Barnard Bulletin October 2017

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Imani randolph '18 & claudia levey '19 Editors-in-Chief ali mcqueen '18 Managing Editor

EVENTS DIRECTOR JUDY LIU '19

FEATURES EDITOR Emma Yee Yick '19 POLITICS & OPINION EDITOR Sara Hameed '20 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Allisen Lichtenstein '19 NEW YORK CITY LIVING EDITOR katherine leak '19

CREATIVE DIRECTOR sharon wu '18 PHOTOSHOOT DIRECTOR judy liu '19 LAYOUT DIRECTOR anna li '19

HEALTH & STYLE EDITOR carolina gonzalez '19

Thank you to the ruth bayard smith '72 memorial fund for its support of the bulletin BARNARD BULLETIN 3009 Broadway New York, NY 10027 TheBarnardBulletin..Com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Follow us on instagram:

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facebook.com/barnardbulletin twitter.com/barnardbulletin instagram.com/barnard_bulletin

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A Letter from the Editors

Aaaaand we’re back! It’s a new year here at Barnard, and with it comes the promise of new opportunities: new friends to make, new classes to take, a new school president, and a new Shake Shack location. Here at the Bulletin, we’re excited about all of these things and more. With the first issue of the 2017-2018 school year, we invite you to embrace the newness of it all. This month, we give you tips on how to see familiar places in a different light, from Butler Library to Central Park. We bring you a Fresh Perspective on campus with the introduction of our first-year column. And, in our October centerpiece, we offer you a chance to question your ideas of self-care by radicalizing the notion of self-love, while also reinforcing the importance of allyship. @Returning students, welcome back to campus, and @First-Years, welcome! We’re glad to have you here, and, as always, thanks for reading. XOXO, Claudia Levey and Imani Randolph

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3 // Letter from the Editors 5 // Behind the Scenes 6 // Trending & Playlist

Health & Style 8 // NYFW TRENDS IRL 9 // IN DEFENSE OF GLOSS 10 // BACK TO SCHOOL LEWKS 12 // the butler break

Features 13 // love actually: love in limbo 14 // Centerpiece: preservations of the self: reflections on Radical self-love and allyship 23 // homecoming in the ( morningside) heights 24 // how to: your 1st semester @ the 'nard 25 // shackin' up with shake shack 26 // fresh perspective: freshwoman column

Politics & Opinion 27 // debunking the end of daca 28 // women in politics: kellyanne conway 29 // zine politics 30 // the past. present, and future of divestment 31 // she said / she said

Arts & Entertainment 32 // gallery galavanting 33 // concerts in nyc 34 // podcasts to satisfy your nonfiction fix 35 // what we're binge watching this month 36 // glass castle review 38 // books every barnard student should read

New York City Living 39 // an intern living in the big apple 40 // bites outside the bubble 41 // sample sale heaven 42 // just here for the insta 43 // hidden gems of central park

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ehind he cenes Models

nadia halim & morgen littlejohn Photography: sharon wu Art Direction: judy liu

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Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig created a anime about an alternative version of NYC that artfully balances the line between cleverness and total superficiality

Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page

Neo Yokio

Rebecca Minkoff x Stella & Dot Jewelry Collaboration Glitzy, statement making pieces that instantly dress up an outfit

Miaou Jeans All your favorite it gals are wearing them because they're known for having the perfect fit

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Living Proof TB.D. MultiTasking Styler All your hairproducts needs in one: polished look, damage control, and anti frizz

How to Behave Model Barbie Ferreira teamed up with Vice and Broadly to create a mini series that humorously explores the concepts of etiquette that women are expected to adhere to

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all your love

hold me down daniel caesar

jakob ogawa

2. go to hell

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mood dvsn

empress of

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nuestro planeta

underdog banks

kali uchis

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H&S NYFW Trends IRL A n ecstatic, vibrant buzz radiates the pursuit of individuality across all aspects of life in New York City. Here, we can be whoever we wish to be in life. This buzz of individuality translated itself directly into New York Fashion Week S/S 2018, which spoke directly to the importance of embracing the multitude of individualities. Fall 2017 New York Fashion Week demonstrated the concept of wearing what you want, when you want, and how you want. Let’s first take a look at the trend of glitter, silver, and gold, featured widely by both Isabel Marant and Saint Laurent. NYFW built on the idea of making looks shinier, which you can do, for example, by rocking silver, sparkly boots, or subtly including a shiny

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vibe into your look by wearing a simple pair of heels with a sparkly strap. The shiny, glittery shoes trend, also showcased by Calvin Klein and Marco de Vincenzo, goes hand in hand with a common theme of goddesses included throughout Karl Lagerfeld’s collection for Chanel and both Gucci and Roberto Cavalli Resort 2018. Here you can channel your inner Athena or Greek games look, and reminisce on reading the Odyssey in FYW. You can go for a more flowy Grecian style by wearing a long, pastel colored dress, or, alternatively a shorter, white dress. Both approaches will pair well with shiny, sparkly shoes, ultimately creating a very balanced look. You can draw some goddess inspo from several designers, such as those mentioned earlier, as well as Jil Sander and J. Mendel. Another trend we can’t miss is the jumpsuit. Perhaps Hillary Clinton predicted or even contributed to the boom of jumpsuits this season. This fall’s NYFW, in my opinion, expressed a subliminal message through the jumpsuit; that is, this trend has an underlying message of empowerment. Do what you want to do! Whether you wear a jumpsuit as a pantsuit on a more professional level, or kick back and relax

in a soft, cozy sweaterweather jumpsuit, you can participate in this trend however you desire tailor it to your interests and likes. You can also take a more contemporary approach to the jumpsuit, as seen in Rag and Bone’s collection, or you can dress your look up just like Tibi’s collection shows us how to. Red has always been a classic color - from J Law’s iconic red gown to Bella Hadid’s silky red Cannes’ fit, but NYFW built on this bold color even further this fall. Using Givenchy’s red pant suit as inspiration, you could wear all red. Or, for a simpler approach to the trend, you could strut a short red dress. Similarly, you could add a touch of red to your outfit through the use red heels, sneakers, or boots, which were all prominently seen this fashion week. Embrace NYFW’s emphasis of individuality and uniqueness by slipping on some red loafers and pairing them with a jumpsuit!

Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page

by Claudia Amadeo-Luyt

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In Defense of the Gloss In Defense of the Gloss T

by Stephanie Stifelman

Photography by Liz Hanson

here’s something to be said for no-makeup-makeup. The fact that you can sweat freely in the summer and call it a ‘natural glow’ should be reason enough to worship at its altar. But, even though the glossy look gives off definite summer vibes, there is no reason we can’t bask in its presence in every season. The people deserve light coverage foundations and creamy highlighters, no matter the weather! Here is the key to keeping your skin looking dewy all year long. Everything starts with the skin, especially if you want to keep your look natural. I recommend the Neutrogena HydroBoost Water Gel-Cream uses hyaluronic acid to deeply penetrate the skin and infuse it with with moisture, all without making you shiny. It’s a guaranteed hit with almost every skin type. To layer on top of the moisturizer, primers (especially at night) are key. As someone who tends to sweat profusely, I don’t need my makeup sliding off my face. And primers not only keep your makeup on your face, but they can also it look more au natural! Try out Too Faced’s Hangover Replenishing

Face Primer to get that deeply moisturizing primer that has a refreshing coconut scent. Flawless skin’s worst enemy is cakey coverage (I’m looking at you, heavy

foundation). IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream gives off a natural finish, but still covers any blemishes-- one easy step for that early morning class when you just can’t be bothered. For a more affordable but equally effective option (with a significantly better shade selection) the Maybelline Fit Me Dewy and Smooth Foundation combines coverage and glow, without overdoing it in either category. To amp up the glow a little, the Glossier Haloscope is a crowd favorite. It gives off a natural sheen and makes you THE BULLETIN -

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look like you just got back from the gym (but, like, in a good way). For the drugstore option, the NYX strobe cream is also incredibly buildable - it can go from simple glow to blinding highlight in seconds, depending on your mood. To fake the tan for as long as you possibly can, the Benefit Cream-To-Powder Hoola Quickie Contour stick will convince everyone you just got back from the beach. The Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer is another go-to, with an amazing tropical scent. Close your eyes and will yourself back to summer as you sweep it across your cheekbones. For fluttery lashes, The Falsies by Maybelline are a crowd favorite. To emphasize your eyes, it’s an old trick to line them with brown liner instead of black for a more natural effect. The L’oreal Infallible eye pencil is at the top of almost every list. There you have it. Glow for every season. Because the people have spoken, and they want the dew.

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Photography by Lilly Kallman

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Sophie. BC ‘21 & Lauren, BC ‘21

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I

love libraries, particularly Butler library. Though it’s a controversial stance on this campus, seeing the motivation others have, furiously at work on their assignments, is contagious. But even someone like me whose go-to study spot is Butler can’t help but sometimes feel trapped in the library. By this time in the semester, the first midterms and papers are starting out and you tend to spend more time in Butler than in Riverside park. Heading to Butler to get some work done is great, but sooner or later it can feel like you’ll never leave. As smart, ambitious Barnard students the work is unavoidable, but feeling super stressed is not! One of my favorite ways to take a break from the library is to exercise. Ideally we’d all be catching a FitBear class or going to Dodge every day but midterms can make this difficult.Taking a walk or jog, even if it’s around the perimeter of

by Julia Pickel

Butler, helps break up the time. One of my favorite places to run, walk, and read is Central Park. The perimeter path starts at 110th and Central Park West and only a little down the way is a beautiful lake. If Central Park feels far, Riverside parks has swing sets along the way and beautiful tree-lined paths. For an experience farther away, Brooklyn Boulders is an amazing rock climbing gym that’s worth the trip. When you feel completely overwhelmed, sometimes exercise just is not the right activity for a break. One of the best ways to handle this is to meditate. The Furman Counseling Center website has links to guided meditations for anxiety and stress management, as well as for many other common experiences students at Barnard encounter. One of my favorite calming study breaks is tea and a podcast. Caffeine-free teas like Chamomile are known to help you sleep and have THE BULLETIN -

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been shown to be correlated with lower incidence of many diseases. I’m a huge NPR nerd, so I like to pair my cup of tea with a Fresh Air podcast. Reading or crafts! One of my favorite resources on campus in the Social Justice room, which the Office of Student Life created. It has an amazing collections of diverse books, and the walls are lined with A-Z pictures of esteemed activists (not to mention, there are bean bags and there’s often tea!) Well Woman offers free craft workshops Wednesdays 7-8pm, which falls is a great way to break up the work. The crafts change weekly and range from water-color painting to knitting to origami! All of these are great breaks to try when you feel stuck in a rut. But if you’ve been in the library for hours without getting anything done, it’s okay to go to sleep and take on the assignment another day!

Illustration by Omaymah Harasheh

The Butler Break

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Love in A

Love, Actually

features

by Carolina Gonzalez

Illustration by Eno Chen & Allyson Tsu

s we sat in the car on our way to the airport, I held his hand tightly. Kyle wouldn’t look at me, nonetheless say a word to break the silence. “Why don’t you know what you want?” I had flown from Miami all the way to LA to spend a weekend getaway with Kyle. I bought the plane tickets, booked the hotel, and organized every other detail just so I could spend 48 hours with him by my side. After being apart for two and a half months, I would have flown from one side of the world and back to see Kyle. In a technical sense, I did. We spent our summers separately, always in different time zones. When I hopped from Botswana to Zimbabwe to Spain to the Bahamas, Kyle biked across the country from Florida all the way to Cali fornia. While I walked around the streets of Spain with a sangria in my hand, Kyle hiked national parks and got himself a nasty farmer’s tan. We only started to date a couple months before summer began, aware of the distance that was ahead. I thought I wouldn’t care. Our time a part was just a minor sidetrack to the story of us. When we exchanged “I love you’s” and shared late nights with slurpies in hand, those two and a half months apart stared back.

prominent and pulsing. His heart on mine. I planned Kyle a farewell party with all his close friends at a bar in Brooklyn, because that’s what sad girlfriends do. He held me close, his arm wrapped tightly around my waist. We would be okay. It was just a summer. Even while we were continents apart, I did everything to

h i m stayed up until 4AM local time to exchange quick texts about how much we missed each other. I sent him postcards from different cities in Spain with small anecdotes about my day. I bought him

onths slowly slugged ards never came. Our ome more infrequent.

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I would only see photos of Kyle from his friend’s instagrams. Shots of him climbing red rocks or dancing under the stars, a big smile always plastered across his face. The distance wedged a space between us, a space that I thought could never exist. This was someone who was so good to me. He was someone who treated me the way I should always be treated. He had taken me to the ballet to make me happy. We traveled the distance to and from MoHi and Flushing to spend any time we could by each other. These and other memories we made in New York haunted me. They replayed and replayed in my mind, like a supercut, and told me to hold on to this love in limbo. So I did. That’s when I proposed our weekend getaway to LA. It would work out out effortlessly; I was going to Australia to visit a close friend and Kyle would have just finished biking across the country. His texts to me about his excitement for the trip were sweet and tender. Now, in the same time zone, the space was still wedged between us. I was about to board a fourteen hour flight, and I wanted to know what Kyle wanted. After so much waiting for this moment, I simply wanted to be together with him. But time had us suspended, and the things

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Foreword F

or me, the last few months have been ones of intense reflection: every night a tallying of battles won and lost, every morning an unsettling routine of anticipation of the day’s latest calamities. What headlines would we awake to? Would the world spare us twenty four hours to recover from the last? Usually, the answer, an unsurprising, and resounding, no. We, as a campus community of educated and active learners and leaders talk so often about projecting intense emotion into productive response, as “activists and allies,” yet, I believe more often than not, we fall short in this regard. The intention exists, but the extent of our execution falls short. After all, the nuanced and detailed construction of responses to acts of social injustice are not as clearly delineated or “straight-forward” as some would have you believe. On top of this, our MoHi, collegiate, bubble can be numbing to the experiences of the “outside world.” We may be aware of the happenings of our country and beyond, but the extent to which we feel compelled to act and react to these is diminished and we are left numb. At the same time, we associate largely visible acts, such as protesting, rallying, and debating, with the definition of activism. While these make up part of it, they do not nearly encompass the breadth of what it means to be an activist. So this summer as I reflected deeply into myself, my identities, and my privilege, mourned, and ranted, I also did a whole lot of learning and thinking. I dug extensively into the ideas and definitions of allyship and activism, initially a little ashamed that I, rising-junior at Barnard College, was only just now, prompted by immeasurable destruction and fear, truly dedicating myself to doing more, acting more, and, as I would come to discover, loving more.

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Reflections on radical self-love & allyship

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Self -

As I dove into the literature, scanned through blogs and news articles from the likes of Eli Clare, Marisela Gomez, Kira Lynae, Roxane Gay, Angela Davis, and others, it dawned on me, I had been overlooking (and I believe most discussions seem to as well) the radical act of self-care. At Barnard, self-care is a buzzword, tossed around in various College settings from residence halls to student life activities. We are told to practice it, asked to name our favourite ways of doing it, reminded to make time for it. (For what it’s worth, my favourite form of this type of self-care is writing, ironically enough). The type of self-care that we promote on campus and go around our ice-breaker circles talking about, is self-care based on and stemming from one’s own happiness; which is wonderful and necessary in and of itself. My aim in this is not to diminish its importance. I do, however, wish to shed light on another critical and utterly necessary definition and motive. The self-care I speak of remains captured perfectly in time by “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” Audre Lord. She writes: “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” This manifestation of self-care is different, It’s presence is heavier, weighed down by the heftiness of the urgency of “preservation.” This type of self-care feels almost vital, a means of survival, a way to exist in a world that makes us feel small and powerless.

By Emma Yee Yick Models: Nadia halim & Morgen littlejohn Photography: Sharon Wu Art Direction: Judy Liu

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We live and have lived in a society that socializes women—particularly women of color—to put the needs and desires of everyone else ahead of their own. This is not in an opinion sense, this is in a historically contextualized, factual one. Evette Dione, by way of Bitch Media’s Popaganda Podcast, describes this phenomenon: “Every day the very array of racist, heterosexist, capitalist, and patriarchal forces that organize our society, simultaneous wreak havoc on the minds, bodies, and souls of women of color. But there is a salve, an elixir to the poison of the –isms that target our bodies and souls. That healing medicine is self-love. Love, redefined as self-love, has the power to manifest dreams, to heal broken spirits, to rejuvenate fatigued bodies. And when self-love is expressed through self-care, miracles can happen.” I would go further in adding that the burdening and laborious mental, physical, and emotional work that Dione touches upon is performed by a whole array of marginalized groups, women, people of color, the queer community, people living with disabilities, all on a daily basis, and it is draining and damaging.

- Preservation All of this is not to say that we have been doing self-care wrong, but, instead, that we’ve been framing it wrong, leaving a key piece of the puzzle out. But all is not lost because the crucial take-away here is that we can re-frame it, and do is in a way that is acutely intentional and thrivingly sustainable—for ourselves first, but also for our communities. As a woman of color—and even more so a woman of color currently existing in the predominantly white space that is our university, and the white system that is our country—this hits very close to home. What was an activity that I once very loosely subscribed to, has now become a practice and way of being that I carry with pride, recognizing that my soul, body, and mind NEED this to stay strong and quick, to prepare for whatever comes their way, and to care for those closest to me.

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Allyship

If you are not part of a marginalized group, you can engage in the undertaking of allyship. There should be no claim to the noun “ally” because it is not a title. It is not a name tag you put on and don with pride in times of distress and discrimination, or when you feel like it. “Hey my name is, Ally,” doesn’t cut it, not now, not ever. Allyship is an ongoing and constant process. Allyship takes work—thoughtful, and concerted work. “A marginalized individual cannot easily cast away the weight of their identity through oppression on a whim. They must carry that weight every single day, for better or for worst. An ally understands that this is a weight that they too must be willing to carry and never put down.” The most important take-away of mine from my summer of research, as I learned new things and at the same time tweaked and almost entirely un-learned some others, was just that. I was learning. I was growing and owning my stakes, and most importantly, taking charge in my education of topics that we can no longer afford to plead ignorant about. The Guide to Allyship (www.guidetoallyship.com) does a spectacular job of outlining what it means to be an ally, the do’s and dont’s of allyship, among other useful resources. A lasting quote that stuck with me from the compilation reads: “If you decide to become an ally, but refuse to acknowledge that your words and actions are laced with oppression, you’re setting up yourself to fail.You will be complicit in the oppression of those you purport to help. You are not truly an ally. Know that if you choose not to heed this, you wield far more power than someone who is outwardly “-ist” or “-ic” because you are, essentially, a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” When white people refuse to use their privilege and voice to fight against a society that disproportionately victimizes people of color, they are in fact contributing to a racist and unjust society.

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The wolf in sheep’s clothing parable is perhaps the scariest one to contend with. It does not take more than the simple recognition and acknowledgment that identifying yourself as a “progressive feminist,” or knowing you are “not racist” does not exclude you from the learning process of allyship. Thinking you are “not part of the problem,” or worse getting defensive when challenged, because you are here, at Barnard, and therefore, “woke,” and without flaw is the problem. Yet, this remains a two-fold because you are also the solution. “If you are white, you have the ability to tear down existing social structures and participate in rebuilding a society that provides equal opportunities for all citizens”—values our country were theoretically founded on. So I challenge those of us with privilege to use it with more force, so that our voices echo and rumble to do more for people of color. Similarly, if you are privileged enough to see “self-care” as a right, a bit of ‘happiness’ and ‘fun’ in your stressful college life , remember that its roots run much deeper than you can purport to understand—and that is okay, do not try to to claim it as your own.

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Conclusion

All of this to say that activism, allyship, and self-care are all interrelated—none stand alone in this intensified and drastically shifting political climate of our lives. As I see it, radical action and radical acts of love are no longer optional, but required. We can no longer afford to “quietly disagree,” and to that same degree, we can no longer afford to not take care of ourselves, our whole selves, and by extension, our communities in meaningul and radical ways.

“... and when we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed but when we are silent we are still afraid. So it is better to speak remembering we were never meant to survive.” -Audre Lorde

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Homecoming in the (Morningside) Heights

L

by Aliya Schneider

ast year Columbia Football won against Dartmouth, making it our first Homecoming win in 16 years. Is this a rebirth of Columbia athleticism? Can we make this go for 16 years? There is one way to find out… amp up the school spirit for the weekend of October 13-15 and show up to our homecoming games! We may not be a state school, but we can still embrace our school spirit for at least one weekend out of the year. Throw on your CC baseball hat, re-style your free Columbia Lions t-shirt, and scan drug store clearance racks for blue and white facepaint. Whether you have been watching football for years or you don’t know what a touchdown is, remind yourself that we not only have brains but we also have pride (and a football team).

Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page

Friday 9:00am-7:00pm—Shop for swag! (Columbia Bookstore) Make Penn know that Columbia U has pride or simply remind yourself that you attend an ivy by investing in a new school spirit outfit at the Columbia Bookstore in Lerner! Friday 10:00am-7:00pm—Shop for more swag! (Barnard Bookstore) Didn’t find your aesthetic at the Columbia Bookstore? Want the world to know your heart lies with Millie? Check out the Barnard Store in The Diana Center to find more looks! Friday 5:00pm— Women’s Swim/Dive vs. LIU Brooklyn (Uris Pool) Friday 6:30pm— Field Hockey vs. Penn (Columbia Field Hockey Stadium) Friday 7:00pm —Volleyball vs. Penn (Levien Gymnasium) Sunday 1:00pm— Field Hockey vs. Delaware (Columbia Field Hockey Stadium) Saturday 11:00am-1:30pm—Lunch Under the Tent (Softball field, Baker) Feast on a barbecue buffet lunch hosted by the Columbia College Alumni Association! Each ticket gets you an all-you-can-eat lunch, including dessert and soft drinks! A ticket for lunch also includes admittance to the Homecoming Carnival. There will also be a cash bar. Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm—Homecoming Carnival (Softball field, Baker) Did somebody say bouncey house? Get arts and craftsy with face-painting, balloon making, magic, and games! 11:00am-1:30pm—Shuttle Bus **FREE TRANSPORTA-

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TION! Complimentary shuttle buses to Baker Athletics Complex will leave from the 116th St. and Broadway gates every 15 minutes until the start of the game and will return to campus right after the game. Saturday 1:30pm—The Big Game (Robert K. Kraft Field, Baker) Does anyone know how football works? Who cares if we aren’t a sports school? Get hype for Columbia vs. Penn and show them the energy we can bring to our home field in the concrete jungle! Saturday 5:00pm—Volleyball vs. Princeton (Levien Gymnasium) Wait… We have a sports complex? Baker what? Baker who? I spent too much time at Beta and missed the last shuttle. How do I get to the game? Baker Field is on 533 W. 218th St. (West of Broadway). Take the 1 train to 215 St. and follow Siri a few blocks to find the stadium! Ticket Guide Lunch and Homecoming Carnival— Alum $20,Young alum $15, CU student or Child (12 & under) $10 Ticket prices increase by $5 if purchased at the door *First 75 young alumni to register for lunch receive one free drink ticket and one free game The Big Game!— Free with your CU/BC ID Card! Premium chairback seats $30, Reserved bench seats $20, GA $15

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How to:

Your 1st Semester @ the ‘Nard

Take advantage of the Peer-to-Peer Learning Program While you’re probably enjoying most of your classes, there will be times when you don’t know how to do something and get frustrated. When struggling, it is important for you to realize that there are so many ways to get help on campus. A great resource is the Peer-to-Peer Tutoring Program.You literally get a free tutor, and this person is a student that has taken the class before, which is a great advantage. I really struggled with Statistics during my first semester at Barnard, and my peer tutor gave me the reassurance and help that I needed. Make time to do one fun thing a day During my first semester at Barnard, it took a while for me to figure out the perfect balance between school work and free time. For at least the first few weeks of school, I spent every second of my weekends doing work and did not make time for relaxing/self care. I soon realized that college is not about studying 24/7, and that I should get out and explore the many extracurriculars on and off campus. Even if it is for 10 minutes every day, I make time to do things I like, such as watching TV or reading a magazine before bed. It

is important to reward yourself after a long day’s worth of classes and studying, so make time to do this every day. Have something to look forward to each weekend Going to your classes every day during the week definitely takes a lot out of you. There are tons of assignments that you have due throughout the week and you are up late most nights trying to get everything done. What I’ve come to realize is that by having something to look forward to come the weekend, it gives you a motive to get as much work done as you can so that you have more free time over the weekend. Even if your fun thing is getting a manicure on Saturday morning, or going off-campus for dinner with your friends on Saturday night, it is something fun and a great way to motivate you to work hard during the week. Make a schedule to alleviate stress College classes, especially at a school like Barnard, are most certainly very rigorous. Every one of your professors is constantly giving you assignments, and this definitely creates a stressful environment. To alleviate stress, I have learned that making a schedule of all the assignments I need to complete really helps to feel less stressed out. If you make a plan for each day of the week, you will feel so much better knowing that everything will be completed by their due dates. Use your phone calendar if that’s what works for you, or write everything down on a sheet of paper and hang it up on your dorm wall - be creative! Going to a library like Butler can be daunting for many students. The environTHE BULLETIN -

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ment often makes you even more stressed out, which is obviously not beneficial. A cozy study space is exactly what you need. I have found the Altschul Atrium and the Diana 3rd floor study room to be very great study spots. The Altschul Atrium has comfy chairs and couches that have allowed me to be very productive when studying there. I did not discover the Diana 3rd floor study room until the end of my second semester, which is unfortunate because it is such a neat place to get work done! The bright colors of the carpet and furniture really help me to focus, and in my personal opinion, it is much nicer than going to the very boring, Butler Library. Go to your favorite dining hall during off-peak hours By now, you have probably figured out which dining halls you prefer. I know that I have found the Diana Center Cafe to be great for lunch, and Ferris or John Jay to be great options for dinner. The Diana Cafe can be very popular during lunch time, but the trick is to go when classes are in session. For example, go between the hours of 11:40 and 12:55, and there won’t be long lines. If you have class during that time period, wait a little bit after your class ends, and you won’t have to wait on line for too long. With Ferris and John Jay for dinner, I suggest going early, like around 5 or 5:30.They are usually not too packed at this hour and you are sure to get a seat (or maybe even a table!)

Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page

L

eaving home, whether it is near or far, to come to Barnard is a huge adjustment for many first-years. For most students, this is the first time living in a new place and it can be overwhelming at times. You need to focus on your classes, make new friends and have some sort of social life all at the same time. It can without a doubt be difficult to balance this all out, but these tips will hopefully make you feel better about this new chapter in your life.

by Paraskevi Xenophontos

Hopefully these suggestions will help make your first semester at Barnard the best that it can possibly be.You worked so hard to get into this competitive institution, and these tips will continue to bring

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p U ' n i k Shac with Shake Shack by Maryam Badram

I Illustration by Letty DiLeo

t seemed like the perfect match at first. When students got wind of the news that the abandoned old Chinesefood restaurant Ollie’s was finally making way for something bigger, bolder, and better catered to our impeccably high (and pretentious) standards, the excitement was palpable. Alongside mediocre Asian food and overpriced supermarkets, we now had our very own Shake Shack, right here in Morningside Heights. Group chats were buzzing and memes were abundant. The notion of having this emblem of New York culture, delicious food, and one eatery besides Tom’s open past 11 PM had students counting down to start classes in September. But alas, nothing is ever as good as it seems at first—and shackin’ up with Shake Shack has brought along more burdens than blessings. Initially, the appeal was obvious. Adding the fast-food place to our roster of restaurants in the area meant one thing and one thing only: great, greasy food, without so much as a subway swipe. But, is that something to be grateful for? Blinded by visions of cheese fries, students seem to have forgotten that the guilty pleasures are attached to a price

tag. No longer protected by the endless second and third round options we might have with a swipe at JJ’s Place, Shake Shack has led to a confrontation with reality, and our bank accounts. A Shackburger doesn’t sound quite as good when it means a textbook purchase must be sacrificed—somehow, those calories just don’t fulfill a craving like a nice, juicy A on a paper does.

Wallets might be shrinking, but waist sizes definitely aren’t. Perhaps the most alarming result of the new joint has been the almost immediate effect on our hardearned summer bods. In the moment, that extra hot dog feels so right. The next THE BULLETIN -

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day, though, when those skinny jeans require an extra few minutes of squirming to squeeze into, it’s less relish and more regret. The savory burgers feel much less enticing when you remember how easy it was to put on those freshman 15—and how long it took to lose them back. Beyond our weight, Shake Shack means serious sacrifices to our appearances. What’s worse than seeing that really cute guy from your discussion section as you’re halfway through scarfing down a cheeseburger? Being forced to watch your professor sip on a milkshake feels particularly unsettling, especially if you still haven’t turned in that assignment from last week. And now, beyond the desk attendants at our residence halls, various public safety officers, and the bouncers at Mel’s, we have an extra group of people to see (and remember) us in our various states of intoxication. Shake Shack might be ruining our reputations. Ultimately, your relationship with the eatery is about sacrifice. Is the Instastory of that buzzer worth it? That’s questionable. But, that mouthwatering meal after a long, hard day studying at Butler? Priceless.

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Fresh Perspective

A Freshwoman Column

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around, I was devastated to leave. I distinctly remember that when my mother finished helping me set up my dorm, she broke me the news that her time to leave had come. We walked down to a bench near the dorm building, and sat for about ten minutes before she walked away, and I–more or less– collapsed into the wooden panels and cried. Much of the term continued in this manner. I felt uninspired, unhappy, and unsatisfied. All around me, my peers were excited about their new campus, jumping at every opportunity to show their spirit. The contrast between them and me was glaringly obvious, and only increased as Thanksgiving neared. About a month in, I noticed how happy a girl from my high school was at this college I was not familiar with in nearby Manhattan, Barnard. She was getting involved on campus, she had great friends, and when I met with her, she had no shortage of positive things to say. Taking her opinion with a grain of salt, I cautiously visited Barnard’s campus, hoping to find this amazing place she described, but petrified that I wouldn’t. Thankfully, I did. Almost immediately, I felt the vibe of the campus, which, in my view, is dominated by inspiration. I could not believe that I hadn’t heard of this college where strong, independent women supported and inspired one another each and every day. I only spent a few hours on campus that day, but I returned home with a list of clubs and organizations I wanted to join (including the Barnard Bulletin!), classes I wanted to take, and a determination to be accepted by the admissions department of this incredible school. I gave the application my all, and wiped away tears completely different from the ones I shed in New Hampshire upon reading my ac-

ceptance letter. The journey from acceptance to attendance was slightly messy. As a transfer from the greater New York area, I was denied on-campus housing mere weeks before NSOP would begin and was left scrambling to find somewhere to live. On social media, I connected with other transfers having a similar experience, and looking back on it, I feel that the panic we had about housing really brought us together. Just a few days ago, I ate lunch with another transfer who found an apartment in the building next to mine. We had a great conversation about not only our struggles with housing, but also our experiences as transfer students. One thing she said stuck with me: “Last year was a transition year for me.” When she said that, I felt my own feelings being echoed. Freshman year, for me, was a bit of a mess of becoming comfortable leaving the high school and hometown I loved so dearly while also finding a new school that inspired and challenged me. I am endlessly grateful for Barnard, and I am excited to begin my sophomore year having completed my period of transition and emerged ready to take on almost anything this school could throw at me.

Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page

S

itting on the cushy brown couch taken from my basement, I listen to the rattling of the air conditioning fighting to drown out the sirens and voices of the nearby firehouse. My apartment is significantly more homey than I had expected; the string lights on the wall, Nespresso pods in the kitchen, and multiple patterned rugs on the floor provide a comfort I lacked only a year ago, in a dreary dorm room in rural New Hampshire. Lounging in my studio apartment in one of the largest, most bustling cities in the world, it is impossible not to address the elephant squeezed in between my desk and the 24” television: the difference that a year makes. I left my first school at a complete crossroads in life. I had emerged from high school a diagnosed overachiever; as a senior, I was the president of five clubs, I took four AP classes, and I was writing and illustrating a children’s book with any time I had left. These experiences led me to form close relationships with not only my teachers, but also my high school and hometown as a whole. I had felt the community that existed in my Long Island town more than ever before, and by the time September 2016 came

by Collier Curran

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Debunking the

P&O

End of DACA NEW YORK, OCTOBER 2017

Debunking the

End of DACA

The Trump administration would effectively deny the legal status of approximately 800,000 young immigrants

I

By ANNABELLA CORREAMAYNARD

n early September, attorney general Jeff Sessions announced to the public that DACA, otherwise known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, would be rescinded. This decision came almost five years after former President Barack Obama installed the immigration program with the intent of allowing individuals who had fled their home countries as minors to apply for work permits and defer their deportation for a minimum of two years. In the early months of 2017, the program assisted approximately 800,000 “dreamers” - a name given to minors who were affected by one of DACA’s provisions, known as the Dream Act bill. These minors now stand a chance of being deported.

While Sessions’s announcement shocked and outraged many liberals, this is not the first time that DACA has led to controversy from both political parties. In November of 2014, President Barack Obama announced a plan to expand the program to aid up to 4.4 million undocumented immigrants from deportation. In response, 24 states sued the government and argued that the President’s use of executive orders were not justified. When Sessions’s announced the Trump administration’s intent to rescind DACA, late this summer, members of Congres, including both Democrats and Republicans expressed their dissent. Republican Senator, John McCain stated that although he was opposed to Obama’s intent to expand DACA in 2014, he now believed that the decision was “the wrong approach.” House minority leader, Nancy Pelosi, called the Trump administration’s decision, “a shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on communities across America.” Yet her and Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, both met with President Trump and announced on September 13, that they reached a deal to delay the recession by six months. Thus, offering members of Congress more time to deliberate the logistics of the future of DACA in the United States. This resolution will supposedly extend protections for young undocumented immigrants, and will discourage the president from implementing his prospective border paTHE BULLETIN -

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$2.50 trol wall. Despite the sixth month extension, the Trump administration’s initial decision to rescind DACA further promotes the president’s administrative agenda regarding immigration. If DACA were rescinded, the Trump administration would effectively deny the legal status of approximately 800,000 young immigrants. Many of these dreamers fled their native countries at a young age, and have no recollection of their lives there. Yet, through DACA, many of these dreamers, have had access to a college education and supportive jobs. The college has not remained silent on the issue. Back in January, former President Debora Spar announced that the college would continue to financially support undocumented students. President Sian Beilock recently sent out an email in support of undocumented students both on and off Barnard and Columbia University’s campuses, calling for members of the community to support each other through these “challenging times”. Additionally, public safety officials cannot question the status of immigrants enrolled at the college. As of September, Barnard has provided students with a series of resources including information sessions and private consultations with legal expert David Ware. According to Beilock, the college will continue to provide full financial support and protect the privacy of all affected students.

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Women in Politics

Kellyanne Conway

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ellyanne Conway, the current Counselor to U.S. President Donald Trump, broke the proverbial “glass ceiling” as the first woman to orchestrate a successful presidential campaign. She has reached the highest echelons of government and is in a position to make significant contributions to the formulation of legislation and political decision making. Her journey from daughter of blue-collar parents to successful self-starting conservative pollster has been attributed to a strong work ethic - acquired from summers spent working on a blueberry farm - and a driving desire to be successful and to improve society, according to her mother. A first-generation college graduate, holding a B.A. from Trinity College in political science and a law degree from George Washington University Law School, Conway began by clerking for Reagan appointee, Judge Richard A. Levie, at the Superior Court of D.C. Prior to taking on the role of President Trump’s strategic architect and winning campaign manager, Conway was a rela-

tively obscure political pollster. In 1995, Conway started The Polling Company and created a niche division, dubbed WomanTrend, which focuses exclusively on women’s roles within the global market. She used that company as a platform to inform and influence the business decisions of Fortune 500 companies. In that regard, Conway, in collaboration with Celinda Lake, a leading Democratic political strategist, authored “What Women Really Want: How American Women Are Quietly Erasing Political, Racial, Class, and Religious Lines to Change the Way We Live.” The book attempted to delineate a host of bipartisan, intersectional issues and common causes behind which all woman can rally. Conway’s political persuasion has never been in doubt. Throughout her professional journey, Conway befriended numerous individuals who, in turn, went on to become conservative heavyweights – political pundits, politicians, and influencers themselves – including Frank Luntz, Laura Ingraham, and Ann Coulter. Prior to the 2016 campaign, Conway worked with Mike Pence and Newt Gingrich, among others. Conway’s cultivation of such an extensive network of well-connected people undoubtedly served to enable her meteoric rise in the political arena, catapulting her from behind the scenes data analysis to front-and-center policy decision making. Champion of conservatism in her own right, Conway began the primary campaign season as a member of Senator Ted Cruz’s team, joining President Trump’s team only after Cruz disbanded his bid for the Republican nomination. Trump initially hired Conway for her polling prowess, specifically to endear Trump to female voters - her area of expertise. About a month later, THE BULLETIN -

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in August 2016, Conway was promoted to the role of campaign manager. Notably in the past, as recently as 2014, Conway personally supported a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and is unapologetically pro-life, both considerably controversial positions that somewhat differ from those the Trump administration has taken. Additionally, she does not consider herself to be a feminist, rather, a “postfeminist…proud of her choices, not a victim of her circumstances,” according to an interview with the Washington Times. With a reputation for being stubborn, driven, and uncompromising in her opinions, Conway - as now Counselor to the President - is responsible for both political optics and strategy, in addition to crafting policy positions and occasionally playing the role of executive spokeswoman. Conway’s frequent TV appearances aggressively advance the President’s bold agenda. Despite having been nicknamed “The Trump Whisperer,” Conway claims she exerts no control over President Trump’s actions, although many agree that Trump has definitely tempered his unplanned and unscripted riffs to some extent since she joined the team. Conway characterizes herself as a trusted advisor, and other White House aides acknowledge her influence and value - including the relative job security she enjoys, seemingly immune to the administrative turmoil that has impacted the Executive Office of the President in the recent past. Regardless of where one’s politics align, Kellyanne Conway has undeniably attained a monumental professional triumph, having served as a member of an elite group of successful presidential campaign managers whose ranks were previously devoid of women.

Illustration by Letty DiLeo

by Hadassah Solomson

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Uncensored

Zines on the Fringes of Politics

N Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page

aomi Wolf, an American author, journalist, and feminist, touches upon the immense impact that women’s magazines have on women at large in her book, The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty are Used Against Women, by describing “A man reading Popular Mechanics or Newsweek is browsing through just one perspective among countless others of general male-oriented culture, which is everywhere. A woman reading Glamour is holding women-oriented mass culture between her two hands.” Female-oriented, mainstream magazines hold immense responsibility. The only problem: advertisers can warp the stories these magazines publish, ultimately censoring them, prevent-

by Marie Papazian self-publishing to spread “radical” messages, and connect with like-minded others, uninfluenced by dominant culture. Thomas Paine used simple language, in hopes to connect to a broad array of audiences. The same can be said for the Zine, a genre of publication that some call provocative or explicit in language and content. In truth, it is simply uncensored. The genre - or art form - often deviates from the mainstream. In more

and me and my girlfriends are not afraid of you!” Since the Riot Grrrls, Zines have feminist movement, incorporating themes such as sexuality, rape, Fortunately, Barnard women tion of these feminist gemstones, located in the Barnard Library. The collection began around 2003 and includes over 4000 zines. As is described on the Zine Collection page of the Barnard website, -

forcing them to publish questionable, beauty-oriented, productheavy stories. These stories distract women, making them focus life, like weight fluctuation, the dangers of the sun for skin, and aging. The result: even young girls youthful and impressionable feelbodies are other and less-than. zines, as an outlet for female expression, are so crucial to the continuation of 3rd wave feminism. The history of the “zine” is blurry, although self-publishing as a political tool has been around for centuries. An example that may come to mind is Thomas Paine’s political pamphlet, Common Sense, which he published in 1776, arguably altering the course of American history. Since then, marginalized groups have utilized

recent times, it has secured a place for the intersectional female voice in literature - uncensored, unbiased, and un-swayed by the wants of advertisers or society at large. One of the most influential Zine movements began in the early 90s, called Riot Grrrl. The movement began as a way for women to acknowledge sexism in the punk scene, as well as “producing a paper THE BULLETIN -

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unhampered by corporate structure, cash and censorship,” in the words of writers Julie Burchill and Tony Parsons. As one image in a Riot Grrrl Zine reads, “Excuse me. Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I am not going to smile, act dumb, hide my body, pretend, lie, be silent for you. And that everything I do I do for me and I’m not going to let you laugh at me, harass me, abuse me or rape

in a multitude of women’s voices that might otherwise be lost.” “Women’s” magazines may not always have the woman in mind. While historically the field of coming of women’s and other minority voices, the zine offers a realm for people outside of consumer culture to express themselves, read about the diversity of the human experience, and find solace in the fact that we are never alone, despite what the traditional power structure may urge us to believe.

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by Annette Stonebarger

B

eginning in the spring semester of 2015, a group of passionate Barnard and Columbia students joined forces to encourage the Board of Trustees to divest from any endowments that the school was holding in companies that actively deny climate change. Students quickly realized that Barnard and Columbia have two complexly different endowments, and divided into two clubs: Barnard Divest and Columbia Divest for Climate Justice. While other schools have divested from fossil fuel companies, Barnard is the first institution to specifically break free from companies whose actions deny climate change, such as agreeing to pull out of the Paris Accord or releasing a statement stating that they do not believe in climate change. This grueling process has taken approximately five years and countless protests, sit-ins, and meetings with influential administrators, such as former president Debora Spar. With the help of Spar, the “Presidential Task Force to Examine Divestment” was created. The task force deliberated for nine months the possible consequences of divestment, and finally reached a conclusion this past spring: it is recommended that Barnard officially divest from companies that deny climate change. Since this de1

cision was made, a new task force has arisen dedicated to researching how to begin new investments. The focus of the club has shifted from divestment to reinvestment. To assure that this is being done efficiently, a member of the Barnard SGA has even created criteria on how to rate these companies to confirm that Barnard is only divesting from companies that deny climate change and that removal is not arbitrary. The college hopes to complete divestment by the end of September 2017, however the vetting process may push the date back. This group, formerly known as “Barnard Divest,” has taken on the new and more apropos title, “Divest Barnard for a Just Transition.” This new name states outright the core values of this club and its plans for the upcoming semester. The “transition” part of the title is inevitable: action must be taken to begin rectifying the degradation of the environment brought on by humans, or else the world as we know it will no longer exist. However the key word of this heading is “just.” Renewable energy sources can be used while still exploiting laborers. Divest Barnard is dedicated to being part of a movement that pushes to change from an extractive economy to a regenerative one, that is, implementing an economy that is based off of equity

and the sustainable consumption of resources. Skeptics of divestment may wonder how this all will affect daily life at Barnard and the resources and funding available to students. The club responds to these doubts by stating that coal stocks and oil prices have recently been decreasing in value, so contrary to popular belief, divested funds have avoided loses. Divestment has also proven in other universities to attract new donors for investment specifically because of divestment. Barnard has a relatively low endowment opposed to other colleges, approximately 287 million dollars compared to Columbia’s 9 billion. The companies that we are divesting from represent just four percent of our current endowment and will have no irreversible impacts on financial aid or other programs.1 Divest Barnard is looking forward to a promising year of social and political change. They are diligently planning new events for the upcoming semester to get the Barnard, Columbia, and Harlem communities involved and educated about the impacts of climate change on a local level, intending to eventually make a permanent difference on a global scale in the future.

Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page

The Past, Present, and Future of Divestment

“Frequently Asked Questions.” Divest Barnard, www.divestbarnard.org

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She Said/She Said Celebrity Voices in Politics

PRO

by Hadassah Solomson

A

ssuming a celebrity has done her homework and can speak intelligently and articulately regarding the position she supports, there is no legitimate reason to ignore the ready platform for publicity her successful career creates. The caveat, of course, is that the celebrity must be fully informed regarding the various elements of the relevant issue areas, as expected of anyone involved in political or policy decision making or influencing. In such a case, celebrity advocacy is an integral component of any person’s quest to publicize a position or cause in order to garner additional support from the general population. Celebrities often champion popular, humanitarian or apolitical causes -- which perhaps involve a bit less political dexterity -- such as cancer research or ending childhood obesity. Regardless, assuming the celebrity possesses the political wherewithal to contribute intelligently to a debate, she should most definitely participate in the conversation. A prerequisite to being considered a true scholar is profound knowledge of a particular subject. In that regard, celebrities’ backgrounds generally do not lend themselves towards satisfying such rigorous criterion. On the other hand, when a prominent public figure supports a particular political cause he or she believes to be meaningful, citizens and professional politicians alike devote attention towards it. Stardom obviously is not synonymous with scholarship nor does fame denote infallibility. Popularity does not miraculously bestow expertise. In other words, the notoriety of the individual has no bearing on the correctness of her belief, nor is her opinion worth more because of it. Her vote counts just once, and she is subject to the same human error – subject to the same deluge of information, misinformation, biases, and trade-offs – as the rest of us mere mortals. Celebrity, however, enjoys an incredibly powerful platform, that, if leveraged properly, can truly shape the political landscape and impact policy decisions for the better. Ultimately, a celebrity’s involvement in a particular issue is no better or worse than the average person’s dedication to that issue, but if the cause happens to be a good one, the celebrity has a greater chance of making a positive impact.

// C

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by Kalena Chiu

CON

elebrities who choose to speak up for what they believe can help further social movements, public awareness of politics, and encourage followers to be active in their own political communities. However, drawbacks exist as well. What happens if someone in the spotlight voices their opinion despite being uneducated? They might have good intentions but only end up spreading misinformation… and what happens when someone famous tweets something? Thousands of followers blindly retweet and quote with plethoras of “yassss queen” and “i knew i chose the right idol” remarks. Last year, Selena Gomez haughtily dismissed the Black Lives Matter movement without a second thought, as she tweeted “oh lol so that means if I hashtag something I save lives? No -I could give two fucks about ‘sides’.You don’t know what I do” In 2015, lead singer of the band Against the Current, Chrissy Costanza, tweeted “i’m not a feminist. i’m a humanist. i want equality for every single human regardless of age, gender, race. i don’t want to self segregate.” If she had researched more about feminism, she would have realized that modern-day feminists do in fact work to seek equality for all people, regardless of age, gender, or race. Comedian Kathy Griffin was recently fired by CNN after posting a photo of her holding what was modeled to represent the severed head of Donald Trump. Both conservatives and liberals denounced her behavior, saying she had gone too far. Griffin definitely took a strong stance against Donald Trump; however, she could have conveyed her views in a more mature and appropriate manner. Celebrities face a lot of potential backlash when they speak about something socially or politically relevant. They could easily misinform followers, anger their fanbase, and even lose their jobs because of their actions. All in all, public figures must make sure to educate themselves before they speak openly about big issues—one mistake and they could lose it all.

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O

f course, you have to go to the Met, when you’re in the New York City. When you arrive, you climbs up the fabled stairs; meanwhile, the façade hovers above the crowd, its towering columns looming overhead, and the whole exterior seems to move with the wind when its giant banners billow— the most coveted advertising real-estate for the exhibits within. You enter, cross the expansive foyer, and buy admission. You thrust towards a huge oil painting with all the works—thick, golden frame; bold colors; rearing horses; Latin inscriptions; noble miens—as they ascend what’s fittingly called the Grand Staircase. Walking left, there’s simply a recess in the wall. The sign outside is barely noticeable—what jumps out to the eye are green and blue text messages blown upon on the wall: “TALKING PICTURES” “Camera-Phone Conversations Between Artists” To the tech-savvy viewer, the first thing apparent is, while the messages are the same color (dark apple-skin green/mid-tone blue) as you might see on their own phone—should they use Apple products—they couldn’t see these exact messages. The speaker sees their words in color, responses bubbled pale gray. The format remains the same, but in simultaneous, dual first-person, as if you’re looking at your own screen and your partner’s, as one. There’s the same subtle ‘off’ feeling permeating throughout. There are conversations, but not as we have them— wholly in images, soundless. You get the impression of ‘exhibitionist’, more than ‘exhibit’—the messages themselves seem

self-aware, prescient of their future. Perhaps because we are used to conversation as private and unpremeditated, the setting’s public nature jarringly contrasts its subject. Still, it evokes a distinct recognition—like a butterfly pinned by an expert entomologist—it’s caught the lightningbolt essence of digital communication. It’s a single, long room—white walls, sleek black furniture illuminated softly by rows of white lights, a multitude of screens infused with the same glow. The combination of conduits—books, screens, prints—allow for conversations to be transmitted in as a vast array. Museum-goers peruse—swiping screens, peering at prints, and snapping shots with their camera-phones. Across one wall stretches the work of Manjari Sharma and Irina Rozovsky, serendipitously both pregnant when they started. Their images are playful, thoughtful, ephemeral and visceral. One walks across their conversation up to delivery. Opposite, one sees prints of photographs of paintings between Cynthia Daignault and Daniel Heidkamp. At the beginning, they agreed to create and photograph paintings as their conversation. Some conversations, like these, have explanations, while others only have short biographies summarizing their oeuvre. Each is dated/numbered—left untitled, they aren’t always of apparent significance. One woman, flicking a screen–-a funny cloud/people wearing the same shirt/a bad dye-job—says, dissatisfied, “I don’t like these very much,” and leaves with her daughter in tow. Behind the project’s genesis is THE BULLETIN -

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Mia Fineman, a photography curator who had 12 artists each pick partners and create a conversation with five months and few restrictions, except to not caption or share the images. Other participants are Nicole Eisenman and A. L. Steiner, William Wegman and Tony Oursler, Sanford Biggers and Shawn Peters; Cao Fei and Wu Zhang; Teju Cole and Laura Poitras; Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Nontsikelelo Mutiti; Nina Katchadourian and Lenka Clayton; Christoph Niemann and Nicholas Blechman; Ahmet Ögüt and Alexandra Pirici; and Rob Pruitt and Jonathan Horowitz. So we wonder: what is the purpose of a museum? Nothing is in its original form, so why go to a specific place to see artwork that’s more accessible and perhaps even preferable to view on our own devices—like this (( attached )) cartoon, by P.C. Vey, from this year’s March 27 issue of The New Yorker. How are our digital conversations working alongside, overlaid above, or floating below the surface of in-person ones? Why are some conversations privileged above others? You leave as they came, in reverse—replaced by a gaggle of vacationers or by a twenty-something saying, “Phone-picture conversations? I kinda like that.” Or maybe you loiter to enjoy other works. “Talking Pictures” might not be the Met’s most distinguished or notable exhibit, but it’s noteworthy in its own right as the beginning of a conversation, where we can approach photography, and modernity, from a new angle. To experience “Talking Pictures,” bring your CUID with a Fall sticker to the Met before 12/17.

Photography by Michelle Chow

A&E

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by Lilly Kallman

he start of a new semester can bring with it schedule catastrophes, exam anxiety, and overwhelming extracurricular responsibilities. If you’re anything like me, you need an escape from campus every once in awhile, and preferably one that will help you unwind and detox from the stress of school. New York City’s buzzing music scene is here to the save the day with artists from a range of genres, all performing at some of the city’s most popular venues.

Orchestral October

Photography by Cherrie Zheng

Celebrate new beginnings as you complete the first month of the semester with pop-princess Kesha on her revival tour at the Hammerstein Ballroom (October 9th and 10th). Located in Midtown, Hammerstein Ballroom will also host the indie rock band Kaleo this month, most well known for their hits “Way Down We Go” and “All The Pretty Girls” (October 21st). Make your way to Terminal 5 on West 56th for a range of musical genres, which this month include electronic music producer Mura Masa (October 12th), the dreamy Lana Del Rey (October 23rd and 24th), and the indie pop group Misterwives (October 25th). Halsey, an electropop artist who kills it live, will grace the stage of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on October 13th. Or if you find yourself by Irving Plaza (located near Union Square) on October 28th, I highly recommend checking out the alternative rock group Bad Suns, whose hit “Cardiac Arrest” will be playing on loop in your head immediately.

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Notes of November

If November has you craving some rap music, head on over to Terminal 5 on the 10th to see Macklemore, or on the 13th to hear Tyler, The Creator; better yet, score yourself tickets to both! Also on Terminal 5’s lineup this month you’ll find indie pop Bleachers, the stage name of Jack Antonoff, a notable songwriter and record producer. Tracks like “Don’t Take The Money” and “I Wanna Get Better” will have you singing and dancing along. Back at Irving Plaza, there’s a trio of shows to keep an eye out for: Pop band JR JR will take the stage on the 4th, followed by the famous “Cool Kids”, indie pop band Echosmith on the 8th, and the rock band The Strumbellas on the 11th. And, if you’re in the city for Thanksgiving weekend, you can’t miss pop sensation Dua Lipa on her first solo tour. She’ll be blessing Hammerstein Ballroom with her “New Rules” on November 24th, and trust me, she’ll “Blow Your Mind”.

Dynamic December

Indie rock artist St. Vincent will have NYC dancing for two nights in a row at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn (December 2nd and 3rd). Those of us who were avid users of the app Vine might know Us The Duo, a pop duet who will treat us to a holiday evening of music on the 2nd at the Concert Hall at the NY Society for Ethical Culture. Brooklyn Steel, a venue which comes from the creators of Terminal 5 and the Bowery Ballroom, will feature the up and coming alternative rock group Wolf Alice on the 4th, while R&B artist SZA will take the stage for back to back shows on the 10th and 11th. Beacon Theatre, just a short trip from Barnard on the Upper West Side, will host the unique a cappella group Pentatonix for a trio of nights from December 19th-21st. Last, but not least, check out Jon Bellion, the hip hop artist and Long Island native, at Terminal 5 on the 21st. I promise, his infectious energy will distract you from the “All Time Low” of finals.

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Podcasts to Satisfy Your

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Non-Fiction Fix

cannot remember the first story I ever heard on a storytelling podcast, or even what podcast it was, but I do remember that by the time I finished the first episode, I was hooked. At first, I was simply excited to have found a way to consume stories while doing another activity — unlike, say, reading or watching TV, I could listen to a podcast and do my homework (albeit without being able to focus very well on either). As time went on, though, I began to notice that the medium of a podcast lends itself especially well to the art of storytelling. For me, at least, when I can’t see the person telling me a story, I find it much easier to feel connected to them. There is something about podcasts that also feels strangely intimate. Even if the podcast was recorded before a live audience whose reactions are audible in the background, it still feels as though someone is speaking right into my ear, telling me the story. In this article, I’ll highlight five non-fiction storytelling podcasts I enjoy. Each podcast is primarily concerned with ordinary people’s stories, both those they tell and those the podcast hosts tell about them. Within these specifications, though, there is still a high degree of variety, both in terms of story content and the style in which they are told.

Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People This is a podcast in which listeners call into the show and have an hour-long, anonymous conversation with the host, Chris Gerhard. Gerhard is sharp, funny, and good at guiding conversations, never failing to bring interesting information

out of those he speaks with. It’s the callers themselves, though, who determine the direction of the conversations, and as a result, the episodes range from heartbreaking to hilarious, from the dramatic to mundane, and everything in between. This podcast is perfect for anyone who has ever eavesdropped on a phone call and wished they could’ve heard the other end of the conversation.

Heavyweight I binged every episode of Heavyweight in a single day last month. There are just eight episodes out, last updated in November 2016, but each is deeply introspective and fascinating. The episodes follow drolly-humorous host Jonathan Goldstein as he examines his own past, and those of his friends, in search of deeper understanding and resolution. Whether he’s catching up with his first girlfriend about how their relationship shaped his attitude towards love, or helping a friend track down a set of albums he leant to a now-famous musician decades ago, Heavyweight is sometimes heavy, and always compelling.

Though not technically a non-fiction podcast, Here Be Monsters, hosted by Jeff Emtman, occasionally features fictional stories. But all stories featured, whether fictional or not, are delightfully strange. One episode follows someone who hires a man off Craigslist to wake him up in the mornings, another about a prison located on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest, and another about a child THE BULLETIN -

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whose infantile babbling never developed into adult speech. Unsettling music and sound effects are employed throughout, tastefully enhancing the strangeness of the stories.

Snap Judgment As the name suggest, Snap Judgment is characterized by its fast-paced, energetic stories. A storytelling podcast of the most traditional variety, each episode opens with a brief personal story from the charismatic host Gynn Washington, followed by several stories told by ordinary people, all pertaining to a specific topic, such as hope, passion, or what happens when everything goes wrong. Speakers’ words are accompanied by music and beats that make their stories feel theatrical, yet still sharply authentic. Mystery Show It began and ended in 2015, with just six episodes in all, but this quirky podcast is among my favorites. The show follows host Starlee Kine as she solves real-life mysteries, the catch being that these mysteries are all very trivial ones. In one episode, she tries to find out what happened to a video store that closed down suddenly and disappeared. In another, she uncovers the story behind a troubling license plate she spots while driving with her friend. This show will appeal to the fantasies of anyone who has encountered a mystery in their life that seemed too minor to warrant the deeper investigation that Kine gives them.

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by Pavi Chance

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What We’re Binge Watching This Month

Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page

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testament to its timeless--and addictive--nature, Buffy the Vampire Slayer aired twenty years ago and yet remains to be a powerfully influential force in the television genre today. What do The Avengers, Jessica Jones, Supernatual, The Vampire Diaries, Veronica Mars, Izombie, Once Upon A Time, Daredevil, Unreal, Glee, Grimm, and a whole host of other shows have in common? The legacy of Buffy Summers, the one girl who monsters have nightmares about. Joss Whedon, the creator of the classic horror comedy designed her as a way to flip the stereotype on its head by making the blond girl, afraid of the dark, into the one who kicks ass in the dark, armed with witty quips and an ode to 90s fashion trends. She is the slayer, hailing from a long line of deadly women charged to battle the forces of darkness. Cheesy? Maybe, but Whedon intended it to be, mixing the funny and goofy with the dark

by Sadie Kramer and deep into a delectable soup of creative genius. Most of the strong female characters in both literature and broadstream media that exist today, have Buffy to thank for their ascension and popularity in the last two decades. Backing up Buffy, the show provides Giles, a handsome, older, british mentor with a penchant for tweed and sarcasm. Then there are her two best friends: Willow, an adorable nerd who eventually ushers in one of the first TV show romances to depict a naturally progressing relationship between two women that wasn’t for ratings or a punchline; and Xander, the funny ne’er-do-well who grapples with what it means to be perfectly ordinary in a group filled with extraordinary. Buffy’s vampire lover Angel looms in the shadows, cursed with a soul and desperate to right 200 years of wrongs; and the show’s resident shallow mean girl, Cordelia, makes the frequent THE BULLETIN -

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appearance to provide comic criticism to our core gang when necessary. Starting in high school and continuing into the college years, This show heralded in a new generation of television norms: mixing high-brow and low-brow television, sharp writing and dark comedy, whip smart dialogue chock full of pop culture references, and its own clever use of language. More so, the show is fun and relatable. The prevailing metaphor that growing up is hell brought real life problems into the light, just slapping fangs and magic on to the everyday drama. Airing on Hulu with 7 season, 144 episodes, each at 45 minutes, there is plenty to soak up here. Musical episode? Check. Silent episode? Yes. Dream Sequence episode? You got it. If you like badass women, adolescent angst, dark humor, forbidden romance, supernatural plots, or wittily creative storylines this is the show for you.

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by Caitlin McCormick

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n what is often referred to as “the era of memoir,” no memoir of the 21st century was perhaps more successful than that of alumna Jeannette Walls ’84. Her 2005 book The Glass Castle sold 2.7 million copies worldwide, was translated into 22 languages, and this fall became a movie. Composed of chronologically disordered vignettes, The Glass Castle pieces together Wall’s journey as a member of an impoverished, vagabond family with an alcoholic father and brooding artist mother. The family traverses the country cooped up in a single station wagon, spending their nights homeless under the stars. Walls’ parents alternate between loving, brilliant, abusive, and apathetic. Eventually, she moves to New York City on her own and pays her way through an education at Barnard, later becoming an MSNBC journalist and Park Avenue resident. I felt my entire world break open when I read The Glass Castle for the first time.

As an aspiring female writer, as a hopeful Barnard applicant, and as the child of a dysfunctional family, I saw myself in her.

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It felt like her direct, lyrical narrative had been fashioned specifically for me. In an editorial for the LA Times, before the film’s August 13 release, Jeannette Walls described her own initial anxiety about her life-story being potentially “hollywoodized.” She assured readers that under the leadership of director Destin Daniel Cretton and producer Gil Netton, the finished film far exceeded her own expectations. According to her, the film crew visited and recorded scenes at her hometown and elatedly interviewed her mother for anecdotes, while the actors painstakingly studied tapes of their reallife counterparts. The role of Jeanette’s father, played by Rex Walls, gives Woody Harrelson plenty of opportunities to display his niche talent of yelling lovably and powerfully. If you have seen him in anything at all before, you can expect what this looks like. Brie Larson’s subtle performance manages to encapsulate the many dichotomies Walls grapples with throughout the book: her own ambition versus her parents’ failure, her lower class status at a decidedly upper class academic institution like Barnard, and her eventual role as a gossip columnist hiding her own background.

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Altogether, the film’s award-winning cast visibly gives the best they’ve got. Regardless, the movie amounted mostly to a cliche underdog story of success with some passable indie music and pretty desert landscapes. The element so clearly missing from it was Walls herself. Walls’ circumstances are uniquely readable, but they fumble without her accompanying crisp, journalistic prose. On the big screen, a story about a gritty, hard-working, ambitious (Barnard) woman becomes a story about her largepersonalitied father and rich husband. It’s a tale we all recognize: too often in movieform key storytelling tricks of the original novel disappear. By deleting essential moments of parental neglect and retaining key moments of triumph, director Daniel Day Cretton perhaps unintentionally credits more of Walls’ eventual success to her father than to Walls herself. Even moreso, by eliminating many essential scenes of her hard-won independence (and incidentally, her time at Barnard), Brie Larson’s on screen Walls ends up seemingly going from the clutches of her father right into the grasp of her husband. As a book, The Glass Castle embraced moral ambiguity. It didn’t denounce poverty or emotional abuse or alcoholism or parental neglect so much as it merely showed them to its reader. The Glass Castle as a film broadcasts a clear dictum of familial love above all else, which is not only narratively flat but also ethically dangerous. (However, if you want to see it merely for its passing reference to the Barnard Bulletin, which Walls wrote for during her time here, I wouldn’t blame you at all.)

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Books Every Barnard Student Should Read by Jodi Lessner

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arnard is known for having impressive alumnae who write impressive books. As a Barnard student, I know there is a lot to learn from these authors whether one wants to be an author or just prefers to be well-read. Here are the top four books by Barnard alumnae that you should read.

Quindlen is probably best known amongst Barnard students for her famous quote that inspired an admissions application essay prompt: “At Barnard I majored in unafraid.” While at Barnard, Quindlen was classmates with two other women who would go on to be successful authors: Mary Gordon ‘71 and Tama Janowitz ‘77. Gordon is now a professor in Barnard’s English department and published ThereYour Heart Lies in 2017. Quindlen in her own right is a well-known author as well as a former reporter, editor, and columnist for The NewYork Times. Although she has written many bestselling books, including One True Thing and Blessings, her most recent book, Miller’s Valley, is particularly special. Published in 2016, this book explores the themes of one’s connection to their homeland and family. An incredibly detailed story about a young girl’s life from age eleven through adulthood, it is easy to connect with Quindlen’s moving prose that created complex and lifelike characters.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls ‘84

One of the most famous books written by a Barnard author, this memoir has recently been turned into a major motion picture. Published in 2005, The Glass Castle is the story of Walls’ dark childhood. Walls’ father’s alcoholism and her mother’s free spirit attitude created a tumultuous childhood. The memoir reads like a turbulent adventure, made even more fascinating by Walls’ ultimate attendance at Barnard and successful career as a magazine columnist and author.

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri ‘89

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Miller’s Valley by Anna Quindlen ’74

The daughter of Bengali immigrants, Lahiri moved from England to the United States when she was very young. Lahiri’s immigrant experience shapes both The Namesake as well as her Pulitzer Prize winning short story collection The Interpreter of Maladies. The Namesake, written in 2003, is a beautiful and heart-wrenching story about the journey of a family that has recently arrived in the United States from India. Lahiri follows this family from the birth of Gogol, the main character, throughout his life as he navigates the blessings and challenges of being a first-generation American.

Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danticat ‘90

Danticat was just twelve years old when she moved to the United States from Haiti. Fleeing political turmoil, Danticat’s immigrant experience shapes her work in intimate ways, exploring what it means to be an immigrant from a place of unrest, gender, and sexuality. Krik? Krak! is Danticat’s first collection of short stories, and one that follows the lives of ordinary Haitians, whether as migrants or citizens living under the cruel Duvalier regime. While this collection is deeply depressing in its acknowledgement of the horrific lives that people are forced to live, it is also incredibly powerful and ripe with insight that is worth reading. THE BULLETIN -

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NYCL An Intern Living in the Big Apple by Katherine Leak

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proud three year Quad resident and native Texan, Demme Durrett is a force to be reckoned with, both on Barnard’s campus and in New York City. Her passion for human rights and female leadership has led to her involvement with the United Nations and the Athena Scholars program on campus, just to name a few. In this first interview of a recurring series about Barnard women in the workplace, Demme reveals to the Bulletin how New York City and Barnard have shaped her ambitions and goals. What are some of the positions you have held or programs you have been a part of while living in New York City? I am at the Athena Center this semester which I’m super excited about. I work in the student programming department, and it’s a really great fit for me because I’m the coordinator for the Student Advisory Board, and we plan all of the student side of Athena - the information sessions for new scholars, scholar events, so a lot of the behind the scenes

work. It’s been amazing so far, and it’s just day two! It’s just crazy how much the Athena Center does that we don’t even know about. In addition to the Athena Film Festival, there is the Leadership Council [composed of specifically selected women who are leaders in their fields] that comes together to meet at Barnard, and there are Power Talks from Athena Distinguished Fellows. It’s insane that we have access to these amazing people, and these events are open to anyone. I also started a non-profit three years ago in Houston called Youth for Human Rights USA, focused on human rights educations and youth activism. Once a year we have a human rights summit that happens at the UN for three days, and it brings together youth from over 50 countries around the world. Everyone shares what they are doing to forward human rights in their own communities, and we share ideas and best practices. I have been at the summit for six years, and for the last four years I have been on the team that plans the event. It’s completely volunteer based, and we work on it throughout the summer, vetting delegates and tasks like that. I work on my non-profit all year, but that’s the major event of the year.

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What are some plans for your future in New York City? I want to start a street art project that’s focused on human rights education. So there are thirty human rights as given in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, written in 1948. Basically I want 30 muralists from around the world - but for now starting in New York - and each one picks a different human right to depict in any way they want. The whole project would be a website that links them all together and provides information on the human rights and the artists who chose them. I feel like it’s very New York because there aren’t many places that embrace street art like this city, and I’m super excited about that. Do you have any advice for Barnard students looking for internships or networking potential now? My advice is, when you find something you really like at Barnard, take it to the fullest extent because your passion will definitely show through, and people will start to associate you with your good works on campus. Also get involved with Athena because there are so many networking opportunities that will come just because you show interest. Follow what you think is interesting, even if it’s just a hobby because you never know what might come from it.

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Bub b lE

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sushi yasaka Sushi Yasaka will definitely satisfy all your sushi cravings. For those who aren’t fish fans, they also offer soup, salads, noodles, teriyaki entrées, non-seafood tempura, and other hors d’oeuvres. While the menu is diverse, the constant is the quality. In all my experiences there, the sushi has always been fresh, delicious, and an excellent value. Sushi Yasaka offers high quality sushi without the exorbitant prices that come from a more “trendy” and perhaps gimmicky restaurant. With an intimate, simple, and refined atmosphere, SushiYasaka beats out the loud and passé sushi options you find further downtown. Another huge benefit of Sushi Yasaka is their accessible location. Conveniently situated on West 72nd Street, between Broadway and West End Ave, it is just a few subway stops and a short walk

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away from campus, allowing you to break out of the bubble, without spending much time and money on transit. The nearby location makes it a practical option for any occasion, whether you just want to stop in for a quick bite, or have a more formal gathering with family or friends. For all these reasons, I see Sushi Yasaka as the perfect sushi option for Barnard students. Its convenient location allows it to be easily accessible, while still giving students the experience of getting out of Morningside Heights. Its value also makes it a great option for people who want to enjoy great quality sushi at an upscale location, without paying an arm and a leg. Overall, I would highly recommend Sushi Yasaka to all students and hope that more people will begin to enjoy this excellent spot.

Photo Illustration by Art Board

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hile New Yorkers have been known to relish their famed dollar slice or a classic plate of bagels and lox, they less-famously also cherish the Japanese tradition of sushi. This is reflected through the plethora of sushi restaurants sprinkled across the city, and, as a sushi aficionado myself, I was thrilled with the sheer amount of options I had when I moved to NewYork. But with all the options, it can be hard to pick the truly great sushi spots out of the crowd. Enter Sushi Yasaka. Referred to me by a friend as a freshman, I’ve frequented this place over the past few years and have never been disappointed. After taking family and friends there many times, the common descriptor to describe the sushi is that it’s “like butter.”With melt in your mouth maki, masterfully selected omakase, and a variety of fresh options,

by alexandra prado

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Sample Sale Heaven by Isabella Monaco

I Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page

magine a world where designer clothes come at steeply discounted prices and that expensive company you love is all of a sudden affordable. Sounds like heaven, right? Look no further: Welcome to Sample Sale Heaven. Sample sales take place when designers have extra merchandise and are willing to sell them for discounted prices. Although they are sometimes difficult to track down, sample sales are abundant in New York. You just have to know where to look. Before you go hunting the streets of NYC, do your research. There are many websites that have current and future sample sale listings. Some useful sites are Timeout, Chicmi, Racked, and Sample Sally. There are also locations that are devoted to hosting sample sales. The best one is 260 Sample Sale. Located at 260 5th Avenue, this space holds a different sample sale every week. To get there, take the 1 train down to 28th street and walk two blocks east to 5th Avenue. Don’t expect anything fancy; it’s literally just a room with racks of unorganized clothes. You can subscribe to their emails on their website, 260samplesale.com, so you never miss out on any of their events.

Now it’s time to talk about sample sale etiquette. If you’ve never been to a sample sale, you should know it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. You are about to enter a retail jungle, where it’s every woman for herself. As you would expect, discounted designer clothes and accessories sell out fast. If you really want to score great things, consider setting your alarm and heading out the door early. Stuff some cash into your bag before you leave because these sales are usually cash only. Pulling out your Visa after waiting in line forever will only get you judgey looks. Once you get there, the line might already be around the corner. Speaking of a line, don’t cut it. Although it might be tempting to just insert yourself towards the front, things can get heated when discounted clothes are involved and heels can (and will) double for weapons. Once you’re inside, the hunt begins. Anyone who’s ever been to a sample sale can attest that there is a great deal of shoving and dirty looks as you reach for another woman’s dream pants. After all, this is survival of the most fashionable. Be on the lookout for the most discounted THE BULLETIN -

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merchandise because that’s what you’re there for after all! It’s a good idea to have an idea of what you want to buy before you go, though, because sample sales can get overwhelming with the crowds and hectic atmosphere. Maybe you need a dress for an event coming up or new leggings to workout in. There are rarely dressing rooms, and if there are, they are communal. AKA you will be undressing in front of others, so be mentally prepared for that. 260 Sample Sale has one of these communal dressing rooms, where only a curtain divides the naked women from the other shoppers. So get your wallets ready and your shopping mindset on because the sample sales are among us. Looking into Fall 2017, 260 has two sample sale events planned for October so far. They will be selling Maje from September 26th to October 1st and Sandro from October 1st to October 3rd. Clothingline, another sample sale warehouse on West 36th Street, has two sample sales coming up. From October 10th to 13th, they will have a Milly sale, and from October 17th to 20th, they will be selling Karen Miller.

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“Pics or it didn’t happen!”

Just Here for the Insta

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ver heard the phrase, “Pics or it didn’t happen?” To me, this notion that I must document every so-called cool thing that I do, or wear, or eat, in order to prove that I was actually there, can be really pressuring. From trying out a hip restaurant just to document it on Instagram, to buying a trendy article of clothing just to post of picture of it on Facebook, social media has evolved from something that was meant to be a fun way to connect with friends, to one of the main sources of societal pressure. With each new app comes a slew of opportunities to prove ourselves “worthy” in the eyes of others. Social media has ruined for me what were supposed to be relaxing meals at restaurants, with the burden of taking the perfect picture of my food. It’s worked me into a bad mood when I fail to take a picture in an outfit I had painstakingly saved, for a totally “Insta-worthy” event. It’s caused me to embarrass myself by accidentally turning on the flash for a Snapchat video, and feel all of the eyes in the room gawk at me in response. It’s pushed me to plan gatherings with my friends to Coney Island, Black Tap, and Cookie Do, knowing that all of these hot venues will generate great photo opportunities, and preserve the caliber of my esteemed social

media accounts. Through introspection, I’ve found that I am utterly ashamed of the

pressure I place on myself to be posting constantly, updating all 1,000 of my socalled internet friends on what I’ve been up to. Do I actually think that they care what I’m up to every second of every day?

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No! Yet, the posts roll in, and not only from my end. Why do we, as a collective public, feel the need to project to others an aura of aloofness, if in actuality, we are all, at the core, neurotic? We should be celebrating who we are, and working through our every insecurity, rather than covering up our feelings with fake posts on the internet. I want to dance like a freak without the underlying concern that my friend will take a video for her Snapchat story and expose me for the weirdo that I truly am. I want to go to a concert and not see rows of iPhones recording the band from the moment they take the stage. I want to take pictures with my friends for memories’ sake alone. I want to genuinely enjoy my life for ME, whether it be the food I eat, the clothes I wear, or what I choose to do in my free time. I want to stop worrying about how others will see me and focus instead on how I see myself. I’ve given up on finding the perfect caption, or choosing the perfect filter, because perfection is unattainable in this case. And so, if I need to display myself as flawless to fit in in this social-media driven world, then I’d rather just stand out.

Art Graphic by Sharon Wu

by Natalie Dicker

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Hidden Gems of Central Park

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by Beth Abbott entral Park is arguably the most famous place to visit in New York City. While most people know about the Boathouse and Bethesda Fountain, there are many hidden gems in Central Park just waiting to be discovered. Since it is going to get cold in a few short months, take advantage of the fall season to visit these lesser-known places in Central Park.

Belvedere Castle and Turtle Pond

Illustration by Letty DiLeo

(79th Street Transverse, middle of the park, near the Great Lawn) For its proximity to the Great Lawn, Belvedere Castle is often overlooked. It began its service as New York City’s weather station in the early 1900s and still houses wind-measuring equipment. Inside, it has exhibits on natural history that are open to the public, and outside, there are balconies that provide panoramic views of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, and the Ramble. The castle itself is beautiful, built in both the Gothic and Romanesque styles. On the banks of the castle is Turtle Pond, which is at its best in the fall when the leaves on the trees are changing. On the eastern banks of the pond, there is a small patch of grass that is less crowded than the Great Lawn and a great place to get work done or to simply enjoy the beauties of Central Park.

The Conservatory Garden and Harlem Meer (103rd-110th St., east side of the park) The Conservatory Garden is so beautiful, and it is strange that more people don’t visit it Enter the gardens through Vanderbilt Gate on 105th Street, itself an interesting piece of history from the Gilded Age. Inside, there are several blocks of beautiful gardens in English, Italian, and French styles, as well as picturesque statues and fountains. This is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Immediately north, Harlem

Meer is a large lake with beautiful greenery, as well as a small beach on its eastern banks.

Shakespeare Garden and The Whisper Bench (79th Street Transverse, west side of the park) Shakespeare Garden is a beautiful place to take a walk and become one with nature. The plants and flowers featured in the garden have all either been mentioned in one of Shakespeare’s famous plays or were in his private garden in Stratford-uponAvon, England. The best kept secret of Shakespeare Garden, and arguably the whole park, is the semicircular granite Whisper Bench within the garden. If one sits on the bench and whisper on one end, the sound travels to the other side of the bench. It is a little-known retreat where you can relax and read a book without tourists to disturb you.

Hallett Nature Sanctuary (60th-62nd St. and 6th Ave., north of the Duck Pond) For the first time since 1934, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary is officially open to the public. Home to over 200 species of birds and other types of wildlife, the Hallett is practically unknown, even to locals. New features include a rustic entrance gate and new pathways through four acres of one of three woodlands located in Central Park. If you are interested in birds, this is a must-see. It is advisable to call ahead and make sure the Hallett is open before making the trip; it can be susceptible to last-minute closures. THE BULLETIN -

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