Her Campus Northeastern Spring 2023 Semester

HER CAMPUS NORTHEASTERN

ISSUE 1

LETTERS FROM

EDITOR IN CHIEF Riley Price

As my first semester as Editor-In-Chief of HCNU comes to a close, there’s a dichotomy of feelings swirling inside me. This semester has been a tremendous opportunity for editorial production and our chapter as a whole to grow and develop, but one simple truth remains: change is hard. Across years and years of time and space, people have struggled with change. We like solid ground to stand on. We like to know what to expect. We like systems we can rely on, and thus, change can be uncomfortable and challenging.

But, it can also be exciting, empowering, even revolutionary, and I am so appreciative of the way our chapter is embracing the journey of change we have experienced. Whether through our updated editorial process that encourages slower, intentional development of articles, the resurgence of extended pitch sessions, or new guidelines strengthening the role of an active member, our chapter has welcomed growth this semester. I feel so fortunate to be part of an incredibly supportive community that fosters creativity and ingenuity. Though we’ve been transitioning and finding our footing once more as an organization, we’ve had a lively, productive semester.

Our members have written pieces that challenge the status quo, spark conversations, and demonstrate immense vulnerability. I am so proud of the words we have given to our community and beyond. I hold this group of women close to my heart and feel confident we will move onwards from this semester with continued enthusiasm and brilliance. I am tremendously excited to see how our chapter develops in the future as we uphold this inclusive space for artistry and community we’ve created.

With all my love and gratitude,

Riley

PRESIDENT

Rose

Serving as president this past semester has been both unbelievably rewarding and complex. As our chapter’s Executive Board has worked towards gaining active recognition from Northeastern’s Student Involvement Board and Center for Student Involvement, our everchanging chapter has experienced so many ebbs and flows and has grown so tightknit. Being trusted by HCNU women to lead our chapter and represent our community within Northeastern has completely reframed my idea of what social and academic life looks like at Northeastern and working with these women has been an opportunity I will forever be so grateful for!

Avenley

CHAPTER LEADERS

EVENTS DIRECTOR

Kaitlyn Khoury

This semester, the Events Team executed six events, including two writing workshops, a Galentine’s Day celebration, a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, our first-ever HC retreat with HCBU, and an end-of-semester celebration. Our goals for the semester included implementing concentrations for all Event Coordinators, hosting a mix of community-building and writing-focused events, conducting post-event surveys for feedback after every event. We are proud to have accomplished all of these goals and to have provided our members with engaging and meaningful experiences throughout the semester!

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Michelle Sylvester

Our socials team is a driving force. We post consistently on platforms including Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook. We post a little bit of everything from self-love affirmations, vacations, weekend updates, events and collaborations with other schools or companies, and weekly Meet the Author posts! Our socials team is committed to valuing every member of Her Campus and making sure that every face is seen. As Social Media Director, I am constantly inspired by my team: the efficiency, the creativity, and the hard work we put into everything. Our communication has been effortless throughout the entirety of the semester and I am so grateful for these girls!

MARKETING AND PUBLICITY DIRECTOR

The marketing and publicity team of HC Northeastern works to share, network, and publicize our chapter to members and non-members alike. Whether partnering with companies like e.l.f. Cosmetics and YSL Beauty, or promoting club meetings and workshops, our marketing team strives to make Her Campus a well-connected, inspired, and empowered community of college BFFs. As a HC marketer, I’m focused on creating promotional materials, liaising with company representatives and e-board members, and forming a strategy to give our chapter (and it’s amazing events) as much exposure as possible. This semester, we’ve promoted initiatives like the (S)e.l.f. Made scholarship and a lovely HCNU x HCBU retreat (the first of its kind!). My favorite part of this role, however, will always be seeing how these campaigns and promotions come to life. Seeing members be supported at our events and given the space to write, chit chat, or just hang out within a chapter of empowered women will always warm my Her-Campus-obsessed heart.

Trisha Fernando

EXECUTIVE

AVENLEY ROSE PRESIDENT CO-CAMPUS COORDINATOR

RILEY PRICE EDITOR IN CHIEF CO-CAMPUS COORDINATOR

KATE CHENEY SENIOR EDITOR

ELLEE TOMARU SITE MANAGER

GRETA MAGENDANTZ EDITOR EMILY NIEDERMEYER EDITOR

KAITLYN KHOURY EVENTS DIRECTOR

CARLI SEIGELSTEIN EVENTS COORDINATOR

BOARD

OLIVIA CORDEIRO EVENTS COORDINATOR

ROSE BALER EVENTS COORDINATOR

ISABELLA HEILBRONN EVENTS COORDINATOR

AISLING DEANE EVENTS COORDINATOR

TRISHA FERNANDO MARKETING & PUBLICITY DIRECTOR

MICHELLE SYLVESTER SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

JOVANNE LI FACEBOOK MANAGER

KRISTEN BERZOLLA INSTAGRAM MANAGER

DEEKSHA DESHPANDE OUTREACH REPRESENTATIVE

The executive board (eboard) at Her Campus Northeastern consists of 19 dedicated leaders. The board has multiple teams, including the editorial team with five members, the events team with six members, the marketing and publicity team with on member and the social media team with four members. HCNU’s secretary and outreach representative support the president in accomplishing tasks and administrative work.

The executive team meets once a week outside of general meetings to discuss inner chapter workings, plan events and chapter meetings and to check in.

EXECUTIVE BOARD CONTINUED

LAUREN WITT TIKTOK MANAGER

TARA O’CONNOR SECRETARY

HCNU: HOW WE WORK

Her Campus, launched in 2009, is an online magazine for the female college student demographic. It is the most widely recognized publication with that target audience. Content is written by over 7,000 contributors from more than 400 campus chapters. Her Campus Northeastern is a local chapter of the national organization.

HCNU, established in 2010, is a gold level chapter within the broader Her Campus community. At HCNU, all members create content to be posted on our website. Our social media team also creates content for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and LinkedIn. We connect with girls all over campus in hopes to build a tight-knit community of like-minded women and a strong platform to amplify female voices.

As of March 2023, we have 57 girls granted with Recognized Active Membership (RAM). Of those members, 19 hold a place on our Executive Board. Each girl is a full time student at Northeastern University. Our members hold a variety of majors, minors, concentrations and are primarily undergraduates. Since the start of the current presidency, HCNU has increased meeting attendance by 471%.

Our current corporate relationships and networking include: HCNU x Yves Saint Laurent partnership, HCNU x Fenty Beauty Collab, HCNU x E.l.f Cosmetics Collab and Communication with Frank Body.

Our editorial team has applied a three pronged approach to editing. Pieces are either marked ready for the editorial process, in need of a workshop, or in need of a re-write to ensure production of high quality and thoughtful articles and to create a more collaborative editorial process. Editors are available and encouraged to meet with writers and conference with them throughout the proess to make writing at HCNU approachable and centered around a growth mindset.

In fact, towards the end of this semester, the editorial team began implementing office hours five days a week to offer live support and connection to chapter members.

The team has also been at work this semester developing HC member requirements and a points system to reward members of the HC community.

A SEMESTER IN ARTICLES

WHAT DOES THE IDAHO TRAGEDY TELL US ABOUT TRUE CRIME?

Georgia Boyd, January 20

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus. Trigger Warning: Violent Crime

In the wake of the recent murders of four University of Idaho students, it is vital to reflect on how the public’s response has negatively reflected on the true-crime genre. Full disclaimer, I have been interested in the crime genre for most of my life. I frequently listen to the podcast, Crime Junkie, and I love shows like “Criminal Minds.” However, how the community behind the genre mishandled the conversation surrounding this tragedy begs the question of whether true-crime is doing more harm than good. Further, what can we do to put this community back on track to raise awareness and keep people safe without making a spectacle out of victims and murderers alike?

On November 13 in Moscow, Idaho, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves tragically lost their lives to a homicide in their off-campus house. The media was left shocked and horrified. However, as many people saw all

over their TikTok feeds in the weeks following, that horror was quickly checked at the door and swapped out for speculation, sensationalism and false accusations directed toward grieving loved ones. Jack DuCoeur, Goncalves’ ex-boyfriend, initially received the brunt as millions of strangers began to speculate that he was the culprit. Armed with only the fact that Goncalves spammed him with calls minutes before the attack, he became guilty in the eyes of hundreds of thousands of people. Although police immediately cleared him, countless internet pseudo-detectives would not stop their relentless harassment.

After the killer was found and the probable cause affidavit that led to his arrest was released, the community seemed to turn their attention from DuCoeur to one of the surviving roommates. The affidavit stated that she had seen the intruder after opening her door to investigate a noise, froze with fear and reclosed her door. Immediately, the internet began an intense critique of how long it took her to call the police and why she didn’t do more in the moment. There is no such thing as a correct way to react in a life-or-death situation like that. No amount of ridicule from strangers on the internet can undo the crimes committed or help anyone affected. This

is common sense, so how does a genre meant to inform the public and tell the stories of victims devolve into a community that harasses victims’ loved ones?

While I do not blame the genre of true-crime as a whole for one sub-sector’s horrific reaction to this tragedy, I have to wonder whether the way popular true-crime creators go about telling these stories has contributed to the intense desensitization and lack of empathy displayed this past fall. In my opinion, this case should not have been discussed to the extent that it was before someone was apprehended and the families had time to grieve. It is human nature to be fascinated by things we cannot fully understand, but it is crucial not to lose sight of the human beings behind these stories.

The long history of documentaries and dramas focused on monsters like Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy has desensitized us to the plights of the victims robbed of life and instead centered a focus around the shocking nature of these crimes, immortalizing the culprit. The recent ‘Dahmer’ series on Netflix is a prime example. Netflix effectively (and graphically) dramatized, in detail, the murders of young men without permission from their families and made 196.2 million dollars in the first week alone. According to Rita Isbell, sister of Dahmer victim Errol Lindsey, the families never saw any of this money.

At what point did true-crime become about us? A tragedy strikes; a family’s worst nightmare comes true, and the public turns it into an open game of whodunit. Big companies buy the rights to these stories to make millions, and often we

collectively retraumatize those most closely affected by these horrors. To remedy the level that true-crime has sunk to, we must consciously filter what media we consume surrounding these stories. Before subscribing to someone, clicking a podcast or following a true-crime TikTok influencer, ask yourself whether they bring awareness to the victim’s story or tell the tale like it’s an urban legend to scare and excite us.

For example, Ashley Flowers, the creator of my favorite podcast Crime Junkie, also runs a non-profit called Season of Justice (SOJ). SOJ is a nonprofit which gives money to law enforcement and the families of victims to help solve cold cases and further the advancement of DNA evidence. Additionally, in telling the stories of victims, Flowers centers the stories around the investigation and the families, often interviewing them.

There is nothing wrong with having a fascination with these crimes as millions do, myself included. Instead, it means that when we choose what medium we are consuming this media through, we should stay vigilant. True crime can keep people alert and aware of their surroundings and tell people’s stories respectfully and with empathy. It’s up to everyone who enjoys true-crime content to decide who they will support. At its worst, true-crime can ignore victims, make matters worse, interfere in open investigations and falsely accuse strangers as though they are in a fictional murder mystery. At its best, the genre can inspire detectives to reopen and find justice for cold cases and raise money for the surviving loved ones of those affected.

SO YOU WANT TO READ ABOUT RACE? IJEOMA OLUO AND SIX OTHER BLACK AUTHORS THAT ARE MUST-READS

Carolina Larracilla Onofre, January 31

I discovered many of these authors during quarantine when a swell in the Black Lives Matter movement coincided with copious amounts of time to read. Growing up in a conservative, Southern environment, the visibility of social injustice in 2020 challenged the ideas instilled in me that the battle for civil rights was a fight already won. I wanted to contribute in some way, but I didn’t know how. So I started by ordering a book I had seen trending on social media: Ijeoma Oluo’s “So You Want to Talk About Race.” This book, along with six others, makes up my list of top books that educate and convey the burdens of oppression in the U.S.

So You Want to Talk About Race? By Ijeoma Uluo

This is a great starting point for building a foundational understanding of the impact of racism today. It’s an easy read

with questions for chapter titles and detailed responses. Each chapter teaches how to respectfully hold conversations about race in a way that builds knowledge about current systems of oppression and the things you can do to resist.

How to Be an Antiracist By Ibram X. Kendi

This one is actually my favorite. In it, Kendi argues that not being racist isn’t enough to challenge the existing institutions that marginalize people of color; one must be actively antiracist. Not being actively antiracist effectively holds up these institutions. Being an antiracist means imagining new institutions that support racial equality rather than inequality, and working to create those.

The Intersectional Environmentalist Leah Thomas

There are a multitude of ways in which racism, social and systemic, affects the minority populations of America. One

of the most impactful ways is how Black people in America are refused the luxury of breathing properly. Thomas argues that environmental injustices limit the clean air and healthy environments of many people of color. The book calls for the much-needed evolution of the environmental community pushing them to fight against all forms of extinction, including the lives of Black Americans.

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

By Michelle Alexander

Alexander’s work reveals how slavery has manifested in three major ways since the seventeenth century. First slavery itself, then the Jim Crow era, and now, today’s mass incarceration. This concept provides context to our modern-day iterations of racism and an explanation of racism’s resilience; as society demands an end to injustice, injustice molds itself to new social norms in order to prevail. Slavery reduced Black Americans to property, Jim Crow to second-class citizens when they were no longer allowed to be property, and mass incarceration to prisoners, legal slaves–when they were no longer allowed to be second-class citizens.

The Fire Next Time By James Baldwin

I will admit, this short novel is not an easy read. But the dense prose is worth exploring, containing heart wrenching writing and a memoir that focuses on the devastating impacts

of racism. That’s why I put it on this list. It encompasses an important part of understanding racism; before you can learn how to talk about it or what to do, you have to know what you are working to fight against.

Between the World and Me By Ta-Nehisi Coates

In addition to “The Fire Next Time,” Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me” allows readers who are not Black to see, for the only time in their life, what it is like to be Black in the U.S. Like the structure of “The Fire Next Time,” the book is a letter to Coates’ son detailing what makes unique Black realities visible throughout someone’s life and what the present needs to look like to fashion an ideal future.

Me and White Supremacy By Layla F. Saad

This book is an interactive read, challenging white readers over the course of 28 days to evaluate how white privilege and white supremacy play a role in their life. As a white-presenting Latina woman, I benefit from many aspects of white privilege. I completed the 28 days, finding new ways that I benefited from the system of white supremacy that I had never considered. I am now not only better equipped to talk about issues of white privilege with other people, but I am better at critically examining the systems around me as a part of my ongoing social justice education.

WHY I, AS A WOMAN, LOVE TRUE CRIME

Rachel

Mahoney, March 29

At the height of Covid when I was bored of going on walks and sleeping all day, I scrolled the depths of Spotify podcasts before turning on “Crime Junkies.” That random decision in the summer of 2020 steamrolled my obsession with the world of true crime. My downloaded podcasts are now filled with episodes about brutal crimes, and my bookshelves have tons of well-researched novels about every aspect of true crime you can think of including psychology, sociology, and the crimes themselves.

My obsession is shared with many others, especially women. It seems like women are often drawn to true crime, and I have always wondered why that is. Could it be the fascination with the seemingly ‘nice’ guys that turn out to be serial killers? Or maybe it’s because women can be more empathetic when listening to these stories. For me, that is not the case, and research agrees with me too. According to the University of Illinois’ 2010 study, women consume more true crime than men while men consume more violent media than women. In my opinion, the differences between these two types of media

are that true crime is more educational while gorey books are for entertainment. As men are more likely to commit violent acts, it seems that they also prefer to consume that genre of media. As women are more likely to be murdered by someone they know, many seem to consume content such as true crime.

My own attraction to true crime has always stemmed from how many of these victims look like me. A likely scenario for women that go missing or are found murdered is that an intimate partner committed the act. The statistics are terrifying. Listening to cases such as Susan Powell or Shanann Watts make me second guess ever getting into a relationship or having children based on the associated high risks. Some may call me too cautious, but I believe some women love true crime because we know how often it happens to us.

Whenever people call me paranoid for these beliefs, I reference the U.S. Bureau of Justice’s statistics on crime victims. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 70% of victims of intimate partner violence are women, and roughly 25% of murdered women knew their killers. In addition, women are more

likely to be stalked and sexually assaulted. So it seems likely that many women’s obsessions with true crime stem from the idea of how common it is for women to become victims as seen in the Bureau’s data.

For every book and podcast I listen to, I see myself in each female victim. I think about that man that wouldn’t take no for an answer in the club and the friends who were roofied and could easily have slipped away if our group hadn’t been there. Those people are my friends. Those people are me. My mother, who had long brown hair parted in the middle during Ted Bundy’s rampage, could have easily been one of the many victims.

In a way, I think that by learning about what happened to these women through my many long hours spent listening to podcasts, I can protect myself and my loved ones. I know

the signs of abusers that may turn violent if a woman tries to leave. I understand the steps I have to take before going out on the weekend to keep myself and my friends safe. Unfortunately, so many people don’t, and something as routine as walking home alone at night could turn sour in an instant.

The world of true crime can be graphic, exploitative and terrifying. However, my need to understand what I can do to protect myself outweighs my aversion to these intense themes. I listen to podcasts and read books as my way of trying to make sure that nothing will happen to me or someone I love. I, like so many other women, consume high amounts of true crime. We may do it out of interest and fascination, but we also have to learn the necessary information to keep us safe.

Learn more about how to protect yourself here.

RATING OUTFITS FROM THE 2023 GOLDEN GLOBES

Megan Lee, January 28

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

1. QUINTA BRUNSON

First up is Quinta Brunson who is wearing Christian Siriano. This dress is not my favorite of Brunson’s looks, but she does look absolutely stunning. The mix of hot pink and black tulle reminds me of the punk 2012 goth girl era. While that isn’t the trend I would choose to bring back, the hot pink does compliment Brunson’s skin color, and her makeup and hair make the look sleek and appropriate for the carpet. I think the minimal jewelry also adds to how sleek she looks.

Overall: 8/10

2. JENNIFER COOLIDGE

Next is Jennifer Coolidge in Dolce & Gabbana. I wasn’t personally a fan of the look. I think the shape of the dress does little for her, and the makeup could do more to add to the look. I think some color and a different neckline would make Jennifer look absolutely stunning. The hair is also not the best in my opinion as I feel she could have done something aside from her signature hairdo on such a special occasion.

Overall: 4/10

3.

SHERYL LEE RALPH

Sheryl Lee Ralph is absolutely stunning in this Allette gown. The color makes her skin tone pop and her slick back hair is chic. The high neckline, though not a fan favorite, looks very good on Ralph. Her eye makeup and the color of the dress go so well together, and her simple choice of accessories allows

the dress to shine on its own.

Overall: 9/10

4. JENNA ORTEGA

Jenna Ortega in Gucci and Tiffany & Co. jewelry is iconic. This outfit and her new haircut are very complementary to her strong facial bones. The dress is a fresh take on fashion, and the reddish brown tones similar to her hair combined with the layered necklaces are beautifully subtle. The glowy makeup and flipped ends of her hair don’t age Ortega but also leave her looking mature enough for the Golden Globes.

Overall: 10/10

5. JESSICA CHASTAIN

Jessica Chastain in Oscar de La Renta is one of the best outfits so far. She looks absolutely radiant in her gown, and the makeup is very fitting. The bronze eyeshadow compliments her red hair, but it also allows the dress to be the focus of her look. The mesh detailing combined with the sparkly, crystal-adorned spider-webbed pattern of her dress makes this look very eye-catching. I loved this look from Chastain, and I am very glad that the mask she wore (not seen in the picture) perfectly matched this dress.

Overall: 9/10

6. DAISY EDGAR-JONES

Daisy Edgar-Jones is wearing Gucci, and she is giving Victorian realness. The lace bodice on this dress with the deep V leading into the tulle bottom was an amazing style choice for her body type. The shape of the dress absolutely highlights her body in a beautiful way, and the lack of a necklace lets the dress absolutely shine. The subtle makeup look with the updo

and rosy lips is a lovely addition, allowing it to be a simple but dazzling look.

Overall: 10/10

7.

MICHELLE WILLIAMS

Michelle Williams is also wearing Gucci and Tiffany & Co. jewelry, similar to Jenna Ortega. The two gowns are both very similar, but Williams’ dress is less flowy and more frilly. I think the color almost washes her out. I love the dress, but I think it would better suit her undertones in a different shade. Her updo is beautiful, but I think a sparkly barrette or dangling earrings would have elevated the look. Her shoes are cute as well, and I like how the shade matches the beaded lining of the dress frills. Overall, it’s a cute look, but I would’ve appreciated this gown in a different color.

Overall: 6/10

8.

JAMIE LEE CURTIS

Jamie Lee Curtis is wearing Valentino, and her look is absolutely stunning. The lace cape has very nice detailing that adds to the simplicity of her jumpsuit. Her diamond bangles are a great addition to add a little sparkle to her look. Lee Curtis’ makeup is also stunning, and the bronzed smoky eye adds to the depth of the look.

Overall: 7/10

9.

HEIDI KLUM

Heidi Klum is wearing Kevin Germanier. While this dress is definitely a statement piece, I don’t think this is one of Klum’s best outfits. Her face makeup doesn’t match the shade of the tan on the rest of her body which I think makes her makeup look washed out. The feather boa attached to the silver sparkly dress could be cute, but I don’t find it very appropriate for the Golden Globes carpet. Klum’s shoes are nice, but overall, the outfit is a bit too much for me.

Overall: 3/10

10. SALMA HAYEK PINAULT

Finally, Salma Hayek Pinault is wearing Gucci. Her dress is similar to Jessica Chastain’s, but Pinault’s dress has sleeves. I think the black straps on the dress were unnecessary, but overall the look is not that bad. I do wish she was wearing more jewelry, perhaps a necklace similar to Jenna Ortega’s to match the sparkly design of the dress. I like her updo, and I think the makeup is nice and subtle. I only wish there was another element to Pinault’s look to make it pop.

Overall: 6/10

WRAPPED: WHAT I THOUGHT OF THE 31 BOOKS I READ IN 2022

MY GOODREADS

Samantha Campbell, Feburary 9

The chaotic year that was 2022 came with the rise and fall of Wordle, the BeReal revolution, and the release of “Harry and Meghan.” It also came with 31 new additions to the “read” section of my Goodreads. Here are some of the most influential books I read this past year and why I think they should make their way onto your to be read (TBR) list.

Carrie Soto Is Back (Taylor Jenkins Reid)

“Carrie Soto Is Back” was nothing I expected it to be and everything I needed it to be. While the book was written about tennis, it wasn’t written for tennis players specifically. It was written for those who never felt like their best was enough. Those who always felt the pressure to give a little bit more, even when there was nothing left to give. The relationship between Carrie and her father/coach Javier also resonates with a lot of readers. Carrie’s obstinate personality is what makes her one of the most controversial but respected women on the court. With the controversy that constantly surrounds tennis players, a book like “Carrie Soto” is exactly what so-

ciety needs.

A Court of Thorns and Roses series (Sarah J. Maas)

2022 was the year that I finally took the leap into the complex world that is the fantasy genre, and I’m not talking about the dystopian novels of my youth (ie: “Harry Potter,” “The Hunger Games,” and the “Divergent” series). I’m talking about the intricately woven fabric that is the faerie universe in “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” As stated in an article published by the New York Public Library, “The novel began as a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ retelling that became its own original tale along the way.” These books are not for the faint of heart with the length of the series totaling almost 3,000 pages and some… less than tasteful descriptions. Enter this world at your own risk, but I can guarantee it will change the way you see finger painting.

Normal People (Sally Rooney)

Sally Rooney has been the talk of the town at least in the circles I run in. Her writing beautifully articulates the feeling of being a 20-something with no idea where you’re going. Her other books “Conversations with Friends” and “Beautiful

World, Where Are You” are equally as compelling, but the honesty in which she captures the transition from small-town living into a quarter-life existential crisis in “Normal People” is invigorating. She beautifully and grievously details what it’s like to feel the days dragging on with the hard times seeming insurmountable only to look back one day and realize that years have passed. But it’s okay; you’re just another normal person. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Lessons in Chemistry (Bonnie Garmus)

Bonnie Garmus is not historically a well-known author. In fact, “Lessons in Chemistry” was her debut novel, but boy did she enter the ring with a bang. “Lessons in Chemistry” tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a chemist turned cooking show host (not by choice). Rarely do I say this, but this book truly has something for everyone. The plot of the book centers around the very real struggles that women in the workforce have to put up with on a daily basis. The only female chemist at her lab in the 60’s, Zott has to fight tooth and nail for respect from others, but she never loses respect for herself. It’s a romance, mystery and tragedy all rolled into one, and it’s written with a strong voice and extreme eloquence. If Elizabeth Zott existed today, she would be labeled the feminist of her time, but that’s not what she is. She is, simply put, revolutionary.

Little Fires Everywhere (Celeste Ng)

Based on the cover and title of the book, I expected this to be three hundred and fifty pages of setting the scene and pondering life’s great questions. I have never been more pleased to be completely and utterly wrong. This story captivated me and left me with endless questions. Following three intertwined storylines scaling decades, Celeste Ng does a terrific job of encapsulating the facade of the intense mediocrity of quiet suburbia and what really lies underneath. In its entirety, the book focuses on motherhood and morality in its many forms and how keeping up appearances can be the demise of the seemingly perfect household.

Here’s to another unhinged year and many more pages turned!

My 2022 Recap Ranking

Total books: 31, Total pages: 11,087

1. Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus

2. The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood

3. I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy

4. Carrie Soto is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid

5. Daisy Jones & The Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid

6. Malibu Rising, Taylor Jenkins Reid

7. Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng

8. Funny You Should Ask, Elissa Sussman

9. A Court of Mist and Fury, Sarah J. Maas

10. Normal People, Sally Rooney

11. A Court of Thorns and Roses, Sarah J. Maas

12. All Your Perfects, Colleen Hoover

13. The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank

14. Book Lovers, Emily Henry

15. Call Me By Your Name, Andre Aciman

16. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanna Collins

17. The Queen’s Gambit, Walter Tevis

18. Reminders of Him, Colleen Hoover

19. A Court of Wings and Ruin, Sarah J. Maas

20. Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships, Sarah Grunder Ruiz

21. What If It’s Us, Becky Albertalli

22. Red, White, & Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston

23. Verity, Colleen Hoover

24. t Starts with Us, Colleen Hoover

25. The Summer I Turned Pretty, Jenny Han

26. It’s Not Summer Without You, Jenny Han

27. We’ll Always Have Summer, Jenny Han

28. It Ends with Us, Colleen Hoover

29. Here’s To Us, Becky Albertalli

30. Ugly Love, Colleen Hoover

31. The Hookup Dilemma, Constance Gillam

IDA LUPINO: A FEMALE DIRECTOR YOU PROBABLY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF

Grace Ulferts, March 9

Trigger Warning: Mention of Sexual Assault

It’s always important to talk about and recognize revolutionary women in history, not just during Women’s History Month. The month of March, however, does give us an opportunity to bring awareness to trailblazing women while hoping that the public will continue to honor their legacy well beyond March 31. One of

these trailblazing and inspiring women is Ida Lupino.

I love Old Hollywood; I always have. I grew up watching “The Wizard of Oz” from 1939 and a bunch of Shirley Temple movies. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago, however, that I even heard of Ida Lupino.

Lupino was born into a theatrical family, so entertainment was practically in her blood. At a young age, she was exposed to

acting and this easily paved a way for her to enter the film industry. Although she had the advantage of nepotism, Lupino undoubtedly also had talent. After making her film debut in the 1930s, she was soon recognized as a successful, dramatic actress. Despite that, Lupino wasn’t satisfied with her career. She wanted more; she wanted to do more. And that’s what Lupino did.

In 1949, Lupino co-directed the film, “Not Wanted” depicting an unwed mother trying to find love. This was an incredibly taboo topic at the time, but it was the type of movie that Lupino wanted audiences to see: real life stories that happen to real life people. In her films, Lupino tackled themes of women who were trapped by social conventions.

The next film she directed in 1949, “Never Fear,” was a semi-biographical piece. It portrayed a dancer whose dreams are crushed when she is diagnosed with polio. Lupino herself contracted polio in the 1930s and at times feared that she would never recover. In the early 20th century, polio was one of the leading diseases in the world.

With no vaccine until the 1950s, it was very uncommon to survive polio, especially without becoming paralyzed. This his-

tory further emphasized Lupino’s yearning to portray authentic stories to audiences. By the time “Never Fear” was released, countless audience members had undoubtedly either contracted polio or knew a loved one who had. Audiences loved Lupino’s stories as they were genuine and told realistic stories about humanity.

Another prominent film that Lupino directed was the drama “Outrage” in 1950 which portrayed a young woman whose life is shattered after she is sexually assaulted. Through the kindness of strangers, she learns how to return to her old life. This film was especially remarkable for the time as it was one of the first Hollywood films about sexual assault that was produced after the Hays Code. Critics lauded Lupino’s directing, writing that the trauma associated with assault was handled with sensitivity and authenticity.

Although not all of Lupino’s films centered around female stories, she is still an incredibly revolutionary female figure in Old Hollywood. She chose to tackle and convey stigmatized stories of vulnerable women. These narratives weren’t often portrayed in film at the time, but they are stories that millions of women were able to and still can relate to today.

MARCH LIKE WOMEN’S LIVES DEPEND ON IT

Riley Price, January 22

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

“Forced birth is violence,” reads the cardboard sign my frozen knuckles are gripping. On the other side, “my uterus, my choice” is clearly written in big bold letters. I hold my sign high and march through the streets of Washington, D.C. I march to protect women and girls everywhere.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that granted Americans the right to an abortion. Rather than a celebration of civil liberties, however, this anniversary unfortunately produces a stark reminder of the current postRoe conditions.

After Roe v. Wade was struck down by the Supreme Court of the United States last year, several abortion bans have gone into effect around the country. In Dobbs v. Women’s Health Organization, only three out of nine Justices dissented from the majority conservative opinion to overturn Roe. Since then, many women across the country have lost access to safe and vital health care.

Today on what should have been a joyous occasion, thousands gathered at Women’s Marches around the country with a force “Bigger than Roe” to call for abortion rights and reproductive justice for all. I marched with hundreds of other outraged Americans in Washington, D.C. from the Freedom Plaza to the White House. Under icy gray skies, we remained emboldened chanting “stand up; fight back” and “abortion is health care” as we made our way through the city.

After the official Women’s March ended, I progressed onwards with a strong cohort of those gathered to the Supreme Court, the institution home to the destruction of civil rights for over half the nation. On the two mile journey, countless cars blew their horns in solidarity as clenched fists raised through sun roofs and out windows. Drivers and passengers alike cheered and affirmed the notion that over half of Americans believe abortion should be legal.

As I walked past the cars and pedestrians, I prominently displayed my sign at every opportunity. For me, this scribbled phrase truly encapsulates the reason why I fight for the right to an abortion. Lawmakers have no place forcing anyone to give birth. Reproductive health should be a conversation between a doctor and an individual with a uterus.

You don’t have to be pro-abortion to be pro-choice, but you do have to take a stand against women to be “pro-life.” Abortion is healthcare, and as such, banning abortion leads to women dying. While I would love to live in a world where abor-

MODELS DOING BALLET

Marina Ferreira, March 27

While balletcore is on the rise, so is the amount of models doing “ballet.”

In attempts to promote new balletcore lines, companies have turned to putting models in pointe shoes to show off how “authentic” their looks are. Even in ads not featuring models, pointe and flat ballet shoes are often featured.

It’s a well known fact that ballerinas train their entire lives to get the opportunity to dance on stage or get photographed. However, most companies prefer to hire popular models and throw them in pointe shoes rather than hiring the plethora of professional dancers constantly auditioning for jobs, even in ads that do not require pointe shoes.

Not only are untrained fashion models wearing dancewear far too advanced for them, but many young girls watching may follow their lead. This makes it seem acceptable for anyone to, for example, dance in pointe shoes which is unsafe and may lead to those without any training hurting themselves. If models can get people to buy their clothing, why wouldn’t they be able to get them to wear the same shoes too?

Let’s talk about how much blood, sweat and tears goes into becoming a professional ballerina.

Even as a dancer who did not go professional, I understand the stress around ballet culture.

Most professionals start dancing when they are very young children and begin by doing ballet on flat shoes. When they’re around 10, they begin pre-pointe classes where they learn to strengthen their ankles and legs to prepare to go on pointe. Finally at around 12-years-old, they can begin pointe classes. Starting at the barre for support, they are taught to slowly get up on pointe with correct technique. Then they head to the center of the room for more technique without the barre and learn to rely on their own strength.

Time isn’t the only part of becoming a ballerina; ballerina’s bodies are usually physically molded from the time they are young. Flexibility, even in your feet, needs to be gained before going on pointe. Ever noticed how far ballerinas can point their

tion isn’t a necessary form of lifesaving medicine, that reality is simply not part of any future that I or many generations to come will experience. So protect the right to abortion. Provide safe access to health care, and keep laws off women’s bodies.

feet? That is due to the years of training and exercises done to make it so their feet can be perfect in and out of pointe shoes. This flexibility is not something that can be magically gained just by putting pointe shoes on.

One of the most important parts of pointe is getting onto your box. The “box” is the very bottom of the pointe shoe which is basically a box of wood where the top of the ballerina’s toes sit. Being fully on the shoe’s box is the first thing ballerinas are taught when first going on pointe. However, models are either not taught to do this or simply do not have the strength to do so.

While ballerinas go through years of training before even being allowed to stand on pointe, models throw on pointe shoes and are photographed for thousands to see. Often, ballerinas are not even on the set to at least correct the models’ technique. Many people gloss over these photos, because unless you’re a dancer, the horrible technique is not seen.

So, why is this so upsetting to dancers?

Some companies have also put young children in pointe shoes for their ads. This is dangerous as children’s ankles and muscles are not fully developed and it is extremely easy for them to injure themselves. Not only is it dangerous for the models, it is dangerous for children at home who see the ads and may get pointe shoes without any previous training.

Ballerinas have to endure an abundance of pain and training both physically and mentally in order to reach the professional level. Most ballerinas work their entire lives towards the goal of performance and often, modeling. For companies to not even consider using professional dancers and instead choose to hire popular models is wrong and a problem that has been exposed many times.

Kendall Jenner for Vogue: Spain. The video from 2016 features Kendall hopping around a ballet studio in ballet attire and eventually posing in pointe shoes. When the video was first released, many fans were angry that Vogue chose to do this video with her, a model who is completely untrained in ballet.

An Instagram account has gone viral with their posts focusing on companies that hire models instead of ballerinas. The

hilarious account has over 300 posts of advertisements and shows of models with horrendous technique on pointe. Along with posting models with bad ballet technique, they also show a variety of companies that have listened and used real ballerinas in their ads such as Chanel and Dior. Scrolling through their

posts often makes me giggle, but their comment sections are pretty hilarious as ballerinas connect over their outrage for various advertisements. If you are ever in the mood for a dance-related laugh, I definitely suggest checking out their account.

THOUGHTS ON URBAN OUTFITTER’S BALLETCORE FROM A BALLET DANCER

Ana Antic, February 4

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

When thinking of ballet, images of pink tulle, tiaras and smiles probably come to mind, but ballet only looks like that on stage. Most of the time, ballet dancers are gritting through the pain of blisters pulsating in their pointe shoes and trying to avoid sweat dripping into their eyes. They spend most of their time in rehearsals pushing themselves to the limit, so the clothes they wear while dancing are not extremely frilly and poofy like everyone may first imagine.

Actual ballet wear is associated more with layers and neutral colors. Dancers love to put on as many layers as possible to hide their bodies behind the layers and keep their muscles warm. Some classic staples are trash bag pants or shorts (which are similar to sweatpants), leg warmers, long-sleeve shirts, vests and sweatshirts. All of these pieces are layered one on top of the other. As a ballet class progresses, the layers are shed and skirts are put on to show off more of the body.

So when I think of ballet core, I think of a more hobo chic look than something pink and poofy. Urban Outfitters, however, took a different approach with some of their new ballet-inspired pieces. Since I have been a ballet dancer for the past 16 years, I decided to review how practical five of the pieces would be if dancers actually wore them.

1. JEFFREY CAMPBELL CHOREO BUCKLED BALLET FLAT

I have so many questions about these shoes. Why this color scheme? Why are there so many buckles on the strap? I understand they are intended to mimic pointe shoes or ballet flats, but the black straps ruin the effect. Any type of shoe in ballet is supposed to blend in seamlessly with the line of your leg, and the straps (especially since they are black with silver buckles) cut through that line. While I can see these being a part of some type of dancer costume, they are impractical to dance in.

Dance Wearability: 3/10

Cuteness Rating: 1/10

2. UO OPEN-FRONT SOCK

These would have zero function in ballet. I cannot understand why someone would want their ankles exposed like this. For one thing, if you wear socks that go above the ankle, then the ankles should not be out in the open. From a dancing standpoint, the exposed ankles create a risk for floor burns and no dancer wants those. Another problem with these socks is that the laces are too long. Dance is very active and the chances of stepping and proceeding to trip on them are too high.

Dance Wearability: 0/10

Cuteness Rating: 1/10

3. OUT FROM UNDER AT FIRST SIGHT CORSET

I absolutely love this corset top. The soft, blush color and the simple design bring a classiness to any look you could create with it. However, in regard to wearing this while dancing, I do not think that it would work well. The biggest issue is that there are no straps to hold the corset on the body. While you are dancing, the focus should be on the movement, not whether the clothes are securely on. So unless they add straps onto the corset, I will be saving this for a fun night out.

Dance Wearability: 3/10

Cuteness Rating: 12/10

4. OUT FROM UNDER RAE JOGGER SWEATPANT

Not everyone is into wearing sweatpants for a warm-up, but since I am, this fits my definition of ballet core. The slouchiness that they have is perfect for hiding those bent knees that should not be there, and the comfort factor that they bring is perfect, especially if it is the morning and the ballet studio is cold. I also love that these have that pop of pink, so it brings a little more fun into the ballet class.

Dance Wearability: 8/10

Cuteness Rating: 10/10

5. OUT FROM UNDER KOA OPEN-FRONT HOODIE SWEATSHIRT

There is nothing inherently wrong with this sweatshirt. It’s cute and looks extremely comfortable, but I do not think that it would work very well for ballet. There are just too many loose parts that would get in the way while dancing. I feel that a zipper would contain the floppiness of all the parts but that

would also ruin the overall effect of the look.

Dance Wearability: 5/10

Cuteness Rating: 8/10

MY FAVORITE LOOKS FROM “NEXT IN FASHION” SEASON 2

Paula Chung, March 23

Contains some spoilers for Season 2 of “Next in Fashion”

As someone who is constantly on Netflix, I have been watching many new shows and seasons recently. One show that has stood out the most to me is “Next in Fashion,” specifically Season 2. Even though I haven’t seen Season 1, the co-hosts Gigi Hadid and Tan France along with the glamorous line-up of guest appearances made me want to dive right in.

The new season follows 12 emerging, talented designers participating in different themed challenges ranging from upcycled fashion to decades-themed fashion. Each episode includes a mini fashion show with the newly created looks and one elimination. This all leads up to the grand finale where one designer is chosen to collaborate with “Rent the Runway” and create their own mini collection.

Even as someone who has always had an interest in fashion, I wasn’t expecting to be super invested in the show, but I ended up finishing the season in two days (I may or may not have sacrificed some sleep in order to complete it). While the celebrity appearances may have been what initially got me to watch the show, in the end, I kept watching for the talented designers. By the end of the season, I was left feeling inspired to pick up a needle and some thread to make clothes of my own.

Now, I can’t talk about the show without discussing some of the stunning pieces in the episodes, so here are five of my favorite looks from this season!

Deontre Hancock’s Oversized Puffer Cape Challenge: Your Version of Royalty

This look from the first challenge of the show was my favorite. Hancock based the look on hip-hop, taking his own twist on royalty. The look featured gold detailing and a puffer cape that really gave it that regal feeling, but I liked how he still brought in his own style as a streetwear designer specializing in menswear. The judges described the look as a blend of avant-garde and couture, and I thought this was an apt summary!

Desyree Nicole and Nigel Xavier’s Veiled Groom Challenge: Wear the Earth

My second favorite was the veiled groom look from the “Wear

the Earth” challenge. Nicole and Xavier’s collaboration was really well done. I really liked how the tiny flower and plant details sprinkled throughout were what completed the whole look without being overwhelming, and each piece was deliberate. The plants in the veil were cleverly placed as well as the flowers on the front with the moss-covered shoes tying everything together.

Desyree Nicole’s Repurposed Boxers

Challenge: Met Gala

Nicole’s Met Gala look was another favorite of mine. The concept of taking men’s boxers and transforming them into something new and unexpected really blew me away. She also incorporated a lot of my favorite elements of fashion such as strong shoulders and bold silhouettes. I loved the extra details of having a denim waistband and bell sleeve as well.

Nigel Xavier’s Denim Jersey Look

Challenge: Thrift/Repurpose

Xavier was one designer that consistently brought fresh ideas to each challenge but still always managed to incorporate his own style into each design. This look was one that I thought was simple with a twist. Denim on denim and puffer jackets are both popular elements of streetwear. He took them one step further by cropping the jacket and repurposing a jersey as a statement piece. The pop of yellow under the sleeve and in the inner part of the pants also made the look more impactful along with the mix of fabrics and patterns throughout.

Amari Carter’s Ribbon Dress

Challenge: Met Gala

This last look is more of an honorable mention that I just had to include! Carter took inspiration from menswear bow ties and incorporated her own feminine twist into the look. I loved the idea of having several bows make up the dress and the big bow as a side tail. The judges critiqued that while the concept was nice, there were issues with the construction, and it didn’t feel quite complete. I agree with their callout, but I thought her idea was so stunning and unique that I still fell in love with the design!

It was difficult compiling this list as each designer on the show was so talented and created so many amazing pieces. If you haven’t already, I recommend that you check out these looks on the new season of “Next in Fashion.” Get ready to be inspired, amazed and, at times, moved to tears!

PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS: A PIECE ON SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Galiah Abbud, March 31

“To do something right. You must do it twice. The first time instructs the second.” I came across the inspirational quote circa 2017 on Pinterest, and it stuck with me. This quote has never meant more than when I think about what fashion means. In a world that is caught up in the cyclical nature of consumerism, it is easy to assume that being fashionable means having multitudes of bags and an array of shoes in a walk-in closet.

But if practice makes one perfect, why is it different when it comes to clothes?

Here’s my take: It isn’t. Fashion is an art that is mastered. The art is the clothes, and the mastery is wearing them right.

Any practice is consistent and takes repeating the same motions or behaviors to perfect it. That is what fashion is in its essence. It is being familiar with the article of clothing you own and being able to envision it in various ways just like a tennis player is familiar with their strategy to catch their opponent off guard. There is an element of surprise and freshness in strategy and precision when it comes to fashion, so wearing an outfit twice can be, in a sense, new.

The matter at hand is that fashion is qualitative and not quantitative. One will never feel satisfied if they have a closet of shoes and bags that don’t speak to them or fit just right. By building a closet with a few pieces that can be interchangeably worn and sprinkling in accessories, wearing the same tank top can feel just like getting a brand new package delivered every week.

Fast fashion isn’t only a faux-fresh feel; it’s detrimental to the environment. According to Sustain Your Style, toxic dyes, wasted material and harmful textiles pollute the air and are poisonous to the underpaid workers consuming that air. Therefore, sustainable fashion isn’t only chic; it’s conscious. Investing in a few staple pieces or shopping second-hand can build your closet and moral compass, killing no birds with one stone.

This fast-paced and consumerist mentality perpetuates the mindset that people never have enough. This results in even more air and ocean pollution due to massive transportation operations and millions of shipping facilities that make it possible for you to get a $10 top overnight. According to EARTH.ORG, fast fashion companies generate more pollution than international aviation and shipping combined.

This isn’t to say that shopping sustainably has to be expensive. “Thrifting” or buying clothes from thrift stores, second-hand shops and donation centers all help slow the production of this harmful cycle. While finding pieces that make sense for your style can be difficult, thrifting allows you to think through the pieces you’re buying and, as a result, end up with a unique and curated wardrobe. If you love fashion, you want it to endure for ages. The only way to ensure the continuation of the fashion world, and the world itself, is to shop consciously. This means not supporting fast fashion brands like Dolls Kill, Shein, Fashion Nova, etc., minimizing the number of times you shop, and shopping second-hand. The good trade says that all of these efforts will work towards decreasing pollutants and the demand for workers who are underpaid and mistreated as fast fashion companies prioritize profit over workplace conditions amidst the breakneck pace of the fashion industry.

I RAIDED MARIANNE SHERIDAN’S SUMMER WARDROBE

Samantha Campbell, April 11

The 2020 Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel Normal People struck a chord with people across the country and globe. Marianne and Connell’s story is one about the right person at the wrong time, the stars never quite seeming to align. This, however, is not an article about the story or the impact that it had on me. This is a piece about how completely, head-over-heels in love I am with Marianne Sheridan’s, played by Daisy Edgar Jones, outfits throughout the show.

Below are just a few things that I’ll be wearing this summer to try to channel Daisy Edgar Jones’ Italian countryside vibe.

This button-through maxi dress from Abercrombie is perfect for study dates in Centennial Commons or a walk down Commonwealth Avenue. It’s ridiculously comfortable and versatile without being boring. A black dress never goes out of style, and it’s something I think belongs in every closet.

The way that Marianne pairs the understated yet elegant dress

with her white Keds easily dresses it down while still creating a complete look. Every time this outfit pops up on my Pinterest, I wish I was eating gelato on a cobblestone street somewhere.

When Connell first sees Marianne at the villa, she’s hanging laundry in an adorable A-line shirt dress. Abercombie’s linen mini dress is my version of this summer staple. I got it in black, but it’s just as cute in every color.

Square necklines are something I just recently started wearing, and I’m now completely addicted. Wear this little number to the beach. Wear it to go thrifting. Wear it on a cutesy little brunch date. Wear it anywhere. It doesn’t matter; you’ll get compliments regardless.

This dress from Princess Polly gives running through a field and not worrying that you have a tick on your leg, strolling through a tulip field or sipping lemonade on a sunny porch in the middle of summer.

This is the dress Marianne wears to host a group of friends, and it’s a perfect combination of frilly and structured. While my pick isn’t as embellished, it’s still a perfect option when you just feel like dressing up a little bit.

Boston’s summer weather is not my cup of tea. I’m partial to the wind and clouds of fall or the rain that comes with the first hint of spring. If I’m going to be sweltering all summer, I’m at least going to do it in style. Marianne Sheridan’s style, that is.

AN INTERVIEW WITH MY MOM: NATIONAL EATING DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK

Tess Friedenthal, March 1

In light of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDA) occurring from Feb. 27th through March 5th, I spoke to my mom, Sara Cowlan, a nutritionist and registered dietician. She specializes in eating disorders and intuitive, mindful eating and believes in the Health at Every Size (HAES) movement. In my conversation with Cowlan, I hoped to get her perspective on the meaning of the week and what readers should know.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders are defined as “behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions.” NEDA combats the stigma surrounding eating disorders as well as their prevalence. Cowlan spoke about the importance of NEDA.

“To me, NEDA week should last all year. It’s to bring public attention to the meaning, significance and prevalence eating disorders have in our society and all across the world,” she said. “The intention behind it is to promote hope for those with eating disorders and those who love them that recovery is possible, but to me it is more about media attention to a very important issue that millions of people face across the world.”

Eating disorders have evolved significantly with the escalating presence of social media in our society. According to Cowlan, “social media has led to a glamorization of eating disorders and a normalization of them as well” and “has increased the incidence of eating disorders in people and has affected people

younger than it used to.” Because of the prevalence of social media in our lives, especially in younger generations, escaping content promoting a certain body image or ways to live “healthier” has become much more difficult. Cowlan further emphasized the dangers of social media.

“There is so much distortion and photoshopping. The magnitude of the messages that people are getting have made the number of people affected by eating disorders much larger and the severity of them much worse,” she said. “I believe it has normalized disordered eating to an extent, like people posting ‘what I eat in a day’ videos and ‘cheat day’ videos … The algorithm works against you; even when you look up eating disorders looking for content on recovery, you find a lot of the opposite, which is incredibly triggering.”

Cowlan explained that she works with her clients to combat unrealistic influences from social media and create a more healthy feed that promotes a more body-positive, anti-diet culture. She has many positive resources to share, including podcasts like “Recovery Bites,” “Recovery Warriors,” and “Rewired.” Some instagram accounts she recommends include @theantidietplan, @recoverywarriors, @dietitian.hannah and @ jenni_schaefer.

Furthermore, Cowlan cited two free support groups available online: “Morningside Chats in the Living Room” is led by professionals in the field on Saturday mornings and anyone can register. The Eating Recovery Center has support groups based on specific eating disorders as well as specific groups for certain demographics such as the LGBTQ+ community.

As National Eating Disorder Awareness week comes to a close, Cowlan encourages readers not to be afraid to reach out and ask for help. With her final comment, she leaves us with an extremely important message: “Recovery is possible. It is a journey; It takes time. It doesn’t go perfectly; It’s messy, and it’s hard. But it is possible. Life on the other side is so worth it, and there are so many things to appreciate about our bodies that have nothing to do with weight.”

More information on Sara Cowlan, MS, RD, RDN:

“Sara has over 20 years’ experience in a broad range of settings as a registered dietitian. As her practice has evolved, she has seen that most of her clients come to her struggling with diets that take them away from their enjoyment of food

and being connected to their needs. Many know a lot about nutrition but find themselves stuck trying to make changes or continue to make choices they are later unhappy with.

Sara has learned in her practice and research supports that DIETS do not work! They stress the body (which increases cortisol and appetite), lower our metabolism (which contributes to weight gain) and evoke feelings of failure and defeat as many blame themselves instead of the diet for their struggle.

Her approach is to meet clients where they are in their relationship with food. This may involve struggling with disordered eating, body image or many health issues that may be affected by this relationship with food.”

HACK YOUR CYCLE: THE WELLNESS CRAZE CIRCULATING SOCIAL MEDIA

Ainhoa Merchan, March 25 My TikTok For You page screams solely of wellness. I’ve scrolled through endless three-minute videos encompassing all that is comfort, wholeness and fitness. In short, I’m on ‘WellnessTok.’

Recently, my feed has focused on one particular trend: Cycle Syncing. Rather curious, I conducted a serious dive.

Prominent wellness content creators like Brittany Hugoboom, Sarah Kathryns and Bailey Brown have all joined the craze in educating the masses about “cycle syncing” and the plethora of benefits its promoters champion. This particular trend attempts to train those who menstruate on the best tactics for controlling one’s superpower.

Cycle syncing is Tiktok’s answer to hacking your cycle. Here’s Why:

What is Cycle syncing?

Cycle Syncing is an attempt to better manage all four phases of your menstrual cycle by matching your lifestyle habits with each phase. But how?

Cycle syncing is brought to us by Alisa Vitti—a functional nutritionist and women’s hormone expert. She created an app to align our lifestyle habits with our ever-so-fluctuating hormones. The cycle syncing movement makes us ask: why cry frantically one minute and then be a ball of sunshine the next? Better yet, why not control it?

This 28-day method utilizes the practice of maintaining hormonal balance via one’s diet, exercise and lifestyle. It is all about syncing daily habits with your menstrual cycle and staying in tune with your hormonal needs.

Before we get into the first stage, here’s an easy way to remember the phases: think seasons!

It’s that time of the month again.

To start, harsh winters resemble none other than your Menstrual Phase. Here we do more than just bleed.

The Menstrual phase strikes first. For three to seven days, our uterine lining sheds.

Now, let’s redirect the focus to our hormones. For preface, our steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, wander our bloodstream, commanding organs on certain functions (e.g regulation).

As estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decline, so do energy levels. This phase is commonly known as your period.

What are some essentials for managing shark week according to ‘WellnessTok’? I am glad you asked.

1. Your Fuel.

Nourish that body. During this phase, our low hormone levels have distinct nutritional needs. This is our chance to change our diet.

Holistic Nutritionist Rebecca Leigh advises consuming warm and nutrient-dense foods. Hello … oatmeal! Warm foods allow the progression of a ‘better bleed.’ Soups, stews and cooked foods allow a warmer body and womb, enabling a less painful period.

Speaking of warm fuel, let’s not forget about tea! Implementing chamomile or Leigh’s favorite, red raspberry leaf tea, encourages uterine contractions.

Creator Alisa Vitti heavily roots for nutrient-rich foods, such as leafy greens, beets, nuts and seaweed. In addition, she is a firm believer in incorporating more berries — antioxidant and vitamin-rich products — as it oversees inflammation and promotes natural detoxification.

Make your water bottle your new best friend. TikToker Ness Rodriguez believes prioritizing hydration is the best way to further reduce one’s discomfort (in relation to cramps).

Lastly, TikToker and certified hormone specialist Paige Lindgren says, “pay attention to your mineral intake!” Obtaining iron, magnesium, zinc, omega 3’s and vitamin B is crucial. These specific minerals prepare us for the next phase.

With the rise in gym rats, don’t be afraid to take five! Listening to your body is an important part of cycle syncing as reported by Healthline this year. If that means rest, then so be it. If you still want to engage in movement, low-impact exercise is recommended.

If you’re strictly a weights type of girl, don’t fret! You can experiment. In fact, there is quite an appeal to low-impact workouts as demonstrated by the popularity of some of TikTok’s favorites: hot girl walks and pilates princess.

TikTok creator Brittany Hugoboom talks about her experience with the 28-day cycle and the importance of rest and light movement. Hugoboom’s menstrual routine incorporates longer walks and pilates. This in turn supports one’s hormones, strengthens one’s pelvic floor, improves stabilization and aids both one’s physical and mental health.

Sidenote: I am currently in my pilates princess era, and I don’t plan on leaving it anytime soon.

Hot-girl walks are one of my favorite forms of movement. TikToker and trainor, Oyinda Okunowo claims walking and yoga optimize one’s training as their estrogen levels are at their lowest.

3. Time to hibernate.

Remember: think winter!

TikTok creator and wellness guru, Sarah Kathyrns, emphasizes prioritizing yourself and taking this opportunity to indulge in some self-care. Time to relax is important. Hibernation often calls on self-reflection, so ponder on what you deem necessary.

It’s 2023. I think it’s time we work with our body rather than against it, and this TikTok wellness craze agrees.

There are more articles yet to come. Up next is My Non-Negotiables on the Follicular phase.

A WEEK OF DINNER RECIPES INSPIRED BY “LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY”

Ellee Tomaru, February 18

I used to ask my roommate every day, “What are we doing for dinner?” To which she answered, “I don’t know, what do we have?”

The nightly struggle of deciding what to eat out of the random assortment of food we had in the fridge was one point of my day that I did not look forward to. It was just so tiresome to spark creativity when all I wanted was to satiate my hunger. This dragged on for an entire semester, until one glorious day when I thought: maybe if we planned out our dinners ahead of time, we wouldn’t be having this conversation every night.

After recently finishing Barnes and Noble’s book of the year, “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus (10/10 book, read it if you haven’t), Elizabeth Zott’s cooking show inspired me to come up with a week’s worth of healthy, easy to make dinners. Set in the 1960s, Zott is a chemist and single mother who reluctantly stars in “Supper at Six.” In the show, Zott teaches household women how to make nutritious meals with chemistry (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride” (Garmus)) while also daring them to transgress misogynistic societal standards.

For the rest of this article, I will be your Elizabeth Zott, teaching you step by step how to cook for yourself, but, instead of speaking from mother to mother, I will be speaking from college student to college student.

*All of the recipes make around 2 servings of food.*

Monday Night: Sriracha Honey Tofu with a side of Shisito Peppers (Gluten free and Vegan!)

Grocery List: Sriracha (1 tbs), honey (1tbs), soy sauce (1 tsp), firm tofu (~7 oz), cornstarch (3 tsp), oil, Shisito peppers (6 oz), lime/lemon (1 wedge), salt, white rice (1 cup)

My Notes: This recipe was my first introduction to making tofu, so it has a soft spot in my recipe inventory. The sauce can also be used on a variety of proteins.

How to: To start, make your rice because it will take the longest to cook. I usually make 1 cup for my roommate and I to share. Next, press your tofu. While your tofu is pressing, mix together sriracha or your favorite hot sauce (I like using Nando’s Peri Peri sauce), honey, and soy sauce. Now, divert your attention towards the Shisito peppers. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. While we wait for the pan to heat up, wash, dry, and then lightly coat the peppers in oil (I use olive oil). Once the pan is warm, let the peppers cook, occasionally flipping them until they look shriveled, deflated, and are black spotted (~10 minutes). It should look something like this.

While you are waiting for the peppers to cook, grab your tofu and cut it into ½ inch cubes. Don’t worry if some are bigger than others. Put the cubes into a bowl and drizzle some oil until they’re all lightly coated. Gently mix in the cornstarch. Go check on your peppers! Once the peppers are done, put them on a separate plate, squeeze a wedge of lemon or lime over them, and finish them off with a generous amount of salt.

Now, throw the tofu into the same pan, and cook the tofu by stirring occasionally, until it is tan and crispy on all sides (~10 minutes). Then, pour the sauce you just made over the crispy tofu and cook until the sauce thickens (~2-3 minutes). By this point, I hope your rice is done so you can plate all your food! Make it look pretty (or don’t) and then enjoy!

Tuesday Night: Erin Flaherty’s Trader Joe’s Bowl

Grocery List: Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Salad Mix, Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs, avocado, Trader Joe’s pesto, Trader Joe’s Tomato Basil Hummus, and rice of your choice (1 cup)

My Notes: I have to credit one of my best friends from home, Erin Flaherty, because she came up with this easy to make, delectable bowl. I first fell in love with it when I tried it at her beach house over the summer and since then, I’ve made it for countless friends and family members, and every one of them has relished this masterpiece of a bowl.

How to: First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then, start making your rice. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet with parchment paper and cook for 20 minutes. So easy! In the meantime, put the salad mix together, chop up and throw the avocado in, and look, you’re more than halfway done.

Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, and then slice it to check that it is fully cooked. Now, grab a plate or bowl and fill it with your rice, salad, chicken, a scoop of tomato basil hummus, and a scoop of pesto. There’s your masterpiece. This dish is best served mixed up.

Wednesday Night: One Pot Tomato Orzo

Grocery List: One box of orzo (8oz), grape tomatoes (1 cup), garlic (1 tbsp), onion (½), chicken stock (32 fl. oz), spinach

My Notes: This recipe is actually modified off of an Instagram reel. Nonetheless, it’s very simple and very delicious. It is perfect for meal prepping because it makes a large batch. You can also individualize this recipe by adding in your own ingredients which could include chickpeas, peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.

the liquid is nearly gone. Keep the stove at medium heat, and stir occasionally until all the liquid is gone. It should take about 10-15 minutes! Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, parmesan or whatever else you like!

Thursday Night: Mushroom Risotto (Gluten free and Vegan!)

Grocery List: Arborio rice (1 cup), mushrooms (as much as you want ~½ cup), vegetable or chicken (not vegan) stock (16 oz)

My Notes: Mushroom might be my #1 favorite ingredient. I also made this twice this week already.

How to: Pour the rice into a big pan and lightly drizzle olive oil on top, letting it sit for 2 minutes over medium heat. This is to “toast” the rice. I learned this while I lived in Italy. Pour in your stock until it covers all the rice and then stir. Once the rice starts to bubble and absorb some of the stock, continue to pour in the stock little by little for around 30 minutes. Continue to stir the rice, adding in salt occasionally. It’s kind of an inconvenient and tedious process, but I promise you it will be worth it.

While you are waiting for your rice, cut up the mushrooms into whatever shape or size you like and throw them into a different pan. You can lightly coat them with olive oil or even with the same stock you’re using. Once they turn a slightly darker color and start to smell really good, you know they’re done. As your rice is finishing up, transfer the mushrooms from one pan to the other, folding them into the now risotto. Now you’re ready to eat!

Friday Night: Taco Salad

Grocery List: Ground beef (1 lb), taco seasoning (1 packet), lettuce, shredded cheese (of your choice), salsa, avocado (or guacamole), beans, tortilla chips

My Notes: The ingredients listed above are my personal favorites, but feel free to modify to make it your own. This one’s pretty self explanatory, but read along just for fun.

How to: First, dice your onion and mince your garlic. Heat the onion and garlic in a big pot, coating them in olive oil. Cook until the onions are soft and then add in the grape tomatoes. Let the tomatoes saute for a few minutes before you pour in the orzo and chicken stock. Cut up and stir in spinach when

How to: Cook the ground beef over medium/high heat breaking it up into little pieces until it’s a nice brown color. Pour the finished ground beef into a strainer to drain the oil. Then, put it back in the pan on low heat and stir in the taco seasoning. Cut up your lettuce, avocado, and any other ingredients you are adding to your bowl. I like to take a bowl and start with a bed of lettuce then add the meat, cheese, beans, salsa, and avocado. Lastly, top the bowl off with crushed up tortilla chips

for some crunch.

Side note: if you have leftovers of some of the ingredients, throw them on top of some chips on a baking sheet, sprinkle lots of cheese over it, put it in the oven at 350 degrees, and you have loaded nachos.

Saturday Night: Penne alla Vodka (Vegan)

Grocery List: Cashews (½ cup), marinara sauce, penne (or pasta of your choice, I like rigatoni)

My Notes: My favorite meal in the world is penne alla vodka, but I will painfully admit that my stomach is no longer able to handle heavy cream. Thankfully, I stumbled upon this vegan recipe I modified to measure up closely to the real deal.

How to: First, soak the cashews in hot water (preferably boiling) for around 30 minutes. In that time, make your pasta. Save about 1 cup of pasta water! Once the cashews are soft, put them in a blender with about ¼ cup of pasta water. Blend

it until smooth. If you’re having a difficult time doing this, try stirring the cashews between blends and adding more pasta water. It should be creamy, not watery. Then add in about 1 cup of marinara sauce. Add more marinara sauce as you see fit. It should turn out to be a nice orange color like this. Add salt, pepper, oregano or whatever your favorite Italian seasonings are. Pour over pasta and enjoy!

Sunday Night: Takeout

My Notes: After six days of cooking, you deserve a treat! Some suggestions for takeout in the Northeastern area would be:

Honeygrow Cava

SweetGreen

Amelia’s Taqueria

Symphony Sushi

I hope this article brings out your inner Elizabeth Zott and inspires you to cook something for yourself!

PLEASE, TAKE UP SO MUCH SPACE

Michelle Sylvester, February 28

I recently read something fascinating from the wonderful influencer, Haley Hoffman Smith. Smith informed her viewers that deep down, we know exactly what we want. Smith goes on to explain how our gut feelings never lead us the wrong way. So why aren’t we acting on our dreams to achieve our goals and become our best selves? Smith leads into the following conversation: It turns out that our subconscious is so afraid of being seen and we are actually afraid of success. The first time I watched one of Smith’s videos on this topic, I scrolled past it and thought: “That’s not me. I know what I want.” But then this burst of embarrassment hit me because Smith is right. Maybe I do know what I want, but I’m scared of having it.

The idea of success is appealing to everyone, but we are often afraid to take up space. Think about the following situation: Let’s say you love to sing and would love to perform somewhere. The idea of performing at a restaurant has always been in the back of your mind. A few years later, your friend who opens up a restaurant offers you a gig to sing for a few hours on a Saturday night. It’s funny because you want to assume that immediately you would say yes and be excited to perform. But usually, this is not the case. So many people immediately begin to doubt themselves. They ask the following questions:

“Well am I really good enough?”

“What if people laugh at me?”

“What if the people eating think I’m obnoxious and don’t want to hear singing at dinner?”

“What if I forget the words?”

This is so common, yet I didn’t realize that I, myself, often do this. I’m afraid to take up space and be successful some of the time. So on my list of actions for the new year, I wrote down that I want to take up space.

By this, I mean taking part in everything that I am offered. This is how we grow. I want to say yes more often. And in January alone, I have already said yes to more things than I did over the course of January, February, and March of last year combined.

What happens when we say yes? We keep receiving more opportunities. We cannot become better by rejecting everything that comes our way. When we say no to opportunities, we stay stagnant. I think being stuck in the same spot is so much worse than failing and getting back up again.

So this year, regardless of what your list of goals looks like, add this one to it. Take up so much space. Tons of space.

Be seen. Be heard. Make your mark even if it’s not as big as you’d like. Keep growing and moving. Say yes to opportunity!

BEST OF OAKLEAF: A BOSTON TREAT

Madison LaMachia, March 8

If you are a foodie like me, this is the article for you! Today I will be ranking Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop’s top pastries and drinks, and trust me, I’m an expert! One day, I was walking to get my groceries at Whole Foods, and the vegan pastries sign caught my eye. I am allergic to dairy, but I love sweets. So whenever I see vegan pastries, it’s an immediate must have! Usually I am disappointed, but I can assure you I have never been disappointed at Oakleaf. Over the course of my past year here in Boston, I can safely say that I have tried almost all of their vegan items. Now, onto the rankings!

Best Cupcake: Vanilla With Strawberry Buttercream

Oakleaf has many varieties of cupcakes, and I’d have to say this is my favorite. I absolutely love the sweet vanilla cake with a fruit flavored buttercream. It is the perfect not too sweet cupcake and great for a warm spring day!

Best Pop Tart: Creme Brulee Pop Tart

I absolutely love their pop tarts for so many reasons. When was the last time you had a poptart besides the brown sugar kind we all ate as kids? Never mind a gourmet pop tart. The filling is what makes this pop tart so delicious. It’s a sweet coconut vanilla bean creme. The top is crisp torched sugar which gives the poptart a satisfying crunch. They have so many options to choose from including delicious wildberry or cookie butter. These aren’t even close to all the different varieties they have.

Best Cookie: Triple Chocolate Vegan Cookie

I tried this one last week. Once I started eating the cookie, I could not put it down. If you’re a chocolate lover like myself, this is the perfect cookie for you. With a rich chocolate base and plenty of chocolate chips, the cookie is crisp when bitten into but somehow melts in your mouth?!? YUM.

Best Muffin: Coffee Chip Muffin

Ok guys… Seriously, this almost won best over all. This muffin is delicious. Put it in the microwave for fifteen seconds and – perfection. It is a chocolate chip muffin base with a hint of coffee. But wait, the best part is the coffee glaze spread on top. It is so sweet along with the melted chocolate chips in the muffin. For all my mocha lovers out there, this ones for you!

This is my go to. Everyone has always asked Oakleaf when this will be back and let me tell you guys…IT’S BACK!! At first, I stayed away from this pastry. I did not want the pecans on top. I do not like pecans, and generally, I do not want nuts mixed into my desserts. Well, I was a fool. It is the best pastry ever. The nuts are carmelized so beautifully they don’t taste like pecans at all And the sweet brown sugar caramel swirls? Perfection.

Best Iced Beverage: Matcha

The matcha is one of their newer drinks, and so far, it has been a hit! I get mine with almond milk, and I also add the simple syrup to make it sweeter which they conveniently keep on the self service counter. They also have plenty of flavored syrups if you’re looking to try a lavender, vanilla or strawberry matcha latte! Oakleaf started doing a drink of the month as well. For February, it was the Sweetheart Soda inspired by Valentine’s day. Everyone should head over there to see what the drink is for March!

Bonus Iced Beverage: Iced Green Tea Lemonade With a Splash of Black Raspberry Syrup

This drink is not on the menu but rather something I have created myself. Order a green tea lemonade then choose from their hefty selection of syrups. You could add raspberry, strawberry, lavender or even cucumber. I personally like the raspberry or black raspberry syrup. This drink is perfect for summer time.

Best Hot Beverage: London Fog

Last but not least is the London fog. I love this drink, and again, I get steamed almond milk in mine. The London fog is their dutchess gray tea freshly brewed with vanilla and milk of your choice. This is the perfect drink for a cold day here in Boston, and it has a wonderful balance of tea and sweetness. Also, Oakleaf has gourmet hot chocolates including salted caramel, peanut butter, aztec and peppermint.

Remember, all of the items I listed above are vegan, but they also have plenty of non-vegan items too. My roommate always comes with me, and her favorite nonvegan pastry is the cinnamon roll pop tart or the nutella pop tart. If you are ever craving something sweet, you know where to go! Oakleaf is only about a ten minute walk from Northeastern’s Boston campus, and I hope to hear about some of your favorite pastries soon!

Best Overall: Sticky Bun

WHY MY GRANDMOTHER IS SUCH A HUGE INSPIRATION

Grace Ulferts, March 11

Women’s History Month is all about celebrating and praising the achievements women have made and the obstacles they have overcome. In honor of that, I would like to talk about my grandmother, a woman who has lived a very fulfilling life despite the hardships she has faced. Through it all, she persisted, and I draw much of my strength from her courage and perseverance.

My paternal grandmother, Mary Jane, had a difficult upbringing. Born and raised in rural Minnesota in the 1940s and 1950s, Mary Jane had seven other siblings. Her father was a farmer, and her mother was a homemaker. Her family was very poor. At some points, they struggled to have running water or electricity in the harsh Minnesota winters. Despite these misfortunes, Mary Jane made the most of her childhood enjoying hobbies such as bicycle riding, listening to the radio and obsessing over celebrities through movie magazines.

When she was 15-years-old, her father sadly passed away, devastating Mary Jane. She was incredibly close to him before his untimely death. Because my grandmother was one of the older siblings, she had to help her mother care for her younger

siblings when her father passed. At times, she had to make sure her younger siblings did their homework, bathed and had clean clothes to wear. From a young age, she had to develop a motherly-type of love that would come into play once she herself became a mother.

In 1976, after she married my grandfather and had children, she unfortunately suffered a brain aneurysm. She was only 33-years-old. As a result, my grandmother completely lost the ability to read and write. With the help of doctors and psychiatrists, it took her months to regain the capability to read and write again. At the time, she already had three children: my father, my aunt, and my uncle, all under the age of seven.

To this day, my grandmother suffers when reading and writing at times. Though she still has her struggles, she is so inspirational to me. Despite everything that she has gone through, the aneurysm undoubtedly being the most onerous, she’s persisted. More than that, she has flourished while maintaining an abundance of pastimes including gardening, baking and playing Yahtzee. She is undoubtedly one of the sweetest and most caring people I know, and regardless of the pain she has experienced in her past, she still finds the strength to have an optimistic perspective on life.

JOURNALING IS YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND, AND HERE’S WHY

Anna Wice, March 28

The transition to college can be super hard for anyone. As I near the end of my first year, I’ve realized just how many ups and downs I’ve had over the past seven months or so. Through it all — at my highest highs and my lowest lows — journaling has been a dear friend that has never failed me. No matter what’s going on in your life, whether you’re totally settled and comfortable, having a million new experiences, or somewhere in the middle, journaling can help you navigate any situation.

Consistency with journaling can certainly be tricky as any habit can be hard to implement into your routine. However, once you really get started, the freedom to express yourself and take a moment to reflect can be super rewarding (and addicting). Firstly, I think it’s best to brainstorm what you want to get out of your journaling experience. Do you want to reminisce on old memories, braindump your random thoughts, or articulate your problems and feelings? The good news is that journaling is all you. The process is completely personal and adaptable to exactly what you need. (It can help to get a super cute journal that will inspire you to pick up the pen regularly!)

Personally, I have found three different journaling techniques that work best for my goals and needs. Hopefully these different strategies can inspire your journaling journey!

The Classic

First is your classic journaling experience. This is probably what comes to mind when thinking about a diary or personal writing exercise. I usually resort to “the classic” when I have feelings that I just need to get out somehow. It could be a conflict with a friend, a fight with my parents, or stress and anxiety about school; no matter what, getting my emotions down on paper helps me every time. In difficult situations, writing helps me to understand how I actually feel about the problem and what the best solution is. Sometimes I read through an entry right after I write it and realize: Hey, this isn’t a big problem at all! Journaling can help me to see that I can persevere, advocate for myself and problem solve all on my own. Even if there seems to be nothing out of the ordinary going on right now, starting your journal can create a space that’s just for you. If you’re unsure of where to start, I find that looking up any kind of journaling prompts can be incredibly helpful in getting pen to paper. With anything going on in your life, the classic method is a super easy go-to for the first steps of problem solving.

The Photo Dump

Next, a personal favorite of mine is “the photo dump.” I’m a super nostalgic person, and I absolutely love to romanticize the past. Over a year ago, I found that I was constantly scrolling through my camera roll. That’s when I decided to make a private Instagram account just for me where I would post photo dumps. But, I didn’t want this to be just any photo dump or finsta account. After every post, I write a journal entry on pa-

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per discussing my feelings surrounding the time that I posted photos from. I then post a picture of the journal entry so that the feed alternates between pictures and writing. Now, this is just for me — maybe I’ll request my friends eventually — but the best part about “The Photo Dump” is that it’s completely customizable to you! If you want to write about pictures without posting, if you want to make the account public, if you want to post pictures but not the journal entries, it’s all up to you. This journaling technique is absolutely perfect for the nostalgic heart!

The Video Diary

Last but certainly not least is the video diary. If paper and pen is not your forte, a video diary is definitely the way to go. Perfect for when I have something to say that I simply can

not express through written word, the Photo Booth app is my secret weapon. With my phone away and all distractions gone, I start recording a video as I blurt out my every thought. This style is super fun and breaks up the mundane nature of journaling by hand. With a video diary, you can tell funny stories, express your emotions and even cry it out to your computer. I love looking back at old videos I’ve made and seeing how much I’ve grown. “The Video Diary” is another great place to start if you’re unsure about your journaling habits.

All in all, journaling is an amazing resource, and it comes in so many forms! No matter who you are, what your support systems are like and how your everyday habits work, journaling is truly for anyone!

THE REALITY OF REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK: NAVIGATING LIFE AFTER STUDY ABROAD

Alexa Coultoff, February 4

The truth no one tells you about studying abroad is how difficult it is to return home. Last semester, I studied abroad in Rome, Italy. Before I went, I had no idea what to expect. My last few days in America, I impulsively downloaded Duolingo as a feeble attempt to learn Italian. Besides picking up a few phrases like “Buongiorno” (Good morning) and “Buonasera” (Good evening), I settled on the plan of figuring it out as I went.

While abroad, I took an intercultural communications course at the university. The first week, we discussed culture shock and some hardships we may encounter while assimilating into Italian society. My adaptation was rather smooth, partially because I made such strong friendships and partially because I’d always dreamed of living in Europe.

I still experienced those “I can’t do this” moments, most notably the first time I went to the local grocery store alone. When the products you’re so acclimated to from home aren’t readily accessible on the shelves and the layout of the store is not what you’re used to, grocery shopping can be a challenge. Then, add the extra layer of everything being in Italian, and things get more intense. The walk home from the grocery store that warm September day was a memorable one, considering the honking and yelling out of car windows occurring while I was sweating and balancing bags on my arms.

Yet, I adapted. Every day, I loved my surroundings a little more and found new ways to make Rome my home. Add in traveling to other European countries almost every weekend, and my

life was a complete dream.

Oftentimes, when we experience something so life-changing, it is not until after the fact that the impact of the experience truly sinks in. This is perfectly captured by the phenomenon of reverse culture shock which was introduced by my intercultural communications professor on the last day of class. Re-entry, also known as reverse culture shock, is made up of four stages.

Honeymoon Phase

The beloved honeymoon phase. At the end of a study abroad semester, there is often a desire to return home and embrace the comforts you could not have during the experience. Back to American iced coffee, food franchises that don’t exist in Italy like Chipotle and Chick Fil A, and the simple idea of English being the common language.

Shock Phase

Then comes the shock phase. In other words, a “Wait… why isn’t this as I remember it?” There is a notorious vague, disoriented or frustrated feeling as coming home does not align with what you expected. Boredom and insecurity set in as you miss the habits and routines you established during your time abroad. Disdain for things of your home culture serve as a key element in the shock phase, leading you to view America in a different light after adapting to, for example, European culture.

Even explaining your time abroad seems impossible as you struggle to come up with words to effectively communicate the sites you’ve seen and people you encountered. This trouble to explain things coherently hits a point of exasperation as

you eventually settle on giving up.

Alienation

Unfortunately, the third phase pulls you apart from those you were the most excited to return home to. You had an experience they did not have, and explaining it to them may come across as a sore point at times. They may notice changes in you as your independence and individuality has exponentially increased while abroad. Your personality was shaped by the new people you met and the new places you traveled to. None of this is a negative thing, but it may be seen as such at times by home friends or family.

Coping

Last comes the coping stage. In other words, this is life now; accept it.

It is completely normal to long for your time abroad and miss your favorite restaurants and hang out spots. Wallowing is normal as well but must get better with time. Part of me will always miss living in Italy, but the experiences I had then have shaped who I am in the present.

Keeping a sense of humor and staying in touch with those who you shared the study abroad experience with are two ways to

SITUATIONSHIP CULTURE

Isabella Heilbronn, February 14

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

For many, the thought of dating has become a foreign concept in this day and age. Traditional dating is out, and situationships are in! But why are they a trend now?

I am sure we have all either been in a situationship or witnessed one. According to Urban Dictionary, this phenomenon can be defined as “less than a relationship, but more than a booty call, a situationship refers to a romantic relationship that is, and will remain, undefined.”

For some, committed romantic relationships are desired, or were once desired. Now, we live in a generation that treats relationships differently. Our generation finds it almost taboo to commit. We want to have the option of freedom with our romantic partners, but sometimes this can become more damaging than fulfilling.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to labels. Society has

move forward more seamlessly.

A few more pieces of advice…

Remember who you are. Life will naturally be different now, but that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you have to suppress the person you are and the things you learned while abroad. Find ways to bring elements of your abroad experience into your current situation. Whether that’s reading about the current events of your abroad country or listening to its music, it can help you feel comforted while adapting to a different place.

Balance. Don’t push yourself too hard. Give yourself ample time to settle back into your home culture. See your friends and have fun, but know when to take chill time for yourself. Becoming too overwhelmed will not do you justice in the long run.

Bittersweet feelings can be some of the heaviest. I look back on my time abroad with loving memories while also knowing I can never return to a time so simple and care-free. However, the only way to effectively move forward is recollecting those amazing moments and utilizing them to inspire new possibilities back home. Studying abroad is a truly remarkable thing, and the shock factors of coming back home are manageable as long as you are patient and take time to adjust.

moved past putting a label on things. This is apparent in many aspects of life, but I am finding it more visible in relationships. I ask myself why this has become the new normal; is it weird to want exclusivity? But most of all, when did something that should be so clear cut, get so confusing?

One of the biggest frustrations when it comes to situationships is they are meant to be casual but often feel like more. We may see this person regularly; we may have sex with them; maybe we text them all the time or go out on dates. We reveal the most vulnerable parts of ourselves for it to end in an: “I am not looking for a relationship.” The desire to pursue a relationship with someone that was once obvious is now laced with ambiguity.

We convince ourselves it is casual because that is the norm, and we don’t want to be seen as too much. We, as women, are commonly shamed especially for wanting “more” in our relationships. So we aspire to be more “chill,” and the question of “what are we” becomes anxiety inducing for many.

Dating app culture has added to this situationship epidemic. We swipe. We match. We go out; we create connections. But

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does it ever go anywhere else, or are we stuck in the same cycle of possibly yearning for more from someone while shying away from the idea of exclusivity.

As a girl who has been through a situationship myself, I can remember the pit I would always feel in my chest of wanting more but being too afraid to mention anything about it. I remember months on end of becoming vulnerable with another person. What set it apart from a real relationship was how there was no talk about the future. I would try to deny and

deny that it would flourish into something. It didn’t matter that we spoke everyday and played the part of a couple for months; he “didn’t want to be in a relationship.”

Situationships have programmed us to shy away from saying how we feel in fear of rejection. We want to be loved and cared for—with that comes commitment. If the person we wish to pursue does not want to commit, oftentimes, it is simply not worth it.

I COULDN’T TRAVEL FOR SPRING BREAK, SO I EXPLORED BOSTON INSTEAD

Jovanne Li, March 19

I’m not going to lie; I was not exactly in the best of spirits during the week leading up to spring break. I didn’t have plans to travel anywhere except my own apartment, and all my friends were either going on vacation with their families or too busy to hang out with me. It quickly became clear that I would be spending the majority of my spring break alone in Boston which was not exactly the most exciting thought. However, I decided to make the best of the situation and find ways to have fun on my own. I went out every single day from Tuesday through Friday, and I visited places in Boston that I had never been before. This experience showed me that simply going outside and exploring the city on your own is rewarding. Although I’m still jealous of the people that got to vacation in Europe, I no longer feel like my spring break was lame in comparison. Here is a quick recap of everything I did to create an enjoyable spring break for myself:

On Tuesday, I visited Thinking Cup for the first time which is a cozy cafe located on Newbury Street. I decided to try their matcha latte which was pretty good but just a bit too grassy for my taste. I also made a stop at Trident Booksellers and Newbury Comics, two of my favorite places to casually browse on Newbury Street. For dinner, I treated myself to one of my favorite ramen places in Boston, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Since it was a Tuesday night, there was no line, and the service was very quick — less than five minutes.

On Wednesday, I decided to have a chill cafe day, so I hit up Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar which is one of my favorite local cafes. I’m a big chai latte fan, so I ordered their maple soy

chai latte and proceeded to spend five hours there doing work on my laptop and listening to music. In the evening, I visited one of my friends in the Northeastern engineering labs, and we spontaneously got some late night El Jefe’s. Unfortunately, we did have to wait almost 30 minutes in the El Jefe’s line, but other than that, it was a laid-back, relaxing day.

On Thursday, I took the red line to an area of Cambridge that I’ve never been to before called Porter Square. I found a cute little bookstore that I got lost in for a good hour; I can always count on bookstores to give me that extra boost of serotonin. Afterwards, I visited Honeycomb Creamery which I had found on Google Maps when planning out my trip the day before. I got a scoop of their honey lavender and Irish cream flavors, and I am still thinking about how delicious it was to this day. I then walked to Harvard Square where I visited another bookstore, and I ended the day by grabbing dinner at Andala Coffee House, a Middle Eastern restaurant near Central Station. All in all, it was a great day for exploring and getting my step count up.

On Friday, I made a trip to the North End, an area I had never properly explored before despite living in Boston for over two years. I know Mike’s Pastry is the most famous pastry shop in the area, but I had heard from a friend that Modern Pastry is better. I decided to give it a try. I ordered their cream puff and their Napoleon pastry, and both were absolutely delicious.

And that was my spring break! Even though I didn’t get to travel out of the city, I still created unique experiences and made great memories exploring Boston on my own, and I will definitely be revisiting all of these places in the future.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH EATING DISORDERS IN THE DANCE WORLD

Rachel Mahoney, March 27

“Suck your stomach in.” “I can see your lunch.” I have heard

these phrases almost everyday for the 12 years that I spent at the dance studio. I would spend all of my time after school

in tights and a leotard hearing all about how the food we ate to keep our bodies nourished looked bad on our bodies.

This led to somewhat of a culture at my dance studio. My friends and I would commonly restrict ourselves before competitions in order to look as thin as possible in our costumes. Team dinners were spent staring at plates of food and barely touching it. I stopped dancing nearly five years ago, yet I can still hear my coaches barking these phrases.

Because of the culture that surrounds so many studios, eating disorders have become commonplace, and sometimes even encouraged, within them. An estimated 9% of the population has had a diagnosed eating disorder, while about 12% of dancers suffer from them according to Teen Rehab. The statistics do not include normalized eating disorder behaviors. When I was at a studio, restricting was not a sign of anything abnormal. In fact, it was what everyone did. Dancers that did not partake in restricting were seen as strange for not wanting their costumes to be a little loose.

When I left the studio, I continued to feel unhappy with myself and my body that was no longer dancing six days per week. But when I left, I realized that the ‘normal’ behaviors at the studio were actually very wrong. I got stares when I joked about how I couldn’t eat before a competition. Friends pointed out how unhealthy it was. And then, COVID hit, and I spiraled out of control.

I was 16 when I finally started to work on correcting my inner dialogue of disordered eating. It was 14 years after I took my first dance class. During my spiral, I lost 30 pounds in a few weeks. Restrictive eating habits and counting calories were the only sense of control I had in my life at such a difficult time. The behaviors that had been pushed on me as normal from an early age were killing me.

My heart rate became dangerously slow. My vitals were in the trash. My blood work showed malnourishment in every single

vitamin in my body. I was dying slowly, but I was doing it to myself.

When I was first diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, I was very confused. These behaviors that were supposedly disordered eating were the foundation of my entire dance career. What was so wrong about quitting carbs so I could jump higher? Why did I have to eat three meals a day when one would let me stay under 500 calories per day?

It has been three years since I began recovering. Still, I find it hard to grasp disordered behaviors. Because dance normalizes disordered eating, it is very difficult to identify and change symptoms of my eating disorder, because they are normal to me. They are normal for many dancers.

It has been almost 17 years since I put on a pair of tights, a leotard and tiny ballet slippers, 17 years filled with disordered eating that became a normal part of my life. Every doctor that I have had over the years has said that none of my answers to routine questions indicate disordered eating, yet my labs still show, years later, that I am severely malnourished. They question why I do not view my unhealthy habits as abnormal, but that is the culture at the dance studio. For myself, I had no guidance to see the signs of disordered eating. All of my friends were engaging in it as well. Coaches almost encouraged us or displayed their own symptoms in a joking matter.

For dancers like me, there is a very high risk for eating disorders. It is due to a long systematic pattern of behaviors being beaten down into students that want to achieve the perfect body: thin legs, stick skinny, a walking ghost. If healthy behaviors don’t start to be encouraged by coaches, I know the pattern will continue. More young dancers will begin to see themselves in a negative way and engage in disordered eating habits. Dancers are about three times more likely to develop an eating disorder according to Rachel Fine, professional dancer turned registered dietician at Dance Nutrition. Without a positive environment, we will never get better.

There is help available. Contact NEDA if you or someone you

HOW TO BE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND

Triya Basu, March 28

Coming into college, I had all these expectations about what I wanted my social life to look like. One of my main goals was to find a good group of friends who could make the scary transition to college a bit easier. It was my first time moving from my hometown, and it scared me

that everyone and everything I had ever known –my friends, my family, and the familiarity of my environment– were all going to be so far away from me. I spent 18 years in one place around the same people, so the thought of having to start over socially seemed daunting. The first few months of school were probably the most exciting because I was always meeting people in various social situations, and it was interesting to

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see the different types of people that were going to become new characters in my life. College is really different from high school in the sense that your days don’t always consist of constantly being around people which is something that I have definitely struggled with.

When I first came to college, I quickly learned that I am the type of person who enjoys being around people and I crave human interaction in my day to day life. However, in such a transition period where everyone is operating on their own schedules, it is hard to always be around people. It is especially difficult at a school such as Northeastern where some friends are abroad certain semesters or are on co-op while you’re taking classes. After my first semester, I truly realized I have to learn how to be comfortable. Most of my friends that I made the first semester all went abroad to different countries the second semester, while I stayed here in Boston. Going from being constantly surrounded by people to only having myself wasn’t an easy transition. It felt like I had to start over once again, but I took this opportunity to become my own best friend. Here’s how I did it.

Do things you usually do with other people by yourself. This is something that I have always tried to implement in my life, as I think it’s so important to normalize doing things on your own that you would normally do with a group of people. In college, one of the simplest things that I have tried adopting is having a couple meals per week by myself in the dining hall. The dining hall can be an intimidating place, especially when you are going in by yourself to a room full of people in their own groups. I have gotten a lot better about purposefully allocating time to eat by myself in the dining hall and just watching something on my phone, as it can be really relaxing and a good break from everyone. Another way to implement this skill is by spending time hanging out by yourself. One of my favorite solo activities is going to different coffee shops and being really present with my surroundings. It’s important that we stop thinking that doing things alone is “embarrassing” because it truly is a great way of getting to know who you are as a person, without the company of others.

Stop comparing your life to what you see on social media.

I have always had the worst habit of comparing my own life to what I see people on the internet doing, but it is so important to recognize that what we see online is only a small snapshot of someone’s life. Whenever I am scrolling through my Instagram on a bad day where I am upset about something in my personal life, it does nothing but make me feel worse. However, I have been trying to remind myself that I only post the highlights of my life, which means others are likely to do the same as well. Social media often only consists of the good parts that we want others to see, and no one really captures the bad days. I stopped trying to compare the parameters of my own life to the 30 second snapshots I see online because there is so much more to a person than their Instagram stories.

Treat yourself!

Treating yourself is just as important as treating others! I love to treat myself even when I don’t have a “reason” to, such as getting a good grade on a test or an award of some sort. Trying a new coffee shop, taking a nap on the grass in the sun, or *attempting* to cook something new are all little things I like to reward myself with. It gives me something to look forward to, and also allows me to spend some quality time with myself. Rewarding yourself with such things does not always have to be an effect of achieving something, but rather a way of simply being kind to yourself.

Hype

yourself up.

We all hype our friends up when they have a cute outfit on or if they are being a good friend, but what about hyping ourselves up? I always make sure to talk to my friends with respect and support them every step of the way, but I struggle with doing that for myself. There are days where I don’t feel as confident in my physical appearance or feel down about not meeting a personal or an academic goal. Instead of being hard on myself about it, I find ways to commend my actions and treat myself as if I was giving advice to one of my close friends. With being comfortable being alone, the first step is to make sure that you respect and treat yourself the same way that you do with other people. Practicing self love is definitely a journey, but it’s important to start off by making small changes such as giving yourself a compliment a day.

WHY LISBON, PORTUGAL SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT SPRING BREAK DESTINATION

Jane Richards, March 31

This spring break I traveled to both Milan, Italy and Lisbon, Portugal with my cousin. Both cities were beautiful and breathtaking, but I was particularly surprised by all the treasures hid-

den in Lisbon. We stayed at a hostel in a neighborhood called Barrio Alto which is near downtown Lisbon. The hostel was built for adventurous people with a bar, a pool table and more maps on the walls than I could count. Even the staff members were young and excited to talk about the bright city. They had

a million recommendations on where to eat and what to do. “I grew up in Lisbon, and I still find something new here everyday,” one woman at the front desk told us. The city itself matches the energy of the spring-breaker demographic with vibrant nightlife and beautiful scenery. Everywhere we went, we bumped into other college students who were also there for spring break. We made friends from Marquette University, the University of Virginia and even from schools in Denmark, London and Italy.

Most of our friends were made on a well-known street in the city that is a must-stop spot if you visit. Only a few minutes walk from our hostel was the infamous “Pink Street” and it was, quite literally, a street painted pink. The road was lined with bars and clubs where you could get your drink to go and stand in the street mingling with everyone else enjoying the route’s magic. The street is filled with laughter, singing, dancing and sometimes crying until three or four in the morning. The energy on Pink Street was unmatched in the best way possible.

Pink Street isn’t the only unique row of small businesses in Lisbon; there is also the LX Factory. One of the lovely cab drivers we talked to on our trip told us to make sure we go to the LX Factory for dinner one night, so we decided to check it out. The LX Factory is an old factory that was used while building the big red Vasco da Gama Bridge (built by the same architect that designed the Bay Bridge in California) to store materials and machinery for construction. Once the bridge was built, the factory building was turned into a shopping mall with boutiques and restaurants. The second floor has beautiful

WHEN WORDS FAIL

Courtney Glazer, March 31

Trigger Warning: Mentions of Suicide

I’ve always had a way with words. The way some people dance gracefully or paint smoothly is the way I feel when I speak or write. I love to chat with friends, family, even strangers for hours on end. I love writing, endless strings that drag on across the page, for no reason at all. Easily flowing sentences and effortless answers; that’s what I hold onto. That’s what I know I can do.

vintage clothing stores and cool surf shops while the ground floor is a row of colorful restaurants with a variety of local foods and outdoor dining spaces. The Factory was definitely a highlight of the trip and is especially easy with a big group of people because there is something for everyone there.

My favorite activity overall was a baking class we took with a local where we learned how to make the famous Portuguese Pastel de Nata pastry. We also took a river cruise on a sailboat at sunset. Both of these activities were relatively cheap and easy to find online through travel websites. There were some other sights we saw such as the Castelo de S. Jorge located in a beautiful neighborhood called Alfama that has a number of cute shops and aesthetic cafes. We also walked the boardwalk where we drank Pina Coladas out of hollowed pineapples and stared in awe at the Arco da Rua Augusta, an amazing stone arch that is the Portuguese cousin of the Washington Square Arch in New York City. Right behind this archway is an elevator that will lift you into the air and onto a raised platform with the best view of the city. The coastal towns of Sintra and Caiscais are only 45 minutes out of the city and are home to a multitude of castles and sightseeing destinations. We unfortunately did not have the time to stop in either place, but those two spots are on the top of my list for the next time I visit the country.

Lisbon, Portugal may be an unconventional spring break destination, but it was absolutely worth the visit. The city is bright and exciting; the people are young and outgoing; the food is unreal, and the experience is one you will remember forever.

other friend is at math? I used to always feel that way and, to be frank, it really pissed me off. I felt like the universe had wronged me. But then words became my savior. Now, when I think about the very core of my being, who I am as a person, I think of someone who wields the power of words. They are my ultimate strength. If you think about it, they can be yours too.

You know how when you were young and you’d look around, and to your left, you’d see your friend who was an all-star swimmer; and to your right, you’d see your other friend who was a brilliant mathematician? And you would think to yourself, why can’t I have a “thing?” Why can’t I have that one thing that I’m great at like my friend is at swimming and my

Words can be everything. Every person, thing, place, feeling, expression, anything you can imagine has a word associated with it. Look around you; there are words to match each eye-catching aspect of your surroundings. Think of the people you love, the people you hate. Why do you love them? Why do you hate them? The answer is quite literally words. It’s all words. Everything is words. But at the very same time, words are nothing. They don’t really exist. That can be a terrifying and all-consuming thought for me sometimes. My strength, the very thing I define myself as, doesn’t exist. Words themselves aren’t tangible things we can hold onto with our hands or lay

EXPERIENCES

out on a table. But then I remember: the meaning words carry is everything. Every feeling we have comes from a different combination of words. I love you or you are beautiful or I hope you die. And the effects of each and every one of those combinations can be either amazing or catastrophic.

Like I said, words have always come easily to me. They flow in my blood and course through my veins.

So you can imagine my surprise when, after a friend confessed to me her desire to commit suicide, no words came out of my mouth. No sound escaped my body. There were no easily flowing sentences. No effortless answers. I dug deep into the recesses of my brain and raced to get my hands on anything, anything at all, any words to say. I could find only scraps. There weren’t nearly enough words to cover the message I needed to share with this person I couldn’t fathom living without.

You know when the irony of something is so perfectly crystal-clear that you can’t help but feel a little sorry for yourself? Because it’s just so ridiculous? Well, despite the dread and shock and panic I felt at that moment when my friend confessed, I felt the sharp, tiny knives of irony stabbing at my insides. What had clogged my ever-flowing fountain of words that day was that it was words, the very thing that I’ve always held so dear, that had sent my friend to the edge in the first place. This heart-breaking epiphany came to me, that cruel, spiteful words from others were what had drained her mind of all hope. Words so dark and destructive that our minds can’t shape them without experiencing the horror of them being said firsthand. It made me recognize that hateful words are capable of causing more intense damage than any weapon ever could.

However, while words were what nearly killed my friend, they were also what saved her life. The words that provided my friend support after the initial shock were the very ones that came most easily to me. I told her that although depression held her in a tight chokehold, its harsh grip would eventually loosen. She would be able to breathe again. She would be able to get past the tired feeling of living every day without a glimpse of light. There was a better ending, a healthy escape from the darkness that seemed to stretch endlessly in front of her. Words had hurt her, and now she needed a voice to provide her with light.

It was a long journey, recovering from those damaging words, and my friend is still persevering through it. Even after many years have passed, my friend is still recovering from words. Aren’t we all? Isn’t there a word or a phrase, no matter how

small or how seemingly irrelevant, that has stuck with each of us like a rock lodged in our stomachs?

Once upon a time, I was sitting with three fellow students working on a school project. The conversation drifted away from school as it always did. One of the students, we’ll call him Rob, asked me when I had my Bat Mitzvah. I looked at Rob, confused. I barely knew him, and he certainly didn’t know me when I had had my Bat Mitzvah two years prior. I asked him how he knew I was Jewish, and he responded with a laugh saying it was because of my big nose. That was the conclusion of that exchange. It ended as quickly as it began. Who knows if Rob was outwardly trying to insult me? He probably forgot what he said by the next period. But this was six years ago. Another five years will pass, and I will likely still remember this brief moment.

Those words have stuck with me, like a rough pebble in my stomach. That pebble has rolled around causing damage in its wake to organs and other essential human body parts that keep me living and breathing. Every time I walk, every time I take a step, that pebble budges a little bit, rolling slightly, bruising another cell in my body. That stone has created one of my greatest and all-consuming insecurities all because of five words that some random guy said when I was fourteen. “Because of your big nose.”

Isn’t it just truly obnoxious how powerful words can be? Words have such explosive power. It’s like giving a machine gun to every single person in the world. There are going to be an endless number of morons who don’t deserve to control something so powerful, something so potentially dangerous and destructive. Yet, almost every single person has it.

This power must be used very wisely. If not, you could end up putting a rock in someone’s stomach. The sad fact is, you probably already have. So have I. So has everyone. This fact became clearer to me through the experience with my suffering friend. Since then, I have tried to focus my love for words on the positive ones such as the ones brought to my friend to ease her away from the edge of the terrifying cliff words had pushed her to.

After watching how these words brought my friend back from such a dark place, they became more important to me than ever. Instead of focusing on the grief words could bring, I held on to the way they could be used to help.

No matter how much words have the power to cause trauma in the world, they can also make you laugh, smile and remem-

ber that life is worth living. There is light somewhere within the darkness, and pain doesn’t have to be permanent. I hope to continue sharing my words to remind others of that.

Additionally, I’m forever grateful that my friend is still in my life. Not only because I love her, but also because of what the experience taught me. I learned that words are everything, and I can continue to develop my strength in using words to help others. Now, I will never stop using my words for the better. There are simply so many more words to say.

Before I go, I will leave you with one final thought, probably the toughest one for anyone to absorb: you have to use your words carefully with yourself too. Don’t let your own words,

your inner thoughts, be the most destructive ones you ever come across. It’s not worth it. Use your own words to save yourself. Use them after some other fool spews cruel words all over your life and tries to shove you over to the edge of that cliff. You need your own words to save yourself from falling. Because at the end of the day, the power is always in our own hands. Above all else, use your words for yourself. Your own words need to be the ones that save you.

Just like my “friend” used my words. In reality, those were the words that saved my “friend” from falling too.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.

AM I LIVING THE “TRADITIONAL” COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?

Nishita Khosla, April 5

TikTok has been the reason that I contemplate many things in my life these days. I’ve been watching vlogs and routines that glamorize different lifestyles and trends. Like many, I’ve been on “UMich” TikTok for a while now, and honestly, could not tell anybody why. I guess constantly clicking the like button doesn’t help my case, but I’m definitely not complaining as I have developed a big obsession with it. I find it interesting to watch how other people live their lives and note how mine is different. I lead a completely different life from the girl whose “day in my life” vlog I tend to watch. Sometimes these videos make me think and compare. I occasionally wish my life looked more like hers. But then, once I start to really think about all that I have, I love where I am in life (and wouldn’t trade it for anything).

To most people, Northeastern University is referred to as an “airport school” with many students coming and going for co-op, study abroad or other opportunities. Being from the West Coast, I always dreamed about coming to the East for school. The culture is so fast-paced and driven here; I knew I would thrive. I am such an independent person, so I thought I would fit in best in a city. But at the same time, I also knew that being on this coast (and in an urban area) would make it unlikely for my experience to be similar to others at bigger schools. Looking back now, I believe that I made the right choice all those years back. Although, sometimes I still wonder to myself: What if?

Being from Washington state, most of my friends and high school peers attend the University of Washington. Had I not found a school that was more my vibe, I probably would have ended up there too. It’s a great school. Don’t get me wrong;

it has a beautiful campus, many organizations, a popular football team, and even ranks really well as a University. During my first semester of college, I felt some FOMO witnessing my friends and family until one day, it just stopped. If I think back to my younger self, I would have loved to go there. However, I knew that I would feel overwhelmed attending a big school like that. I also wanted to get out and explore, and I am so lucky that I had the support of my family to do so. Northeastern has so much to offer that many other schools do not have. For example, the famous co-op program which I could go on and on about.

I think that it is also important to mention that the definition of the “traditional college experience” is so subjective. When looking it up, you find that Google says the college experience is composed of a four year university with learning opportunities and extracurriculars. Most colleges I know of offer this. Depending on where one grows up, it could mean something different to them. For example, I think of a “traditional” school as the University of Washington, but for others, it might vary.

There are so many benefits to each school experience for every individual. I feel that I’ve made the most of my experience and that I chose the perfect school for me. During my time people-watching, I have overheard many debates about what the “traditional college experience” really is. I’ve decided that idea is simply what you make of it.

I attend a school with different communities, a campus, sports and so much more. So, to answer my original question, no, I didn’t miss out on any other kind of experience. Even though Northeastern is not comparable to a big state school, I feel “traditional” vibes here. I am so grateful to live in a city while still having a campus, many sports teams, and the ability to be

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part of a Greek life organization. What more could I ask for?

Every once in a while, on my walks downtown, I stop and close my eyes while having a pinch me moment. I think about the

fact that I am really here, how I moved across the country on my own and live this life I always dreamed of. I love my school, and I have absolutely no regrets about it.

I’M NOT TRYING TO BE MEAN, I’M TRYING TO BE SAFE

Emily Niedermeyer, April 6

The other day I was walking down the street around 5 p.m. with my airpods in, listening to an audiobook with a bag thrown over my shoulder on the way to the grocery store. It was sunny with many people out soaking in the warmth of early springtime in Boston. As I walked, with a chapter from the “Percy Jackson” series playing in the background, I saw another girl walking in the other direction on the same sidewalk. She emulated confidence with heeled boots, an ankle length trench coat that just screamed *I have my life together* and sunglasses, which definitely added to her mysterious aura.

As she strutted over the cracked pavement, however, I noticed a man behind her. Now, his outfit wasn’t as striking as hers, so forgive me for my lack of detail. But he was wearing blue jeans and a dark shirt. He walked behind her, trying to get her attention. She however, had no time or focus to spare and kept walking, passing me in the opposite direction.

After his attempt with her didn’t work, he turned to me. And that’s when my brain short circuited. Because when someone approaches you on the street when you’re by yourself, despite the beautiful, sunny day and the other people populating the area, it can be scary, especially as a young woman. And the other girl didn’t stop and talk … should I?

Did I miss an interaction where he made her feel uncomfortable? Did he stop her and then try to come on to her?

I mumbled a “sorry,” averting my eyes and quickening my pace to walk around the man. I didn’t make eye contact for more than a second, and I didn’t wait for him to get beyond a hasty, “excuse me,” though it all happened quite fast. I went on my way, turning down the audiobook still playing to listen more closely to my surroundings and did a peripheral scan

around me and my route ahead.

Did the man have good intentions? Maybe. Was he just asking a simple question about directions? Possibly. But I’ll never know.

What I do know is that 80% of women have experienced sexual harassment in public spaces, a trend commonly known as street harassment. 57% includes unwanted staring or leering, 52% includes sexually suggestive comments, 49% includes whistling or lip-smacking … the list goes on.

Sometimes it’s subtle. Other times, however, it’s clear and alarming. You don’t know when verbal harassment will turn into action. You don’t know when you’ll be approached or followed or touched. Once you give them that first sliver of attention, even just a quick glance to assess the situation, it can escalate that much further because they know they’ve got your attention.

It’s devaluing as a young woman to be looked at like a piece of meat to be inspected and prodded and sampled. No longer are you a full being with a name, personality or character. It debases us of our bodies, our sexual orientations, our cultures and our beliefs. And it causes a distrust of any stranger, well-meaning or not, that grows as the years pass by and we are exposed to more and more violence, specifically against young women just like us.

85% of women in the United States experience street harassment before the age of 17. We’re taught from childhood to walk in groups of three or more, to be home before dark, to avoid certain neighborhoods or deserted streets, all to maintain a semblance of safety. But that can change in an instant when we make the wrong, split-second decision to be nice for once, and stop and talk to the man who says he just needs help finding directions to the nearest convenience store.

#GIRLBOSS: WHY HAVING WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP MATTERS

Linda Vo, January 29

#GIRLBOSS is not just a trend but a need.

According to the Institute for Women’s Leadership at Nichols College“women hold just 24% of senior leadership positions.” Recognizing this reality, it is necessary to under-

stand the importance of having women in leadership and business and to acknowledge the barriers that inhibit women from reaching these roles. Having women in leadership roles is not only crucial for representation but also helps businesses and society’s welfare as a whole.

In the United States, women make up nearly half of the workforce and are the primary breadwinner in around 40% of families. This emphasizes how important women are to the economy, yet a study by The Mom Project on the importance of women in leadership found that only 1 in 4 organizations rank advancing women into leadership roles among their top 10 priorities. Women leaders have been found to be better mentors, listen more to needs and concerns, are more of a role model, build more respect, and create a better team atmosphere where everyone participates.

Businesses that challenge gender and leadership diversity, that give more roles to women can help differentiate their business within the marketplace. Organizational performance directly correlates with the diversity of behavior, thus, it is important to have gender diversity in the workplace. A research paper written in The Journal of Business Research that discussed gender diversity within firms that proved that firms with a higher proportion of women in leadership roles perform better, enhance monitoring processes and have mechanisms for stronger corporate governance control. Additionally, one study shows companies with more women on their boards also have higher innovation and invest more in innovative technologies.

Having women leaders not only improves financial performance metrics, but it also increases a firm’s performance by reducing lawsuits, scandals, and corporate crimes. Women help to improve corporate social responsibility by decreasing the chance of environmental infringements. According to a study listed in The Journal of Business Ethics by conducted by Canadian firms, businesses with women on their senior boards are more likely to disclose their greenhouse emissions which subsequently reduces their carbon footprint.

Seeing all of these statistics and mountains of evidence frustrated, and somewhat angered me. It is continuously proven that having women in leadership roles benefits businesses, the marketplace, the environment, and even society as a whole. So why is the system structured in a way that makes it so difficult for women to rise to these leadership roles?

There are unfortunately a variety of reasons. One of which is the harmful stereotype that limits women to certain job industries. Women make up less than half of most, if not all, of the highest paying positions and even workplaces where women seem to be the most common. The fields with the highest concentration of women workers reinforce the idea that women only perform well in “soft, feminine” job fields, as the lobs with the highest percentage of women workers are jobs like health care, media and communication, and education.

Historically, there has been a belief that women are only suited for domestic duties and this notion has evolved into a belief that, even though women are allowed to work, they should be confined to certain industries that are seen as more traditionally feminine. This belief also extends to the idea that women are not suited for fields such as finance or technology. There is a clear structural injustice placed against women, through daily interactions of harmful stereotypes and assumptions, thus women are portrayed in ways that make society believe they are unfit to be leaders.

It is even more difficult for women of color to be accepted into places of high leadership. It has been so normalized for women of color to be taught they must sacrifice more or face more challenges to be viewed equally. By perpetuating this belief, we are teaching these women to accept a broken system and to adapt to it, rather than to go against it. In 2019, women held 43.3% of management positions based on the research by The Mom Project, mentioned above, but once this statistic was broken down into race, women of color only made up to approximately 10.3%. As an Asian woman, I was in disbelief that Asian women only held 2.5% of all management positions. Having women of color in leadership roles brings in different perspectives that are important for leading and guidance. More and more research is being conducted as well as companies themselves are stepping forward proving that the more racially and ethnically diverse a company is, the more likely they are to have higher than average financial returns.

Social pressures to increase gender equality have effectively merged morality and business requirements to hire more women leaders to higher up positions. However, it is important to acknowledge true female empowerment; to not view women as merely a profit-making tool, but to help dismantle obstacles and barriers that limit them from leadership opportunities.

It is clear that unlocking gender diversity and having more female leaders is not only beneficial to companies, but to society as a whole. I believe that within the neo-liberal capitalistic society we are currently a part of, it should be an incentive for companies to promote, hire, and create more roles for women.

EVENTS

Our events team has been hard at work this semester planning and executing events surrounding the key goals of HC: writing and connection. The team grew by three new event coordinators this semester and hosted a mix of both social bonding events and writing focused events. In addition, the team began conducting post-event surveys for feedback after every event.

The events team focused on writing workshops centered around connection this semester, with small group free writing with opportunities to share and discuss. Long, open-ended and relaxed session where creativity, inspiration and laughs are the focus.

WRITING WORKSHOP: ENCOURAGING VULNERABILITY IN WRITING

On Sunday, January 29, the chapter hosted the first writing workshop of the semester focused on encouraging vulnerability in writing. First, different members shared some exerpts of past personal pieces and HC articles. Two guided free writes and a creative writing exercise were administered, where participants were encouraged to write with a pen and paper over typing on a computer. The group shared allowed and had a meaningful discussion about different vulnerable topics and how to appraoch them in writing.

On Sunday, April 16, the chapter hosted an event focused solely on reflections in writing, a timely topic with the end of the semester fast approaching. Participants wrote for a couple minutes about the end of the semester and then shared their thoughts with the group. For the main activity, participants picked a prompt, wrote a list of words that came to mind and then responded to the prompt in a way that felt appropriate (i.e. a narrative essay, a poem, a drawing, a list).

WRITING WORKSHOP: WRITING TO GROW AND PROCESS LIFE

GALENTINES DAY

On Monday, February 14, our chapter celebrated Galentines Day, a holiday all about expressing love and appreciation to the girls who make up our support system. Activities including eating delicious foods and decorating cookies!

TRIP TO THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

On Saturday, February 18, a group of girls visited the Museum of Fine Arts, only minutes away from the Northeastern Campus. Participants attended in support of the exhibits that display art from Black Artists. Those exhibits included “Frank Bowling’s America’s,” which showed work that the British Guiana-born abstract impressionist painter made in New York int he 1960s and ‘70s, and “Touching Roots: Black Ancestral Legacies in the Americas.”

HCNU X HCBU

On Saturday, March 25, members of chapter traveled to Boston University to attend a joint retreat between two chapters of Her Campus, a first-time gathering for both chapters. The retreat featured a guest speaker from the national Her Campus organization, an icebreaker activity between all attendees, presentations from the eboards of both chapters, bracelet making and more.

The collaboration between the two chapters facilitated connection, opportunities to learn about the inner workings of another chapter, social media features and of course, fun!

On Monday, April 17, Her Campus Northeastern will host its last event of Spring 2023, the end of semester celebration. The event will consist of semester long feedback for eboard, tote bag painting and eating lots of good food!

SOCIALS

The socials team has been extremely active this semester with new additions on all of the social media sites home to HCNU. New posts include weekly “meet the author” posts featuring a member of chapter and weekly “new article” posts showing a couple of articles posted in the past week on our site.

The socials team has also made progress on social media consistencies, including highlighting our members, promoting our events, weekly meetings and special workshops. The team has curated specific themed posts around cute coffee shops, the city life and spring break trips. Every so often, mental health reminders or words of affirmation are posted as well.