Slope Magazine Fall 2022

1

CONTRIBUTORS Editor-in-Chiefs

Photographer

Amanda Kaplowitz

Dana Birke

Samantha Krevolin

Writers & Editors

Creative Director

Amanda Kaplowitz*

Laken Pomerantz

Dylan Turkewitz Emma Levinbook

Presidents

Emily Wolfman*

Kaylee Zhong

Hallie Finkelstein

Sydney Albert

Julia Mangeym* Lexi Zammiello

Design Team

Morgan Marcus

Ilyssa Cohn

Samantha Krevolin*

Julia Mangeym

Zoe Basulta (* for editors)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Entertainment Growing Up With Taylor Swift

6

Jeffery Dahmer Movie

8

Academic The Things I Would Tell My Freshman Year Self

11

An Ode to Overachievers at Cornell

14

A Survival Guide to First Semester Freshman Year

16

Lifestyle The Realities of Living in a Sorority House

20

The Realities of Learning How to Cook as a College Student

24

Allergies in Ithaca: How to Manage Them and the Best Places to Eat with Them

26

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Samantha Krevolin and Amanda Kaplowitz Amanda Kaplowitz and Samantha Krevolin Our second and final semester being Editors-in-

Thank you for all of your support this semester!

Chief has now officially come to an end and it’s

This edition of the Slope magazine encompasses

certainly been a rewarding, fun, and incredible

the personalities of our writers, which is what

experience. We’ve both been members of Slope

makes Slope so unique. What makes it even

since our freshman year, so it’s crazy to think that

more special to us is that it’s our first ever

this chapter is coming to a close. Slope has been

print version of the magazine as Editors-

a huge part of both of our times at Cornell, and we

in-Chief. While we did have a magazine last

will both miss it immensely. With that being said, we

semester, it was only ever published online

are so excited for this version of the print magazine,

since we were both overseas studying abroad.

and to see what’s in store for Slope in the future.

That is also why this semester holds a lot of As we step down from Slope, we hope to take many

firsts for us in this leadership role– we’re in-

of the important skills we’ve learned with us as

person now. Although we were Editors-in-Chief

we embark into the “real world” in our lives post-

last semester, it’s been very different running

grad. We are grateful for everything Slope has

meetings in the same time zone as our team,

taught us. We’ve become better writers, met so

and being able to run into writers on campus

many people, and improved our leadership skills.

and meet them in person. We’re so happy to

And we can’t forget the incredible mentorship

be back to pretty much normalcy, and finally

and advice we have received from our past

publish a magazine with no articles about COVID!

Editors-in-Chief– shout-out Mary, Aliza, and Katie.

We can’t wait for the future of Slope and to The amazing people who make up Slope are

see how the magazine evolves. We know that

what make it much more than a club, but a

the next e-board will make it even better. We

true community. We could not have produced

will be watching proudly from the sidelines–

this beautiful print magazine without the help

and reading all of the wonderful new articles.

of

our

writers,

editors,

photo

department,

design team, and this semester’s e-board.

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Growing Up With Taylor Swift

NYT: Mark Blinch/Reuters

Amanda Kaplowitz Whether you worship her and consider yourself

The release of her latest album, Midnights, has

a “Swiftie,” you’re indifferent and have really only

made me reflect back on how far we’ve come

heard the occasional “Shake It Off” or “You Belong

– we being me and Taylor. Not to be one of

With Me” on the radio, or you’re a hater, there is

those freaky superfans who claim that Taylor

no doubt that Taylor Swift is a household name for

Swift and I are “friends” or have a “special

Gen-Zers. She’s broken countless records, won

bond,” but I do believe that Taylor has had a

dozens of awards, and released ten original studio

huge impact on my life. I’ve been a fan of hers

albums and two re-recordings of previous albums.

for as long as I can remember, and my love of

Her influence is undeniable, and her influence

her music has only grown as I’ve gotten older.

on me, specifically, has been very substantial.

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I vividly remember singing her songs and watching

Her lyrics and songwriting style resonate with

her music videos when I was in elementary

me so much. It’s like she can perfectly articulate

school. In fact, at my fifth-grade chorus concert,

what’s in my brain and sing about thoughts I

we all sang “Love Story.” When I was ten years

didn’t even know I had. I personally think her

old in 2011, I went to her “Speak Now” concert,

songs are so relatable, especially those from

which really cemented my obsession with her.

her newer albums when she’s singing about

I even recently realized that I’ve been following

her inner thoughts and feelings. You can truly

her on Instagram since 2012, which was when

find a song for every mood in her discography.

I first created my account– ten whole years.

Now, I’m not just trying to prove how loyal of a

So now, as I enter my last semester of college and

fan I am or secure my status as a “Swiftie,” but

prepare to go out into the “real world,” I think back

rather, I just think it’s kind of crazy how Taylor

to being a little kid belting “Our Song,” and how

Swift’s music has gotten me through many stages

Taylor’s music has been with me through it all (and

of my life. Just as she has gone through different

will probably continue to be). I love who she is as

eras, has evolved, and grown up, I have too. I’ve

a person and think she’s a great role model, but

been listening to her music for 11+ years, so I’ve

I also appreciate her catchy songs, artful lyrics,

inevitably gone through big life changes in that

and vivid storytelling. So, Taylor Swift– thank you.

time. And, I’m so excited to see all of her different eras come together in her upcoming Eras tour.

I’ve now come to associate certain songs and albums with different time periods of my life.

For example, any song from Folklore brings me back to quarantine, and Fearless (Taylor’s

Version)

transports

me

to

my

sophomore

spring semester. And, I’ve been exclusively listening to Midnights since it came out, so I’m certain it will remind me of my senior year.

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Michael Suguitan

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Netflix

Jeffrey Dahmer Movie Dylan Turkewitz Let me start off by saying that this is not the

Dahmer is played by Evan Peters, who did a

comfort show to binge-watch before bedtime,

remarkable job adapting to Dahmer’s unique

or even with dimmed lights. Monster: The

voice, appearance, and body language. In order

Jeffrey Dahmer Story tells the disturbing life

to prepare for this challenging role, Peters

story of Jeffrey Dahmer, one of America’s most

first watched NBC’s 1994 interview, conducted

infamous serial killers, without holding back.

by Stone Phillips, where Dahmer recounts his

.

murders and his childhood. Peters strove to

The series launched on September 21, 2022

authentically play the part of Dahmer in order

on Netflix. By the first week of its launch,

to serve justice to the victims and their families.

the series became the platform’s ninth most

He did not want to leave out the gruesome parts

watched TV series in the English language;

in fear of glorifying or palliating the damage

by the second week, it reached number two

Dahmer caused in his lifetime. To mentally train

on that same list. The striking title hooked me

himself to play America’s greatest “monster,”

into watching the series the second it aired.

Peters also claims to have forced himself to spend long periods of time in dark places.

The show–a part of the crime, social issues, and TV drama genres–chronicles the dark and heinous life

The series starts in media res: Jeffrey Dahmer

lived by Jeffrey Dahmer within ten episodes. The

washes his hands in his sink in order to remove

notorious cannibal murdered 17 males between

the red substance off of his hands, implying to

1978 and 1991, and feasted on their body parts

the audience that the substance is the blood of

afterwards. The show does a great job of including

his most recent victim. Whirring noises play in the

the disturbing parts in order to maintain accuracy.

background, which makes a neighbor suspectful.

The

presence

of

blood

is

disturbing

and

Reflecting the notoriety, in 2013, Katy Perry

frightening, which is why this opening effectively

released her song entitled “Dark Horse” which

reels in the audience; they will wonder where the

features rapper Juicy J and includes an insensitive

blood has come from, and therefore will continue

reference to Dahmer. Juicy J raps, “She eats your

watching the episode. This hook is successful

heart out like Jeffrey Dahmer.” The series has

because it hints at the horror of the plot, while

sparked the insurgence of angry fans on Twitter,

simultaneously leaving the audience in suspense.

demanding that she both apologize and remove the insensitive lyric from the song, rightfully so.

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The episode proceeds with Dahmer going to a gay bar, his typical location for finding his victims, in which he finds his last victim, Tracy Edwards. The first episode conveys to the audience the classic route Dahmer would take to carry out his murders.

This beginning is effective, as it serves as an intriguing glimpse into Dahmer’s murder patterns.

Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story attempts to adhere to the contextual and sensual details of the killings with as much accuracy as possible.

Dahmer’s neighbor routinely complains about the

The episodes depict Dahmer’s upbringing, while

potent odors coming from his apartment, which

paying special attention to his parents’ divorce. It

reeks of a dead animal. In addition, actors who

is implied that this traumatic event, along with the

play Dahmer’s victims are of similar appearance to

abandonment that comes with it, impacted the fear

Dahmer’s real victims. Dahmer was known to be

of abandonment he had in his adult life. I believe

attracted to men with muscular body types, which

that the series may have overly-humanized him by

was clearly adhered to in the casting process.

identifying a cause for his actions, which I do not like about the series; parts of Dahmer’s childhood are presented in order to expose possible reasons for his diverted psyche. I think the series– maybe inadvertently– was problematic for giving Dahmer an excuse: his childhood. I also think that this show gives him a podium and a wave of fame, which is problematic to me.

Watch Just

it, make

heartbroken,

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and sure

form you

disturbed,

your

own

are

ready and

opinion! to

be

infuriated.

The Things I Would Tell My Freshman Year Self Samantha Krevolin

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As I’m approaching the second semester of

reason I was able to take one of my favorite

my senior year, I can’t help but reflect on my

classes at Cornell. The following semester,

time at Cornell. I know this sounds cliché, but I

I recognized the impact this decision had

honestly cannot believe how fast these years

and was willing to make a difficult course

have flown by. I have a brother who’s a senior in

pass/fail, so I could still learn the interesting

high school and is currently applying to college.

material but not have too much on my plate.

He’s been asking me questions and for advice to best prepare him for the four years ahead. While

You’re

not

going

to

helping him through the college process, I think

your

best

back on what I wish my freshman-year self knew

I am very fortunate to have been able to go to

to best guide him. After talking to him, I have

college with five of my best friends from high

thought of several things I would tell my freshman-

school. I do acknowledge that we are an extremely

year self to prepare her for the wild ride ahead.

lucky group and that this is a very unusual

friends

meet right

all

of away

circumstance, but having my best friends with me It’s okay if you make a class pass/fail or drop it

certainly helped with the transition. However, it

My high school self would have had a heart attack

also hurt at times. I was hesitant to branch out

at the thought of dropping a class or not taking

freshman year because I thought, “Why make new

one for a grade if I had the option to. During these

friends when I have such great ones already?” This

past few years, I have learned that at the end of

was my biggest mistake. After the first two months,

the day, we all go to Cornell for a reason, and

I realized everyone was making new friends and I

it’s perfectly normal to find a class that you don’t

felt like I was missing out. I tried my best to branch

like or don’t do well in. For example, sophomore

out more, and I met friends who have come and

year I wanted to get my science requirements

gone, and also people I think will be my friends

out of the way so I took a chemistry course.

forever. Some of my best friends I didn’t even

That semester, there was a new professor who

meet until junior year, and who knows maybe

completely changed the curriculum. Not only

some of my friends for life I haven’t even met yet.

was this course now equivalent to an organic chemistry course, but I am also a Communication

You don’t need to be best friends with your roommate

major, so I had little to no background in

Everyone and their mother looks like they’re best

this subject. I was distraught that I ultimately

friends with their freshman-year roommate on

needed to drop this class, but doing so was the

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Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, but this is just not

Even

something

as

simple

as

trying

new

true. First things first– social media is fake. There

food at the dining hall or learning how to

are differing degrees of freshman roommate

appreciate eating lunch alone goes a long way.

dynamics. There are those who are actually best friends, those who are friends but have their own

Enjoy

every

different friend groups, and those who just do

you’ll

not get along at all. All of these scenarios are

I’m the first to admit that I’m in complete denial

extremely common, so go in expecting the worst

of the fact that I’m a senior. When strangers ask

and you’ll most likely be satisfied with the outcome.

me what year I’m in, “freshman” is still on the tip

be

a

second senior

of

before

it you

because know

it

of my tongue. I refuse to acknowledge the fact Expand your horizons and try new things

that my g-word is a few months away. Although

Change is scary, but the only way to overcome it

this year is full of lasts, and I didn’t get to

is to go in head first. Whether it be trying a new

experience all of my firsts as a freshman due to

food or taking a class revolving around something

Covid, I could not be happier with how Cornell has

you have no experience with, any step you take is

shaped me, and the friends I have made. I wish

one step closer to becoming a more independent

my freshman-year self knew how lucky she is to

person. I wish I was more confident freshman year.

be at this amazing place for the next four years.

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An Ode to Overachievers at Cornell Emily Wolfman

I am unafraid to admit that I am not one of the

Students have opportunities to take upwards of

fortunate college students who has mastered

20 credits in a single semester, join a professional

the art of perfecting the “school-life” balance.

fraternity with the most intense recruitment

That being said, I never knew how much credit

processes I have ever seen, join a club to get

I should have given to employed students–

involved in an important cause, or join a research

that is, until I accepted an on-campus job of

team. There seems to be a constant competition

my own. Having a job on campus could mean

of who can take the biggest bite before realizing

so many different things. You could work for

it was much more than anyone could chew.

Cornell dining in one of the many on-campus dining halls or restaurants, you could channel

I personally have a love-hate relationship with this

your inner hotelie working at The Statler, you

culture, and I know I am not the only one. On the

could TA for cash rather than credit, or you

one hand, it is a great motivator and absolutely

could be like me and take on an administrative

pushes students to excel academically and

role for a graduate student research group.

professionally. However, it can also be exhausting,

One common skill these job requirements

demanding, and make impending burnout almost

share

inevitable. I sometimes wonder if things would be

is

balance

for

working

students.

different if I attended another university. Would I Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, and I am beyond

have accepted my new job without the influence

grateful for the opportunity to work alongside

of Cornell’s competitive culture? My answer:

such amazing researchers. However, in the rush

probably not. But I guess that is precisely why I am

of excitement of receiving the offer, I definitely

here– why we are all here at Cornell. We are the

underestimated what taking on a part-time job

students who accept the job, enroll in the extra

entails, especially in terms of time commitment.

class, rush the business frat, and always go the

As a junior, I have learned that adding more

extra mile. That in itself is something to be proud of.

and more to my plate without considering the

Keep

implications is par for the course at Cornell.

overachievers.

15

up

the

hard You’re

work,

my

doing

fellow great!

A Survival Guide to First Semester Freshman Year Emma Levinbook

The first semester of freshman year can be

Tip

daunting and difficult as one tries to navigate

Cornell academics are extremely rigorous and

entirely new academic and social environments.

demanding, but even so, it is crucial that you

This is especially true at a top-tier school like

take the time to hang out with your friends and

Cornell, where the scholastic rigor combined with

be social. Although studying can sometimes feel

the need to set time aside to form new friendships,

like the most important thing, especially when

get involved in extracurriculars, and simply

you want to make a good first impression and

remember to do your laundry each week is often

start your Cornell career off strong, cultivating

a lot to balance at once. However, as someone

meaningful relationships with those around you

who has experienced these challenges firsthand,

is just as important to your success as acing that

I can confidently say that the initial struggles of

math quiz. So, take some of the academic pressure

early college life eventually fade away, and with

off of your shoulders, and go out and have fun.

#1:

Keep

a

healthy

work-life

balance

time, one can find a steady rhythm as a Cornell student. Since this semester is nearing its end,

Tip #2: Ask for help when you need it, and use

I thought that it would be helpful to share some

your resources

of the things that I have learned. So, I present

It is important to remember that although you may

to you my survival guide for getting through

now have a newfound sense of independence,

the first semester of freshman year at Cornell.

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this

doesn’t

mean

that

you

shouldn’t

feel

Tip #4: Be prepared for sudden and unexpected

comfortable reaching out for help when you

precipitation

need it. Take advantage of office hours to form

On the topic of weather, I have also learned –

closer relationships with your professors and

albeit the hard way – to expect a surprise rain

to get extra assistance on concepts you are

shower several times a week. Though the obvious

having trouble with. Reach out to your advisors

solution is to always carry an umbrella with you to

for help with scheduling classes, fulfilling degree

keep yourself dry, I have also found it helpful to

requirements, and making decisions about majors

store a small trash bag in my backpack in which

and minors. And utilize the many resources that

to store my notebooks, textbooks, and devices

Cornell has to offer, such as tutoring programs,

to protect them from getting wet. I started doing

academic support courses, mental health services,

this only after I realized that my backpack was

and more. It is always okay to ask for help.

not, in fact, waterproof and that walking across campus on an extremely rainy day would result

Tip #3: Dress appropriately

in the inside of my backpack filling up with

Ithaca fall temperatures are highly variable, with

water, consequently ruining all of my books.

large swings throughout the day. While deciding

But, I’ve learned my lesson, and I hope to save

what to wear each morning might seem like the

other unsuspecting freshmen from a similar fate!

least of your worries as a first-semester freshman, what to wear each morning might seem like the

Tip #5: Find your go-to study spot

least of your worries as a first-semester freshman,

There are so many different places on campus

in reality, choosing appropriate attire for the

where students can study, and sometimes choosing

day’s unpredictable temperatures is actually

between all of these options can be overwhelming.

quite challenging at first (at least it was for me!).

Therefore, I highly recommend using your first

Although fall Ithaca temperatures might start out in

week or two of classes at the start of the fall

the mid-30-degree range, it is likely that by noon,

semester to try out a variety of study locations–

temperatures will reach as high as 60 degrees. This

whether that be a library, a café, or even your dorm

is something that you need to account for because

– so that you can learn which ones work best with

while you don’t want to freeze on your way to class,

your schedule and which ones will maximize your

you also don’t want to end up drenched in sweat

productivity. With this, you will always have a go-to

walking from class to class later in the day– trust me,

study spot or two that you know you can rely on.

it’s not comfortable! Hence, it is essential to take a quick look at the weather forecast before you leave your dorm in the morning, and make sure to layer!

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Tip #6: Get involved in extracurricular activities As previously emphasized, balance is key. In my opinion, an important part of this balance is to take advantage of the multitude of opportunities that Cornell has to offer outside of the classroom by

While this guide consists of only a small sampling

exploring pre-existing interests or by taking a risk

of tips for Cornell first-year students to help them

and trying something completely new. In so doing,

make it through their fall semester and settle

you will get to know many interesting people who

into college life with ease, these seven pieces of

share similar passions and goals with you. Becoming

advice are what I wish I had known at the start of

involved in clubs and organizations can also serve

my first semester as an unaware college freshman.

as a great way to feel more connected to Cornell.

However, everyone’s experiences at Cornell are different. Given this, the most important

Tip #7: Take care of yourself

suggestion I have is to prioritize the people

Above all else, one of the most important things

and things that bring you comfort, confidence,

to remember during your first semester at

and happiness and to give yourself room to

Cornell is to protect your mental, emotional, and

make mistakes and ultimately learn from them.

physical well-being. With so many academic and extracurricular demands on your plate, you will undoubtedly need breaks. Therefore, set aside time for yourself; watch your favorite TV show, work out, write in a journal, or simply rest in bed.

Also, try your best to resist the temptation to stay up all night, every night – sleep is important!

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19

The Realities of Living in a Sorority House Alexis Zammiello

Approximately 30% of students at Cornell are involved in Greek life, and a majority of those students live in their sorority or fraternity houses on campus at one point during their four years. For these students, sophomore year is often the time when they transition from living in a dorm room to living in a house, and, given the new housing rule where sophomores are required to live on campus, more students will be living in their Greek houses. For both freshmen and benefits and struggles of living in a house with 30 to 40 other people. As someone who did not know anyone in my Pledge Class before joining my sorority, the thought of living with this many people was daunting, yet I have since adjusted. Here is some of what I’ve discovered over the last few months:

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1. Noise

2. Bathrooms

When living in a house with 30-something other

As someone who had the luxury of living in

girls, there is bound to be constant noise. Simply

Mews Hall, the bathroom in a sorority house is a

speaking: there is no avoiding it. As someone who

completely different ballgame. My freshman year,

is generally a light sleeper, let’s just say that I’ve

I had pod-style living where I shared a bathroom

learned to sleep through it. However, aside from

with only four other girls. Those of you who lived

when you are trying to sleep or study, the noise

in Donlon or Dickson may understand what I am

can actually be fun. When you are in the house,

currently going through, but as someone who

you never seem to be alone. Each time I walk

shared a bathroom with only a few girls, this was

downstairs, I know I am going to be greeted by

a huge change. I currently share a bathroom with

a multitude of people, all excited to see me after

only three showers and four stalls with 18 other

only a few hours of being away from one another.

girls. Each time you enter the bathroom, there is

I know that whenever I am in a social mood, there

always a friendly face as soon as you open the

will always be people in either the kitchen or living

door. I have come to terms with the fact that there

room to hang out with. This is drastically different

is no avoiding people when it comes to going into

from living in the dorms as a freshman where

the bathroom. When the first thing you do in the

the hallways are always quiet and empty; I would

morning is go into the bathroom to brush your

compare a sorority house to a glorified Donlon

teeth, you better be prepared for a conversation.

– a very social place where you can always hear

There will always be other people there, and

the slam of the doors and you’re always greeted

from personal experience, shower conversations

in the bathroom. However, don’t let this deter you

are

from doing work in the house, there are always quiet places to get your work done; then when you’re ready for your break, head to the kitchen where odds are there is always someone there.

21

more

common

than

you

may

think!

3. Food

4. The Weekends

One of the best parts of living in a sorority house

The weekends are also an entertaining time to

is undoubtedly the chef. Our chef Stephen makes

be in a sorority house. The mornings are always

the best food to the point where girls from other

filled with people slowly making their way down to

sororities will come to our house for dinner some

the kitchen, and lazily making any combination of

nights. One drawback, though, is that your food

food that they can find. The days consist of girls

is never your own. As soon as food goes into

running in and out of the house, usually to go

the leftovers or the grocery fridge, it is a free-

to the library or to simply find something to do

for-all. People have tried to label their food to

around Ithaca. The lazy weekends are the best

ensure that no one eats it, but trust me, it never

weekends where girls all sit together in the living

works. As soon as food is left out or is placed

room and maybe even watch a movie together. As

in the communal fridge, it is fair-game: it’s

the day comes to an end and the nights approach,

simply the unspoken rule. There have been

there is a distinct dichotomy. There are the girls

countless nights where girls have walked

who are blasting music in the kitchen, so excited

to the fridge to get their leftover food, and

to go out, and then there are the girls who are

their food is missing. I’ve learned that the

already in their pajamas waiting for the noise to

only way to ensure the safety of your food

dwindle down so they can go to sleep. No matter

is to leave it in the minifridge in your room.

what your nightly plans are, there will always be

Don’t even get me started on the fact that

someone who is right there with you. This is when

we don’t have our chef on Saturdays, which

the classic phrase on the Facebook posts when

makes food especially scarce. Saturdays

you’re looking for a roommate Freshman year

are always the most entertaining as the

really comes into play: “I love to go out, but I’m

weirdest combinations of food are made,

always down for a chill night in!” A sorority house

such as cheese-stick quesadillas or street-

with approximately 40 girls is where you’ll find all

corn salsa eaten straight from the container.

sorts of different energies on a weekend, especially if

22

you’re

looking

for

some

entertainment.

5. The people (or should I say the drama

Although it has only been a few short months of

surrounding the people)

living in a sorority house, I think that I have an

Coming into my Pledge Class in the spring of

understanding of the ins and outs. Looking back

freshman year, I would say that I knew maybe one

to January, where I did not even know many of

person. As the semester progressed, I became

the girls’ names, all the way to now eating meals

friendly with each of the girls, but I had yet to find

and living right down the hall, the advantages of

a true friend group. Now living in the house, I have

a sorority house are clear. I would recommend

become so close with a majority of the girls who

this type of living and, to those that may be

live here. I mean, when you are with a group of girls

hesitant, also recommend keeping an open mind

for most of the day, each day of the week, you’re

about living with girls that you may not be the

bound to create some new best friends. However,

best of friends with at first. There are so many

this is where the struggle of living with 40 girls

experiences and little moments that could not

comes in: you are not going to be best friends

have been replicated if I did not live in this house.

with 40 girls, especially 40 girls who are trying to run a sorority. With all groups of girls inevitably comes drama. The good thing about this type of drama (if you can say there is a good part of drama) is that it is usually over a disagreement that is solved within the next 24 hours. There is no avoiding other people in the house, so if you’re really mad at someone the close proximity will guarantee a quick resolution. Besides the obvious drama that comes with all groups of girls, living in the sorority house is the best experience that a person in Greek life can have.

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The Realities of Learning How to Cook as a College Student Morgan Marcus So, you’re telling me I have to make the

and shrimp to try to figure out how to cook them.

chicken? It doesn’t come served on a plate?

My first home-cooked dinner was quite a disaster, I’m just kidding. I wasn’t that naive, but cooking in

but I quickly realized cooking is all about trial

college has been quite the experience, certainly

and error. I figured, hey, let me start easy and

not one I felt prepared for. I moved into an

make brussels sprouts and a burger. Simple

apartment this school year which meant I had to

right? It’s definitely straight forward, but that

learn how to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner all

doesn’t mean it’s impossible to mess up because

for myself. Luckily my parents are both fantastic

I did! While my vegetables were in the oven, my

cooks, but this also meant I relied on them for

roommate changed the oven to broil, which I

home-cooked meals. I love food and was not

didn’t question as someone unaware of what

completely clueless in the kitchen, but I had zero

broiling does. However, my brussels sprouts

experience with anything that started out raw.

weren’t cooked yet, so broiling them turned the outside of them black while the inside was still

My first grocery store trip was an overwhelming

uncooked. I don’t need to discuss what went

one, to say the least. How do I know which romaine

wrong with my burger, but it was black too. While

lettuce is the best or which steak to purchase?

I felt defeated that my first dinner was inedible,

What’s the difference between grape, cherry, and

I learned important lessons in the kitchen and

San Marzano tomatoes? (I still find they all taste

never made those same mistakes. I also learned

the same). What I quickly learned was that food

that I have a friend with me through it all: Google.

shopping isn’t hard, and it even becomes a fun activity to do with friends. I developed a routine

Google has been with me every step of the way

of what I eat and what I knew how to cook, and I

during my journey as a chef. Everything I once

started to challenge myself food shopping. I slowly

feared can be solved by a Google search. I started

started buying new items such as tuna, tilapia,

to love cooking, snapping pictures of my meals

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every night and proudly sending them to my

meat thermometer. I’ve adventured to making

family. My dad once replied to my dinner picture,

steak in a cast iron skillet with a crispy crust

saying, “made it or bought it?” I took that as a

that makes the perfect sizzling sound. My

big compliment. Cooking is a fun way to take a

roommates and I frequently cook together,

break from studying and real life. No one knows

making pasta salad, taco bowls, banana bread, or

what I want to eat better than I do, so I have a

baked apples straight from Indian Creek Farm.

new sense of freedom: cooking whatever I desire.

Cooking can be scary, but it’s also an exciting Throughout the past few months, my meals

adventure. I came into this year being able

have

salmon

to boil water and make avocado toast, and

connoisseur, considering I make it once a week.

now I’m slowly making my way through the

Whether I’m making pesto or teriyaki chicken,

kitchen and having a blast while doing so.

significantly

improved.

I’m

a

I am no longer scared of cutting off the fat and ensuring it’s fully cooked. Pro tip: purchase a

25

Allergies in Ithaca: How to Manage Them and the Best Places to Eat with Them Hallie Finkelstein “Your results came back,” my mom said to me as

feelings that I experienced when I thought about

she sat me down on the couch over fall break.

returning to Cornell with this new dietary change.

“And?” I questioned with wide eyes and a curious

I didn’t know what kinds of food would contain

mind. “I know this might come as a shock, but it says

this allergen, which restaurants to go to, or who

you have celiac disease,” she replied. “WHAT???”

to even ask about it. Having never faced the hardships of dealing with an allergy in my life, I

Finding out about a new allergy in the middle of

didn’t realize how often gluten is used as an

my sophomore year of college hasn’t been easy. I

ingredient in many of the foods that I eat on a daily

couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that I have

basis. Luckily, over the past few weeks, I have

been eating gluten for the past 20 years, and,

come to learn that Cornell, and Ithaca in general,

all of a sudden, I can’t eat it anymore. onfused,

is one of the most allergy-friendly places. I’ve

stressed, and anxious only begin to describe the

been able to learn so much by simply talking to

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staff and asking questions about their ingredients;

they are serving, there is a sign with red letters,

I have come to realize how understanding and

which indicates the different allergens each

kind people are about accommodating allergies. I

food contains. This makes it easy for people with

now know how difficult it can be to have an allergy

allergies to decide what to put in their meals. I

and how helpful it is when people provide good

have even asked questions before to verify what

suggestions. Although I still have more research to

is gluten-free, and the staff is more than happy

do, I will share everything that I have learned so far.

to double-check for you. The staff has shown that they are extremely understanding about

Whether you’re someone who has had an

If you’re more of a Terrace/Mac’s person for

allergy for years, someone who is new to the

lunch, they’ve got you and your allergy covered.

circumstances, like me, or someone just trying to

Say you’re in the mood for a burrito bowl, but are

educate themselves so that you and your friends

stressed because you don’t know the ingredients

can navigate the food world of Ithaca, I am here to

in any of the sauces and don’t know which one to

provide you with some of the most delicious and

choose; by simply asking the staff, I was informed

dietary-restriction accommodating suggestions.

that they have a spreadsheet with each of the sauces and their allergens that the staff can

Martha’s, inside of the Martha Van Rensselaer

check if they are unsure of the ingredients. This

building, takes the cake (gluten-free cake, of

prevented me from having the humiliating feeling

course) of being first on the list. Although you

of holding up the line with my multiple questions,

may be thinking that Martha’s is already very

and it allowed me to ask about multiple sauces at

well known across campus, but my new allergy

once. The salad bar does not have the same set-

has taught me the ins and outs of where the

up; however, the staff is beyond kind in trying to

best places are to eat for lunch. The best thing

make sure that what you’re eating is safe for you.

about Martha’s is that absolutely everything they

One staff member even brought out the bottle of

put out is labeled. Above each item of food that

dressing so that I could read the ingredients myself.

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In addition to these places, most of Cornell’s dining

me, which was absolutely delicious (I honestly

halls and other dining options label allergens

couldn’t even tell that it was gluten-free). This was

and are great places to go. If you’re looking for

very exciting for me as I am a big pasta person,

something off-campus and want a good restaurant

which is one of the reasons I was so disappointed

to go to with friends, I’ve found multiple places that

to hear about my diagnosis. I feel it is important

have labeled menus and accommodating servers.

to mention here that Thompson and Bleecker in the commons also has gluten-free pasta,

I highly recommend trying the restaurant Mix.

which is my favorite place to get pasta in Ithaca.

Their entire menu indicates which foods are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

Allergies are hard. It can be stressful when

There are so many different options to choose

you ask questions, and people don’t know

from, and almost everything can be made

the answers, and it can even be hard to bring

differently if you request it. The steak that I

yourself to ask the questions at all. Not every

ordered came with a side of fries, and they were

single one of my experiences so far has been

able to replace them with gluten-free sides -

easy, but Ithaca is such a great place to be:

not to mention the fact that they were able to

labeled menus, understanding servers, and

make all of the appetizers gluten-free as well.

friends have helped me along the way. If you

The server was extremely understanding and

have ever been diagnosed with an allergy, or if

helped me navigate the menu in order to pick

you ever become diagnosed with one, all I want

the best gluten-free options and change anything

to convey is that despite the challenges, you

to be prepared gluten-free if it wasn’t already.

will overcome this. Restaurants have become so much more aware and accommodating

Another great place to go in the Commons is

in 2022 and are prepared to answer any

Mahogany Grill. This was one of my favorite

and

restaurants in Ithaca even before I found out about my Celiac, and I was worried I would no longer be able to eat their bread and pasta.

However, Mahogany Grill is one of the more accommodating places I’ve been to so far in Ithaca. Almost everything on the menu is able to be made gluten-free or in a different way than it is initially presented. They brought out gluten-free bread and were able to cook gluten-free pasta for

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all

questions

about

their

ingredients.

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