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The Right to Representation: Coming to a Poll Near You Liam Hayden Women Empowering Women: A Playlist Marissa Bournias Making Cents of Your Money Ashley Brown On the Move: How Exercise Fuels Your Fire Erica Mooney

Do You Even Like Baseball? Jordan Diver To Batter a Boy Alexander Collins You Will Go Far, Little Me Rebekah Icenesse A Light in the Darkness Alexsenia Ralat

I Have Been Underestimated Anna Gambol

Social Change on Social Media Sydney Sinks A Century of Feminism Nicole Scott The Choice Is Yours Kathryn Coffey Wear Your Confidence Kionah Flowers Words of Empowerment Aubrey Staton

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STAFF

BURST SPRING 2020

Editor-in-Chief: Erica Mooney

Designers: Kathryn Bouxsein, Claire Eppley, Ricky Esparza,

Associate Editor: Alexseñia Ralat

Anne Longman, Molly McCool, Kade Nylan, Elsa Rotramel, Mike Schutz, Frieda Smith

Copyeditors: Tressa Rudolph, Kathryn Coffey

Millikin Creates: Allison Brannon, Kat Franklin, Justin Taylor

Writers: Ashley Brown, Marissa Bournias, Alexander Collins, Kathryn Coffey, Jordan Diver, Kionah Flowers, Anna Gambol, Liam Hayden, Rebecca Icenesse, Nicole Scott, Sydney Sinks

Faculty Editorial Advisor: Professor Julie Bates

Faculty Design Advisor: Professor Jessa Wilcoxen Printer: Decatur Blueprint

Join the BURST Team! For the 2020–2021 school year, we are looking for talented writers, editors, photographers, designers, and ad salespeople. Interested in helping us produce next year’s magazine? Contact Dr. Julie Bates (jcbates@millikin.edu) today.

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This issue of BURST magazine is published in conjunction with Bronze Man Books, with financial support provided by Millikin University student activity funding.

Dear Readers, Adulthood is hard. When we were children, we could rely on others to fight some of our battles for us. Often, our parents or other trusted adults shielded us from harm. Our initial worldview was small, and many of us remained oblivious to the numerous injustices and cruelties of the world because we could not possibly comprehend the extent to which life can tarnish naive innocence and harden even the softest hearts. Now, as we navigate our unpredictable college years at Millikin University, it’s time to empower ourselves and others to take control of our lives and provide necessary support to people around us. Rather than dwelling on the parts of our experiences we can’t control, it’s time to focus on taking appropriate action toward our personal goals and the broader changes we wish to see across the globe. My message to you, readers, is to start embracing every difficulty with an open mind instead of letting it discourage or consume you. Allowing failures and obstacles to sour your life prevents you from reaching your full potential, and setbacks are designed to propel you forward even when they are disguised as dead ends. The brilliant student writing in this issue of BURST invites you to consider how exactly you can empower yourself and support others around you as a college student attending Millikin University. As the articles demonstrate, empowerment takes many forms: getting control of your budget, exercising, following steps to heal from past trauma, connecting with people through social media, and listening to uplifting music. The writing in this issue serves as a reminder to not stand on the sidelines because every day offers the opportunity to act. The expectations of current society and unanticipated events in our lives can lead to a lot of pain and oppression, but we don’t have to trap ourselves in it. So be confident in yourself and hold onto each other. Let’s stop accepting destruction and unite to rise against it more powerfully than ever before.

—Erica Mooney BURST

“W

henever I give a presentation on ranked choice voting, I ask people to raise their hand if they think things are going well politically. Nobody has ever raised their hand,” says Ben Chapman, a local political activist. Chapman serves as the leader of a grassroots

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organization known as Illinoisans for Ranked Choice Voting. When the Founding Fathers constructed the United States Constitution in 1787, modern democracies hadn’t fully developed yet, and the few that existed often failed badly. It is by some stroke of luck that our Constitution and electoral system have lasted 243 years. However, since the birth of our nation, republics around the world have changed significantly, and so have we. Now, it’s not unusual to see mayoral elections with nearly ten candidates. Presidential primaries have turned into epic gladiatorial fights where two dozen candidates enter the battle, and only one survives. This, according to Chapman, is at least one of the reasons why no one raises their hand when he asks if they think everything is going well in government. America has long used a plurality election system where whoever gains one more vote than the next candidate becomes the winner. This has created an electoral system that forces many to choose between the lesser of two evils. Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) allows you to rank the candidates in order from favorite to least favorite.

increase voter expression,” he says. When voters have to do 3-D chess at the ballot box to determine who they both like and know can win, they experience a form of voter suppression. Critics of Ranked Choice Voting have claimed anything from “it changes the Constitution” to “it allows more than one vote per person.” It’s true that Ranked Choice Voting isn’t as straightforward as plurality voting. But that doesn’t mean it changes our Constitution, makes our election system vulnerable, or gives more than one vote to anybody. “A lot of criticisms are based in misunderstanding,” Chapman shares. “RCV does not allow more than one vote per person. It doesn’t change our constitution—it optimizes our electoral system.” This is why states like Illinois are looking to use RCV in their elections. Maine has already implemented it across the board and

MILLIBITS

If the first candidate on your list doesn’t clear the 50 percent vote threshold, your vote goes to the next candidate until someone can inch past 50 percent of the vote. According to Chapman, “One of the most powerful arguments for Ranked Choice Voting is having someone fill out a ballot because they see that you don’t have to vote strategically.You vote for who you like.” Who wouldn’t want to vote for who they like—especially in the primaries? In the last presidential election, the Republicans had a crowded primary. This time, the Democrats have their pick of the litter. The problem is that it can be hard to vote for who you like best rather than who you think can win the general election.You may like Andrew Yang the best out of all the candidates yet still vote for Joe Biden because you don’t want to “waste” your vote. In the worst cases, similar candidates such as Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders can cannibalize their own voter base. That’s the problem with our current system, according to Chapman. “Right now we aren’t electing the candidates that people would be happy with. An electoral system should be designed to

used it in 2018. Many in the state of Massachusetts are trying to bring it statewide. The city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, used ranked choice voting for the first time in 2018. Cities in states including California, Colorado, Maryland, and Minnesota are all using RCV. In doing so, legislators offer greater democracy to their constituents and empower their political voice.Voters can go to the ballot box with the knowledge they can vote for whomever they like best rather than the lesser of two evils.

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WOMEN WOMEN

EMPOWERING WOMEN

A PLAYLIST

The music industry continues to see a drastic increase in fierce female artists in the music world, especially following the Women’s March, the #MeToo movement, and assault allegations against male music executives. The songs on this playlist portray empowerment, enlightenment, and freedom for listeners from all walks of life. Whether you are recovering from a breakup or simply want a confidence boost, these songs are sure to give you exactly what you need. So plug in your headphones, crank up the volume, and dance it out. BY MARISSA BOURNIAS

01.

Confident - Demi Lovato: Demi’s right. What is wrong with being confident? Nothing! And nothing is more intimidating than a fiercely confident woman.

09. Good as Hell - Lizzo: Lizzo advises us not to stay in an unhappy relationship and focus on making ourselves feel, well, good as hell.

02. GIRL - Maren Morris: If you need reassurance, Maren 10. Truth Hurts - Lizzo: Did you get dumped? has you covered. Girls can get through anything with this confidence-boosting tune.

03. Hey Girl - Lady Gaga & Florence Welch: The

collaboration you didn’t know you needed sings the praises of girlfriendship. Women face enough strife as it is, so we should be there for each other instead of tearing each other down.

04. Run the World (Girls) - Beyonce: In case you needed a reminder...

05. That’s My Girl - Fifth Harmony: Feeling unsure of

yourself? Fifth Harmony delivers the pep talk of a lifetime.

11. Love Myself - Hailee Steinfield: At the end of the day, self-love is one of the most important assets a person can have.

12.

Born This Way - Lady Gaga: Feminism isn’t just about supporting one kind of woman. Gaga tells us to love the skin we’re in no matter what others think of us.

13. Scars to Your Beautiful - Alessia Cara: You are beautiful just the way you are, scars included.

14.

06. God is a Woman - Ariana Grande: The title says it all. Women truly are divine creatures.

Stronger - Kelly Clarkson: When life knocks you down, get back up. Each bump and bruise along life’s bumpy path just makes us stronger in the end.

07. Woman - Kesha: Kesha reminds us we don’t need a

15. IDGAF - Dua Lipa: Dua tells us to cut off our

man to feel good about ourselves because we are strong and independent.

08.

Diva - Beyonce: Most women have been called a diva at some point in their lives. But Queen Bey is here to remind us that isn’t a bad label.

Definitely their loss. Recognize your worth!

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toxic significant other because we don’t need them weighing us down.

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From paying tuition to forking over the last of my cash for ramen noodles, college has demanded every penny I own. If you’re like me, you may feel overwhelmed when life pulls your wallet and savings account in every direction and you’re left wondering: “Where is my money going?” To answer that question and empower yourself through your finances, try budgeting. Making a budget allows you to see the money you are gaining and losing. This helps you locate any unnecessary spending and find a balance between focusing your money on “needs” and “wants.” Incoming money typically takes the form of career income or allowances, and outgoing money usually refers to expenses. These include everything that requires payment Is unexpected spending threatening your peace on a monthly basis such as phone and electric bills, tuition, of mind? Learning these financial keys to car insurance, and groceries. Using a budget allows you to success can save you from track your income and manage your expenses. Now that you falling into that trap. know the importance of a budget, here are some tips for creating a budget that’s right for you: By n

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On the Move

By Erica Mooney

How Exercise Fuels Your Fire

Imagine your iPhone alarm clock screaming in your ear at 5:00 a.m. sharp.You scramble to put on athletic clothes and sloppily tie the laces on your battered tennis shoes without a second thought. Within five minutes total, you are out the front door and surrounded by a peaceful, still silence that only the 8

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pre-sunrise world can offer to those self-disciplined enough to experience it. Senior social science education major Amber Johnson has lived this scene more times than she can count. For Johnson, a roughly four-mile run constitutes her everyday routine. Whether rain or snow, sun or clouds, Johnson

kick-starts her morning with jogging to clear her head. A former member of the Millikin University track and field team and now an assistant cross country coach at Clinton High School, Johnson is no stranger to the benefits of daily exercise. She manages to make her physical health a priority despite

Beyond the advantage of increased focus and productivity, a moderate amount of daily exercise releases beneficial hormones, such

think my mood would suffer the consequences.” If you decide to allocate time every day to exercise like Johnson, you will simultaneously take control of your school circumstances and refuse to let the stresses of your classes overtake your peace of mind and health. As Johnson’s testimony proves, you don’t have to give yourself a constant pep talk to concentrate and finish the massive final project you’ve steadily been doing all semester. Rather than grudgingly forcing yourself to sit and study, you can instead empower yourself through a brief activity that prompts your heart to pump a little faster and your mind to think a little quicker. So next time you feel yourself sliding into an inescapable slump, consider dropping what you’re doing and spurring your body into action.

My determination to succeed honestly skyrockets

“

as serotonin and endorphins, that make you feel happier. The noticeable lift in mood helps college students because stress, packed schedules, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility characterize the college experience no matter what institution you attend. Johnson says, “If I didn’t run regularly, I definitely

Features

ney

“

her hectic schedule. “Some days are harder than others to get up early and make it happen,” she says. “But I always feel much better afterwards. That’s what keeps me going.” The natural uplift Johnson perceives does not come from her imagination. Studies from the Mayo Clinic show that exercising for an average of thirty minutes every day improves mood and contributes to a higher drive to complete tasks. For college students facing multiple deadlines that seemingly pile on top of each other with no end in sight, a surge in motivation can make or break the quality of an assignment and may even determine whether or not a student completes the work at all. “Besides feeling accomplished after I run, I’ve noticed I’m able to concentrate much easier on my schoolwork,” shares Johnson. “My determination to succeed honestly skyrockets, and I don’t allow myself to get distracted nearly as much.”

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For as long as I can remember, I have loved sports. A handful of my first memories revolved around sports in various ways, and I witnessed my first major league baseball game at six years old. During childhood, some people go to sporting events whenever they want. Unfortunately, I

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lived almost four hours away from Chicago, so a trip to Wrigley Field did not occur frequently. As a six-year-old girl, my first baseball game fulfilled everything I imagined and more. The first time I saw Wrigley Field became one of the happiest days of my life. Eleven

years later, after begging my father for months to buy tickets for a Cubs game, he finally agreed. My father and I attended the last regular season home game of the 2016 season. Once again, a feeling of amazement washed over me, and I loved every second of my

pushes me to work harder whether I want to do so or not. At Millikin University, I serve as the Sports Editor for the school’s student newspaper, The Decaturian, and the Sports Director for the school’s radio station, WJMU. I have attended conferences for both the newspaper and radio where the male to female ratio looked drastically skewed. Many individuals in my life have supported my dreams of becoming a broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs. I feel empowered because I hope to beat the odds. I want an ambitious girl to see me and know she can achieve her dreams as well. I intend to show viewers that women can successfully hold a position in sports media. I want people to rethink the stereotypes surrounding women and sports because women are not dumb. They are intelligent and more than capable of contributing positively to sports media.

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MILLITHOUGHTS

experience at Wrigley Field. The Cubs beat their longtime rival, the St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2. My father and I, along with all the other Cub fans present, happily sang “Go Cubs Go” after the game ended. I felt like a six-year-old again. Some people claim sports are stupid and “just a game.” I understand that opinion to an extent, but my views differ substantially. When my father occasionally didn’t work for a day over the summer, I spent time with him watching the Cubs play. My siblings also participated, but as we grew older, their love for sports disappeared. Mine only continued to grow, and soon my father and I watched every Cubs, Bears, and Bulls game we could. He taught me everything I know about sports, especially baseball. Because of my knowledge of sports, I have encountered many testing situations as a woman. When I appeared at school wearing my favorite Cubs shirt, my peers teased and questioned me. “Do you even like baseball?” my classmates inquired. After answering “yes,” they immediately bombarded me with more questions and demands. “Name five players.” “When’s the last time the Cubs won the World Series?” “Who’s the manager?” The list seemed endless, and to this day, I still provide similar responses for questions like these.

At an early age, I noticed boys didn’t quiz each other on random baseball team facts. When a male says they love sports or follow a specific team, no one interrogates them. In fact, cultural norms encourage them to invest in athletics. In contrast, when a female states she likes sports or a specific team, people test her expertise instantly. Common stereotypes about women perpetuate the idea that they do not possess a lot of information about sports. Societal expectations identify most popular sports as games for men, and they promote the perception that only men should grasp the details and procedures of these activities. Obviously, I don’t accept this misconception as the truth. One could argue sports media lacks women, and I agree with that statement. Besides sideline reporting, few females commentate in the booths for radio or television, and not a lot of women sports writers exist. I don’t think anyone can attribute the widespread underrepresentation to female disinterest in sports. Rather, I truly believe women do not demonstrate a strong presence in the world of athletics due to the continuous derision they have faced. Women confront doubt and uncertainty from others regularly, and their patience understandably begins to grow thinner each time. Because of the unceasing skepticism I detect concerning my insight and worth, the resistance

T O B AT T E R A B OY By Alexander Collins

Beating me into the couch, he raises his fists again and again— without fail, without hesitation, without care—like hail in the deepest winter storm. I laugh at my brother and the futility of his rage. I laugh because what else can I do when I know tears only urge him to hit harder? When complaint causes only a temporary and pointless pause that enables him to brood and increase his anger and nothing more? I laugh because the sound is the only way for me to win. All I did was beat him in our video game, but he responds by beating me where he can. That means a fight—always. A fight where I don’t participate. He beats me to feel superior, but he will never win. I refuse to lose our mental war. I know he intends to drag me down, and I let him in order to keep our parents out of the mess. I talk less. I close myself into my safe place where he can’t reach me, and I build defenses he can’t punch his way past. To our friends’ amusement, he tries to drown me repeatedly. I rise to the surface sputtering, angry, and scared. They don’t help. They laugh at me for my supposed weakness.

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He puts me in a choke hold, which he does whenever he is angry, but I can learn to breathe through a covered mouth and closed nose. I get the little bit of air necessary to fight. My jaw cracks while I try to bite him and prevent his arm from closing around my throat. He traps me against the trash can as we struggle, and he knees me while I jump backwards as far as possible. That bruise lingers for months. He says, “I wouldn’t have hit you so hard if you hadn’t jumped.” He steps out of our parents’ room while pointing their pistol at my little sister and me. He laughs when we go on the defensive. She’s too young for this to happen to her, but he laughs and teases. He leaps out of the car he is maneuvering out of the driveway. He rips open my door and pulls at me. He yells that if I have a problem with him, I should do something about it. He tells me to punch him. I talk with him and allow him time to relax. He persists. I give him the final warning by inching my foot back to support the hit. He notices and hesitates. I’m stronger than I used to be. He pushes me, so I hit him. He appears stunned for a few seconds, recovers, and charges blindly in a weak attempt to throttle me to the ground. I let him take us down, and we grapple. I wrap my legs around his throat, crushing it. I’m sick of him.

I want him gone, and no one is doing anything to help. He struggles more, so I use my knees around his head to crush him further. I want this to be the end. I think of my parents. I think about how sad they will feel to see me go. I ease the pressure and settle myself. Those experiences litter sections of my past. They define me to an extent. The bitter memories taint my interactions with people. My reality differs from theirs. I don’t know what they will do if I open myself to them.Yet in the two and a half years I have attended Millikin University, I have transitioned from hating everyone and everything to making friends I love, trust, and respect. I feel comfortable in my own skin without having to always anticipate that criticism will lead to fights. The difference between my encounters with people during childhood and my current friendships is mind-blowing, and I realize the importance of relationships.

The hardest parts of bridging that gap are uncertainty and fear. I always question myself and my value. My worries only worsen the more I care about someone, but I can handle it now. I can accept those feelings and move past them. I can maintain security with myself in my friendships, and I have grown daring enough to attempt romance. Those were two fears I thought I would never overcome, and I’m overwhelmed with relief and joy when my friends validate me. They tell me I’m not wrong for contending with mixed emotions or feeling angry with someone, and they keep me level enough to choose the right path in the midst of those emotions. I have restored my inner strength and gained the support of wonderful friends. Now all I can do is continue moving forward.

If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse, these national and local resources are here to help: National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-787-3224 Dove, Inc. 217-428-6616 Campus Conduct Hotline 866-943-5787 Raphaella Prange Dean of Student Development UC 358

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You Will Go Far, Little Me

If I could write a letter to my freshman self, here’s what I would say.

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Dear

Little Me, If I could give you one piece of advice about the future, it would be to stay strong. The world is not going to be what you envision because you have spent your life in a loving household that did everything it could to protect you from the world.You will soon realize your childhood shielded you to the point where you did not experience or witness many of life’s hardships. Turning eighteen and going to college is going to be the most educational, hard, and fun four years of your life. Don’t be scared! It’s okay to feel nervous about getting a fresh start, but don’t let your spirits falter. Everything will turn out all right even if you don’t always think it will. As you progress through your freshman year, you will obtain a new perspective on everything.You will learn how to stand up for yourself and speak up against others who try to make your feelings less valid.You will meet people who always wait for you to fail instead of hope to see you prosper. Oh, Little Me, young and naive girl who has no idea what is to come in the real world . . .You don’t know how much hate runs the world and the people around you.You will be shocked to discover the tragedies that have happened to your newfound friends and what they endure on a daily basis.You will become their smiles and their shoulder to cry on when they need you most.

You will realize how different the world is from what you thought while living at home. Once you shed that comfortable shelter, you will be a witness to the true struggles of mental illness, discrimination, and depression.You will gain empathy that will help you stay strong for yourself and others who need you. But the further you get into college, the more the world will continue to change.You will reach a point where you cannot walk safely by yourself anymore.You will soon find yourself in a world plagued by sexual harassment.You will live in a world where women can’t walk outside without facing catcalls. Sometimes you will walk with your keys in between your fingers in one hand and pepper spray in the other. People will catcall you while you walk down the sidewalk at the university, and you will feel the disgust that hits you immediately afterward. Men will approach you at parties, and you will realize not everyone has good intentions. You will encounter heartbreak. Your feelings will be hurt by people you didn’t think would harm you. You will feel disappointed and disrespected, and you will cry over men who are not worth it.You will feel insecure and wish you could change how you look and your shy personality, but you have to put yourself first and prioritize your happiness. Always remember you are beautiful, strong, and capable of doing anything you want to do.You will stumble into holes you feel you can’t escape, but you will recover anyway. You will fall down, Little Me, but you will get back up.You will fall

down again, and you will get back up again.You will keep going and pushing no matter what happens. You will make the most out of any situation. It sometimes may feel like the world is against you, but that’s not how it’s going to end for you. So don’t worry about what you can’t control.You will learn to accept that not everything will turn out how you plan it, but you will keep growing and changing.You will continue to be who you are: the smiling, happy girl who spreads love to others. Little Me, you have so much going for you in life.You have no idea! You will make a lot of mistakes—some you wish you could take back—but you will transform into a strong, independent woman who doesn’t live life in fear. I love you, beautiful.You will experience great opportunities, so don’t worry too much.

Love, Your Senior Self By Rebekah Icenesse BURST

A Light in the Darkness Living with mental illness isn’t easy, but progress is possible. By Alexsenia Ralat At the beginning of my sophomore year of college, I realized I had changed. I ate less and retreated to my bed more often, and a cloud generally lingered over my head. I couldn’t find happiness. I saw it in fleeting moments when I spent time with friends or watched my favorite television shows, and its ghost loitered in the air after a particularly good day. But it wasn’t tangible—it was a ghost, after all. I couldn’t grasp it or make it stay. I noticed my depression late in the game. My circumstances had already been moving downhill steadily, and the situation was finally reaching a climax even though I didn’t know I was heading toward destruction. I realized a difference long after my friends did. They asked 16

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questions and pushed me to seek help when I didn’t see a need for it. I thought my problem involved laziness rather than depression. After many serious conversations with friends, I finally caved. Booking my first appointment with a therapist represented my first step toward rediscovering my identity and learning how to live with mental illness. I can’t recollect most of those early sessions. We talked about my problems, my therapist offered suggestions, and I returned home. At the time, it seemed unproductive. I grew impatient and skipped sessions. I now realize that missing appointments was one of my biggest mistakes because I fell deeper into depression. I switched therapists,

and I liked the new one better than the last. I began to see improvement. We talked, I gained more knowledge, and a mental health professional officially diagnosed me with major depression and chronic anxiety. By this time, I had been receiving prescribed medications for a while, but I wasn’t taking them regularly, so they couldn’t do their job effectively. I stopped using them during the summer before my junior year because I didn’t have money for appointments and medications. In the fall semester of my junior year, I started taking medication again. After starting my medication on a Wednesday, I was admitted to the hospital on Friday because of an accidental overdose. I was prescribed too much medicine.

Today, it remains one of the scariest moments of my life and a turning point in my mental health battle. I almost died, and the scare prompted me to consider what brought me to that position. After the incident, I switched therapists twice more. The latest therapist assisted me in beginning to live for myself, defend myself in relationships, and take charge of my life.Yet I didn’t truly begin to see change until last summer when I encountered a necessary wake-up call. I lost close friends during the summer months because, throughout my journey, I hadn’t demonstrated the qualities of a good friend. I focused too heavily on myself rather than attempting to comprehend anyone else’s perspective, and I faced consequences because of that outlook. My friends’ leaving, and my subsequent living alone for the first time, led me to contemplate what I had been doing—or, rather, what I hadn’t been doing. I was taking small

steps and regressing repeatedly. I wasn’t applying what my therapist encouraged, and I depended on the sessions and medication to do what I didn’t want to do. I had grown comfortable in my depression. Unfortunately, I didn’t recognize what had occurred until I confronted a few ruined friendships. Being comfortable in my depression wasn’t what I desired. It served as a crutch and a way to deflect accountability for my own actions. If you blame your mental illness for your wrongdoings, you aren’t gaining anything or improving. Losing friends forced me to stop accepting defeat. I’m living alone for the first time, and in doing so, I have benefited from more time to reflect on my actions and emotions. I stopped blaming mental illness and started treating myself and others better. My journey has been long and violent, and I’ve held myself back frequently. Yet I kept going. Now I go to therapy every week, take medication daily, and have a routine. I grapple with

stress, but I know how to manage it. Instead of lying awake at night replaying mistakes, I’m talking myself through my emotions and working on a better understanding of myself. I’m also learning to be a better friend. Living with mental illness is an arduous and continuous process. I may never reach the end, but I’m evolving and changing for the better every day. So when you think you aren’t seeing progress or you’re not experiencing enough change, be patient. It will come—you simply have to think critically about what you’re doing to create change. Go to therapy, take your medication regularly, and make the conscious decision to strive to become the best version of yourself possible. In the end, remember patience is key. Even when you do not think so, you are trying your best with what you have.

If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance, contact these national and local resources: National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-TALK (8255) Heritage Behavior Health Center 217-362-6262 Millikin/DMH Health Clinic 217-424-6360

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IHave Been

Underestimated

Female athletes at Millikin University share their stories of stigma and strength. By Anna Gambol

The impact of ridicule does not always reveal itself explicitly, but it certainly causes ripples. I interviewed female athletes at Millikin University and asked them about the extent to which negative interactions throughout their athletic careers have shaped them. The effects of disrespect on female athletes is astonishing. Lexy wore pants more, Sarah shattered, and Stephanie grew empowered.

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Team members and coaches subject women to criticism often. Outsiders show disapproval because of the way women look or simply because they are female. False stereotypes take their toll on some women’s mental health and even lead them to lose their initial passion for the sport they love. Fortunately, many female athletes rise above the prejudice they absorb from coaches, teammates, parents, and others and become more positive women and athletes as a result. I asked past and present female athletes the same list of questions, and they gave brilliant, eye-opening, and insightful answers.

Lexy is a junior English education major from Effingham, Illinois. She has ran track for seven years and has participated in cross country for five years. She likes her sports because of the family atmosphere and the ability to improve herself and push others to accomplish their goals. Question: “When was a time someone shamed you because of the way you looked, and how did it affect you?” Answer: “When I was in high school and began strength training for running, my calves and biceps were getting a lot bigger, and people made fun of how masculine they looked. I didn’t change anything about myself—I just wore pants a lot more.”

Sarah Bingenheimer, Women’s Volleyball Sarah is a junior majoring in elementary education. Her hometown is Springfield, Illinois, and she has played volleyball since fourth grade. She loves her sport because of the competition, opportunity for activity, and the time she spends with teammates she adores. Question: “When was a time someone shamed you because of the way you looked, and how did it affect you?” Answer: “In middle school, according to my so-called friends, I was fat and ugly . . . but I wasn’t. At the time, this almost broke me. I was very insecure, and my self-esteem was very low.”

MILLIPEOPLE

Shae Giovanni, Women’s Soccer

Lexy Monnet, Retired Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country

Shae is a junior athletic training/prephysical therapy major from Johnsburg, Illinois, who has played soccer for eighteen years. She loves soccer because of the level of competition, the lifelong friendships, and what she has learned from working as a team and facing diversity. Question: “When was a time people overestimated or underestimated your strength as a woman? How did that make you feel?” Answer: “I have been underestimated as a woman many times in my soccer career. When I played soccer with boys at a younger age, the boys would most often not want me on their team because they underestimated my abilities to be a large contribution to the team. This made me feel small, and I felt it was unfair that someone would think less of my capabilities as an athlete BURST

because I am female. I took the many times I have been underestimated and used it to drive myself to always prove to my opponents, teammates, coaches, and myself that I am a capable athlete and have a lot to bring to the table.”

participate in whatever she wants, and it doesn’t matter what you look like or your size.”

Nicole Scott, Retired Women’s Tennis

Emily Elsea, Women’s Golf Emily is a sophomore vocal music education major from Columbia, Missouri. She has participated in golf since eighth grade, and she appreciates that golf is both a team and individual sport. Question: “How long did it take you to recover from negative commentary, and what drove you to stay positive?” Answer: “It took me two years, at least, to realize that it shouldn’t matter what people think of me on or off the golf course. So what if a lot of brands don’t make golf gear in my size because I don’t look like the typical golf girl? What drove me the most is to show every girl she can 20

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Nicole is a senior professional writing major. She is from Belleville, Illinois, and has played tennis since she was nine. She likes tennis because it is a sport based on skill, and anyone can play it with adequate training. Question: “When was a time people overestimated or underestimated your strength as a woman? How did that make you feel?” Answer: “My strength constantly gets underestimated; however, the most distinct time happened shortly before I entered college. I wanted to play a pick-up game of tennis, so I asked my friend, who happened to be male, if he would play with me. His response was that he didn’t want to play against a woman because he would have to go easy on me. It made me angry.”

Stephanie Oliver, Women’s Track & Field Stephanie is a junior from Cedar Lake, Indiana, and majors in art therapy. She has participated in track for four and a half years, and she likes track because it gives her an opportunity to release her energy. It also allows her to surround herself with a family that constantly encourages her to do her best. Question: “How long did it take you to recover from negative commentary, and what drove you to stay positive?” Answer: “It took about the length of a track meet. It is better to watch your teammates doing well, and they didn’t need to see me sitting along the sidelines. It’s easier for me to bounce back when I see others performing.

Anna Gambol’s Perspective Unfortunately, ridiculing athletic women has become a common reality. Like the men on their teams, women have worked extremely hard to succeed in their sport, but many who should strive to support them still attempt to destroy their confidence and self-worth. When people hear disparaging comments about themselves, recovering from the offense usually does not happen effortlessly. Rebuke can hurt badly and can leave a mental scar, but the women I interviewed disregarded the statements and did not allow the words they heard to affect them in their sports or everyday lives. They know hurtful remarks will make them stronger women and athletes and that holding onto the contempt they experience does not benefit them. Rather, staying positive helps them realize how strong and capable they are. Personally, I have experienced my share of harsh words regarding my participation in sports. Because of my 5’11’’ height, everyone thought I should play basketball or volleyball during high school, but I preferred softball and throwing in track and field. Most people within the sports realm do not

associate a tall stature with my chosen activities, and I believed no one truly recognized my performance on both teams. I assumed fellow athletes compared me to men who threw shot and discus instead of acknowledging I threw far as a female. Track has served as my primary sport for a long time, and I have concluded over the years that my throwing abilities impressed those around me. I felt self-conscious due to the distance of my throws, but my peers were not actually comparing me to men. I was simply comparing myself. In the stages prior to adulthood, realizing that fact proved difficult. Although some women may find it easier than others, turning destructive perceptions into motivation can benefit athletic women. Society exposes us to a variety of thoughts and opinions daily, and only we can transform harmful views into an advantage. Rising above the insults and stereotypes can, in turn, boost our performance levels and selfassurance not only while we engage in our sports but also in our day-to-day lives. As a female athlete, I am passionate about

disclosing the hardships women endure in athletics. I want to increase awareness of the stigma women face throughout their athletic careers. The coaches and teammates whom athletes see every day may represent the primary source of direct discrimination, but the issue appears frequently across media outlets as well. Female competitors deserve respect for their talent and achievement, and many eliminate negativity from their minds in order to become stronger and happier. If you know a female athlete, ask her about challenges she overcame in sports and how she managed to persevere.You may learn a great deal about how she persisted and reached the place where she stands today.

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L A I C O S E G N A CH ON L A I C SO A I D ME 22

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The iGeneration is fighting for connection, conversation, and change—all online. By Sydney Sinks Social media dominates our culture and has revolutionized how our generation interacts with the world. Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter offer ways to connect with others. We learn to see different viewpoints, develop meaningful relationships, and orchestrate entire campaigns and protests. We’re pushing ideas and political movements through internet cables. Society labels young people as the iGeneration for a reason. We grew up with smartphones and the internet, and we were entering grade school when Mark Zuckerberg became a household name. Social media sites have only expanded since that time. Before, people seemed hesitant to join Facebook. Now, you may receive a strange look if you tell someone you aren’t on multiple sites.

Finding Support

Real people exist at both ends of the internet cables, and we can develop genuine friendships via social media. These connections can give us the confidence and support we might not find in “real” life. Social media can serve as a refuge from some of the stress we deal with offline, and it can introduce us to others who understand. When you are struggling, you may feel you’re the only person in the world who has endured your difficult situation, especially if you

don’t know anyone who has experienced it. But by talking with people on social media, you start to realize this isn’t the case. Facebook support groups, Instagram pages, and Twitter hashtags connect people who are struggling. Through these platforms, you can access individuals in the same situation and share resources and advice with one another. It offers you support. When you watch your new friends overcoming challenges, it gives you hope. This kind of support becomes especially important for people belonging to underrepresented communities. For example, a queer teenager who lives in a conservative area can find a constructive environment online. They can discover resources and meet people who accept them as they are, and they can also obtain a glimpse of a future more wonderful than they can imagine under their present circumstances. The same remains true for those facing mental health obstacles, questioning their gender identity, or trying to manage traumatic experiences. Social media can represent an extremely empowering force to connect people and assist them in recognizing they are not alone. Millikin University sophomore Jacqueline Freed has experienced the advantages of social media networking firsthand. Along with her sister, she operates an Instagram account, @painfreed, that supplies information and support for those dealing with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Most of their followers consist of people who suffer from EDS or other chronic pain disorders. Although Freed

felt hesitant to join the account initially, she soon realized the page enabled her to talk to people who understand. Conversations happen on Instagram that might not occur in Freed’s “real” life. “Sometimes it’s hard to talk to other people about the pain you’re going through,” says Freed. “People don’t understand that, but this community does. So you feel like you can explain your issues a little better because they understand a little better.” Freed’s outlet grew especially helpful during finals week when she sprained her wrist. Not only was she in pain, but she also struggled to type essays and complete assignments while wearing a splint. After sharing these difficulties on her Instagram account, followers surprised her by commenting with their advice to relieve pain. Some of them even suggested resources she could reference to make doing homework easier. Moments like this one remind Freed that people understand and support her.

F E AT U R E S

Of course, detriments accompany the social media boom. But our newly technological world also poses some real benefits. Social media is all about connection, and far-reaching positives result from connecting with other people, ideas, and social movements. When we use social media to interact with others, we expose ourselves to new beliefs and ideas. We catch a glimpse of different religious traditions and political opinions. In short, we see the world even if we don’t actually leave our corner of it. Young people benefit substantially from the exposure. It’s hard to determine your own beliefs when you only hear or read the opinions of people around you who are most likely similar to you. We can access different ideas and viewpoints online that we might not encounter in our normal interactions with teachers and parents. The expansion can prove helpful for young people trying to establish their unique identities. By learning about the world, we begin to understand our place within it.

“It definitely makes you

feel like you’re not alone,” Freed says.

“Even knowing there’s an explanation for it, you still feel alone. You still feel weird and different. But with this community, you see that other people are going through this same thing.• • • • • • • • •

I’m not by myself.” BURST

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Advocating for Change

While social media can facilitate a connection on a personal level, it also can aid in the orchestration of entire social justice movements. With a few taps on a phone, it’s possible to disseminate information across the globe. We can educate others about social issues, resources, and movements using the functions on social media sites. By using social media to generate support and education, we plan revolutions in revolutionary

ways and change the world. #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, #MarchForOurLives—all these phrases have been trending hashtags on Twitter. They also have functioned as the battle cries of people who feel sick of the world and want to change it. And the universe is paying attention. People spend a lot of time on social media, and they notice the material appearing on their newsfeeds. These hashtags connect relevant posts and people. Users can easily learn more about what’s happening, and they can decide what role they will play in the activity. Online movements make headlines, but more than that, they pave the way for genuine change. By sharing ideas across social media, we push people to learn more and take action. In May 2019, Millikin University students witnessed the capabilities of social media for themselves when a protest broke out over the treatment of African American students. The

protest, dubbed “Ah, Where Are You Millikin?,” was organized by campus leaders through GroupMe. Organizers spread the word by posting about the protest on their social media pages. By the next morning, they had generated a crowd of roughly thirty students who marched across campus with posters, chants, and demands that Millikin University take action. “Our goal was to show that, for underrepresented students, we are here, and our school isn’t showing up for us like we want,” says student JaCarla Anderson. Anderson experienced how social media influenced people during the protest, but she was already familiar with the power of technology. As the president of Millikin’s Black Student Union (BSU), she constantly advertises and advocates—all from her phone. But she acknowledges the limitations of social media as well. She comprehends the permanence of her posts, and she stays conscious of the wording she uses online. Even though the utilization of social media presents its downsides, Anderson continues to take advantage of the rewards. Airdropping fliers to people in the University Commons, for example, is one of her most effective advertising techniques. According to

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her, this strategy is one of the best ways to attract attention and promote action. “I think social media is very prominent in this generation,” Anderson says. “I think it’s pretty big, and you get most of your news from social media, right? So why not go to the platform that everybody uses and everybody knows about?”

Engaging Beyond the Local

Beyond Millikin, countless movements and conversations have started online. It can be difficult to see what’s taking place outside our own communities, and social media gives a closer look into what’s happening and how we can help. For instance, a human rights crisis occurred in Sudan in June 2019, but the ordeal lacked considerable mainstream media coverage. Instead, civilians and activists reported on the crisis via social media. The hashtag #StayStrongSudan circulated throughout Instagram and Twitter, and people shared details about what was happening and how to provide assistance. People around the world could pool their knowledge and resources by retweeting. Messages about the crisis saturated my newsfeed, and I learned about the massacre and the political environment in a way I wouldn’t have if I relied solely on news channels. I was able to see what was happening and learn about the causes, and I could even extend resources and support—all through social media. Beyond education about social issues, social media allows people to push for change. Social media movements have revamped the conversation around major 26

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contemporary issues because much of the discussion takes place online. By clicking on a hashtag, you can find recent information about a movement and stay up-to-date on the dialogue surrounding it—a more fast-paced and interactive dialogue than ever before. Sharing, retweeting, and commenting functions allow people to lend their voices to the discourse, and the opportunities have resulted in a more complete and evolving understanding of social issues and movements. I knew the internet could facilitate communication, but I was never involved directly until my senior year of high school when the March for Our Lives movement spread across the internet. My friend and I decided we were going to protest, and we wanted to encourage as many of our classmates as we could to join us. On March 13, 2018, my friend posted a Snapchat story inviting students to join him in the walkout planned across the nation on March 14. With a couple of clicks, I shared his post to my own story. By that night, most people I knew had shared it, and hundreds of people had seen the invitation to participate. The next day, when we filed out of our classrooms and marched to the football field, we documented the protest on Snapchat and added videos of the prayer circle to our Facebook pages. In this moment, I saw online activism in real life. We disseminated the information throughout the entire school in less than twentyfour hours, and our mission elicited a strong response. Debates about the protest and the politics behind it spread across our newsfeeds, and

it sparked genuine discussions in the classroom about gun control and school safety. Meanwhile, I monitored Instagram to follow the protests at other schools across the country as well as the huge national protest led by Marjory Stoneman Douglas students.Young people planned and largely organized the March for Our Lives movement on social media, and the iGeneration shared ideas and pushed for change via the internet. While our generation’s fascination with social media can seem problematic, we also reap huge benefits from using these sites.You can learn more about the world around you, find connection and support, and fight for what you believe. Our voices are louder than ever before. We grew up with social media, and we understand the power of it. And now, we’re beginning to use it.

Planning a revolution has never felt so possible.

The origins of

American Feminism can be found by looking back at the past 100 years.

Picture a feminist. Whom do you imagine? You probably think of someone from the 21st century crusading for one of the various causes intersecting with women’s issues.You likely do not envision the women who tirelessly fought for the right to vote alongside their husbands, brothers, and sons or the women from the 1960s who longed for equal opportunities and pay. Reflecting on the past 100 years illuminates the struggles and similarities between feminists of the past and today. BURST

On June 4, 1919, Congress granted American women the right to vote. What we consider today a basic right for American citizens became a subject of controversy. The original American feminists, the Suffragettes, challenged centuries of oppression. One of the original arguments for why women were unable to vote was that they were irrational. Men deemed women hysterical and unable to control their emotions, and they claimed menstruation impaired their ability to control themselves. Because of their view, men barred women from jobs, which furthered the traditional gender roles that still exist now. These beliefs exemplify patriarchal values displaying a clear binary: weak versus strong, emotional versus logical, and woman versus man. In other areas of life, binaries often prove incredibly debilitating for both parties but especially the restricted party. These conceptions have grown deeply ingrained into American society. At the time when women finally gained voting power, the dominant patriarchal ideas portrayed women 28

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as nothing more than homemakers who should remain submissive to their husbands. Societal expectations supported the opinion that a husband’s vote counted for the whole household. Until women were granted the right to vote, this line of thinking completely removed women’s agency. Dr. Michael Hollis-George, an English professor at Millikin University, explains that even literature was stacked against women. Authors presented women as overly emotional and innately subordinate to men. Physically weaker, tear-laden, virgin women represented the literary standard, and women heard and read stories portraying these women as “good.” Suffragettes defied this norm they had known their entire lives, which may have led others to label them as “bad” women. Following the heated conflict that surrounded women attaining the right to vote, women began to advocate heavily for equal pay and job opportunity in the 1960s. These two factors would elevate women to a level socially equivalent to

men. Prior to this period, although women could vote, no law protected women from underpayment or job refusal solely on the basis of gender. Employers used the assumption that men demonstrated superiority to women in every field except childcare to keep women at home, a common trope within sitcoms from the 1950s and 1960s. During this era of great social change, women still felt pressure to conform to the wants of the patriarchy. Women of color often felt forced to choose between fighting for women’s rights or racial minorities’ rights. Women, in general, felt a pressure to choose between working and raising a family. The notion of having to choose damaged women because it denied them the ability to participate fully in society. In contrast to men, who never needed to decide between a career and family or to which group they belonged more, women could not engage in every area of life. Society pressured them to limit themselves. When you review the past 100 years, you will see the struggles women endured. Although social norms served as problematic obstacles, women managed to prevail and gain the legal equality they sought. In the present, women continue to fight for social equality, better women’s health, and LGBTQ+ issues. Some fights have not changed since the earlier days of feminism. However, today, intersectionality has developed into a major aspect of modern-day feminism, as feminists dedicate their efforts to issues of race and class along with LGBTQ+ concerns.Yet despite how far the nation has progressed in the past 100 years, American society still has a long way to go.

NOTAbLE WOMEN

El e a

n or R

y Fr i edan

As an author, bell hooks uses her platform to discuss women’s rights and racial relations. She has published several scholarly articles and more than thirty books advocating for social justice and equality. She has also given public lectures and appeared in documentaries.

Currently a professor emerita at the University of California, Sara Cruz, Angela Davis has rallied for both racial and gender equality. Davis spoke at the Women’s March on Washington following President Trump’s inauguration, and she has published several compelling books about class and feminism. She has given several lectures at esteemed universities across the United States and overseas.

ny ho

s oo k

Eleanor Roosevelt worked with the Women’s Trade Union League (WTUL) and the International Congress of Working Women (ICWW). She also ran a newspaper column addressing women’s issues. Later in her life, during John F. Kennedy’s presidency, she held the chair position on his Presidential Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW).

Betty Friedan wrote The Feminine Mystique, a book that sparked second-wave feminism. Additionally, she also co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) and served as its first president in 1966. On August 26, 1970, she orchestrated the Women’s Strike for Equality.

Sus an B

n . A

As a leader of the Suffragette movement, Susan B. Anthony supported increasing women’s rights in the 1920s. She helped women gain the right to vote alongside her friend Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Together, they created the National Woman Suffrage Association.

An g el

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By Kathryn Coffey On October 9, 2019, Planned Parenthood held their annual condom bingo in the University Commons lobby. Attendees won prizes and learned more about Decatur’s branch of Planned Parenthood, and bingo participants could take the condoms and lubricant for free. Both items represent important tools for when partners engage in sexual relations. Although condoms are readily available, easily obtainable, and usually a free birth control solution, they apply specifically to men. Doctors and manufacturers provide multiple birth control choices to women as well, and knowing the range of options can assist them in making an informed decision about what works best for them. Junior English education major Tillie Ann Boliard has explored the possibilities and identified the birth control suited for her. She now considers it an essential part of her life. She uses an intrauterine device (IUD) so she won’t worry about becoming pregnant from sex with her boyfriend. The use of birth control empowers her to accept and explore her sexuality. She believes people shouldn’t have to sacrifice their comfort and pleasure. “If I don’t want a baby, that shouldn’t mean I can’t have sex,” Boliard says. Birth control is empowering. By helping women track menstruation cycles, control hormones that produce acne, and prevent pregnancy, birth control allows women take greater control of their bodies. Granting people the ability to regulate their own reproductive system gives them more authority over their lives. I personally use Xulane, a patch that helps track my periods. I don’t feel comfortable swallowing pills or permitting a doctor to implant an IUD in my uterus. Xulane empowers me because I’m in charge of my period. However, I will admit it wasn’t my first preference. I would rather 30

have Nexplanon, the birth control implant, but my insurance won’t cover it. The potential insurance complications are unfair but are part of the limitations on obtaining effective birth control. For some, abstinence is the only birth control method familiar to them. In religious

should be able to get it,” Wier says. “People should know what they’re getting themselves into.” Every woman’s body operates differently, so one “size” does not fit all. A person’s unique needs should remain one of the most important factors when contemplating what birth control

to employ, and women who possess a full understanding of their individual bodies will likely discover a beneficial solution. Birth control isn’t a required commitment, but investing in it shouldn’t lead to unnecessary hassles. Ladies, they’re our bodies, so it should be our decision!

communities, some individuals believe abstinence is the correct path because partners should save sex for marriage as a testament to the couple’s sacred bond. By her admission, senior music education major Leah Wier’s viewpoint on birth control is complicated. On the one hand, she believes sex is sacred, but she also views birth control as helpful and thinks women should invest in it. In addition, she thinks that while requiring insurance to cover birth control is great, not having insurance shouldn’t prohibit people from obtaining it. “Birth control is fine, and people BURST

The following birth control methods, listed from least to most expensive, help prevent pregnancy. It’s important to remember that each comes with different benefits and drawbacks.

The sponge is small, rounded, and made of plastic with an attached loop for easy removal. Women place it in the cervix before having sex. Prices range from free to $15.

Some people don’t want to have sex or don’t feel comfortable with it. That’s okay! You shouldn’t have sex if you won’t feel relaxed or enjoy the moment. If you’re not comfortable having sex, it’s all right to take your time or not engage in sexual The pill is one of the most activity at all. common methods.You take one daily,

The patch is a weekly affair. Place the patch on your shoulder, near the abdomen, above the rear, or on the hips. Wear it for a week and replace it with a new one on a different area of your body. During the fourth week, don’t wear a patch, and your period should happen around that time. This method is especially useful for keeping track of your menstrual cycles. Patches cost as high as $150 per box, and each box contains three patches. 32

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You can find these in Millikin’s Health Center waiting room, and most drug stores or pharmacies carry them. Depending on the manufacturer, you can purchase a box of about 24 condoms for less than $20. They are one of the only male birth control methods and prevent pregnancy from vaginal sex. Don’t wear two at once because they could break more easily from increased friction.

and the hormones block ovulation. If you forget to take the pill one day, don’t panic. Use a condom until you contact your doctor. When taking the pill, you must keep track of when you take it. A calendar app or setting alarms or reminders on your phone will ensure that you remember. The pill typically costs as much as $50 each month.

You receive one every few months. The shot contains progestin, a hormone that prevents ovulation. It costs as high as $150 per shot.

You must replace the ring monthly. It sits inside the vagina to absorb hormones in the vaginal lining. It costs between $30 and $35 per ring.

Nexplanon and others like it are tiny sticks implanted in one of your arms.You replace it every few years, and it costs as high as $1300. As with many of the methods listed here, the implant won’t stop you from acquiring sexually transmitted infections, but it’s 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Some people with the An IUD costs as much Nexplanon implant never as $1300. It consists of either experience periods. copper or plastic material that is inserted into the uterus. Partners must be careful the first few times having sex because the material could poke the penis, making intercourse uncomfortable. Even so, its rate of effectiveness is 99 percent.

Consult your doctor to find your ideal birth control method.You should always talk with your health care provider about what you want and what makes you feel most comfortable. Have fun responsibly!

Tubes in a man’s scrotum carry sperm. During a vasectomy, a doctor either blocks or removes the tubes. Surgeries cost as high as $1000.

This surgery removes or blocks a woman’s fallopian tubes from the rest of her reproductive organs so sperm won’t be able to reach the eggs. This solution is a permanent one, and the surgery could potentially cost $6000.

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Wear Your Confidence

ave you ever heard the saying “if you look good, you feel good?” That claim highlights the significant power of fashion. Fashion influences everyday life more than you may perceive because fashion expands beyond clothing. It functions as an extension of your personality. Whether through garments, accessories, or hairstyles, everybody has developed their own distinct flair. A unique style doesn’t necessarily correspond with designer apparel.You don’t have to own a Chanel bag or wear Louboutin heels to convey style. A distinct style involves what you like to wear. When you accept yourself and embrace your fashion identity, wearing what you want allows you to be who you want. Junior elementary education major Rosemary Dickson explains, “I do tend to wear whatever I want. I feel more comfortable in the clothes I wear because they are like a shield. They are like armor. When you have that armor, it protects you from negative influences, and you become more confident.”

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Fashion empowers you in the same way it builds confidence: through emotions. Fashion can make you feel many different ways. A cozy, soft sweater can help you maintain comfort in the same manner that a bold, red lip can boost your selfassurance. Accentuating your best features or personality traits can assist you in carrying poise throughout the day. It all depends on how you want to feel during the specific activities you plan to do. Kelly Ngaruko, a senior mathematics major at Millikin University, believes the level of confidence gained from fashion varies from person-toperson. She says, “For a second, you feel more than what you thought you were. It gives you confidence. It’s like wearing a suit.You wear the story or the credibility.” Fashion empowers because it allows you the freedom to look how you want. If you can’t fully show who you are with words, you can illustrate it through your appearance, and you can set yourself apart by not conforming to the opinions of others. Molly Smith, a junior professional writing major, states that fashion does, in fact, bolster

confidence. She says fashion “tells a lot about a person. Most generally, if a person is wearing darker colors or cooler toned colors, they’re more calm or more inviting or neutral. Sometimes it could mean they’re kind of shy or introverted. Other times, when people are wearing brighter colors, they actually show a more bubbly, inviting kind of attitude towards other people. They probably are more extroverted.” Fashion represents a doubleedged sword. It can promote selfesteem but also deteriorate it. If someone utters negative comments about how you look, you may notice a dip in your confidence and become understandably upset.Yet the opposite also applies. If someone praises your fashion sense and compliments what you’re wearing— whether it’s as small as a bracelet or as obvious as a pair of pants—their approval will probably cause you to feel happy. In some cases, those kind words give you the extra dose of energy you need to finish your day on a strong note. Fashion also serves as a method for voicing your views and convictions when you find yourself

verbally unable to do so. Everyone has seen simple T-shirts with meaningful slogans stretched across the front—think “The Future is Female” and “Keep Calm and . . . ”. Not only are you empowering yourself through the messages on your clothing, but you are empowering others as well. When someone reads a statement coinciding with their beliefs, they may be prompted to discuss their viewpoints more openly because they know they are not alone. What you may visualize as a simple style decision can affect the extent to which someone else interacts in popular debates and society in general. While fashion operates as a tool for empowerment, you should not rely solely on it. If you’re not open to experiencing personal growth, you will never genuinely feel empowered even through the clothes you wear. Furthermore, watch out for the trap of comparing yourself to others and their style. Replicating the style of others you admire is a starting point, but don’t

be afraid to branch out and discover your own look. All human beings are individuals, and no two are the same.You should welcome your individuality instead of hiding it behind the exact same clothes you see

the people around you wearing. Strive to arrive at a place where you are uniquely and unashamedly yourself, and society will have no choice but to make room for you.

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Millikin University students share the words they draw strength, power, and inspiration from in their daily lives.

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By Aubrey Staton

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“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” —Nora Ephron “The only thing that stands between a person and what they want is the will to try it and the faith to believe it is possible. —Rich DeVos

“Freedom begins the moment you realize someone else

has been writing your story and it’s time you took the pen from his hand and started writing it yourself.” —Bill Moyers

“Our minds are information vacuums. Either we fill them

with thoughts of our choosing or someone else will.” —Ray A. Davis

“As you change your point of view, your views bring about a change in you.” —George Alexiou

“The disempowered mind believes dreams come true; the empowered mind knows you

bring your dreams to life.”

—Steve Maraboli

COPING WITH THE CORONAVIRUS Millikin life changed drastically in the wake of COVID-19. Listen to the students who shared their stories at Decaturian.com.

INTERESTED IN STUDENT JOURNALISM? CONTACT APAJER@MILLIKIN.EDU

STORY & AD IDEAS: CONTACT DECATURIAN.MU@GMAIL.COM