Alessandra Gio
Shot by Caitlyn Cano
ABOUT THE ISSUE
UNSHAKEN
To be unshaken is to embody an unwavering sense of self. It’s more than just holding firm in a literal sense; it represents a state of being deeply rooted in authenticity. Even when the world around us is constantly changing—where trends, opinions, and values are fleeting—being unshaken is a bold statement of defiance.
To be unshaken is to radiate unbothered dominance. It’s refusing to bend, refusing to conform, and refusing to give a damn about what anyone else thinks. It’s about standing tall, looking fierce, and daring anyone to challenge you. Being unshaken is about living out loud, taking up space, and exuding energy so sharp it cuts through the noise.
STAFF
Editor-in-Chief
Morgann Rhule
Creative Director
Sabrina Sylvester
Editor-in-Chief Assistant
Kim Nguyen
Fashion & Beauty
Fashion Director
Arianna Nettles
Stylists
Ally Voshelle
Jordan Campbell
Arabella Campbell
Beauty
Tiana Mathew
Dalila Sanchez
Kendal Williams
Production
Production Director
Caitlyn Cano
Photographers
Brennan Hegedus
Deleon Cross
Sophia Dargavage
Marisa McCabe
Videography Director
Harry Mussotte
Videographers
Brennan Carmichael
Charlotte Perella
Elyssa Toal
External Director
Jonas Silva
1
Creative Director Assistant
Arabella Campbell
Art & Design
Art Director
Sabrina Sylvester
Graphic Designers
Adriana Farfan
Harry Mussotte
Lia Petrilli
Kendal Williams
Digital
Digital Director
Arabella Campbell
Digital Assistants
Francesca Kageff
Peyton Mondello
Chastity Cooper
Asya Seraphin
Editorial
Editorial Director
Haley Dockendorff
Senior Editor
Morgan Harms
Content Writers
Jessica Harris
Madison Denizard
Morgan Harms
Rosemary Aziz
Kaden Horn
Alara Ataman
Matthew Wolfe
Elise Archer
Web Director
Madison Denizard
External
Marketing Director
Alison May
Marketing Assistants
Victoria DeLeo
Isabella Marinaccio
Fallon Lanteigne
One and Done:
A Letter from the Editor
Photography by Caitlyn Cano
Layout by Kim Nguyen
It’s a Monday night at dusk, and I am writing this letter at the very last possible moment (because, let’s be real, Strike thrives in the eleventh hour). I often pride myself on being good with my words, but it seems almost impossible to find the right ones.
Although this is my fifth issue with Strike, it’s my first as Editor-in-Chief. After two years on the editorial team, I never thought I’d be here. I never thought I’d be writing this letter. And yet, here I am.
No one truly understands how much this magazine has changed my life. Before Strike, I felt like I was searching for something—community, purpose, maybe even myself. And now, looking at this issue, I see the proof that I’ve found it.
It’s surreal to think that I’ve carved my name into Strike’s history in such a major way. Even more surreal that I’m writing this from the same desk in my family’s home, the place where my voice first took shape, never imagining that one day it would lead me here.
Most people step into this role knowing they are next in line. They prepare. They plan. But for me, it happened suddenly—without a roadmap, without a transition, without a moment to catch my breath. One day, I wasn’t. And then suddenly, I was.
And yet, I never wavered. I adapted. I took what could have shaken me and stood firm.
So, while this is a letter to Issue 11, it’s also a love letter to Strike—to the people who have challenged me, inspired me, and stood unshaken beside me. To this incredible team that supported me as I stepped into leadership. To Kim, Arabella, and Bina — friendships that feel like fate. To the late nights, the impossible deadlines, and the magic that somehow always comes together in the end.
For me, this issue marks the start of something entirely new and the conclusion of a chapter I will never forget.
Here’s to standing tall. Here’s to what comes next. Here’s to being unshaken.
Strike Out your HBIC,
Morgann Rhule
Director’s Cut
Spring/Summer 2025 Final Draft
T
TREND WATCH: Director’s
Cut
TREND WATCH:
Director’s Cut
Cropped Jackets
“Cropped
TREND WATCH: Director’s Cut
Polka Dots
“Polka
dots have that classy, timeless look to them that can elevate any outfit.”
Name:
Position:
Never leaves the house without: Hometown:
TREND WATCH:
Director’s Cut
“I
TREND WATCH:
Rockstar’s Girlfriend
“I’m manifesting to be a rockstar’s girlfriend.”
Name:
Position:
TREND WATCH:
Grunge Chic
“Chasing my late grunge phase”
Sabrina Sylvester
TREND WATCH: Director’s
Cut
Studs
“Balancing my inner Texan cowgirl or early 2000s model off-duty.”
TREND WATCH: Director’s
Cut
Wired Frames
“They make me look like a ‘90s heartthrob who writes poetry in a coffee shop but still forgets to text back—retro, classic, and effortlessly minimal.”
WATCH:
Director’s Cut
Bottoms
Written by Alara Ataman
ART By Lia petrilli
Conformity culture is prevalent in every aspect of our lives, from the media we consume, the way we speak, and most prominently, the clothing we wear. Whether it be the brands we are encouraged to consume, the ways in which we style our hair, or even the colors we wear, conformity is an everyday pressure that makes it difficult to function as a unique individual seeking to try new things. In a world full of social media posts asking what we are going to wear this summer or what hair color we have, it can be hard to think outside the box or imagine a visual of ourselves that doesn’t include these pressures. Conformity culture has resulted in some of the most creative and influential fashion revolutions in the world.
Fashion revolutions can be seen as far back as the 1920s with the Art Deco flapper movement. As a reaction to Victorian fashion and attitudes featuring more conservative clothing and traditionally feminine features such as long hair, flappers sought to oppose them with controversial short bob cuts and scandalous shift dresses that showed more leg. The look and silhouette of flapper fashion became one of the most iconic characteristics of the 1920s, marking the look of the era in many people’s minds.
One of the biggest fashion revolutions occurred when the gyaru movement was born in Japan, protesting Japan’s strict beauty standards of pale skin, dark, straight hair, and a “natural” appearance. Gyaru fashion characterized itself through its stark contrast to these beauty standards with most characteristics of it being the opposite of these traits. With trademark features like tanned skin, over-thetop lighter-toned hair, and heavy makeup, gyaru subverted these expectations heavily.
The fashion movement emerged in the 1970s and hit a fever pitch in popularity in the 1990s, with magazines such as Egg playing a large role in making it more widespread. Egg was founded in 1995 and featured glossy images of colorful outfits, gyaru girls, and style tips that were followed religiously by enjoyers of gyaru. Despite gyaru containing more than 30 subgenres, all of them are connected in their practices of flamboyancy, uniqueness, and party girl lifestyle that opposed expectations of women being demure in their lifestyle and following more simplistic fashion choices, promoting agency and individuality for young women to function how they please outside of what people want from them. School girls accessorized their uniforms, and many gyarus decorated their hair with colorful extensions. When gyaru publications such as Egg and Ageha went out of production in the early 2010s, gyaru found itself in a popularity decline. This was remedied when these publications went back into the press in the late 2010s, with gyaru returning to many of its roots.
While gyaru is not as popular anymore, it still lives on in Harajuku, one of the most prominent fashion districts in Japan, and can be seen on platforms such as TikTok. While many Westerners aren’t familiar with the term “gyaru,” it
influenced many of our fashion movements as well, such as the high-teased hair of “scene” fashion. Additionally, many of its iconic elements can be seen on more modern runways, such as Windowsends Fall 2024 ready-to-wear, featuring many aspects born from gyaru fashion such as bright colors, extravagant outlines, rich fabrics such as fur, and flashy makeup. The stand gyaru took against conformity revolutionized and continues to influence the fashion world with its creativity.
It takes a strong sense of individuality and confidence in oneself to fight against the rhythm of conformity. The same way it takes level-headed control to fight your way out of a riptide, it takes the same skills to work against the rhythm of conformity and find yourself through your styles and actions. The swirl of social media promotes brands and styles that come and go like the seasons, each pushing aside any content or styles that don’t match.
It can be hard to even fathom ways to express yourself without being self-conscious or feeling false in your skin, especially with all the numerous aesthetic labels that flash across our lives constantly. Diving into the deep end of self-expression is one of the most essential things a person can do. Breaking free from the mold of conformity culture into self-expression can help you find yourself.
Pushing through the fear of societal expectations and conformity leads to a change in the world of art and creativity, and that can especially be seen in the world of fashion and in the magazines and runways that exist around the world. It’s because of those brave enough to hold onto their confidence and security within themselves that we have half of the beautiful and iconic looks that exist today.
Written by Elise Archer
Layout by Kim Nguyen
Get a Personality Before You Get a Sense of Style
“Your Favorite Pair of Jeans”
“A Neutral Staple”
“The Perfect Tank Top”
As a generation, we are so obsessed with the idea of being trendy that through the process, we inadvertently lose sight of personal taste and simply become a reflection of what’s perceived to be ‘in style’ or the current beauty standard. But in this obsession with maintaining relevance through style and trying to fit into a certain box, originality is lost.
You don’t have to follow a trend simply because that’s what everybody else is doing — and you shouldn’t. Whether that’s wearing your favorite vintage band tee you’ve had for years or your favorite bracelet, we are what we choose to wear. Your clothing choices say more about you than you’d think and can even alter someone’s impression of you. In expressing our individuality and personalities through our style choices, we allude to who we are as people.
In the era of fast fashion, people are constantly buying clothing that they’ll only wear a handful of times before it’s not ‘trendy’ anymore. Microtrends (or trends pushed to short-lived popularity by society and social media) are a great example of this struggle of needing to be “in style” to feel good about yourself. Blindly following trends can be problematic for that reason – just because Alix Earle wore skinny jeans doesn’t mean you have to. Listen to yourself and what makes you feel good, not because it’s what is popular at that moment, but because you like it. If our society keeps engaging in this, it’s imminent that we’ll all be facing trend fatigue – the exhaustion people experience when constantly being exposed to new trends. With the media pushing them in and out within weeks, seeing the same thing over and over again across different platforms can make it get old pretty fast. And then somehow, almost instantaneously, people are onto something new, and the discarded low-quality Shein pieces wind up in thrift stores or donation bins.
Style is something that’s unique to every individual and even considered a form of self-expression, and things like that shouldn’t be standardized.
Clothing choices should reflect who you are as a person at your core rather than attempting to fit into a certain image. There’s always been a strong pressure in society to aim to be a clone of the current beauty standard, but once you reach a certain point in life, you realize you’ll never feel more free than expressing your unapologetically authentic self through your style choices. Some people follow trends religiously, whereas others protest them in the name of individuality. But one thing following the crowd won’t do for you is make you feel like you.
Most people have a closet (and more) full of clothes, yet can rarely throw together an outfit that satisfies with ease. Even if you have a diverse palette when it comes to fashion, is it a bad thing to have too many ‘aesthetics’ in your wardrobe? Through the unconscious need to follow every trend, your closet will begin to overfill with stuff that you probably won’t like in a month or get any wear out of again, and many of those who take the time dedicating hours to cleaning out their closet don’t realize that they’re only making room for more clothes. Before they know it, they’re back to the beginning of the overflowing closet cycle within months.
A classic wardrobe is the best investment because no matter what, those pieces will always be in style. A “capsule closet” is a capsule of all of your clothes and accessories consisting of a certain palette that contains 6-8 different colors and pieces that you can use to create an infinite number of outfits. These six to eight colors should compliment your features with either warm or cool tones, varying necklines or silhouettes that best suit you, and your favorite fabrics and patterns. Through the process of narrowing down your closet to these specific articles of clothing, you can create an infinite number of outfits. You’ll also know exactly what to look for when shopping rather than blindly giving into trendy pieces that, most of the time, you don’t even actually like.
Aside from maintaining your specific and niche style, there are a few categories of clothing that are deemed timeless pieces. Being timeless will allow you to stay relevant despite the ever-changing trend cycle. Basic pieces such as denim, the perfect white tee or tank top, a little black dress, or other neutral staples are perfect examples. What makes these pieces timeless is the assurance that they’ll never go out of style. Despite whatever the current trend may be, your favorite jeans and white tank will always look and feel good.
So, what does your style say about you? Rather than just a surface-level aesthetic, your personal style should be a reflection of who you are, not who you think you should be. Certain fashion aesthetics can be imitated, but with a strong personality, any style becomes unique. Substance creates depth. Trends can become superficial fast and are bound to eventually fade away, but a strong sense of self that’s represented in the way you express yourself will never fade. Don’t let your perception of others become a reflection of you — get a personality before you get a style.
Written by Rosemary Aziz | Art & Layout by Lia Petrilli
Time is our most precious mortal yet intangible commodity. As it passes and space is taken, love is the only thing we’re capable of in this raw and human existence that can transcend it entirely. It can survive through wormholes of “Hey, sorry it’s been a while,” the best I can do is send you this old photo of us so you know I still think of you, and I know you may not be able to make it, but you’re always invited’s.
Being someone’s point person is such a special feeling. Yes, please come to me with every thought, let’s just merge souls and share the same air while we’re at it. A best friend’s love is something so special, rare, and unlike any other love you will likely ever experience. It is unwavering and kind — it’s effortless. It shows you what you deserve in other kinds of relationships. Those who show up for you and love you through your different stages of life create a beautiful framework for expectations you can uphold. Your immediate circle is so important because of that. The idea that your friends are a reflection of you is so true. So radically accurate. Would you let your best friend get treated the way you are treating yourself, or allow someone to treat you? Would you crack a smile if the things you were telling yourself were being told to them? You can start to identify standards by holding them to the stencil of your best friend, whom you want the world for, and see if it is up to par.
The durability of friendship exceeds that of the strongest elements, forces of nature, and iron fists. The friendship facet of love is irrevocable, and instead of working against the time and space we all take to flourish as individuals, it embeds itself in the very essence of that separation. It stands up against the test of time, so you never have to question whether or not you’re passing it.
The strongest ones hold hands through both time and mileage alike by creating an inviolable foundation. In
doing so, you watch each other change and shapeshift into who you’re becoming while appreciating the ways you knew each other when you were kids. There is something so special about looking at your twenty-yearold best friend and still recognizing the seventh-grader you saved a seat for at lunch every day. People change, but the right bonds don’t. You either grow together or grow apart.
This bond and love is not contingent on the physical presence of your best friend, but rather the knowledge that you can go through a spell of reclusivity and still be able to call when you’re ready. Love is a verb; it is something that is practiced and viscerally felt. It is bound by nothing but the hearts it leeches onto. Unspoken rules that are simply understood — a pristine form of communication that, like love, speaks louder than spoken language.
The intangibility of a friendship is like faith; you can’t always see it, but you know it’s there. It’s up to you to maintain its fervency. Well, up to both of you. Growing through the aches and pains of life while always having a best friend by your side to support you supply the strength we need to persevere. Oftentimes, we go through certain things to deepen our ability to empathize with those close to us, our best friends.
Sharing the experience of living: moving away for college, making new friends, getting your heart broken, and then loving again — a best friend can offer purpose to the pain and glory alike. The ability to take those hardships and pour them back into your day one is like upcycling pain into advice and comfort. Feeling the hurt of life can help you better show up for your best friend who may go through a striation of that very hurt, which fortifies your bond to greater depths, making distance an even lesser threat.
Adjusting from living down the street to “I’ll take the express lanes, maybe I’ll make it there faster” or “let me check flights for next month” is no easy feat. Continuing to make the effort to stay relevant in each other’s lives is half the battle. Effort is the recurring theme in any long standing relationship, and most commonly found between you and the person whom you never felt confused as to where you stand. Proving that you will show up, rain or shine, distance or not, is how to cement security into friendship. That’s what makes it apt to survive time’s design.
Life can be such a panic where typically little to no sense is being made. You scramble, flipping through your vices, deciding which one will soothe you for the moment. But, a blunt won’t catch you in a trust fall or braid your hair. A shot won’t stroke your thumb and listen as you cry about what’s been weighing on you. A swig of a bottle or a drag of a malignant smoking device will do you no such favor. Filling the void in your chest with smoke will hardly satiate your hunger to be understood, to be loved. You’ll realize that there is very little that can. The only thing, or person rather, that can fill it is much less tangible. It can’t be inhaled or sipped, only felt. Your best friend. Their presence in your life isn’t hung in questioning; it isn’t strung in wondering but rather in wonder. You’ll come to learn that friends can peel your orange, too. If you get really lucky in this life, some will get after a pomegranate for you. That’s the real labor of love. A true feat. The pomegranate peelers, you keep those, and don’t ever let them go.
The deepest form of love can be the one that is shared between you and your best friend. A companion who fills the world by beating you to your coffee order, key lime pie when you’re sad, flowers after it’s been a while, and a listening ear at all hours of the day. To be loved is to be known. To be a hotline and a lifeline all the same. A best friend is having someone to squeeze your hand twice before all the big milestones and never letting go, at least not in a metaphoric sense. Watch each other grow, and find eternal gratitude that you get to spend your life with someone who is undeniably entangled in your growing up and growing out. It will always be worth keeping up, even if it’s been a while. I promise they want to hear from you.
Photography by Brennan Hegedus | styled by Jordan Campbell & Arianna Nettles
| Talent by Dre’Shawn Pace & Jordan Campbell
Subculture Coffee Roasters, Delray Beach
It’s funny to think that the same thing that used to be my biggest insecurity, the reason for saying no to countless opportunities, has transformed into the reason for my existence. Queerness, in a convoluted way, saved me. I knew I was different from those around me at a young age, but this was during a time of cognitive development where anything outside the lines was deemed “wrong.” All I could do was sit back and watch as my peers seemed to have everything figured out. It was as if the teacher had solved the problem for them, and all they had to do was sign their name at the top of the paper.
Despite how anyone in the LGTBQ+ community grew up, being always forced to find an alternate route to success, while often tedious, encompasses the strength and determination everyone in the community holds. So many individuals who walked this earth before me stood their ground unapologetically in the face of adversity — fighting for their rights and beliefs in a world where doing so could mean the end. The Stonewall riots, Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson, and Audre Lorde are just a few of the trailblazing moments and people modeling the strength of the community.
The ultimate path to happiness was blocked off the moment I entered the world and her creations. At least, this is how I felt as I saw how harsh the world could be. I remember watching the news as gay marriage was legalized in all 50 states in 2015. What was supposed to be a day of joy turned into a day of division, with countless Americans angry by the simple news that love was not to be viewed as a superficial privilege but rather a fundamental right.
Written by Matthew Wolfe
Art and Layout by Adriana Farfan
Growing up in the church, my differences were pointed out, and I was made an example of what not to do. Every day seemed to be a battle, not just with myself but with those in positions of power who had the ability to say whatever they wanted without any form of punishment. What came after was feelings of jealousy and bitterness towards those who were “normal.” I discovered I had to learn at a young age that the lessons and teachings I was being fed were conflicting with how I truly felt and how I truly wanted to live my life. To be unapologetically me.
It felt like years of standing by, watching my peers somehow end up with the golden ticket being placed in the palms of their hands while I sat, trapped in the waiting room of my own existence, pondering what I could have done wrong to be placed in this purgatory. It’s funny, honestly, to think that these thoughts—the feeling of being lesser, of standing on the outskirts of what was promised to others—were not mine to begin with. They were placed in my head by those who had the world at their fingertips from the moment they breathed life, those who never had to wonder if they deserved to be here or if they were enough.
I was feeling all of this while still being unable to look at myself in the mirror and admit to who I really am. I had realized that somewhere down the line, I had turned into the exact thing I was programmed to hate. Sure, it sounds like a lot for a fourteen-year-old to go through, but it’s those same experiences that have led me to the person I am today.
So often, people look at queerness and see deprivation. They see lack, struggle, something to be pitied, something to mourn. But when I look at my life, I don’t see deprivation—I see resilience. I see a boy who fought tooth and nail, clawing his way out of the hole he had unknowingly placed himself in when he first realized he was not like the others. I see someone who had to carve out his own existence in spaces that were never meant to hold him, someone who turned rejection into redirection, pain into purpose. Call me conceited, but I genuinely do
not believe just anyone can do that. In order to grow as an individual, you have to hit a wall—a point where you can’t go any further down in self-pity and hatred. The light at the end of the tunnel is there, and my existence in this world is proof of that.
What an honor it’s been to be forced to seek out alternate paths when the main roads were never paved for me. What a privilege it’s been to be demanded more of in a society where all of your boxes must be checked to have a form of sustainability. While others were handed their paths, I built mine brick by brick. Because of this honor—this necessity to fight, to create, to redefine—I get to ask myself, Is this enough for me? Not in the way they meant it, not in the way society frames it, but in the way that matters.
It’s these life experiences, although often strenuous, that have aided me in remaining unshaken in my true self. Being able to acknowledge my differences and not see them as setbacks, but rather see them as an opportunity to breakthrough. The idea that a worthwhile life was possible seemed foreign to me. But after some time, I began to see it with my own eyes.
The rise in confidence and the courage to face adversity were ideas that simply lived in the back of my mind. And here they were, coming to life, shining like the sun on a warm day in June. Even in turmoil, I have a purpose. Although I may not know what that purpose is yet, what an honor it is to go through the trials and tribulations of life to find out.
Finally, I understand that I am capable of more. I always have been. And perhaps, in all the ways they will never understand, I am freer because of it.
Written by Morgann Rhule
Art and Layout by Sabrina Sylvester
Photography by Caitlyn Cano
Styling by Morgann Rhule & Arianna Nettles
ALESSANDRA GIO F1
When Alessandra Gio booked her flight to Las Vegas for the Grand Prix back in November, she had no tickets, no plans — just an unshakable belief that everything would fall into place. She told her boyfriend to trust her and assured him that the universe would sort it all out in the end.
As it turns out, she was right. Her gut instinct paid off when she was invited by the Las Vegas Grand Prix organizers themselves, securing tickets for the entire weekend. It was a lucky break that turned into an unforgettable experience.
Alessandra’s introduction to Formula 1 came via the first Miami Grand Prix in 2022. While it may not be everyone’s favorite race, it ignited a spark in her. Having grown up close to the track, the buzz around the event was impossible to ignore. After hearing her peers rave about it, she dove into the F1 world — and quickly became hooked.
Fast forward two years to the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, and Alessandra decided to go all-in on content. She posted two videos that blew up — one from an Almave event, the drink company founded by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and another where she recreated a trending TikTok sound with the Kick Sauber drivers at the time, Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas.
“That weekend, I decided I needed to make as much content as I can—and as much valuable content as I can — to really push myself out there and beat the algorithm,” she says.
And push herself, she did. Though she’s only been making motorsport content for less than a year, Alessandra has already carved out a space for herself in the community. Her creativity flows on a whim, with inspiration often striking spontaneously. When that happens, she drops everything to film the content, capturing the energy and excitement that F1 fans crave on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Alessandra’s life has always been a balancing act. She juggles school as an advertising major and PR minor, builds a successful clothing brand, and creates daily content. Her planner is packed with tasks; each day is filled with a whirlwind of things to do. Yet, despite her organized life, one thing is wonderfully chaotic: her passion for motorsport content.
“It feels, I guess, surreal at times,” she says. would have never expected all these opportu nities to come.” These were the words Alessandra shared the first time we met in December, just as the F1 season ended.
Fast forward a few months, and at the start of the new F1 season, Alessandra’s perspective has evolved.
“I feel like now I’m finally getting the recognition that I know I deserve, which is amazing. And it’s just the beginning of the Formula One season—and a bunch of other motorsports. So, I do have a feeling that there’s going to be a lot of great opportunities that are going to come up this year.”
Big opportunities have already come her way. In addition to be ing invited to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Alessandra has worked with brands like Pepe Jeans, Dermalogica, and Cadillac. She even gets to work with the Miami Grand Prix this year, further ce menting her place in the motorsport space.
“I’m also, in a way, anxious. I mean, I’ve dealt with anxiety for as long as I can remember,” she says, recalling the first time she experienced an anxiety attack in ninth grade. “Since then, I’ve obviously worked on it. I’ve had my phases in life where it got really, really bad. But how I am now, I’ve worked on it very well. Like, I go to therapy—I just started going back, so it’s been really good.”
As a content creator, the pressures only intensify.
“Especially now with social media and everything, everything feels more overwhelming,” she admitted.
Navigating the challenges of being a female creator in a male-dominated space, Alessandra is acutely aware of the barriers women often face in motorsport. “It is a bit tough at the same time. You have men who are very rude and misogynistic, like, all the time. In the beginning, it really pissed me off, but eventually, you just don’t let it get to you.”
“I think that if you’re a woman and you want to get more into sports, you’ll always have those men with the same outdated beliefs — thinking women can’t be into sports, that we can’t drive, or race. It’s just ridiculous.”
She reflects on her challenges as a female creator in a male-dominated space. But for Alessandra, the fight for recognition goes beyond just gender — it’s also about amplifying the voices of the Latin community in a sport where representation has been limited. A South Florida native with roots in a Peruvian family, she understands the importance of visibility for Latinx fans and creators alike.
“I guess it does have a lot to do with how I am in motorsports, always advocating for the Latin community to be represented within Formula 1. I do think that's very important.”
But content creation and dealing with toxic fans aren't the only things on Alessandra's plate. She's also carving out space for herself in the world of fashion.
One of the most popular videos on Alessandra's socials is a creative transformation of a Ferrari garment bag into a stunning set. This ingenuity mirrors her work with her clothing brand, Twosided Apparel, a sustainable line focused on upcycling gameday apparel into cute pieces for college students.
She launched her brand three years ago after learning to sew during the pandemic. However, her journey in content creation didn’t begin with Formula 1 or motorsports. It all started when she posted a TikTok video showcasing one of her designs, which unexpectedly went viral.
“I really wanted to start my own clothing brand. I made four designs, posted them on TikTok, and it went viral—it got like a million views. So, that’s what really gave my small business a boost,” she shares, reflecting on the early days of her brand’s rise.
Then, about two years later, she had another idea: “I was like, ‘Oh, I have this UCF jersey, let me sew something out of it since I don’t use it.’ I posted a video of me converting it into a halter top, and that went viral too.”
These viral moments unlocked an entire market Alessandra hadn’t even considered — people passionate about gameday merch but with a creative twist. And what started as a hobby grew into a creative way to express her love for fashion.
“One day, I want to work with a [F1] team and maybe do a cool upcycling project with them,” she adds.
She tries to add fashion into her content as much as possible, having a little series on her account where she recreates F1 driver looks. Her style, which she credits icons Zendya and Bella Hadid for inspiration, and her content emit a laid-back coolness evident in her personality.
Alessandra’s approach to fashion and life is effortless yet bold — a blend of confidence, creativity, and resilience that spills over into everything she does. It's a reflection of her unshaken mindset, one that allows her to face the challenges of content creation, motorsport fandom, and entrepreneurship with unwavering determination.
But what truly stands out about Alessandra is the kindness she exudes. She remains grounded in a world where it’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of success and online scrutiny. Sometimes, people forget that the easiest thing you can do is be kind. That kindness, paired with her fierce work ethic and commitment to staying true to herself, is a cornerstone of her personality and the driving force behind her growing success.
Talent by Tiana Mathew
Photography by Sophia Dargavage
Styling by Morgann Rhule and Kim Nguyen
Art and Layout by Adriana Farfan
aving a home is both a blessing and a necessity. It’s as essential as water and food, but more so, it becomes a reflection of oneself. After living in any space for long enough, it transforms from merely a shelter for survival into a sanctuary. No matter how small or large, old or new, a space is the reflection of the spirit.
When entering someone’s home, there are distinct markers of who they are that can be observed. In the air are traces of a burnt candle, perfume, aged books, or their last meal. Trinkets are to be seen on shelves, and various magnets and papers are stuck to the fridge. On their bookshelves, the words tracing each book’s spine reveal their interests and desires. A home provides someone the opportunity to curate a safe space.
It’s a place that can be navigated blindfolded, thanks to the countless walks inside it. Over the years, it has gotten character through scuffs and dents on the walls, which always have an interesting story behind them.
Since a home becomes intrinsically linked with oneself, it’s no wonder why phrases like “home is where the heart is” have made their way onto tacky plates and hanging wall signs. This quote and the title of an Elvis Presley song is not just a cliché but a way to accept being a “homebody.”
Typically, a homebody is interpreted as a hermit, someone who isolates themselves from the rest of society, or a person who is unadventurous. Especially when one is in their 20s, staying inside is seen as a negative. They miss out on typical going-out activities such as tailgates, bars, and clubs. Places where you make questionable decisions, exciting memories, and new friends. While these events provide enjoyment, there is also fun to be had in the comfort of your own home.
An analysis of census data (American Time Use Survey) from August 2024 found that Americans spend more time at home, most of it alone. Between 2003 to 2022, time spent at home increased by one hour and 39 minutes, or by 10%. The trend can be seen spiking during the pandemic and has yet to return to typical numbers. Patrick Sharkey, professor of sociology at Princeton and author of the study, said, “It’s a dramatic shift in our daily lives… Almost every part of our lives is more likely to take place at home.”
So why are Americans becoming a nation of homebodies? Leaving your house requires a plethora of problem-solving. The first is getting dressed. Curating an outfit is the most vital yet challenging step. Whether one has chosen an outfit the night before or 10 minutes before, it always seems to result in rummaging through the closet, frustrated, sweaty, irritated, and with a mess on the floor. This is due to the numerous logistics that come with going to an unfamiliar place. For instance, how long can I walk in these shoes before I start questioning my existence? Where am I going to put this jacket, and how long before I lose it? How comfortably can I move in this outfit without flashing someone?
After managing to keep track of your keys, phone, wallet, and everything else needed for survival, then there is gathering the courage or energy to actually leave the house. The bed starts to look especially comfortable, or that movie you’ve been dying to watch creeps into the front of your mind. Suddenly, plans of going outside do not seem as appealing as they did before, but despite the doubts, you decide to fulfill your obligations.
Fast forward to later: overstimulated, with never-ending noise and sweat building on your back, the ability to teleport climbs to the top of your wishlist. That Dorothy’s powers from The Wizard of Oz could transfer to you. With the expression “There’s no place like home” and three heel clicks of your ruby slippers, you’re magically back in your house with a ready shower and comfy bed.
With all these obstacles, the definition of a homebody should be reconsidered. It isn’t necessarily the type of person who lacks confidence and fears being perceived negatively. Instead, homebodies remain unshaken with their boundaries. There are those who can have a good time outside but are also unapologetic about needing alone time. What is the fear of missing out? Because they wouldn’t know! A night with drinks and food can now be transferred into the home. The same goes for entertainment and exercise, often for a much more affordable price.
There’s a reason why Architectural Digest’s “Open Door” videos are such a spectacle. It gives the audience a chance to see the most intimate space inaccessible celebrities like Dakota Johnson, Kendall Jenner, and Jennifer Garner. Choices of wall decor, furniture, and rugs become a detailed reflection of the curator.
It is for these reasons that those videos are often staged. A viewer wouldn’t see the clutter of makeup and skincare around the edges of a sink. Or the clothes starting to pile on that one chair in your room. While this disorganization isn’t traditionally presentable, it’s charming because it’s authentically you, it’s evidence that you have lived.
After a long week, sometimes all that’s needed is a long day at home—hours in the place that’s seen at your best and your worst. Only at home can you try that recipe sitting in the back of your mind. Where you can start that resolution of picking up a new hobby, attempting a workout, or tackling that deep cleaning you’ve been avoiding. Have an impromptu karaoke session. Or you can simply spend all day resting, lying in bed, lounging on the couch, or curled up in a chair with a cup of tea and a book. Nevertheless, there are no prying eyes to judge how your time is spent.
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A Talk With
Meet Bramty Juliette. Mom of three, philanthropist, and YouTube sensation at just 29 years old. Bramty’s claim to fame began over a decade ago — when she uploaded a thrift haul on YouTube talking about how she was pregnant as a teenager while her now husband — Luis Espina — was a member of the United States Navy.
Her family — cleverly dubbed “The Bramfam” — has over 2.2 million subscribers on YouTube. On top of that, Bramty runs her personal accounts, as well as a Podcast called “BramTEA,” and various other business adventures — and she wanted to talk to us (I know, we’re still in shock too).
As she padded around her hotel room, barefoot and bare-faced, she offered each of us a fruity mento, which she swears by. Traces of sand were still on the floors from the morning at the beach, and their dog Juny, who wore a cowrie shell necklace, was curled up beneath Bramty’s feet. Her husband, Luis, came to our rescue and allowed us to use their own equipment when ours started acting up (if you work with cameras, you know the struggle). She told us about her love for Bob Marley, Peruvian food, and anything related to her new found health journey — as always indicated by the four bottles of supplements in her purse. Dive right into our conversation with Bramty and Luis and get to know Bramty for yourself.
Written By Haley Dockendorff
Art and Layout by Harry Mussotte
Photography by Caitlyn Cano
Styling by Ally Voshelle & Arianna Nettles
Hair and Makeup by Tiana Mathew & Dalila Sanchez
Strike:
All right, so take me back to the beginning. What made you decide to start to share your life with the whole world? What was the deciding factor that you were going to do this?
Bramty:
Okay, so I got pregnant at nineteen, and my husband joined the military. He was stationed in Virginia, and I didn’t have any friends or family. Nobody. I was a stay-at-home mom, and I started thrifting because that’s all I could really afford. So I decided to record my own thrift video and upload it, and it got a lot of traction, not because a lot of people were interested in the thrift haul, but because they were interested in the fact that I was married, I was young, I had a baby, I had my own house, and at the time there wasn’t a lot of teen moms, but I just kind of put it out there. It just put me in the spotlight.
S: How has being a young mom shaped your life? How did you decide that you were going to start this family as, well, teenagers together?
B: It definitely made me mature faster. My frontal lobe developed quicker. It was a blessing in disguise because now, I feel like I’m more mature than people my age.
S: How do you balance motherhood and raising three children while managing so many different assets like your online presence?
B: I try not to stress about it or overthink it. I’m good at mixing both, so I know how to work and keep my kids entertained because they’re home-schooled. It’s just about handling things well and learning how to mix your work life with being a mom.
S: Lets talk about your kids a little bit! What is each of them like?
B: So we have three. The oldest [Penelope] is nine, and she is a Pisces. So she’s really sentimental. She’s super sweet, smart, the best. For her being a firstborn, she’s mature. Then the twins, you would think they would have similar personalities, but they’re completely opposite. The boy [Balcom] is just like his dad. And then the girl [Levy] is just like me. Balcom is very goofy and funny, he doesn’t take anything seriously. And then Levy, she is very mature. A lot of people say that they are our “mini-mes.”
S: Aww. That’s so cute. What made you guys decide to homeschool them?
B: Because we want you to travel the world, and we knew that we weren’t going to be able to do that without pulling the kids out of school. They can learn around the world and get full-on, hands-on experience.
S: Yeah. 100%. Recently you seem to be transitioning into this health and wellness era of your life. What made you decide to channel your energy into this, and how do you stay motivated?
B: What pushes me to keep going is just seeing the results, seeing that my kids never get sick, seeing that my skin is glowing, seeing that I’m healthy, and I’m not always tired. Seeing everything that I do for my health pay off is what keeps me going as a person and also as a mother.
S: What does it feel like knowing that you guys have over two million people who have pretty much watched your family grow up on YouTube?
B: I mean, it doesn’t seem real. I know some people say to imagine the amount of people in a stadium but when I visually picture it like that, it’s insane. I can’t grasp that.
S: What are some things that you do outside of social media that people might not know about?
B: We’re always striving to make other forms of income because social media is not forever, and Luis, my husband, isn’t in the military anymore. My whole thing is social media. I never went to college. So Luis and I have a few rental properties. I also invested in a kid’s drink brand, which is called Drink Blocks, and I’m a part investor in that.
S: How have you and Luis’ relationship evolved and survived through literally a decade? After everything that you guys have done together, how do you guys stay connected and in tune with each other?
B: Something we say a lot to ourselves is, “We are not the enemies.” When we go through certain things, he and I, we’re not the enemies.
We’re not fighting against each other, but we’re fighting together, whatever the problem is. So we keep that in mind a lot. But also, we both know that any type of disloyalty or dishonesty is something that’s like a make or break. We both understand….[looks to Luis] How do I say it?
L: We have trust. We don’t break boundaries. We know not to break that boundary or cross that line. So we trust each other fully, and it’s like she said, we’re not going to be each other’s enemy. We’re going to fight obstacles together, not be each other’s obstacle.
S: Who wears the pants in the relationship [laughing]?
B: [Laughs] Ok, if you were to ask me this five years ago, I would’ve said me. But now I would say… it’s more 50/50. I’ve learned not to have so much masculine energy and to tap more into my feminine energy.
S: Have your values changed since you started vlogging?
B: With being on social media for a really long time, I’ve seen a lot of things from people that I’ve met along the way. Seeing so many things like cheating, drugs, people not being authentic… you can take it in a certain type of way. But for me personally, it would tell me what I never wanted to be. So that also pushed me more into my faith, thinking, wow, these people are lost. They get lost in the fame and the money. So, I then started getting more into my faith with God.
L: We started serving others more by traveling and giving back to those communities.
B: I did start falling a little bit into the lifestyle of fame and buying designer constantly and the nice cars. I started turning to religion because I knew I didn’t want to be what I saw other people being, and then that led me to open up my eyes and start helping other people and not just being so self-consumed with things that I wanted. I would say another thing is that I used to record the kids A LOT, but not so much anymore.
B: I started feeling more protective over what was mine and my family. I stopped showing the kids online as much, and I privated a lot of videos
S: Do you ever run into, I don’t want to say stress, but do you ever find yourself struggling to film or wanting to make content if you’re having an off day?
B: Yeah, 100%. I feel like it’s something a lot of people struggle with, especially when you’ve been doing this for as long as I have. I personally didn’t get to live my life in the moment. When I gave birth to the twins, it was recorded, and I was recovering from a C-section, and I was editing in the hospital bed because I was so focused on social media that now I look back at it, and I’m like, I don’t want to go through that again.
L: Yeah. You’re looking forward to that goal of being able to get off and take breaks.
S: Yeah, yeah. Getting to travel without having to work and film and post it for everyone to see.
B: Exactly. Just genuinely live in the moment, be able to see something through my eyes and not through the eyes of a camera lens.
S: Can you tell us a little bit more about the philanthropy that you guys have been doing?
B: So my husband is Cuban and we visited Cuba about two years ago for the first time. When we went there, we realized that a lot of people there, don’t have the basic necessities like Tylenol, Advil, and even menstrual products. They don’t make money, and they’re struggling there.
L: A lot don’t even eat three meals a day…
B: Exactly. So, you know, there was no way that we were going to come back home to the United States to live life the way we do without doing anything about it. We made it a mission to go back and fill suitcases full of supplies, medicine, toys for the kids.
S: So, our theme for this issue is “Unshaken.” Relating to that, how have you remained unshaken in your life and continue to hold such an amazing online presence for literally ten years? A decade! It’s just crazy to say that out loud.
B: I feel like you just have to be very unapologetic. You know, when you’re unapologetic, you don’t tiptoe around people. And when you are very confident in yourself and real, you’re not putting on a persona online. You’re the way you are on and offline.
L: Your image can’t be shaken literally, because people can’t say you’re something and you’re not, they’re getting what they’re seeing. But she’s been real since day one, and she’s shown every single step. So, people don’t have anything to really say.
B: Aw. Thank you.
S: Awww. And I’m sure you deal with your own set of hate and online trolls and bullies. How do you kind of cope with that stress?
B: I just remind myself that they’re just just a person that… Well, let me say this in the nicest way possible…
S: Oh, say it however you want!
B: When I see hate comments, I just tap into, you know what? They’re probably going through something. They’re probably insecure. They’re probably just a miserable person. So I just switch it around, it’s a mental tactic, like you know what? I feel bad for them. And then I just move on because, like I said, confident, successful people don’t do those things.
The POWER of I
magine a life where you are fully aware of your intentions and consciously choose your own path. By understanding and harnessing your intentions, you can shape your experiences and truly live in alignment with your desires. Intention is direction, and it allows you to curate the life that you want for yourself with a mindful focus.
You are a portrait of your mind. You can either evolve or repeat, and what you are not changing, you are choosing. Your mind is the most beautiful tool you have. There are some dreams you cannot compromise on, some goals that you can’t relinquish, and a certain type of love that you are manifesting, and that is the type of love you deserve. If you see how much willpower you obtain and align those wants with intentional actions, you can have it all.
The great thing about life is that everything is a choice. Every day that you wake up, you live the schedule that you choose. Your life is a representation of your choices, actions, values, and characteristics. How you decide to use your time leads to your fate, what your life will consist of, and what you have chosen to be important.
Changing your mindset to a more positive outlook can not only be life-changing, but it can also be healing. You are giving yourself life, purpose, and true peace by being content and aware of your choices. You are only denying your own divinity by not truly seeing yourself and letting yourself go. Sit with yourself, and visualize who you want to be, what that person does, and what that person looks like. Manifest your life, and make a reality of what you envision for yourself.
Written by Kaden Horn
Layout by Kendal Williams
Look at the law of attraction as a great example: the concept that our thoughts and emotions can influence the events and circumstances in our lives. The law is simple: what you focus on, you attract. You can decide whether your focus brings negative or positive experiences into your life. What kind of energy are you putting into the universe, and what is it reciprocating you with?
You can train your mind to be stronger than your feelings. How much time do you spend thinking about all the things you want to accomplish, all the qualities you wish to have, and who you want to be? We probably spend more time thinking and daydreaming than actually starting something or working at those goals. Your mind will hold you back the most and will be your biggest roadblock, but only if you let it. Don’t overthink, and trust in your intuition. Our emotions can be strong, and thoughts like fear, doubt, and failure can be the biggest reasons we hold back. Your aspirations, wants, or goals might seem too much, too hard, and unattainable, but are they? Think of that image you visualized, what your future looked like, and keep thinking of the outcomes and feelings you would have if you just did it.
It has never done anybody harm to hold themselves to high expectations. It is how we overcome, persevere, and reach our highest potential. What are your limits? You spend your time thinking about all those wants, but you can’t escape habits that have become a part of your daily routine. Whether it’s as simple as laying in bed scrolling through your phone, or maybe you’re watching TV, unable to set the controller down, or the book, or the computer. This is what you have chosen to do with your time.
As much as we can add exciting little things that we plan into our weeks, we all live routinely, and making time for what we choose is important. These habits in your routine have you trapped in a repeated cycle, and you get comfortable in your ways, even if you don’t realize it. You are capable. Try to envision it, and it will come to you. You can have exactly what you want and need. When you can see it in your mind, know you have the ability.
Discipline and holding yourself accountable are ways you can create new habits and strive for nothing but the best for yourself. It’s hard to think of it as your life, but the hardest part is starting. Getting yourself up when you’re
tired, working when you feel drained, and doing whatever is needed to reach who and where you want to be in life. Doing something when you don’t feel like it is the only way you will improve your mind. You are showing yourself that you are stronger than you think and much more aware of the power you hold. Pushing yourself and getting familiar with the unfamiliar shows true change and a crash in a repeated cycle of comfortability.
Consistency is as powerful as your intentions. Keeping the same mentality, drive, work ethic, and courage will keep your actions aligned with your passions. If you decide to start, and you are productive and mindful, but the next day, you are so tired and forgetful of what you were working for, you’re just setting yourself back again. Consistency is key, and you must find the motivation to want it enough.
Becoming mindful and able to visualize who you want to be, or knowing you are exactly who you want to be, is the biggest gift you can give yourself. That isn’t just a clear representation of the love you have for yourself but also the respect you uphold for your own passions and aspirations. That is giving your life peace and a state of mind where you know the intentions are apparent and true. That is letting nothing affect your drive, motivation, or power.
The biggest takeaway is to remember you have complete control. Over your mind, the people you hang around, how you feel when you perceive yourself, and what you do every single day. Our life is what our minds create it to be, and you can alter those emotions and the level of importance of things that you put your time and efforts into.
If something is affecting that, change it. Help yourself. No one is coming to save you. You are our biggest enemy. You are the only things that hold us back. You fail to remember how much we are offered and given in this life, and you choose to disregard it as if sitting on your phone in bed is what you’re meant to do in your one life. Act like the person you want to become, why fake it until you make it when you could just make it?
The Feminine Urge to Lose Your F *cking Mind
Written by Morgan Harms Art and Layout by Sabrina Sylvester
Women are crazy!
I mean, come on, you have to agree. They get so angry over stupid little things, and then they can’t control their temper, they just yell! Or cry, oh man, I swear, you say one thing wrong, and they just start crying!
Some of these women, they’ll just outright tell you that they have feelings for you—nuts, right? Oh wait, and get this—they’ll actually say that they want to get to know you better by being in an exclusive relationship. Like, come on, clingy much?
I’ve seen them go as far as telling you you’re wrong in front of other people! They’ll even give their own opinion, and sometimes it’s not even in a nice way. What’s even worse? They don’t always apologize for it. Isn’t that so rude?
They can be so damn dramatic too. Sorry you’re having “cramps,” but that doesn’t mean the world stops turning!
And do they really think it looks good when they wear those outlandish or slutty outfits, put on all that makeup, or dye their hair weird colors? News flash, you’ll be single forever looking like that.
Okay, you can exhale now, you’re in a safe place (if you didn’t read that in the voice of a small man named Brad, or like, f*cking Todd, you read it wrong). While those words are purely satirical, their laughability gets lost within the reality of it all.
As disgusting as it is, these thoughts do exist within the ignorant-minded. But this notion started long ago, before this century, and even way before the last. The idea that women belong in the cuckoo’s nest can be dated back to ancient Egyptian times.
Hysteria, the first “psychological disorder” attributed to strictly women, was also known as the “wandering uterus.” This “disorder” was allegedly caused by spontaneous uterine movement, some even speculating it would actually get up and walk out of your body (and we were the crazy ones?). “Treatments” were virginity and abstinence (how shocking). Realistically, the “diagnosis” was simply used to dismiss female emotions and experiences.
In today’s society, any expression of “excessive” emotion or opinion from a woman must mean her crazy pants are on. A study by researchers J. M. Salerno and L. C. Peter-Hagene in the academic journal Law and Human Behavior suggests that anger expression increases influence for men but decreases influence for women. While a man expressing anger is seen as powerful, a woman doing the same is seen as unhinged.
The reason for this could be attributed to a multitude of factors. One is the fundamental attribution error, which is the tendency to attribute a person’s actions to their personality rather than external circumstances. In other words, people tend to cut themselves a break, blaming their actions on other things going on in their lives while holding others 100 percent accountable.
In society, the fundamental attribution error works completely against women, likely due to a total lack of understanding. The double standard is deeply ingrained, yet all humans experience intense emotions. The difference? Women also navigate extreme hormonal fluctuations throughout essentially the entirety of their lives due to puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, sometimes from as early as age seven to as late as their mid-fifties.
Girls go through puberty between ages 8-13, with hormone surges around ages 9-10 that trigger mood swings and the onset of menstruation.
The menstrual cycle consists of three phases. During the follicular phase (the first 10-16 days), estrogen levels rise while progesterone remains low, typically resulting in a good mood and sometimes an increase in confidence.
During ovulation, estrogen peaks, and mood tends to remain stable for the 12-24 hours of the phase.
In the luteal phase, estrogen and the luteinizing hormone (LH) drop while progesterone increases. This shift onsets premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which often leads to symptoms like irritability, fatigue, changes in appetite, early cramping, and acne.
If a woman doesn’t get pregnant, hormone levels decrease, and prostaglandins rise, triggering menstruation, which lasts two to seven days and is often uncomfortable and painful, with symptoms like cramps, breast tenderness, mood swings, and fatigue.
During pregnancy, elevated progesterone and estrogen can cause mood swings, fatigue, anxiety, and irritability, with morning sickness, sleep disruptions, and physical changes. Anxiety and stress are common as pregnancy progresses.
Menopause marks the end of the reproductive years, with a sharp decline in estrogen and progesterone, leading to the infamous hot flashes, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, forgetfulness, and mood swings. These hormonal changes can also bring on similar symptoms to PMS (how fun).
Essentially, women are on a seemingly never-ending, somewhat nightmarish, emotional rollercoaster for the majority of their lives. Despite this biological reality, they are expected to suppress these feelings and make themselves more palatable to others.
Stop stifling me!
We are in the midst of a vanilla woman epidemic. Women have become terrified of being slapped with the crazy label, so instead, they choose to conform, erasing parts of themselves to become more easily digestible to the rest of the world. These lame-ass shells of a female are simply a suppression of deep emotions that, when left unexpressed, only build up into anxiety, irritability, and mood instability.
Emotional suppression keeps women on edge and can create a chronic fight-or-flight response, ultimately leading to explosive outbursts—how ironic.
By pushing women to keep their emotions in check, society is quite literally making women lose their minds, furthering the stereotype and preventing them from forming authentic connections, both with themselves and with others.
The pressure women feel to conform stifles creativity, ambition, and passion. The very traits that make women incredible leaders, artists, innovators, and change-makers are buried beneath a mask of compliance. But what if women stopped playing small? What if they just allowed themselves to lose it?
BRB, losing my mind!
Acknowledging emotions, tapping into them, and expressing them in a healthy way is necessary.
Through moments of emotional insight and intimate connection with oneself, a woman is able to understand herself on a deeper level, leading to creativity, innovation, and social change.
Some emotions can even be channeled and used as powerful motivators, driving both personal and collective growth. Research conducted by psychologist Eddie Harmon-Jones and his colleagues published in the peer-reviewed journal Current Directions in Psychological Science, suggests that the crucial aspect that in-
fluences a person’s scope of attention is not emotional valence (positive vs. negative emotions) but motivational intensity—how much you want to either face or avoid something.
This study found that low motivation makes people think more broadly, while high motivation makes them focus more narrowly, no matter if they feel good or bad. For example, calmness is a positive emotion, but it has low motivational intensity. On the other hand, excitement is a positive emotion with high motivational intensity.
Anger drives the confrontation of challenges. Frustration is the force of change and activism. Desire inspires achievement. Passion cultivates persistence. Sadness
evolves into profound artistic expression. Curiosity sparks innovation. Hope fuels resilience. Love fosters deep connection and the craving to be alive.
Emotions can serve as states of arousal, signaling the need to achieve a certain objective. Without the ability to feel, humans have no drive. Our emotions give us the necessary momentum to fulfill our ambitions.
Expressing them openly allows us to build mutually beneficial relationships, both platonic and romantic. Vulnerability fosters deeper, more meaningful connections, allowing women to build support systems that uplift rather than silence them.
Bouncing ideas and opinions off of one another is how our world evolves. How can we feel the full benefits of
this and reach our full potential as a society without offering our opinions with thorough and uncut emotionality?
It’s impossible for women to do amazing things without embracing the very emotions that set them apart. Their complexity is priceless and deserves to be celebrated rather than naively dismissed. Society has long feared women who refuse to shrink themselves, but the women who don’t are the changers of the world.
So, let’s stop calling women nuts and start calling them what they really are—brilliant, powerful, and unapologetically human.
If being a “crazy” woman is simply the equivalent of being a badass, you can catch me in the looney bin.
Photography by Marisa McCabe Styling by Jonas Silva, Arianna Nettles
Makeup by Kendal Williams
Talent by Sasha Campbell, Jonathan Wurfbain, Russell Williams
Written by Madison Denizard
Art and layout by Sabrina Sylvester
Afeeling of frustration washes over you as you feel the beginnings of an oncoming UTI. Again. For the past three months, it’s been infection after infection, and on top of that, you have acne for the first time in your life. Of course, all of this happens when you start dating the guy you have had a crush on forever. You make yet another appointment with the doctor and head out to meet him for dinner.
A few months later:
He’s mad again. And you have a UTI again. You are out with your friends, trying to enjoy the music, but all you can think about is the angry text on your phone from your boyfriend. He wasn’t like this in the beginning.
A few more months later:
It’s been three months since you had your last UTI, three months since your skin started to clear up, and three months since you broke up with him. Something these past months have taught you: your body knows when someone is bad for you before you do.
Humans are mammals. Our bodies have evolved and created primal survival behaviors, working in various ways to keep us safe and protected from both physical and mental danger. It also works to show our attraction to others. When humans are attracted to each other, our bodies release what is called oxytocin or “happy
hormones.” This chemical is released and is the reason that we feel things such as butterflies, racing hearts, or blushing. Pheromones are chemicals released that appeal to our sense of smell and trigger chemical responses in our brains. It determines how we interpret someone’s scent, for example. It’s either attracting or repelling.
What many people fail to notice is when our body is telling us that someone is bad for us. Whether a friendship or a romantic relationship, our bodies reject people, and it’s important to pay attention to the signals it’s sending us.
Rejection of someone can manifest itself in many ways, like sudden acne, and for those that are intimate, UTIs or yeast infections, heightened anxiety, and much more. While these symptoms show up physically, they are really a reflection of how your brain processes tension and stress created by that person. Heightened anxiety and stress are a reflection of rising cortisol levels, the chemical responsible for our fight-or-flight response. As a response to everyday stress, cortisol levels naturally increase and decrease, however, negative support from a partner has been shown to affect these levels.
For many, these changes start appearance-wise with acne or weight changes. A subtle sign that something has changed. If it is a romantic interest, they may become issues related to internal health. Mental health is very sensitive to those we are surrounded by, feeding off some -
one else’s mental state — secondhand stress or being directly affected by their behaviors. Typically, these things can be overlooked due to the various other reasons they could surface. Nobody wants to believe that their new partner could be wrong for them after all. But when they are all suddenly happening at the same time, it starts to form a pattern.
Toxic relationships and friendships can keep us trapped in their cycle and exert their power over us in a variety of ways. This could be fear, belief that things could or will be different, mental health worries, or even not recognizing the toxicity. Daunting as it is, it’s important to pay attention to how your body responds when in the presence of someone who could be toxic and save yourself months or years of unhealthy patterns.
For years, it has been said that women have the strongest intuition, believed to never lead them astray. Women are more sensitive to shifts in their environments and bodies, making the signals of danger stronger and more apparent. As women’s bodies change over the course of their cycle, they are exposed to a variety of emotions and shifts within their hormones. While this is different from the body not responding well to someone else, it is an example of how much stronger women’s bodies react to shifts in their environment and cycle.
These symptoms are also a physical manifestation of our intuition or our brain subconsciously
warning us of something that is not right. This is where the phrase “your gut is always right” comes into play.
According to Psychology Today , our intuition is controlled by the right side of the brain and through the neurons in the digestive system (the “gut” feeling). The white matter that connects the two sides of the brain is thicker for women than it is for men. This is believed to be the reason that women are quicker to connect their emotions and “gut feelings” to logical reasoning.
It’s common for people to write off intuition or symptoms of rejection as overthinking, never wanting to admit that it could be something more serious affecting our lives. When it comes to a toxic cycle in our lives, choosing to walk away or listen to what our bodies are telling us can be scary and come with a lot of different outcomes.
However, listening to what your body is saying, and in some cases screaming, can allow you to connect deeper to yourself and what is meant for you, making you a stronger and more deeply rooted person in the end.
Written by Jessica Harris
Art and Layout by Adriana Farfan
Photography by Deleon Cross
Styling by Arianna Nettles
Talent by Brisa Mendez & Matthew Wolfe
It’s like the atmosphere changes, and your presence can’t be ignored. Your confidence shines, almost like a natural force. You didn’t even have to be loud or disruptive. You took charge of your space and radiated an energy that drew people in and earned their respect. It’s that subtle strength of entering any situation with an assertiveness that speaks volumes. Confidence isn’t about pretending but knowing you have every right to be there. Walk into any room like you truly belong—because you do. Carry yourself in a way that leaves a memorable mark and gets people to pay attention because confidence, much like a storm, is something we all can unleash.
Having a strong presence isn’t just about being the loudest person or dressing in the latest fashion. It’s really about the energy you radiate. True presence means that when you enter a space, people can sense that you fit right in. It’s having confidence without being cocky, showing authority without being pushy, and being genuine without trying too hard. It’s reflected in how you hold yourself, the smoothness of your movements, and how you speak with conviction. Those who have a presence don’t need to seek attention; they naturally draw it in. The cool thing is that anyone can learn to develop this skill.
Take someone like Rihanna, for example. She doesn’t just walk into a room; she takes charge of it. Even if she’s in a hoodie and flip-flops, you still think, “That’s Rihanna.” It’s not just her celebrity status but the way she carries herself, talks, and exists with an aura that makes everyone notice. That’s what it means to be a storm, not having to be the loudest, but when you’re around, people feel your impact.
That kind of presence starts with you…your posture, eye contact, body language, and tone of voice. Stand tall and proud, shoulders back, head held high, and no slouching like a withered flower. Make eye contact, but don’t stare like you’re planning something sinister. Move with intention, not uncertainty. And when you talk, own your words. No need for rushing, mumbling, and downplaying yourself.
Being a storm means embracing your true self without any apologies. Be real without trying to fit into someone else’s idea of who you should be. When you stop stressing over what others think, whether they’ll judge or misunderstand you, you open the door to a new level of confidence. Your energy becomes free-flowing because you’re not wasting it on pretending to be someone you’re not. The truth is that people are attracted to authenticity.
Think about it: who catches your attention more? The person who meticulously chooses every word to be liked? Or the one who moves through life effortlessly, fully embracing who they are? When you live authentically, you let your true thoughts, values, and feelings shape your interactions. You laugh out loud when something’s funny, voice your disagreement when you don’t see eye to eye, and present your true self instead of a version you think others will accept. People might not always agree with you, but they’ll respect you for being true to yourself.
Fear is what usually holds people back…fear of being judged, rejected, or standing out too much. But consider this thought: what if instead of chasing approval, you focused on validating yourself? Real confidence comes from being true to who you are, regardless of what others think. A great way to overcome that fear is to take small, courageous steps every day that reflect your true identity. Speak up when you have an idea in class. Wear that outfit that makes you feel strong, even if it’s a bit different. Share your honest thoughts instead of just saying what’s expected. The more you practice this, the easier it becomes.
So, if you want to live like a storm, start by fully embracing who you are. No apologies, no holding back. Just be you. The world will adapt.
Storms don’t just disrupt the environment; they completely change everything they encounter. They clear the atmosphere, alter the scenery, and pave the way for new beginnings. Your presence can change the vibe of a place, not by causing chaos, but by the positive energy and influence you contribute to the environment. When you enter a space with confidence, purpose, and authenticity, you don’t merely occupy it; you transform it. You challenge outdated perspectives, motivate others to take action, and leave a lasting impression that resonates long after you leave.
So, how do you light up a room? It all comes down to the energy you bring with you. Have you ever noticed how some people walk in and instantly make everything feel more vibrant, urgent, or significant? That’s no coincidence. It’s just a mix of passion and enthusiasm. When you speak with certainty, people pay attention. When you engage with excitement, it’s contagious. The secret is to approach every interaction with purpose, whether it’s a casual chat or a major presentation, your energy can influence the atmosphere.
Of course, maintaining high energy requires effort. It begins with how you take care of yourself, such as exercising, getting fresh air, and nourishing yourself with things that uplift you. But energy is also mental. Shift your mindset from simply “getting through the day” to truly owning it. Seek out small moments of happiness, practice mindfulness, and remind yourself of your purpose and what you want to contribute to the world. The more involved you are with life, the more dynamic your presence will be.
The essence of being a storm is all about confidence, the same kind that keeps you grounded no matter what challenges arise. Real confidence doesn’t mean you never experience fear, doubt, or insecurity. Instead of allowing those feelings to hold you back, focus on facing criticism without breaking down, dealing with rejection without losing your self-worth, and pushing through difficulties with the belief that you can find a way. Use fear as motivation, learn along the way, and move forward with intention, even when things get tough.
Developing that kind of self-confidence takes time, but it’s totally within your reach. Start by setting small goals and achieving them with each little success, reinforcing the idea that you can tackle tough challenges. Be mindful of how you speak to yourself; confidence flourishes when you swap self-doubt for self-encouragement. Welcome challenges instead of shying away from them, understanding that every misstep is a chance to learn rather than a failure. The more you push yourself out of your comfort zone, the more you’ll get used to feeling uncomfortable, and that’s where real growth occurs.
Boost your confidence with a “confidence journal.” Each day, jot down three wins, whether big or small. Maybe you spoke up, tried something new, or just made it through a tough day. Eventually, this shifts your focus to your strengths. If journaling isn’t your style, try starting your day with affirmations like I am capable or I deserve to be here. Confidence isn’t just something you’re born with, but it’s something you create.
It’s about being strong in your authenticity, allowing your energy to flourish, and carrying yourself with a confidence that makes impressions last. When you completely accept yourself, you don’t just exist; you stand out. You turn into the energy that shifts the room, the spark that ignites change.
So, take control of your presence and live fearlessly. Start right now, enter a room with assurance, express your true thoughts, and take that leap you’ve been avoiding. Claim your space, your voice, and your energy. When you decide to stop holding back, the world has no choice but to notice.
Bigger
Just a Thought:
A Note from the Creative Director
+ Art Director
I don’t want to make this about me. This is about you. Well—me.
No, actually, you.
Th
As you hold this magazine, you probably aren’t thinking about the faces behind each layout, the decisions in hex codes, or the hours spent dragging a text box .5 inches to the right… then .75 to the left… then one inch down—then maybe back again. And honestly, I prefer it that way.
Because this was never about being seen; it was about seeing. The inspiration. The artists. The moments. It was about translating feeling into form — believing in something enough to make it real.
Watching people flip through these pages with curiosity, joy, or even just a passing glance has always felt like a quiet reward. And the weight of 10,000 hours nudging text boxes — finally, briefly — leaves my body. That’s what brings me back each semester.
My time with Strike has felt like one long experiment in becoming the version of myself that the 11-year-old me would’ve been proud of. I tried things I was once too shy to care about out loud. I fangirled over what didn’t always make sense to anyone else. And somewhere along the way, I stopped second-guessing what I liked — because I finally realized it was enough that I liked it.
This issue is dedicated to being Unshaken. And that’s what Strike has given me, a foundation to stand on — even as everything else moves. It taught me that being rooted in who you are is the most unshakable thing.
So, dear reader, next time you question where you are, please remember: You’re not that good at faking it. You didn’t fool this many people. You’re here because you’re meant to be.
Thank you for letting me take up this space. And, thank you for being here to hold it.
With love,
Sabrina
Creative Director
SabrinaSylvester
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The Boca Raton Museum of Art offers free admission to college students through our College Partner Program.
Eligible students get free general admission to the museum for six months.
Just ask at our admissions desk for details or call (561) 392-2500, ext. 103.
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