University Girl - Spring 2020

Spring 2020

MAKEUP FOR AN

GO RETRO WITH THESE ‘DOS

groovy

electric SUMMER

Graduating IN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

JESSICA MINH ANH WHAT GETS YOU

inspired?

ON REINVENTING THE RUNWAY

SPRING 2020

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Abigail Sterling

DESIGN DIRECTOR Madison Daly

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Quinn Gawronski

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Victoria Giannola

MANAGING EDITOR Macey Hallgren

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Ainsley Holman

PHOTO DIRECTOR Hannah Frankel

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christina Howie

EDITORIAL STYLE EDITOR Lily Tubman

WEB STYLE EDITOR Daphne Zhu

COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR Caroline Brown Delisle

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Kim Spitzer

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Danny Kahn Emily Gunn

SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT Meg Heller

FRESHMAN INTERNS Ali Dimova Taylor Huang SPECIAL THANKS Gregory Bronk Harriet Brown Melissa Chessher Ed Prue David Sargalski

FEEL GOOD EDITOR Mykenna Maniece COLLEGE LIFE EDITOR Mallory Stokker DIGITAL DIRECTOR Caitlin Johnston PR DIRECTOR Orli Rein PR ASSISTANTS Maddie Hunt Cristina Aillon

The opinions expressed here in are not those of Syracuse University, the Office of Student Activities, the Student Association, or the Student Body.

UGirl Spring 2020

Table of Contents STYLE

6 Groovy ‘Dos

Because retro is all the rage.

11 Golden Hour Glam

Go from day-to-night with this flirty ‘fit.

12 Easy and Cheeky Fake Freckles Get this sought-after sunkissed look.

13 Protect Your Tresses

The summer sun is stronger than you think.

FEEL GOOD

14 HIIT Me with Your Best Shot

A workout that doesn’t require the gym? Sign us up!

16 Your Guide to the Back of the Bottle Cracking the skincare code.

17 In Search of Inspiration

32

UGirls around campus share how they stay inspired and motivated.

18 Plant-Based Power

Vegan eating doesn’t have to be all kale and quinoa.

19 Get Up & Go Granola

Kickstart your morning with these cherry dark chocolate breakfast bars.

COLLEGE LIFE

Reinvent the Runway How Jessica Minh Anh’s hard work turned her into a fashion icon.

20 Graduation Blues

Coming to terms with a global pandemic, graduation, and growing up.

22 Smart Spending Habits for Studying Abroad Making memories doesn’t have to mean major debt.

24 Riiise and Shiiinnee

How to hack your morning routine.

25 Surviving Social Media

Don’t let the ‘gram bring you down!

26 A Heavy Weight

How an eating disorder consumed my life and college years.

FEATURES

28 Electric Feel

Light up your eyes with these vibrant liners.

36 What Gets You Inspired?

No matter where you look, there’s always something to light your spark.

38 Head in the Clouds

IN EVERY ISSUE

04 UGirl Picks 05 Quiz

For a Chic Summer

Summer Getaway

46

Cocktail

47

Hookups From Hell

Lavender Lemonade

Because not every hook up is heaven-sent.

Spring into nostalgia with these effortless outfits.

UGirl Spring 2020

Letter from the Editor

O

n a sunny Sunday evening, the University Girl team arrives at the photo studio. Music ebbs from a speaker above as we lay out accessories, an eclectic collection of perfume bottles, bikinis, jewelry, and sandals from all our team members. Models float in periodically according to the precise schedule we planned in the weeks before, and hours speed by while we complete our fitness shoot (pg. 14), UGirl shoot (pg. 36), and flat lay (pg. 11).

By the time we leave, dusk has settled in over Syracuse University.

Over the past three years, I’ve been to countless photoshoots like this one. Whether I was collecting fashion pieces for our editorial shoot downtown or applying highlighter for a makeup spread, it was always gratifying to see our work coalesce into a glossy print. I didn’t know that this was our last photoshoot, or the last time I would be in the same room as these women.

But if I’ve learned anything from my time with University Girl it’s that strong-willed women will always find a way to succeed. When Jessica Minh Anh told me about her determination to build her business and brand during the Great Recession (pg. 33) I couldn’t help but compare it to the daunting and unknown future that lays ahead for many of us during a global pandemic. Her words inspired me as we forged ahead with this digital issue. I planned

out a socially-distanced fashion photoshoot (pg. 38) — which I styled from the singular carry-on I brought home to Colorado and my sisters closet. We met on Zoom and brainstormed article titles from our respective bedrooms.

Regardless of the distance between us, our passion wouldn’t be dimmed by these grave circumstances.

We aim to inspire and uplift our readers with wisdom and strength, but also discuss the struggles many of us share.

I decided to write about my battle with an eating disorder (pg. 26), because I know many women face this illness alone. Even powerful women face challenges, but that only makes us braver.

A very special thanks to Tayler Bradford and Katie Intner, who taught me more than I can put into words and entrusted me with their creation. I would also like to celebrate the tireless work of Abigail Sterling, Ainsley Holman, Victoria Giannola, Macey Hallgren, Hannah Frankel, and Madison Daly. All of you have inspired me and created such an amazing issue — I am proud to work with women like you! Though many of us are graduating, we will always be a part of the UGirl Team.

Xx,

Quinn Gawronski Editor-in-Chief

Letter from the Editor

A

s I packed up my off-campus apartment, I began to clean out my desk that had been my main schoolwork hub for the past few months. Buried beneath a pile of graded papers and empty folders were old copies of University Girl. Flipping through the issues, I was able to see the growth of the magazine, and I am so thankful to have been a part of it.

Needless to say, this semester didn’t go the way many of us planned. As a senior, I thought I would be ending my four years at Syracuse wearing a navy cap and gown. Instead, on the day in May when graduation should’ve been held, I will probably wear my new impromptu uniform of old sweatpants and an equally old t-shirt. I try to remind myself that it’s okay to mourn the loss of important events like graduation, while still remembering how lucky I am (pg. 20).

Despite a global pandemic, the UGirl team has risen to the occasion. Instead of meeting in-person every Monday night at 8 in Newhouse, we meet over Zoom. Instead of printing each article and editing, we shared more updated Google Docs than I can count. And instead of having a print issue, we are publishing a digital-only publication. I am so incredibly proud of this brilliant team. Their hard work, dedication, and brilliance is why we have a spring issue at all, nevermind a gorgeous and well-written magazine full of advice and inspiration.

Speaking of, inspiration is something we thought a lot about when creating this issue. From how women around campus find their inspiration (pg. 36), to using nature as a way to inspire our spring fashion (pg. 38), and looking to the past for a fun new hairstyle (pg. 6). During this crazy and unprecedented time, I look to my friends and family for inspiration.

Now more than ever, I hope this magazine finds all our readers healthy and happy, and that University Girl can offer you a brief escape from the daily news.

Thank you to Quinn Gawronski, Victoria Giannola, Madison Daly, Macey Hallgren, Christina Howie and the entire team behind UGirl. You guys are beyond awesome, and I’m so honored to have had the opportunity to work with you all. Many of us have been with University Girl since the beginning, and we’ve had the opportunity to grow and learn alongside the magazine. It’s bittersweet to be publishing this issue, but I know we’re leaving it in wonderful and capable hands.

As always, thank you to my family, my friends, and my cats.

See ya,

Abigail Sterling Editor-in-Chief

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What is Your Perfect Summer Destination?

by DAPHNE ZHU Which photo are you most likely to post?

Brunch with avocado toast

A gorgeous cottoncandy sunset

Best travel companion?

My friends

Your go-to summertime drink is: Piña Colada, nothing says summertime like coconut!

Beach Day You’ve spent enough time in the freezing Northeast, so go get some much-needed time in the sun.

Grab a bikini, sunglasses, and a beach towel and soak up some rays! Whether you’re playing volleyball with your girlfriends or catching up on a romance novel, the beach has something for everyone! Make sure to stay until dusk so you don’t miss the amazing sunset.

illustration by DANNY KAHN

Just me!

Favorite television show?

My significant other

Stranger Things

Sex and the City

Favorite vacation activity?

Shopping spree

An ice-cold IPA! Exploring the outdoors

Road Trip You value your company more than the destination, so you’ll have fun with your friends regardless of where you end up. Hop in your car, pack some snacks, and turn up your best throwback playlist to make memories you’ll never forget.

City Sightseeing Skyscrapers, nighttime views, and the fast-paced energy of a city have always captured your attention. You love being surrounded by beautiful highrise buildings and the constant hustle. Make sure to hit all your favorite stores, clubs, and restaurants while you’re there. As they all say, the city never sleeps!

UGirl Spring2020 5

{ STYLE }

ge. a r e h t l o is al r t e r e s u

Beca

hair by QUINN GAWRONSKI 6 UGirl Style

photography by HANNAH FRANKEL

Tendril Topknot MODEL Chantelle Boateng

Tendril: a wispy or curly strand of hair that frames the face and gives any updo a windswept look.

How-To: Use Drybar’s Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray to lock the knot in place and give your hair extra shine.

UGirl Style 7

MODEL Nika Nejad

Boho Bandana

How-To: Achieve this look by tousling your natural hair with Bumble and Bumble Bb Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil for waves that can last through the hottest summer day.

Check out these bandanas: Paisley Bandana: urbanoutfitters.com

8 UGirl Style

MODEL Makenna John

How-To: Use a fine-toothed comb to get every strand in place and finish off with Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment for a perfectly polished pony.

Retro Pony

UGirl Style 9

To read more about being a girl boss, visit universitygirlsu.com, and scan this name tag to follow @universitygirlsu on Instagram. photo credits from left to right @oliviaghantous, @inthesejeans, @caitrionalmoran, @bellaaruiz, @sof_berg (photograph by @gav.go), @oliviaghantous

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Go from day-to-night with this flirty ‘fit.

1. Heyday iPhone Tortoise Case, $19.99 • 2. Glossier Play Vinylic Lip in Disco, $16 • 3. Glossier Play Nite Shine in Platinum Rose, $20 • 4. MAC Frost Eyeshadow in All That Glitters, $17 • 5. H&M Patterned Scarf, $12.99 • 6. DKNY Nectar Love, $56.00 • 7. ASOS Open Eye Hoop Earrings, $7.00 • 8.

Gorjana Super Star Flutter Necklace, $55.00 • 9. Lulu’s Natalee Gold Chain Layered Belt, $25.00 • 10. Geneva Gold Face Watch, $18.00 • 11. High Leg Sat Embroidery Triangle Thong Bikini Swimsuit, $27.47 • 12. Elana Black Ripped Denim Hotpants, $30.00 • 13. Quay NOOSA Sunglasses, $55 • 14. Carter Platform Sandals, $34.99 • 15. Coach Mini Skinny ID Case, $65.00

UGirl Style 11

Easy and Cheeky Fake Freckles Get this sought-after sunkissed look.

by LILY TUBMAN

illustration by DANNY KAHN

This summer, the focus is on freckles, but not all of us are naturally speckled. Protect your skin from sun damage and get this fresh-faced look as fast as you can say freckle. Here are four easy ways to create a spatter of faux freckles that scream summertime!

1

The last thing you want are smudged freckles after a hot summer day. To make your freckles foolproof, use a semi-permanent tanning product. You’ll need a clean mascara wand and your go-to self tanner. Start by spraying tanner onto a flat surface and dip your wand into the liquid. Roll the wand across your nose, cheeks, and forehead and finish off by blotting your skin with a damp beauty sponge to make your freckles super subtle.

2

Applying freckles every morning might be time consuming — so you can opt for henna paste, which won’t wash away after just one wear.

To apply henna freckles, remove the needle from the bottle, gently squeeze the henna onto your face in small dots, and wait at least an hour before removing the spots. The darker your skin tone, the longer you’ll want to leave the paste on. Henna freckles last up to two weeks with proper care and are safe for any skin type!

3

For those daunted by DIY freckles, a product made for the job might be the safest bet.

Check out Freck OG, a small tube with a fine brush that creates realistic and buildable freckles.

Keep dotting the product directly onto your skin, and make sure not to forget your forehead and chin. Freck OG can be found online or in stores at freckbeauty.com or Urban Outfitters for $22.

4

If you want that sunkissed vibe without emptying your wallet, use a brown eyeliner or eye shadow you already own with a small angled brush. Dot the product over your cheeks and nose to create clusters with a variety of sizes. Add a spritz of setting spray or light dusting of translucent powder to keep your freckles from fading.

12 UGirl Style

No matter what method you use to achieve this fresh summertime makeup look, a freckled face always reminds us of days spent in the sunshine, reclining by the pool. Here’s to a summer of protected skin that still looks sunkissed!

Protect Your Tresses The summer sun is stronger than you think.

by MACEY HALLGREN

illustration by DANNY KAHN

From our parents covering us in Coppertone sunscreen to our dermatologists warning us to stop using tanning booths, we’ve always been told to protect our skin. As much as we love catching rays, our skin is not the only part of our body needing protection. Our hair is just as vulnerable to the harsh sun and needs protection too!

Excessive sun exposure can cause dry, discolored, and brittle hair. New York City hair stylist Laura Dryer, of Antonio Prieto Salon, explains that too much sun can cause the hair cuticle to open, and lead to reduced moisture and melanin. To avoid crunchy, dry hair during the summer months, use products that can protect your tresses! Here are five must-haves to keep your hair healthy and strong all summer long.

If you’re lounging at the beach all day then the ScalpForce UV Filter Hair Tonic ($26) is essential. When in direct sunlight, apply this spray through your scalp and hair every two hours. It’s antioxidant-rich formula provides ultimate protection from harsh UV rays. Whether you just took a dip in the ocean or have been tanning poolside, this product is perfect on wet or dry hair.

Even though we love trendy hair care products, we are always looking for a wallet-friendly drugstore dupe. The Banana Boat Sport Quik Dri Scalp Spray ($8.99) is water resistant

for 80 minutes, so it’s ideal for active girls. This broad spectrum SPF 30 has you covered for all of your outdoor activities.

From hanging at neighborhood cookouts, to boating on the lake for the Fourth of July,

your hair can lose its luster after all your summer fun. That’s why the Supergoop!

Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam SPF 50 ($34) is perfect for your tresses! The nourishing oil formula keeps your locks extra soft and protected from damaging rays. Place one to two drops of oil onto the ends of your hair to keep them super strong.

We love when the sun brings out our natural highlights, but chlorine and excessive sun exposure can turn your hair brassy. That’s why Sun Bum’s Blonde Tone Enhancer ($14.99) is a must-have for light-haired girls.

This leave-in treatment is perfect to spritz through clean, wet hair and will keep your color looking extra vibrant.

As much as we’re craving some serious vitamin D, especially after a long Syracuse winter, we need to remember to care for our hair! Protecting your hair from harsh UV rays is key to a healthy summer regiment. No one wants dry brittle hair to detract from your glow!

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When you’re busy hopping between rooftop bars, the last thing on your mind is protecting your locks. That’s why the Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray SPF 30 ($36) is perfect to stash in your bag for an on-the-go spritz! This all-in-one treatment provides protection for both your hair and skin, so you can limit the products you’re toting around.

The light formula is perfect for a quick spray and won’t leave an oily residue.

UGirl Style 13

{ FEEL GOOD}

HIIT Me With Your Best Shot A workout that doesn’t require the gym? Sign us up!

by CHRISTINA HOWIE

photography by HANNAH FRANKEL

In a perfect world, everyone could carve out an hour a day for the gym. But between nine-to-five internships, spontaneous beach trips, and catching up on sleep, adding a workout into your routine isn’t always as easy as it seems. High-Intensity Interval Training, also known as HIIT, is the perfect solution for a busy UGirl. HIIT is a training technique that combines bursts of high-intensity exercises with short recovery periods. These exercises require little to no equipment, so you can take your workout with you wherever you go!

At-Home HIIT Exercise Circuit Perform each set as fast as you can for 45 seconds.

Rest between each set for 15 seconds.

Repeat the entire circuit three times. model ZOE HUFF 14 UGirl Feel Good

1. Twisted Mountain Climbers Start in a high plank and twist your right knee forward to your left elbow. Then switch, bringing the left knee forward to the right. Continue to alternate each side and keep that core engaged!

2. Burpees Start standing with your feet shoulder width apart and arms by your side. Jump and land in a squat position. Then place your hands on the floor and kick your feet back so you are in a high-plank. Drop down to the floor into a push-up and jump back up, reversing the motions. Repeat the movement.

3. Jump Squats Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Complete a regular squat, then jump up explosively, making sure to engage your glutes. When you land, lower your body back into a squat. Land as softly as possible and keep your core tight.

4. Runner’s Lunge Mountain Begin in a high plank and step one foot up and outside your hand. Quickly step back into a plank and repeat with the other leg.

Speed up the pace as you go.

5. Reverse Lunge - Alternating Sides Stand with your hands by your side. Take a big step back with your right foot and lower your hips so that your left leg is parallel to the ground, keeping your left knee directly over the ankle.

Return to a standing position and repeat with the left foot. If you want to take it up a notch, try jumping instead of stepping when you alternate legs.

UGirl Feel Good15

Your Guide to the Back of the Bottle Cracking the skincare code.

by MYKENNA MANIECE

Redness

Scarring

AcneProne

Dry

Oily

Dull

You’ve seen countless beauty gurus who claim to know the secret to all your skincare woes, but every new product leaves your skin unsatisfied and wallet empty. Let’s skip the elaborate routines and break it down to what matters: ingredients that work. We’ve consulted aesthetician Abbey Durland to help you decode your products and tell you what your skin needs for that coveted summer glow!

16 UGirl Feel Good

Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliants are your key to glowing skin! These acids dive deep into pores, remove dead skin cells, and soak up oil to give your face a fresh look. To complete your routine, add a Vitamin C serum to promote collagen production and fade dark spots for a bright finish!

Recommended Product Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $29.50

You still need to moisturize even if you have oily skin! Durland explains, “[it’s] important to try to balance the [skin’s] oil production. You don’t want to strip your skin of oil because the body will respond by producing more oil.” Her recommendation is to try a water-based moisturizer. They aren’t full of the fatty acids known to clog pores and absorb into the skin quickly to leave you with a healthy, hydrated complexion.

Recommended Product Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Extra-Dry Skin, $21.49

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliants like glycolic acid are ideal for dry skin! They’re primarily exfoliants, which means they remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Another great function is that they activate collagen production, which softens fine lines and encourages moisture retention.

Recommended Product Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, $16

Salicylic acid is a powerful pore-cleansing ingredient that targets blackheads and whiteheads. It helps break up dead skin cells and smooths the skin’s texture.

Recommended Product Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body, $16.50

Unfortunately, your scars won’t disappear overnight, but chemical peels can help fade them over time. They’re stronger than standard exfoliants and often contain AHAs, which can help fill in scars and leave you with fresh, healthy skin. Beware of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) because it can be dangerous if used at home.

Recommended Product The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, $7.20

Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast! Colloidal oatmeal is a natural solution that calms a variety of skin irritations. This product is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that will leave your skin feeling nourished.

Recommended Product First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask, $24.00

You don’t need a degree in chemistry to decipher the world of skincare. Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll be one step closer to a flawless summer glow!

In Search of Inspiration UGirls around campus share how they stay inspired and motivated.

by CAROLINE DELISLE

E

ven the most motivated UGirls can find themselves searching for inspiration when life feels a little bleak and mundane. Some of us spend time outside while others reconnect with an old friend. We compiled tips and tricks from some wonderful Syracuse women to see how they stay driven and escape a slump.

When you’re in a slump, what gets you inspired?

“Writing a letter to remind myself of why I am here and why I am doing what I’m doing.”

- Julianna Poirier, PR major, ‘23 “When I’m in a slump there’s nothing that can stop me from smiling along to Fleetwood Mac or the Beatles.”

- Mary E. Haley Environmental Journalism at ESF, ‘23 “Nature, music, books, podcast, art, art, art. When I am in a slump, it’s primarily from a lack of connection, whether that’s with others or with myself. Stories, in any medium, remind me that we are all connected simply through being alive.

Whether it’s a relatable quote or listening to the wind, this sort of stimulation is universal. Even if I don’t feel lonely per se, there is something healing about knowing you are a part of something bigger. It may seem paradoxical - sometimes it’s nice to wallow in your own existence. But I don’t believe in that. I believe in people. I believe in the power of people. I live for the magic that is the human experience so unique, yet intrinsically shared” - Erin Garrity, English & Secondary Education, ‘20

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

“As I got older and redefined inspiration, I realized my biggest inspiration is myself. I mean this in the least-egotistical way, but genuinely I think there is no one else I love to be more than myself. Sure, there are dozens of people I watch and take note of, but the person I look up to and feel proud of the most is myself. The best inspiration I think a person can have is the person they wanna become.”

- Mary E. Haley, Environmental Journalism at ESF, ‘23

“Living in Kenya, I got to grow up surrounded by so many unique, different and incredible people, with such amazing stories and each one has inspired me in more ways than one, so picking one person out of all those was definitely hard. My family works with Mother Teresa Homes across Kenya, and through spending time at one of the homes I met Rose, this beautiful girl with the most amazing smile. She rolled up to me and gave me such a large hug and the love, energy, and kindness that emanated from this person I didn’t even know, made me realize that is the person I wanted to become. Rose was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at a very young age, her working parents couldn’t afford to pay for the surgeries she needed. However, they did manage to send her medication for surgery. Unfortunately, the doctors botched up the procedure and left Rose paralyzed from the waist down. Through the years, the more I’ve gotten to know Rose the more I learned how truly strong, brave and incredible she is. She is a mentor and a friend she has been through so so much and still manages to come out of everything with a smile. Rose inspires me to be that person who has so much love, who never complains and who has changed so many lives for the better.”

- Georgia Fernandes, Architecture, ‘24

What motivates you?

“Looking back at personal progress to see how much I’ve grown in the past few years helps me keep things in perspective.

Sometimes I return to old notebooks and just looking through them shows me that I’ve learned more than I think.”

- Marnie Muñoz, International Relations and Magazine, News, & Digital Journalism, ‘23

“I’m motivated to do well for myself and not for others. I love achieving my full potential through hard work!”

- Alyson Weber, Supply Chain Management, ‘20 “Knowing that I can help others if I stay on the track that I’m on. I am also motivated by the idea of working hard to get a job in the future.”

- Katie McFadden, Forensic Science and Sociology, ‘23 “I know that life is interconnected. What I do can and will impact people in ways I don’t understand, perhaps even people I will never meet. If you can do anything, leave a mark. And I want to reach as many people as possible - hence the education major.”

- Erin Garrity, English & Secondary Education, ‘20

Where do you feel most inspired?

“I feel most inspired when I’m near successful people who I look up to. When I’m in class learning something interesting and impactful I feel inspired to do well in my career.”

- Alyson Weber, Supply Chain Management, ‘20 “I feel most inspired when I am around other motivated people, articularly in my sorority house. I have never felt more love, support, and confidence than when I am with the girls in my house. They have quite literally picked me up and helped me along in some of my hardest moments in college so far and for that I am forever grateful. I think you can of course motivate yourself, but when you’re surrounded by loving, caring, bold, and beautiful people it will make you never doubt your intentions and passions.”

- Mary E. Haley, Environmental Journalism at ESF, ‘23

UGirl Feel Good17

Plant-Based Power Vegan eating doesn’t have to be all kale and quinoa!

by AINSLEY HOLMAN With plant-based cafes and meatless alternatives stocked up on supermarket shelves, it’s never been easier to ditch animal products for a more sustainable diet. Vegan eating can benefit both your body and the environment for many reasons! Plant-based meals are often packed with vitamins and minerals you can’t find in a processed meat patty and can help in lowering the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Going vegan can reduce your carbon footprint and help out mother Earth too! Don’t be daunted — going plant-based is easier than you might expect. Here are our tips to help you transition without sacrificing your favorite snacks.

Pack in the protein Look for the cruelty-free symbol while shopping A big part of going vegan is avoiding products that promote testing on animals. Next time you go shopping for a new foundation or makeup remover, keep an eye out for the crueltyfree symbol! Some of our favorite cruelty-free makeup and skincare brands include Pixi Beauty, Ole Henriksen, Supergoop!, and The Ordinary.

Make up for lost vitamins While there are some vitamins that are mainly found in animal products, a simple vitamin supplement can replace any lacking nutrients. Look for whole-food-based supplement options, such as B12, iron, Vitamin D, and iodine the next time you head to your local health food store!

When making the switch to veganism, it’s essential that you fuel your body with the protein you need! Some great plant-based protein sources include chickpeas, black beans, quinoa, lentils, and tofu. Add some spices and these foods will become a staple in your diet!

Identify possible food substitutes There are endless vegan options that mimic the taste and texture of your go-to midnight snack or favorite summer treat.

Some yummy alternatives are crispy chickpeas or dairy-free ice cream (we love Halo Top’s coconut milk-based alternative).

As more people make the switch to plant-based living, meatless alternatives are easier to find in a grocery aisle near you! There’s a range of tofu and soy protein options that you won’t believe are vegan. Our favorite brands to test are Beyond Meat and Daiya!

Plan ahead Before you head off to a family dinner or a lunch with friends, take a look at the menu online to make sure they have plantbased options! Whether it’s a spicy noodle bowl with tofu or a bomb vegan chicken wrap, there should be a few choices that suit your cruelty-free diet. If there aren’t any vegan-friendly options, most restaurants are willing to make adjustments. It never hurts to ask!

Transition at your own pace Don’t expect to transform your lifestyle overnight! If you’re daunted by cutting out all animal products, you can transition slowly by first cutting out meats, then eggs, then dairy. Take it step by step and implement these actions slowly!

Going vegan does not happen overnight! Listen to your body and do what works for you. Shifting to plant-based living has so many benefits, so follow these tips and you’re sure to have a healthy and smooth transition!

(Be sure to check with your doctor before making any major diet changes.)

18 UGirl Feel Good

Kickstart your morning with these cherry dark chocolate breakfast bars.

W

` ith early classes and busy schedules, it can be hard to make time for the most important meal of the day: breakfast!

Especially on days when you push the snooze button, jolt out of bed ten minutes before class, and realize you don’t have time to brush your hair, let alone eat breakfast. These easy granola bars are a healthy breakfastwhile eating out! To the right is our recipe for chewy cherry chocolate breakfast bars. Homemade granola bars can be customized with your favorite flavors, like walnuts, pumpkin seeds, berries, or nut butters. Add in whatever you have in your pantry to mix it up each week. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients • • • • •

2 cups oats ½ cup rice cereal cup honey ¼ cup unsalted butter Pinch of salt

• • • •

Pinch of cinnamon Handful of sunflower seeds Dried cherries Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Line a square baking pan with tin foil or parchment paper.

2. Add butter, honey, salt, and cinnamon to a small pan, heat until melted and combined.

3. Take the pan off the heat, allow it to cool for five minutes.

4. Add oats, cereal, seeds, and dried fruit. Mix well!

5. Spread mixture on baking sheet, making sure the mixture is even and flat.

6. Before placing it in the oven, scatter a layer of chocolate chips.

7. Bake for 15 minutes. When you remove the pan from the oven, use a spoon to spread the melted chocolate chips into an even layer. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.

8. Let the bars cool until they are hard. Then, cut the block into bars and enjoy!

photography by HANNAH FRANKEL UGirl Feel Good19

{ COLLEGE LIFE}

Graduation Blues Coming to terms with a global pandemic, graduation, and growing up.

by ABIGAIL STERLING

W

hen I packed my duffel bag for spring break, I thought I was going back home for a week. I brought one Syracuse crewneck and a pair of gray joggers, mindful that I always overpack. My wardrobe has been supplemented with high-school relics — ill-fitting marching band sweatpants and a t-shirt I wore in gym class. I struggle to complete the last few assignments to earn my college degree in my childhood bedroom. Middle-school sports trophies stand on a shelf, and old stuffed animals huddle in my closet next to a box of Sweet 16 birthday cards. Facing an uncertain ‘adult’ world from the confines of the room that housed me as a child, the irony sometimes feels overwhelming.

My worn and well-loved Harry Potter books sit next to crisp college textbooks, and at night my head rests on sheets I picked out from a magazine when I was 12, while I wonder what will happen if the virus lasts forever.

I began cycling through all the things I would miss: Mayfest, going to the bars one last time, and saying goodbye to the professors who have guided me throughout the years.

There would be no group project meetings in Bird Library, no more coffee from People’s Place on the steps of Hendricks Chapel, and no commencement ceremony in May, marking the end of my four-year collegiate career. I let the grief overwhelm me as my mom hugged me, my tears darkening the bright orange of her Syracuse sweatshirt.

Since mid-March, schools, restaurants, and shopping malls have been closed. Masks hide our faces, toilet paper is the most precious and rationed commodity, and interacting

contagious smile. We shared many Thanksgivings with his family at their house, and my siblings and I would fight for a chance to play on the old pinball game in their living room, amazed by the bright lights and cartoon sounds. Until his passing, I viewed the pandemic as an inconvenient interruption. Though I hadn’t seen Bob in years, suddenly, everything felt very real and immediate. If a healthy man who had wrestled for Columbia University could die from this, then anyone was at risk. Now when I speak to my grandparents, I wonder if it could be the last time.

I anticipated this spring and summer as my last few months of being a young adult, with a clear plan ahead of me. I would spend the summer job hunting, and hopefully land a position in New York City. I had pictured my first shoebox apartment, filled with flea market finds and warm yellow light from the city streets. Now my plans have been put on hold indefinitely, and I begin to dial back on my dreams. It feels like the real world has been forced upon me, covering my future with the dark ink of uncertainty. I feel prematurely old, like the last of my youth has already been spent.

“During the last week of April, I sat cross-legged on my bed, watching my final college class over Zoom. When the meeting ended, I wondered if I should have felt something.”

At some point during my extended spring break, I sat on the sand-colored couch in my parents’ living room and mindlessly cycled through the social media apps on my phone. The news blared in the background, and I could hear my mom and sister talking in the kitchen. And when my phone lit up with an email from Syracuse University, I snapped to attention.

I hoped for another reassuring message that in-person classes would resume. Instead, the email announced the thing I was dreading.

In-person classes were suspended for the remainder of the semester, and my education would shift online. My senior year had effectively ended.

20 UGirl CollegeLife

with strangers incite fear. Anxious that the people we pass may spread an invisible illness that will ravage our lungs. A global pandemic has torn through every aspect of our lives, and we have lost a sense of normalcy.

Trips to the grocery feel apocalyptic.

We scour every shelf for the last loaf of sourdough as if our survival depends on it and I’m reminded of all the things I forgot to savor—my last meal at a restaurant and an aimless browse through the aisles of TJMaxx.

A few weeks ago, one of my dad’s friends died from COVID-19.

Bob was a powerful man with a

At the same time, I recognize my luck. Not all students have a home to go back to or live in a place that is healthy and conducive to learning. My parents both have their jobs and can work safely from home while others are exposed to the virus daily. I am privileged to be able to social distance from my home, and acknowledging this is

just as important as acknowledging the collective anxiety that has swept the world. That it doesn’t mean that I can’t, or shouldn’t, mourn the loss of major life events. Collectively, we’ve all been overcome by a sense of numbness. Technology has subtracted the emotion from all the ‘lasts’ the senior class looked forward to. During the last week of April, I sat cross-legged on my bed, watching my final college class unfold over Zoom. When the meeting ended and I closed my laptop, wondering if I should have felt something. Instead of letting my feelings sit with me, and acknowledging either the relief or grief I felt, I rushed downstairs for dinner. I imagine those feelings sitting in a tidy cardboard box, ready to be unpacked at a later date.

Because of the virus, our inperson graduation has been pushed back into the fall. Despite the University’s best intentions, it won’t be the same. Not everybody

will be able to attend, and most of the gravitas of graduation will have evaporated. I pictured running to find my friends the minute the ceremony ended, so we could throw our caps in the air together, and once we caught them, wrapping each other up in a hug, tears streaming into wide smiles.

Though graduation isn’t really for us, it’s for our families. It’s for my grandparents, who didn’t get a chance to attend college. It’s for my dad, who never graduated. It’s for my mom, who worked her ass off to put herself through school. It’s for all those who can’t be with us like my Great-Great Aunt Lupe, who would’ve been at every Syracuse basketball game possible. Or my Grandma Roddy, whose brain is wracked with Alzheimer’s Disease.

She can still sit down at her piano and play any Broadway showtune, revisiting notes and keys committed to memory even as she forgets the

people around her. My graduation ceremony would have been for all my family, for their sacrifices and struggles.

On May 10, the day of our prepandemic convocation, I woke up early, and curled my hair and put on makeup, staring into the same mirror I had before my high school prom.

I got dressed in something other than a coffee-stained sweatshirt, and my mom took pictures to share on Facebook. The normalcy was interrupted by a 20 minute ceremony I watched on YouTube, nestled on the couch in-between my parents, while my youngest brother slept upstairs.

And while the Alma Mater played, my collegiate years ended. Four years of headaches from late-night homework sessions on my computer and running to class because I slept through my alarm. I sat on that sand-colored couch and began to contemplate a future reconfigured, rearranged, and reimagined by a virus.

UGirl CollegeLife 21

Global Annie Blay ‘21 London, England

Major Magazine Journalism “I would definitely try and budget better.

One thing I did, in the beginning, is I didn’t pace myself well. [In the first month I spent] as much money as I spent in the last three months… I would spend my money smarter. I would definitely plan trips ahead.”

Suki Lee ‘20 London, England Major Food Studies

“[On] the Syracuse London program campus, there’s no dining hall, there’s no cafeteria. So we had to purchase our food outside almost every day. The school provides basic kitchen utensils, but we had to cook by ourselves or go out to eat.

So if you ask where my budget goes, I would say the food is first, and the second is definitely travel.”

Sasha Temerte ‘23 Madrid, Spain

Majors Economics and Writing & Rhetorical Studies “Madrid has a weak economy, so because of that, their prices were low in comparison to what we would spend in the U.S. In Syracuse, we could easily spend five bucks on a coffee, but their coffee is a euro twenty. We also purposefully ate at places that weren’t super expensive, so that was part of it as well, it was very affordable.”

22 UGirl CollegeLife

UGirls Miren Chenevert ‘20 Florence, Italy

Major Psychology & Forensic Science “I chose to study in Florence because I study Italian, and I love Italy, so I decided to spend my time traveling in Italy. I visited a bunch of different cities and regions, but I really took advantage of the free school trips. You could pick three different day trips that were free, so transportation was provided. We spent three nights in a hotel, I went to the Amalfi Coast.”

Leah Schulman ‘20 Sydney, Australia

Major Exercise Science

“But honestly, I think the best way to travel [while you’re in Australia], if you have the time with classes and whatnot, is to do it by car. Rent a car with a bunch of people. For an extended weekend, I flew up to Brisbane and drove back on the coast to Sydney in four days. We got to see a lot and go to really popular places. It was cost-efficient, and we all saved on airplane fees.”

Smart Spending Habits for Studying Abroad Making memories doesn’t have to mean major debt.

by MALLORY STOKKER An adventure abroad is always a thrill, whether you’re on the sunny streets of Madrid or exploring the bustling city of London. When you’re creating memories that will last a lifetime, exploring all that your home country has to offer and keeping up with classes, the last thing you want to worry about is your wallet. These travelers shared their advice on how to spend smartly so you can enjoy everything abroad has to offer without overdrawing your account.

UGirl CollegeLife 23

How to hack your morning routine.

by PEYTON SURPRENANT Most of us don’t wake up bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Becoming a morning person may seem daunting, but these tips can help you create a habit that helps you to make the most of your day.

Now stop scrolling and get out from under the comforter.

Stop Smashing the Snooze When that blaring radar alarm jolts us up in the morning, it can be our first instinct to hit the snooze button. Choosing to snooze can disrupt your overall sleep cycle. Try to avoid slamming that button. Instead, charge your phone across your room so you have to get up when your alarm goes off. It might be difficult at first, but soon it will become second nature!

Schedule Your Sleep It may seem like a no brainer, but keeping a solid nighttime regimen will make your morning flow much smoother! Plan out your dinner, homework, and social schedule ahead of time so you can remain on track. You’ll wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated!

Breakfast of Champions It’s tempting to grab an energy bar on our way out the door, but a well-balanced breakfast in the morning is a sure way to get us through that mid-morning slump. Something simple like oatmeal topped with fresh fruit or a veggie omelette will give you the energy you need to crush the day! Add some coffee or tea for the perfect morning pick-me-up.

Self Care for the Soul Make your morning a personal ritual. An early wake-up call gives you time to focus on yourself and the time for a complete skincare routine, meditating, or journaling. A little self care in your morning routine can start your day with positivity!

Morning Motivation What do you look forward to? Whether it’s a hot shower, cup of coffee, or face mask, plan your morning routine with something that makes you happy. Even a small incentive makes the morning wake up call a bit less dreadful.

Let It Shine Leave your curtains open and wake up with the sunshine! If the weather is dreary outside, turn on your lights to snap out of that groggy haze.

24 UGirl CollegeLife

Surviving Social Media Don’t let the ‘gram bring you down!

by AINSLEY HOLMAN

illustration by DANNY KAHN

It’s no surprise social media can affect your mental health and productivity levels, especially in college.

While some may say the best option is to simply delete the time-consuming apps (hi, TikTok!), we have some alternatives to help you avoid toxic social media without completely pulling the plug.

Limit time spent on social media:

Try to not use your phone while in bed:

Follow people that make you feel good:

You’ll be shocked at how much time you spend on your phone each day!

To view these stats, check out the Screen Time tracker on iPhones.

You’re able to see how much time you spend on each app, as well as your most popular “category,” such as Social Networking or Entertainment.

From here, you can budget how much time you spend on certain apps by setting a timer that will notify you when you’ve reached your limit.

We know, it’s tempting to scroll through Instagram before bed! The light from your screen, as well as the brain stimulation that occurs while on social media, can interrupt your natural circadian rhythm. Sleep is extremely important for your mental health, as it allows your body to reset and refresh. Also, the longer you spend on your phone, the harder it will be to put it away when it’s time to get some shut-eye!

Whether it’s an influencer’s snatched waist or luxurious vacations abroad, comparison can easily invade your social media sphere. You can combat this harmful side effect of social media by following people who inspire you, instead of those who make you question your worth.

Social media is supposed to be a fun and creative outlet. Don’t let it bring you down!

Mute certain words or topics: One of the worst feelings is scrolling through Twitter and seeing something that you didn’t want to be exposed to. Whether it’s a sensitive subject matter, or something that just pushes your buttons, Twitter has made it easy to block specific content with the new “mute” feature. You can choose certain words to hide from your timeline, giving you some peace of mind the next time you browse.

If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis services are available 24-hours, 365 daysa-year by calling 315.443.8000 to speak with a Syracuse University licensed medical provider.

UGirl CollegeLife 25

A Heavy Weight How an eating disorder consumed my life and college years.

by QUINN GAWRONSKI

S

wirling disco lights punctuated the darkness of the party and distorted the scene of punch-drunk girls and jostling boys into a blur. Rum made my tongue heavy and my head dizzy. An ex I hadn’t seen in months stood behind the DJ booth. I felt his gaze cut through the crowd before it landed on the back of my neck. I wondered what he saw as those lights briefly illuminated my skin.

I wondered if he noticed the new ridge of my spine, the butterfly shape of my rib cage, the carved hollows under my cheeks. He crossed the room and led me out the door into the backyard. The gleam of the moon illuminated his face.

“Are you anorexic?” he asked.

I said no, but I meant yes. It felt euphoric to hear those words leave his mouth, because to me, skinny was synonymous with beauty.

To begin with, I only wanted to lose 10 pounds.

stood for my insecurities, flaws, and weaknesses. If I lost the weight and what it represented, I could love myself. If I lost the weight, I could be loved by someone else. The pounds dripped off my frame slowly, but I wanted to get there faster. As my eating disorder unfurled, everything I did, and everything I was, became wrapped around a weight that was always out of reach.

Twelve hundred calories turned to 1000 and then to 700. Cardio became my punishment for bad behavior — a few croutons meant I had to do sprints until I saw dark spots. When I went out, I feared bartenders would pour regular Coke instead of diet and bump me over the allotted amount of alcohol calories I tabulated for that evening. During winter break, my sister wanted to make Christmas cookies, which sent me into a rage.

Even as I typed that story, a red light blinked in the back of my brain. My fingernails were purple, my hands were shaking, and I was freezing despite being bundled up in three sweatshirts. But I believed that, unlike my sister Taryn, I possessed control over my illness. A part of me felt that, in comparison, my eating disorder was mild, like I didn’t need help unless I was emaciated. If I wanted to get better, I could. I just wasn’t thin enough yet.

Friends and followers on social media praised me for my new body, for my dedication to the gym, for my restraint around food. Someone told me that when I turned sideways, I disappeared. I think he intended to hurt me, but instead, his comment satiated the hunger food failed to fill. Maybe someone else saw the version of myself I kept searching for, even when I couldn’t find it. When I controlled my eating, I could also control how other people saw me.

“As my eating disorder unfurled, everything I did, and everything I was, became wrapped around a weight that was always out of reach.”

The summer after my freshman year of college, I plummeted headfirst into a rabbit hole of weight loss advice. My heels struck the endless black loop of the treadmill as I clicked on, each word sinking into my permeable mind. Click. Track your calories.

Click. Cut out sugars and fat.

Click. Drink water instead of eating. Click.

Don’t eat anything packaged. Click. Click.

Click.

Back then, my eating disorder wore a clever, acceptable disguise labeled “health.” It sunk its teeth into me to fill my head with facts and figures on the fastest way to become this better me, a version locked inside the shell of my body and waiting to come out. I listened to the rail-thin women on my screen who spoke about juice cleanses and fasted cardio, believing that I would feel beautiful like them if I just followed their steps. I cut out foods one by one: meat, cheese, dairy, eggs, gluten, anything in a wrapper. I tracked my calories and did cardio.

As the weeks went by, weight came to mean much more. Each pound 26 UGirl CollegeLife

illustration by EMILY GUNN

Every morning I stripped down to weigh myself and made sure to avoid water in case it might throw off the reading. I measured every meal I ate down to the tablespoon, another rationed 200 calories to carry me for the next four hours. I controlled every part of my life just as long as the scale continued its descent.

I was addicted to that feeling, this wave of energy and a never-ending hunger high that flooded my head with serotonin.

But that feeling only lasted for a few months before it came crashing down with a force that knocked me to the ground. One spring morning, I woke up with a head full of heavy cotton. It obscured my vision and traveled down my throat so I couldn’t form a coherent sentence, and when I sat down to work that day, my eyes wouldn’t focus. My body was sending me a blaring warning — I deprived myself of food for so long that my brain was malnourished, screaming for the food it needed to function.

Of course, I knew all the signs and symptoms of eating disorders.

Anorexia transformed my sister Taryn into someone unrecognizable — sallow bruised skin, protruding hip bones, hands clutching the side of her wheelchair after she was hospitalized. It controlled every bite she put into her mouth, every lie she told to leave the dinner table. A year ago, I wrote an article for this magazine about how this illness eroded her life — and the lives of those who loved her.

So I began bingeing, gorging on as many calories as I used to eat in a week in one sitting. It was my body’s reaction to being underfed for months, but that didn’t stop it from happening.

The illusion of control crumbled around me as the pounds crawled back under my skin, accompanied by shame that hung over my shoulders. Everyone could see my failure, the weight that wrapped around my thighs from the calories I ate while locked in my room. The climbing

number on the scale terrified me. I stopped weighing myself.

Still, I held onto this imagined version of myself, white-knuckled.

Whenever I wanted to lose weight, I could; all I needed to do was find the hunger high. Time and time again, I did.

I tacked on more rules and restrictions; the taste of control was always sweet on my tongue. This endless loop consumed my sophomore and junior years, and by senior year, I was exhausted. Bingeing took over, and dust accumulated on the scale tucked under my couch.

I wanted to get better, to live without this omnipresent force that dictated my happiness, so I stopped tracking calories, doing cardio, and weighing myself. My body felt so foreign — distorted and swollen, bulges where there used to be taut skin over bone and muscle. Friends began to say I looked healthy, instead of skinny.

That word felt like a stain that I wore on my back. It read: fat, unlovable, failure, weakness. I know this isn’t logical, but this illness never is.

One cloudless winter morning, I woke up before the sun. The black glistening scale in the corner of my room called out to me, begging me to get back on. When the numbers blinked red, my heart fell from my chest before it plummeted through the floorboards. I sat in bed for hours while dawn approached, searching my BMI and planning the new goal weight. I even told myself I would get there in a healthy way, but that week I dropped six pounds and picked back up every old habit.

Finally, I saw my eating disorder for what it is.

It leans in close to my ear, whispering promises of confidence and beauty and love. It offers me something better, nestled in the palm of its hand like polished gold, but steps back further and further while I lurch headfirst into the ground, desperate to grasp something that always will be out of reach. After my relapse, I realized I was never in control.

No matter how much weight I lose, it will never be enough. It will take and take

from me until there’s nothing left to give, and I’ve given enough.

I wish I had a solution, but I don’t yet. A part of me still denies the reality of these past few years, still wants the whittled-down version of myself I see in photographs. There are days that are easy and some that aren’t, but I know that there is something better ahead. I can picture recovery, in glimmering moments when I’m unburdened by this illness.

It’s a warm summer night and I’m wearing a sundress that flits across my legs. I’m at a healthy weight and I feel beautiful. Inside a club, the air vibrates with music and multi-colored lights fly across my skin while I dance. My body moves alongside everyone else’s, and the world is briefly suspended in space, nothing outside of this swaying crowd and pulsing rhythm. I don’t think of how many calories I’ll burn from dancing, what I ate that day, or wonder if people can see the curve of my stomach. My head is blissfully empty. And in that moment, I’m free.

UGirl CollegeLife 27

{ FEATURES}

Light up your eyes with these vibrant liners. makeup by QUINN GAWRONSKI 28 UGirl Features

photography by HANNAH FRANKEL

MODEL Hayley Madigan

To master dewy summer skin, apply a small amount of concealer near the inner and outer corner of the eyes and on any blemishes. For sheer blush and highlighter, scrape some powder from the pan onto your wrist and blend with an oil like The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. Pat onto your cheeks with a damp beauty sponge.

UGirl Features 29

MODEL Krystal Jones

To create these show-stopping eyes, start by laying down a base on your lid. Use a light concealer and flat synthetic brush to hide any discoloration or veins, and set with a fluffy brush and a translucent powder or skin-toned eyeshadow. Your eyeliner will last through even the longest summer days!

MODEL Kate Diament

Reinvent the Runway How Jessica Minh Anh’s hard work turned her into a fashion icon.

by QUINN GAWRONSKI

J

essica Minh Anh struts down the runway, the iconic Manhattan skyline silhouetting her intricate updo and swaying American flag dress.

1,776 feet above the humming streets of New York City, Anh’s plan to create the first high fashion runway in the newly constructed One World Trade Center has materialized. The monument epitomized everything Anh stands for — a tenacious resolute to rise up through diligence and innovation. It was a stunning culmination of Anh’s signature flair, a jaw-dropping runway set on the world’s most renowned landmarks.

The glamourous aura of Anh’s high fashion shows are blended with the allure of red carpet events.

Ambassadors, influencers, designers, and international press snapped photos of the Empire State Building through an expanse of floor to ceiling windows beside the runway. That morning, Anh was up before the sun, arriving alongside the extensive teams of makeup artists, hair stylists, dressers, models, event coordinators, a construction crew and DJ’s. Every minute is imperative to pulling off a triumphant show, and Anh’s militarylike schedule is exacting.

photography by HANNAH FRANKEL

and moved to Moscow, Russia at age three. From a young age, she learned that success was earned, not given.

She toiled endlessly to earn top marks on exams with the aspiration to study abroad to better her life and the life of her family. Along with her studies, Anh began modeling at 15 and quickly fell in love with the vibrant world of fashion. Her diligence paid off when she received a full scholarship to receive her undergraduate degree in information technology.

But the grind didn’t stop there — while her peers partied and drank on the street below, Anh was in her room, honing her skills and studying for exams. With her unconstrained ambition, Anh went on to get another

$220 million renovations. If the runway was a failure, all the money she invested would vanish overnight.

On the day of the show an expanse of red carpet was lined with press, photographers, and celebrities who cradled glasses of red wine as they took in the ornate entryway of the hotel. The runway was set inside the Lancaster Ballroom, with sparkling chandeliers overhead and delicate mouldings framing the French doors that lined each wall.

After the show, Anh looked at the snaking shape of the River Thames and the London Tower Bridge above, illuminated even in the night. She decided that her next runway would be atop the historic landmark.

“If you want to do something, why not do it the best?” Anh says.

“It has to be the most inspiring, the most iconic, the most famous monument.”

“You have to love something so much that you’re willing to dedicate all your energy and time and effort into making it happen.”

It took months to coordinate this fashion show, but as soon as the lights and set are packed up Anh is already thinking about what’s next. Her next show was in a mere four months, and will be set atop the illustrious Eiffel Tower — a runway long coveted by designers like Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Anh’s runway will be the first, and is still the only fashion show to appear on Paris’ most notorious landmark. It was an arduous feat, but Anh has always strived to be the best and the brightest.

Anh was born in Hanoi, Vietnam

full scholarship towards a graduate degree in public relations at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

In 2008, Anh was finally prepared to graduate after years of dedicated work.

The economy was floundering amid the Great Recession and job opportunities were few and far between. Other international students returned to their home countries due to the crippled job market, but Anh wasn’t ready to surrender.

Instead she invested the little savings she had into founding her own company, J Model Management and producing her first fashion show. It would be in London, at the prestigious Savoy Hotel, which had just completed

When she proposed the idea the tower crew told her it simply wasn’t possible. The show would have to be set up in two hours including lighting, sound, audience gallery, and the backstage. Most shows require at least a full day to set up, if not longer. Rather than resigning her vision, she hunted for a production company that could pull off the seemingly inconceivable setup and succeeded. The event was a stunning success and garnered headlines across the globe, Anh’s name climbing to international recognition.

From then on, Anh dedicated every waking moment to her business and brand, hopping from country to country, each destination with a new runway, and a new feat to be accomplished. She didn’t take a vacation for five years. To her friends and family, she seemed like UGirl Features 33

a workhorse, but to Anh it was never a sacrifice to do what she loved — producing shows unrivaled by anything the fashion industry had seen before.

“Sometimes I even confuse myself on how I manage to do it. But I always focus on what’s next and how to do things better,” Anh says. “It’s important to be different and stand out.”

Each show was an inimitable gem, complete with captivating high fashion designs and an ambiance steeped in architecture, nature, and art. Anh held the world’s highest fashion show atop the Grand Canyon Skywalk, 4,000 feet above the roiling Colorado River. Her extravaganzas appeared at the Seine River in Paris, the Hudson River in New York City, the Hoover Dam, and on cruise ships as they sailed the high seas.

“After people are invited they know they’ll be a part of history,” Anh says.

“It’s a very special moment.”

And even when catastrophe struck, Anh has never shied away from a challenge. In 2015 Anh coordinated another striking runway at a solar plant in Spain. Mere hours before the show was set to begin, an unanticipated storm swept in. Gales

34 UGirl Features

of wind and driving rain decimated the entire power supply and backstage area. Without batting an eye, Anh moved the backstage into a bus that had transported models and cleaned up the storm’s aftermath.

Anh glided down the runway in a dramatic flamenco dress, a vivid backdrop of gleaming solar panels and jutting towers behind her. She was unruffled despite the catastrophe, and completed the show without a hitch.

The solar panel runway was one of the first projects that revolved around sustainability — which has become an important part of her work.

Last summer, Anh stretched across a mesh hammock above a crystalline marine ocean and struck a pose for a photographer. She was at the five star Soneva Fushi resort in the Maldives, which is nestled into the lush foliage of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. For many, this is a vacation destination, but to Anh, it was another way to promote sustainability. She toured the resort and learned about their “Waste-to-Wealth” measures, which include organic gardens and lavish yet eco-friendly villas.

The photos appeared on her colorful Instagram feed for her 158k followers to admire, and she hopes her creative work will inspire other green initiatives.

The theme of sustainability was also tangible at her latest show, which took over a tarmac at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

The show, aptly named Runway on the Runway, showcased eight clothing and jewelry collections, and was sponsored

by DHL, an international mail and logistics company. DHL will debut electric delivery vans in 2020 to move towards zero-emission goals, and Anh intended to highlight their green solutions to shipping.

It was Anh’s 25th show since she championed the London Tower Bridge, and like every catwalk that came before, it wass an impressive spectacle.

On the day of the show, the sky was overcast with heavy gray clouds that threatened to upend her hard work as sheets of rain doused the tarmac.

Anh didn’t waver — whatever was to come she could conquer. As the models lined up backstage, the rain slowed to a patter and then stopped completely.

The clouds opened overhead and Anh emerged on the runway in an elegant red gown, it’s billowing sleeves flowing behind her as she paraded between filled aisles of chairs.

What Gets You Inspired?

No matter where you look, there’s always something to light your spark. photography by HANNAH FRANKEL

“

All the females I have worked for in architecture have been great role models and inspirations. I love seeing women at the head of companies. I aspire to be like them and want to reach their level of success in my career.

“

“

Katie Giminaro

Candace Walsh

My mom is my inspiration because she was one of the first female pilots in her flight program. When every male told her she needed to give up her career to take care of her children, she didn’t let that stop her from following her dreams.

She juggles being a mom, pilot and business owner perfectly.

“

“

ngulabnan

Andrea Ma

My everyday inspiration is my godmother/aunt. She passed away five years ago, but she was a single working woman when she was alive.

She lived life to the fullest, loved to travel and was always there for my family. Even though she was busy chasing her dreams, she still made time for the people around her and made them feel like their best self. I want to work in music, so my big picture inspiration is Lizzo. She incorporates body positivity into her music and inspires girls around the world. I love how she campaigns for girls supporting other girls.

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36 UGirl Features

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Nutsa Beradze

My parents inspire me the most. I am from Georgia and I moved here because my mom works for the United Nations and my dad is a retired doctor. They both grew up in the Soviet Union, and were able to persevere when it fell. I admire how they both succeeded and continued to live their life. That is how I want to live mine.

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Rachel Tieg

My mom inspires me because she makes the best out of every situation regardless of what it is. She is always very generous and optimistic. We’re more like best friends rather than mother-daughter because we have similar personalities. I strive to channel her optimism and ability to spice up life!

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Katherine Quinn

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Alex Borrelli

My everyday goal is to be positive, and say I was able to do something good and kind for someone else.

My mom inspires me because she runs her own business. She knows how to handle life’s situations and taught me how to balance life and time management, which is important as a college student.

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A desire for success and wanting to do well in life motivates me. I want to support my family and make them proud. My sister inspires me. She is a great person, but is the complete opposite of me. Even though she’s younger, I am inspired by her. She is kind, respectful and open-minded.

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Madison Bequer

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The instagram account @thenoisetier is where I turn to when I need a dose of inspiration. The aesthetic photography, articles and beauty recommendations inspired me to start painting again.

Ali Dimova

Everyone I meet inspires me, and I try to learn something from them.

My mom is also an inspiration. At age 15, she emigrated from Nicaragua, and she struggled with English.

Yet, she was able to push through adversity and complete her bachelor’s degree. Her work ethic inspires me.

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Mackenzie Mertikas

All of the women in my life inspire me, especially my roommates. I live with six girls, who are doing so many incredible things.

Seeing all their hard work and accomplishments inspires me.

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UGirl Features 37

Head in the C louds Spring into nostalgia with these effortless outfits. photography by QUINN GAWRONSKI

MODEL Nohely Villa

MODEL Frida Dawson

Lavender Lemonade When life gives you lemons, make lavender lemonade.

by VICTORIA GIANNOLA

photography by HANNAH FRANKEL

A dash of lavender will add a faint flowery twist to transform your summertime staple to a beautiful shade of violet. Speaking of shade, this is the perfect drink to cool down and chill out with at your next picnic, pool party, or backyard barbeque.

Add a splash of bubbly or tequila to turn this refreshing drink into a boozy cocktail!

Make it Sparkle Replace 4 cups of water with 4 cups of sparkling water.

Make it Bubbly Replace 4 cups of water with 2 cups of champagne and 2 cups of water.

Make it a Marg Add 4 shots of tequila and mix.

Lavender Simple Syrup • 1 cup water • 1 cup sugar • 1 tbsp dried lavender

The Drink • 1 ½ cups of fresh lemon juice (5-6 lemons) • 4 cups of water • Ice

1 . In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water.

2. Over medium heat, stir until sugar is dissolved.

3. Add the dried lavender and remove from heat.

4. Cover and let the syrup cool down for 1-2 hours depending on how strong you prefer the lavender flavor. The longer the let the lavender seep, the stronger the taste!

5. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain lavender from the simple syrup.

Lemon and fresh lavender to garnish

Optional: 1 drop of purple food coloring 1 . Squeeze your lemons and set aside.

2. Pour water and lemon juice into a pitcher.

3. Add food coloring.

4. Stir to combine and serve over ice.

5. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of lavender.

Yields 4 Drinks 46 UGirl Spring2020

Hookups From Hell Because not every hookup is heaven-sent.

Smokey Sydney Diaper Dina I met a guy through Instagram and went to have drinks at his apartment in the city. When I arrived he casually told me he used to be a male dominatrix and asked me if I had any weird fetishes. I said no and he said I seemed like I would like being put in diapers.

Then I saw a purple glass tentacle dildo on his bedside table and asked him what it was for. He replied it was mostly for himself. Flash forward six months, to when he made an OnlyFans.

Needless to say, I am $5 poorer and got to see my former summer fling have threesomes with models.

Betsy Nosebleed Once I was giving a blow job upstairs during a party after I had quite a few drinks. He was being aggressive, slamming my head down on him. I never throw up and rarely gag, but all of a sudden I was vomiting. I kept my mouth around him tight enough so vomit didn’t get anywhere else and ended up just swallowing my puke and continuing to blow him. That was until I got a profuse nose bleed from his abdomen hitting my face and got blood all over my face and his d*ck.

I left Djs with a guy to go back to his room in Watson. We smoked and then we hooked up. I had to use the bathroom so I put on my underwear and his t-shirt and left the room. I was so crossed I couldn’t find the bathroom so I went to a different floor. I forgot which floor I was on and which floor his room was on so I wandered around Watson for an hour trying to find his room. I gave up and went to the front desk crying with no pants on, no shoes, no phone or ID, and had the front desk call DPS. An officer rolls up at 3 AM and has to escort me to the room, makes me wake up the guy, and ask the guy for permission for me to be in his room, all while it reeks of weed. DPS leaves me there and says “have a nice night you two”. We never hooked up again.

Erica Eyelids I met this man from the UK while in Cancun who ended up visiting me later in my home state. We hadn’t hooked up in Mexico, so I decided it was time after months spent chatting via WhatsApp. Everything was going well until he said, “look at me.” I was a bit uncomfortable considering it was the first time we had ever hooked up, and when I looked down he proceeded to pry my eyelids open with both hands while he had sex with me. Safe to say I never spoke to him again.

Mamma Mia I was having sex with this guy, it was a quickie so I still had my shirt on and we were under the sheets.

His mom walked in while he was on top and she had a full 10-minute conversation with him while he was literally inside of me.

Tinderella The boy who took my virginity invited me to his house to hook up about a year after the fact.

As we were hooking up and things started getting intense, I decided to give him a bj. As this is happening, I can’t help but notice this mirror above his bed. I glance into the mirror and I realize that he is ON TINDER while I am giving him a bj. I freaked out and he assured me that he was trying to “make a joke” and he wasn’t actually actively on Tinder... for some reason, he seemed legit so I believed him and continued. Next thing I know, he gets a phone call and PICKS UP THE PHONE AND SAYS VERBATIM “hey, I’m getting bop right now, I’ll call you later.”

I nearly shat my pants and we fought for about an hour and then I stormed out, appalled.

UGirl Spring2020 47

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