Golden Hour Glow

by LAUREN LANAHAN photography by KATIE ZAGER graphics by SAMANTHA FUSS

There is nothing like the warm sun hitting your face during the summer. But keeping your makeup from melting off is always one of the main concerns. Companies like Glossier and Benefit allow for a natural relaxed makeup look where your skin can look healthy and nourished while still covering those spots you just can’t seem to get rid of. And of course, why not add a little lip gloss!

by ASHLEY BRODERICK, CATE HUDSON, WHITNEY WILSON

When people think of the “freshman experience,” most of us think of going out all the time and meeting tons of new people. As we all know, this year has been quite the opposite; it’s been stressful, lonely, and very emotional. Yet, freshmen are doing their best to enjoy their time on campus, seeking ways to connect with people and make the best of this year.

Freshman Remi Tsunoda ’24 remained optimistic despite this year’s restrictions. She suggested one of the best ways to meet new people is through joining clubs. “When I joined TNH (a student-run advertising agency) last semester, I didn’t expect to get close to my team members because we met over zoom, but now they’re some of my closest friends,” said Remi. Club activities might not be the same as in previous years, but participating in them allows you to connect with people outside your dorm. She also recently joined Zipped Magazine, a publication focused on fashion. Doing in person shoots allows her to bond with people in different grades who share her passion for fashion.

Zoe Lechtman has spent this past year focusing on creating genuine connections with her new college friends. Although students are not allowed in other dorms, which has proved difficult for the freshmen class, she has given her full attention to channeling her energy into healthy friendships. Zoe said, “Coming to college was super intimidating and one of my biggest fears was not making friends that had my back. Because of the pandemic, I was able to find my people fast without creating fake connections just for the sake of being surrounded by others.” Coming into college is intimidating, but COVID has instilled in freshmen at Syracuse an appreciation for friendship, especially in times like these. Kayley Decina finds that due to the pandemic, freshmen like herself are forced to create new inventive ways to spend time in Central New York. Students usually stay on campus in normal years, but social distancing fun must be made in safer ways. She said, “My friends and I ended up leaving campus to explore central New York a lot more than we would’ve and found a bunch of fun spots like Crazy Daisies, Skaneateles, and even went to a haunted house! The memories I made are unforgettable and have shaped my freshman experience.” Exploring Syracuse’s surroundings is an entertaining pastime and key to the class of ‘24’s freshman experience.

by ASHLEY BRODERICK, CATE HUDSON, WHITNEY WILSON graphics by AVERIE COHEN

All in all, even though the freshman experience wasn’t what we were all expecting, many of us were able to make the most of it and came out with long-lasting friendships and memories. Here’s to next year and the experiences to come!

After spending a semester at home, Lang Delapa ’24 explored ways to make the best of her time at Syracuse. She utilized social media to meet up with friends for food, studying, and even photoshoots. “Despite not having a traditional ‘freshman experience’, I try to make the best of the situation. My friends and I will dress up and drive around to try to find cute photo locations.” said Lang. She also ventures outside of campus to explore local eateries and thrift stores, and enjoys picnics on the quad when the sun comes out.

Part of the freshman experience includes rushing for those interested in Greek life. This year’s all online zoom rushing process might have deterred some, but not Eva Jotkowitz ’24. A freshman now in Alpha Gamma Delta, Eva felt that despite only meeting girls over zoom, the rush process felt a lot more relaxed compared to past years. “From what I’ve heard, you normally have to run back and forth from Comstock to Walnut, which sounds pretty stressful when you’re wearing a dress and it’s freezing out,” said Eva. It might have been harder to get a feel for what people were like over zoom, but she felt she ended up where she was meant to be. Meeting people in your classes has proven to be more difficult now that it’s mostly online, and half the time, students don’t even turn their cameras on. To make friends in her classes, Chloe Leger ’24 takes advantage of breakout rooms. “Finding common ground with the people in your breakout rooms is a great way to bond with others in your class. I’ve even met up with some of the people I met in breakout rooms for study groups,” said Chloe. She also added that icebreakers at the beginning of the semester are perfect for finding out more about the people in your classes and making good conversation starters.

by OLIVE PESCHEL graphics by GEORGIA FLAVELL and SAMANTHA FUSS

From Ecuador, Australia, and everywhere in between, this is how different Syracuse students spent their summer quarantine.

It’s been over a year since the pandemic hit, and during the summer of 2020, most of us were cooped up at home not knowing if it was the beginning or the end. While we are aware of how the United States approached the coronavirus and its subsequent restrictions, other places around the world faced COVID in varying manners. Here are how six different Syracuse students spent their quarantine, country by country.

Ali Dimova

Majors: International Relations and Advertising Minor: Marketing

UKRAINE

“In the start of the pandemic, I was quarantined in Ukraine. I took a flight back home right after the university closed. During that entire time, the Ukrainian government didn’t take COVID seriously at all, everything was still open and there were barely any mask-wearing requirements. People who had COVID weren’t even diagnosed with it, so the numbers were very low at first. Then, as the numbers started to rapidly go up, we went on a full lockdown. However, due to the mentality of people in Ukraine, nobody really cared about any of the rules. During that time I read a lot of books, learned a lot of new skills, such as graphic design, which is one of my main interests now. It was also hard because I missed the US and had no opportunities to see my friends. Taking classes online during the fall semester was the worst experience ever. I can definitely say that quarantine benefitted me. Before it, my position in life was very indefinite, after it, I definitely found myself, and now I know exactly what I want from life and how to achieve it.”

“I quarantined in my home in northern England. Myself and my family were not allowed to leave the house for the first two weeks of my return. Family friends would deliver groceries. Initially, everything was closed; restaurants, schools, gyms. The only thing open was grocery stores. I had A LOT of time to self-reflect and work on hobbies that I wouldn’t necessarily get to do during a busy school year (such as graphic design). Over the summer it was fun to be outside and hang out with friends in an environment that wouldn’t usually be desirable. But after 3 months in isolation; a small garden was a dream location.”

“I was in Ecuador because I was born there and all my family is there. The government issued laws for what cars can drive each day, example: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday’s plates that end in odd numbers. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday even numbers. As well everywhere you go takes your temperature. I think in comparison with the US, we had more rules and people obliged to them. Nevertheless, so much restriction made me go kinda crazy being unable to take a walk after 5 or not being able to see my friends or family. I got to stay close to my grandparents–we helped do groceries or go to the bank. And with all the measurements (even though they were strict), they were really good when we hit a major spread... ”

Georgia Flavell

Majors: Finance, EEE, and Geography

Irene Suescum

Major: Architecture

ENGLAND

ECUADOR

graphics by GEORGIA FLAVELL and SAMANTHA FUSS

SOUTH AFRICA

“My family is from South Africa and we always go back there during our winter break for Christmas and with the pandemic. It was soon announced South African citizens were able to travel to South

Africa from the United States if we obtained a negative test at least 3 days before traveling. We did exactly that before arriving in South Africa. I am obviously extremely lucky to have the option to travel during this time and see my family as I know so many people are still unable to do that. With regards to COVID guidelines in South Africa, it was very different to the United States. In the end of

November when we arrived the beaches were open, as well as restaurants. However, as we got closer to Christmas and New Years and South African residents began arriving to our beach town (Kenton, Eastern Cape, South Africa), beaches began to close as well as there was a nationwide liquor ban which has never happened to the United States, as well as a curfew of 11 o’clock to help limit the spread in the beach town.

When looking back, there has never been a time when my whole extended family had spent this much time together, whether it be playing board games, cooking together, or going on long walks and I will treasure the memories I have made during this time for my whole life.”

THE BAHAMAS

KATE WALKER

Majors: Advertising and iSchool

“At the start of the pandemic I was quarantined at home in Nassau, The Bahamas. On the Sunday after I returned home, a countrywide lockdown was mandated for 11 days. Families were allowed to shop on the day of the week that the first letter of their last name was indicated to shop on. On July 1st 2020, the government began its soft reopening, but mandated a lockdown once again after a second wave in August 2020. This also resulted in a travel ban placed on the US, resulting in me not being able to return to campus last fall. While I was upset about losing parts of my freshman and sophomore year, I was grateful to be quarantining in such a warm sunny place. Being able to quarantine with my family was an invaluable experience that I will always be grateful for.”

“When I went home to Sydney, Australia for Christmas break I had to quarantine in a hotel room for 2 weeks. I was lucky enough to quarantine in a hotel close to my parents’ home. My room was quite unique because it had a kitchenette and small balcony (extremely rare). We weren’t allowed to go outside or even go into the hallway. The whole process was managed by the police/army, so it was under strict surveillance. You were allowed to order food which was nice because the food they supplied was absolutely abysmal. Australia has managed to keep the pandemic under control to the extent that we never really had to wear masks. This is because the government restricted all travel, both international and interstate.”

SIMONE BELLOT

Majors: Communications Sciences and Disorders and Neuroscience

AUSTRALIA

CHLOE MARTIN

Major: Advertising

SOUTH KOREA

“In the middle of March, my plans to head to NYC were canceled so that I could get on a plane to South

Korea as soon as possible. Because so many students were trying to fly back before the border was closed, getting tickets was really hard. When I landed in Korea, I had to get tested in the airport and then entered a 14 day quarantine at my house. It was difficult, having to have my mom drop stuff off in front of my room so there was no contact. The only difference I’d say between the US and Korea is the level of strictness. Here, you are responsible for quarantining yourself. In Korea, you must download an app and update your daily quarantining and how you are feeling. If they catch you outside during your quarantine, you get fined.”

CHRISTINE KIM

Major: Public Relations Minor: Information Management and Technology