are naturally going to explore their bodies,” said Prenaveau.

!e cloak of secrecy that shields masturbation from occurring more naturally in conversation also adds to why the subject isn’t talked about enough, or appropriately, for that matter. Associating masturbation with secrecy causes the topic to be ignored, and therefore, not enough people receive proper sex education. Just because the act might be done alone doesn’t mean selfpleasure conversations must also be kept under the quilt.

Finish Strong

Practicing masturbation poses health bene$ts that can increase sexual harmony and invite someone to turn inward.

Masturbation assists with understanding one’s own pleasure spots better. Without performance anxiety in the equation, one can focus on what feels rewarding instead of how to reward someone else.

Having healthy sexual pleasure practices can also improve physical relationships with sexual partners.

“It’s one of the healthiest things you can do to develop and maintain your own personal sexuality,” said Dr. Paz in support of self-pleasure practices. To put it simply, masturbation shows you what you like, so that you can translate it to shared experiences.

“[Masturbation] can help if sexual partners have mismatched libidos, allowing partners to balance their desires,” said Prenaveau.

Masturbation also creates psychological bene$ts that can cause temporary, as well as long-term, positive mental health e%ects. First is endorphin release.

As natural pain relievers, when endorphins are released through sexual pleasure, de-stressing and mood-boosting results follow. Orgasms can also relieve headaches and provide menstrual cramp relief for female-identifying individuals. Lastly, masturbation can open escape routes

for stress relief.

Just Some Tips

Welcoming sexually-related topics like masturbation into casual conversations can destigmatize societal views. To foster more of a positive connotation surrounding masturbation, we must initiate change universally and inclusively.

Shameful discussions around masturbation are damaging to society’s perception of sexual health, and can be particularly harmful to the queer community.

Prenaveau explains how conversations about masturbation are o en gendered and heteronormative.

“ !ere’s so much speci$c language surrounding male masturbation. !is causes people who aren’t cisgender men to be more uncomfortable speaking on the topic,” said Prenaveau.

Besides the queer community, majorly female-identifying individuals also $nd that masturbation doesn’t belong in their category of sexual health discussion.

Dr. Porter said she suggests that instead, we discuss pleasure universally. “We need to move away from gendered narratives — ditch the memes and stereotypes that suggest only boys masturbate or that women should feel shame,” said Dr. Porter.

Be mindful of the media when it comes to masturbation. Replace masturbation as the punchline to internet jokes with using social platforms to empower the topic and leverage opportunities for sexual education. Cracking laughs during serious, sexually related topics is immature and continues a cycle of more awkwardness and less acceptance.

Making these progressive steps in terms of sexual chatter during one’s college experience is the perfect opportunity to do so. Most students explore their sexuality and naturally expand their knowledge on sexual topics during their college years. Why not chat about sexual topics or experiences with your roommates or close friends during your next hang out, and together, beat the stigma?

Dr. Lisa P&z also off&rs a s&x .&al,. ,.&ra-y &duca,ional cours& onlin&., If you are interested in the help check it out here: https://ww.drlisapaz.com/

Trin Nguyen, a University of Miami student, has mastered the art of nails as she owns her own small business, Nails With Trin. Nguyen is no stranger to the world of nails. Growing up in a salon owned by her parents, she grasped the tips and tricks from a very young age.

Nguyen said she decided to take her knowledge and love of all-things-nails a step further when she began her business.

“[I] started in the dorms, but really started doing nails for money and publicly at the beginning of my junior year,” said Nguyen.

When the senior began her small business, Nails With Trin, she was given the creative freedom to grow as an artist, which contributed to the business becoming massively successful.

!e beauty of the artistry in nail trends is that they are forever evolving.

“3D was never a thing until last year,” said Nguyen, explaining the fast-paced nature of nail trends. Now, she she $nds herself doing 3D nails quite o en.

Despite having clients almost daily, Nguyen hesitated to say whether she’s mastered nail art. said that She said there are always new products, techniques and things coming out for her to learn.

Nailing Design

A nail set might look incredible when it’s done, but it’s o en overlooked just how much time and e%ort is put into such masterpieces.

“It depends on the level of intricacy,” said Nguyen of how long a nail set may take to put on. “It can take anywhere from

an hour to an hour and a half for a simple set. Something more intricate will take somewhere from two to four hours.”

Nguyen said timing includes more than just the application and design, because she also always has to think about the removal. t“Averaging out the number, it would normally be about two hours,” said Nguyen. One of the most important parts of having your own small business and getting good reviews is making sure you have quality products.

“Apres is one of the most common brands used for gel x,” said Nguyen of the range of products she uses.

Nguyen also said that along with using typical cotton and nail polish remover, she uses a lot of Korean products. “ !ey are a lot better for you because they are paraben free,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen’s success can be partially attributed to her mother acting as her built-in mentor. “My mom will usually bring stu% like materials she can’t get here,” said Nguyen.“A lot of it is my stu% because my mom is very traditional.”

Some of the modern-day nail trends involve fashion’s newest in uences.

Nguyen said she does what is considered very modern and “in right now,” as she puts it. “I do very Gen Z, something that your grandmother wouldn’t approve of nails,” said Nguyen.

“One of my favorite sets I’ve ever done has a lot of textures,” said Nguyen. “I like nails with alot of textures and 3D. I de$nitely like multi-color sets and I like doing pink because I love pink.”

Nguyen said her favorite design is cheetah print, and it’s one of her best talents.

Other creative inspiration comes from everywhere. “Having a community of other nail artists my age helps me stay on trend,” said Nguyen. “A lot of young girls are starting to be nail artists, which I think is really cool because a lot of them understand modern art and pop culture references.”

Standing on Business

Being a small business owner in college, Nguyen invests lots of time and energy to create a well-rounded service. One of her biggest considerations is pricing.

“Pricing ranges from $35 - $115,” said Nguyen. “ut if you economically break that down in Miami, it’s not bad for the intricacy of my work.”

Although Nguyen is trying to make an income, she said she still understands the struggles of being a college student scrounging up money wherever you can.

“I do try to keep remotely low prices for my clients and I try to keep in mind the economy and what other businesses are doing around me,” said Nguyen. “I know college kids don’t have unlimited funds.”

A fun way that Nguyen helps to promote her business and give back to the community is through giveaways on her Instagram page. For her giveaways, she gives her clientele special prizes or free nail sets.

!ere are always highs and lows when it comes to running a business, and Nails With Trin is no di%erent.

“ !e cons of being a small business owner, especially when you’re in college, is separating business from friends and empathy of learning people’s stories and still having to charge them,” said Nguyen.

It can be di cult to manage a social and personal life while running a business all by yourself. Managing, cleaning, posting and setting up are only some of the intense processes she accomplishes all by herself. One of the most $nancial and time-consuming aspects, Nguyen said, is investing in materials herself.

!ere are plenty of bene$ts to running her own nail business, and Nguyen gave some insiders on what those are.

“ !e bene$ts are getting to meet so many girls I never would have been able to meet, and it’s also very rewarding when people come,” said Nguyen.

One of the most impactful ways that this happens is when girls are happy with her work and share it with other people to spread the word of her business.

“I make a lot of friends from it, like my roommate is my roommate because I did her nails,” said Nguyen. Now, Nguten said she’s “like a vault” from all of the gossip her customers tell her.

Keeping the business growing is no easy task.

“I’ve grown a lot of followers on instagram the past year. I have like 700 followers and I usually gain a few people each week,” said Nguten.

She uses social media platforms to help gain customers. “Since I started I have had a little desk in my room and a lot more customers and products. I get about 10 dms a week from new clients.”

Starting a business can be scary, especially if you feel like you don’t have the right advice or guidance.

“I would say just go for it. I would have never thought I would be doing so many nails and meeting so many girls,” said Nguyen. She continued by recommending to know your worth and be con$dent. “Nails is a form of art and if they don’t like your art they can go buy from someone.”

“I plan on keeping this forever and maybe opening up a studio in the future and maybe doing famous people’s nails,” said Nguyen.“I think I’m addicted to doing nails because of the art side of it.”

Now, she has at least one client a day that she $ts into her busy schedule. As much as she enjoys doing nails and growing her business, she keeps her aspirations in the present despite her future goals.

Wan, ,o

DIY your nails?

A%ordable supplies like gel kits, nail art tools and press-ons can be found at beauty stores like Sally Beauty and Walmart, or online at sites like Amazon.

illustration_erica kong.

www.distractionmagazine.com

@distractionmag @distractionmag

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

This section is your sanctuary to refuel your body and mind. Build strength with back workouts that go beyond the basics. Get creative with junk journaling, turning scraps into something aesthetic. And navigate the world of vitamins with a guide to what you actually need. Keep ﬂipping for the best tips on tending to your health. design_lizzie kristal.

BACK BACK baby got

Growing your la,s and ,ra-s with exercises like rows and deadli s can improve posture and even enhance breathing e ciency. A strong back also reduces the risk of lower back pain, a common issue for those who sit for long periods.

Want that hourglass shape and better posture? It all starts with your back. From endless hours hunched over laptops to gym sessions gone wrong, college life isn’t exactly spine-friendly — but the right workouts can ﬁx that. UM fitness experts break down the best moves, biggest mistakes and why consistency is a game-changer.

words_emily melissinos. photo_julia campbell. design_lizzie kristal.

Awell-developed back isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about building a foundation of strength that supports the entire body. Whether students are aiming for the sought-a er V-taper, better posture or just avoiding lower back pain, training the back is essential.

“[Physiologically] everything is based o% the back because that’s what supports your spine,” said Ryan Lee, a graduate student $nishing his master’s degree in athletic training at the University of Miami. “A strong, healthy back is pretty important to living a pain-free and physically active lifestyle.”

So, what’s the best way to build your back? How o en should you train for it? And are you making mistakes that could be slowing your progress? Leave it to gym heroes who double as classroom experts to answer these burning questions.

Between cramming for exams and scrolling through social media, students spend a lot of time sitting. !e problem? Bad posture leads to back pain and weaker muscles.

“Back exercises can 100% help strengthen the muscles that support your spine,” said Lee. “College students are sitting all day, hunched over their computers or phones, and that puts a lot of stress and tension on their back.”

Beyond function, training your back enhances aesthetics. A wider upper body creates an illusion of a smaller waist, and strong rear delts improve posture.

UM personal trainer Angus Bonoan said he has one major warning for those looking to bulk up.

“A big mistake is doing too many reps. People think they’re training for size, but they’re actually training muscular endurance. Stick to 8-10 reps with progressive overload,” said Bonoan.

For students looking to build a stronger back, certain exercises are essential. Bonoan said he recommends wide-grip lat pulldowns and rope pull-throughs for lat development, barbell shrugs for traps, and pec deck iso rear delt ys for rhomboids and rear delts.

Bonoan suggests incorporating chest-supported high rows, a move that

bodybuilder and student Karys Verpaele considers an underrated but e%ective backbuilding exercise.

Verpaele follows a structured workout split of push, pull and legs and emphasizes that consistency is the key to progress.

“Motivation is unreliable,” Verpaele said. “You have to practice consistency and discipline until working out becomes a habit.”

For students concerned about injuries, Lee recommends incorporating mobility exercises, such as supermans and good mornings, while focusing on core engagement.

“To avoid strain, proper core activation is crucial,” Lee said. “Without it, you’re putting unnecessary stress on your spine.”

Students looking to train their back e ciently should aim to train twice a week with a mix of moderate and heavy weights. Bonoan said machines are useful for isolating muscles, while free weights help with stabilization.

“If you’re trying to grow your back, machines are your best friend,” Bonoan said. “ !ey’re mechanically designed to build your back. Free weights work, but machines let you isolate and grow speci$c muscles more e ciently.”

Bonoan also said that students without gym access can modify workouts with pull-ups, or use household items, such as a backpack $lled with books, as weights.

All that said, back workouts won’t yield results without proper nutrition.

Verpaele said he sticks to high-protein meals and aims for 150 grams of protein daily. Protein helps build muscle, adding mass to areas undergoing physical strain.

“I don’t follow a strict diet, but I make sure I hit my protein goal,” said Verpaele.

For students who don’t know where to start, the best advice is to just begin. Strengthening and growing the back takes time, but the bene$ts — better posture, injury prevention and a sculpted physique — are worth it.

“Back training helps with literally every other li ,” Verpaele said. “Just do it”

So next time you hit the gym, don’t neglect your back. Your spine, and future self, will thank you.

your next back day

Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown: Strengthens the lats for a broad back

Barbell Shrugs: Targets the traps for upper back development

Pec Deck Iso Rear Delt Fly: Works the rhomboids and rear delts for posture help

Chest-Supported High Rows: An underrated but highly e!ective movement for back strength

Single Arm Dumbbell Row: Fixing left and right imbalances

Supermans & Good

Mornings: Essential for mobility and preventing injury

Cable Pull-Overs: Tricky but e!ective way to target the lats

Bicep Curls: Complement the back with a secondary muscle while you’re at it

Is your kitchen full of fast-food leftovers and frozen Trader Joe’s meals? You’re not alone — but are vitamins the fix? With inﬂuencers pushing supplements left and right, it’s hard to tell what’s worth your money. Some pills might help, but others are expensive placebos wrapped in pretty packaging. Before you buy into the wellness craze, here’s the real deal on vitamins, nutrition and what your body actually needs.

words, photo&design_lizzie kristal.

Living o% dino nuggets and Subway sandwiches might not be getting a busy college student the nutrients they need. Supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals can be helpful in boosting your health and improving your energy. But with a plethora of types to choose from, how do you know which vitamins to turn to?

!ere are 13 essential vitamins: A, C, D, E, K and eight B vitamins. E!ere are 13 essential vitamins: A, C, D, E, K and eight B vitamins. Each plays a special and vital role in the human body, like supporting the immune system, reproductive health, bone density, blood formation and more.

C and B vitamins are water-soluble, while A, D, E and K are fat-soluble, meaning they’re absorbed by the body di%erently. All vitamins, however, have a tolerable upper intake level, which is a maximum amount that’s healthy to consume for the average person.

“You’re more likely to reach or surpass a tolerable upper limit and have it be problematic for you with the fat-solubles because your body stores them,” said Michelina Witte, research scientist and lecturer at the University of Miami. “Whereas with your water-soluble vitamins,

your body will excrete the excess.”

When taking vitamins, be sure to keep an eye on dosage levels. !at said, it might not be necessary to supplement your diet with a pill.

Whole-Foods Diet

“If you’re eating a diet that’s centered around whole foods — mostly plants — you’re going to get all of those phytonutrients, the $ber, and all of the good stu% that your body and your digestive tract really craves,” said Witte. “And you’re not going to have to worry so much about taking a supplement.”

Eating a whole-foods based diet can seem daunting, and even pricey, at $rst. With the right approaches, eating a vitamin-rich diet isn’t too complicated.

“Students can eat healthy on a budget by focusing on nutrient-rich, a%ordable staples like eggs, beans, lentils, oats, and frozen fruits and vegetables,” said Jessica Basil, registered nurse and assistant director of Student Health & Wellbeing. “Meal planning and buying discounted produce will help save money and provide meals that are packed with essential vitamins.”

!at said, many people can still bene$t by adding a vitamin supplement to their daily regimen, like those with dietary restrictions or those who live in cold climates, according to Basil.

“College students commonly lack B12, iron, and omega-3s,” said Basil, including minerals in the list of common de$ciencies. “For University of Miami students, a vitamin D supplement may not be needed due to ample sun exposure.”

Take that as your sign to soak up the sun and get a tan — with sunscreen, of course.

Vitamin B12

As Basil mentioned, vitamin B12 is a common de$ciency among the population. B12 is found naturally in soil. n the cavemen ages, humans got B12 from food grown in nutrient-rich dirt. However, with streamlined farming practices that clean produce, we are missing B12 in its natural form.

“B12 is really, truly the only of all vitamins that I ever recommend people look at. And it’s not even a mega dose; it’s like 2.25 mcg daily,” said Witte. “We don’t have a reliable source in our food supply.”

Beyond B12, it can be hard to determine which vitamin supplements are right for your speci$c body.

“Don’t just go buying supplements because you heard some in uencer say it’s a good thing for X, Y and Z,” said Witte. “Go to your doctor, get a blood panel done, and get a snapshot of what you look like right now inside, and that will tell you what you truly need.”

Blood panels are a great tool for navigating supplements. Instead of wasting money on pills and potions on the shelf, be certain of what your body craves. ven a er seeing de$ciencies on a blood panel, supplements may not be necessary.

“If you are not meeting the mark for some [vitamins], you can always make some tweaks with your diet,” said Witte. “I always recommend $rst getting all of those things in the whole-plant form, because while being able to get those things in a quick pinch if you are low, is helpful, it’s not something we should rely on to get the nutrition that our bodies seek.”

Supplement Shopping

Not all supplements are made equal. With hundreds of vitamin brands and dosages lining the shelves, choosing the best bottle for you is important.

“My advice for navigating supplements is to look for products that are third-party certi$ed,” said Basil. “It is also important to read the label and look for information about the ingredients. Be sure to avoid products with unrealistic claims, excessive dosages, or unnecessary additives like arti$cial coloring.”

O en, the prettiest bottles are some of the worst choices. Instead of supplying quality nutrients with minimal additives and processing, those brands rely on marketing and visual advertising to sell products.

According to Witte, health halos are another red ag. Health halos are a psychological tactic where one good quality advertised on the product outshines a bunch of negative ones.

For example, acaí bowls are o en seen as a superfood, but many are packed with added sugar from toppings like granola and sweetened coconut. Smoothie King’s Acaí Cocoa Haze bowl contains 53g added sugar, and Playa Bowls’ Pura Vida bowl has 40g.

“Organic,” “sugar-free,” and “low-fat” are all health halo buzzwords used to trick consumers into thinking a product is overall nutritious.

“ !e way I see it, the more a product is trying to sell you on its health bene$ts, the more skeptical you should be,” said Witte.

At the end of the day, supplements can be useful, but they shouldn’t replace a well-rounded diet. Instead of turning trendy pills powders, students should focus on whole foods and consult a healthcare provider before adding supplements to their routine.

THE ESSENTIAL VITAMINS

Water-Soluble

B1 [Thiamine]: Thiamine helps convert carbohydrates into energy and supports nerve function. It’s essential for a healthy heart and a sharp brain. Meats, fish, whole grains

B2 [Riboﬂavin]: Riboﬂavin plays a key role in energy production and metabolism. It also supports healthy skin, vision and acts as an antioxidant. Beef liver, meats, dairy B3 [Niacin]: Niacin is important for energy production, DNA repair and maintaining healthy skin. It also helps regulate cholesterol levels. Lean meats, poultry, eggs, legumes

B5 [Pantothenic Acid]: Pantothenic acid synthesizes coenzyme A, which is essential for fatty acid metabolism and energy production. It also aids in hormone and neurotransmitter synthesis. Veggies, meat, eggs

B6 [Pyridoxine]: Pyridoxine is crucial for amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter production and red blood cell formation. It also plays a role in mood regulation and immune function. Salmon, beef, eggs

B7 [Biotin]: Biotin, the beauty B vitamin, supports healthy hair, skin and nails. It is also vital for the metabolism of basic macronutrients. Eggs, nuts, legumes

B9 [Folate/Folic Acid]: Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, cell growth and red blood cell formation. It is especially important for women during menstruation and pregnancy. Leafy green veggies, citrus fruits, legumes

B12 [Cobalamin]: Cobalamin is necessary for red blood cell production, nerve function and DNA synthesis. For folks with anemia, this is your goldmine. Animal products, nutritional yeast, supplements

C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system, promotes collagen production for skin and tissue health, aids in iron absorption and supports wound healing. Chili peppers, guavas, fruits

Fat-Soluble

A: This vitamin keeps your eyesight sharp, your skin healthy and your immune system strong. It even helps you see in low light — your body’s built-in night vision. Leafy greens, orange/yellow veggies and fruits

D: Nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth. Plus, it supports your immune system and even boosts your mood. Sunlight, fatty fish, eggs

E: Vitamin E is the body’s personal bodyguard — defending your cells from damage, keeping your skin and hair glowing and supporting a strong immune system. Nuts, seeds, avocados

K: Known for its role in blood clotting, vitamin K prevents excessive bleeding and helps regulate calcium for strong bones. Leafy greens, eggs, soybeans Many coll&g& s,ud&n,s lack vi,amin D, especially in winter months, Luckily for UM students, our regular sun exposure might save us.

Junk Journaling

Picture this: you’re 80-years-old, sitting peacefully in a rocking chair, ﬂipping through a book ﬁlled with old movie tickets, handwritten notes and vintage postcards. Each piece of paper in this book tells a story from your younger years. In a world where memories are often stored on cloud drives and social media feeds, junk journaling o!ers a hands-on, creative approach to preserving the past.

words_rebecca peikes, samuel rotenberg. photo_lizzie kristal. design_charlotte deangelis.

Sterre de Weerd is a social media in uencer on Instagram, who discovered the joy of junk journaling as a way to preserve memories of her travels around the world. Today, she’s an avid junk journalist who sees it as a “low-e%ort, lowexpectation hobby.”

“It’s about the memories, not necessarily about the $nished product,” said de Weerd. Junk journaling is a fun and creative way to preserve memories, blending cra ing and sustainability. By repurposing and recycling everyday materials like old books, photos, postcards, tickets, maps or receipts, junk journalers transform mundane items into stories accumulated into a handmade keepsake.

!e roots of junk journaling trace back to the 19th century, evolving from scrapbooking traditions in the Middle Ages. Families o en used Bibles to record signi$cant life events, personal stories and mementos. Scrapbooking, as many know it today, gained signi$cant popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, creating numerous stores dedicated to the cra However, as scrapbooking supplies became more expensive and less eco-friendly, a new form of creative expression emerged: junk journaling.

Junk journals started as a form of ‘rebellion’ against the idea that you needed to buy expensive papers and supplies to store

memories or create personal artwork, said Justine Jenkins, an author who writes about junk journalism on her House of Mahalo cra blog, YouTube channel and Etsy shop. Instead of purchasing pricey materials, junk journalers embrace the idea of reusing everyday items — things most people would typically throw away. !is included ticket stubs, cereal boxes and old envelopes, all of which could be repurposed into something both beautiful and meaningful.

How Junk Journaling Works

De Weerd, who is from Columbus, Ohio, said she began journaling when she was young but said it didn’t become a habit until she saw someone doing it on TikTok.

“I thought it would be perfect because I always hang onto maps, brochures and tickets,” said De Weerd.

For some, it’s a way to cra a daily planner, with each page adorned with unique decorations and personal touches. For others, it’s a memory book where an everyday item — whether a concert ticket, a receipt or a photograph — holds sentimental value. Junk journaling can be themed to re ect personal experiences, such as travel journals $lled with photos, maps and ticket stubs from trips. !e beauty of junk journaling lies in its versatility, allowing each person to make their journal unique to their personal experiences.

Beyond being a fun hobby, junk journaling is an a%ordable and eco-conscious alternative to traditional scrapbooking. Instead of buying new materials, junk journalers recycle and repurpose items they already have, minimizing waste and reducing their environmental footprint.

Getting Started

Chelle Stein, an art journalist, said there are $ve key steps to creating a junk journal.

!e $rst is deciding on the journal’s purpose or theme — whether it’s to document memories, a gi or serve as a creative outlet. !e theme can even be no theme — randomness works too. !is helps establish focus and direction so the process doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Next, choose a book-binding method. !ere are several options, including sewn bindings, where you stitch pages into the cover, or binder rings, which are a popular and simple choice. Alternatively, you can repurpose an old notebook or book, giving it new life as a junk journal.

Once you’ve decided on the binding, it’s time to collect materials. !ese can include anything — old postcards,fabric scraps, vintage buttons and even discarded receipts. Tools and supplies may include glue, scissors, sewing needles and decorative elements like washi tape or stamps.

A er gathering your materials, it’s time to assemble the base of your book. From

No n&&d for dum-s,&r diving. Aesthetic junk can be found in the most unexpected avenues of your life. Find scraps from fruit stickers, old magazines, food packaging and even business cards to give your pages a unique, personal touch. there, the fun begins — $lling the pages with memories, designs and creative expression. Many feel pressure when starting to make every page perfectly aesthetic. Don’t sweat it. !e beauty of using junk removes that pressure, allowing yourself to release all creative mayhem into those pages.

Why People Love Junk Journaling

Junk journaling o%ers endless possibilities, “It’s a space where you can express yourself with anything you want,” said Sy Wendy. “ !ere is no guideline to what you can or cannot use in your junk journal.” Wendy said that junk journaling o%ers endless possibilities to store both memories and ideas.

Junk journalers say it’s a great activity for relieving stress and unwinding because it requires little e%ort. Beyond just a creative hobby, junk journaling has therapeutic bene$ts. Studies have shown that engaging in creative hobbies can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being. Many use the practice as a way to manage stress or anxiety.

“‘It’s like meditation for me,” said de Weerd. “When I focus on sticking paper or creating designs, my mind calms down, and the noise fades away. It’s a form of self-care, allowing me to unwind and re ect without pressure.”

Whether it’s a planner, a memory book, or a themed collection, junk journaling is a creative way to capture life’s moments while giving old materials a second life.

“I love collecting things and being able to look back on them. I also love to be creative, but I feel like drawing or painting is too much e%ort sometimes and takes up a lot of mental capacity,” said De Weerd.“I sometimes just like the idea of sticking things on the page and creating something, versus having to come up with an idea and drawing it myself.”

Junk journaling is more than just a creative hobby — it’s a personal and sustainable way to document memories. In the modern world, where digital photos or memories can feel eeting, junk journaling provides a meaningful method to preserve thoughts, personal experiences and creativity.

In a world of mass-produced, throwaway culture, many enthusiasts say junk journaling provides a hands-on alternative that gives them an environmentally-friendly way to preserve memories.

Where to Acquire Your Junk

Junk journaling is all about embracing the beauty of otherwise discarded objects. As you go about your day, keep an eye out for these easy places to ﬁnd junk in your everyday life.

Tick&,s from fas, food r&s,auran,s can be a fun way to display your big back tendencies. And the sticker paper they’re printed on makes them easy to paste to your pages.

Comm&mora,& your coll&g& days using yers from events on campus. Every snippet brings a di%erent vibe and splash of color to your spread through their unique branding.

Food -ackaging

lik& wra--&rs or boxes are o en overlooked, but they can add a unique aesthetic to your pages while also providing an inadvertent snacking habit tracker.

S,ick&rs ar& a cu,& and &asy way to make any spread more personalized. Free stickers are o en available around campus, or you could pick up a pack for less than $10 on Amazon or at Target.

W.&r&v&r you buy groc&ri&s, movie tickets, train passes or go out to a restaurant, always say “yes” to a printed receipt. Be careful, though, as receipts fade over time. Counteract this by going over the important details with a pen or thin marker.

FASHION

Fashion is showcasing the best in style, perfect for those looking to make a statement. Channel laid-back cool with Adam Sandler-inspired baggy streetwear. See how camo is making a statement beyond the battlefield. Step into a dreamy world of petals and prints in a floral fashion shoot. This section plunges into the significance of trends. design_lizzie kristal.

When it comes to fashion, some people have it easy — influencers occupying our social media feeds seamlessly throw together elaborate, stylish outfits each day. The rest of us can merely look up to their fashion prowess when asking ourselves what to wear. An outfit can define your confidence and how you choose to approach the day. Choosing can be quite a challenging task, especially if you don’t know where to start. words_erica kong. photo_valentina gomez. design_charlotte deangelis.

In a ,im& crunc. for a going-ou, ou,fi,? Start with a standout piece — like a bold top or statement shoes — then keep the rest simple with a neutral base. Add accessories for extra personality and bling.

Have you ever caught yourself staring at Pin!e $rst thing to consider when building an out$t is your body type. Body type can play a big role in how you look in clothes, as certain silhouettes and items can be better suited for your body shape. !erefore, dressing for the wrong body type can throw o% the out$t you’re building. !e goal is to balance out your proportions. Once you identify your body type, here are some tips on how to style it:

Rectangle: !is body type has very similar waist to hip to shoulder measurements. You can create volume through more textured fabrics and patterns, such as ruching or asymmetrical designs. It is also recommended that rectangle shapes use belts or high-waisted bottoms to de$ne their waists.

Oval: !is body type has a fuller midsection and a balanced bust and hips. Wearing clothing that is cinched at the waist will balance out the fuller midsection, creating a more de$nitive waistline.

Apple: Apple body shapes have a rounder midsection and larger waists. It is essential to $nd structured fabrics and pieces with cuts and embellishments.

Pear: !is body shape has wider hips and thighs with a smaller waist. Adding volume to the top will help balance out the hips and thighs. You can look for tops with patterns and low waisted bottoms.

Hourglass: An hourglass body type is curvier and has a narrow waist. You can balance your curves by buying more $tted clothing and so fabric that drapes well.

Inverted Triangle: !is body type has broader shoulders with a narrow waist and hips. Focus on drawing attention to your legs through brighter colors, owy fabrics or patterns. It’ll help balance out your shoulders.

Back to The Basics

Basics are considered timeless pieces that can be built upon, styling them up or dressing them down. . Remember that about 70% of your closet should be basics to make it easier for styling, while the other 30% should be trendy or statement pieces. Not every out$t will look good with a crop top, so $nding a range of long and short tops is key, too.

!at being said, you might want to $nd some tank tops in di%erent lengths, as well as ones with sleeves. When buying these basics, remember that you’re going to want to $nd some com$er tops made out of polyester or cotton. !ese basic tops should be in neutral colors, such as black, beige and white. !ese colors will go with almost anything you’d want to build upon. Again, these are just the building blocks to a great wardrobe

When shopping for bottoms, some musthaves include both a pair of black and denim bottoms because they are so versatile. Another thing to consider is ratio; how will the length of your top look relative to

the bottoms you choose? If you’re wearing low-waisted jeans, you might choosea longer top that meets the beginning of the bottom. Alternatively,if you’re wearing high-waisted jeans, you might wear a shorter top. !is creates an illusion that your out$t $ts together like pieces of a puzzle.

Regardless of how your out$t comes together, it’s important to $nd a style of bottoms that makes you feel con$dent and comfortable when you wear it. When it comes to fashion, con$dence can be a projection that goes from the outside-in.

Mixing in Some Personality

Once you pick out the bread and butter for the out$t, let’s add some sugar and spice and everything nice with statement pieces. !is is where the other 30% of your wardrobe enters the chat. !ese pieces are unique to your style, whether that’s through color, shape, texture,

or whatever makes these pieces stand out from your basics.

Let’s say you’re wearing plain bottoms and would like to opt for a unique top. You can use color or the shape of the top to curate an original look. Whichever top you choose, ask yourself whether it compliments your bottoms while making them look more voguish. A fan-favorite combo is jeans with a babydoll top. A babydoll top is unique in its shape. !e shape of the babydoll top gives the out$t a spi%y, yet re$ned air.. !e idea is the same when wanting to style more unique bottoms. Yes, you may have a basic top on, but with a statement piece, people’s $rst impression will be your bottoms. And once they look at you as a whole, they see the out$t come together.

How to Find Your Style

!e “$ve out$t rule” asks the question “Can thHave you ever been scrolling through an online store only to see a piece you convince yourself would pair perfectly with half the items in your closet? Next time this happens, ask yourself whether “ this piece can work as $ve other out$ts. !is is the “$ve out$t rule,” which helps generate the mentality of reusing pieces to create out$ts, instead of buying new pieces every time you get bored of your wardrobe. It’s a good way to build a timeless closet and learn what goes with what, so you can e ciently build out$ts.

When building an out$t, stay true to yourself. Of course, many want to stay on trend and update their wardrobes with the latest styles. !at can be overwhelming and discouraging. So, here is a list of ways to truly $nd your style coming straight from fashionforward students around campus.

Jadyn Cohen, a broadcast journalism and sports administration student, said she recommends going on Pinterest as a source of inspiration and organizing di%erent pins to di%erent boards, then $nding stores with similar styles that help you express yourself.

“Is it attering on my body? Does the style compliment me? Do I have enough jewelry on?” said Cohen. Cohen also said she recommends a pair of quality, black heels.. “ !ey will have so many uses later in life.”

Genesis Pacheco is a legal studies and global business student with a wicked sense of style. She said her $rst rule for building an out$t is called the pick-and-choose rule.” In other words, pick what part of yourself you’d like to accentuate that day. And, it seems like Pinterest is every diva’s best friend. Genesis mentions creating a board and $nding icons with similar style. At the moment, her favorite in uencers are Sophie Richie and Tara Yummy.

One last thing Genesis mentions is having a good pair of jeans, as they can be dressed up or down and look great no matter what. It can feel as though there is no time to stress about what you’re going to wear every day, but if you build an e wardrobe, you’ll be guaranteed some killer out so take risks and to cater your wardrobe to your dream style.

Ever have those days where you can’t fathom leaving the house in anything more than a baggy pair of shorts and a graphic tee? Luckily, we have Sandlercore-style to assure us that an intentionally disheveled look is considered fashion. Comedic legend Adam Sandler expanded his repertoire of talents when, in late 2023, Gen Z hyper-ﬁxated on his peculiar fashion sense. Now, fashionistas everywhere are tipping their hats to Sandler and applauding the comfort and carefree aesthetic that is “Sandlercore.”

words_remi turner. design_marita gavioti. photo_valeria barbaglio.

To nail ,.& Adam Sandl&r s,yl& wi,.ou, br&aking ,.& bank, check out thri stores like Goodwill or Red White & Blue !ri for oversized tees, baggy jeans and vintage sweatshirts. Local ea markets and online sales are also great spots for $nding quirky, one-of-a-kind pieces.

The Sandler Formula

!e Sandlercore fashion category consists of two main elements: comfortable pieces and a carefree mindset.

If one were to ask the Sandman himself, “What’s necessary to embody Sandlercore?” t his secret recipe may include something about convenience and feeling good.

Senior psychology major Hunter Bass described what Sandlercore encompasses: “ !e Adam Sandler ’$t is all about the idea of comfort, with loose lines for all pieces. !e big focus is always on how it feels, not how it looks — although that’s a close second.”

Adam Sandler out$ts aren’t meant to break the bank or require constant readjustment due to discomfort.

Let’s break down what the essentials are for an Adam Sandler ’$t. First things $rst: take advantage of what you already have, or, if absolutely necessary, hit the thri store. At the base, look for any loose-$tting bottoms — jorts, baggy jeans, basketball shorts two sizes too big — anything works as long as it has a slight sag.

Now for the top: we’re talking jerseys, T-shirts, an oversized zip-up or a collared polo. Mix and match these elements with some fun jewelry and stylish sneakers, and you have mastered Sandlercore.

Madame Sandler

TikTok witnessed an in ux of attention toward Adam Sandler’s e%ortless street style at the end of 2023. !e Gen Z audience used their hyper-$xation on Sandler’s mismatched, casual out$ts to create the trend of “Madame Sandler.” !e social media trend featured mostly-female users showcasing out$ts correlated with Sandler’s signature style. During this trend, creators paid homage to Sandler’s carefree style by incorporating baggy shorts, vintage T-shirts and patterned button-downs into their wardrobes.

Streetwear has long been a respected genre in the fashion world. While Sandler didn’t invent street style, the buzz around his lackadaisical wardrobe — including the Madame Sandler trend — increased streetwear’s societal recognition. Sandlercore trickled down to many on the Internet, from everyday individuals to fashion and lifestyle in uencers like Victoria Paris. !ose who recognize that Sandlercore is not just a trend, but a lifestyle, o en take these laid-back looks to the next level by integrating accessories that add more air.

What are you Doing Here?

At the University of Miami, students witness and partake t in a fair mix of class out$ts, including athleisure, streetwear and business casual. Shoutout to the one student who sits outside Starbucks in a proper suit

every day on campus — we applaud your class and sophistication, but we aren’t all built to wear layered, tight-$tting out$ts to class.

!e perfect solution for those days when you still want to seem stylish but can’t be bothered to throw on anything too intricate is Sandler’s fashion mantra. !e idea that “beauty is pain” is much too overrated.

Take a look around campus, and you might notice students have adopted Sandlercore. While waiting for your Wednesday market meal, survey the crowd, and you may spot baggy jorts held up with a thick belt or a football jersey layered over loose jeans. !ese elements hint at Sandler’s personal style and other forms of streetwear that society has come to love for their chic simplicity.

Senior $nance major Lianni Jelves explained her go-to clothing pieces for cra ing a Sandler $t: “Jordans, wide-leg Adidas pants, jorts, basketball shorts, and a big T-shirt.”

Jelves said she appreciates Sandlercore for its comfort and exibility. Who could complain about sitting through class in a loose pair of shorts and a thri ed tee?

Inspo, Please.

Sandler is undoubtedly an icon not just for his hilarious movie characters but for unapologetically rocking his baggy out$ts on the streets, and occasionally red carpets. However, there are other public $gures to applaud for their own twist on streetwear.

Ulysses Del Pino, a senior political science major, recognizes where he sources celebrity fashion creativity.

“I’m inspired by Billie Eilish, Charli XCX and Virgil Abloh because they each have their own unique take on Adam Sandler streetwear and baggy ideas,” said Del Pino.

Your favorite celebs might also be fascinated with Sandlercore.

Fashion and lifestyle in uencer, Selma Kaci, shows o% her style through a classy, Parisian take on baggy streetwear.

Naline Pierre, a sophomore psychology major, cited SZA as a Sandlecore pioneer

stating, “Her streetwear out$ts demonstrate unconventional expression and de fashion gender norms.”

For students who can’t commit to Sandler’s baggy ensemble, there are plenty of ways to elevate streetwear while maintaining a Sandler-esque style.

“Elevating a casual streetwear look is effortless,” said Del Pino. “Adding a nice jacket over a shirt and accessorizing with jewelry can create a classy yet relaxed look.”

Make the Sandler Switch

!e main advantages of Sandlecore are convenience and the endless possibilities for elevation. Grab items o% the rack that go unworn and match them with an unconventional pieces of clothing, accessories or jewelry.

“Create a balance of leisure and fashion by easily elevating Sandler-style fashion by playing with patterns, textures, purses and hairstyles,” said Jelves.

Bass sajd she believes that everyone can test out Sandlercore. “An Adam Sandler $t is easily customizable. Most people have something in their closet that works for this style.”

Next time you wake up too unbothered to plan out a complicated out$t, tune in to your inner Sandler and feel good hitting the streets in a relaxed ensemble that causes heads to turn.

Forg&, your -an,s or jus, w&aring camo?

Camo print isn’t just for the military — its versatility shines in fashion with styles ranging from classic woodland and digital camo to urban and snow patterns.

Despite its intended invisibility, camouﬂage print is pretty in your face nowadays. From pop stars to presidential candidates, the print is inﬁltrating mainstream fashion in a rather unique way. So why is camo so back this year, and will it stick around?

words_julia hecht. photo_ethan dosa. design_marita gavioti.

Mary Brooks, a senior at the University of Miami from Bainbridge, Wash., is reaching for the camou age print pieces in her closet more o en.

“I have a camo hat and long sleeve shirt. I wore them a lot this summer... they match the Paci$c Northwest, outdoorsy vibe,” Brooks said. “My style isn’t super girly, and I like how they can be styled in a feminine or masculine way.”

She’s not alone in this. From high-fashion runways to small thri stores, the print typically associated with the military or rugged outdoorsmen is performing quite well in 2024.

WeMarketResearch, a market analytics and research $rm based in India, forecasts the camou age fashion market rising from $5.3 million in 2022 to $9.9 million by 2033.

But there are nuances to camou age’s prevalence in 2024. When asked if she wore those same camo pieces while at school in Florida, Brooks was quick to change her tune.

“I don’t bring them out in Miami. It feels too, like, genuine? Like a Florida hick,” she added. “Outside of Florida it’s more... camp.”

Brooks doesn’t mean camp as in campground, in which case camou age would be very appropriate. To understand the recent uptick of the print designed not to be seen, it’s important to know what “camp” in the fashion world means.

In 1964, American writer Susan Sontag wrote a whole book on the subject, titled “Notes on ‘Camp.’” Sontag de$ned camp as an aesthetic characterized by a sometimes tongue-in-cheek, o en over-the-top approach, using pieces that wouldn’t typically be seen as stylish in a way that translates as an intentional artistic message or performance.

“Camo has been around for many years in fashion,” said Miami-based stylist Elysze Held, speci$cally referencing Marc Jacobs controversial grunge collection of the 1990s.

While camou age ebbs and ows over time in the fashion world, its resurgence in 2024 bears a di%erent tone, with some of the most iconic mainstream pieces of the year coming from rather unexpected brands and people.

!e most notable camou age product of this year didn’t come from a designer company or luxury brand -- rather, it was made by union workers for the Democratic party. Soon a er

Kamala Harris’ candidacy was announced in July, her campaign launched camou age baseball caps as merchandise. As of Aug. 8 this year, the campaign reportedly

sold nearly 50,000 units, totaling almost $2 million in sales.

Rebecca Brubaker, digital director for the Harris campaign in North Carolina, got a $rsthand look at the origin of the coveted piece of campaign merch, which was modeled a er Democratic vice-presidential candidate and Minnesota governor Tim Walz’s own camou age cap.

“

!e merch team proposed it, and people at $rst were like, ‘we don’t know if anyone’s gonna buy it,’” Brubaker said. “ !en the factory in New Jersey that was producing them couldn’t keep up with the demand, and knocko%s even started popping up.”

“It’s intriguing that political candidates have started bandwagoning certain social media inspired, pop culture trends,” said Ti%ani Knowles-Senatus, who teaches a fashion public relations course at the University of Miami. She says she views the move as a clear PR and marketing tactic.

“It says, ‘I’m down! I’m one with the people. I’m just like the common folk,’” Knowles Senatus added – an attitude that Democrats have been criticized for lacking in recent years.

Brubaker says the hat, which is camo print with “Harris Walz” in orange embroidering, became symbolic of the campaign.

“A lot of what we did was taking ideas that are typically associated with the Republican party, like freedom, and ipping that on its head,” Brubaker said, citing Republican hypocrisy when it comes to reproductive freedom as an example.

“I think the reason why it was so popular is because it was a subversion of something that would typically be considered a conservative look,” she added. “It was a conversation starter.”

Before Midwesterner Walz’s hat came on the scene, another midwestern public $gure was selling out her own variation – Missouri native and Grammy-nominated pop star Chappell Roan.

!e hat, which is camo with the words “Midwest Princess” embroidered in orange – a reference to Roan’s hugely successful album “ !e Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” -- is currently sold out on her merch site. Roan’s album centers heavily around her dating experiences as a lesbian woman, with fun, campy production –subject matter that doesn’t necessarily align with the typical associations and conventions of camo.

“I think her brand is very chaotic and mismatched, and the orange with the camou age is along those lines,” said University of Miami junior Sophie Fournier, who is a fan of Roan. Fournier is also the president of U!ri , a University of Miami student organization that hosts a weekly thri swap pop-up on campus to promote sustainability in fashion.

“I was just at Goodwill yesterday and noticed a lot more camou age that piqued my interest,” Fournier said. “It’s di%erent than how camo used to be perceived – it just goes to show that things that are seen in one way can be seen di%erently depending on the generation.”

And it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. !e in uencer-created clothing brand Dairy Boy amassed 139,000 followers on Instagram since its creation in 2021, frequently dropping all-camo loungewear collections. Just this week, the popular salad chain Sweetgreen announced its new merch product – the “Kale Camo Hoodie” -- featuring camo print made with the shapes of kale leaves.

With the rise of camou age though, comes certain risks to be aware of — beyond the print going suddenly out of style —. Something Knowles-Senatus discussed with her fashion PR class this semester was how fashion and PR choices are perceived globally.

“Take the camou age trend. You dare not wear any of the Chappell Roan or Dairy Boy camo pieces on a trip overseas, because wearing camou age attire is illegal in most Caribbean nations, several African countries and in Saudi Arabia – if you’re not a member of the military,” Knowles-Senatus said.

“I would encourage students to think critically about how our fashion choices in the U.S. relate to the world outside of our own insular bubble,” she added.

Knowles-Senatus’ comments on the relationship between fashion and larger national and international culture also bring rise to the question of how the print will age through the next few years - speci$cally, in the next Republican presidency. Perhaps the tongue-in-cheek, unexpected era of camo is here to stay. Or perhaps, like Brooks said about Florida, fashion lovers will desert it entirely and leave camo to the huntsmen.

FLORAL

Garden party chic never goes out of style. Prepare to see a vivacious array of ﬂoral prints blooming around you this spring. That’s right, while ﬂoral patterns are known to wither away during the fall and winter, they always begin budding again in the spring.

From ditsy, pastel prints to large and bold tropical flowers, wearing a ﬂoral print is the perfect way to embrace springtime.

words_caleigh russo photo_valeria barbaglio. design_lizzie kristal.

AFFAIR

Floral -rin,s .av& &xis,&d sinc& anci&n, ,im&s when people wore speci$c owers to convey particular meanings. While people wore red hibiscus or mimosas because of their association with beauty and youth, they believed lotuses symbolized sacred spiritual $gures.

No,.ing says floral -rin, lik& a colorful Hawaiian s.ir,. Pair it with neutral-colored straight-leg pants or cargo shorts for those looking to sport the classic, botanical fashion piece. !e timeless shirts can also be worn open over a white undershirt for vintage look.

W.a, do&s your favori,& flow&r m&an? Every ower has a meaning – while roses symbolize love and passion, orchids emulate elegance and lilies signify purity. If you want to personalize the orals you pick, consider the meanings behind the owers you wear.

H&ar m& ou, – con,ras,ing your florals wi,. l&a,.&r can curate the perfect look. Whether it’s a oral skirt with leather boots or a owerprint dress accompanied by a leather jacket, leather’s edginess complements whimsical, dainty oral prints.

T.&s& flow&rs will n&v&r di& – here’s where to shop if you want to invest in pricier prints that will never wither away in your closet. Revolve, LoveShackFancy Reformation, Lilly Pulitzer, and Abercrombie & Fitch all carry timeless prints that will succeed many oral fads.

Wond&ring w.ic. gard&n ,o -ick your n&w favori,& floral -i&c&s from? For those not looking to spend top-dollar, browse at stores like Zara, Peppermayo, Princess Polly and Beginning Boutique.

Ros&s, ,uli-s, lilli&s — o. my. !ere is such thing as too many orals. To prevent a clash of petals, dilute you’re out$ts with basics. Plain pants, simple shoes or toned-down top are a few ways to ground a oral out$t.

2025 BINGO

Now that we’re three months into 2025, millions of New Year’s resolutions have long been broken. To help you feel accomplished, Distraction is providing you with a bingo card to track 2025’s happenings. We can’t advise that you aim to check o! everything on this list, but know you’re in for an eventful year if you do.

words&design_charlotte deangelis.

try a new food dye your hair

visit a new city

get a big kid job

watch a beach sunrise support distraction magazine!

break no contact

get a sugar daddy chug a rat pitcher make an impulse purchase clean your camera roll crash out over an exam

go on a blind date

start a new hobby do 75 hard

group road trip

get a tattoo or piercing

learn a new recipe

solo travel host a party binge a new show go to a concert read 5 books do a photo shoot touch grass for once