THE EDGE VOL. 10 ISSUE 1

VOL. 10 ISSUE 1 ELON, NC

ROCK ROLLER

JUUL

Everything you need to know about jade rolling.

Meet 2018’s Most Dangerous Cultural Accessory

The Age of Activism HOW TWO ELON STUDENTS ARE MAKING WAVES

expression the

issue

LETTER FROM THE

T

editor

his fall, The Edge staff embraced a fresh start with a set of brand new editors and staff members. We also entered the digital sphere even more by expanding our online content to daily articles across all sections, creating share-worthy video content, and by pushing killer content online as well as in print. With these changes came a new challenge — to truly express who we are as a publication. It is with that in mind that we present The Expression Issue. The Expression Issue embraces the bold, whether it be discussing Juul, the dangerous new millennial accessory (page 35), the anti-fashion movement (page 9), the best products for all hair types (page 18), or the power of CBD (page 16). In our cover story, we profile student activists across Elon’s campus and how this new breed of student leaders are reflecting progressive college movements from years past by speaking with Kali Clougherty of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Lucia Lozano Robledo, President of the Latinx-Hispanic Union.

In my final issue as Editor in Chief— and my 9th issue as part of The Edge Magazine— I am so proud to share the work of our entire staff. However you choose to express yourself, go forth boldly and unapologetically. The Edge Magazine will be here to cheer you on every step of the way, as I will continue to cheer for The Edge post-graduation.

All the best,

Erin McDowell

38

20 9

in the issue

Diversifying the Beauty Community The Anti-Fashion Movement Rock & Roller A Home Away From Home CBD: An Anxiety Cure-All? Express Yourself: Personalized Haircare Dancing to My Own Beat Expression Through Creativity These Patterns Must Be Heard Lessons From Leaders in Letters Color Theory The Juul: Trend to Worldwide Phenomenon The Age of Activism Professional Social Media Baddest in the Business Cultures & Expression What’s In Your Box?

6 9 12 14 16 18 20 23 26 28 32 35 38 44 46 49 52

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THE EDGE Editor in Chief Erin McDowell Design Chief Cally Crocco Creative Director Miranda Levy Director of Photography Joyce Llopis-Martell Lifestyle Editor Johanna Hilpuesch Writer Fiona Didato Writer Alice Goodman Writer Zoe Lewis Writer Emma Trimbur Fashion Editor Caroline Saviano Writer Hannah Jablonski Writer Madeline Judd Writer Aleeza Zinn Beauty & Wellness Editor Alexandra Hamer Assistant Editor Christina Mazziotta Writer Claire Hatcher Writer Gabrielle Ferguson Writer Julie Levine Features Editor Melissa Beck Writer Sallie Collamore Writer Sarah Kitslaar Designers Zoe Lewis Nina Crocco Grace Fessler Natalie Rubino Rebecca Rabiner Johanna Hilpuesch Jaria McGhee Photographers Nina Crocco Ciani Foy Kerry Sheehan-Delany Mallory Siegenthaler Erin Pattie Cassi Waciega Anna Jebson Samatha Boble Jaria McGee Antoinette Jakaitis Kyle Dobbs Sam Steinman Kalie-Ann Nassoura Mariel Loughlin

Erica Lachman Shelby Durham Tori Cali Olivia Freeman Avery Kutis Rayna Mason Victoria Marsh Alie Mannai Emily Frizzell

Models & Contributors Regina Mendoza Ashlyn Sawyer Jill Watkins Emily Hughes Jennee Blanco Katlyn Powers Cecily Curtis Shay Friedman Olivia Warhop

Anni Garvy Lindsey Mygatt Caroline Satterfield Kali Clougherty Zoe Lewis Abigail Rose Caroline Boothe Margaret Smith Ashlyn Deloughy

Lucia Lozano Robledo Erin Gallagher Carrigan Bain Erik Webb Perry Greenson Brock King Dowling King Elizabeth Peterson Lauren Callihan

staff picks

W H AT O U R S TA F F H A S BEEN LOVING IN 2018

ERIN MCDOWELL EDITOR IN CHIEF I’d never leave home without: My mood ring.

MIRANDA LEVY CREATIVE DIRECTOR I’d never leave home without: Scrunchie.

JOHANNA HILPUESCH LIFESTYLE EDITOR I feel most like myself wearing: Jeans and a political tee.

MELISSA BECK FEATURES EDITOR Current coffee order: Soy milk vanilla latte.

JOYCE LLOPIS-MARTELL DIRECTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY I’d never leave home without: My water bottle decked out with stickers showing what I’m passionate about.

CALLY CROCCO DESIGN CHIEF Current coffee order: Coconut Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte.

ALEX HAMER BEAUTY & WELLNESS EDITOR I feel most like myself wearing: My (vegan) leather jacket.

CAROLINE SAVIANO FASHION EDITOR I feel most like myself wearing: Platform sneakers, or any platform shoes.

Diversifying the Beauty CommunitY GABRIELLE FERGUSON

ONE FOUNDATION AT A TIME 6 | BEAUTY & WELLNESS

D

o they make that foundation in a color darker than beige? Diversity in the beauty community.

Ah, it is an age old tale that no one can quite seem to get right. Whether that means creating only pink lip shades that don’t flatter all skin tones or eyeshadows with too much pigment that don’t flatter our more fair-skinned friends, not every product is going to be just right for everyone. And that’s okay. However, one product area where this thought process should not

have reign over is foundation. Foundation­— a product that immediately makes someone feel confident— is a product most people can get behind. Foundation is a little bit like magic and plays many roles. It covers, conceals, provides a base, and gives the appearance of your skin, but elevated. Whether you prefer full coverage or just a hint, you should be able to find a foundation that works for you no matter what. Unless of course, your shade doesn’t exist.

BEAUTY & WELLNESS | 7

So, let’s set the scene. Imagine walking into Sephora, Ulta, or the drugstore looking to pick out a new foundation — a situation I’m sure many of us have been in before. The employee helping you tells you she’s got the perfect product for you: Tarte’s new Shape Tape Foundation. You look at the range and see some potential for a match so you get your hopes up. There are only two colors that fit the deep to dark range you are looking for and you’re met with disappointment.

You think to yourself, “Why did they not think to include more deep shades? Was my shade excluded because it didn’t match up to beauty standards? Why would I give my money to a company that doesn’t even recognize my skin tone?”

Looking forward we ask, “what does this mean for the younger girls who are just starting to experience makeup?” They will ask these same questions, continuing to wonder why they can’t find something that fits them just right when all their peers can. It will make them feel left out during such a transitional point in their lives.

Luckily, not all companies use exclusive practices in their shade ranges. Foundations that deserve extreme accolades in the way they present their foundation ranges include: Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, Maybelline New York’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation (featured in this story!) and Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation. Maybelline This is how many women from fair especially has a wide range of to deep complections (including inclusive shades set at a great myself) often feel after trying price point. The inclusivity that foundations from many different companies such as Fenty, Lancôme companies — not just Tarte. We and Maybelline display by creating have found that our color isn’t products that include foundations represented. Brands gives off the with different undertones shows impression it did not think it was consumers the time and effort the necessary to include undertones brand puts in is because it cares of peach, red, yellow or gold. about satisfying customer needs.

Two influencers by the names

of Alissa Ashley and Jackie Aina have frequently I wanted to write this article because not only is this spoken out against subpar foundation a huge topic in the beauty community, but as a young ranges and have said they were disappointed in black college age female, is it the type of struggle I face the actions of Tarte because they couldn’t do what everyday. Makeup is supposed to be something that many companies with foundation ranges see as the gives us confidence and lifts us up by allowing us to be bare minimum. It’s true. Creating foundation in tones creative with the looks we create. It shouldn’t have the that can be inclusive to all people should not be an ability to tear down our self-esteem. But makeup isn’t afterthought because that is the exact implication about that. Makeup is all about identity, individuality, that is being expressed to these people. They exclude and the right to express that however we like and having us by not giving us a chance to be included in the the tools to do so. We all have a right to be included in conversation from the start. that journey, no matter the color of our skin.

Do they make that foundation in a color darker than beige?

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A NTI FAS HI O N the

M O V E M E N T

CAROLINE SAVIANO | FASHION EDITOR

P

ut yourself in your favorite outfit, the one that makes you feel unstoppable and strong.

Now, cut the sleeves off and use them as a necklace. Roll one leg of your pants up and untie your shoelaces so they drag on the floor. Look in the mirror; how does this outfit make you feel? The anti-fashion movement serves as an example of the obstruction and dark side of the fashion industry.

Theatre, art, and fashion are notable industries for people to showcase their creative talents. They say that fashion is the truest form of selfexpression, so why aren’t designers free to think out of the box? Every time you see a runway show, there is a designer behind the scenes that is probably not satisfied.

The creators of the collection are put under an extreme amount of pressure and guidelines. They have time restraints, pressure to impress, model complications, and social expectations to follow. Think about it this way, what would your pieces look like if you had to create twenty in a span of five months?

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Rei Kawakubo, designer for Comme Des Garçons, sent out a thoughtprovoking show on the Paris Fashion Week runway this year that brings together what anti-fashion really means. The theme of her collection was camp, and extended off her belief that camp fashion is no longer silly and tacky. Inspiration for her collection came from Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on Camp”. Kawakubo says, “Camp is not something horribly exaggerated, out of the ordinary, or in bad taste. This collection came out of the feeling that, on the contrary, camp is really and truly something deep and new, and represents a value that we need. For example, there are so many so-called styles such as punk that have lost their original rebel spirit today. I think camp can express something deeper, and give birth to progress.”

What can Comme Des Garçons’ show at Fashion Week teach us about the fashion industry? Style is so much more than perfectly hemmed dresses and expensive textiles. Kawakubo sent her models down the runway in ballroom dresses restraining access to their arms and voluminous jackets layered in ruffles and seemingly inyour-face patterns. Her collection pushed fashion further than society’s obsession with glamour and made the audience read, research, and feel something new.

The next time you see someone wearing a traditionally bizarre ensemble, train your mind to appreciate the individuality and expression of the style. Challenge yourself next time you read a book or watch a movie to imagine outfits that mirror the takeaway. Don’t be scared to turn heads and make people feel. This is not a revolt against the fashion industry, this is a celebration of creativity and originality.

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Your personal guide to all things jade rolling CLAIRE HATCHER

J

ade rollers are no fad. From posts by bloggers, YouTubers and other influencers, jade rollers are dominating the skincare world. With all of the amazing benefits these tools provide, jade rollers are an absolute must-have tool in your makeup bag.

WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE? When used properly, jade rollers promote lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is a type of massage that gets rid of excess lymph fluid in the affected area. Lymph fluid carries toxins and waste to the bloodstream, but the buildup sometimes causes our tissues to go into overdrive and swell. This is the same sensation you might experience when your legs swell after a long plane ride. You may notice a similar process first thing in the morning...puffy eyes, a swollen face, sleep lines...the list goes on. While it is certainly possible to seek out a professional to perform a lymphatic drainage massage, jade rollers can do the job just as well, and at a much more affordable cost!

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ALL ABOUT JADE ROLLERS Jade rollers were originally used in Imperial China by elite women to prevent signs of aging. Jade is a special part of Chinese culture, often referred to as the “stone of heaven.” Jade is a smooth green stone that is cold to the touch. The cool property of the stones is one of the many reasons jade rollers are so relaxing to use. A jade roller itself has two round jade stones at either end, one slightly longer and larger, and a smaller circular one. By stimulating lymphatic drainage, jade rollers are able to drastically depuff the skin, remove toxins, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increase blood circulation.

They can even be used to apply skincare products such as serums and oils!

dependent upon personal preference. While each stone possesses certain individual healing properties, it is best to choose whichever you are more drawn to! Rose quartz is known for giving off loving energy while green jade is said to decrease negativity and irritability. Jade rollers are definitely the more conventional roller, but don’t let that sway you from trying out rose quartz! As a lover of all things pink, you can probably guess which roller I keep handy!

HOW TO USE YOUR JADE ROLLER When using a jade roller, simply remember: outward and upward. These are the directions you need to roll in for best results. When rolling, avoid rolling downward. Pulling down on your skin can cause wrinkles, and we certainly don’t want WHICH ROLLER TO CHOOSE any premature aging! The smaller stone is used An alternative to jade rollers are rose quartz for the areas around your nose and mouth. The rollers. Like jade, rose quartz also has cooling larger stone covers the rest of your face — your stone properties, so the surface of the stone forehead, cheeks, jaw, neck, etc. We’ve provided generally feels the same. In terms of choosing the reference pictures to help you correctly roll away best roller...it’s all up to you! Crystals are largely those imperfections.

Make sure to gently apply pressure when using your roller!

For an even more refreshing roll, keep your jade roller in the fridge.

It’s okay to roll downward along the sides of your nose to follow its natural slope; just make sure you aren’t pressing down too hard!

Try using your roller in the morning after applying moisturizer, because it provides a mini-massage that can help you wake up.

Jade rollers are a simple luxury truly worth the purchase. If there’s anything I can incorporate into my everyday routine to pamper myself in the slightest, I’m all in! Often times, waking up for those dreaded morning classes can be less than glamorous. Investing in a jade roller is an easy way to amp up your beauty regimen, and a great method to get your blood circulating after a long day or night. Happy rolling!

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a HOME away from HOME — young

P

life college —

SARAH KITSLAAR

icture some of the most energetic, enthusiastic, and welcoming individuals you know. Then picture them coming together every Wednesday night at 8:59 PM (yes exactly 59), to play games, belt out some classic songs like Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” or Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”, enter a raffle, possibly win the raffle, and most importantly learn about the Gospel. This is just an overall snapshot of what a night at Young Life Club looks like.

So, what is Young Life then? Young Life, by definition, is “a Christian ministry that reaches out to middle school, high school, and college-aged kids in all 50 of the United States as well as more than 90 countries around the world” (http://younglife.org). This definition of Young Life may be factual, but it definitely lacks in capturing the vibe and the energy of the organization.

Young Life is one of those clubs that we always hear about in high school, or around college campuses,

14 | FEATURES

but may never really understand what it is. All we know is it is one of those clubs that has great stories; stories of unforgettable times at Camp, or how a Young Life leader had a lasting impact on their high school students. Young Life is a Christian organization that meets once a week to hang out and discuss the Gospel, but the term “Club” may be confusing to some who don’t know what it entails.

Well wonder no more, we have answers for you! Young Life College is a branch of Young Life, and while giving students more independence compared to their high school counterparts, the club still holds the same values of the classic Young Life that is so popular in high schools around the nation.

There are many Christian Organizations on campus such as InterVarsity, Catholic Ministries, and, of course, Young Life. There organizations each provide

a different type of approach and technique to sharing and teaching the Gospel. This leads to many of the students overlapping in their faith communities and deciding to be a part of multiple Christian orgs. Hey, the more the merrier, right?

For some students here at Elon, Young Life was a part of their high school career and has been a second home for them for years now. When we asked first-year Perry Greeson what he loves most about Young Life, he responded warmly by saying that he loves the club because “it is just free-flowing, and happy, and loving, and open to everyone.”

It’s been clear that Young Life has been a home for so many here on campus. Every year they take a trip to camp which was held at the Young Life Camp at Carolina Point in early October.

This is a weekend packed with endless games of beach volleyball, singing, and making new friends, that brings out a sense of home that all college students long for.

Between the stress of transitioning into college for the first time, and the even more stressful organization fair, it’s common to not find your fit right away.

That being said, we believe that everyone can find a home away from home in an organization during Others have found this statement to be true during their time in college. their Elon career as well. Seniors Jack Fryer and Brock King both joined Young Life for the first time in Sometimes it takes all of freshman year to realize college. Since joining, they have taken on leadership that you want to try something new; whether that be roles within the club. joining Young Life or another organization. There is something so valuable about stepping outside of the Brock mentioned that he had also heard about Young normal routine and trying something new. Of course, Life a lot growing up in high school but did not join that step can be scary because you don’t always know until his freshman year of college. Brock explained where it will lead or what the outcome will be. that the idea of becoming a leader was first brought up to him during his time playing music at Young Life But the risk is worth taking. Don’t be disappointed if Camp. Brock continued to mention that he wanted to the first organization isn’t the one for you. Over time you lead in Young Life for the simple reason that he “just will land where you are meant to, and hopefully learn loves hanging out with students and...friends.” about yourself in the process.

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CBD

An anxiety cure-all or simply one of 2018’s hottest wellness trends?

ERIN MCDOWELL & MIRANDA LEVY

C

annabidiol, a substance more commonly referred to as CBD, has recently gained popularity amongst young people who tout it as a cure-all for anxiety, sore muscles, and even pain caused by otherwise incurable diseases. Whilst walking down the streets of New York City, CBD is seemingly everywhere — in the form of cocoa butters, oils, CBD-infused lattes, optional add-ins in smoothies, bath bombs, and even pet treats. While CBD does indeed derive from marijuana, it has been hailed by medical professionals and the mainstream media as a more “acceptable” version of the plant, most likely due to its absence of THC — the psychoactive part of marijuana, otherwise referred to as the part that makes one feel “high”. With CBD, users receive the same muscle-relaxing, anxiety-soothing aspects of marijuana without the psychotropic effects. Moreso, CBD is completely legal for consumers to use.

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byChloe, a vegan and gluten-free restaurant with locations across the United States, recently opened their “Feelz byChloe” pop-up that offers a lineup of cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and more, all infused with CBD. Chillhouse, a popular coffee shop and wellness haven in New York City, offers CBD-infused lattes on their menu, as well as an option to add CBD oil into your massage package — adding to research that argues using CBD oil topically may be more beneficial for muscle soreness than simply ingesting it.

This CBD trend is not only reaching urban areas like New York and Los Angeles, but has also reached the North Carolina area. Lincoln’s Haberdashery, a coffee shop in Charlotte, North Carolina, has also come out with a CBD infused latte.

Beyond simple relaxation or a cure for muscle pain, CBD is used by patients who may not be able to aid their sickness through typical medical tactics. This homeopathic method is especially useful for Miranda Levy, a senior at Elon University who uses CBD to treat the pain resulting from celiac, a disease that is largely untreatable through methods other than diet change.

E: Do you use CBD to treat any other ailments?

ML: Yes, I use it for my anxiety and general stress, which often makes my stomach pain worse. It has proven helpful for my chronic headaches as well.

because not all CBD edibles are certified gluten free. I’ve put CBD oil in a vape pen, I’ve used CBD cream topically on my pain areas, and I will also put CBD oil under my tongue. I’ve also used CBD patches that I will put on my abdomen and leave it there all day when I’m E: How would you describe the having extra pain. effects of CBD? ML: All it really does is help to E: Would you recommend CBD to soothe the pain, almost like Advil treat either anxiety or health issues? or other over the counter pain ML: Yes, I definitely would. The medications. For me, those over great thing about CBD is there really the counter pain medications do aren’t any negative or dangerous not work, but CBD does. It can also side effects. It’s a really great, natural make you a little sleepy, at least it alternative to other pain medications does for me every once and while. and topical medicines. It does not It tends to relax my body and my work the same for everyone, so I brain without me feeling “high” or would definitely recommend trying unable to function normally. out a little oil or something like that first and see how you feel, then go E: What forms of CBD have you from there. There are a lot of great tried (edibles, bath bombs, oils, etc)? online CBD vendors that provide ML: I’ve tried mainly oils, lotions, descriptions of each and every patches, creams and some edibles product that they sell.

EDGE: When did you first start using CBD to treat your celiac diagnosis?

MIRANDA: I began using it pretty late in the game. I was diagnosed when I was 18 years old and did not begin using CBD until I was about 20. I saw more and more people on Celiac forums, which is where I often go for advice, claiming that CBD has tremendous effects on chronic stomach pain. I quickly went online and bought CBD oil that comes in syringes and put it under my tongue. From there, I never looked back.

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E X P R E S S YO U R S E L F

unction BEAUTY of

THE FUTURE OF HAIRCARE

W

ALEX HAMER | BEAUTY & WELLNESS EDITOR

e live in a society where everything can be personalized, whether we like it or not. This has become especially true in the beauty and health industry, where you can customize foundation, vitamins, lipgloss and more. Plus, you can usually have it shipped to your house in less than a week. Companies recognize there is a new demand for personalized items that provides customers with a unique shopping experience. Buyers feel like they are indulging in selfcare because they are taking care of their bodies in the unique way it needs. Because personalized products are more expensive than mass produced products, individuality adds a boujee element to the picture. Do you really need your own lipstick with your name on it? Technically, no. But does it make you feel like a boss girl with your sh*t together? Yes. The benefit of having a product made especially for you is the obvious satisfaction of your niche product needs.

Mass-made products are incredibly effective in terms of time, money and convenience. However, sometimes they don’t work for everyone’s face, hair, body… whatever it may be. As someone who has colored their hair from

18 | BEAUTY & WELLNESS

dark brown to honey blonde since the age of fourteen, it can certainly be hard to find products that fit my specific hair type: wavy, dry and damaged (ugh). Luckily for myself and many others, the most recent industry to hop on the customization train is HAIR CARE! Interestingly, society generally does not view hair care the same way as skin care. Ask a group of women which foundation or moisturizer they use, it would be a miracle if the same answers were given. Ask that same group of women what shampoo and conditioner they use, answers would probably be similar: Herbal Essences, Tresemme, Aussie… whatever’s on sale. Yet every woman’s hair is amazingly diverse from person to person. Two companies are changing the way we take care of our hair­—Function of Beauty and Living Proof­—by capitalizing on the diversity and unique needs of womens’ hair.

Function of Beauty and Living Proof offer amazing shampoos, conditioners and styling products based on your unique hair type and needs. You start by taking a short quiz on either website which asks a variety of

questions about your hair texture, oiliness, and hair goals that you want to focus on, such as shine, volume, or length. This allows you to be as detailed and specific as possible when it comes to what you want to get out of your hair products. The best analogy to this phenomenon is walking into Sephora feeling uneasy and walking out feeling confident, carrying the perfect foundation for you based on your skin type and needs.

Function of Beauty even allows you to pick the color and scent of your bottle, which has your name on it.

So cute! If you have a very specific hair type, want to try something personalized, or just want to ~treat yourself~, definitely give these companies a try.

The ability for us to personalize products is an incredible facet of the beauty industry. Beyond customization, products still exist beyond basic shampoos and conditioners: leave in treatments, hair masks, oils and more. This allows women and men of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and walks of life to achieve all their hair #goals. People have begun to demand a wide array of products, and companies have responded in a way that pleases customers, leaving more people with happy, healthy hair. Forward thinking and unique, the individuality of beauty and wellness is in the spotlight and will not fade to black any time soon.

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DANCING TO MY OWN

BEAT ALEEZA ZINN

F

ashion has seen a rise in comfort, movability, and self expression. Bold prints and relaxed fits are perfect for layering this winter, and allow you to reveal personality through everyday style. Be confident in how you dress and dance to your own beat.

It’s time to try the unexpected and mix and match prints and textures.

Start your outfit with a leotard or bodysuit and build from there. Challenge yourself to showcase your personal style as you add layers. A crochet or sheer top is a chic option to make your look unique and specialized to you.

Flowy skirts and patterned pants make any outfit more exciting, plus they allow you to move freely. Finish off the look with a worn-in jean jacket, comfy enough to let you dance like nobody’s watching.

A statement shoe is the necessity to entering any room with power and confidence. This season, colorful or patterned block heels are trending and won’t hurt your feet as you make strides. Pair them with a fun jumpsuit to put a retro twist on such a modern look.

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Stylish exercise apparel is in Vogue this winter, since it is perfect for layering and lets you move comfortably while killing the game. Try pairing your outfit with a color blocked windbreaker to add a little retro vibe, while still giving yourself a wide range of motion. You never know when an impromptu dance party will occur.

If it feels right, put it on. Stay true to yourself, and be the boss you are through your sense of style. Have fun with mixing patterns and wearing clothes that make you feel empowered.

Own your look and don’t forget to let loose a little now and then; keep the positive energy and good vibes flowing.

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expression through JOHANNA HILPUESCH | LIFESTYLE EDITOR

O

ne of the most valuable pieces of advice I ever received regarding facilitation of the creative process was “don’t follow directions.” While following directions may be crucial for some aspects of life, others, such as the creative process, are stunted by formal instructions. Not only is art a form of selfexpression, but a language in and of itself—it provides a means of communication without words.

To go back to the piece of advice I mentioned, unrestricted creativity encourages people to embrace uncertainty and yearn for new ideas—to find unconventional ways to approach modern problems.

Art is a powerful way to change minds. When approached in the right way and given the freedom necessary, artists can not only express certain beliefs and injustices, but use that expression to influence the Most people can say that they’ve experienced thoughts and feelings of viewers. something in response to a work of art at some point in their lives. Whether this was a painting, a written This fall, I received one of the most meaningful work, a song or a play, art can move humans in ways commission requests I have ever gotten from a woman that we cannot necessarily move each other. It is an named Jesi. entirely different and unique realm of sensation—it is transformative.

In the Spring of 2018, I was asked if I would provide two custom illustration vouchers that could be auctioned Art represents an ability to connect with people whom off at dinner auctions held by the Bundled Blessings you might not otherwise connect with—whether Fertility Foundation—an organization that raises those differences lie in culture, race, sex, gender, awareness and provides grants to women struggling sexuality, socioeconomic status, political ideologies with infertility—this fall. or religious beliefs.

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Jesi contacted me after the dinner telling me that she had bid on my auction gift card and won.

When describing what she wanted for her custom illustration, Jesi had a special request. She wanted them to be faceless.

While I typically do commissions with faces, she told me about how she had lost two babies over the years—one stillborn and one at a week old. She also now has a healthy daughter and wanted an illustration of their entire family, including the two babies they had lost.

While the faceless babies represent the loss they’ve suffered, the image of all of them together is one she hopes to see again some day.

When I sent her the final illustration, her reaction was priceless. Not only was I able to provide a visual representation of something she would never be able to see in real life, but the bond I formed with her through a short conversation about a difficult topic was astounding To me, this particular commission expressed something about art that is both difficult to convey with words, and something I have not experienced before. It showed me that making powerful art can connect you to yourself in a way that other things can’t. And not only that, but art can be a form of expression that both conveys and elicits feelings that spur reflection, engagement and concrete action.

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Expressing my opinions and political beliefs is something that I’ve grown to crave over the years. I have always been opinionated, but for the first three quarters of my life so far, my opinions were often overshadowed by my fear of standing out—I was terrified of confrontation.

With the help of creative expression and bold role models to look up to, I was able to overcome this and grow into the unapologetic woman I am today.

One of these early role models was Sophia Bush. From her character, Brooke Davis, on One Tree Hill to the feminist and human rights activist she is today, Sophia has always been audacious, steadfast, witty and outspoken. This illustration of her was not only a fun project, but reminds me daily of the need to be vocal about injustices we see around the world and here in the United States.

Art has a way of doing that—of reminding us what we’re here for. Whether you’re more moved by making your own art or by just sitting back and enjoying what others create for you, the creative process can be an unparalleled form of selfexpression that proves valuable in every aspect of life.

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PAT T ER N S mu st b e h eard these

MADELINE JUDD

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F

ashion is more powerful than it first appears. In a time of political unrest, designers have decided to take a stance and speak their minds. Creators like Jeremy Scott and Christopher Bailey of Burberry used Fashion Week to send a message on social issues.

are hundreds of options to express yourself. Whether it is purchasing items or adding a creative touch to things you already own, there are no rules or limits when it comes to what makes a community strong.

Fashion is an important outlet for people of all ages to discover and express themselves. The industry as a whole has recognized the need for people to take a stance and reacted with producing beautiful and powerful clothing.

It is too often that people feel alone in their struggles. It can be hard to know who is on your side, especially in today’s world. This is where fashion becomes even more important. Simply wearing a statement t-shirt in support of a cause can give a person hope and courage to do the same. Before you know it, thousands of people are choosing fashion that supports the same cause. Suddenly, you are a part of something bigger, no longer afraid of being alone.

Burberry’s signature plaid pattern was altered to include rainbow stripes in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Proceeds from the collection went to charities supporting homeless individuals affected by homophobia in Britain, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. Designing an entire collection to support an important social issue shows dedication to the issue, and they were applauded for doing so in such a creative way.

More and more companies are joining the fight against social justice issues and are creating statement t-shirts and shoes for people to be powerful. Shirts simply stating, “hate less, love more” promote and encourage a more loving environment. Shoes with painted phrases like “wear your freedom” take a literal approach to self-expression.

Fashion is not limited by any one type of clothing; there

Clearly in today’s world, social justice is the most important topic of discussion. Newsworthy events no longer stay within the journalism realm as other areas realize their voices. Fashion is the beginning of a revolution, and will be the spark for some much needed change.

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Lessons from Leaders in Letters MELISSA BECK | FEATURES EDITOR

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o be a strong individual means to own one’s strengths and weaknesses. It means to find courage in the scariest moments and hope when there is no visible light. To be a strong individual means one must be willing to speak their mind even if it means standing alone. To be resilient, powerful, and empathetic. Being strong means allowing yourself to be vulnerable and accepting of failure. Strong individuals are fearless. They are leaders.

At Elon University, there are nine sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu, Sigma Kappa, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and Zeta Tau Alpha. With each of these sororities comes an executive team and leading the pack is none other than the “fearless president”.

MEET THE GANG On a brisk fall day at Elon, I sat on the freezing steps of Whitely Auditorium with four seniors who each chose We have witnessed leaders in our generation all over to wear Greek letters that represent different values, Elon University’s campus and the world. They embrace but all hold the love of hundreds of women. their interests and use that love to guide others to become their best selves. Some of our most brilliant Jill Watkins, the current president of Alpha Xi Delta, leaders are the people we may least expect. The was the first to let me pick her brain on this daunting people just like us. role. Watkins is a Strategic Communications major

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JENNEE BLANO | AOΠ

ALLIE MANNAI | Σ K

support from her fellow sorority sisters, she decided to take a chance as president.

“I definitely did not see that in myself,” Mannai said. “But through conversations with her and hearing how much she believed in me and how much my chapter believed in me made me feel like maybe they saw something in me that I didn’t know I had.”

from Columbus, Ohio who, acknowledges her strengths, and prides herself on the person she has become. She recalls the application process for presidency and is aware of why she was chosen to fill such big shoes.

“We as women in this country are stigmatized to be as humble as possible, so not to ‘toot my own horn’, but I think they saw a sense of level headedness in me.”

Watkins said. “I like to take every situation with a grain of salt. I have a strong sense of empathy which comes out in every conversation I have with people. I do think that I show a lot, a lot of love for AXiD.” There’s something to be said about women in leadership roles. They are forces to be reckoned with and sometimes it takes a while to unveil that.

“If you had told me that I would be in a sorority— let alone the president—my freshman year at Elon, I would have thought you were crazy,” said President of Alpha Omicron Pi, Jennee Blanco. “It has honestly been one of the best experiences of my life joining a sorority and finding my family here at Elon.”

Blanco, a Finance and Management major from Fairfield, Connecticut, never imagined she would be in a sorority. When she decided to go through recruitment, however, she saw the love that the girls of AOII had for one another and instantly knew this was where she was meant to be. Grab your chips, because this article only gets cheesier from here.

Sitting beside Blanco, cozied up in her white sweater was Allie Mannai. Mannai is a bundle of energy from Marshfield, Massachusetts who saw herself leading Sigma Kappa in other areas, but with the

As humans, we have a tendency to underestimate ourselves, and these ladies are no exception. Sometimes we don’t feel like we can take on certain roles until we are thrown into them and told to “figure it out” and through that we are able to see how powerful of individuals we can be.

Regina Mendoza knows this all too well. The president of Tri Sigma from Fort Lauderdale, Florida is truly small, but mighty. She discovered new traits about herself and has been able to look back and reflect on how much she has grown through this process.

“It’s definitely made me stronger in knowing what’s good for me,” Mendoza said. “It’s about doing things because you want to do them, not because people expect you to do them. I think if you do things that you’re passionate about it just makes you so much of a better leader and it makes it so much better to be a leader.”

Write that down. It’s easy to be a part of organizations that you don’t have any real connection to just, so you have something to show on your resume, but that’s not as fulfilling.

Lesson #1: Lead with your passion. People will see your love, and they will follow.

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IT’S A PRETTY LARGE GANG… A few days later, I sat on those same freezing steps, on a windy morning with Tri Delta’s president Emily Frizzell and Phi Mu’s president, Cecily Curtis. Frizzell, an Elementary Education major from South Burlington, Vermont, did not apply for the position of president, but instead was elected by her sorority.

Some people find their identity in certain groups, or other people, and should give back to those organizations to show how much they’ve benefited them. These groups make us who we are, and we should thank them for it.

Zeta Tau Alpha’s President, Katlyn Powers from Terre “When I was chosen I was really excited to see where it Haute, Indiana gives credit where it’s due and is aware would take me, but I was also really honored that they of how much her friends and sisters have helped her saw those leadership qualities in me” said Frizzell. through this process.

Curtis, from Tampa, Florida, came to Elon knowing “I believe my sisters knew I would lead the chapter in she was going to go through recruitment since she a positive direction,” Powers said. “Their support has desired that tight knit community she had at home. been crucial to me as president.” All of these girls have the support and love of hundreds of girls behind them, “For 10 years I went to an all-girls camp and then I who look up to them and aspire to be like them. went to an all-girls high school, so I was really used to having that core group of girls in my life,” Curtis said. Someone who feels that love constantly is our last “I just love my all-girls high school and getting to be lovely lady from Middlebury, Indiana, Emily Hughes myself and I really wanted that at Elon. (aka the president of Kappa Delta).

Ashlyn Sawyer, Alpha Chi Omega’s President, also knew “The most rewarding part of being a leader is the that she wanted to be a part of a sorority and, unlike little things - overhearing girls say how much they some others, knew she had the ability to be in charge. love KD, seeing sisters enjoying themselves at events or sisterhood activities, hearing stories about sisters “I was the leader of multiple organizations in high that helped each other in times of need,” Hughes said. school, so I knew that I wanted leadership to be a large “Those small, organic moments definitely make my part of my college experience as well,” said Sawyer. time and efforts as a leader worthwhile.”

“Once I joined Alpha Chi and immediately became so passionate about being involved I knew I wanted to SO, WHY DOES THIS MATTER? give back in a leadership role like chapter president.”

For one reason or another, these individuals were chosen to stand for their sorority’s values. They were Lesson #2: Give back to organizations that have given chosen because of who they are and how they will to you. move their chapter forward. These nine women were

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EMILY FRIZZELL | Δ Δ Δ

ASHLYN SAWYER | AXO

EMILY HUGHES | K Δ

“We are stronger leaders on campus, in our sorority and as people,” Blanco said.

This is true. Whether you’re aware of it or not, men and women in Greek organizations surround us on this campus and are active participants in almost all organizations.

“We’ve strived to become an organization in the Elon community, not just Tri Sigma,” Mendoza said. “We are a lot more aware of what’s going on with other sororities. We have a lot more positions now about out reaching to other sororities. We want to make sure Tri Sigma has a positive impact on everybody.”

selected to take on the weight of their sorority sisters, and now I understand why.

Even outside the community, these girls are thinking big. They want to be actively apart of the lives of people at Elon and around the globe. They genuinely want to make a change for the better and continue to show their values with pride.

“We also, nationwide, have this kindness initiative,” “I was raised by my mom, who pretty much raised us said Frizzell. “Our founders had this idea of a woman’s by herself, she is the strongest woman I know,” Watkins society that was kind alike to all. So recently, with a lot said. “She was the CEO of her company and really ran of the controversy that’s going on around the country, from the ground up and made a life for herself. So, I’ve we have this initiative to live kind and lead kind and been raised with a sense of confidence, as a woman, I make a positive change.” can truly be successful, especially in my career.”

Lesson #3: Live kind and lead kind.

Watkins, along with the other presidents, had people in their lives that believed in them and taught them that they are capable of doing anything they set their mind to. Their role models believed in them, so they can now go forward and help others to believe in themselves.

To be a leader means to be compassionate and empathetic, and all of these women encompass those two things.

While this is the initiative for Tri Delta’s organization, we should all make it a priority to live by those words.

TIME TO WRAP UP I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet and talk with these incredible women. Sometimes we forget that leaders are people, not just our idols. I went into this article hoping to discover why these women were chosen and now it all makes sense.

They are empathetic, hardworking, and thoughtful. They reach out to everyone, even when they don’t have to. They look towards the future of their sorority and live by their values each day. They are resilient, and they are strong, but most importantly, they are uniquely themselves.

AΞΔ AOΠ Σ Σ Σ Σ K K Δ ФM Δ Δ Δ AXO

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Color Theory

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HANNAH JABLONSKI

hat if we told you wearing a new color could control your behavior or your state of mind. Well, the color theory divulges just this. Color theory can be one of the most powerful tools a designer uses, and it can be for you too. Color psychology teaches us color is an emotional cue and affects how we subconsciously act and feel. Incorporating new colors allows one to jump out of their comfort zone, and influence new behavior.

Embracing new bold colors into your wardrobe can instantly set a mood, convey an emotion, or invoke a physiological reaction. Think of it this way, colors could be the means to a new attitude that can help accomplish a long-term goal you’ve had. As Oscar Wilde said, “Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.” Your color preferences make a statement about how we want other people to perceive us as a nonverbal communication that speaks volumes in a fraction of a second; we should take advantages of its effects.

Incorporating bright colors into your everyday looks keeps your style fun and expressive. Following the color guide is your secret weapon to killing every look, along with living a powerful and happy life.

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ORANGE RED

Red is a highly stimulating color that conveys passion, but with a dramatic flair. It creates urgency and can encourage one to be more daring and courageous. This statement color is perfect to wear on a first date and will make a lasting effect.

Orange shows optimism and adventure. This is a great color to work out in as it will keep you energized and motivated. Creatively wearing orange communicates to others that you are social and looking for fun. Wearing orange is perfect when you want to express yourself and draw some attention. For the days you are feeling adventurous, reach for orange.

Yellow is the color of enthusiasm, opportunity, and spontaneity; it emits positive and cheerful vibes. Yellow should be worn on days you need to be productive because it keeps you awake and aware by its energizing hues. By putting yellow on in the morning you are telling the world that you are going to get it done.

PINK YELLOW

Pink is the color of femininity, compassion, and playfulness. Pink stimulates and motivates action and encourage creativity. You should try incorporating pink into your look if you are looking to brainstorm new ideas for a project or explore your creative side.

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BLUE

Blue aligns with calmness. The common association with bodies of water emits feelings of tranquility and serenity. Blue is a great color to wear when trying to release stress because it can help you relax and feel more secure. You should wear blue on stressful days like a big test or job interview.

GREEN

Green stimulates the ideas of growth and harmony, as well as kindness and dependability. The freshness of the color green is restful to the eye allowing a restoration of energy. You might wear this organic color on days of relaxation when you just want to kick back and rest.

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PURPLE

Purple historically signifies royalty as it was difficult to make from common items found in nature. Purple is also a spiritual color that encompasses imagination, and mystery. Wearing purple captivates the eye and emits wisdom and power. Purple is a great color to incorporate in your style when leading or presenting to a crowd.

Purple represents all things important to have when in a position of power.

the juul juul: FROM TREND TO WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON EMMA TRIMBUR

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f you are even remotely up to date with the trends of your generation, you are familiar with the Juuling fad that has swept across the country. We don’t know about you, but we’re a little skeptical of how and why the small, flash-drive-looking smoking device has become a symbol of rebellion and a source of affirmation among young adults.

What we do know is that Juuls were invented initially for cigarette smokers since the e-cigarettes contain less nicotine than an average cigarette. The intention was to help steer the smokers away from cigarettes using a less addicting alternative. Juul claims, however, that it was never their intention to appeal to teenagers. With that in mind, let’s examine how and why it has become such a significant phenomenon with the GenX population.

One way we can give this sensation some context is with a quick history lesson to explore similar trends in previous generations. The 1950s in particular were infamous for

glamorizing cigarette use. Icons like James Dean and Audrey Hepburn were broadcasted through film and influenced not only teens, but adults as well. The tobacco industry swept through industrialized countries and was invincible until laws were passed in the 1990s prohibiting smoking in enclosed areas of employment. Smoking was broadcasted to populations as the embodiment of prestige and confidence. Is it too bold to compare the cigarette phenomenon to the Juuling trend?

The public has seen the fad circulate around mainstream media through icons such as Bella Hadid, who sports a Louis Vuitton Juul. As we all know, the influence of social media on our generation is extreme — when it comes to trends and fads such as Juuling, they circulate like wildfire.

Most college students are familiar with social media accounts like Barstool and 5th Year. These platforms share embarrassing and funny college content submitted by everyday college students. Their Instagram feeds are LIFESTYLE | 35

“A LOT OF IT HAS TO DO WITH THE aestheticized LOOK OF THE JUUL. IT’S TINY AND MINIMALIST IN DESIGN WHICH MAKES IT UTILITARIAN.” Kyle Dobbs

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flooded with videos of frat boys fighting each other for Juul pods, girls sporting trendy Juul pod earrings and dorm room garbage cans filled with empty boxes of different flavored pods — the list goes on.

With the frequency at which the phenomenon appears on social media, it is almost impossible to be unfamiliar with the concept. The odds that a college student has taken at least one “hit” from a Juul are pretty high. So, the real question is, do you enjoy it? Does anyone enjoy it? Or has our generation become so infatuated with the “coolness factor” of Juuling that its only purpose is to act as an accessory? Let’s see what some GenX-ers themselves have to say about the issue.

To our surprise, when we asked Kyle Dobbs, a senior at Elon, about why he originally started using a Juul, he admitted that he purchased the e-cigarette as an alternative to the cigarettes he was addicted to.

“It’s funny, I had a convo with my mom about how passionate and health conscious I am, yet I smoke cigarettes. So I decided Juuling was the better alternative.”

After picking his brain about the phenomenon of Juuling, Dobbs went further into detail about how and why he thinks it has become such a fad for other people his age and younger. Yes, perhaps some GenX individuals originally started Juuling with the intention of straying away from cigarette use, but the reality is is that much more of the Juul’s use has arisen through the reputation of the Juul and what it is associated with culturally in our generation.

“I think that it’s sort of like a fashion accessory in some way. A lot of it has to do with the aestheticized look of the Juul. It’s tiny and minimalist in design which makes it utilitarian,” said Dobbs.

Just like the original appeal of cigarettes and the badass rebellion vibes that were associated with smoking throughout Hollywood in the 50s, Juuls are

an accessory for our generation and have become a device that praises owning your youth and the GenX/ Millennial identity. Cassi Waciega also pitched in about Juuls and their influence in today’s culture. She admits that she also uses a Juul as an alternative to cigarettes.

Although, unlike Dobbs, she doesn’t have her own Juul.

“I almost bought one as a bit because I thought it’d be funny,” says Waciega.

Juuling has become an enigma in our society in which both GenX-ers and adults can’t uncover how or why it has become so popular among teens. It is even a joke among those that smoke the devices themselves. Yet, the e-cigarettes are glued to college students’ hands at parties, dining halls, and everywhere in between. So whether you’re an active user and have a personalized swaggy sleeve featuring your initials or the Supreme logo, or have avoided even looking at a Juul since you’ve heard about it, you have to admit that the Juuling epidemic is real. It makes us wonder what future trends will be and if #Juulislife will ever be a thing of the past.

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the age of

ACTIVISM ERIN MCDOWELL | EDITOR IN CHIEF

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his year undoubtedly saw an immense rise in class about global issues. He had a lot of things that student activism. From the March for Our Lives he gave us as opportunities to learn more about the movement to the continued conversations issue. I started meeting with him and reading a lot of of #MeTooacross the country’s college campuses, books about international development. There was an students are leading the charge in the fight for equality organization that he led called Partners in Health that and a better world. It may be easy for some to forget was about raising money to build systems of healthcare that some of the country’s most notable social justice in different places. I started getting involved with that movements were born and bred on college campuses. and different clubs like Red Cross at school. In high The Kent State shooting of 1970 set off a shockwave school, I started to find activities and opportunities around the country, calling for an end to the Vietnam that were meaningful and I found myself feeling like I War and senseless violence. This was doing something important. event set off a chain reaction of "I think young people student protests, and the country E: How did you get involved are the ones that has never been the same since. with activism within the Latinx push things." community on campus?

Inspired by the student activism LLR: In high school, there was displayed in the 1970s, and how nothing in place that united -Lucia Lozano those events mirror student Latinx-Hispanic students on Robledo protests and activism of today, campus or gave us resources. I The Edge sat down with Lucia went to school in Chapel Hill, Lozano Robledo, the President of the Latinx-Hispanic so through UNC there was a program that helped you Union, and Kali Clougherty, activist, performer, and prepare for college. Coming to college, I knew I wanted survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to find an organization with people who had similar shooting that shocked the country and gained national background and similar stories to me. When I came attention as a precedent for the March for Our Lives. here, I found the Latinx-Hispanic Union which had just started the year before I got here. I immediately Lucia Lozano Robledo gravitated towards that. I was a member, and then the Secretary, and now I’m the President. I knew that with EDGE: What social or political issues are you most all the passions I had I wanted to do something there. passionate about and why?

LUCIA: I am most passionate about the issue of E: What projects and movements related to activism immigration. I am an immigrant in the United States, have you been a part of?

I moved from Columbia to the US six years ago so LLR: Last year was my first year at Elon, and so after it’s something that I’ve experienced in my own skin. getting involved with the Latinx-Hispanic Union and I think, not just because I am an immigrant, but also a lot of things going on with immigration, like when because the issue as a whole is something that I care Trump rescinded DACA, a lot of students got together about because there are so many people that I’ve met to do something about it. We realized that nothing was and loved ones that have come to a different country happening on campus related to that issue, even though and have experienced discrimination. I think the it affected so many of us and our lives directly. This immigration system here in the United States is group is in the process of becoming an organization really detrimental and is not intended to treat people called Immigrant Realities. It’s been existing for a year as humans, even when the history of the country is now unofficially. We’ve done different panels about based off of immigrants. The country was built off of immigration, policy, and people’s stories. We did an immigrants’ work. It’s something that I’m passionate Instagram campaign intended to educate people about about because it’s something that I identify with but immigration and immigrants, basically debunking also because it’s really messed up. the things people say about immigrants. People say immigrants take jobs, so we’d publish content that E: How did you first get involved in activism? directly debunks that theory. The whole premise of the LLR: I think in high school I had a teacher for a group is to educate and debunk those stereotypes, COVER STORY | 39

lucia LOZANO ROBLEDO

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as well as advocate for immigrants. We also went to a conference called the Collegiate Alliance for Immigration Reform at Harvard which was a really cool opportunity. We got to meet other students and see how they’re advocating and the kinds of programs they’re working on, and see how we can bring more things like that to Elon. The LatinxHispanic Union is open to everyone, and we have different discussions like building your identity and seeing how you can aid those who do identify as Latinx or Hispanic.

E: Do you think student activists have an important position in the current political climate?

LLR: I think young people are the ones that push things. If it wasn’t for young activists doing things on their own and going out there and creating their own campaigns and pushing legislation, it’s really slow or would never happen. I think the circumstances push people to be more active now since it’s more urgent.

Kali Clougherty EDGE: What social or political issues are you most passionate about and why?

KALI: Gun reform, women’s rights, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Those are the three that resonate with me a lot. I honestly wasn’t heavily involved with activism before.

I used Twitter before the shooting to use my voice. Then, the shooting happened and I had to delete Twitter after a few months because I was getting a lot of attacks and hate for speaking out. People were calling me and a lot of us involved in March for Our Lives crisis actors.

E: That’s right, they were saying you were all paid actors and that it wasn’t real.

KC: Yeah, so I only redownloaded it after the Tony Awards [that the March for Our Lives students performed at]. I was just curious about what was going on. Then, I deleted it again. I use Facebook but I might delete it because it’s very overwhelming. It’s nice to be E: If you were to offer one piece of advice for a part of a school that lets you use your voice a college student wanting to be more involved and I don’t feel like it’s being silenced. with activism, what would it be?

LLR: I would say two things. Firstly, it’s E: How did you first get involved in activism? important to understand activism as KC: Social media. I think it was also when something more than going to a protest or my friends at the time created March for Our having a sticker. Activism can be anything and Lives. They wanted to include me in it at the everything. It can be doing undergraduate time and so I went to the meetings, was in research on an issue that’s important to the group chat, made phone calls, went on you, that’s activism. Activism can also be Twitter, did all that. I had to leave March for being part of an organization that puts on Our Lives because it got very intense and I educational events, that’s activism too. Even didn’t have time to heal myself. It was a really creating music with progressive lyrics can be hard time. It was affecting my relationship activism. Seeing activism as a holistic thing with my boyfriend, it was affecting my can motivate people to be more involved. If I relationship with my parents and my friends. can’t write a song, I can still be an activist. I can I needed to focus on them. do undergraduate research or tell people my story. If you’re passionate about an issue and E: It was a national movement. You see the want to be active on it, it goes way beyond the leaders of it like Emma Gonzales and that’s superficial “let me post this photo of me at a suddenly her whole life. protest” kind of thing. True activism is doing KC: I’m just not built for that kind of national the groundwork that people can’t see and you attention. It was chaos. Everyone was talking can’t show off. It’s about devoting your time about us and her. Everyone wants to see her to the issues and going beyond the aesthetics. and she doesn’t have the time in the day to That’s when it becomes problematic. talk to everyone. February 14th she was just COVER STORY | 41

Emma and by that weekend she had become talk about change, let’s talk about the future, a national name. I think it was the fame that let’s move forward. was sprung upon us out of nowhere and none of us knew how to handle it.

E: How can people support school shooting survivors or make a change with gun reform?

E: And you didn’t want to be a part of that?

KC: It’s being able to listen, talk with me and KC: No, especially with the career I’m going listen to my story. Something I’ve started into I wanted to expect it but not have it doing is going to therapy every week. I didn’t sprung upon me. I don’t want to be famous or do that until I got to Elon. The main thing for to be known for this shooting. I want to make me was that I felt safe here on this campus, it where I want to be knowing you have based off of my hard swipe your card to work and going to get into a building.

"Let's talk about CHANGE, college, instead of Let's talk about the FUTURE, I felt safer living on using the media and the second floor Let's move FORWARD." social media to get than on the first big. Even with the floor. If I’m walking -Kali Clougherty Tony’s, I was hesitant home at night, the to do it. I didn’t want blue lights can call to do it for all the followers. I mainly did it for the police. Those little things help me feel safe. my teacher. People will come up to me and be It’s also knowing that other people may have like, “oh, you’re famous!” It hurts. other opinions, but they won’t traumatize me on purpose.

E: Especially when the fame comes from such a dark place. That was a traumatic experience E: Do you think student activists have an for you, so for that to be the one thing you’re important and unique position in the current known for would be horrible. political climate?

KC: It’s helpful, in a way. I can put on my KC: I think young people have a strong resume that I performed at the Tony’s, and voice right now. We have social media which people recognize me as that girl. That could helps us put our message out there. People give me a leg up. I don’t want to use that. are starting to listen. People listened to the March for Our Lives because we’re all kids. I E: Right, because then it’s almost like believe that’s one of the positive things that’s you’re profiting off of something horrible. come out of this. People are listening now in KC: People died, and people are exploiting a way that they weren’t before. them to make money and become famous.

This is the first time I’ve said it, but it’s true. E: If you were to offer one piece of advice for I don’t want to go out there and write a book a college student wanting to be more involved about it, make money off the book. I don’t with activism, what would it be? want to get paid to travel around the country KC: Go to events like the March for Our Lives and talk about what happened. I’ll just talk and take note on what people are saying. Be about what happened. Unless it’s going there for people who’ve been affected by these towards a really good cause, I won’t do it. issues and let them know you support them.

That’s what makes me mad and upset. More I think social media can be the first step but than ever, this week I’ve been getting a lot of it’s not a big step. We don’t have a March for “oh, my God you were at the Tony’s!” or “you Our Lives chapter at this school, and that’s went to that school” or “you’re famous” or something I’d love to see happen. That would “you’re that girl.” I don’t want to be that girl. be a huge step for Elon University. That way I want to use my voice in a positive way. Let’s we could get involved on that national level.

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kali CLOUGHERTY

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in Professional Social Media ALI GOODMAN

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nstagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Linkedin: our generation has a big responsibility for maintaining our online presence. We’ve all been told at some point to be careful with our social media—our parents told us “colleges could be watching” or “future employers are going to see that.” We may not want to face it but it is a reality in today’s world. Our online presence is more than just social media, it has become somewhat of a resume for our lives. Posting content that you’re proud of will not only fit your “aesthetic,” but will also make future employers and friends respect you for expressing your true self. While a perfect picture with ten filters may get brief, superficial attention, posting photos of the real you will make people respect you. If editing your pictures makes you feel empowered, then go ahead and rock it, but don’t just do it because it feels like what you should post based on the opinions of others. Post what makes you feel proud of your online profile.

Whether we think it looks perfect or not, odds are people will respect you way more for being yourself.

Stopping the cycle of hiding behind editing and filters could boost self esteem for everyone. Rock that fresh nomakeup face with confidence and be proud of yourself for being authentic. Post pictures that reflect who you are and who you want the world to see. Whether that’s a picture from your daily routine or an outfit that you’re proud of, post what makes you feel happy to be in your own skin. If you try to change yourself for the sake of your “image,” you are not being your real self. Pictures that stand out can be professional while still unique and personal.

Seemingly everyone is guilty of social media stalking at least once in their lives. We can all play detective and hunt down information on people to find out all kinds of things. Some companies even do it before hiring potential employees. While that may be frightening, it can also be positive in that we have a way to influence How we edit our photos online can have a big effect on how we are perceived. We have the ability to tailor how we are perceived. Whether you edit your body or our online presence in pretty much any way we want. hide behind ten filters, none are the real you. Our society Whether you want to give off a girl boss vibe or post tells us that we need to look a certain way, causing cute quirky captions, your profile can be whatever you jealousy and competition to creep into our minds when wish. The best way to show off your personality is in the we scroll through our Instagram feeds. captions: just make sure you won’t regret your words in the future.

While we all may strive to look perfect or fit into an imaginary mold, in doing so we create false images of Posting anything controversial can come back and who we are. It can be both damaging to our self-esteem haunt you, so remember that what you write reflects and misrepresentative of who we are. In reality, posting who you are, not to mention your values. Try to avoid a makeup-free selfie or a photo highlighting the feature anything that might make an employer think twice you’re most insecure about can be super empowering. before adding you to their team.

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Show your style but try to keep it appropriate through a professional lense. Letting coworkers and potential employers find party pictures of you may not leave the best first impression.

Not only do the photos you post matter, but the things you say do as well. People can say whatever they want about you online, whether it be good or bad. We have reached a time where we need to put an end to cyberbullying and hateful comments on social media.

It is up to us to hold ourselves to a higher standard and stop this trend of hiding behind anonymous words.

The hate comments, whether from you or directed at you, can leave serious emotional damage. Your words matter.. Choose them carefully. We all know it never truly disappears, and we need to constantly have that in the forefront of our minds. Successful social media influencers have lost everything, including their careers, for saying offensive things in the past. It could happen to any one of us. Tweets or pictures from years ago can resurface and damage your reputation even when you think no one will ever scroll back that far. We can never take back what we put out online, so we need to be careful during our college years in particular.

The college age is known to be the years for making mistakes and figuring out who you are. We all stumble and do things we regret, but having it all recorded online changes the game. Our mistakes may not truly stay in the past like they did in previous generations.

When it comes to posting online, try to think about whether you will respect yourself for it in 10 years. That caption with all the profanity might seem clever today, but an employer might not think the same. Be your quirky self but keep it acceptable for the eyes of anyone you could meet in the future. Steer clear of anything that could get you in trouble, because believe it or not, we are not all immune to scrutiny like we wish we were.

Moral of the story: rock that power pony, wear that funky outfit and post that caption your friends might not like as much as you do—as long as it’s appropriate.

Be who you want to be and your social media will reflect that you are genuine and professional.

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Baddest BUSINESS

FASHION, SPORTS, AND JOURNALISM: THREE ELON STUDENTS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED WORK AT THE TOP OF THEIR INDUSTRIES SALLIE COLLAMORE

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT

Erin Gallagher has a natural eye for style and a sweet, fiery curiosity that makes for the perfect fit in the fashion industry. A senior in the School of Communications here at Elon, Gallagher hopes to pursue a career in fashion that lets her combine her interests with the skills she has developed in her major. This past summer she interned at Sam Edelman, a woman’s shoe company, where her experience confirmed that fashion is where she wants to be.

“I chose to pursue a liberal arts education just to keep all doors open because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in high school” says Gallagher, “but my internship this summer solidified my passion to work in the fashion industry. It had always been an interest of mine, but I hadn’t considered it until this summer— now I can’t see myself doing anything else!”

As we spoke with Erin, she made it clear that the best part of the company was the people she was surrounded by everyday. The atmosphere at Sam Edelman is what allowed her to be creative and express her own ideas.

“One of my favorite things about interning at Sam Edelman was constantly being surrounded by such creative, talented and kind people,” says Gallagher. “I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to sit in on a few of the design meetings and look at sketches and brainstorm ideas for the following seasons.”

46 | FEATURES

Most internships don’t encourage interns to suggest ideas or to have involvement in meetings, but Gallagher says these things are what made her intern experience so valuable and worthwhile.

“The best part about working there was that I never felt like an intern - right off the bat I was given so much responsibility. Sam was in the office every day and called all the interns by name, which was something I wasn’t expecting.”

Erin’s love for expression through fashion is what sets her apart and lets her talent for style shine. While at Sam Edelman, Mr. Edelman himself sent her out personally to do a competitive analysis on the shoe market. Gallagher’s dependability and pure talent is obvious to even those at the top of the business.

Sam Edelman allowed Erin to experience what a potential job in fashion could be like, but first came a little fun. “Each intern and new member at Sam Edelman gets their foot professionally measured. They measure the length, width, your calf, arch, and parts of the foot I didn’t even know mattered! It was pretty funny because I found out that I am a size 8, but I’ve been buying a size 9 for years, which blew my mind.”

Her internship really did help her find the perfect fit.

BEATING THE ODDS

Senior Sport Management major, Carrigan Bain, is working hard to find her place in the sports industry.

An avid sports fan and passionate leader, makes for the perfect combination for success in sports communications and public relations. Her recent summer internship with the Public Relations department at the Washington Redskins, allowed her to have handson experiences with an NFL team, their players, and the business behind a major sports franchise.

Bain was asked to work the NFL draft for the Redskins in April, leading up to her summer internship. It was at the When reflecting on her overall experience, Bain says, draft where she fell in love with the exciting atmosphere, “One of my favorite parts about the internship was work ethic, and people she was surrounded by. interacting with the players. Most average 6-4 and 250 lbs. and seeing them play on Sunday afternoons “The draft opened my eyes to football at the highest you may think they are all tough guys. In reality, I was level and how exciting the work is -- I instantly wanted able to see their personalities, hear their experiences, to apart of it and learn from the people who get to do and get to know them on a personal level. Watching this as their job,” says Bain.

Redskins games will never be the same and no Sports is a male-dominated industry, but that doesn’t matter where I end up the Redskins will always be mean there aren’t opportunities and room for women. a special team to me.”

Bain is a perfect example of not letting a ratio or majority get in the way of her career goals.

Bain has already conquered the odds by scoring an internship with an NFL team and she continues to “The most difficult and challenging aspect about the look forward to what’s next for her in the industry. experience was it being a male-dominated industry,” “My internship was amazing and I want to continue she says, “I felt added pressure to prove and justify this passion of mine after college whether that’s for myself about my education of football and knowledge an NFL or collegiate team,” says Bain. I would say the of the game. All of my superiors, but one, was male and odds are in her favor, as a powerhouse female ready to most people I interacted with on a daily basis were males.” be thrown in the action.

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LEARNING FROM THE BEST

Erik Webb is a Journalism and Media Analytics double major here at Elon, who thrives in the newsroom. His passion for news and storytelling shines through his work and experiences. This past summer, Webb had the opportunity to intern with CNN Newsource— the affiliate content arm of the network in charge of distributing CNN national content to more than 900 local affiliates and gathering news from those stations for use on CNN and its sister networks. The reason Webb chose to intern at CNN? To learn from the best.

dog day and I could be more creative in my writing and express my love for writing scripts and cutting video that matched what I was writing.”

Webb went from learning from the best, to writing for the best in just a matter of weeks. When asked about the most challenging part of his internship, Webb couldn’t help but mention the intimidation factor. “Elon prepared me so well for my internship, but nothing compares to walking in to the main newsroom of CNN every day and not getting intimidated as an intern, “I decided to work there because of the prominence especially when you are writing stories that could CNN has in the news industry and felt I could gain potentially be read and heard by millions of people,” the most valuable experience being surrounded by he says. As the summer went on, Webb developed people who are the best at what they do,” says Webb. strong relationships with his colleagues and some of Throughout his internship, Webb was able to work on the intimidation became a little quieter. his own journalism skills and provide content for his team that could be published on CNN. Webb is prepared to take the news industry on with his impressive resume and incomparable work ethic. He “On a daily basis I was able to write scripts, which I says CNN would be a dream to work for, as a journalism love doing,” says Webb. “Some of them were about hard career is his goal come next year after graduation. The news. But sometimes I would write about national hot Edge says— he is ready.

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CULTURES & EXPRESSION ZOE LEWIS FIONA DIDATO

A

s humans, many of us seek to understand the ways in which other people live. This is the reason why we travel, study abroad, follow influencers on Instagram, watch vloggers on YouTube, dine at various restaurants and even live overseas. We want a taste of what it is like to walk in another person’s shoes in order to broaden our own horizons and try something new—and maybe the goal is to get out of our own comfort zones. As our transitional period between being a teenager and an adult begins, we yearn to learn more about ourselves and discover new opportunities and have experiences we didn’t know were possible. This journey can be long and tough with trials and tribulations, but hopefully by the end of our four years at Elon we will have discovered who we truly want to be.

Elon University is home to a sizable amount of international students who each bring along different and new perspectives to the university and like everybody else, are finding and developing their own senses of self. In hopes of making the transition into an American college a bit easier for international students, Elon allows students from abroad to room together, as it helps foster relationships and makes the transition process a little smoother. These students face many challenges of not only just adjusting to adulthood, but also to a different, unfamiliar culture here in the states.

We talked with a few international students to get a better understanding of the different lifestyles they brought to Elon, and to get a glimpse of how they create their home away from home in North Carolina.

Sydney, an international from London, shared with us how she found it nice to have a roommate who was also an international student and, like Sydney, has an American accent—even though she went to an international school in Malaysia.

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She goes on to explain how she enjoys the smaller class sizes and student-teacher relationships at college, as it reminds her of her education in England. In her room, Sydney says she hung three black and white photo prints from London over her bed to remind her of home.

on her own. And though it is difficult for her to find people with similar cultures and traditions, she enjoys meeting new people and experiencing the American university experience. “I know I express my religion on my laptop as I have Hindu symbols all over it and I spread my culture by simply listening to the music. I Another thing that reminds her of home is her also have a habit of wearing a lot of bracelets to remind jewelry—she wears her favorite necklace from London me of bangles which I wore a lot back home. But I also every day. Through her studies and time here at Elon, have a special bracelet I had blessed by my guru before Sydney says she plans on sticking with the morals and I left and it has the om symbol on it.” values she learned at home and wants to share insight on the culture in England.

Joyce is the third international student we talked to about her spanish heritage, being both Venezuelan and Kaitlyn, an international student from India, spoke to us Cuban. Joyce never thought that living in Miami was about how it was a bit harder to matriculate into Elon, as going to be so different than living in another U.S state. it was the first time she had ever really been away from She described Miami being basically another country home. She also stated how it meant the world to her with a completely different culture. “It is so unique with when the school celebrated Diwali, a festival of lights a melting pot of cultures and so much diversity. It is celebrated every autumn in India. Along with photos of necessary in Miami to know more than one language in friends and family, Kaitlyn also brought chocolate she order to get around. People speak 5 different languages could only get at home. “I made sure to also bring my a day because people from all over the world come to personal murtis; images, statues, idols of Hindu deities; live in my hometown.” Unlike many other U.S states, which are of Ganesha and Mother Lakshmi.”

Joyce grew up with many different cultures around her which predominantly included the hispanic culture, While she is at school, however, Kaitlyn believes she specifically Venezuelan, Cuban and Lebanese because is responsible for upholding her culture and traditions that is where her family is from.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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Joyce described to us so of the challenges she faced coming to school in North Carolina, “So coming to Elon really caught me off guard because it was such a big culture shock. Being Latina back home in Miami was the most basic thing ever. Coming to Elon, it has made me so unique and when people find out I am Hispanic they are always surprised that I go to school here.” She also wears and expresses her culture here at school in many different ways. “I have a huge poster that says Miami and all my pictures of family and friends on my wall. I am always wearing the jewelry I sell that represents my hispanic culture. You will find me listening to Spanish music, it is a way for me to feel more connected to my culture.

She also wears and expresses her culture here at school in many different ways. “I have a huge poster that says Miami and all my pictures of family and friends on my wall. I am always wearing the jewelry I sell that represents my hispanic culture. you will always find me listening to Spanish music. By listening to Spanish music and dancing to it, it is a way for me to feel more connected to my culture and to my home. I also express my individuality by wearing my big hoops every day which to me is a way of showing that I am latina. Nowadays, everyone wears big hoops because it is “trendy”, but I wear it because it reminds me of my culture. I also wear my jewelry that I sell because it reminds me of back home. The jewelry I sell is from Venezuela. My store is called Moonlight Accessories.” She, along with many other of our international students here at school express themselves in ways that reminds them of their culture back at home.

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what’s in your

Box?

HOW AN ELON STUDENT IS HELPING BREAK THE STIGMA AROUND FEMALE SEXUAL HEALTH & PLEASURE

C

JULIE LEVINE

ollege-age students are constantly being told “don’t forget a condom!” However, when was the last time someone recommended you an eco-friendly lube or recovery pill for post-sex?

Christine Long, CEO, boss babe, and founder of “What’s in Your Box” has been able to do just that. The monthly subscription box was created to “open the dialogue around women’s sexual health to empower all women to explore their bodies freely without shame.” Sexual pleasure and hygiene are currently a taboo topic of conversation, especially on college campuses. The box exists in effort to break the stigma and inspire confidence “in the bedroom and beyond.”

The products not only emphasize safe sex, but also how to make it enjoyable.

We met with 22-year-old Elon senior Shay Friedman who is Elon’s very own “What’s In Your Box?” ambassador to find out how she brought the box to our campus.

EDGE: Ok, so why did you become a campus representative? Was it just because you saw the application or do you connect with it in some way?

SHAY: Yes, I just connect with it. I was a follower before, and I’m now an ambassador. I’ve always been drawn to female empowerment and sexual health so this just kind of mixed it all together and I thought it

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would be a great opportunity to bring that to Elon, more so than what we already have here. And it’s been super cool because there have been times where I’ve just been around and meeting new girls and they go, “Oh, you run the “What’s In Your Box” Instagram page, and I’m like, “Yeah thats me!”

E: Are you comfortable with people knowing you personally are the campus representative?

SF: Oh, absolutely. I welcome questions or concerns, whatever anyone wants to know.

E: We noticed 5 days ago you posted on Instagram that the company switched from a subscription box to a shop service. Why did that happen? Did you know or did they just notify you?

SF: Yes, we are a very new company and it just felt like the right move. The founder Christine felt like we sort of outgrew the box and that a shop would be better.

E: You said you wanted to bring “What’s In Your Box?” to Elon as a combination of your passions and that it would be good for our campus. Do you notice a stigma around women’s sexual health and understanding at Elon?

SF: So I think we’re...I don’t know exactly what the statistic is...we’re obviously a largely female community. I feel like we have some organizations that

are amazing. We have SPARKS, we have the GLC… but these organizations don’t show women fun stuff that’s also empowering. I felt like it was important for women to realize there shouldn’t be a stigma on being happy with your body.

E: What do you think is the best or most applicable product for college students or students on Elon’s campus specifically?

SF: We do have a selection of vibrators. There’s one thats pink and it’s called the “butterfly vibe” or something. I just think that’s cool because it kinda shows women that you don’t need a partner to enjoy your sex life. And then another great thing about all the products is that the majority of them are ecofriendly, good for the environment and some are vegan as well. So there are good options!

Show your body some love and head over to Shays instagram @whatsinyourboxelon and give it a follow.

Become an elon #boxbabe by signing up with your Elon email and using the code GETYOURS* at checkout. Visit the company blog “Sex, Feels and Feminism” for loads of online conversation and empowerment at https://www.whatsinyour-box.com/blog/. *The code is applicable only for throwback boxes.

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