May 2018 | IC Distinct Magazine by IC Distinct Magazine

DISTINCT May2018

ADRIENNE SMITH 1

DIY ANYTHING

TEXTURE

SILVER SHINE

EVERYDAY GLITTER

THE ENVIRONMENT AND GLITTER

ADRIENNE SMITH

UGLY ATTITUDE

MAY 2

GRATITUDE

DESTRESS

NEVER AGAIN

JOB INTERVIEW

SOCIAL MEDIA AND MENTAL ILLNESS

2018 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sara Belcher

COPY EDITORS Aylie Rudge Nicole Brokaw Sydney Joyce Alexis Philabaum Alexandria Logedo

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emma Noblesala FASHION EDITOR Tara Stacy

DESIGN Sara Belcher Brent Ferguson Eliza Lopes Sydney Matzko Alexis Philabaum Amelia Daube

BEAUTY EDITOR Alexis Arter LIFESTYLE EDITOR Kelly Twardziak HEALTH & FITNESS EDITOR Alexandra Rose

FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR Anna D'Arcy

CULTURE EDITOR Elizabeth Gulino

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTORS Raquel Borges Kiersten McAdoo

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS Alessia DiNunno Devin Kasparian

FACULTY ADVISOR Katie Marks

LOOKBOOK COORDINATOR Brent Ferguson

COVER PHOTO Devin Kasparian

LOOKBOOK FASHION DIRECTOR Sarah Carrillo HEAD OF COPY Danielle Gazda ART DIRECTOR Courtney Yule

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Reader, Welcome to the glitter issue of Distinct, where we talk about all things shiny (literally and metaphorically). Whether you want to incorporate glitter into your life more, or you’re thinking of that shiny new degree some of you will be receiving at the end of the month, we’ve got something for you. With the spring semester coming to a close, many of you are about to begin a new experience — whether that be graduating, moving to a new city for a summer internship, or preparing to study abroad. As we said in our January issue, the new year isn’t the only time to start again. If you’re about to go on a new adventure in your life, don’t be afraid to look at this opportunity as a new beginning for you. To those graduating seniors leaving Ithaca College and entering the workforce, you especially have the opportunity for a new beginning. You have the chance to go wherever the wind blows you, whether that be moving across the country for a job, or moving back in with your parents for a little (it’s not as bad as it sounds). You are about to embark on the first day of the rest of your life (as cliche as that sounds). It’ll be scary, exciting, exhilarating, and confusing — but that’s how it’s supposed to be. Change is never easy, and some of us take it harder than others, but remember that those first couple of months after graduation don’t need to define the rest of your life. This is just one new beginning of many opportunities you will have to start over in life. Your first post-grad job does not need to pigeonhole you into a career you’re not thrilled about for the rest of your life. You might not make the salary you wanted in your first position. You might even need to complete a couple more internships after you graduate. Whatever your situation, remember that you always have the opportunity to start again — no matter how stuck you feel. As always, thank you for picking up this issue of Distinct. We are especially grateful for your support. We’d also like to thank SGC for funding our print issues and our printing company Vanguard LLC. Sincerely,

Sara Belcher

IC Distinct Magazine Editor in Chief

FASHION

HOW TO DIY ANYTHING WRITTEN BY TARA STACY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIA BJORNLAND

Fashion can be an amazing way to express yourself and show your creative side, but it can be difficult to keep up with trends on a college budget. One way to spice up your wardrobe without breaking the bank is to DIY statement pieces. Two-piece sets have been a spring trend for the past few years, but they’re often expensive because you have to buy each piece separately. However, you can make a skirt and crop top set easily — all you have to do is go to your local thrift store and purchase a bodycon dress. Once you get home, try on the dress and see where you want your crop top to hit. Mark this with chalk and cut. You can hem the bottom for a more streamlined look, and simply fold over the excess of the top of your skirt and hem. If you’re looking to upcycle an old denim jacket, one way to do that is to create an open back held together by chains. These jackets sold for $75 but they’re extremely easy to DIY. You’ll need eyelets and chains which can be purchased at Walmart or your local craft store. All you have to do is cut out the back panel of the jacket, and apply eyelets to each side using the instructions on their packaging. Pry open the link of the chain with pliers and then close them around the eyelet. A huge trend of the past two years has been concert merch, however the prices of these pieces are steep. One

FASHION

way to replicate them for cheaper is stenciling your favorite band or artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logo with a fabric marker or fabric paint. You can do this with a denim jacket, sweatshirt, or T-shirt. All you have to do is print out a design and layer it under a piece of transparent paper. Trace the design onto the transparent paper and then cut it out. Once you have your stencil, place it on the material and follow the instructions on your fabric marker or paint. Brands have gotten bored of jeans, and have been customizing them in different ways from adding pearls, ribbons, or stripes down the side. But most of these jeans retail for upwards of $100, so one way to avoid spending that kind of cash is to purchase a pair of jeans from the thrift store, and then customizing them yourself. You can sew on patches, a colored stripe down the side, or if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling adventurous, cut the jeans halfway up the calf and stitch a zipper all the way around the bottom half. Then, sew the zipper to the top half, and zip the ends back together. The jeans that inspired this DIY cost $520, but the DIY cost $20 altogether. In order to make your wardrobe last, you should invest in basic pieces that will last a long time and never go out of style. DIYing is usually much cheaper than purchasing pieces in store, so get in touch with your creative side and make your own version of a designer statement piece that is uniquely you.

FASHION

HOW TO ADD TEXTURE TO YOUR WARDROBE WRITTEN BY CARLY SWANSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE SPIEL

FASHION

When styling outfits, it can be intimidating to mix different fabrics or styles that do not appear to match. Such caution causes a cycle of simple looks that do not step beyond the boundaries of what is “too weird.” When working with the right pieces, it can be easy to add dimension in your outfits by blending different textures together to create an oddly cohesive ensemble. The easiest way to do so is with accessories. A collection of new and vintage pins add character to a jacket or purse. Scrunchies are back and are available in different fabrics including velvet, satin and even metallic sequins. Tying one around a ponytail gives new life to an ordinary hair style. Scarves also work as a great texturizing piece in all seasons. Bundle up in the winter with thick wool or wear thin silk for the sunny summer months. This one may be difficult, but exchanging blue jeans for different styles of pants completely transforms any look. Corduroy, plaid trousers, or striped flares are all solid alternatives to denim. They give a fresh spin to old tops and accessories that jeans cannot highlight. Socks are an often overlooked outfit component. Whether they are ankle, calf, or knee high, there are so many options with socks to add a twist to any look. Contrast styles of sock and shoe combinations for added flair. This could include wearing white frilly socks with black boots, or knit knee highs with sneakers. For texture on top, layering is key. Luckily, there is already a wide variety of fabric, material, and styles of shirts. Adding different t-shirts and sweaters makes for a casual eclecticness. A recent, more fashionable homage to the ’90s trends has been to wear long sleeves under tank tops, both shirts and dresses. Combining a knit

FASHION

turtleneck with a sleeveless silk top or graphic tee adds instant interest. If it is colder, put a chunky cardigan over the layers. A more upscale or classy alternative is to wear a collared button up under a sweater. To complete an assorted, layered look, the last step is the jacket. Outerwear can completely alter the effect of an outfit. Pairing a leather jacket with a chiffon dress blends a feminine style with a rocker edge. The same can be done with a green military jacket or oversized denim. For high fashion street style, a wool coat coupled with athletic pants or sneakers adds an element of chicness while still incorporating varying composition in the pieces. The key to a versatile closet is looking at each piece with a creative mindset and considering seemingly strange combinations. By working with these fundamentals, an outfit full of different textures is conveniently achieved with basic pieces in an everyday wardrobe.

FASHION

SILVER SHINE PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT FERGUSON STYLING SARAH CARRILLO, ALEXIS PHILABAUM, AYLIE RUDGE MODELING STELLA RIVERA

FASHION

BEAUTY

FASHION

SHINE EVERYDAY: HOW TO INCORPORATE GLITTER INTO YOUR EVERYDAY MAKEUP WRITTEN BY SARAH CARILLO ILLUSTRATION BY COURTNEY YULE

BEAUTY

BLING OUT YOUR NAILS

When you think of glitter you may think you can’t work it into an everyday beauty routine. It is too dramatic, shiny, or attention grabbing. But we’re here to show you, you can! Here are four simple ways that you can add a subtle shine, glow, and pop into your makeup. Glitter makes everything glamorous and fun, so why can’t everyday be just as fabulous?

If you’d like to stick to your everyday makeup routine, but still want a little glitter--add it to your nails! Adding glitter to your nails is a fun way to illuminate your week. Unlike makeup, you only need to apply it once, and it’ll last all week. Whether it’s the whole nail or a simple design, glitter is wearable. Nails Inc. polishes are affordable and high quality and will leave you shining bright like a diamond in two coats. If you’re all about all white nails go for Smith & Cult’s Sugarette. It’ll leave your nails with a dreamy coat, and a beautiful shine.

SHEER EYESHADOW

Eyeshadows like ColourPop’s Paisley Super Shock Shadow can add a layer of sheer glitter to the eye. Wear it on its own or place the shadow on top of another color to add an extra pop. You can also add it to the center of your eye, to create shine and depth. We recommend using your finger tip to apply for maximum pigment. Shadows that are lightweight in formula add a thin layer of glitter that will definitely brighten up your day.

GLOSS IT UP

The time of gloss is upon us. Add shimmer and shine to your lips for a fresh, dewy look. Small flecks of gold, silver, pink, and blue will bring out your inner sparkle. The key is finding a gloss that isn’t sticky and won’t feel heavy. The last thing you want is a glob of lip gloss stuck in your hair while you’re trying to shine. We recommend Jouer’s Long-Wear Lip Topper. Infused with coconut oil, it will keep your lips feeling hydrated and looking fabulous all day long.

GLITTER EYELINER

Switch your basic black eyeliner for glitter. If you like a subtle look, go for neutral tones like brown, gold, and rose gold. These colors can change up your look without making a dramatic shift. A favorite is the Urban Decay Heavy Metal glitter liner, which has a clear base so your glitter won’t fade away throughout the day. Or if you don’t want to splurge, the NYX Liquid Crystal Body Liner is another alternative. Both glide on smooth. Just make sure you let the liner dry before going about your day to avoid smudging.

Whether it’s eyeliner or lip gloss, adding these four glittery products into your life will definitely brighten up your look. Whether you want a subtle or dramatic look, you can’t go wrong with sparkling.

BEAUTY

GLITTER IS NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WRITTEN BY MARA BATT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM WEEKS AND SYDNEY MATZKO

BEAUTY From wardrobe to makeup to every arts and crafts endeavor, glitter has always been there for us. And I’ll admit-- although now with a bit of apprehension-- that I have never been one to use it sparingly. But with an ethical dilemma rising within the glitter industry, we must ask ourselves… can we give it up? Before we cut all ties, let’s sort out the facts.

WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT GLITTER?

Along with exfoliating beads, glitter falls under the umbrella definition of microplastics. When microplastics are washed away, they can linger in lakes and oceans for hundreds of years before they break down properly. Because plastics are so effective at absorbing chemicals, they can be hazardous to any wildlife that consumes them. Aside from potential poisoning, there is danger in the possibility of organisms consuming high amounts of microplastics. Birds have been found dead from starvation, their stomachs full of plastic, which provides no nutrients and cannot be broken down or digested. The controversy is that there is not much proof that glitter directly contributes to the problem. When scientists study microplastics, they typically look at the issue as a whole. According to a study of five hundred fish from the English Channel, one third of those fish have been found with microplastic inside of them, there is no distinct presence of glitter. Some specialists say that a direct ban on glitter would be premature, as there is not enough evidence. Others think that taking action is the only ethical choice. It seems to me that while glitter might not be the biggest offender, its status as a microplastic should not be ignored. It might only be a small piece of the equation, but it is a variable none the less.

SO DO WE HAVE TO GIVE IT UP?

Of course not! You bet that as soon as the issue was breached, eco-friendly beauty gurus went to work creating a sustainable alternative. Lush is currently leading this crusade with the launch of their “All That Glitters is Not Plastic” campaign. All their sparkly products have been converted over to a more environmentally conscious synthetic mica alternative. This substance is non-toxic and biodegradable. While companies like Lush make it their business to be ethically responsible, most businesses lack the incentive. Innovation takes time and money. If you’ve ever shopped at a Lush store, you’ve surely seen the evidence of this. Eight dollars for a bath bomb?! It’s outrageous. Still, it is the responsibility of the consumer to stay informed. Whether you decide to keep on as usual, pay the extra dollar, or ditch glitter all together, it is important to understand the individual impact you can have on the environment from day to day.

COVER

Adrienne Smith is proud that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adopted. Running on the belief that every child deserves a loving home, her own positive experience has inspired her to spread the message about adoption. The founder of the Jockey Being Family chapter on Ithaca Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus, Smith hopes that through this organization, she can reduce the negative stigma around adoption in the Tompkins County area and beyond. Distinct editor Sara Belcher sat down with Smith to discuss her work with the organization.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEVIN KASPARIAN

ADRIENNE SMITH 25

COVER

Sara Belcher: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Adrienne Smith: I’m a sophomore Television-Radio major from Utica, New York with a dual minor in communication studies and IMC, and my concentration is broadcast performance. Hopefully, I’ll be an on-air anchor or reporter someday.

and they asked me to take on this role. I said of course. SB: Can you share your adoption story? AS: So I was adopted from Seoul, Korea when I was just six months old and I’ve lived with my parents and my two brothers ever since. Funny story: so my oldest brother, Justin, he’s actually adopted from Korea as well, but we’re not biological, and I also have a couple of cousins who were adopted from Korea. My middle brother Matthew is my mom and dad’s biological son. So we have a cool mix in our family. It’s definitely unique. I’ve been living in Utica, New York, my whole life, besides the first six months, and I’ve had such a great, positive experience with my adoption story. So I guess that’s what really sparked my interest in starting up the chapter here in Ithaca.

SB: Explain the Ithaca College chapter of Jockey Being Family AS: First and foremost, it’s Jockey International’s charitable foundation which supports adopted children and families throughout the United States through different non profit organizations that they’re partnered with. Just over a year ago they asked me to be their first college ambassador, and that required me starting up the first college chapter of Jockey Being Family here at Ithaca College. So this is the first chapter ever — it’s the only chapter right now at a college institution. Just hitting that ground running I guess.

SB: Why is Jockey Being Family’s message important to you? AS: Jockey Being Family’s mission is that “ every child deserves to grow up with a loving family and forever home.” That’s important to me because obviously I’ve been through the foster care system in Korea, and I’ve just been so blessed by my adoption story and having the parents and the family I have here and all of the experiences I’ve gotten to have with my adoption journey. I strongly stand by the fact that every child deserves to have that, and it’s just very meaningful to me. And to know that there are initiatives like Jockey Being Family out there helping and supporting post adoption families and children — it’s just rewarding for me.

SB: Where you involved with them at all before being a college ambassador? AS: I wasn’t involved with the foundation at all. My family and I were just a Jockey customers, so we got their catalogues in the mail. We came across one of their catalogues that had a Jockey Being Family advertisement in it. The thing that struck us the most about it was that there was an Asian girl who looked just like me, but she had adoptive, Caucasian parents. It was symbolic to me because it represented my family and my story, and we’ve never really seen something like that in the media. So we reached out to them, actually. We just wanted to thank them and congratulate them for their good work. Then long story short, they asked to meet us and to learn a little more about our story and how maybe we can be a part of this initiative, because it’s near and dear to my family’s heart — specifically mine, being an adoptee myself. Then they found out how ambitious I was, I guess,

SB: What specifically does the campus organization do? AS: So we’re recognized as a student organization at ithaca College as of this past fall. Jockey Being Family sells bears, and their slogan is to buy a bear and help a family. We’re obviously raising funds to help the foundation itself but the money goes back to helping a child and family who Jockey

COVER

College chapter specifically? AS: Obviously, there’s always going to be stumbling blocks and hurdles that any organization and any person has to face, but what I really want to see the college chapter here grow into is just something that people are aware about. I want people to know us and people want to learn more about us and learn more about our initiative and our mission. Basically, just to know about all of the different things we want to accomplish and to be a positive organization on campus and also in people’s lives.

Being Family is partnered with. Our first initiative that has been very successful is having the bears not only sold online on the Jockey Being Family website, but also, they’re now in the bookstore. So that’s one of the initiatives that we have brought to the table, but we’re obviously planning so much more for the upcoming years. One of which — which is still very up in the air — is we want to do a teddy bear toss at one of the sporting events, specifically football. But there are no solid plans yet. We plan on reaching out to local adoption agencies and really engaging in the outside of college community and surrounding Ithaca community and Tompkins County. Just meeting and having a place for discussion when it comes to adoption because people view it as an uncomfortable conversation to have. I know one of my main goals is to have Jockey Being Family have those discussion, have those uncomfortable discussions, and really get rid of the negative stigma that unfortunately surrounds adoption. You know, people look at adoption as it’s second best, or in a negative light. I know for a fact that it’s the total opposite: it’s a beautiful thing, and I want all adoptees and adoptive families and children to understand that they should be celebrated. That’s one of my personal goals for the organization, is for it to be a positive thing in people’s lives. It’s a national and moral blind stigma, unfortunately, and I thought that Ithaca College would be the perfect place to bring such an organization to, because it is such an inclusive campus. Unfortunately, people don’t think of inclusion and automatically think of adoption and foster care. I think it should be somehow someway enabled and intertwined with our thinking and our everyday lives, just being more aware and socially aware. An adoption joke could hurt someone’s feelings. From personal experience, I’ve had my feelings hurt when it comes to negative adoption language, so I’m definitely trying to get rid of that here on campus as well as trying to spread that throughout the country.

SB: Outside of Jockey Being Family, you interne for the Winter Olympics. Tell me about that. AS: So I’m aspiring to go into the broadcast industry. This was actually one of the driving forces for me to attend Ithaca College. I had first learned about the NBC Summer Olympics opportunity when I was just a high school senior, and I knew that I really wanted to be a part of it — not only because it’s a great experience and something great to put on my resume, but also to cover the games which were being held in Korea. There was definitely that emotional tie that I had to my experience, which was great. I wasn’t in Korea covering the games, but I was in Stamford at the NBC Sports headquarters working and covering the game. So it was just as great — I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. SB: If you could work anywhere where would it be? AS: It would be definitely at NBC affiliate — I’m biased — and probably New York City. I’m a New York girl, for sure, I hope to find myself there one day after college. SB: How does Jockey Being Family tie in to your professional goals? AS: I definitely think my experience with Jockey Being Family has made me more self aware of what I want to do in life and the potential of me spreading other messages to people, which is what my job will be — telling other people

SB: What’s your hope for the growth of the Ithaca

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about certain messages and certain stories and keeping them up to date. I know that after college I do want to keep a relationship with Jockey Being Family, and somehow, someway, intertwine it with my future career goals and path. I’m not sure how, I haven’t really thought that far in advance, but I know that after college the passion of advocating for adoptive children and families won’t go away. It will always be with me. Obviously, I want to take that wherever I go. To learn more about Jockey Being Family, visit them online at https://www.jockeybeingfamily.com/.

COVER

LIFESTYLE

THE “UGLY” ATTITUDE WRITTEN BY RHIANNON COLEMAN PHOTOS BY NADIA SISLEY

There is an accepted idea in society that a person is only worthy if they follow convention; if they adhere to one, singular definition of beauty. I, on the other hand, want to call attention to the fact that beauty is not singular. I want to call attention to the fact that it is normal for people to be insecure, to talk about themselves as undeserving and unqualified rather than normalize the idea of loving yourself and knowing you are beautiful no matter what form you take. I want to call attention to “ugly” as an idea rather than truth. Insecurity is something that I have dealt with for as long as I can remember and is something that will no doubt affect me for years to come. For a long time, I felt my insecurities only affected me. This is mostly true. When you are insecure it affects the way you view yourself, which in turn affects the way you act and, more generally, your entire life. Insecurity is not something to be downplayed or ignored. However, insecurity does not only affect you. I realized my insecurity had gotten so bad, so all-consuming, that it was affecting my personal relationships, causing me to not give all of myself to the people I loved because of my fear of rejection. I knew something needed to change. So, for those of you who deal with insecurity on a daily basis and find it to be extremely inhibiting, this article is for you. In order to accept and love yourself as fully and wholly as possible I call on you to accept the term ugly as you have always associated it with yourself. I call on you to be your ‘ugly’ self.

LIFESTYLE

When I say I want you to be your ‘ugly’ self, I mean I want you to buy the tackiest, ugliest sweater at the flea market. I want you to go to class in the sweatpants you wore last night. I want you to showcase your acne to everyone as though it is an essential accessory to your outfit. I want you to be ‘ugly’. When you walk out in public in your unflattering sweatpants, face full of acne, and bold sweater, it will be scary, but it will be freeing. You will learn that ugly is a construct, not truth, and what is natural is not repulsive. Not to say ‘natural’ beauty is any better than having a fullface of makeup. Makeup and fashion are important art forms and do not necessarily equate to a façade. But if you still struggle with insecurity despite the fact that you can cover what you want with makeup and clothes, it is likely due to your belief that the person you are at home isn’t as worthy of the public eye. You need to understand that the way you look before the makeup is just as beautiful as the way you look after. How can you expect to love yourself if you cannot accept your entire self and the many forms your appearance takes? This whole idea of having an ‘ugly’ attitude is not going to be the one thing that completely erases any insecurity you’ve ever had, but it’s certainly a start. After I realized how inhibiting my own insecurities were, I did become a different, happier person, but it took a lot of work and the knowledge that insecurity never fully goes away. But hopefully by allowing the ugly sides of you to be seen, you will realize there was never anything ugly about you in the first place. No one, not even yourself, can ever claim you to be ugly if you understand beauty— and the lack of it—as a construct, not an indication of who you truly are.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

HOW TO PRACTICE GRATITUDE WRITTEN BY ALEXANDRA ROSE ILLUSTRATION BY COURTNEY YULE

HEALTH AND FITNESS

MY MOM TELLS ME THAT THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD; GLASS HALF EMPTY AND GLASS HALF FULL. My Mom tells me that there are two types of people in this world: glass half empty and glass half full. If you’re like me, you like to think that you’re a glass half full type of person, but in actuality, you see the glass as half empty more than you My Mom tells me that there are two types of people in this world: glass half empty and glass half full. If you’re like me, you like to think that you’re a glass half full type of person, but in actuality, you see the glass as half empty more than you’d like to admit. However, just because you’re a glass half empty person doesn’t mean that you’re doomed! Anybody can become positive, but for a lot of people it’s not that simple. It’s easy to think positive and happy thoughts when things are going well, but when life gets rough, it can be harder to be grateful for what you have. That’s why practicing gratitude daily is important. Gratitude, according to Harvard Medical School is “…a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people

acknowledge the goodness in their lives…As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals – whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.” Many people think that gratitude is about just being happy and positive all the time. However, it is not only impossible to be happy and positive all the time, but unhealthy. Gratitude is about embracing all of life and welcoming it with open arms. It’s about looking at tough situations as teachers, rather than just another obstacle to jump through. It’s about enjoying the present moment, rather than always planning for the future. It’s about counting your blessings, instead of always seeking for more. Life isn’t about what happens to you, it’s about how you react to different situations that counts. Luckily, practicing gratitude can help you deal with difficult situations better. Practicing gratitude also has numerous health benefits such as better sleep, decreased depression, stopping you from overeating,

HEALTH AND FITNESS

increased life longevity, decrease in illness, and overall, better energy levels. Here are some easy ways to start practicing gratitude.

Express how grateful you are for their kindness and all they have done for. Then, after you write the letter, hand deliver it to them. Skeptical? A study was done where people wrote letters to people they were grateful for. The results showed that the participants, “…who engaged in the letter-writing exercise reported more happiness for one month after the intervention compared to a control group.” If you don’t have time to write a letter, consider writing a text or e-mail to someone you’re grateful for.

KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL

This one sounds easy, but it can be hard to find the time when you’re in college. Each day, write down 3 things that you’re genuinely grateful for. These should be things that are felt in your heart, not just things that you think you should be grateful for. What you’re grateful for should go beyond the immediate surface. For instance, if you say you’re grateful for your family, why are you grateful for your family? Is it because they offered you support during a difficult time? Or is it because they make you laugh like nobody else? Gratitude can help you realize what gives you the most joy in life and part of discovering this is figuring out the “why”.

GRATITUDE WALK

If you don’t feel like sitting still and meditating over all the things you’re grateful for, take a walk. This is also good to do if you’re in a hopeless or bad mood and feel like the world is coming to an end. Essentially, the gratitude walk is where you appreciate all the things in nature as you walk and simply be in the present moment. Are the trees a lush green or beautiful fall colors that are candy for the eyes? Do you hear the rush of the wind or soothing bird-songs? Does the air outside have that misty spring smell or like fresh cold air? Is it steaming outside or is there a nice breeze? Notice all this as you walk. Once you get out of your head and notice all the wonderful things around you, you will hopefully feel gratitude for experiencing this simple moment. If you don’t want to walk alone, consider bringing a friend, family member, partner, or even your pet along. This will elevate your feelings of gratitude because you will appreciate sharing this experience with someone you care about.

TRY TO SEE THE SILVER LINING

I can’t even tell you how many people I know who always find the negative in everything. They are even negative when there’s something good happening in their life! The obstacles we face are what make us grow. If there were no problems to solve, life would be very boring. So the next time you have a difficult assignment, don’t be like, Aw man, I can’t do this, think of it as an opportunity to grow as a human being.

Gratitude is not about making life easier. If you haven’t figured it out by now, life is never going to be easy and you’re always going to have problems. However, by being grateful for what we do have, we can feel more content with our lives and whatever pain we’re currently experiencing. As Jon Kabat-Zinn, who brought Eastern philosophy of mindfulness to the Western World, says, “It is a Way of being, a Way of living, a Way of listening, a Way of walking along the path of life and being in harmony with things as they are.”

WRITE A LETTER TO SOMEONE YOU’RE GRATEFUL FOR

Do you ever miss the old days of receiving letters in the mail from friends and family when you were little. If you have some time, pick up your pen and write a meaningful letter to someone who you haven’t thanked.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

3 WAYS TO DESTRESS RIGHT NOW WRITTEN BY SARA BELCHER ILLUSTRATION BY COURTNEY YULE

Finals week is one of the most stressful times of the semester. Whether you’re graduating and trying to wrap up the end of your college career, or just trying to juggle all of the assignments you need to pass your classes, finals are never a breeze. If you’re feeling the extra stress right now, here are three easy things you can do to help alleviate that stress.

Taking a breath of fresh air and unplugging can help clear your mind and is a chance for you to walk away from the screen. Hanging out with a friend in person will give you an opportunity to reconnect, while also getting in some much-needed social interaction. If all of your friends are busy, maybe it’s time to call or facetime your mom — she’d probably love to hear from you.

1. TURN OFF YOUR PHONE

3. GO TO THE GYM

It’s no secret that exercising releases endorphins. Not only will taking a break to exercise get those feel-good chemicals running through your brain, but you’ll also feel better about yourself afterwards. Most importantly though, exercising will give you that burst of energy and focus that you need to plow through your school-work and successfully get through finals week.

I easily find myself drawn to my phone whenever I want to take a “mental break” from school work. However, this quickly becomes a slippery slope into an hour-long derailment from my finals week to-do list. While you could just silence the notifications, physically turning your phone off prevents it from becoming a distraction at all. If you receive notifications on your laptop, then turning off those notifications will also help.

2. TAKE A WALK OR TALK TO A FRIEND IN PERSON If you really need to walk away from your work, taking a break to get some fresh air is what will help you the most.

CULTURE

THE POWER OF THE NEVER AGAIN MOVEMENT: FIGHTING FOR WHAT MATTERS WRITTEN BY AMBER RAIKEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM RICKETT

CULTURE

When we hear the term “Never Again,” we tend to think about something that we don’t want to ever reexperience. However, as society has been filled with more and more pivotal events, this term expanded into a much stronger meaning. More specifically, on February 14th, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida, which has brought about quite a major and necessary reaction from the public. Four days after the shooting occurred, an activist movement named “Never Again” officially emerged by the students of at Stoneman Douglas High School as a response to this event. The overall meaning of the Never Again Movement is to fight for the life you deserve, the things you care most

about, and what aspects in society clearly need to be changed. Before the shooting occurred, there were very few gun controls law intact throughout the state of Florida, meaning, people were not restricted from the ownership of guns. Students from the Never Again Movement began various protests throughout Parkland, as well as remaining active on social media, which was a success due to the fact that various gun control measures were being talked about. Some of these measures taken consist of raising age requirements for the purchase of all firearms and banning the possession bump stocks. These students have stated that their intentions with continuing on with the Never Again 40

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Movement is to do what they can to make their voice heard and remind America of the power this young generation has. As time has progressed, the forward movement that has been beaming out of this movement has been seen as more than inspirational, which is why it has been passed on to so many other students outside of Parkland, Florida. When you think about, the Never Again Movement can ultimately start a global shift in thinking. The Never Again Movement means that we are fighting for what we believe in, which can be done in so many ways. As a college student, I know that there are aspects that I believe in that I would and will continue to fight for, such as getting help throughout my issues regarding

mental health. Today, I have multiple issues with anxiety and have seen it increase rapidly, so much to the point that I feel as if I cannot control it so I might as well keep quiet about it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safe to say that a stigma has been placed on mental illness, and I can easily say that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve encountered people who have disregarded the fact that I was having issues with my mental health. Regardless of that, I have continued to fight for the help I know I deserve when it comes to my mental health, and I do not allow anyone convince me that my issues are not real. Progressively, like the Never Again Movement, our generation has been fighting back against this stigma on mental illness because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that many of us are experiencing 41

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and care greatly about. In terms of the little things we do on a daily basis, the meaning of the Never Again Movement could still easily be applied. One thing that I see myself constantly fighting for is other people and their issues, sometimes even more so than for myself. For example, if you have a friend in a situation when they need you, you find yourself trying to do everything you can to fight for them. You find yourself helping them with small things, yet in actuality, it could mean so much because you’re doing the best possible thing for them. Even though you’re not physically fighting for your friends, you believe in them and their best capabilities, which is exactly how I see the friends that I have today. I know believing in your friends or helping them through a difficult situation is not exactly on the same level as starting something like the Never Again Movement, but there is so much meaning within these acts of kindness. Overall, I think that’s another major aspect of the Never Again Movement. The movement feels like a reminder

that we have the choice to look out for others and fight for what is right through our acts of kindness. Those acts even including the protests students were apart of in order for more measures on gun control to be taken. The world that we live in today is filled with scary events and possibilities, which is why so many students across the country are concerned about their own safety. The Never Again Movement is the perfect reminder of the fact that even though students may be young, they’re voices will never go unheard and their activism will never be unnoticed. The students who started this movement have truly made the change they were hoping for and have no plans in stopping now, which is exactly what we should all do when it comes to fighting for what we care about. Even though not every battle we fight for may be easy, the fact that we are fighting for even some of the smallest things shows the power of drive and determination within the youth of today.

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FIVE WAYS TO SHINE IN A JOB INTERVIEW 1. BE PREPARED

WRITTEN BY ALEXIS PHILABAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM SCHMALZ

Before any interview, do your research. There’s nothing worse than feeling unprepared, especially when you’re already nervous. Research the company and know the ins and outs of the position that you’re applying for. Come prepared with set selling points about yourself and reasons why you want the job. Be sure that you promote yourself in the best way possible to the interviewer. On the other hand, it’s also good to be prepared for anything negative. Be aware of any concerns the interviewer might have and be ready to answer questions on how you might handle tough problems and situations. Make sure to have your own questions prepared for the interviewer, it’ll show how interested you actually are in the position. Finally, always make sure to have a few copies of your resume on hand to give out.

2. DRESS FOR SUCCESS Break out that blazer because first impressions mean everything. There’s no better way to make a lasting one than with a put together outfit. In your background research of the company, you can easily figure out what kind of attire is appropriate for the environment you’re interviewing for. However, always keeping it professional is a way to play it safe. Being well dressed is just another way to show you’re serious about the job you want. Dress professionally and walk into that interview with confidence.

3. GET THERE EARLY

Forget being “on time.” On time is 10 minutes late. Not only does showing up early to your interview make you look professional, it’s also courteous. There’s no worse situation than running late to an important 44

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meeting, especially your first one. You do not want the interviewer to be waiting on you to get there. Sitting in the lobby for a few minutes is a hell of a lot better than showing up late and spending the whole interview trying to make up for your tardiness.

4. BE YOURSELF

The point of an interview is to see if you are right for the position, not the person who you think the interviewer wants you to be. A lot of interviewers will take the time to try and get to know you as a person, not just as a potential employee. Take advantage of personal questions to give them a true taste of who you are. Try to get a feel of the company and how you might fit in there. Also, remember that it’s okay if you feel like it’s not a good fit! Keep a positive attitude and stay true to who you are. Do this, and you’re more likely to end up in a position at a company that’s right for you.

5. CONFIDENCE IS KEY

The main thing to focus on in order to get through an interview is confidence. Be ready to promote yourself and your skills and show that interviewer why they want you! Remember that it’s completely normal and totally okay to be nervous. Just remember that if this one interview doesn’t work out, there’s always another one. There will be plenty of job interviews and millions of opportunities that’ll come along.

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NOT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD: HOW SOCIAL MEDIA MASKS MENTAL ILLNESS WRITTEN BY NATALIA SENANAYAKE ILLUSTRATION BY COURTNEY YULE

My phone trembles in my hand moments before I hit the “share” button on Instagram. What if no one likes my post? What if mine doesn’t compare to that prettier, skinnier girl who posted just before me? Should I delete it and not even bother? Unfortunately, these are the anxiety inducing thoughts that many, myself included, face when it comes to dealing with social media. Although social media can be an extraordinary tool for people to connect all around the world, it also has the power to make people compare themselves to the appealing traits that users show on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. Constantly thinking you aren’t good enough in comparison to someone else’s constructed reality will certainly end up taking a toll on your mental health. It’s important to be able to recognize when social media is healthy for you and when it crosses the line to becoming self-destructive. Students at Ithaca College were very open when it came to talking about the effects of social media on their mental health. Nick Macaluso, a freshman Cinema and Photography major, expressed, “I think social media was always

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really hard for me when I was younger because I always felt some kind of fear of missing out on events I saw online, and that really sucked.” He then went on to say that it was definitely a contributing factor to his depression growing up because he was always worried about not getting as many likes as others. Another student who has learned to deal with social media in a healthier way is freshman Environmental Studies major, Sophie Becraft. She shed some light on how social media allows you to create an ideal image of yourself that the public can see and makes you end up hating who you really are. She said that, “It’s easy to find romanticism of depression on social media. People portray sadness as comfortable and beautiful through photography and poetry, making people less likely to improve their mental health.” Becraft brings up the important point that many people often overlook the fact that some mentally ill people think it’s charming to appear severely depressed on social media, when really it’s detrimental to their overall well-being. With a more professional take on how both social media and mental illness interact with each other, Mary Beth Del Balzo was happy to share her experiences on the matter. A psychotherapist based in northern New Jersey, Del Balzo deals with many patients who suffer from the impact of technology. She stressed that social media is definitely not going away, at least not anytime soon, and that people need to learn how to handle it in the healthiest way possible. Ultimately, Del Balzo stated that social media, “makes us second guess ourselves and creates barriers between real human connection.” The issue of being “ghosted”, or being completely ignored out of the blue on social media, was also discussed and how it has the ability to make us feel like we aren’t good enough or worthy of another person’s time. If you aren’t careful about treating people with respect on these platforms, Del Balzo said, then you’re using it for reasons it wasn’t intended for. Dealing with depression and anxiety myself, I am in complete agreement with everything that’s been stated above. There have been some nights where I’ve cried myself to sleep because I saw everyone hanging out somewhere chronicalled on Instagram or Snapchat, when I wasn’t invited. It’s made me feel like I had no friends and that I wasn’t good enough, which in turn led me to have my own body image and self-worth issues. Over time, after a few social media breaks here and there, I learned how to handle social media in the best possible way for my mental health, and now I actually use it as an outlet for my own expression. Currently, social media makes me happy and allows me to put my creativity on a platform for others to see, but if you had asked me about it four years ago, I would’ve said I hated it. When it comes down to it, you need to evaluate whether social media is producing any negativity in your life, because it isn’t worth it even if you think it’s helping you communicate better with others. You have to communicate with yourself first and realize when something is unhealthy for you, just like Del Balzo advised. The power to improve the well-being of your mental health is always in your hands, and all it might take is deleting an app to realize it.