Uprising would like to acknowledge the land on which we gather is the seized territory of the Ioway, Sauk, Meskwaki, Wahpeton, and Sioux People. Indigenous lands weren’t ceded through efforts of “good faith” by the United States Government, rather they were stolen from Native and Indigenous Peoples through coercion and dishonesty.
Both the State of Iowa and the United States Government carried out acts of genocide, ethnic cleansing and forced removal as ways to acquire land. Despite centuries of theft and violence, this remains Indigenous land - it will always be Indigenous land.
Native and Indigenous People are not relics of the past. They continue to share their talents and gifts amidst a backdrop of ongoing colonialism. We celebrate you.
#HonorNativeLand
Sustainable Promise:
Uprising promises to publish our magazine in the most sustainable manner possible. We have switched our printing process to a more environmentally friendly company using a recycled paper alternative. We also vow to use only secondhand or borrowed clothing for styling in our editorials.
We acknowledge that in order to ensure a future for Uprising Magazine and our Earth we must modify our processes as environmental issues increase in severity globally.
Lastly we are committed to furthermore learning and growing as it relates to publishing our magazine in a sustainable manner.
Jakob Watson Quincy Griffin
co-editors in chief jakob watson and quincy griffin
editorial directors lily munnik, mia balong, neva kirby
editorial committee mikayla capman, tristan dumkrieger, evelyn green, taylor krull, patrick markovich
photographers emma deaton bell rogers
tina nguyen
claire cabaniss
elliot tenson ivy cleveland
design directors emma deaton and elliana van noort
designers xander cortimilia, kate hansen, aster kmetz, taylor krull, caitlyn mccracken, kaci miller, ainsley miller, carlos romero, claire schoening
publication directors dani sunseri and bella markley
writers erin hamlett, lauren hanssen, pixel hardisty, izzy loeffler, patrick markovich, riley mccall, erin murphy, payton reese, cassie williams
From its inception, Uprising has been a platform for students to express fashion, culture, and social justice. For years students at the University of Northern Iowa have worked to shape Uprising’s true identity, each semester contributing to its forever-evolving ethos. Now, as we celebrate a decade of its existence this semester, we’ve found ourselves reflecting on a fundamental question: What is Uprising? This milestone compelled us to explore its essence, and in doing so, we realized that Issue 19 would be the answer.
When we arrived at UNI three and a half years ago, we sought community and a creative outlet—Uprising became that duality. This space was created to allow freedom of expression on a level we have not endured before. The entirety of our college experience and early adulthood development has been shaped by this magazine, but with this platform, we have realized one big issue. The fight for self-expression, change, and fearlessly embracing one’s identity is far from over. So, as we look ahead to the next ten years, we hope the values that define Uprising will endure, evolving in step with sanguine societal progress. Grateful does not properly iterate how deeply we feel towards our experience in the magazine, but without further ado, we hope you enjoy our last, and most meaningful issue as Uprisings Editors in Chief.
This is Uprising.
Jakob Watson He/Him Editor in Chief
He/Him Editor in Chief
Lasting Light
DESIGN KACI MILLER
Timeless Allure
PHOTOGRAPHY
ELLIOT TENSEN
DESIGN
AINSLEY MILLER
Editor’s Note:
Uprising’s Issue 19 looks back at the magazine’s roots. This photoshoot celebrates fashion, drawing inspiration from classic editorial magazines such as Vogue and Elle. The historical architecture of the Russell Lamson building aided in composing a photoshoot that exudes style, class, and luxury.
In Its Tenth Year
[Years 1-4]
[1: S ’15] Uprising: a creation to fill an enthusiastic void missing for creatives; [2 :S ’16] A culmination of hard work, passion, trials, and tribulations. [3: S ’17] Its ever-expanding focus: Uniting fashion and music with social justice and societal impact causing [4: F ’17] growth and change to influence the talent, ideas, and communities of its curation. [5: S ’18] It is undoubtedly true that experience and opportunity were led by this creation. [6: F ’18] It has become a way to give voice, to Speak Up. [7: S ’19] A magazine built through Cohesivity makes reason for the [8: F ‘19] triumphant success, also brought by the Empowerment of many.
[Years 5-9]
[9: S ‘20] The bare Minimum of this spread is its impact. Beyond its marvelous members who craft its pages are its followers that keep them turning. [10: F ‘20] Reminiscent of past creations, we recognize progression, different expectations, and resurgence of its production. An overall Revival. [11: S ‘21] The bodies, souls, and minds of its members are the pillars to this existence. Its desires are personal. [12: F ‘21] A message to Revamp normalcy and change yourexpectations, Interpret consistency differently, and navigate where you want change to take you is pursued each issue. [13: S ‘22] Sustainability requires consistency and the courage to focus on creation. [14: F ‘22] Each magazine is A Passion Project, constantly finding its identity with it [15: S ‘23] Perspective. Always changing, remembering that exploration is ever-evolving. [16: F ‘23] Day-dreaming concepts, turning creations into reality is the true Reverie of Uprising. [17: S ‘24] As trends change, so do its desires, however, the Perennial quest for continuity keeps unfolding. [18: F ‘24] Through this concept, a look back or forward is natural, but the Interlude of its fresh first glance at the world is beyond permanent.
[Year 10 and Beyond]
[19: S ‘25] This is Uprising: An ethos of creation, an established source of connection and change, a curation of centralized sanguine. [19: S ‘25: B.M.] Ten years of existence, without fear, this is we. Flip its pages, embody its words, digest its focus. Whispers of words and articulated poses embedded within its pages. Devoted participation. joint focus. Uprising, everlasting.
[Uprising, in its 19th issue, in its tenth year of existence has been through a multitude of developing changes and creations. This piece was inspired by the words written by the editor and chief(s) of each issue that exist within the Uprising space. A thank you must be given to Kara Keigan for Uprising’s existence, and to Diana Hernandez, Kennedy Elliott & Darcy Bertolino, Sarah Ritondale & Lillian Teater, Isaac Hackman & Cassie Hendrix, Ireland Frisch & Mia Rampton, Ella Poppen & Patrick Markovich, and Jakob Watson & Quincy Griffin to provide words that are capable of exemplifying the virtues of each issue.]
Remember Me
inspired by past issues of Uprising Magazine and the author’s poems in Issues 14-18
i hope you’ll remember me like rain in december, cinnamon-sugared toast, our honey-coated throats braving ebbs and flows.
flipping through vogue archives, like angel numbers on street signs, and waiting on the moon— our faces painted with the sun’s celestial body.
running with our feet in the grass, tracing tree rings with chipped french tips, fingers adorned in gleaming silver.
i hope you remember our socks sliding against the tiled kitchen floor, leaving the party for me, dreaming of a moment away.
i hope you’ll remember me for what i am. for who i was, and what i will be. 4 4 4
Engage
CAB strives, through its programs, to entertain, educate, and enrich while building a cohesive campus community.
Explore
Come join us at one, or all, of our events through out the year. We welcome any UNI student to join in on all the fun!
Entertain
The Campus Activities Board aims to plan and execute a variety of successful events free of charge for the entire student body.
PHOTOGRAPHY
EMMA DEATON
DESIGN
ELLIANA VAN NOORT
CAPITOL CHARADE
Editor’s Note:
Inspired by the enduring popularity of The Hunger Games among many members of Uprising, this photoshoot flips the roles of the upper and lower classes. We’ve reimagined the extravagant, often impractical styles of the Capitol elites, but with a twist: here, the wealthy are placed in the raw, unforgiving embrace of nature, appearing both vulnerable and out of place. With a playful nod to the iconic series, this shoot not only pays tribute to the visionary costume designers behind the films but also shines a light on pressing societal issues.
IF WE BURN YOU BURN WITH US DOWN WITH THE CAPITOL
THE ODDS ARE NEVER IN OUR FAVOR I
“I didn’t see this coming.” This was the phrase I heard most repeated the morning following the 2024 election. I also couldn’t believe the results. Like many others, I expected to wake up the following morning to our country celebrating the election of our first female president.
It wasn’t until after the results of the election that I fully took a step back and recognized the cultural shift that had been occurring towards more conservative values, specifically in regards to fashion. When you think about it, the rise of trends like trad-wife, hyper feminine, and clean girl aesthetic indicate that people have in fact been moving towards ideas that align with traditional right-wing values.
The first, and perhaps most obvious trend to reflect conservative ideas is the trad-wife trend, which can be seen through the rise of certain fashion trends such as milk-maid tops and long, flowing dresses. I admit that I was initially drawn to the trad-wife trend as well. I love the cottagecore style, so I completely understand the appeal, and there is nothing wrong with wearing these kinds of outfits. However, the glorification of this trend goes beyond just fashion and begins to translate
into personal values. Individuals aren’t just fascinated with the outfits, but the lifestyle that they represent, which is indicative of the recent cultural shift toward conservatism. The trad-wife trend has gained a lot of momentum specifically on Tik-Tok. This trend romanticizes and idolizes the role of a woman as a wife and home-maker. The trend often shows women being the primary care-taker of the children, cooking all of the meals from scratch, and taking care of the house.
Another popular trend is the clean girl aesthetic. This trend really emphasizes simplicity, minimalism, neutral colors, and rejects individuality and authenticity. Overall, I would argue that the clean girl aesthetic prioritizes conformity, another value often found amongst the right-wing party. Conservative ideas often discourage anything that could be considered different. This is because getting individuals in a society to conform to a single idea discourages people from forming new ideas which could challenge previously established norms and traditions. I would even argue that the hyper-feminine trend shows a societal shift toward conservatism. I initially saw the hyper feminine fashion movement as empowering for women, and
I think in many ways it absolutely can be. We as women can and should be empowered to enjoy wearing bows and lace and pastels, and liking these things does not diminish our power as women. Where this movement tends to shift toward conservative ideals is when that last bit gets left out. Instead, it uses traditional stereotypes to place boxes around what it means to be “feminine.” Ultimately, femininity has no barriers. Women can dress however they want and it does not change the status of their womanhood.
It’s important to note that fashion not only can be used to predict the current political climate, but can be used to make political statements. Making bold fashion choices that reflect your personal style is a simple way to reject the conformity that comes with many fashion trends. Make fashion choices that challenge traditional gender, cultural, and social norms. Overall, when we are willing to embrace our authentic and individual selves, we prove our willingness to go against traditional and conservative values and continue moving forward to a space where everyone is accepted, protected, and loved.
Untitled Poems
The crows are out in flock today speckled about the tree tops. They chatter among themselves pinpricks of black on bare white bones. Their closeness doesn’t show through the eye of my phone camera, I zoom in as far as I can and snap a photo anyway.
“We will outlive you,” they whisper in croaks. I shrug.
Point taken, I unlock the door and walk inside. Under my feet there’s fake wood, fake walls, around me. A house, once a home divided into sections by landlord drywall. I think, I’d prefer the tree. I think, but no.
I think I’d be worried about the bird flu.
Conrad said, “We live in the flicker,” We should only be so lucky. Most don’t live at all and less so die. By that I mean, you can figure it out yourself. And by that I mean nothing. I know that there’s a stream of color in my veins. I try to spill it onto the page, but there is only black. Though behind the black there is white and beyond the white, color. I bite my fingernails and spit the shards into the void. That’s it.
The last one felt a little pretentious, but I think a lot of us fear that word.
Sometimes you have to embrace it. I think of my poems as bad and my prose as good, but someone might think the opposite. Neither is right or wrong, except me, I’m always right.
The Fear of “F”word: Feminism
Feminism is defined the movement for social , political, and economic equality of men and women. In short, feminists believe in the equality of the sexes, but how do the American[s]eople feel about feminism? According to a 2013 Hu ngton Post/YouGov poll, 82% of men and women believe in the statement, "Men and women should be political, economic and social equals." Although only 23% of women and 16% of men labeled themselves as a "feminist", these poll results magnify the contradicting view which people have about feminism. While many people agree with the definition of feminism, they are also extremely reluctant to label themselves as a "feminist". This fear of being labeled is common among millennials. The Spring 2016 Harvard Public Opinion Project poll results concluded that while 49% of Americans between the ages of 18 to 28 support the movement of feminism, only 27% a rmatively indicate that they are feminist. So where is the disconnect? How is it possible that many Americans believe in gender equality, yet reject the feminist label? First o , there is confusion as to what exactly feminism is and what it means. Feminism, at its core, is the belief that men and women should be seen as equal and should be given the same opportunities. Although there are many di erent misconceptions about feminism, one of the most popular misconceptions is that feminists are "man-haters". Despite what many individuals believe, feminism is not the hatred of men, nor a plot to make men inferior to women. Instead, feminism aims to empower women so that they can be equal to men. Another popular misconception about feminism is that all feminists are the same. The only thing that every feminist has in common is that they aim to achieve political, economic and social gender equality. There is no "one size fits all" for the concept of feminism. There are many faces of feminism, as well as di erent feminist perspectives and viewpoints. Simply put, anyone who believes in achieving gender equality is a feminist.
Dear anyone who will listen,
We are bruised, violated, and absolutely devastated. Every time we turn, there’s something else hitting us in the face. It’s getting harder to keep pushing. You may feel nostalgic, but we’re feeling regression. I would beg you to stop. I would beg for a change. But at this point, you should be begging for forgiveness. We’ve been pushed past our limits and diminished down to nothing. That doesn’t mean our resilience is gone too, I would beg for progress forward instead of more steps back. But we’ll have to make a di erence on our own. I would beg for you to keep your promises, but they’ve been broken one too many times. We’re standing up. Maybe then you’ll finally listen.
Sincerely,
Women everywhere
PHOTOGRAPHY
TINA NGUYEN
DESIGN
TAYLOR KRULL
Editor’s Note:
Celebrating Uprising’s ten year anniversary, tin is the traditional gift to celebrate a decade of marriage. A material meant to represent protection and preservation, Uprising has proven to stand the test of time. Through thick and thin, no matter what obstacles Uprising may face it stands strong in the face of adversity and competition.
What Does Uprising Mean To You?
“Self expression”
-Payten Reese
“A safe space to express myself”
-Hannah Doellinger
“A place for each authentic person to gather and create.”
-Lily Munnik
“A culmination of curation, intellect, creativity, fashion, impact, deeper meaning, and social justice.”
-Bella Markley
“A wonderful place for creatives to combine their many talents. Uprising means community!”
-Sierra Nemmers
“Uprising gives me a space to express my creativity! I get to work with an amazing group of people to create something that I am proud of!”
-Emma Deaton
“Feeling confident in myself”
-Kyle Burke
“Love, inclusion, and creativity!”
-Patrick Markovich
“Bold transformation reshaping the world with fearless creativity”
-Talha Tariq
“Self-expression!”
-Kai Smith
“Creativity”
-Dani Sunseri
“It means a creative outlet outside of class!”
-Erin Murphy
“I met some of my greatest friends through Uprising”
-Payton Weidner
“Uprising to me is more than just a mag. At Uprising, I feel included by everyone and it’s a place for me to not only to get inspired and express myself but a place that makes me feel empowered by the topics we touch on and the people I’m surrounded by.”
-Elliana Van Noort
What Does Uprising Mean To You? DESIGN
“To me, Uprising means collaboration and celebration of creativity!”
-Ava Poppen
Here’s two notable things about my middle school self: I spent a good portion of my free time reading while walking around my house (so that I didn’t spend my entire day stationary on account of my reading habit), and I was a fiend for writing. It was perhaps an act of divine intervention that this was also around the time I discovered Wattpad.
I had been writing long before being introduced to the app in the seventh or eighth grade, but I normally only shared my stories with my closest family and friends. On Wattpad, I saw regular people becoming “real” authors overnight with thousands upon thousands of views, writers gaining significant success and admiration because of their talents. The realization that the work I had been pouring my little heart into could one day be seen by thousands of people I didn’t know was mind-boggling, something I had hardly thought of before.
Suddenly, I had a mission.
I had an inexplicable number of study halls in middle school, resulting from an awkward elective schedule that left me with at least a few hours of independent study time each
day. I began middle school by using that time to read, but as the Wattpad craze began to take over me, my obsession with books slowly morphed into an obsession with writing books. One of our teachers would roll a cart of Chromebooks into our classroom at the beginning of each study hall, and, though I always appeared to be patient while standing in line to grab one, I was internally vibrating with unbridled creative energy.
Wattpad itself inspired some of my first published stories. Other users—probably other middle schoolers like me—would create contests and invite submissions inspired by a specific prompt. The only rewards for winning such contests were bragging rights and the opportunity to be published on the host’s account, but I ate it up. I entered as many competitions as I could find, and because I knew nearly nothing about my own writing style, I was willing to write just about anything. I wrote about girls being unwilling participants in science experiments, girls being granted additional lives, girls living in asylums, girls suddenly having polka dots appear on their faces, girls crying golden tears, and all the like. (I loved writing about girls—I guess maybe that was the common theme.)
I’m not sure I ever won any of the contests I entered, but the thrill I got from writing was more than enough to soak up any disappointment I might have felt from losing. I honestly didn’t even mind if I lost; I just loved the act of writing and the satisfaction of looking at a completed story I had created. I always had my back hunched over my laptop in study hall, furiously typing and having no phone and no non-writing-related social media to distract me from my work. And while I was on the bus to and from school, I would still be writing, filling up notebooks with my sprawling handwriting. I would then spend hours just typing what I had physically written, and when I made edits on the notebook copy, I typed those up too.
The first things I ever wrote for fun were short stories, but once I became comfortable with the form, I realized that there was nothing stopping me from writing full novels. I am not ashamed to admit that the first book I ever wrote was a fanfiction of my two favorite Hunger Games characters—Cato and Clove, both tributes from District 2—winning the Games instead of Katniss and Peeta. Considering that book was the greatest masterpiece I had created in my life up to that point, I of course felt the need to share it on Wattpad.
That book has been viewed 164 times as of this writing, and even though some of my later Wattpad books would receive several thousand views, the excitement I felt while seeing the engagement on that debut book was all-consuming. After I posted the first chapter, I obsessively checked the view count, overwhelmed with anticipation when I saw the count grow by one or two. I pictured an imaginary girl, perhaps in some faraway state, who saw my stock photo collage cover and three-sentence book description and felt so compelled that she just had to read what I had written. (In reality, the growing number of reads on that book might have been from myself, clicking on my own book again and again to check if there were any updates.)
I still write, obviously, but it’s been years since I’ve used Wattpad for anything except nostalgia fuel. I’m much more confident in my voice than the middle school girl who just wanted to see what putting a bunch of words on a page could do, but there’s one thing she had that I’m still trying to regrow: the pure joy of creation. No amount of criticism could touch my younger self because she already had three new and potentially better pieces written by the time someone got around to reading what she had sent them. She did not worry whether her stories were good compared to all the other stories that
have ever been written, she just wrote and figured out the details later. She produced an incredible amount of work because she was so dedicated to her passion, because she had figured out what she was meant to do and wasn’t willing to let distractions or insecurities take her off that path.
Sometimes I fear that my middle school self wouldn’t be proud of me if she saw the kind of writer I am now. I worry that she would look at how often I let myself get wrapped up in things that drain me instead of fill me and get frustrated with me. I worry that she would see how often I let my passions dry up because I don’t think anyone will like what I write and get angry at how far we have strayed from who we are.
But then again, maybe she’d be much more graceful than I’m giving her credit for. Maybe she’d see me writing alone in my room, forcing myself to get in the habit of writing every day like I used to, and maybe she would cheer. Maybe she’d be thrilled to see what I’d written, so excited just to know I’m still writing that she wouldn’t care whether I’m more talented than the other writers my age. Maybe she’d point out the things that make my writing special, the things that no other writer can recreate because they’re the things that are intertwined with my personality and my memories and my being as a whole. And then maybe she’d tell me that I should post all of it to Wattpad, and I’d laugh, but maybe I would.
Eccentricity
Editor’s Note:
Our shoot “Eccentricity” reminds us to have a little fun once in a while. Strike that funky pose and try new things that might be outside of our comfort zone. Reach new limits and express yourself in ways you never thought possible.
A Celebration of Genres and Girls: A Three-Way Interview
“When I think of Dani Sunseri’s work, I think of poetry you can rest in, poetry that welcomes you with an embrace of homey comfort that still challenges the way you think, and poetry written with an overflowing cup of intentionality and authenticity. When I think of Lauren Hanssen’s work, I think of fictional characters so vibrant and lifelike they could almost be real, I think of fresh storylines and striking plots, and I think of the way her passion for writing is so obvious in the way she crafts her stories. And when I think of my own work, I’m proud of my desire to make a change through my self disclosure, the way I push myself to be vulnerable in my creative nonfiction, and my efforts to bring humor into everything I write. Dani, Lauren, and I have been regular contributors to Uprising throughout the past few years, and now, as our graduation looms, we wanted to take time to reflect on our respective genres and how writing has impacted our lives. We hope these interviews not only show you the beauty that is found across genres, but also remind you of the profound impacts that writing and sharing powerful words can have.”
-Riley McCall
DANI (POETRY)
What makes poetry special to you?
Poetry has always been special to me because it feels freeing. As vague as it sounds, it remains true to me. There are endless forms of poetics and structures to poetry, but I love the idea of no structure at all. Within other genres, I feel like there are so many different rules and restrictions. I’ve always appreciated how poetry gives me the freedom to stay in or out of “the box,” and it’s a genre that has inspired me the most in my writing career.
What’s been your favorite Uprising piece you’ve written and why?
I think my favorite piece I’ve written for Uprising is “tree rings” for Issue 17 last spring.
The issue’s theme of “perennial” stumped me (no pun intended) a bit for a while, and I had no idea what to write about. After doing further thinking and searching for inspiration, I couldn’t stop thinking about tree rings and their significance of growth and age within the tree. This idea felt symbolic and personal to me, and I wrote the entire piece at Iowa State University’s library during a weekend when I was visiting my boyfriend. “tree rings” is probably one of the most powerful poems I’ve ever written, as I feel like I have my own “rings” within myself. Thinking in terms of Uprising’s 10th anniversary, my rings are truly everlasting and have shown growth since the first issue I wrote for.
What was your inspiration for the poem you wrote for this issue, and what was your writing process like?
I decided to write a poem for this issue with inspiration from different written piece titles and shoot titles, but mostly, making references to all of the poetry I have published in Uprising since my first semester at UNI. As this is my second to last issue as a UNI student, it’s very bittersweet to look back on all of the issues I’ve contributed to and see how much I have grown as a person and a writer. I wanted to pay homage to the poems I’ve written, taking bits and pieces from them and adding them to the poem I’ve written for Issue 19!
RILEY (CREATIVE NONFICTION)
What makes CNF special to you?
What I love most about creative nonfiction is how it gives writers such an easy way to talk about issues that actually matter in our world, which then helps their writing become so much more powerful in the fight for social change. I believe there’s actually a lot of misunderstandings about the genre of creative nonfiction—even I barely knew what it was before I took my first creative nonfiction class. I think what comes to people’s minds when they think of personal writing is the awkward essay assignments about yourself that everyone had to write in middle school but no one liked. The word used to describe short pieces of creative nonfiction—essay—is misleading too. Creative nonfiction is the telling of true stories in an entertaining way. Creative non-
LAUREN (FICTION)
What makes fiction special to you?
Fiction has always been my outlet for trying to write my way into understanding things about the world or myself or the people around me that I can’t quite grasp. I imagine other people—made-up people—living through adversity, and I write about it. It allows me to apply my characters’ successes and failures to my own life. When I was young I would read story after story, the life lessons seeming to pour over me, and I felt like each book was offering me some secret about the universe. I’m not (quite) egotistical enough to say my stories possess secrets of the universe, but it’s nice to be on the writing side of the type of influential stories I’ve been reading all my life and to contribute to the learning and teaching functions of fiction.
Who are your writing role models/inspirations? What makes these people inspiring to you?
I think prose writers can learn so much from poets, and I’ve always especially admired
fiction allows an author to link their personal experiences to greater societal phenomena, expanding the piece beyond the writer’s personal life. Creative nonfiction allows writers to break stigmas, highlight people and struggles that have frequently been overlooked, and develop genuine human connections through the written word. Creative nonfiction is so authentic, and I love how impactful my words can be when I’m being vulnerable or calling out a harmful issue.
What was your inspiration for the piece you wrote in this issue?
My piece for this issue, “Wattpad Girl,” was inspired by the idea of nostalgia and the act of reflecting on your own creative process. I have been writing for a long time, but posting
on Wattpad was the first time I started to gain traction in my writing life. Wattpad showed me that people actually wanted to read my stories (even if it wasn’t very many people), and that made me so encouraged to continue writing and creating. My writing style has changed drastically since middle school, but I am so proud of my younger self for continuing to write and put myself out there. I have never been a fan of looking back on one’s younger self and criticizing them for being cringey or awkward or simply not as talented as you are now. My younger self deserves so much credit just for trying, and I know I never would have been able to make it to where I’m at now if it wasn’t for the fanfiction I used to post on Wattpad.
the poetry of Tess Gallagher. She has such a gentle lilting style. When she reads her poetry aloud and talks about her writing, it is so obvious that she writes with great intention and attention to deliberate word choice. I take inspiration from her beautiful use of language, even though we write in different genres. My biggest influence from a fiction writer is Lily King. She’s a contemporary author who traces relationship dynamics in such a genuine, expository way.
What’s been your favorite Uprising piece you’ve written and why?
I wrote a story for Issue 17 called “Apple Slices” that was really special to write. It celebrated growth and change, while cherishing things that stay the same instead of thinking of stagnancy as a bad thing. I think that idea will ring true in a lot of the content for this issue, too—this magazine has changed and grown in so many ways over the last ten years, but the things that remain the same are what makes it Uprising.
Senior
Spring
I don’t like spring much.
It’s a state of limbo as the midwest spring is never much of a spring.
Once I get a glimpse of the warmth from the sun, There’s yet again another snow, bringing me right back to where I was.
Hope for change seems too out of reach. There isn’t a lot to look forward to.
Up ‘till now, spring has been bleak.
As I reflect on my last 22 springs, I realize this spring holds more impact on the next 22 springs.
This spring is the prologue to my next chapter.
Spring to me now means fresh starts, fresh air fresh rain instead of snow Green grass on the ground instead of brown Blossoms instead of bare trees and slowly, more time in the sun.
I open myself up for the freshly unfrozen stream To float me down into my next chapter of life.
Spring to me now is one last semester with my roommates in our cottage behind campus, One last semester to take classes with my favorite teachers, and One last semester to use my student discount.
Counting down the days till commencement but not in a “100 more school days till summer” way like when we were younger.
Instead it’s 100 more days until I need to have a big kid job, a new city and apartment to call home.
It’s 100 more days until I’m no longer a college “kid” but instead a college graduate.
I always thought I didn’t like spring But spring means new beginnings and fresh starts.
ERIN MURPHY
Once a year, every year, I travel to Iowa City and see my cardiologist. This has been a constant in my routine for as long as I’ve been alive. When I was born, the left side of my heart didn’t develop quite right. I’ve had 2 open heart surgeries to correct the defects, though I will never have a perfectly functioning heart. This affects many other aspects of my health as well. As I have transitioned to adult cardiac care, the most relevant aspect has become my reproductive health.
Currently, my heart is stable, though another heart surgery is on the horizon. The timeline of this next surgery depends on when I decide to get pregnant, a decision that is entirely dependent on my ability to have reproductive autonomy. If I were to get pregnant before having this surgery, my heart would not be able to handle the additional stress and it would be a high risk pregnancy. Additionally, I can no longer rely on the certainty that I will be able to obtain the medical care that I need should I need to terminate the pregnancy for the sake of my heart. Women have died and will continue to die due to the restrictions being placed on access to abortion.
Reproductive freedoms are important for so many reasons, and for individuals with heart conditions and other chronic health problems, this is one of those reasons. Reproductive health is intertwined with and affects so many other aspects of a person’s health, and everyone deserves to have access to make decisions about their own health. This is not a debate. This is people’s lives.
My Life, My Choice
FATE IN
PHOTOGRAPHY
CLAIRE CABANISS
DESIGN
EMMA DEATON
FOCUS
Editor’s Note:
Tarot cards encourage insight into the past, present, and future. Uprising magazine is always working to better itself by looking forward into the future and learning from the past. Over the past decade, Uprising has released nearly 20 issues that have communicated important messages regarding fashion, social justice, and culture. What better way to represent growth than a photoshoot inspired by tarot cards? The models in this shoot are styled as tarot card characters and have been turned into tarot cards, putting a fun twist on fashion.
“...the catchphrase, what that was all about, “The revolution will not be televised,” that was about the fact that the first change that takes place is in your mind. You have to change your mind before you change the way you live and the way you move.” - Gil Scott-Heron
Over the course of 10 years, Uprising has published 27 articles about social justice, from the Black Lives Matter movement to #MeToo. As a magazine and as a generation of young people, we have become all too familiar with the struggle to maintain our rights in the current political environment. But it hasn’t just been the members of Uprising. It’s easy to forget the millions of Americans who have been fighting every day for decades by using their voices to keep our neighbors and families safe
As the struggle escalates, I have seen a plethora of comments online and heard many in person expressing the belief that we, as a nation and as a people, are doomed. Why wouldn’t we think this way? The country is controlled by a handful of billionaires who own all of our social media and news platforms. Bills are being passed night and day that are stripping us of our rights to our bodies, our citizenship, and our freedom of speech. Our system of checks and balances is rapidly eroding away, and it feels like nobody is there to stop the tide. After making progress in equality for decades, we are going backwards in a way that seems permanently destructive.
So why keep fighting? Giving up seems like a logical next step. We are smart. We see what is happening and know that the odds are stacked against us. This is something that has been running through the minds of myself and many Americans since November 5th. I think about letting injustice wash over me like water. I think that maybe, I’ll get used to it. Maybe none of the things that I know might happen will happen. Maybe I could live in a world where my neighbors and friends are seen as less than human. This is where I have to stop.
The sentiment that giving up is our best option is more dangerous than the reality we are facing. Our first step forward is to believe that there is a way out of this, even against our better judgement. You don’t even have to be a dreamer. Just know there is a better world waiting for us, if we only have the courage believe in it. We can’t change this country if we can’t
We must also recognize that every great struggle in history seemed impossible, and yet each time prevailed. The Founding Fathers believed that our tiny colony could win a war against Great Britain, abolitionists believed they could end slavery, and the
vote The human race has been defeating the impossible since its inception.
They want us to give up, to be distracted, to be overwhelmed. Keep the big picture in mind. Do they hear your voice? Does it matter? Silence will not protect us. We didn’t make the progress we h made by staying quiet. We have to demand more than opposition to the current administration. must demand change, and we must demand leaders that will follow through.
Despite the horrors and reality of the founding of this country, I believe that we can be something better. We don’t have to ignore our past, but we also don’t have to be weighed down by it. Doom and gloom are not the base of a strong foundation. The only way out is through, and the only way through is together.
When the Founders wrote that all men are created equal, we know they meant wealthy white men, but when you heard it for the first time in your publicly funded school as a poor girl, as a black girl, as a son of immigrants, as a boy who didn’t feel like a boy sometimes, as a girl that liked her friend a little more than just as a friend, you believed that they meant you, too. When you learned that the Statue of Liberty was welcoming immigrants to America, you thought it was beautiful, because those were your great-great grandparents. They fled poverty and persecution to create a better life, and we called their journey the American dream.
We did not descend from the founding fathers. We are born from slaves and indigenous people and immigrants. Power and money have always been held by a few, but America lives and breathes through you and me. There are millions of us, but I could count them with one hand.
Just know that after this period of loss, there will be a year where a decade of change happens, as long as you believe that it will. Know that blind faith in a better tomorrow has always been our guiding light. Know that you can’t do everything, and that you don’t have to do everything. Before you start looking for action, look for resilience within yourself.
So when they take away your right to your body, your right to marry, your right to exist, do anything at all, anything but give up.
Sapphics Pixel Hardisty
Untitled 1
Earlier and earlier still, this year in February, the sun warms the frost away. The heat of summer rises up like bile in The throat of the world.
Untitled 2
Two loops, one loop. Two loops, one loop. Once I’ve got The pattern down, the rhythm comes easier. Bit by bit, I turn this ball of yarn into A small potholder.
Untitled 3
I roll the blinds down over a black window. At 6pm, I’ve eaten & brushed my teeth: A night bent over a keyboard working, Writing, editing.
Let It By
Low again. The only way from here is up. These wheel ruts are deep in my gray matter. A habit I can never break, can only Wait for it to pass
Winter Sunrise
A simple joy: I wake in the morning and A cup of hot chocolate melts the ice of sleep
From my cold body. The sun has not risen, But still the world wakes.
For Alyssa
“Bless your heart,“ I say, and this time I mean it. You stand next to where I crouch, without judgement, While I wait for the fear to pass. You make space For me in your heart.
For My Online Friends
Digital hands hold across 1,000 miles. Our voices tangle in wobbling wavelengths. Though I’ve never seen you in person, you are Dearest to my heart.
For Joseph
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder,“ they say, and You have been gone for so long that my heart could Swallow you entire
PHOTOGRAPHY
BELL ROGERS
DESIGN
XANDER CORTMILIA
Allie Green
Tattoo Artist - @qualiitygreen
“I started getting tattooed professionally when I was 16 years old. I started my apprenticeship at Red Owl Tattoo in 2022 and have been getting about 16 tattoos each year since then. I am still tattooing at Red Owl and am approaching three years there.
It’s hard for me to say just how much tattooing means to me. I have a deep appreciation for this craft and for the clients who allow me to tattoo them. I think what matters the most is that my clients will put their full trust in me to create their vision, and I am a part of a community that loves and appreciates art in many forms.
Getting tattooed is a huge part of my life. It is a permanent expression of my interests, my life, and my personal love for art and tattooing. It’s also a great way for me to travel and connect with other artists I admire, as it’s important for me to show support for others in this craft.”
-Allie
ARIANA JANIS
Tattoo Canvas
“I got my first tattoo at 16 years old, and I now have over 40 tattoos. Tattoos allow me to express myself in my own body and show it off to the world in an artistic and creative way.”
-Ariana
Aiyanna Wilson Tattoo
Canvas
“Getting a tattoo means customizing myself as if I were a Sims character. I always look forward to receiving a fun flash or coming up with an idea and choosing the artist to execute it perfectly. Tattoos are a way to express myself and show others what I am into. They’re also great conversation starters.
Most of my tattoos have meanings behind them or were flash tattoos that I thought were cool. Many of my tattoos are related to different songs or artists since music is my world. My favorite tattoo is my Logic “No Pressure” album cover tattoo. The cover is really sick, and his music saved my life, which holds a special place in my heart.
I have a version of Harry Styles’s butterfly tattoo and “We Made It” in honor of the Louis Tomlinson concert I went to because it’s my favorite song of his. My other tattoos are simple: I love clowns and stars, so I got those in honor of that. I also have a cupid tattoo that was done by one of my friends who started doing fine-line tattoos last year.
I don’t have a ton of tattoos, but the majority of them have some kind of memory or backstory attached and were done by people I care about!”
-Aiyanna
MEG ROETHLER
Tattoo Artist - @rat_toos
“I have been getting tattoos for ten years now and working as a professional tattoo artist for two. I’ve always been a maker of things. Creating has been my oldest and truest passion, and I could never envision my life without doing it every day. Being allowed to create art directly on someone’s body is such a privilege. Tattooing allows me to build connections with my clients in a way no other art form does. It is both humbling and validating that someone out there trusts and admires my work enough to wear it for the rest of their lives. In this way, tattooing is healing for the artist and their client.
Despite the challenges of starting out as an artist and people trying to dissuade me from getting into it, tattooing has gotten me through some of the most difficult times in my life. Without it, I have no idea what life I’d be living or what the quality of that life would be.”
-Meg
Editor’s Note:
Tattoos are deeply personal forms of self-expression that often hold significant meaning, serving as a reflection of an individual’s identity, values, and experiences. As both a form of art and a means of storytelling, tattoos allow people to communicate their unique narratives to the world in a permanent and visually powerful way. Each design is a canvas for personal history, culture, or beliefs, and the process of choosing and wearing a tattoo becomes an act of ownership over one’s body and story. In this way, tattoos are not just ink on skin—they are powerful symbols of identity, belonging, and personal empowerment.
To Be Intertwined
On the day I gaze into your soul, vowing my truths and honor, I reflect on not only our journey but the systematic journey that came before us.
Before, the marches had signified certified unification. A transcending journey promised to last until death kisses us goodnight.
Each one that did not have the chance to surrender heart and soul, now reliving a reincarnated reality.
Reaching for morality seems to be grim, and haste is being made to intertwine souls.
Great progress preparing for its dusting from parchment.
Endless torment. Ease is not had.
Freedom in its tenth year, questioning what is yet to come.
Every gaze shifts. It’s quiet. Unity is privileged. [They]
Lessen the turmoil with partial reversibility, reinforcing invisibility.
Leading the same walk many just took, like footprints still visible in the snow.
Visibility is a privilege. Sensibility no longer valued.
How can ethereal proclamations be made with no promise of permanence?
Oh to eternally vow.
Do not waste its significance,
Gather those who love you,
Evaluate your privilege,
Say “I Do.”
WORDS
BELLA MARKLEY
DESIGN
KATE HANSEN
Artists To Watch
CharmCharmz
Destiny Dixon specializes in designing handmade jewelry and artwork, such as gemstone bracelets, earrings, necklaces, polymer clay earrings, and commissioned art pieces. Believing that life is full of complexity and wonder, Destiny strives to capture these precious instances through her art. Her mission is to bring comfort and joy to others by celebrating the beauty that makes life truly special.
The Steel Sorceress
Josie is a multi-disciplinary artist working with a variety of materials. She has a small business, The Steel Sorceress where she creates chainmail jewelry to get her name out in the world. The Steel Sorceress started from an art piece, the chainmail top exploring themes of womanhood, and she continues to use this topic throughout her current work.
Dr. Annette Lynch:
A Legacy of Empowerment, Education, and Uprising Magazine
Dr. Annette Lynch, professor emeritus at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), dedicated 31 years of her life to teaching and mentoring students in the Textiles and Apparel Program. Her retirement in 2022 marked the end of a remarkable career shaped by her expertise, passion for education and commitment to shaping the future of students. As a professor, advisor and community advocate, Lynch made an indelible mark not only on the university but also on her students, particularly through her work with Uprising Magazine.
A Path Guided by Passion
Lynch’s journey into academia and her passion for teaching were deeply influenced by mentors who guided her along the way. It all started during her undergraduate years at the University of Iowa, where she studied Art History and developed a particular interest in African textiles, thanks to Dr. Christopher Roy’s expertise. This fascination led her to pursue a graduate degree in Textile Design at the same institution and eventually a Ph.D. in Design at the University of Minnesota. As a graduate student, Lynch began teaching weaving, and it was in the classroom that she discovered her true calling—educating and inspiring others.
Her love for teaching flourished at the University of Minnesota where she was mentored by Dr. Joanne Eicher. When she returned to her home state of Iowa to join UNI’s faculty, she was eager to contribute to building a strong program. Lynch, alongside colleagues like Dr. Mord and Dr. Strauss helped develop the Textiles and Apparel Program at UNI, emphasizing individualized instruction and providing big opportunities for students.
Building a Legacy in the Textiles and Apparel Program
Lynch’s impact on UNI’s Textiles and Apparel Program was transformative. The program stood out for its integrated approach, allowing students to explore both apparel design and textile and retailing/merchandising, unlike many other programs that forced students into a single track. She believed that students should be equipped with a well-rounded education in all aspects of product development, including textile material
science, design and branding strategies. This approach empowered students, many of whom discovered new passions and pursued careers in creative roles they hadn’t initially envisioned.
One of Lynch’s key achievements was the creation of a curriculum that combined hands-on laboratory experiences with cutting-edge technology. In the late 1990s, she and her colleagues secured a National Science Foundation Curriculum grant, which allowed the program to build a Textile Testing Laboratory and offer more advanced textile science education and hands-on learning. The program’s emphasis on computer-aided design (CAD) allowed students to learn how to create intricate weaves, knits and prints—skills that prepared them for high-demand careers in fashion and design. Lynch’s work wasn’t just confined to the classroom. Her dedication to empowering students extended to providing real-world opportunities for internships and placements with major companies like Target, North Face, Oscar de la Renta, Zappos, Under Armour and many others. These experiences gave UNI students an edge in the competitive fashion industry, equipping them with both technical skills and industry connections.
Uprising Magazine: A Student-Led Endeavor
Lynch’s mentorship extended beyond the traditional classroom setting. As the advisor to Uprising Magazine,. Lynch played a key role in supporting the magazine’s mission to give students from various disciplines the opportunity to speak on cultural and social issues that mattered to them. When the magazine was first conceived, the founding students approached Lynch with a request for her guidance, and she gladly accepted. While Lynch’s role was advisory, she was instrumental in supporting students in their efforts to elevate the magazine to national recognition. One of her proudest
While Lynch’s role was advisory, she was instrumental in supporting students in their efforts to elevate the magazine to national recognition. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping Uprising secure opportunities to present at the Southwestern Popular Culture Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Through these conferences, the student team gained invaluable experience presenting their work and engaging with a national audience. Uprising Magazine became an important outlet for students to develop editorial, creative and leadership skills while also engaging with campus-wide issues and promoting diversity. The magazine’s high quality of work earned it the prestigious Diversity Matters Award in 2020, a testament to the profound impact it had on the campus and community.
Making a Difference at UNI and Beyond
Throughout her career, Lynch wore many hats—educator, advisor, leader and advocate. She also served as the Director of Women’s and Gender Studies and the founding Director of the Center for Violence Prevention. Lynch’s work in preventing gender violence earned her the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence and the American Association of University Women’s Title IX Champion Award. Under her leadership, the university implemented programs to combat violence on campus, including bystander training for students and faculty, and the creation of blue light phones for emergency contact. Her role as Director of the School of Applied Human Sciences also showcased her leadership abilities, culminating in the Faculty Administrator of the Year Award in 2017. In this role, Lynch oversaw a range of programs including Textiles and Apparel, Interior Design, Gerontology, Family Studies and Counseling while continuing her efforts to ensure the success and well-being of students.
Life After Retirement
Now retired, Lynch has found new ways to channel her passions and creativity. Settling in the North Carolina Piedmont, she has returned to weaving, an art form she once taught her students. With the time and space to reconnect with her craft, Lynch is also working on a fiction writing project, supported by the vibrant writing community she’s found in her new home. Though retired from teaching, Lynch remains deeply connected to the UNI community and continues to take pride in the many students she mentored and the legacy she left in the Textiles and Apparel Program and Uprising Magazine. Reflecting on her career, Lynch emphasizes the joy of watching her students succeed. “There is no greater joy than personally experiencing the success of your students,” she shares, noting the accomplishments of former students now teaching and working in the field. She looks forward to the release of the newest issue of Uprising every semester, with great anticipation and joy. Lynch’s retirement marks the end of a monumental chapter in the lives of her students, but her impact will continue to resonate for years to come. Through her dedication to teaching, her advocacy for students and her leadership in initiatives like Uprising Magazine, she has left an indelible mark on both the university and the lives of those she mentored. As UNI celebrates Lynch’s career, her legacy of empowerment, education and creativity remains an inspiration for generations of students to come.
Dr. Lynch printed fabric made by TAPP Alum Peyton Zaimes
Dr. Lynch with TAPP Alum Haley Schulte Byun visiting her at Zappos Corporate Headquarters in Las Vegas
Thank You to Our Donors
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Trinity Gates
Behind Scenes the
SPEAK UP, 8 DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS, EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SUCCESS, MINIMALISM, REVIVAL,
SELF AWARE, REVAMP, EARTH EDIT,
PASSION PROJECT, PERSPECTIVE,
REVERIE, PERENNIAL, INTERLUDE,
SPEAK UP, 8 DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS, EMPOWERMENT THROUGH
SUCCESS,
MINIMALISM, REVIVAL,
SELF AWARE, REVAMP, EARTH EDIT,
PASSION PROJECT, PERSPECTIVE,
REVERIE, PERENNIAL, INTERLUDE,
SPEAK UP, 8 DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS, EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SUCCESS, MINIMALISM, REVIVAL,
