Midas Magazine Issue 3, Fall 2021

Vol. 2 • Issue 1

2 • MIDAS Fall 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE For those new to Midas Magazine, welcome! To those that have been with us from the start, welcome back.

My name is Claire, and I am the founder and editor of this magazine. During my freshman year, I brought the idea of creating a culture and lifestyle magazine to Student Niner Media. I wanted a magazine to exist that presented stories worth telling that was visually beautiful too. With the help of some fiercely talented collaborators, Midas Magazine made the transition from a freshman's vision to a digital magazine and now this, our first paper edition.

Midas Magazine has four main pillars of focus: culture, identity, artistry, and lifestyle. Our name refers to our school’s history of the gold rush and the myth of King Midas, who turned everything he touched into gold. In this issue, our staff takes you into the city of Charlotte as we explore local fashion brands, a family-owned magick shop in NODA, and sustainability around the community. We also present a firsthand account of one of our school's most beloved freshman programs, UTOP, get the inside scoop on some student businesses, and address the varied experiences of gender non-conforming students. No matter what the topic, the goal of everything Midas Magazine does is community. This extends beyond just the written word, as our excellent creative staff brings in photography, design, and staff-curated playlists to tell stories through art.

I am deeply passionate about this magazine, our school, and all the ways community intersects. I hope that the legacy of Midas exists long after my time here is finished, and more than anything, I hope that readers and fellow students feel inspired to take an idea and make it real. My college experience would not be what it is today without this magazine; the stress, the headaches, but also the creativity, collaboration, and connection with artists, community, fellow visionaries, and our lovely readers. So if you find yourself in college feeling discontent with your experience, I implore you to think outside the box and create the experiences you wish to have. There is space for you, even if you have to be the one to carve it out first.

CLAIRE HAMBRICK Founder/Editor–in–Chief

A Look Into Charlotte Fashion

The Gender Papers Kasey Varner

Reem Abnowf

Heritage at Home Ceci Atwood

Let’s Talk About Hair 2 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Krishma Indrasanan

Color Blocking Aslin Chavarria Ayala

Transition Made Easy

​​Clay by Xochi

Madison Smith

Janeissa Romero

Gianna Spriggs on Magick, Spirituality, and Family

Playing with Primaries Kavya Kumar

Vasiliki Gkoulgkountina

The Climate Change Guilt Trip Samantha Lates

64 Article Name Here • 3

A Look Into Charlotte Fashion

by Reem Abnowf Photos courtesy of Chasers Only, Street Commerce, and Yung USA.

A LOOK INTO

CHARLOTTE FASHION

In a city such as Charlotte, inspiration lurks around every corner, and fashion exists as one of the largest spheres of influence. What we wear directly coincides with how we see ourselves and how we want to be perceived. Therefore, it is no surprise that this city’s fashion market has been exponentially growing in recent years.

This city is also home to many brands and designers, each looking to bring together the facets of their lives that inspire them. I had the pleasure of interviewing some designers and creators in this city, and they provided valuable insight into their experience within the Charlotte fashion scene.

A Look Into Charlotte Fashion • 5

Chasers Only Jayla Sabir is the designer of Chasers Only, a brand based on the idea of going after what you want in life. Sabir does not merely speak words into thin air; she’s been making actions since December 2017 when beginning her business. After being gifted with a heat press from her cousin, as well as a box of hoodies and a screen printer from her father, Sabir has been turning her dreams into reality.

Much like her father, who has created new businesses at the drop of a hat throughout her life, Sabir intends to elevate her craft and reach new heights.

When speaking with Sabir, she explained that her mission within the industry is to show others that attaining your dreams is within reach. She also told me about how she does everything for the brand on her own. From designing, pressing, planning social media content, and shipping, this one-woman show stops for nobody. Over the last four years, she has seen her consumer base grow tremendously, making the endless hours she put in all worth it. You may have even seen her billboard around Uptown Charlotte earlier this year in July.

6 • MIDAS Fall 2021

At 22, Sabir has hosted and taken part in many pop-up shops within the city and beyond. With each event granting her the opportunity to network and expand her brand, she states that being able to connect with new people has been one of the most rewarding experiences in her career.

In the future, Sabir looks forward to building a team of believers and go-getters. She also plans to scale up her operations and open up a warehouse while infiltrating the e-commerce market.

To those looking to take the lead and chase after their dreams, Sabir advises you to be consistent, try new approaches when something doesn’t work out, don’t push

beyond your physical means (resting your body as it needs), study the industry you want to enter, and lastly, disregard any negative talk aimed at you when it fails to be constructive.

Throughout the interview, Sabir stressed

@chasersonlyapparel

that having faith in yourself is pertinent to accomplishing your goals. And when you intend to do what you love, other variables and obstacles have a way of figuring themselves out. Meeting people along your journey who also pursue what they love and are passionate about inspires us to keep pushing and sometimes serves as a reminder that it’s possible to carve out your way in the world.

A Look Into Charlotte Fashion • 7

Clint Love began conceptualizing his luxury

was an absolute success. Working with a

consignment brand, Street Commerce, in

lighting company and adding the element of

the Summer of 2018. Almost immediately, he

music helped elevate the experience for those

began cultivating pop-up shops and runway

who attended. They even sourced models

shows. Love had identified a gap in the market

locally to represent their stake in making

for high-end retail experience and sought

luxury more accessible to the community.

to bring it to Charlotte. The intent behind

Love disclosed that putting on shows

the brand is to bolster the resale market and

innovatively and creatively is one of the most

create a luxurious and unique experience for

rewarding aspects of being in the business.

customers.

They expect the next show to be in the Spring

Love, Sabir, and Brian James of Yung USA

of 2022. They are planning to rent out First

all love constructing networks that bridge

Ward Park, hoping to bring the city out.

different people and creative avenues together.

Street Commerce opened its first official store

Bringing the community together is one of

in June 2021. You can find them off of 9th

the principal focuses of Street Commerce. “We

Street in Uptown. When I came to interview

built this for them,” says Love when speaking

them, I found the aesthetics of the store to be

about the feeling of seeing hundreds of

visually appealing. The inviting design had a

people lined up for their events. However, he

sleek industrial feeling.

emphasized it wasn’t about the people coming for them but that everyone was connecting.

With finding your passion, Love says that once you realize your interests and talents, stick to it.

Working alongside Love is Ethan Connel,

Even if it’s scrapbook making, he believes there

the brand’s operations manager, and Alex

is a way to make a profitable business out of

Marculino.

that with the right drive.

Their first show in October 2018 was in an

Love told me he has always had an affinity for

old firehouse-turned wedding venue closely

clothes. Over the years it escalated to a vested

resembling a castle. Love stated that the show

interest in major fashion houses such as Chanel

8 • MIDAS Fall 2021

@streetcommerce

Street Commerce

and Alexander McQueen. And before fashion,

Love and Connel expressed their excitement

it was all about music. His mom put him onto

about renting an RV and traveling from city to

hip-hop early in his life, and since then, it has

city doing what they love.

had a pivotal role in his life.

In today’s world, fashion and music go handin-hand with one another. These entities

next year with their friend Big Baby Gucci, who

intertwine through the dynamics of popular

will tour with MadeinTYO and Unotheactivist.

culture and individual experience.

We built this for them

Street Commerce will go on a pop-up tour early

Article Name Here • 9

Yung USA

Brian James (a.k.a. Dukes), the creator of Yung USA, stated that there is a corresponding music project with every fashion collection he releases. Therefore, he can further express the messages he wants to convey to his audience by employing the two mediums.

Dukes began his brand in February 2013. When he started, he knew he would create and design in a way that was unique to him. Unlike other designers, he selects an overarching focus each year and drops pieces that correspond to the theme throughout the year. Doing this grants him the creative mobility to design freely.

Much like other creators in this city, Dukes loves connecting with others while bridging communities together.

Yung USA was never solely about fashion. Dukes created the brand, hoping to one day open up a place that fostered creativity and connection within the community. For Dukes, working with other creatives and networking is one of the more rewarding aspects of the business.

He dreams of a place where other artists and designers can work together and collaborate on different projects.

In September, Yung USA worked with 128 Park Avenue to put on a fashion show. Dukes said that the show represented all the ways he had come in his career and foreshadowed what consumers can expect next. His following

10 • MIDAS Fall 2021

collection, Oasis, will drop in Fall 2021, and it encompasses new creative design elements and reflects the growth of Yung USA over the years. The collection is stylistically artful and will include cut and sew pieces and some high-end garments.

One of the biggest lessons that Dukes has learned is that whatever your vision is, there is an audience out there that will resonate with it. He talked about how he had to overcome the fear of being too specific, too niche. So now when he creates, he doesn’t impose any restrictions on his artistic ability; he simply creates for the sake of individual expression.

@yung_usa

Looking Forward As the city grows, so will the community networks within it. And as more people chase their dreams, others will become inspired and follow suit. Therefore, we can expect to see a lot more businesses arise as the year closes out and the new one begins. It seems like Charlotte is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see more people come together and do wonderful things. Other Charlotte-based brands to look out for include Homexgrown, Only Ohana, Pluto Files, Johnny Kaine, Celui, and Set Studios.

A Look Into Charlotte Fashion • 11

The Gender Papers

by Kasey Varner

G

ender is a continuously

opposite sides of the spectrum. These spheres

evolving concept that younger

of femininity and masculinity are associated

generations are considering

with societal constructed gender roles that

as a social construct rather

can be restricting. Some may identify fully

than a defining role. What is gender? Some

with femininity or masculinity, while others

people will respond with “male or female.”

are associated with different points of the

This terminology actually refers to a person’s

spectrum. Even if one might identify with she/

sex that is assigned to them at birth based

her pronouns, they might find more comfort

on the appearance of genitalia. Not only

later on with they/he pronouns. Gender can be

is the concept of sex binary, but it isn’t the

concrete and can also be fluid for many people.

entire truth. Intersex chromosomes can be shown internally with a combination of chromosomal genetics such as XXY or can be shown externally with the genitalia of both testicles and ovaries. Intersex in the past has been referenced as a slur. Intersex has been shoved under rugs by genitalia mutilation surgeries that would better fit the individual in the binary. Planned Parenthood begs the question about “whether or not it’s OK to do medical

Gender = Identities that have socially constructed roles surrounding them.

Sex = Biologic characteristics of chromosomes, genitalia, and sexual reproductive organs.

procedures on children’s bodies when it’s not needed for their health.”

Intersex chromosomes are a naturally occurring variation that dismantles the sex binary that has been taught in grade school. Not only this, but it also brings up the conversation of gender and how it has been mistakenly construed as the same as sex.

Spoiler alert: It’s not the same.

Westernized culture and colonization have forever shaped the modern systems we know today. Gender roles, for example, are a part of the patriarchal system of inherently binary gender roles. Outside of common western culture, cultures contain an abundance of genders. Two-spirited peoples in Indigenous American societies, the 6+ genders recognized in Judaism, the Kathoey of Thailand, the

What is gender then? Gender is a spectrum

Quariwarmi of pre-colonial Peruvian culture

of identities that lay within the characteristics

are all to name a few instances of cultures with

between masculinity and femininity as

3 or more genders.

14 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Defining one’s role in society by the means of

It is necessary to listen to people that don’t

how one reproduces is what gender has been

identify within the gender binary. As a

in western society for centuries. It’s a tradition

cisgender woman-identifying person, it is not

to diminish people’s identities if they identify

my job to speak for gender-nonconforming

other than XX or XY. Why should society

people, so I wanted to bring in some voices

change that? It’s simple and comes down to

from the community.

valuing one another as human beings.

HERE ARE THEIR STORIES

“Pink or blue, pink or blue?

I don’t know I guess I like pink but blue is nice too Not an answer. Answer my question.

Pink or blue, pink or blue?

I guess blue because it’s nice when it’s light.

You guess or know? Pink or blue, pink or blue?

It’s not that serious, how about purple?

Purple like flowers or purple like bruises?

Does it matter? Purple like purple.

It does matter. Purple like what?

Purple likeShut up dyke. You’re fucking confused.

I”m not, I mean maybe I am.

Try this out: Black or white, black or white?

I like both, I’m in between like grey, Like grey? Let’s cut to the chase.

We know you’re gay so are you a she/he/or a fucking they.

I’m they. I don’t need to explain.

I’m purple and grey, a she and a they.

Who knows? This might even change.

It’s not a matter o f what color fits or which one I belong to.

Pink or blue, black or white, I’m never going to be what anyone likes.

I’m pink. I’m blue. I’m grey all over.

I’m none o f the sort and none o f your concern.”

Bea, (She/they)

The Gender Papers • 15

16 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Article Name Here • 17

my gender is gray. it’s the blurry in-betwe en, the border lands, the outside ; it’s the indistinct murmur ings of secret convers ations, muted in intende d myster y; it’s the ghost of childhoo d, twenty- one years of nostalg ia and experie nce and memor y; lost in translat ion; it’s the confusion, the disconn ect, the strange r in the mirror — a fracture d reflection that may never be fixed; it’s the colorin g outside the lines; it’s the phases of the moon; it’s the rhythm of an ocean’s tide, consist ent and chaotic, familiar yet unknow n; it’s the nigh im e, the shadows on the bedroo m wall, secrecy shroud ed in comfor t; it’s the incomprehensib le answer to a million unasked questio ns; it’s a language of its own; it’s human. it’s me. it just—is . my gender is not defined by the black-an d-white boxes that used to keep me locked, that handed me a useless key— (becaus e breaking out meant nothing if i didn’t rememb er

being free). my gender is the time i impulsiv ely chopped my hair off before graduat ion. it’s the baggy hoodies and black rings and fruit smooth ie mustach es. it’s the pinterest boards and spotify playlists and word docume nts filled with midnight poetry . it’s the li le things, the redisco veries, the creation s of an identity rebirthe d, rename d, re-unde rstood . it’s the shards of a broken mirror , graduall y glued back togethe r, shaping a reflection i recogni ze. it’s mine. it’s me.

Sierra (they/s he)

18 • MIDAS Fall 2021

The concept of gender is forever evolving and it will forever be a part of the conversation. The gender binary will continue to be questioned and deconstructed as we become more accepting.

We are all human, it is time that we validate each other’s identities in a diverse and welcoming space. Life and the individual are so much more beyond the binaries that restrict our cores of human experience. Questioning the binary of gender is the first step towards dismantling more binary systems of existence. So what can you do on an independent level?

Educate yourself.

Don’t assume people’s gender.

Ask and use people’s preferred pronouns.

Create safe spaces as an ally.

And listen to gender-nonconforming people.

Resources for gender non-conforming people:

LGBTQ+ National Hotline:

Educate yourself:

888-843-4564

The Gender Papers • 19

Heritage at Home Words and Photos by Ceci Atwood 20 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Article Name Here • 21

ChickenwithKorma Rafia Ansary

I

met Rafia when I was about 11 or 12.

Her and her extended family have been neighbors of mine for years and their home was always a warm and

welcoming atmosphere. When I arrived I was greeted by the smells of all sorts of spices, onions, and garlic. Throughout the time that I observed Rafia cooking, I got to talk to her brother and their mother who lives with them. We talked about Rafia's travels, her moves, and her experience living in California. She is a very humble and understated soul, and truly one of the kindest people I know. She learned how to cook from her sister and mother, and continues to cook for her family to this day.

22 • MIDAS Fall 2021

This recipe means a lot to me because its one of the first things I learned to make from my mom and even now I feel like I am still trying to make it as good as she did. It gives me joy to see my mom enjoy it when I make it for her now. It's passing on traditions through food.

– Rafia Ansary

Rafia's Recipe Boneless Chicken -1 lb Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp Red Chilli powder - 1/4 tsp Ginger / garlic paste - 1 tbsp Coconut Powder - 3 tbsp Clove powder - 1/4 tsp Cinnamon powder - 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder - 1 tsp Yoghurt - 6 tablespoons Salt to taste Onion - 1 large Olive oil - 4 tbsp Heat the oil, add onion, fry until golden brown. Then add chicken to sauté. After a few minutes, add coconut powder, ginger/garlic paste and stir for 5 minutes. Then add the rest of the spices. Cover and let simmer on low heat until the meat is tender. Add yoghurt. Once the chicken is cooked, garnish with green chillies and cilantro.

Thanks to Rafia for sharing her family's recipe with us!

Heritage at Home • 23

24 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Heritage at Home • 25

Hummus with Sonia Salas

I

had the pleasure of meeting Sonia when the pandemic hit, when we were connected through the French department at UNCC for me to tutor her daughter who had been sent home due to the pandemic. Over the course of the year, even virtually, they became like family to me and after restrictions eased up we were able to share our first meal together.

Sonia’s family is an amalgamation of so many different heritages and cultures, so when I was presented with this assignment I knew she would be perfect. Her home is warm and welcoming, always filled with the best smells. Music can be heard in the background as Sonia shares bits of her meal with her two daughters as she moves through the kitchen. On this specific day she had a lamb stew simmering as she prepared her other dishes. Her meals are always paired with the best stories whether it's of her time as an artist in New York City or her move to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic, Sonia has such a vibrant personality that fills up the room.

26 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Sonia's Recipe 15oz packet dried garbanzo beans 2-3 tbsp tahini 3 tbsp olive oil 2 limes 1 tbsp salt 4 cloves garlic (optional) Pinch paprika (optional)

Soak garbanzo overnight and drain the next day, then cover with water to simmer for 1-2 hours or until tender. Drain and blend garbanzo with remaining ingredients in a blender at high speed. Serve with olive oil and paprika for a touch of color.

Thanks to Sonia for sharing her family's recipe with us!

Growing-up with my maternal Lebanese grandmother in the Dominican Republic has always given me a connection to the past and a sense of grounding with the traditions learned inside and outside the kitchen. Each time I make this basic hummus spread, it transports me to the comfort that our families maintain from generations.

– Sonia Salas Heritage at Home • 27

Let’s Talk About Hair

by Krishma Indrasanan

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Article Name Here • 29

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Hair is a big thing—at least for me because I had a lot of it. It's like your own personal growth as a person… how you grow and develop.

-Bryanna Bowles

T

he feeling

wants to be. A good hair day

uncooperative. But it was here

means feeling composed in a

to stay nonetheless. Having

cross-legged in

shiny Pantene-commercial

heard the bad, the ugly, and

front of a mirror,

type of way. A bad hair day

the hideous, I wanted to

arms beginning to succumb

is a small skipping stone

reorient the conversation into

to fatigue. The countless hair

to hating yourself. These

something more holistic. Not

ties abound and frustration

emotions were persistent

in the Pantene-commercial

marked upon a scrunched-up

throughout my childhood.

shine type of way, but I wanted

forehead as hair falls from

After all, hair, was the

to hear it all, including the

my hands. It didn’t work. My

cornerstone of our

growth.

failed braiding attempts

appearance, being quite

are frequent, just as much

literally attached to the

as when I attempt to hide

head.

is familiar:

the unsavory bumps by brushing them out.

Instead of smoothening out, the curls revolt into a frizzy bush of hair.

Hair is finicky, elusive, and ever so irritating when it

This article is the avenue for that. Intending to expand this conversation about

I knew these feelings

hair, I interviewed two UNCC

were not just my own.

students who run their own hair

I had spent my life

businesses. I wanted to share

hashing out complaints

their connection to what hair

with other women about our hair: it’s too frizzy, too coarse, too boring, too

looked like and what that meant for them under the scope of politics, faith, sexuality and identity.

30 • MIDAS Fall 2021

B

ryanna Bowles sits down to interview with me about her business.

Known as "Bry," she is a

sophomore here at Charlotte. It is evident that doing hair is near and dear to her heart: all of Bry's calm conciseness is set off with one question as she gets lost in her own words. No words are enough to relay the fondess in her eyes, the joy in her voice, the passion in her hands as they gesture when locs come into the conversation.

by extension, her identity) came from trial and error. "I feel like the most I've learned about my hair is when I started going against the grain of 'you always have to wear it very straight' or 'you can't wear your afro, or you can't wear your hair curly." She took in stride the endless snideness and turned to her family's spirituality to reawaken her love for hair. "I always grew up in a family that

Bry begins her story by answering what

cherishes hair; all afros and long hair."

hair means to her: "It's like a personal

That laid the foundation, but it was her

journey in a sense, because… hair is a big

individuality that helped her live with her

thing—at least for me because I had a lot

hair. Experimenting was rebelling against

of it. It's like your own personal growth as

the naysayers but also the prompt to get

a person… how you grow and develop—

to know and cherish her hair. "The first

because how I looked at my hair when I

time I cut my hair, they freaked out so

was younger is different from now." Her hair

much, and so cutting my hair was a fresh

journey started with the opposite feeling:

start because I wanted a clean slate. From

"Because my hair was so much different

that point on, I learned a lot about my

from everyone around… people would always

hair because it had never been that short

ask so many questions. It became such a

before."

chore of just having to explain myself, so I didn't like my hair because I was like, ‘Why am I so different?’"

For Bry, her hair change correlates to her mood: "When I'm feeling more confident, I wear my afro out, and I'm out big."

Like many, loving her hair was a deliberate

Conversely, when she feels "lazier, not

decision that came after years of personal

necessarily down," her hair is often slicked

education and reflecting upon her own beauty.

back into a pony or a tight topknot: strictly

Bry describes the pit stops: her first relaxer in

business.

her youth, the decision to go natural, to making the major chop in high school, and recently, to let it all grow out. Learning about her hair (and,

Loc'd In, Bry's business, came about after years of experimentation. It was a simple bob (her first significant cut) that jumpstarted the process. Having a new Article Name Here • 31

look forced her into a corner. Still, Bry was

When prompted, Bry tells me about some of

determined to make it work; she found

the complexities that cloud the community,

that being backed into a corner was the

from hair spirituality being dismissed to cultural

challenge she needed to adapt and prosper.

appropriation and the politicization of hair: "Hair

Her self-care didn't go unnoticed when

is definitely political. I fully believe that. Because

her family started noting her impeccable

if you can be turned down for a job because

handiwork. Demand grew from friends

of wearing your natural hair, wearing an afro,

to fellow students until the audience

wearing braids, having locs, yes, it's an issue. It

bloomed into a clientele.

comes down to people needing to be educated."

Initially resistant

"It's freaking

to the idea, Bry

bewildering to me

found herself allured with the creative freedom: "I don't have every single client coming in here and saying, ‘Bry, I want you only to do a two-strand twist.’ Actually, a lot of clients

Hair is definitely political. I fully believe that. If you can be turned for a job because of wearing your natural hair... yes, its an issue.

will leave it up to me, so having a business hasn't become boring because I still get to be creative."

Then, there were the unexpected connections from her clientele. Bry found herself pleasantly surprised by the intimate community of her clients, both in their stories and the unsaid trust of letting another person change your appearance. "It's just fun—it's exciting, meeting new people because you also become a part of their life because they come back every four to six weeks... it's just crazy; you're literally watching the phases of their life as you're doing their hair."

32 • MIDAS Fall 2021

- Bryanna Bowles

because it's who you are—it's hair!"

Much like Bry's disdain over hair inequity, more outrage has brought light to the issue in recent years. In 2019, California set buzz to national news for being the first state

to address hair discrimination with its Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. This act recognizes and categorizes hair discrimination as a form of racial discrimination. The policy focuses on illegalsing workplace discrimination against 'race-based hairstyles,’ which would include deeming locs, Bantu knots, afros, etc., as "unprofessional."

While CROWN signifies considerable progress, it remains only the initial wave in

S

hanarose 'Shana' Johnson invites me in with the warm professionalism of a student-business owner. Often

creating new inclusive legislation—a sentiment repeated by Bry: progress is slow but steady.

She tells me that truthfully, progress may not come within our lifetimes anytime soon—but if not in law, then in each other. There remains a world wide open within the hair community, growing ever so inclusive with the acceptance

vivacious, bubbly and sociable,

Shana's colorful personality is suited perfectly to the shimmering array of fairy hair strands that lay across the table as she nimbly weaves them into my hair. Local to North Carolina, Shana describes her childhood full of change: "I started dyeing my hair since I was like 12, and since then I've done a hundred different styles… well dyeing my hair has always been a therapeutic process."

of different hairstyles and

I wanted to glean a little into why hair was

unconventional looks. All it takes is a

so therapeutic for Shana. She tells me hair

little bit of courage to step through

change "feels like a fresh start," not only

the door.

ushering in a new period of her life but a newer

With that, I ask Bry one more question in the interest of broadening the hair community and progress: what is something you'd like younger people to know about their hair?

"Don't be afraid of your hair. Seek out help and definitely learn your hair," she tells me, encouraging younger girls and people to ask questions, to tap into their communities, and to seek beauty— not necessarily specific superficial change, but with a reflective curiosity to figure out what beauty and style through hair means to you.

form of her personality by extension. . Almost anyone can relate to the binding tie with hair, the frustration in your arms when a braid doesn't go right, or inversely, the unadulterated confidence from a simple hair day.

But more so than hair is the intersection of culture, race, sexuality, gender at the crossroads of personal beauty. Within her experiences, Shana often faced ridicule for her experimental styles. The comments started with her first pixie cut; she regales the details of the offhanded remarks that would punish or ignore her identity.

"When I was a little girl with short hair, everyone called me a boy. I wore pink, and skirts, and sparkles, but people still called me a little boy."

Many similar instances would occur throughout her childhood, from the same insults being thrown at her brother for having long hair, or later on in her life when the commentary strayed far

Let's Talk About Hair • 33

from pretending innocuousness to homophobia.

When I was a little girl with short hair, everyone called me a boy.

Now openly bisexual, she recounts the effect of

being targeted by such vitriol: "I grew my hair out because I was called a d*ke. And I didn't know what that meant, and I was scared of it. And I miss my short hair. I loved it, but I won't cut it because that was a moment in my life that I won't ever forget."

These incidents would become a foundational argument in her belief and desire for a more open and genderless-hair community. "I would like to see more expression in male-presenting hairstyles. I think that the norm of women's hairstyles and men’s hairstyles… there's a line in between, and I'd like that line to be blurred."

Shana talks to me about the political utility of hair and being able to "use your hair as a form of protest." It is also a signifier of an unyielding existence, according to Shana: "I think it is a way to represent yourself or represent your culture. And a way to stand up for something that you believe in."

She believes progress to be safe in the hands of the future, encouraging younger kids to undergo trial and error.

She assures, "It doesn't matter what people say… Try it, and if you don't like it—it grows back."

In the scope of experimentation, we discussed the inspiration of her business, Fairy Hair by Shanarose.

Her skills came from assisting a

-Shana Johnson

close family friend who had their own fairy hair business; she learned to weave the shimmering strands

34 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Cutting, bleaching, and dying my hair with family, friends, and at parties until setting

were not celebrated or ostracised, but

up base here in Charlotte two months ago.

they weren't necessarily accepted either.

With an easy mix of Shana’s interpersonal and

Despite well-meant jokes and minor quips,

socializing skills, her experience with fairy hair,

the commentary about the ridiculousness of

and most importantly—her passion brought it

my hair—especially to a family very unfamiliar

all together. The act of doing hair has a value

with hair dye as a whole—left its effect. I had

unto itself, as both a restorative, hands-on

struggled to reconcile the rejection of tradition

activity for herself, and the ability to bring joy to

from my hair and the yearning to embrace it

others.

all the same. It wasn't until my interview with

F

or the two girls, having been both

Shana when she remarked, "That was a part

the person in and behind the

of me, and now this is a part of me," that I had

chair created a unique blend of

considered otherwise.

perspectives for the both of them.

That was a part of me, and now this is a part

Throughout the course of my interviews, I

of me. Just as my virgin hair was mine, the

expected to remain somewhat of a spectator:

chopped, frizzy, purpled hair is mine. I had

observant and perhaps, a bit of an outside

used my original ventures into hair dye (cue

perspective. It was to my surprise when the

2013 Tumblr-era dip dye) to protest my

conversation pivoted towards me, and I found

parent's wishes, just as I had reverted to

myself relating all the same.

growing it all out and leaving it completely

With Bry, the conversation about culture, both

untouched. Every decision and every

the pride and the expectations that came along

bad or good hair day was mine. My own

with it. Her family had cherished long hair—as

experiences are far from linear (as I suspect

did my Indian one. Indian hair is supposed to be

I'll have at least one more bad dye job),

long, black, strong, and luxuriously voluminous.

much like everyone else.

Then there's the cultural practice of sitting

But this revelation only came at the

before your mother crisscrossed as she rubbed

prompt of a conversation—never a

coconut oil into your hair to plait the next day

conclusion I would've come to without

for school. My hair was none of that. It was

Bry's shared experiences or Shana's

short, frizzy, a mish-mash of purple and faded

wisdom. The best part about hair is the

brown from a botched box-dye coverup, frail

community: the trade of hair ties from

and dry. Our discussion had brought up old

wrist to wrist, impromptu braiding each

feelings of inadequacy, the inability to have the

others' hair on the bus, fixing fly-aways for

hair I was supposed to have. In some sense,

each other, or in this case, being able to

the shame I felt for making decisions that so

sit down with Bry and Shana and talking

largely rejected tradition.

about our hair.

Let's Talk About Hair • 35

Color Blocking Photos by Aslin Chavarria Ayala Models- Jazmyn McCallum and Rosalinda Gomez

Article Name Here • 37

38 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Color Blocking • 39

Transition Made Easy

By Madison Smith

Transition Made Easy • 41

W

hen the appointed

students from underrepresented populations,”

mentors shouted

states Program Director Shawn Simmons. I

“UTOP” in a crowd to

had the privilege of sitting down and speaking

get our attention in the

with him and former mentor Chris Stanley, on

summer of 2019, around 100 other freshmen

different occasions, about their passion for the

and I yelled back, “19!” Whether we were

program and why they believe people should

gathered in study hall, at the skating rink, in

get involved in some way. This allowed me to

our respective classrooms, or at a networking

reflect on my own experience at UTOP as well.

event, our representation of this program could not be accompanied by anything less than pride. This demonstration does not come as a surprise, as there is some natural feeling of privilege in getting to college early, advancing in your credits, making meaningful connections with others, and trekking through campus before any other new student arrives at UNC Charlotte. Reflecting on that summer and everything I learned, I don’t know where I would have been without UTOP in my freshman year.

“The University Transition Opportunities Program, also known as UTOP, is a six-week summer bridge program, where freshmen students have the opportunity to come to campus early to gain several credits towards their general education, having a mentor and learning about the various resources and opportunities at Charlotte. The purpose that

Let’s rewind our minds to a time where masks were only worn by the sick and the surgeons.

I packed my bags with a little over a month’s worth of clothes and some decorations for my very first dorm room. By that evening, Simmons had gathered all of us in a room and introduced himself further, along with the mentors. He laid out the expectations for each student involved; he was determined to help everybody end the summer and start the coming school year with a solid GPA and a great support system for getting involved.

Stranger Things Season three had just come out, and games of spades and UNO were spread across tables. Friendships were budding in our new chapter of life. Walking from Witherspoon Hall to Fretwell, the Student Union, and Belk Gym helped us all learn the geography of our beautiful campus.

it serves is to successfully transition students

My first college classroom experience was

from high school to college, primarily serving

my Introduction to Racism course. While the

42 • MIDAS Fall 2021

I’M ALL ABOUT THE

STUDENTS AND MEETING THEIR

NEEDS AND WHATEVER THOSE ARE. WE’LL GET THEM IN HERE. -SHAWN SIMMONS Article Name Here • 43

professor followed the criteria for the subject,

“I think over the last four or five years, we've

we also had open discussions about what

proved that even with the increased numbers,

we learned often. I began to see how certain

we’ve still been able to set the program up to

controversial debates arise in college classes,

where that community is still tight no matter

and it was exciting to get to know my peers

the number,” he ensures. In addition, there is

through their comments in class. The other

an undeniable impact on the guidance of the

two courses I took were “Minories in the Media”

UTOP mentors.

and “Earth Science.” UTOP’s mandatory study hall gave us all the time we needed to catch up on homework and stay on track in our classes.

Simmons tells me now that UTOP has added significant ways for the students who already have their general education credits.

Christopher Stanley was a UTOP mentor this past summer. He tells me that he applied for the job knowing that he could connect with the mentees personally. He walks away from the leadership experience with a lesson learned: “No amount of money can buy or

UTOP gave me the confidence and the connections to step out of my comfort zone and find myself.

- Madison Smith When asked about the future of the UTOP,

cover the time that you spend with people,” he

Simmons mentioned expansion and tending to

tells me.

the students’ desires. “Whatever we need to do, whatever the consumer needs,” he said. “I'm all about the students and meeting their needs and whatever those are. We'll get them in here.” UTOP provides a family-like atmosphere, and he believes that he’ll maintain this intimacy no matter how many students are a part of the program.

44 • MIDAS Fall 2021

I asked him a couple of questions about being a UTOP mentor, especially after being a mentee of the program his freshman year.

It was gratifying to see that UTOP memories cherished by mentees come full circle in the role of the mentor.

“So after room checks, there'd be a few other

mentors that will finish off at the same area

It was at that moment that I realized how

and me, and we would have late-night talks

much this program really meant to me. It was

with the mentees for hours and just sit in the

in an information session for UTOP that I found

hallway and just chill and have a good time.

out about another program called Emerging

Those were on a nightly basis, so that for us

Leaders. There, I met Claire Hambrick, Editor

was just allowed us to make connections with

and Chief of Midas Magazine, thus why

them,” Stanley shares.

my writing is being published here and at

Now, I sit in Simmons' office after our short exchange of words and memories of those hot July days floating through my mind. Then, finally, a simple question comes to me, and I ask him without hesitation:

NinerTimes. In high school, I was rarely the type of person to insert myself into new activities, but I always wished I had gotten more involved.

UTOP gave me the confidence and the connections to step out of my comfort zone and find myself as freshman year fall semester

What is your favorite tradition or memory from

began. I think it’s also safe to say that, like Mr.

UTOP?

Simmons, I find my fulfillment in UTOP from

“The program is really great, and we do great things through it, but just seeing the success

the endless high school opportunities it brings after the program ends as well.

of students after the program, their continued academic success, the tons of leadership opportunities, and what they get involved with.

While I love the program, it’s that sustained success after it that I enjoy the most.”

Transition Made Easy • 45

Clay by Xochi

By Janeissa Romero Photography by Claire Hambrick

L AY Article Name Here • 47

On a Sunday afternoon, I held a set of sea green earrings that dangled with a story.

O

n a Sunday afternoon, I held a

it has allowed me the time to touch into my

set of sea green earrings that

well of writing. For Gisell, it has allowed her to

dangled with a story. When I first

tap into her creativity. As an exercise science

met Gisell Muñoz, she was on the

major, Gisell spends her days and nights

2nd floor of the Student Union. She was sitting

studying. When I asked Gisell why she started

between two different worlds. On one side, she

her business, she responded with ‘boredom’

had her computer (attending a meeting) and

and ‘quarantine’. Starting a business was never

on the other side, her tablet. The sketch on this

in the books for Gisell, but after support and

tablet would become her next jewelry piece for

encouragement from friends, she decided to

her small business shop, Clay by Xochi.

open the door of opportunity.

It wasn’t until she shared her story that I

When creating her pieces, Gisell finds

realized how much work goes into a student

inspiration from the seasons. The blooming

business. The sketch was only one of the many

flowers bring forth the colors of spring; the

steps that it takes to run a small business.

blazing sun powers the heat of summer;

Fortunately, I was able to sit down with Gisell

the crispiness of leaves crunched in the fall.

and shine a light on what goes on behind the

In addition to the seasons, holidays are also

curtains.

a source of inspiration. Halloween brings

Like most of us, the spread of the coronavirus left us in shock. We didn’t think we would live through a pandemic. While this circumstance hindered a lot of projects and plans, it has also revived other parts we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see. For some, like myself,

48 • MIDAS Fall 2021

forth the spooky season and pumpkin patches. Christmas births ‘Tis’ the Season’ and Valentines day paves the way to love and friendship. All of these seasons and holidays can be expressed through clay.

Article Name Here • 49

While there is creativity in her business, she

escape the harsh edges of quarantine, but it

can’t forget about the logistical aspect. Gisell

has allowed her to network and meet other

runs her shop through Etsy, but even Etsy can

student-run small businesses at UNC Charlotte.

be stubborn. If Gisell sells a set of earrings that

It also allowed for her to get connected and

are $15, Etsy will take $2-$3 in selling fees. This

involved with her sorority and school events

means that Gisell would only be taking $12-$13.

such as Latin Heritage Month.

Although this may not sound like a lot, one has to consider the amount of time and costs for supplies, including the packaging.

When I first purchased a set of Gisell’s earrings, they reminded me of my culture: the vibrant colors of Mexico. The jewelry design brought

Opening a small business is no easy feat,

me back to Mexican markets where purses,

especially when you’re a college student.

hand-knitted shirts, and jewelry would be sold.

With inspiration and motivation, Gisell makes

For me, these pieces are a reminder of who I

it work. Making these earrings is a creative

am. Gisell says, “I don’t think my identity and

outlet for Gisell. Not only has it allowed her to

culture plays a big role in my designs, but a new design that I am coming out with is inspired by The Day of the Dead!”

While inspired through unprecedented circumstances, Clay by Xochi is inspired by the beauty of flowers. Learning about Clay by Xochi reminds us to share our passions and let them grow. I urge you to find your source of light and bloom your flowers. Share them with others because together, we can create an entire field of who we are and what we represent.

50 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Clay by Xochi 10-Step Process 1. Sketching

6. Drilling and Sanding

2. Color Mixing

7. Polish and Varnish

3. Conditioning

8. Assembly

4. Apply Design and Cut

9. Picture and Upload

5. Baking

10. Packaging and Shipping

Social Media: TikTok: @gmunoz22 Instagram: @claybyxochi

Clay by Xochi • 51

by Vasiliki Gkoulgkountina

Y L I

Gianna Spriggs on Magick, Spirituality, and Family

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Article Name Here • 53

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oDa is the arts and entertainment hotspot in Charlotte.

Within a nook of this charming neighborhood, you will find a magick store called Curio. Mother-daughter duo Gina and Gianna are the owners of this store and

aim to spread knowledge and enlightenment about spirituality. I had the pleasure of interviewing Gianna Medora Spriggs-Macdonald and gathered her insight on how magick, spirituality, healing, and family have played crucial roles in her life.

Gianna was born in New York and was raised partially in Florida before moving to Charlotte at 14 years old. Before owning Curio, Gianna was in culinary school and was a chef for six years throughout Charlotte. Gianna states that her mom had been practicing tarot since she was 16 and had been exposed to the world of magick throughout her life. “This entire kind of realm of things was something I was raised with, and had been familiar with from the time I was a little girl to now being an adult,” says Gianna.

Gina herself specializes as a futurist and she aims to assist people with the use of tarot cards. While the distinct origin of Tarot is unclear, it was invented in the 1430’s as an Italian passtime. The deck consists of 78 cards which are divided into two groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana group has images symbolizing various virtues, forces, and characters, such as the Lovers or the Moon. The Minor Arcana group is divided into four suits: clubs, hearts, spades, and diamonds. The transition to using tarot for spiritual purposes first occurred in 1780 in France. The Major Arcana cards were used to refer to spiritual matters and the questioner’s life. With the Minor Arcana cards, clubs represent career ambitions, hearts represent love, spades represent conflict, and diamonds represent money.

54 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Gianna illustrates the process by stating,

with a firm root in Indigenous culture. Gianna

“[Gina] reads you the story your actions are

states, “I help people to heal themselves. I help

currently writing. Then you have the ability to

people identify any ancestral and generational

make more informed decisions; do you want to

traumas or patterns, and basically help them

keep doing what you're doing because you like

to shut it.” Among the multiple services that

the outcome, or do you want to change what

Gianna provides, one of them is called limpieza,

you're doing so the outcome doesn't happen?”

or energy clearing.

In 2018, Gianna and Gina chose to open up

Gianna went into detail describing what this

their own magick store, Curio, and make it

looks like: “I use a combination of singing

“uniquely their own,” as Gianna puts it. Gianna

bowls, rattles, drums, plants, and crystals

reveals that they utilize the word ‘magick’ to

to help shed any heavy energy that might

differentiate from magic tricks. Aleister Crowley

be weighing an individual down and then

was an English occultist who started using the

replace it with lighter energy more conducive

word ‘magick’ to define anything that moved a

to wholeness.” Gianna first identifies the

person closer to fulfilling their ultimate destiny.

compromised chakra, or energy focal point,

This distinction is crucial because it separates

using Chumpi stones. Then she uses different

‘magick’ from the strictly metaphysical realm

sounds to loosen heavy energy as well as

associated with magic tricks.

herbs to first take away the energy that no

Gianna stresses the importance of representing magick from universal aspects.

longer serves them and then more herbs to intentionally replace that energy.

“We wanted to focus on magick from around

Throughout my interview with Gianna,

the world and traditions from around the world

she emphasized the importance of family

rather than just specializing in one specific

interconnectedness and relying on one’s roots

section, because we have noticed that a lot of

to fully understand their identity. Another

spirituality was ignored due to issues with race

service Gianna provides is an ‘ancestor walk’

or due to lack of knowledge, so we wanted to

where she takes people through a guided

make sure that we were very inclusive,” states

meditation. Gianna dives into explaining this

Gianna. The store itself has a beautiful array of

process and states, “They get to meet a couple

books, tools, supplies, tarot and oracle cards,

of generations of ancestors, so that they can

crystals, and herbs, available to educate and

talk to them and really feel what it was like

enlighten its customers.

to be that ancestor to help shed any of those

While Gina identifies as a futurist, Gianna

patterns that they might be working through.”

identifies as a Curandera, or a healer who uses

Many people are hesitant to understand

folk remedies. Curandera healers can be found

spirituality, and are even afraid to get a glimpse

across Latin America; however, Mexico holds a

into the world of magick. When I ask Gianna

rich long-standing history of curandera healers,

about this, she states, “I think that people

Article Name Here • 55

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because we have noticed that a lot of spirituality was ignored due to issues with race or due to lack of knowledge, so we wanted to make sure that we were very inclusive.

ou n

n te d t o a w e f oc W

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g a i ck fr m n

.. . d l or d it i w ons f r d om aroun

fear what they don't understand. We've been

Colonization has also played a major role in

taught to fear what we don't know and fear

demonizing magick in folk traditions and

this magick and things of the unknown.” With

inaccurately associating them with devil work.

the added factor of media and Hollywood

As a result, cultural appropriation is a prevalent

productions, false information tends to spread

issue as people exercise these practices that

about this realm. “Sometimes there are people

do not belong to their culture. For example,

who do negative things, and I think people

non-Native people using white sage has

have heard more about the negative than

detrimental impacts on these cultures which

they have the positive. And then it kind of gets

are already under attack from colonization.

demonized,” explains Gianna.

56 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Gianna takes me back to one of the

Charlotte community has been to them.

origins of this fear of spirituality as we

Gianna positively responds, “Charlotte has

observe the effects of the bubonic

definitely been a supportive community. I think

plague. During this

that we started everything at the right time

time, people were very connected

which helped because people were getting

to their family backgrounds and

more open and have been getting more open

their ancestors because this

throughout the years and separating from

played a detrimental role in

more organized forms of religion but still

determining their quality of

wanting to maintain spirituality.”

life and social standing. “When the bubonic plague hit Europe, certain traditions had to be broken away because you had these bodies that were contagious and needed to be burned, so that nobody else would die,” states Gianna. Without being able to hang onto heirlooms or clothes or anything viscerally connected to their ancestors, a harsh disconnect was created within family dynamics.

Gianna extends her knowledgeable platform through her podcast, Curio Curandera, which she utilizes to open the gates to spirituality.

Gianna states, “We are so often told that spirituality has to look a certain way or be a certain way, and my podcast is really about teaching people to follow their own path.”

This podcast follows Gianna as she interviews different individuals who practice their own kind of spirituality. Gianna says, “I really want to show that there's not one look to being spiritual, so that people can recognize that they

The ancestor walks Gianna provides are an

are entitled to follow their path and really learn

opportunity to claim responsibility over our

about what that entails for them.”

actions. Gianna discusses how people refuse to connect with their ancestors because of the horrible things they did. In response, she states, “I get that but at the same time, they've done horrible things and you have the opportunity to learn from those things because when we don't learn our history or when we don't learn about history in general, we're due to make the same mistakes.”

As I got to know Gianna, she proved to be a strong and powerful force who is independently driven and passionately herself.

Gianna says that ever since she was little, she walked to the beat of her own drum; she states, “I had to learn how to be comfortable no matter what, in no matter what environment.”

Her strongest influence in maintaining this inner confidence was her mother Gina who

Having owned Curio with her mother for

assured her that no matter where she went,

three years now, I ask how welcoming the

she always belonged there.

Article Name Here • 57

Playing with Primaries Photography by Kavya Kumar Models: Jerin Francis and Caromis Ferrer-Ramos

Article Name Here • 59

60 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Article Name Here • 61

62 • MIDAS Fall 2021

Article Name Here • 63

The Climate Change Guilt Trip

By Samantha Lates

G LT

A T E M I

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| Sa m

aL th an

Article Name Here • 65

ate

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|

T HE C

We’ve all heard some form of the classic climate change guilt trip. Whether it came from a friend, a celebrity, or a corporation, all insinuate that if you use single-use plastics, you’re single-handedly responsible for the deaths of a hundred sea turtles and the melting of the last polar ice cap. That may be an over-exaggeration, but the average temperature in Charlotte has indeed increased by 2.3 degrees in the previous 50 years, which has lengthened the mosquito season and increased the risk of flooding

The climate change guilt trip doesn’t work, and it’s not your fault either.

Even if you wanted to avoid single-use plastics, there’s no guarantee a recyclable, biodegradable, or zero-waste alternative is even available, within your budget, and just as effective as the original. You can’t purchase what isn’t produced. Suppose companies aren’t making sustainable products with their customers in mind. In that case, it can be nearly impossible to achieve a minimal-to-zero waste lifestyle.

and wildfires. Even in a

Not to mention single-

pandemic, with stores

use plastics are still

closed and people

essential for infection

working from home

control in hospitals,

instead of idling

preventing cross-

their cars in hour-

contamination

long commutes,

in scientific

the CO2 levels in

research, and

the atmosphere

helping those with

were the highest

disabilities retain

they’ve been in the

their independence;

last 4 million years.

we can’t eliminate single-use plastics until

These numbers can be

proper replacements have

discouraging and even scary.

If you’ve lived near Charlotte long enough, you’ve probably even noticed the higher temperatures without a weatherman comparing it to last year’s average. The knowledge that increased pollution and greenhouse gas emissions may irreparably damage the Earth can be a burden to carry,

been invented. Instead of blaming each other for rising temperatures and melting ice caps, we should be blaming the 90 companies that have contributed to twothirds of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1880—and have underrepresented their contributions.

especially when influential corporations try to

Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t

place the blame on you, the average consumer.

care about your carbon footprint. While an

But the truth?

66 • MIDAS Fall 2021

individual can’t significantly impact the

amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, there are levels of pollution that we do have control over that still impact the planet’s health. For example, think about the trash you can find on the side of the road.

If it can’t decompose and it isn’t collected, then it sits there until the rain washes it away and it ends up in a lake or stream, polluting your drinking water. Luckily for us, there’s an organization working to fix that.

Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation is a local non-profit organization that advocates for the Catawba-Wateree River Basin, which provides drinking water for 2.5 million people. They’ve been around since the late 90s, but I first heard about them in 2018, when I was assigned a service-learning project that required me to volunteer at an environmental protection organization to understand the importance of their work and how society can work together to solve one of the issues they face. I chose to volunteer at two of the Riversweeps in their series. I spent a cumulative six hours collecting trash and admiring the beauty of Lake Norman and Rocky Creek Lake. As someone who loves visiting family and friends on Lake Norman, this was the perfect way to fulfill my volunteering requirement and take care of something I love—but I was shocked at what I found. The water I had always thought of as clean and safe to swim in, if a bit murky, had thousands of pounds of trash sitting on its

Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation reported over 50,000 pounds of trash was collected from the basin during the 2021 Riversweep.

shores, waiting to be picked up by volunteers.

The Climate Change Guilt Trip • 67

The experience was eye-opening. CRF reported over 50,000 pounds of trash was collected from the basin during the 2021 Riversweep, even with local groups organizing smaller-scale cleanups throughout the year. This means that thousands of pounds of trash end up in our waterways every year, and any garbage found in Mountain Island Lake or Lake Norman directly impacts Charlotte’s drinking water. A lot of this isn’t corporate pollution either; it’s plastic bottles, pool floaties, and Styrofoam coolers: the remnants of summer fun, carelessly left behind.

We may not control the greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, but we can control what happens to our water. I couldn’t stop thinking about my time at the Riversweep. I enjoyed watching such a small organization achieve so much, so I followed their activities over the years and eventually started working with them part-time. Though it hasn’t been long, I have met some of the most passionate and hardworking people both within the organization and in the community they serve. They don’t just advocate for the river; they want you to enjoy it! So many people care for the environment and strive to make it better, even during their precious free time. It made me realize that, despite the seemingly bleak future of the Earth, there’s still a lot of people who care about it.

This year, 1,700 volunteers spent three hours collecting 50,000 pounds of trash from the river basin. Next year, you could be one of them! By supporting environmental protection organizations like CRF through volunteering, donations, or merchandise sales, you can improve the health of your community and even help fight those 90 companies—like in CRF’s settlement with Duke Energy, which required the power company to clean up and excavate six coal ash sites in North Carolina. CRF even has a summer internship program that allows students to gain valuable experience in lab work or digital content creation while aiding them in their conservation efforts. Applications will open in the spring, so keep an eye out!

68 • MIDAS Fall 2021

UNCC makes it even easier to practice sustainability.

Every full-time student pays a $1 Green Fee as part of their tuition. The Charlotte Green Initiative then allocates through the CGI Challenge, which supports projects that will increase sustainability on campus. Submit your project proposal or take advantage of completed projects like the Weird Recycling Center in the Student Union.

This project allows you to recycle plastic bags, cables, ink cartridges, batteries, and glasses. You can also participate in events hosted by UNCC’s Sustainability Office, like their annual Sustainability Week in October and Earth Month in April, or join one of many clubs on campus dedicated to sustainability. Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, but every little bit counts!

We’ve been given a beautiful planet to call our home; the least we can do is learn how to protect it. By volunteering at events like Riversweep or participating in sustainable organizations on campus, you can make a visible difference in the health of the world around you. It sucks that there is no easy fix for climate change. Those who contribute the most will be affected the least by it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t better your community and show your support for organizations trying their best to make this Earth a better place for all of us. And if someone asks you why you care about the Earth, take a page out of Guardian of the Galaxy Peter Quill’s book and say, “’cause I’m one of the idiots who lives in it!”

’cause I’m one of the idiots who lives in it!

The Climate Change Guilt Trip • 69

the

Fall 2021

MIDAS T EA M

MIDAS MAGAZINE WAS CREATED IN 2020 TO BE A PLATFORM FOR UNC CHARLOTTE STUDENTS TO SHARE THEIR AUTHENTIC VOICES. WE FOCUS ON FOUR MAIN AREAS: CULTURE, ARTISTRY, IDENTITY, AND LIFESTYLE. WE SEEK TO CELEBRATE OUR STORIES AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY AND ARTISTRY. INSTAGRAM: MIDAS.MAG

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Claire Hambrick DEPARTMENT HEADS KYLIE JOHNSON Promotions Department KASEY VARNER Writing Department

PROMOTIONS TEAM

WRITING TEAM

KAVYA KUMAR Photography Department ELOI SOLIS Design Department

PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM

DESIGN TEAM Rnold (moi) Tanchico

From the MIDAS team to all our readers, thank you!

The Climate Change Guilt Trip • 71 A Look Into Charlotte Fashion

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72 • MIDAS Fall 2021