SPARK Issue - Fall/Winter 2024

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FRONT OF BOOK Behind the Cover ������������������������������������������������� 4 Masthead ����������������������������������������������������������� 6 Who we Are �������������������������������������������������������� 7 Letter from the Editor ������������������������������������������ 8 Staff Spotlight ��������������������������������������������������� 10

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MAIN CAMPUS Winter Fun, Philly Style �������������������������������������� 14 Local Spark ������������������������������������������������������� 16 A Look Inside Campus Thrift Culture ������������������� 18 Embracing Sobriety in the College Experience ����� 20 Cover Shoot ������������������������������������������������������ 22

THE MINE Feel Good Frequencies ��������������������������������������� 28 Book Club Buzz ������������������������������������������������� 30 Sparking a Deeper Connection to Nature �������������� 32 Your Feelings Don’t Make You a Burden �������������� 34 Rom-Coms: Female Gaze Edition ������������������������� 36 QUIZ: What’s the Spark of Your Style? ����������������� 38 Reboots, Revivals, Remakes �������������������������������� 40 A Spark of Connection ���������������������������������������� 42 The Return of Vintage Fashion ���������������������������� 44 Giving My Life a Little Sparkle ����������������������������� 46 Get Your Zen On ����������������������������������������������� 48 What’s Your Fashion Fortune? ��������������������������� 50 Digital Sparks: Social Media Shaping Fashion �������� 52 Romance is Weird in Your 20s ���������������������������� 54 Astro Love Sparks ���������������������������������������������� 56 How Personal Style Lights the Way ���������������������� 58 Don’t Be Afraid to let the Sparks Fly! ������������������ 60 The Pursuit of the “Spark”: Endgame or Endless? �� 61 The Art of Accessorizing ������������������������������������� 62 Why Gen Z Loves A Throwback ��������������������������� 64 2 REFINE: The Spark

photo by: OANH LUONG Photo by: OANH LUONG

HIS ISSUE...

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behind the cover 4 REFINE: The Spark Issue

Photo by: ALANA PALMER

Alana Palmer photographs Nadja-Leena Barnhardt and Gabe Kutz.

Photo by: OANH LUONG

Photographed by Alana Palmer, models Nadja-Leena Barnhardt and Gabe Kutz channeled their inner spark in this issue’s cover shoot.

The flickering lighters and iridescent disco balls reflect the spark we’re feeling inside.

Can you feel it? xoxo, Nadja-Leena Barnhardt and Gabe Kutz Photo by: ALANA PALMER

REFINE 5

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Maddie Mosley MANAGING EDITOR Alison Mupambirei SENIOR EDITOR Amna Faheem

Editorial FOB/BOB EDITOR Rachel Williams FEATURES EDITOR Jada Montgomery FASHION EDITOR Atiya Dasté LOVE EDITOR Morgan Ritter HEALTH EDITOR Ashley Green CULTURE EDITOR Alana Beltran DIGITAL EDITOR Iona Clark COPY EDITORS Lilly Werling, Alexis Bray, Nav Nair

Visuals ART DIRECTOR Cara Kishter DESIGN DIRECTOR Tracy Weng FASHION DIRECTOR Carolina Tucker-DelValle LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Alana Palmer ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHERS Julia Bristol, Oanh Luong, Katie Leis, Kayla McMonagle ASSISTANT DESIGNERS Katie Leis, Oanh Luong, Karly Opher

Marketing SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Valerie Torres ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Hadiza Mshelia ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Karly Opher CONTENT CREATORS Atiya Dasté, Nav Nair, Alana Palmer A special thanks to our staff writers and editorial, digital, and visual contributors

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Photo by: KATIE LEIS

Who we are...

Photo by: ALANA PALMER

Just as diamonds are refined by intense pressure and extracurricular challenges, REFINE magazine will challenge Temple women to think outside the box. REFINE offers a fresh perspective on campus life, the fashion statements, culture, music trends, health habits, and love lives that Temple women possess, all in one beautifully packaged product. Our goal is to provide great service to our readers, so that they can navigate through the trenches of college with confidence and grace.

REFINE mimics the voice of the reader’s BFF: We love you, but we have no qualms about giving it to you straight.

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Photo by: ALANA PALMER

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Letter From The Editor Dear Reader, If you’re no stranger to REFINE, you might be surprised to see my face on this page instead of our lovely former Editor-in-Chief, Samantha.

Allow me to introduce myself—I'm Maddie Mosley, a senior majoring in Communication and Social Influence. Once upon a time, I was a double major in Journalism, but then I dropped it to a minor, and eventually, I let it go entirely. Not because I hate journalism – I actually have a deep respect for it, but because I found myself drawn to creative extracurriculars that involved writing. For me, it was less about the classes and more about the stories I could tell outside of them.

I joined REFINE in the fall of 2023 as a staff writer, became the Digital Editor in the spring of 2024, and now, here I am, stepping into the role of Editor-in-Chief for my final semester at Temple. Creating this issue has been nothing short of hectic, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. Working alongside such a talented group of writers, photographers, and designers has been a privilege, and I’m so proud of what we’ve created together.

College has been a whirlwind of self-discovery for me. Growing up in a small, close-minded town, I never imagined how transformative moving to a big city could be. Being at Temple has allowed me to find my voice, my passions, and my spark (wink, wink). And REFINE? It’s been a huge part of that journey.

As I prepare to move on to whatever comes next, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this magazine and the people who make it what it is. REFINE has taught me more than I ever thought possible – not just about writing or editing, but about collaboration, leadership, and the power of storytelling.

To REFINE and all its readers, thank you for being part of this unforgettable chapter in my life. You’ve truly been great to me.

With all my love,

Maddie Mosley, Editor-in-Chief 9

staff spotlight lead photographer: alana palmer By: Morgan Ritter Love Editor Morgan Ritter had a conversation with Lead Photographer Alana Palmer about her passion for photography, her journey to REFINE, and her other creative endeavors.

M: What got you into photography in the first place? How did you come to enjoy it?

M: What particular aspects of photography bring you the most joy?

A: In middle school, I got my first camera. I kind of always liked taking pictures whenever I was on family trips and stuff. And then I got my first DSLR my freshman year of high school. I’ve had that same camera for about nine years now, so it’s been a while, but I started doing mostly sports photography in high school. And then once I got here, I started working at Temple Volleyball, but I kind of do a little bit of a lot of things.

A: Seeing the reaction on people’s faces when they get the photos. Just seeing the general reaction of people lets me know that my work is being appreciated, and the work and time and effort that I’m putting in is actually being shown.

M: Is there anything that you particularly love to photograph?

A: I started more with nature photography, but recently I’ve gotten more into portraiture and sports photography, since I want to get into sports media. I’m also a graphic design major, so I enjoy combining those two things.

M: Do you have a favorite photoshoot or experience of yours?

A: Last year, I did a Halloween photoshoot on campus.

I recruited models and everything was easy to set up and transport. It turned out really well, and it was just something I’d never done before, conducting my own full shoot with a bunch of models, so that was really exciting.

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M: Is there any advice you would give to any aspiring photographers?

A: I would say start small. I feel like a lot of people think they have to get the most expensive equipment right away, but I started with the point-and-shoot when I was in middle school and with my iPod. Starting small is the best way to grow because you will adapt new skills over time. I was pretty much self taught all throughout middle school and up until high school, I started taking a few photography classes. It’s all about taking the time to understand the different aspects and terms, because when it comes to working with professional clients, they might end up knowing more than you. So it’s good to be really wellversed in whatever your niche is.

M: I took a look at your Instagram and I saw that you also write poetry and have a self-published book? Tell me a little more about that!

A: I started writing it again back in high school, so then sophomore year of college published it. It was a process. I went through ten different covers, and the pages were black at one point, and now they are white. So with my second book, I want to get more of my creativity into it, because this one was kind of just plain text on a page. I want to start adding graphics and some of my own images, so I’m pretty excited for that next process. I mostly write about heartbreak, unfortunately, but also general life experiences.

M: What is your favorite part of working at REFINE? A: The creative aspect and being able to bounce ideas off of people. I’ve only ever worked with one other org, and it was a talk show, so it’s very structured. But with REFINE, it’s more of a free flow. You pick a theme, and then you can basically write about anything, which I think is really fun, because people can get their very specific opinions across.

And then with the photoshoots that I’ve done for them in the past, being able to conduct that and convey what the theme is through visuals is really fun.

You can find Alana’s freelance work on Instagram @ alanamoriah.digital and her poetry account is @ wordsbylana.

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campus Photo by: ALANA PALMER

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winter fun, philly style By: Maddie Mosley

When winter hits Philly with icy winds and snowstorms, don’t let yourself be stuck inside counting the days until spring! Whether you’re braving the outdoors or prefer to stay cozy at home, there are plenty of fun activities to keep you entertained and warm. Here are some top picks to enjoy your winter wonderland (or avoid it altogether).

Dive into Philly’s Little Free(dom) Libraries

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For the bookworms out there, Philadelphia’s Little Free(dom) Libraries offer a unique way to explore the city through free, banned books at 14 locations, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Eastern State Penitentiary. Launched in February 2024, the initiative celebrates diverse voices and makes books that have been banned or challenged accessible to all. After grabbing a book, explore nearby Asian-, BIPOC-, LGBTQ+-, and women-owned businesses. Presented in partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia, this initiative is part of In Pursuit of A More Perfect Union, promoting inclusion and the right to read.

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Get Your Skate On at RiverRink WinterFest

If you don’t mind bundling up, the RiverRink WinterFest is a Philly winter staple. From ice skating to arcade games, cozy fire pits, and hot food, it’s the perfect place to embrace the season. Bring your friends or family for some frosty fun along the Delaware River Waterfront. Everything’s pay-as-yougo, so you can choose your winter adventure without breaking the bank.

Indulge at RIM Cafe

Hot chocolate lovers, this one’s for you. RIM Cafe on South 9th Street is the place to be when you need to thaw out from the cold. With decadent options like salted caramel, chocolate ganache, and even “dirty” hot chocolate, it’s a sweet escape from the winter chill.

Don’t forget to try their famous cannoli, which come in unique flavors like cinnamon crunch or cookies and cream. It’s a delicious way to warm up, one sip (or bite) at a time.

So, whether you’re out exploring the wintry streets of Philly or curled up by the fire, there’s no shortage of ways to make this season fun. Embrace the cold or cozy up indoors – the choice is yours!

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A Chat with Local Musician

Konrad Neely Neely performing on the keyboard at a basement house show around Temple University on August 31, 2024.

By: Rachel McCloskey

Photographs Courtosey of Trouble at the Doormat’s Instagram.

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Trouble at the Doormat performing live at a house show around Temple University on September 22, 2023.

Before Konrad Neely started making music under the name ‘Trouble at the Doormat’ with his college friends at Temple University, he was raised on classical music. In fact, his first performance was a duet with his older brother on the piano.

“We actually did pretty well,

considering I hated practicing classical music as a kid,” Neely said.

Neely grew up in a musical household in Fort Washington, Maryland. He took piano lessons from a young age and often found himself competing against his brother Cam, who is five years older than him.

“That kind of excelled me as a kid. The bar [was] my older brother… He inspires me a lot, and he’s kind of made me realize I don’t need any bar. The bar is me,” Neely said.

His first performance with his funk band, Trouble at the Doormat, was in the basement of their shared household on Fontain St in 2022. He had been practicing the keyboard and the trumpet, and learning songs with James Calderwood, their bassist and front vocalist, Liam Wiedmann, their guitarist, and Ej Belter, their drummer at the time.

“We had all the instruments in our basement like, ‘let’s have people come and hear us play this’ because [we] sounded pretty good, in our opinion. Which is funny, because now looking back, no, we definitely didn’t sound very great. But the passion was there, and the chemistry was there. We love making music with each other,” Neely said.

They performed “What’s the Use” by Mac Miller and an original titled “Fontain Funk.” The show had occurred before they even came up with a name for the band.

“Immediately after we all came up the stairs and we’re like, “Why don’t we just f*cking start a band?”

Trouble at the Doormat performing live at a house show around Temple University on September 22, 2023.

Neely had always known he wanted to start a band. Since he was four years old, he remembers making up band names in the back of his mother’s car. He would tell her, “This is going to be the name of my band.” The origin of Trouble at the Doormat comes from magnetic words found on their friend’s fridge, as he and Calderwood messed around, trying to come up with funny sentences.

Despite dreaming of his band, Neely didn’t always know he wanted to truly be a musician.

“When it came to my lessons, and I used to play trumpet in high school, I was never into learning how to do more things. I never wanted to be a musician. I’d always been playing music my whole life… It wasn’t the music I actually really enjoyed or listened to… Once I met James though, it kind of made me realize I was a musician,” Neely said.

As they jammed together, Neely realized he had the skills to conceptualize his music and learn so much more. He began pursuing funk and jazz.

Big inspirations for Neely include MF Doom, Mac Miller, Tyler, the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Herbie Hancock, Vince Guaraldi, Keith Jarrett, and Miles Davis. Other inspirations include Clairo, Homeshake, Mac DeMarco, Men I Trust, Crumb, Cocteau Twins, and The Cranberries. Konrad and James began to wonder what it would be like for them to make music like these other artists. Thus, &love was born.

After their roommates had unexpectedly broken the lease on Fontain Street, Neely and Calderwood decided to make as much music in that house as possible until they had to leave. The first song they had written for their self-proclaimed ‘musical endeavor’ was called “Leave or Stay.”

“We finished it pretty quickly, and then immediately after that, we made “Sofa.” Then we just kept going. We made three songs in two weeks.” Finally, they decided to make an album. “It just feels so good to make music that you respect.”

Both Trouble at the Doormat and &love are available on streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. Trouble at the Doormat continues to play live shows in Philadelphia in venues like World Café Live and Kungfu Necktie – be sure to catch their next show.

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A Look Inside Campus Thrift Culture By: Alana Beltran Thrifting has become a thriving trend on many college campuses, including Temple University, as students find secondhand shopping appealing for various reasons. After visiting thrift sales and speaking with both sellers and sustainability activists, several key factors emerge that explain why thrifting holds special significance for students today.

One of the biggest appeals of thrift shopping is its affordability. With tight budgets and the high cost of living in the city, students are naturally drawn to events designed with their finances in mind.

On-campus thrift sales have pulled students as their collections are curated to fit students’ styles and bank accounts.

Reseller Sage makes most of his sales at the skatepark.”I’ve loved thrifting since I was a kid—it brings people together. I’ve made so many friends selling clothes at the skatepark,” Sage said. “Everyone here is so nice and welcoming, plus it’s a permit-free zone, so cops can’t shut it down.”

Sage often buys out people’s entire closets from Craigslist and Facebook and, in doing so, learns about the history and origins of the pieces he is selling. He has only been selling at the skatepark for a year and hasn’t faced many challenges when it comes to selling his items.

“When it comes to selling, you have to be able to talk to people and not sit there awkward and stare. You have to conduct yourself a certain way. I think the challenges are getting over the social anxiety of talking to people and walking up, but you get over it pretty quick.”

Secondhand shopping allows students to make positive choices in reducing waste and supporting more eco-friendly practices. Sustainability allows students to gain substantial knowledge about the environmental impacts of fast fashion.

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The Office of Sustainability at Temple is an official department of the university that is dedicated to facilitating student programs like events and workshops to teach students about sustainability and building a sustainable culture.

“We really want to build a more holistic definition of sustainability that extends throughout the university, and that we are able to help Temple adopt as an anchor institution here in North Philadelphia,” said Bryce Forys, the Sustainability Coordinator.

The Office of Sustainability holds a variety of events on campus, but their most notable one is their campus thrift event. The event has been running for many years and students have the chance to donate their old clothes using donation bins that are placed in every residence hall that will be later sold at the event.

With the help of a large group of volunteers, it takes about three weeks to sort, weigh, and package through all of the donated items. The process is long and strenuous, but always has a great impact and connects the Temple community.

“All of those clothes would end up in a landfill, so we are putting them back in the hands of students that need them. And we sell them for really discounted prices.”

This approach not only reduces waste but also fosters a sense of community among students. By creating opportunities for affordable shopping, the initiative highlights the importance of reusing and recycling, while addressing essential needs on campus. It’s a tangible way to combine environmental consciousness with direct support for students.

Forys describes the overall mission of the Cherry Pantry and The Office of Sustainability as “A large circular mission” with much of their impact being on social equity and sustainability.

“All of the sales we make at those pop-up shops goes back to the Cherry Pantry as part of their operating budget

so then they are able to get more food and other supplies that students need here on campus.”

So, what does the future look like for campus thrift culture?

From a seller’s perspective, Sage said “From outside, this is a permit-free zone. I have made a nice community of friends and we want to keep building to the point where we have[[thrift] shows! There are already shows here, but it would be nice for the thrifters to have their own shows, like more of an event-style thing, and have food out here. I wanna bring out my old games and a generator so people can come play games.”

“I think the one thing that we really are working on when it comes to thrifting is how to eliminate this idea of fast fashion,” said Forys.

“From a baseline, it is great that students are buying secondhand, but we are also trying to create this notion that just buying things for cheap over and over again. We have thought about ideas like a clothing swap, where you have to donate something to get something in return.”

Students are able to give new life to pieces that could have ended up in the trash. Thrifting has become such an integral part of our culture and is changing style, bank accounts, and the environment.

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Embracing Sobriety in the College Experience By: Chelsie DeSouza

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Binge drinking and college have always gone hand in hand.

Movies and TV shows have portrayed college as a whirlwind of wild parties and recreational drug use. Sometimes what you think is normal partying can quickly become problems with moderation, which is why it’s important to feel secure in taking an honest look at your drinking habits and become comfortable enough to say “no” to peer pressure.

As an older student, my freshman year feels like a lifetime ago.

Growing up in Manhattan, New York, and attending an all-girls private school on the Upper East Side with semi-strict parents, I couldn’t wait to go to college. My hunger for freedom led me to Chapman University in Orange County, California. Being truly on my own, across the country was like living in a movie. There were frat parties every night and if I wasn’t doing that, I was at clubs in LA. With a liquor store blocks from my dorm and a fake ID that scanned, drinking became a daily occurrence. Drinking was a part of the college experience, but without realizing it, it became out of control for me.

Drinking at parties quickly turned into recreational drug use, but because I maintained a high GPA, I didn’t see how addictive my personality was. All the negative stereotypes shown in the media I had seen were dark depictions of alcoholics and addicts at rock bottom. Their lives were in shambles, they were unable to hold jobs or be in school, and either on the brink of becoming homeless or being forced into rehab. And I wasn’t there. So I couldn’t see that I was out of control.

But, after partying too much and answering my family’s calls less and less, spending more and more money, my parents thought

Photograph Courtosey of Adobe Stock

it was a good idea to take a year off school. I had no choice since my parents supported me financially, so I came home. However, the habits I had formed from always drinking and dabbling in drugs was something I couldn’t shake not only because I didn’t want to, but because I did not think I needed to. Within months I was the manager of an American Apparel, making more money than I knew what to do with and partying with all my friends who stayed on the East Coast to go to school. My behavior quickly went from drinking to the brink of blacking out, to doing cocaine, and putting myself in dangerous situations where I never knew when to go home. I always wanted to be the last one to leave.

It went on like this for years. I didn’t end up going back to school because I didn’t see the need to.

Eventually, when my life became unmanageable, the drugs became harder. I was not only losing friends to overdoses but also losing myself. With that, I decided to get clean and learned through NA how to have fun without needing any substances.

What I wish I had known my freshman year was that I could say “no” not only to friends who wanted to drink when I didn’t feel like it but also to myself. That having five drinks instead of 10 was fine, if not better.

I didn’t need to drink to have fun, and substance misuse isn’t the same as alcoholism or addiction. I don’t tell my story to scare you but to hopefully give

you some perspective. There’s no shame in taking an honest look at your drinking habits and ensuring they are healthy. In college, it’s easy to think that binge drinking is the norm instead of making the norm drinking in a responsible, safer way and not feeling pressured to do something you don’t want to.

If you remember one thing from the ramblings of a 30-something-year-old mom and college senior who is currently eight years clean, is that figuring out what is best for you is paramount. Being the healthiest version of yourself sparks a happiness that allows you to dream bigger and work towards those dreams. You don’t have to do what everyone around you is doing and if someone is pressuring you to drink and not respecting your boundaries, they aren’t your true friend. My mom always used to say to me, “If your friends jump off a bridge, are you gonna jump too?”

When I was younger I would roll my eyes at the cliche, but looking back at it it makes much more sense. If everyone around you is drinking in excess or abusing substances, are you going to do it too? And if you are…why? Never abandon your authenticity to go with the crowd because those that matter don’t mind and those that mind don’t matter.

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BEHIND THE COVER

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Photos by: ALANA PALMER

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Feel-Good Frequencies By: Maddie Mosley

For anyone who knows me, my love for concerts and music is no secret. Music has an incredible ability to uplift our spirits and ignite joy, so in honor of our theme, “Spark,” I’ve put together a playlist of five songs that bring me joy and energy. Each of these tracks captures a feeling that inspires me and adds a little spark to my day.

Scan the QR code, turn up the volume and let these tracks spark joy in your heart. Whether you’re dancing solo or sharing the vibe with friends, these songs remind us that happiness is just a playlist away!

“Dive” - Olivia Dean This song is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. Olivia Dean radiates a vibrant energy that makes you feel like the main character in a romantic movie, ready to dance through life with joy. Her soulful voice wraps around me like a warm hug, filling my soul with warmth and fuzziness. It’s the kind of track that reminds me of life’s simple joys and makes me want to close my eyes and just soak it all in.

“Waterfall” - Zinadelphia Zinadelphia never fails to impress, and “Waterfall” is a perfect example of her magic. Her unique, smoky voice pulls me in during the verses, and then the chorus bursts into a joyous celebration of taking control of your life. Every time I listen, I can’t help but want to get up and dance. It’s a neo-soul masterpiece that sparks a little fire in my heart.

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“Superglue” - Role Model If you’re in the mood for something fun and catchy, Role Model’s “Superglue” is my go-to. I absolutely love his music—he just knows how to create tracks that stick with you. This one, from his recent album “Kansas Anymore,” has been on repeat for me. It’s upbeat and playful, reminding me to embrace the little moments of joy.

“Sweet Thang” Childish Gambino ft. Summer Walker When I hear “Sweet Thang,” I’m instantly transported to a happy place. The blend of Gambino’s distinctive style with Summer Walker’s beautiful voice creates something truly special. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to sway and sing along, lifting my spirits every time.

“Green Honda” - BENEE And then there’s “Green Honda” by BENEE. This song is pure fun! It’s light-hearted and snarky, perfect for those moments when you just want to let loose and enjoy life. Every time I play it, I can’t help but smile and dance around my room.

It’s a reminder to not take things too seriously and just have a good time.

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Book Club 3 Buzz By: Oliver Economidis

As the days get shorter, there has never been a more perfect time to curl up with a good book. With bookstores being filled to the brim with the entirety of our GoodReads ‘Want to Read’ list, it’s hard to pick the perfect cold-day read. Below are ten books to fix that never-ending dilemma!

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Book Cover: Kensington

Yuletide Homicide

by Jennifer David Hesse

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Book Cover: Penguin Books

The Christmas Orphans Club

If romance isn’t up your alley, Jennifer David Hesse supplies! Keli is getting ready to celebrate Yuletide when her boss assigns her a new assignment with her office rival to go undercover. Using her Yuletide traditions to get to the bottom of Edgar’s death, Keli must catch a killer this holiday season.

by Becca Freeman

Book Cover: Quill Tree Books

Whiteout

by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon A brutal snowstorm hits the city of Atlanta, bringing the city to a halt.

Close to Christmas, the story follows twelve teenagers as they help a friend pull off the biggest apology of their lives. Filled with joy and opposing narratives, Whiteout shows just how one moment can change everything.

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Hannah and Finn are best friends who have spent every Christmas together since college.

But, when Finn says he’s moving across the country after the holidays, Hannah grapples with what this means, as Finn grapples with his feelings for another member of their friends. Perfect for all of us who have found family along the way, Becca Freeman tells a story of coming of age with the holidays as the backdrop.

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Book Cover: Atria Books

Kiss Her Once for Me

by Alison Cochrun In a bookstore meet cute, Ellie meets Jack– only for it to go awry.

With a flurry of events, they meet again when Ellie pretends to be her brother’s fiancee for the holidays.

In a novel debating safety and true love, Alison Cochrun will keep you reeling.

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Book Cover: MIRA

Kissing Kosher

by Jean Meltzer Avital is forced to push her career to the side due to a chronic illness. So, she decides to manage her family’s kosher bakery - but she needs help. She hires Ethan, except Ethan is undercover for a rival bakery. As they work side by side, Ethan becomes more focused on Avital than he is on stealing secrets. The two try to overcome familial differences for the sake of a possible, lively romance.

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Book Cover: Berkley

Blackmail and Bibingka

by Mia P. Manansala Lila’s life is just starting to come together. But when her cousin, Ronnie, comes back to town just in time for the holiday season, trouble soon follows. Accused of murder, rumors about Ronnie start accumulating. In between family and the holidays, Lila must put her differences about Ronnie aside to prove his innocence. Mia P. Manansala writes a realistic view of holidays and complicated relationships.

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Book Cover: D.L. White

The Kwanzaa Brunch

by D. L. White

Book Cover: Knopf Doubleday

A Home for the Holidays

by Taylor Hahn A novel examining how grief and the holidays can go hand in hand, A Home for the Holidays, is the perfect fireside read. Two weeks before the holiday season, Mel’s mother dies. Amid her grief, a woman who claims to be her mother’s friend, Barb, shows up on her doorstep. Insisting that she knows about her mother’s past, Mel decides to stay with Barb’s family for the holidays. Comforting yet brutally honest, Taylor Hahn encapsulates the pain of grief during the merriest time of year.

Sienna works the same job, followed by the same men, in the same city. When Booker comes into her life, he shakes up that sameold. After taking a position at her company, Booker is looking to make a new life for himself. The two connect and soon fall head over heels for each other in this holiday dazzling romance by D. L. White.

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The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

by Ally Carter Maggie writes mysteries, Ethan writes thrillers, and they hate each other. However, in a holiday nailbiter, they must face their differences and come together to solve a mystery.

What’s better than a holiday mystery and romance wrapped into one?

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Sparking A Deeper Connection To Nature with the Kindred Podcast

By: Morgan Ritter

In a world growing increasingly detached from the environment, “Kindred” is reigniting the spark between humans, animals, and nature. Hosted by CLA alumna Kate Coffin and her sister Jenn Asplundh, the podcast explores the intricate, often overlooked relationships that bind us to the natural world.

Our wondrous planet is home to a wide variety of plants, animals, and environments, many of which are suffering due to human impact. But there’s so much more to these declining species and environmental issues than what the headlines tell us. Allow me to introduce “Kindred,” a podcast that sheds light on the misunderstood aspects of the natural world that surrounds us.

College of Liberal Arts (CLA) anthropology alumna Kate Coffin co-hosts each episode with her sister Jenn Asplundh, iwheren which they educate themselves and their listeners on various natural species and environmental conservation efforts.

Having grown up in a small town in Maryland, the sisters were heavily immersed in nature and developed a deep appreciation for animals and the environment at an early age.

“I’ve always been keenly interested in the natural experience, meaning I spent a lot of time outside as a child,” Coffin said. “I was just really curious and felt really safe out in the natural space most of the time. And I think that with a combination of my anthropology major hooked me into not just the state of the human experience, but also that of the natural world.”

Prior to starting “Kindred,” Coffin had a dog collar business called Otis & Roo. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she was unable to convert to strictly online operations. This is when her sister, Jenn, turned her onto podcasts. The idea for “Kindred” came from wanting to talk to people in the scientific ciencitifice and conservation world and help educate listeners about the state of our world and its species and environments.

They have interviewed a plethora of specialists on the podcast, including marine biologists, entomologists, psychologists, zoologists, conservationists, and even a wild bird rehabilitator.

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“Their enthusiasm for what they do is so contagious that it makes you care about it, which I think is really important, because then if people listen, then they’re going to care more, too,” said Asplundh.

It is no secret that human beings have been and continue to take advantage of our planet and its resources. Our impact is getting to irreversible levels, and there are many species that are becoming endangered and going extinct due to our careless emissions. “Kindred” allows listeners to learn more about the species and environments that are being impacted, so that they can better understand the importance of being environmentally conscious.

“We are not above the natural world, and yet, that’s how we operate,” Coffin said. “This Earth really loves us. We all are born and live amongst each other. And the trees breathe us. The ocean breathes us. The water hydrates us. Just on that basis, we need to learn. We need to get on an even playing field, and respect, humility, and empathy is what it comes down to.”

While the idea of reconnecting with nature can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be a tidal wave of pressure.

Learning to be more in touch with the natural world around you can start by simply taking a walk outside and asking questions about the creatures and plant life you see.

“The main thing that I’ve learned from this podcast is awareness,” said Coffin. “Be aware of the possibility that all of these species around you are, one, on your team, and two, are just trying to get through the day just like you are. Open up your heart and mind and it will come.”

Season seven of the “Kindred” podcast, along with all previous episodes, is streaming now wherever you listen to podcasts, with new episodes bimonthly. This season, you can expect to learn about seahorses, the Florida black panther, and tune in to a feature on Rosalie Haizlett and her book “Tiny World of the Appalachian Mountains.” Be sure to check it out and share the episodes with your friends and family!

Illustration by Lindsay Coffin

Left Jenn Asplundh, right Kate Coffin

Photo courtesy of Stephen Conroy

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Your Feelings Don’t Make You a Burden.

By: Amna Faheem I have been called many words synonymous with emotional: too sensitive, fragile, easily hurt. I have been told I “bring the vibe down” when I am unhappy. I have been compared to a sad puppy, told I cry and care too much. Having feelings and expressing them was always framed negatively, and I began to feel that I really was too much. It was overwhelmingly common that men would be the ones to tell me this. I was too large for them, and my loud voice took up too much space.

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I was afraid that people would not want to joke with me, not want to hang out with me, and would avoid me altogether because of my “emotional” personality. If I made myself smaller, I would be more attractive to others.

It took me a few years to understand and accept how I operated. That when I cry, it does not always correlate to sadness. That not appreciating certain jokes and topics did not make me a buzzkill – that I was not a sad puppy and that it was okay to be upset when things became overwhelming.

Since I was a child, my parents would tell me I felt very I still grapple with this, and I am hyperaware of my voice deeply. When I was upset, I cried intensely, rubbing my feet now after being told numerous times by many people that together until they were red. Growing up and going through I am too loud. I pay attention to my reactions to things middle and high school, I felt very conflicted internally. I around new people, making sure I’m not doing too much. felt my heart was too big for my chest. Sadness was achingly But I also understand now that the right people will never painful, and anxiety put my whole body in distress. But think I am too much. happiness buzzed my whole body and my smile was as wide as my mouth would allow. Peace was a complete tranquility The idea of feeling too much is not a bad aspect of life. My in my mind. As the years went on, I realized that I was very big emotions make me feel sadness and despair greatly, sensitive not just to upsetting things, but to all instances and yes, but they also make me love deeply. I have a deep emotions. affection towards my friends. I absolutely adore my sisters to the point where my eyes water and my voice cracks as I For a while, I believed that it was excessive – that I was call them on the phone. Being too sensitive has helped me excessive. My laughter was too powerful, my talking held too appreciate the beautiful things in life. Songs make me tear much passion. I needed to dial it down, to bring my voice up, and that’s okay; movies make me laugh until I lose my to a suppressed volume. Not to laugh too hard, not to cry breath and it’s a great feeling. Being with my friends and too much. There was a running joke in my office about how smiling in my heart is the epitome of joy for me. Feelings many days could pass before I cried – I did not appreciate are meant to be expressed, not bottled and put inside a that. box. I am no longer embarrassed about taking up space. I love my intense emotions because even though it is difficult Yet, I felt I could not speak out. to manage when I’m feeling down, I know that my heart is still going; I would rather feel everything in this life than “There she goes again, being too emotional. We can’t say nothing at all. anything to her without her crying!”

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Lucky Cat Crafts

Handemade and hand-designed to decorate your personal belongings and spaces.

We deliever the cutest and aesthetic jewelry to accompany you and your space!

Founded by three Temple University Graphic Designers, our brand was first created May of 2023. Created by Oanh Luong, Emily Trinh, and Cecilia Vu. Lucky Cat Craft was an idea turned into reality, wanting to represent women and the Asian community through our creative talents. We specialize in charms and keychains, allowing our works to accessorize phones, cases, bags and purses.

Lucky Cat Crafts is an Asian-owned business dedicated to bringing you unique, handmade treasures that add a touch of charm and personality to your everyday life. From beautifully crafted jewelry to vibrant stickers, art prints, keychains, and phone charms, each item is designed with care and creativity. Our products are designed to fit almost any aesthetic, from a cute kawaii pink aesthetic, to a dark grunge look. Every piece is made with high quality materials, ensuring that you receive not only something beautiful but also something built to last. Lucky Cat Crafts is committed to supporting artisans and celebrating the beauty of craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or find the perfect gift, our collection offers something special for everyone.

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Instagram: @luckycatcrafts_ TikTok: @luckycatcrafts_ Etsy: LuckyCatCraftsDesigns The Mine 35

Rom Coms: Female Gaze Edition By: Nav Nair

Sometimes the cure for a long week ahead is a rom-com, there is nothing better than a good movie to cure your weekday blues, so sit back and relax as I tell you some of the most classic romcoms written by women.

Romantic comedies might just hold the top spot for the corniest genre in entertainment, yet they never fail to leave us feeling warm and cozy inside. These films manage to blend just the right amount of wit, charm, and heart, creating for the perfect escape from reality.

Sometimes the cure for a long week ahead is a rom-com, there is nothing better than a good movie to heal your weekday blues. Stories that have clever banter and swoon-worthy moments, help remind us of why we love love! Whether you’re craving a nostalgic throwback or looking to find some feel-good classics, this list of classics written by women will have something for everyone to enjoy. These chick flicks will have you walking out of the theater hoping that “the one” is out there waiting for you with a box of chocolates and flowers.

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

From unforgettable moments like, “I’ll have what she’s having” to “as if,” these films are the ultimate mood enhancers. So grab your popcorn and the coziest blanket you can find, as I tell you about some of the most classic femalewritten rom-coms.

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When Harry Met Sally Can two friends of the opposite sex keep things friendly?

Nora Ephron’s iconic script makes us laugh and wonder, years later, if this is possible. Starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, the movie depicts the life of two college acquaintances who end up moving to New York City. The two socalled friends get intertwined in the complexities of life while trying to navigate their strange attachment towards each other.

Step Up A steamy romance has actors Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan weaving their emotions into our hearts. Written by Melissa Rosenberg, the story follows Tyler Gage, a young boy who is constantly in and out of trouble. However, when he gets fined 200 hours of community service at the Maryland School of Arts, his life takes a turn when he meets Nora Clark. Proving that sometimes love can not only be just about finding your heart, but also your rhythm.

The Proposal A workplace romance? I think yes! Actors Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds make a workplace pun into a complicated battle of power. This hilarious script written by Anne Fletcher follows the work of enemies as they develop a train of emotions for each other while pretending to be married. I mean, maybe opposites do attract.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Writers Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long cast an ideal world, leaving every woman in awe of Kate

Courtesty of Paramount

Hudson’s character. Living in New York City as an advice columnist, Andie Anderson pushes a piece on getting a man to leave you in just 10 days, hence the title.

Ironically, Anderson meets Ben Barry, who has a similar mission at hand. The two begin a playful war of romantic sabotage, inevitably leading them to an open end.

Spoiler: they both lose and win big!

Clueless Jane Austen would undoubtedly love this Beverly Hills 90’s twist of her iconic story EMMA, giving us some timeless lessons on personal growth. With a hint of fashion, comedy, and the classic high school ambiance, “Clueless” has become one of the most charming stories.

Played by Alicia Silverstone, Cher may have started clueless, but through her match-making abilities, she realizes that the love she was looking for was right in front of her the whole time.

These movies stand as some of the most classic romcoms you can find. Whether you love or hate them, you can not help but deny that they check the box for some of the most entertaining pieces of work. Women to women, these writers added the right amount of romance and

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Find Out Which 2024 Trend Fits Your Vibe!

Ever look at your closet and wonder if it has a secret personality?

Whether you’re all about those sleek Y2K vibes or living for cozy, effortless fits, your wardrobe has its own spark. So, what’s lighting up your look in 2024? Let’s decode your closet’s vibe, from Bratty Party Girl to Cool Girl chic, and find out which trend is totally you.

1. It’s Saturday night—what are you wearing? a) Glittery mini skirt, crop top, and sleek sunglasses – even at night. Y2K all the way. b) Flowing linen pants, a breezy button-up, and slip-on loafers. I’m keeping it chill. c) Off-the-shoulder top, baggy jeans, and my Adidas Sambas – casual, but so cool.

2. What’s your ultimate fashion accessory? a) Shiny lip gloss and a tiny baguette bag – ready to party, always. b) A woven beach tote and my oversized sunglasses. Practical and chic. c) Gold hoops and a claw clip for that “I woke up like this” energy.

4. What’s your dream vacation? a) A club-filled weekend in Ibiza. Glitter, glam, and rooftop parties! b) A slow, dreamy summer on the coast of Maine. Fresh seafood and boat rides. c) A city break in Paris—exploring vintage shops by day, rooftop cocktails by night.

5. When you hit the mall, you’re shopping for... a) Micro mini skirts, bedazzled tops, and all things glittery and fun. b) Striped shirts, flowy skirts, and anything linen. It’s all about the laid-back vibe. c) Relaxed trousers, trendy sneakers, and oversized blazers. Effortlessly cool.

3. Your TikTok feed is full of… a) Charli XCX party-girl looks, Hailey Bieber slick buns, and low-rise everything. b) Coastal picnics, pastel sunsets, and Emma Chamberlain’s relaxed fits. c) Streetwear inspo, layered basics, and casual fits that scream cool girl vibes.

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Tally Your Answers: Mostly A’s: Bratty Party Girl

Mostly B’s: Coastal Grandma Vibes

Mostly C’s: Cool Girl Chic

You’re channeling pure Y2K energy – think Charli XCX meets Paris Hilton circa 2004.

Tiny skirts, sparkly tops, and slick sunglasses are your go-to. Your style spark? Glam, glitter, and never too much!

You live for the party and your wardrobe is the life of it.

Your spark is all about effortless, laid-back luxury. You’re into the cozy, nautical aesthetic – think Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give or living your best life in linen and stripes. Whether you’re lounging by the shore or sipping iced coffee, you’re always put together in a chill, coastal way.

Your style spark is all about streetwear cool with a touch of casual glam. You love a good pair of Adidas Sambas, oversized blazers, and off-theshoulder tops. You’re never overdone, always on trend, and everyone wants to know how you pull it off so effortlessly.

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Reboots, Revivals, and Remakes: Is Hollywood Running Out of Ideas or Just Sparking Nostalgia?

By: Remington Vaughan

Photo Courtesy of Adobe

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This past year, I saw several announcements for new reboots, revivals, and sequels of cult classic shows and movies.

“Practical Magic 2” is a sequel to the 1998 Halloween movie starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. Slated to begin filming next year, both actresses will reprise their roles from the first film as a witchy sister duo set on breaking a family curse.

In September, Reese Witherspoon announced on Instagram that her production company, Hello Sunshine, and Amazon MGM Studios were on the hunt for an actress to play a high school Elle Woods in a “Legally Blonde” spin-off series.

A sequel to the 1988 “Beetlejuice” film that starred Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton was released this past year.

In the sequel, entitled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Ryder and Keaton both return as their respective characters. Ryder’s character Lydia returns to Beetlejuice’s (played by Keaton) world but this time as an adult and with her daughter, Astrid (played by Jenna Ortega).

Anne Hathaway is also set to return to not one, but two of her early 2000s hit movies: “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “The Princess Diaries 3”. These are just a few of the very many reboots, remakes, revivals, and sequels that were announced this past year.

Don’t get me wrong, in my apartment we have “Friends” or “Seinfeld” reruns in the background 24/7, and remakes, revivals, and sequels of classic films have always existed. “The Parent Trap” (1998) starring Lindsay Lohan was a remake of the original film of the same name that debuted in

1961, and to be honest, I prefer Lindsay Lohan’s version.

In recent years, the only new releases directed at our generation have been remakes of cult classics from all decades past.

Is it because our generation craves nostalgia? We have popularized thrifting and reviving the old in our clothing and home decor: is Hollywood simply mirroring this behavior in our media?

According to the LAist, this theory is partly the case.

Generations, young and old alike, are much more likely to tune into new shows and movies if there is some sense of nostalgia at the forefront. We prefer stories we already have a sense of and are comforting.

However, Hollywood’s real reasons are a bit less interesting.

For one, doing a remake or a reboot of an old idea that was widely successful as a movie or show is much simpler than risking the budget it takes to make a film based on an entirely new concept.

Certain safety nets come with a reboot that you do not get with an original idea.

According to an article from the Northeastern Global News, “These [reboots] tap into existing audiences, inspiring existing subscribers on the streaming services they hit and perhaps even incentivizing new subscribers to come on board”.

There is already a big following for these classics, so doing a reboot taps into a guaranteed audience, something a brand-new show cannot do.

The other reason is that there is way more space for shows and movies due to the numerous streaming platforms we have now.

According to the Northeastern Global News article, it is believed that since now there is more variety in different streaming platforms, there is also more variety in audiences. There’s a drive to fill up these streaming platforms with content, which means there’s also more competition than ever.

In reality, with more competition and more opportunity, tapping into a guaranteed fanbase is simply a smart money move on Hollywood’s part and nothing personal against Gen Z.

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A SPARK Of Connection By: Amna Faheem

Digital platforms, specifically social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, have changed how we view the world and make connections with one another. ThisA phenomenon that became heightened during the COVID-19 lockdown, virtually anyone with a smartphone and social media hads the world at their fingertips.

At a time when everyone was confined to their four walls, this access was a saving grace for many. Digital platforms have become essential in fostering relationships, expanding culture, and spreading the news. Communicating became arguably the easiest it has ever been.

“Social media does not require face-to-face interaction now.

People are more expressive and are willing to communicate. It allows them to connect more than the traditional way,” said Gianni Rolle, a senior communications major.

Lizzy Lomax, a Temple alumna and recently graduated public relations major shared that social platforms impact the speed at which we receive our information.

“Traditionally, everyone used to get their news from watching broadcast television. With social media, it’s shifted and a lot of people in our generation get their news from these platforms.- Such ease and access have changed the way we connect with each other,” said Lomaz.

Social media is not a new phenomenon. MySpace, released in 2003, gave birth to the social media era. The platform allowed people to connect with friends, make new relationships, and share music and photos. Less than a year later, Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook and it rerouted the world. You could post status updates, notify the world about your relationship standing, share pictures of a night out, tag friends, or unfollow them after a big fight, and send a messages to the people you no longer are interested in.

Facebook has only grown, and in 2012, it bought out Instagram. The photo-based media stage opened doors the world didn’t even know existed. Influencers were born, filters were created; hashtags ruled the online realm, and everyone was excited to share the intimate details of their everyday lives. Privacy went out the window, and for a brief moment in time, ‘regular’ people were on the same level as people like the Kardashians. There was no divide. W; we were all using Valencia to filter our Starbucks cups and dogs in the wild.

As the years went by, an Instagram hierarchy began to form, while new trends, like the Renegade dance, started gaining popularity on TikTok. Similar to how the cinnamon challenge of 2012 had everyone on YouTube attempting to swallow the spice dry even if it was terrible, we all just wanted to be included. Social media allowed that to happen, albeit it was not perfect.

“My generation mostly used social media in the early 2010s to share life updates. Today’s generation focuses on going viral or what is trendy or not. Everyone now dresses the same way – there’s no personality or creativity. We just copy what we see on social media,” said Natalia Rabahi, a journalism professor.

While social media platforms are crucial now in sparking relationships and sharing cultures, they also have severe drawbacks.

Rabahi expressed her concerns about the rising issues, “Now, the issues are deeper – from misinformation, disinformation, and manipulated content, it is easy to be impacted by social media’s power.”

Cultural expansion risesis rising as digital platforms grow.

They ease communication and provide a platform to interchange cultures and ideas.

“Instagram and TikTok give you insight into different cultures and different parts of the world. You are connected a lot further than you would have been,” said Rolle.

Rolle expanded further, stating the faults of such a large platform, “Dominant cultures are overtaking smaller cultures – they are getting marginalized and their cultures are diminishing.”

Given the significance of digital platforms on connections and exchanges, it’s only fitting that they would also supply a way to share ideas and collaborate. Social media eases the access people have globally, with users across continents conversing.

“Access to social platforms expose you to different cultures and ideas around the world, something that is really invaluable and it can broaden your perspective and worldview and make you a better global citizen,” said Lomax.

Digital platforms do not come without imperfections. It is easy to focus on the negatives of how it affects our society and methods of communication. However, it has also developed new pathways for connecting and allows individuals worldwide to speak about their cultures.

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The Return of Vintage Fashion

Though fashion comes in cycles, today’s society has sparked the biggest vintage fashion revival from the Met Gala to the college lecture hall. Yes, I can attest that our revivals may not be as accurate, but I appreciate the key lifestyle choices we share decades later that are the best of the best from a dazzling era. These are some of the main archival pieces from each decade coming back to grace us today.

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Fashion trends always make their way back.

In a world of overconsumption, it’s hard to find others who appreciate vintage fashion the way I do. Growing up, I was captivated by the glamour of celebrities in pop culture; icons like Marilyn Monroe and Natalie Wood have always inspired me.

Therefore, an ode to an old Hollywood starlet never goes unnoticed by me on a red carpet.

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‘50s fashion was all about capturing a woman’s true elegance and femininity. Kitten heels were a must-have as they added such a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Today they’re paired with anything from a mini dress to wide-leg jeans. Polka dot patterns were incredibly popular, often seen on blouses and dresses. Cardigans were another major staple, perfect for layering and adding a classic touch. Most importantly, roomy skirts, such as maxi skirts, embody the famous poodle skirts that were all the rage in the decade.

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60s

Moving on to the ‘60s, fashion took a shift towards more playful and bold styles. Capris became a wardrobe essential, offering a chic and casual option while the option to wear pants was new for women. Today, you can see celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter or Bella Hadid wear them in casual outings. Gogo boots and Mary Janes were very popular, embodying the mod fashion of the time.

Leopard print just made a flash, adding a bit of wild flair to the mix. This print was once considered highly elegant, though opinions vary today. This era revolutionized our “going-out mini skirt” we know as today. After the British “Protect the Mini Skirt” protest in 1966, mini skirts became a symbol of the decade, representing the youthful and liberated spirit of the ‘60s.

70s

The ‘70s embraced a more relaxed and eclectic vibe.

Bell-bottom dresses were a staple, offering a bohemian and free-spirited look. Platform boots and Frye boots were must-haves, adding height and a touch of drama. Hairstyles became more experimental, with big, voluminous hair being a key trend. Crochet pieces were also popular, adding a handmade and artisanal touch to outfits.

Photo by Igor via Adobe Stock

80s

The ‘80s were all about avant-garde fashion and making bold statements. Leather on leather and denimon-denim looks were everywhere. Denim on denim has always been popular following this, however, there has been an uproar for the trend on fashion social media lately.

To accessorize, our ladies of the ‘80s put the perfect cherry on top of an outfit with a pop of color and a button earring adding to the vibrant aesthetic. Today, at thrift stores, I flock to find these statement jewelry pieces, as they are so fun and often seen in magazines today. Fur coats were also popular as they provided a touch of luxury. They are such a fun mix with our modernized outfits. These jackets are commonly paired with pieces they wouldn’t even imagine, sometimes as Charli xcx would do it, pants optional.

90s

Finally, the ‘90s brought a mix of grunge and minimalism. Slip dresses and baggy jeans were iconic but with such opposite colors palettes. Paired together, you would know the out was straight out the ‘90s because of its iconic look. In any ‘90s movie the star was in spaghetti straps, cropped baby tees, and sheer dresses. This decade was all about an effortless, cool, and laid-back style while embracing a fun youthful look.

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Giving My Life a Little Spark By: Oliver Economidis

Between classes, extracurriculars, my job, and keeping myself alive, it’s hard to find time to rest– let alone be creative.

Plopping into my bed at the end of the day, my laptop becomes my little theater. My duvet surrounds me as the voice of Cynthia Fee comes through the speakers, and the 1980s Miami skyline lights up my room.

In 1985, many had the same experience as The Golden Girls dazzled their television. The show went on for seven seasons, showcasing all the shenanigans that the four older main characters: Rose Nylund (Betty White), Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan), Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), and Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty). From get-rich-quick schemes, 2 a.m. cheesecake talks, and an assortment of love interests, The Golden Girls variety.

Along with the sarcastic dialogue and found-family trope, the series covers issues that most sitcoms in this era of television didn’t: grief, interracial marriage, AIDS, artificial insemination, racism, substance abuse, deportation, homelessness, sexual harassment, chronic illness, and more. As my rigorous college schedule has set in, my love for The Golden Girls has continued to grow, with the show becoming a sense of calm amid the chaos.

Though this isn’t the only thing that brings me happiness at this stage of my life, it’s been the most consistent. The cultural significance of The Golden Girls is not something new– Betty White was a family favorite, and the wittiness of Dorothy and Sophia has aged like fine wine.

The art of reading within the show is particularly timeless for the queer audiences, inspiring numerous drag performances. More than that, the topics covered over the Photographs Courtosey of NBCseven-year tenure gave marginalized communities a space 46 REFINE: The Spark

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to exist– especially in a time when television was heavily whitewashed.

The saga of everyday life in Miami normalizes our routines. In a time of constant stimulation, isn’t that what we need? My wittiness, love of vegan cheesecake, table talks, and devotion to my friends are all pieces of The Golden Girls that have seeped into my life. As I incorporate these small actions into my friend groups, they become normal to us– and,every ripple does, it spreads outward.

Outside of my love for ‘80 sitcoms, I love seeking connection– people deserve to be seen. I firmly believe that advocacy work is the backbone of kindness in this day and age.

By supporting others, we are making the world a better place.

Perhaps this is also why I adore Bones.

Premiering in 2005 with Emily Deschanel playing Temperance “Bones” Brennan, the forensic anthropologist, and David Boreanaz playing Seeley Booth, the FBI agent, Bones is another found family trope with so many things in between.

Whether it’s bringing awareness to addiction, complicated relationships, disabilities, bisexuality, or social stigmas, it does so in a way that demonstrates how diverse we all are. Having a woman of color Cam Saroyan (played by Tamara Taylor)in a leadership role, and Temperance being neurodivergent in a main role was groundbreaking in 2005.

While Bones is a crime show that ran five seasons longer than The Golden Girls and much later, the effects were still significant . For context, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit was still using harmful terms like “transvestite” in the early 2000s. While other types of media were bringing awareness to other closed-off issues, Bones highlighted how complicated we can be. Seeley Booth a fan favorite, Flyers fan, and a relatively great human. However, he can be stubborn, close-minded, and overall, a man. Temperance Brennan is kind, insightful, and

intelligent, but she can be unintentionally cruel and dismissive.

This dynamic gives the audience a space to accept flaws while following a cast of characters that make them laugh and feel seen.

In short, shows, films, music, and humans are all contributing factors to our culture. We take the bits and pieces that matter to us and sprinkle them into our day-to-day. While culture is immense, so is media– so is joy, awareness, love. Life is an adventure, and we’re all contributing to the mass puzzle.

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Get Your

By: Maddie Mosley

Let’s face it: life can get pretty overwhelming. Whether it’s school, work, or just the chaos of everyday life,

sometimes you need to hit pause and find your chill. But why stick to the same old stress-relief methods when you can have some fun with it? If you're looking for creative, playful ways to unwind, here are a few activities that’ll help you destress and spark a little joy along the way.

Bedroom Dance Parties Let’s start with the ultimate mood booster: your own private dance party. Seriously, nothing beats blasting your favorite playlist and pretending you’re headlining a sold-out show. Whether you're channeling Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, or Olivia Rodrigo, this is the easiest (and cheapest) way to shake off stress. The goal? Just have fun, move however you want, and let the music take you away. Bonus: it's a mini cardio workout, so you’ll get those endorphins flowing without even realizing it.

Channel Your Inner Kid Who says coloring is just for kids? I always keep a stack of coloring books and a bag of markers, crayons, and colored pencils in my room. Honestly, I find that the ones aimed at kids are way more fun than adult coloring books. Doodling is another great way to relieve stress and can even help you express what you’re feeling at the moment. It’s a simple, no-pressure way to focus when life gets chaotic, and it can be a nice escape into nostalgia.

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r Zen On Crafting with Memories If you’re more into the artsy side of things, junk journaling is a super cool way to unwind and get creative. Think of it as the more relaxed version of scrapbooking, because there’s no need for perfection here. Gather up all those little treasures collecting dust in your drawer – like receipts from your favorite lunch spot, stickers from the coffee shop down the street, or that wristband from the concert you and your friend went to. You can use these random scraps to create a journal spread that’s completely unique to you. Whether you’re capturing special memories or just crafting something cool from scraps, junk journaling is a great way to let yourself be creative without any pressure.

Gardening I had to mention gardening in an issue called Spark!

But don’t worry – we’re not talking about planting flowers here. For those who enjoy a different kind of “gardening” (you know what I mean), it can be a great way to unwind and relax. You can roll one up with some cute designed rolling papers or indulge in a brownie (both responsibly, of course). You also don’t have to be an avid gardener to join in on the fun! You can also get crafty with some gardening-inspired arts and crafts, like decorating lighters with stickers and gems or creating a DIY stash box from an old Altoids tin.

Ultimately, finding your chill comes down to figuring out what works best for you. Whether you’re dancing in

your room, coloring for fun, junk journaling, or enjoying some “gardening” time, it’s all about relaxing. There’s no need to stick to the same old self-care routines, so take the time to experiment and discover what truly brings you peace.

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What’s Your Fashion Fortune?

Your tarot cards don’t just tell the fate of your romantic life, they give the best fashion advice.

By: Joelle Carr With roots in traditional card games, tarot was adopted by the occult centuries ago, most notably for fortune-telling. Tarot includes 78 cards divided into two groups: the major and minor arcana. When shuffled and dealt, the spread of cards reveals the questioner’s answers and provides insight into the past, present, and future.

Tarot might answer questions about your career, money, and love life, but the occult fortune-telling deck can also spark magical fashion decisions. This spread will guide you in dressing your best according to your chosen tarot card.

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The Fool: The Fool is the first card in the Major Arcana, and when it is upright it represents new beginnings, innocence, and spontaneity. This card unlocks your inner childlike innocence, inspiring you to dress like the bold fashionista your younger self dreamt up.

Take a fashion risk by adding bold pieces to your closet. A bright color or unusual pattern is the perfect way to subtly enhance your look.

An easy way to add bold statement pieces to your fashion repertoire is with unusual sweaters. Thrift stores are always a great place to find a statement sweater. They are pricey, but Anthropologie has an entire statement sweaters category on its website with some perfect sweaters to offset a boring look.

Pair a daring sweater with a mini skirt and colored/ patterned stockings for a “The Fool” inspired look.

Another Fool fashion choice is to mix and match.

Colors, fabrics, textures, prints, and patterns are all at your mercy. Who says you can’t wear plaid and stripes? Layering sheer skirts or tops is a different way to embolden your outfit and embrace a new style.

The Empress:

Temperance:

Typically associated with fertility, beauty, growth, and abundance, the Empress is usually depicted seated on a throne. This card is dripping with luxury and an appreciation for all things natural.

The Temperance card represents balance, harmony, patience, and purpose. This card advises you to create an outfit that is the best of both worlds. Embrace the many sides of your personality by combining items that match each aspect of yourself, but combine to create a beautiful outfit.

The Empress is confident in herself and her outfits.

Shop for high-quality pieces that elevate your style enough that you look like you’d get invited to the Met Gala.

What’s a better way to make an outfit more luxurious than with some jewelry? Appreciate the beauty of Earth’s elements by rocking some well-crafted jewelry. Jewelry is one of those things that you never regret spending money on because you know it will never turn your skin green, and you’re more aware of the time that goes into making the art you wear.

The art of opulence is not garishly becoming an unpaid walking luxury brand advertisement; it’s finding classical, beautiful, well-sourced pieces. Natural fibers, classic shapes, and quality bags and shoes are your friends.

Balance bold fashion choices with more understated styles. Too much of one thing is dull, but balancing a more complex top with a simple maxi skirt and your choice of shoe is an easy way to personify an outfit.

Temperance inspires a harmonious balance of masculine and feminine. Androgynous fashion is an outlet for the various facets of your personality without limiting yourself to the stereotypical fashion of one particular gender.

Play with the proportions of baggy pants and a sleek top, an oversized jumper with a mini skirt, or layer a biker jacket on top of your look.

The art of temperance is a dynamic combination of whatever catches your eye. It is the patience in finding what works, and the confidence to wear it out.

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Digital Sparks:

Social Media Shaping Fashion By: Atiya Dasté Discover how social media influencers are setting the fashion world on fire. See how TikTok and Instagram are driving trends and influencing style choices, while also addressing the impact of overconsumption in today’s digital age.

I would be lying if I said I haven’t lost hundreds of dollars to micro-trends. But at least I can tell how damaging their impact is to our society.

About 15 years ago, walking down the street you’d probably see a cheetah print with every blink, fur boots pawing towards you, and a scenester that can telepathically send you a ‘RAWR XD.’ What I appreciate most about the 2010s is the diversity in fashion. Everyone embraced their unique styles. Yes, we were bleeding the early 2000s fashion into the ‘10s but there was a huge variety of styles that everyone made their own.

Today, as I walk down the street all I see is slick back buns and bloomers. So I wonder: if it wasn’t for TikTok would we still be dressing this way? Social media hasn’t shaped my fashion; it has greatly influenced it, but it didn’t mold it.

I let influencers and celebrities guide me through my style journey and allow me to truly express my style in any way I

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saw fit. However, the influence of social media on fashion, food, and lifestyle is undeniable. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become the epicenters of trendsetting, with influencers and celebrities showcasing the latest styles and inspiring millions of people to follow behind them. These platforms provide a space for creativity and individuality, but they also contribute to the rapid cycle of micro-trends that some find very harmful.

While social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are exciting and influential, they can also have damaging effects on both cultural communities and the environment. For instance, the popularization of “slick back bun” and “sticky bangs” (which are essentially just edges) among non-Black communities can feel like cultural appropriation. Growing up and having to learn to “love my hair,” something most don’t have to do, leaves many frustrated as it’s now a trend that they don’t benefit from.

These styles have deep-rooted significance in the Black community and people of color. Therefore renaming or

repackaging them without acknowledging their origins can be hurtful and dismissive.

The Mielle hair oil trend is another example. Originally a staple in the Black hair care community, the product gained massive popularity on social media, leading to shortages and extreme price increases. This issue is not about gatekeeping, I am all for globalization, it is about recognizing and respecting the origins of these trends. The term “curly hair police” has gained a lot of traction as well as the idea of “why can you wear our hair but we can’t use your products?” This would be very valid if there still wasn’t a prejudice against Black hair and a major lack of variety of products in store (if they are not locked).

TikTok, in particular, has a unique type of algorithm that throws out a new fashion trend every day to a wide audience. One single viral video can launch a new movement of style just overnight which then leads to a spike in demand.

For example, lines outside of Target for a Stanley Cup or reselling Rhode Skin products for triple the price. While appreciating something can be exciting it can also be overwhelming, as it encourages constant consumption and the need to stay updated with the latest trends no matter the price.

Instagram, on the other hand, offers a more curated approach to trends. Influencers and celebrities on the platform often collaborate with brands and locations to promote new products. This can inspire followers to explore new styles and try new things, but it also perpetuates a culture of the new trending term “overconsumptioncore.”

This is where the desire for the latest fashion pieces or lifestyle products can overshadow the importance of sustainable choices for a certain amount of time before sending the pieces to the Bermuda Triangle of silly bands and mesh angel tops.

When it comes to clothing, the rapid cycle of microtrends leads to overconsumption and waste. Companies like Shein churn out fast fashion at an alarming rate, and many of us have fallen into the trap of buying hundreds of items that quickly go out of style. This results in graveyards of barely worn clothes piling up in thrift stores. It’s not just about the environmental impact; the constant pressure to keep up with trends can also be mentally exhausting.

While social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are influencing style choices and fashion trends it’s essential to be mindful of the impact of overconsumption. Embracing your own personal style and making conscious fashion choices can help mitigate the negative effects of this digital age, allowing us to enjoy the creativity that social media offers without falling into the girl-sized trap of constant consumption.

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Romance is Weird in Y By: Gianna Voges

As I approach my 21st birthday, I am laden with the thought: What are your twenties for? It’s usually a time to find love and settle down with the person you know you want to spend the rest of your life with. However, is my not-yet-fully-formed prefrontal cortex able to handle this? It seems like everyone around me is getting married, in a situationship, or is too scared to make a move.

Am I falling behind, ill-prepared, or is romance just weird in your twenties?

Everyone Around Me is Getting Married…

Or Are In a Situationship…

We’ve all experienced it. You go onto Instagram and see your old classmate from high school getting engaged or married. You think: Didn’t we just graduate? Deciding what I’m eating for dinner will send me into a spiral. Am I supposed to already know who I will be sharing a joint bank account with?

A situationship is a romantic or sexual relationship that is not considered to be formal or established. According to a YouGov survey, half of 18-to-34-year-old Americans have been in a situationship. I’ve unfortunately been in my fair share of these. It’s okay to not know what you want out of a romantic partner, but what makes young adults today so scared of commitment?

There’s nothing wrong with getting married young.

Sometimes you just know that someone is the right person.

It doesn’t help my own psyche, though, seeing people my age ready to start the rest of their lives. I’m the only cousin on both sides of my family not in a serious relationship. My family hasn’t outwardly said they are worried about me, but there are constant questions like “Do you have a boyfriend yet?” and my mom insisting she wants grandkids when I didn’t like the person she was setting me up with. Are they right? Am I limiting myself if I don’t think my cousin’s engagement party is the right place for me to find love?

I don’t even have the time to think about this. I’m so focused on my goals that I’m often made to feel guilty for not focusing on finding a partner. This is not where I am in my life right now. It’s okay for me to not be willing to find the love of my life currently. It’ll happen, but I need to figure out my own life before I invite someone to share it with.

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Situationship. A word that ruined an entire generation.

Readers, here we enter our crossroads. Being in your twenties means there are people our age getting married, but also those who are too scared to even say the word “girlfriend.”

Work schedules have become too demanding for those in Generation Z to commit fully to a relationship. There’s also a fear of vulnerability and being open with your partner. However, if you are in your twenties and you want a committed relationship, go for it! Make your boundaries and expectations clear with your partner, which is something I’m continuing to work on. If you think the love of your life is the boy who says he’s too busy maintaining a 2.5 GPA to be in a relationship, but still cares about you deeply, that is NOT the love of your life.

Your Twenties.

“Situationship. A word that ruined an entire generation.”

Or Are Just Too Scared...

So there are people either getting married or in situationships, but there are some too scared to even ask out their crush. The thought of putting myself out there makes me want to run away and hide. Once I’m out there, I’m out there.

Many people have a fear of rejection. I’m not asking someone to hang out unless I know for sure that they will say yes. My phone with the message typed into my notes app gets sent to my friends just to make sure I’m not embarrassing myself. Occasionally, someone has to hit the send button for me. What if I told you the message was simply, “Hey what are you up to tonight?”

This sounds insane, but the worry is real. With a majority of our age group being online, there are more ways to get mocked for sharing your feelings. No private interactions are completely private anymore.

Despite this, I have to remind myself that nothing will happen if I don’t do anything. Rejection is a part of life, and the more you deal with it, the easier it gets. I have a morbid love for making assumptions about how others feel about me, but I keep forgetting that these are assumptions. I have to find out for myself, and the only way to do that is to put myself out there. If you receive a no, you take it in stride. If the person who says no makes fun of you for making yourself vulnerable, they are in the wrong.

Romance in your twenties is weird. Every person is at a different point in their life, and that’s okay. It’s not healthy to compare yourself to how others your age are conducting their lives. Your twenties are for figuring out who you are, and what you want out of your life and a partner. These are huge milestones, and there’s no point in rushing them. Know what you want, know your boundaries, and don’t be afraid to make yourself vulnerable.

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What Astrology Could do for Your Relationships By: Chelsea Lubbe You know it when you hear it; a classic icebreaker when someone wants to get to know you a little better.

It could be snuck in with an innocent “When’s your birthday?” or a bolder approach, “What’s your astrology sign?”

Astrology is the study of Earth’s constellations and planets, the mythological stories behind them, and how being born under certain stars can determine your personality. Some believe that astrology is something phony or silly that someone just thought of one day. To those with that mentality, I say let’s agree to disagree.

When you learn about astrology, you hear about the traits and attributes of the signs and the energy they exhibit. I am a Sagittarius, so 56 REFINE: The Spark

I have been deemed a creative, explorative, and spontaneous person. I’m not sure if others would see me as such, but I have a lot of layers to my personality.

Fortunately, there’s also the rest of my chart that might give more insight to the dynamics of my personality, which can also be considered the case for everyone else!

People have different parts to their personality; astrology is just a tool that could offer insight into our individuality.

Astrology is something that could hold a mirror to your personality. It can be used to not only know yourself better but to possibly understand a partner better.

Astrology exists in the context of the stars and the universe, something much larger than our realm of comprehension. In a way, it could be a fun tool to see yourself from a different perspective.

Most people are familiar with the 12 zodiac signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

These signs change on a cycle of 4.5-week timelines. The sun takes that amount of time to move in and out of each zodiac over 365 days, which is how we determine who has which sun sign. Each archetype of the zodiac comes with its own preconceived characteristics that may or may not be applied to them. For example Gemini, otherwise known as the twins, an air element sign is sometimes associated with versatility in relationships.

Not every Gemini is a social butterfly; looking into the rest of a chart might add to perspective.

Going beyond the basics of looking at planet placements in combination with a zodiac sign is when you can start diving into compatibility with personal relationships.

The basics of the relationships between the zodiac signs and the planets begin with knowing your big three: sun, moon, and rising.

Your sun sign is a representation of yourself and your ego, while your moon sign provides insight into your intuitive emotions, habits, and ways you might nurture yourself. Your rising sign is which zodiac sign was on the eastern horizon when you were born. The eastern horizon is known as the hemisphere where the sun rises from; this placement has to do with outward appearance and how you are perceived by others. When it comes to relationships, an important dynamic to pay attention to is the zodiac signs that reside in each sign, particularly one’s sun, moon, and Venus.

Your Venus sign will shine through your chart when it comes to how you give and receive love. The planet is usually associated with the goddess Aphrodite. Venus can also give you information about what type of relationship would work best for you. For example, a Capricorn Venus might like

something completely different from an Aquarius Venus based on the characteristics of their signs.

If you wanna talk about compatible synastry, let’s talk about Andrew Garfield and Amelia Dimoldenberg. If you don’t know, Dimoldenberg is a journalist who has her own talk show “Chicken Shop Date” where she has celebrities on and has an interview-style date with them. Dimoldenberg and Garfield have met several times on the red carpet, leading people to speculate about possible

chemistry between the two.

Garfield’s sun is in Aquarius which happens to be Dimoldenberg’s moon and Dimoldenberg’s moon sign is in Virgo which happens to be Garfield’s Venus and Mercury (a planet of communication). Right away, having some similarities in placements is going to create a unique dynamic between individuals. Diving into their charts more, it is hard to ignore the flirtatious nature the two could have if they decided to pursue each other.

Applying astrology to dating is just like when you have to pay extra for sprinkles when you get ice cream. Personally, sometimes I feel like splurging, other times it’s not worth it and ice cream is good on its own. Astrology is an extra and does not take away from the complexities of dating in the slightest, but if it entices you enough, I urge you to explore your own chart and learn more about yourself!

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Photo by Sodapeaw via Adobe Stock

How Personal Style Lights theWay By: Alana Beltran

A personal style is a powerful form of selfexpression that encourages originality and uniqueness in identity. Promoting individuality can take many forms. From thrift-flipping to DIY, anyone can find their confidence and empower themselves through fashion.

Fashion is a visual language that reflects a person’s creativity, cultural influences, and personality. Over time, fashion has evolved from merely following toxic beauty standards and trends to becoming a more inclusive and distinctive form of expression, allowing people to deviate from mainstream fashion in favor of meaningful styles.

Today, self-expression remains one of the most important parts of fashion. And one of the easiest ways to do that is through making your own clothes. Sustainability and fashion go hand-inhand with inspiration sparking designers from all walks of life.

Rah Catani, a 20-year-old Fibers Major from Rhode Island began making colorful clothes at the age of nine, when she received her first sewing machine.

“Colorful, vintage, feminine, and bold!”

Catani said, describing her style. “I wear almost exclusively skirts for bottoms, usually with Vans or Converse for footwear, and my tops range from band tees to collared shirts to patterned sweaters and everything in between,” she shared.

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“My personal style started to form since the day I started picking my own clothes! Although my style now is different from how I dressed when I was younger, I feel like I can clearly chart its evolution from elementary school to now.”

Catani prefers to shop sustainability, continuing with “The majority of my clothes are secondhand, whether they be thrifted, vintage, or hand-me-downs. At the moment, I mostly shop at vintage stores.” She finds inspiration in a variety of eras and styles from riot girl to vintage gothic aesthetics.

I was able to learn more about the joys that come with making your own clothes through our conversation. Catani made the idea sound cool, fun, and easy explaining, “You can make unique things that suit your needs!” Clothes can be fashioned by tailoring or upcycling pre-existing clothes to make something feel more “you”.

And even with her several changes in style over time, she never let it change how she perceived herself.

“Maybe some people silently judge, but overall, I feel like people perceive me in a more positive way. People are still going to perceive you whether you like your clothes or not, so who cares! It’s more important to make yourself happy than to be appealing to the masses. Plus, a lot of people assume that people will judge them if they

have a bold style, but the opposite is true! I always get more compliments when I’m wearing crazy or colorful outfits, especially from strangers with “normal” outfits.”

Similarly, fellow art student Nic Lovejoy is a 19-year-old Sophomore Art Major on the track to major in jewelry making from Morgantown, Pennsylvania, and has found his own style through his gender expression and personal identity.

“My style changes up a lot. Right now I am very into Earth tones, but I like to switch up my style a lot. Basically, whatever clothes I find speak to me,” Lovejoy said.

“I like thrifting a lot, so if I find something cool I’ll grab it and base an outfit around that. I don’t love big stores, I don’t love fast fashion, and I really like to alter clothes,” Lovejoy said..”

Simply from a designer perspective, Lovejoy leans more towards the accessibility of thrifting rather than shopping with bigger brands.

“In my art, I like to use a lot of found materials. A lot of the jewelry I make will literally be made of things I find on the ground. I think incorporating that into what I’m wearing and the clothes I’m making too is really appealing to me.”

However, when searching for inspiration, he turns to nostalgia from children’s media, such as Richard Scarry’s books The Hungry Hungry Caterpillar, The Adventures of Lowly Worm, and even Pete the Cat. Lovejoy began to sew around theage of eight, influenced by his mother, “I feel like sewing isn’t a lost art, I think that people view it more as a talent than a necessary

skill. It used to be a necessary skill because you weren’t able to go out and make clothes yourself or know someone who made them, but now clothes are so easily accessible that I think people don’t realize that sewing is art,” he said.

Nic encourages other people to still form their own style, stating “I used to be incredibly self conscious, and I think gradually wearing something more that feels more you is really freeing. You will see nothing bad is going to happen and oftentimes people will compliment you more.”

“I think I am still forming it (my style). I think having one set style is so limiting. I think, just start dressing weird. It is cool!”

Although personal style is something that evolves over time, it is never too late to start developing your own. Being self conscious is a normal part of growing into your own style. However, anyone has the ability to curate the closet of their choosing and be the most fashionable version of themself.

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Don’t Be Afraid to Let The Sparks Fly By: Isabella Smith-Johnson

Writer Isabella shares the subtle cues and little sparks that give people butterflies when it comes to flirting and relationships.

We’ve all experienced that fluttery feeling in our stomachs when a special someone catches our eye or says the right thing. They’re called butterflies. But what causes people to feel butterflies?

Through interviews with Temple University’s very own students, the hidden signals that get our hearts racing are uncovered!

One popular way to ignite sparks in a person is to make the first move.

“The main thing is making the first move because I’m very shy and I will not make the first move…someone who does that is what I need,” freshman health sciences major Alyssa Lombardi said.

Making the first move shows that you’re bold and, of course, interested in the person. Oftentimes, neither person will make the first move because they’re waiting for the other one to say something first. Initiating something is the first step, and there’s a high chance it’ll work out in your favor. In my opinion, starting out with a compliment or making small talk about something the two of you have in common is a great way to initiate 60 REFINE: The Spark

making the first move!

Danielle Gorosito Tam, a firstyear political science major, claims that thoughtful gestures are what gives her butterflies in a relationship.

“When your partner is out and about and they see something that reminds them of you, they just have to get it for you,” Tam said. “It’s not about the gift itself but it’s the fact that they were thinking of you even when you’re not together; they’ve got you on their mind no matter what they’re doing.”

A thoughtful gesture could be something as small as remembering a person’s favorite movie to getting a gift that reminds you of them. No matter how big or small the gesture, it shows that you genuinely listen and care about the person you’re interested in. Words of affirmation are another easy way to make someone feel special.

“Not even just complimenting based on looks but personality as well,” freshman political science and global studies major Kennedy Roane said.

“Saying things like ‘you’re so smart’ or

‘wow you did such a good job’ is really nice.”

Although it may seem trivial, words of affirmation are special because they can make someone feel valued and understood. People usually remember the kind things you say to them, which will have them thinking about you long after you’ve said them.

Making the first move, offering kind words, and performing thoughtful gestures are all things that have made Temple students get butterflies and feel a spark from people. It’s the little things that often mean the most and can turn an ordinary interaction into something unforgettable.

So if you’ve been wanting to go up to that one cute student in your class, or the person you see at work all the time, remember that even subtle cues and gestures can be enough to give that special someone butterflies!

The Pursuit of the “Spark” Endgame or Endless?

By: Rachel Gramt There’s this idea of a “spark” happening when you meet the right person to be in a relationship with, but is it a concept based on reality? Should not feeling a spark keep you from pursuing someone you’re interested in? Can it develop later on in the relationship? Is it a hopeless pursuit?

In our society, people have a fantasy in their heads about how they will meet their true love. The ideal romance will play out almost as a fairytale; the couple will meet and instantly feel drawn toward each other, or in other words, feel a spark. But is that a realistic expectation of what love is?

It is common for people to grow from a close platonic relationship to an intimate romantic relationship over time. Throughout my life, all of my relationships started as friendships. I spent time with the people I was interested in, got to know them, and once I got a good idea of who they were, we began dating. I tend to find it beneficial to build a romantic relationship on the foundations of a pre-existing platonic relationship so that you can get to know a person before committing to them. However, everyone’s relationships are different.

Most people who I spoke with insinuated that they think the most genuine relationships come from two people who instantly feel a spark. Maddie Sheetz, a sophomore nursing student, said when you know you know.

“I feel like if it develops over time it’s almost like you’re convincing yourself that you like the person,” Sheetz said.

For some people, this may be true. If you are not instantly attracted to a person, will you ever be attracted to them?

However, some people don’t feel the spark until after they have spent time with the other person and gotten to know their personality. Ethan Neff, a senior studying policy, organizational, and leadership studies, believes it depends on the people and the situation.

“It’s like building a house,” Neff said, “You can buy a house prebuilt or you can buy the land and build it yourself. The end goal is the same, you’re getting a house,

but it’s just a matter of getting the house. It’s the same thing with relationships. There isn’t one way to get in a relationship. It’s not like if you don’t feel the spark then it’s not going to work or if you weren’t friends first it’s not going to work.”

In other words, it doesn’t matter when you feel the spark, as long as you eventually feel it. Either way, it’s just two different routes to the same goal.

Others who I spoke to echoed the sentiment that they felt the spark instantly with their current partner. They acknowledged that the spark isn’t essential for a relationship to thrive, but they felt that the strongest relationships begin with an instant connection.

While the fantasy of an instant spark continues to be captivating, it is clear that love does not follow a fairytale script.

Every relationship varies depending on the couple and their story. With the normalization of dating apps, people are more motivated than ever to find their partner, but that may make it difficult for people to feel an instant spark. I think people need to focus on building a deep connection and letting the spark ignite over time.

Ultimately, there is no one way to experience love.

Whether there is a genuine connection from the start or if it builds slowly, what matters is that a relationship unfolds. Rather than waiting for an instant spark, we should be open to the possibility that love can develop in unexpected ways. The most meaningful connections are often the ones that we never see coming.

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Photo by Oanh Luong

Accessorizing By: Amna Faheem

Fashion is a significant part of self-expression.

It details to the world who you are and what your personality is like: it’s shouting to the world this is me.

Fashion can come in many different styles, from streetwear to coquette to vintage. Yet sometimes, the clothes are not the highlight of an outfit. They can attract attention and validity, allowing you to find a common community with similar interests, but jewelry often ties it all together.

Jewelry is a variety of pieces, in an array of looks and models. Though it has recently been more mainstream, the inclusion of bracelets, earrings, and necklaces dates back to the Ancient Egyptians.

Jewelry was seen as a form of wealth, commitment to each other, and beauty. Vintage shops now display older pieces, attracting younger generations to take part in the thrifting movement that has been growing through the years. Eden Masliah, an influencer popular on Instagram, posted a jewelry tour in June, emphasizing the importance of her pieces and how she cannot leave the house without them. Her claim resonates with many people of this and other generations.

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Jewelry has a deep history through societies, holding different significance throughout the years.

The current rise of gold jewelry is creating a new wave of refinement and elegance

Lu on g an h by O Ph oto

It has become a vital part of outfits, with some people not being able to step outside the house without rings adorning their fingers, or earrings producing a tune with their movements.

I am one of those people.

I was 12 years old when my grandmother gifted me my first ring. It was a silver ring in the shape of a Hamsa, with a stone in the middle, and decorated with an evil eye. I was instantly enamored; I needed more. Along with the ring, she gave me my first two pairs of “grownup” earrings, one of which I lost within a few years- that really broke my heart- and the other one I still hold very dear. I must admit, I tend to favor the long gold earrings.

Adorned with layered hoops, they have a wind-chimeesque sound to them, harping a melody as I move every which way.

Since then, I’ve formed an addiction. I needed more. After my first ring, I was on the hunt for a friend to keep it company. I got more piercings until I ran out of space. I stole my mother’s hoops, I was gifted star-shaped studs to keep my stacked lobe company. I pierced my own nose! I went to the markets, I scoured the bazaars at the beach; I was very dedicated. Every time I was presented with an accessory from friends or family, my heart swelled. To be loved is to be understood, to be seen, prioritized. I was putting the pieces together of who I was with every hole I put into my ears, every chain and pendant around my neck, every evil eye bracelet that called out to me.

I am from Egypt, and the jewelry there is quite unique. It represents my heritage and my background.

To me, my jewelry is a large part of my identity. A large part of my mornings are spent looking through my boxes and deciding which pairs compliment my outfit the best, and which colors and combinations agree with one another. My whole family is in Egypt, and although I visit every summer and spend a month with my family in the winter, it’s never enough. Not being with my younger sisters is like my heart outside my body; I feel incomplete. Donning my jewelry is paralleled to taking a piece of home with me, carrying my country around wherever I go. I receive compliments from many people I meet, about my necklaces, and my earrings; I cannot lie, it boosts my confidence. Nothing tickles me more than people acknowledging my personality and the unique features of my individuality.

Jewelry is more than just a fashion accessory; it’s an art. It exudes passion, it can release your inner expression in a way that fashion never could. Jewelry speaks to the streets and catches passersby with the sparkle of a gem or the hanging of a diamond. It can unify and spark conversation. Jewelry, for me, is a connection to the motherland. I take a piece of my neighborhood, of the laughter I share with my sisters.

My mother’s food lies in my earrings, and my father’s voice comes through the jangles of my bracelets. My five evil eye additions protect my soul and heart; I feel naked without them.

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Why Gen Z Loves A Throwback Nostalgia’s Power in Music, Fashion, and TV By: Hadiza Mshelia Generation Z, or Gen Z for short, is a demographic age group for individuals born in between the years 1997 to 2012, consisting of people as old as 27 to people as young as 12 years old, yet they are known for sharing a common interest despite their broad age gap - nostalgia. Ranging from the ‘90s grunge rock and glam era to the Tumblr-esque early 2010s era, this had truly captured the hearts of Gen- Zers, and played a major part in how they consume media and how they carry themselves in public.

As a 20-year-old college student who is very passionate about fashion and media, as are alot of my friends, I am very drawn to such material of the past, whose musical taste and other forms of media interests vary from a variety of previous decades, and seek to role models, both in person and online for inspiration.

Over the years, we have witnessed people who have been influential figures in how we present ourselves. These include pop-culture icons ranging from the ‘90s to the 2000s such as Jennifer Aniston, in her

64 REFINE: The Spark

portrayal as Rachel Green from “Friends”, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Aaliyah, all of whom have rocked various of styles the such as the traditional matching Juicy Couture Jumpsuit, Tommy Hilfiger set, monochrome (one color only) outfits and many more to boot!

In addition, YouTubers like Josy Kass, does a great job on showcasing such trends of the past too, where the videos focus on how characters from iconic television shows from the 90s and the early aughts, such as Daria, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Beverly Hills, 90210!

In addition to cyberspace influences, right here at Temple, there has been a surge of students whose fashion taste consists of both the past and the present, where a vast array of students showcase their own unique taste based on what they see both online and in person!

With the rise of fast fashion taking over, there has also been a resurgence of both thrifting and up-cycling of clothes, which allows both eras, past and present to be expressed in fashion!

Trinity Paynter, a junior communications major, who also runs the Instagram account called the Temple Fashion District (@templesfashiondistrict on Instagram) shares her take on how Gen Z incorporates past fashion trends and how it combines with modern day fashion as well.

From Paynter’s perspective, she believes that not only does the outfits on the account feature today’s hottest new trends, but students find a way to incorporate fashion trends of the past, like baby tees and low rise jeans and incorporate them into modern day trends such as the Adidas Sambas shoes, making it the best of both worlds!

In recent years, there have been reboots of iconic 1990s and 2000s television shows and films our parents watched when they were young adults in college, just like ourselves. These include shows and movies such as “That 90s Show”, is a reboot or sequel to “That 70s Show” and “He’s All

That” which is a gender-swapped reboot of “She’s All That,” where we witness the protagonists from over a decade or two ago, grow up and become parents to the revival’s main characters, who are most times the same age as the parents during the original series. It is amazing how many forms of media can bring multiple age groups together by having shows and movies of a past adapted to modern-day audiences, knowing that it can never go out-dated.

Ardin Baniecwicz, a junior communication studies major, says on how people typically enjoy shows from certain decades, such as the 90s and the 2000s, to seek comfort from times past, to the good old days.

Baniecwicz speaks on her thoughts on how Gen Z, as well as most generations, have certain forms of media, such as movies and television shows, that they enjoy watching from time to time.

She elaborates on how people look to these forms of media as a way to enjoy the simpler times of the past. “I feel like people are becoming more aware of the current times of the world, where people are realizing

that it sucks now compared to back then” states Baniecwicz.

Musically speaking, many hot and up-and-coming musicians and artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Olivia Rodrigo, have all been influenced by artists that they have enjoyed listening to when they were younger such as Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera, Aaliyah and Britney Spears. Fast forward decades later, as the former started going on tour in recent years, they had the opportunity to sing alongside, collaborate with or be mentored by the latter veterans.

Even our very own Temple Owls such as Antique, Charli Dahni and Stellar Nai, who also make their own music are influenced by artists from the 2000s and even up to the early 2010s club party songs, mostly in the genres of pop and r&b music!

It’s amazing how much of our fellow peers can be impacted by artists who were popular from around the time they were born and grew up listening to!

Not only are forms of media and art beginning to resurface, but also digital cameras are beginning to make a comeback as well, with people owning second hand cameras from their parents from the 2000s to buying used ones off of Ebay or Mercari.

Some popular camera brands that people use include Samsung and Sony cameras in a variety of different colors ranging from pink, blue, silver, or black.

In addition to digital cameras resurfacing, Polaroids have begun to make a comeback as well, more specifically the FujiFIlm camera! These types of cameras, particularly the FujiFilm cameras are

considered to be the more tangible and treasured more, as after the photo is taken, people can put it on the walls in their room with the actual polaroid photo that comes out of the camera as decoration.

Emily Hildenbrand, a sophomore journalism major who also does freelance photography on the side, shared her thoughts on how the digital camera scene and its visual effects has made an impact on Gen Z as a whole.

Hildenbrand credits the resurgence of digital cameras and special effects used in photos as the reason why Gen Z is collectively craving for nostalgia. She notes “I think that sense of nostalgia has brought back a lot of cool photography trends, like digital cameras and especially fisheyes (wide-lens).”

She admits that she doesn’t really focus on a particular type of camera when it comes to her work as a photographer, she utilizes multiple types of cameras for both her personal life, such as going to parties and professionally for her work. Hildenbrand typically goes for her Sony or Lumix camera, for photography of local bands, club activities or government based events in the Philadelphia area. For a fun party photo-op, she goes with a vintage Pentax camera that she had thrifted, and describes it as giving a cooler look into the pictures she takes.

However, Hildenbrand asserts that given the ‘90s based effects she adds to her photos, such as the increased saturation and

vibrance, is not authentic as most people would associate the original photos of the ‘90s and the 2000s.

Even though it doesn’t stay true to the actual photography from that era, it does an amazing job on capturing the actual effects and vision to it in today’s atmosphere due to the large amount of tweaking and editing done to achieve the retro effect you constantly see all over Instagram.

What makes Gen Z so attracted to nostalgia? The reason what makes the past so appealing to them is how that it makes them feel like they are actually living in those eras at the time, despite the fact that they are living in a world where they are witnessing everything around them change digitally in cyberspace.

Gen Z also seeks inspiration from older figures in previous generations as inspiration, such as from their parents, siblings and other role models that they look up to. With these people in their lives, they seek comfort in the past while living in an age surrounded with chaos in the world.

In conclusion, as the first generation to grow up and live entirely on the internet and social media platforms, Gen Z constantly craves nostalgia in forms of art and media, such as fashion, music, and on the screen such as film and television. In the decades to come, there will undoubtedly be future generations of children who will have to witness their parents’ youth through electronic devices, but will hopefully inherit some of their older folks’ interests and souvenirs into their own life as well.

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