Ella Maniloff, Madison Sherman, Elianna Casselle, Stella Ringblom, Maia Simmons, Mams Jagha, Ali Rosenberg, Morgan Magats, Rezi Ubogu, Leila Yang, Abby Luca, Ava Robbins, Hannah Wilson, Chloe Rudnick & Devin Conliffe
MASTHEAD
PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR
VIDEO DIRECTOR
EXTERNAL DIRECTORS
TREASURER
DEI DIRECTORS
PR DIRECTORS
PR ASSISTANT
LEAD STYLISTS
STYLIST
HAIR & MAKEUP DIRECTOR
HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS
INSTAGRAM DIRECTORS
INSTAGRAM COPY WRITER
TIKTOK DIRECTORS
DIGITAL DIRECTORS
MANAGING DIGITAL EDITORS
MODELS
DJ SKIN
DANCE
Diana Valdivia
Sammy Katzen
Mia Rosenzweig & Daisy Glazier
Lucy Urquillo
Morgan Magats & Devin Conliffe
Scarlett Luden & Star Terry
Ali Rosenberg
Vianca Sawant & Julia Karasu
Maria Eloy
Piper Trembley
Maria Gertsen, Liv Cundari & Natalie Yusem
Stella Ringblom & Ava Swidler
Emma Neenan
Josie Gilbert & Teagan Setty
Sophie Rottenberg & Leila Yang
Maia Simmons & Chloe Rudnick
Lauren Ervin
Mikah Bein, Meredith Musial,Chloe Lee, Emma Knorpp & Annabella Berry
Olivia Jackson, Hannah Martin & Noelle Rivera
Letters From the Editors
design: Maisy Wood
Dear readers,
The theme “What Is Your Muse” came to me when thinking about all of the different types of women on our teams. I see the idea of “Muse” being what inspires you creatively and how you express yourself, whether that be through music, art, writing or literature. “Muse” means something different to everyone, and that’s what I wanted to highlight.
I can’t thank Madison Sherman, my co-editor-in-chief enough for giving me the opportunity to work alongside her to produce this semester’s print issue. You are my right-hand woman, and I couldn’t do it without you. Thank you to Bella Tabak for trusting us with your baby and helping us succeed every step of the way, along with seamlessly stepping into your role as digital creative director.
My graphics team, Maisy Wood and Sofia Floresca, thank you for always executing my crazy ideas to a T without a single complaint.
To Abby Luca, Rezi Ubogu and Ella Maniloff, your writing has always been inspiring, and there are no other people I’d rather see lead the print team in accomplishing their best work.
UGirl prides itself on being a space where people can get their articles shared beyond the print edition, and that wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for Leila Yang, Sophie Rottenberg, Maia Simmons and
Chole Rudnick, who work hard to keep our digital presence alive.
To my Anna Sweeny, the backbone for all the shoots, and the one who kept me sane, thank you for everything. To Willa Bradshaw and Ava Bandura, thank you for bringing the ideas and creative spark this team needed. Our first shoot, celebrating the beauty of movement and personal style, came to life through the artistry of our styling team, Julia Karsu and Vianca Sawant, and the makeup team, led by Piper Trembley.
This semester also marked the debut of our DEI team, led by Devin Conliffe and Morgan Magats, who fostered a sense of belonging and authenticity across every aspect of our work.
To our PR team Star Terry, Scarlett Luden and Ali Rosenberg, you went above and beyond this semester. The hours spent outreaching and emailing paid off. One of the main goals this semester was to host events that brought the community together. Thanks to Daisy Glazier and Mia Rosenzweig for being the women behind the scenes and seamlessly executing our Society event, Halloween sale and launch pParty!
Thank you to Lucy Urquijo, our Treasurer, who made it possible for you to even hold this magazine. To our social media team, Emi Wiener, Ava Swidler, Emma Neenan, Teagan Setty and Josie Gilbert, thank you for carrying the
voice of our publication online with such ease and creativity.
To Diana Valdivia, our head of photography, no matter how much we threw at you, you were able to effortlessly execute and make our vision come to life. Without you, none of this would be possible. Thank you to Samantha Katzen for always coming eager to film and create amazing work!
Every woman on this team has played a part in shaping this edition. Your creativity, determination and excitement are what make UGIRL not just a magazine but a community.
I hope this issue inspires you to discover your own muse, to find what moves you and to never lose sight of it.
XOXO, Shayla Ismael
Dear readers,
I hope this edition helps you uncover your current muse or source of inspiration. I’ve certainly found mine while writing this issue. We aimed to hone in on the female muse: the women, energies and inspirations that spark creativity and move us forward. From featuring the ultimate female DJ icon Lauren Ervin, to an article on unlocking your inner muse in the bedroom, to our closing shoot celebrating the features that make each of us our own muse, we hope to capture the many ways inspiration can be sought and found.
You may wonder how many different ways inspiration can take shape. The truth? Muse is infinite. As you grow, evolve and experience life, your muses will shift right along with you — and that’s the beauty of it.
It’s been an honor to serve as editorin-chief this semester — a dream I’ve had since I stepped on campus and started as a writer my first semester. In many ways, University Girl is my muse. The incredible, strong and uplifting women who make up this organization always keep me driven and encourage me to be my most authentic self.
And now, my many, many thank-yous for making this semester and print issue possible.
Abigail Luca: Thank you for being the ringleader for this print issue. We all needed your honesty and deadline reminders. Rezi Ubogu and Ella Maniloff: Thank you for editing this issue from start to finish.
Sofia Floresca and Maisy Wood: Thank you for capturing Shayla and I’s vision so effortlessly. I can always count on you both to turn out a jaw-dropping graphic in no time.
Anna Sweeney, Ava Bandura and Willa Bradshaw: Thank you for your out-ofthe-box ideas that gave this print issue its spunk, interactivity and astonishing attention to detail.
Leila Yang and Sophie Rottenberg: Thank you for perfecting the website and for handling my constant “article upload” texts. I’ll never forget our FaceTime while creating the Hookups from Hell page.
Devin Conlife and Morgan Magats: Thank you for stepping into your never-before-held role with such grace and determination. Our strong general body wouldn’t be the same without you both.
Maia Simmons and Chloe Rudnick: Thank you for trusting me to give you the role of managing all 50 writers and digital editors. I can confidently say I trust you both with my life to edit articles to the highest UGirl standard (and that’s saying a lot coming from a Type A perfectionist).
Star Terry, Scarlett Luden and Ali Rosenberg: Thank you for the coolest brand collaborations throughout the semester. No UGirl event is complete without your magical PR touch.
Lucy Urquillo: Thank you for coordinating our printer and keeping track of our funds (you rock)!
Julia Karasu and Vianca Sawant: Thank you for always having the best style and for putting together fabulous looks for every shoot.
Piper Tremblay: Thank you for coordinating the beautiful hair and makeup that defined each shoot.
Daisy Glazier and Mia Rosenzweig: Thank you for meticulously planning each event. If anyone can tie a pictureperfect bow on a balloon, it’s you two.
Teagan Setty and Josie Gilbert: Thank you for being the best TikTok chairs UGirl has ever seen. Your videos never miss.
Emma Nennan and Ava Swidler: Thank you for making our Instagram the epitome of UGirl chic.
Emi Weiner: Thank you for your constant support and encouragement — best roommate and Instagram director ever.
Samantha Katzen and Diana Caldivia: Thank you for the stunning photos and videos throughout the semester. Diana, you are truly one of UGirl’s most loyal members. We can count on you even after you start your day in a boot.
Bella Tabak: A special thank-you for trusting me with this role. UGirl wouldn’t be the same without you and the mark you’ve made on it.
And, to my wonderful, stylish and allaround cool-girl co: Shayla Ismael — THANK YOU. Managing 200 members is no simple task, and I couldn’t have done this without you. Your ideas never fail to amaze me. I know when you start a sentence with “hear me out,” something mind-blowingly awesome is about to come out of your mouth.
Finally, a special thank-you to Kaitlyn Frey for allowing me to share NARS’ mission toward authentic, inspirational beauty. NARS’ Supervixen lip gloss will forever be my go-to. What an honor.
This executive board is unlike any other, and I am so grateful to have gotten to know each and every one of you. You all have such bright futures ahead, and I can’t wait to see how your muses evolve throughout your professional and personal lives.
Keep being inspired and inspiring others. XOXO, Madison Sherman
doughlicious chocolate truffle cooke dough and gelato bites
unwell orange hibiscus electrolyte drink
deadbeat by tame impala
wildflower angel baby case
meaty: essays by samantha irby
flabelus double o’brien shoes
brand bag name
edie parker burn bag in black croc
“Dance has always been something that I love and it helps to keep me going because of how freeing it can be”
Feel Good
“Dance is my outlet, and I love how movement can express my emotions without me having to say a single word”
design: Sofia Floresca
photo: Diana Valdivia
Fancy Nancy, The Maximalist Icon of Our Childhood
The
Fancy Nancy didn’t just teach us how to savor an ice cream sundae — pardon, I mean parfait — she taught us how to mix dots with stripes, tulle with lace and the importance of embodying our maximalist style with confidence. For Nancy, fancy isn’t a phase but a way of life. Her poise, imagination and sparkle remind us that maximalism is far different from gluttony — it’s a form of expression.
Fancy is the philosophy we should live by. It’s not about designer bags or piles of luxury shoes. Instead, it’s the key to showcasing individuality in its raw form. To live your fancy life to the fullest, you must understand that chaos and confidence coexist. Maximalism, by definition, is excess, but through Nancy we learn it’s also the abundance of ourselves — our personality, our energy and our devotion to authenticity. There’s an effortless elegance in being too much. Whether in personality or style, it’s chic to be true to yourself, and if that means layering lace on lace, Nancy would be proud.
Fancy Nancy walked so every glitter-loving, bow-wearing, diva-by-definition girl could strut. She paired her lavender tutus with hints of gold and her feathers with everything. If anyone were to question Nancy and her elaborate outfits, she would add a tiara with bows to prove her point.
She didn’t care what anyone thought; it was all Nancy, all the time. The maximalism she embodied was more than the iconic accessories we associate with her — it was a life lesson designed as play. Her layers of tulle weren’t accidents; they were choices. Every feather boa and rhinestone headband carried with it an intention, turning her childlike ways into an early design instinct. Nancy understood what many grown designers later learned: Maximalism works when there’s a method behind the madness. The sparkle, the texture, the unapologetic volume wasn’t about decoration but her sense of direction. To Nancy, fancy wasn’t frivolous — fancy was identity, built by one elaborate outfit at a time.
original more-is-more muse words: Ella Maniloff | design: Carly Klonsky
her with a life nothing short of extraordinary.
The notion that maximalism exists for attention is outdated and, frankly, unimaginative. Girls should never be told to shrink themselves into what others deem appropriate, and Nancy taught us that early on. She was a child who refused to dim her sparkle, even when no one around her matched it. That’s the part we tend to forget as we grow up. The instinct to take up space starts young, and it should never be suppressed. In her world, sequins didn’t clash with selfassurance. They created it. She reminded us that fashion isn’t for anyone else besides ourselves. We’re too grownup to dress small. Each outfit you wear should reflect who you are and how you choose to take up space in the world.
We see the legacy of Fancy Nancy in how fashion is making a point of embracing individuality. Her influence shines in Sandy Liang’s ribbon-trimmed dresses and Anna Sui’s kaleidoscope of color and lace — designers who remind us that personal style is a form of play.
The world has finally caught up to Nancy’s vision: one where creativity outweighs conformity and dressing up is everything it should be. Fancy Nancy’s fanciful world was never meant to remain within fiction; it was a preview of fashion’s most authentic era, where a little sparkle will never go out of style.
What started in the pages of a picture book now mirrors the way an entire generation defines personal style. The lessons from Fancy Nancy were our earliest introductions to self-definition.
Growing up fancy wasn’t for attention. It was a dedication to being seen on her own terms. Nancy didn’t let her circumstances define who she was; she worked around them. With plain surroundings and a practical family, she chose to create glamour in an ordinary world, leaving
Letting your inner child style your wardrobe isn’t regression but reclamation. It’s the freedom to carry blinged-out bags and whatever patterns fit your mood. The same instinct appears every time we choose color over caution and whimsy over restraint. Fashion today rewards uniqueness more than ever. And honestly, there’s too much going on in the world not to dress exactly how you want.
becoming your ownmusebeauty NARS
The world-renowned makeup brand is built on limitless artistry, embracing boldness and individuality — and its products exist to reflect that mission. Below is our guide to conquering NARS’ core philosophy to become your own beauty inspiration.
words: Madison Sherman | design: Jackie Mirvis
While some makeup brands view their products as a path to full coverage, NARS prides itself on positioning makeup as an art rather than a means of concealment. After a conversation with NARS senior copywriter Kaitlyn Frey, that message couldn’t be clearer.
SHADE MATCHING - BUT MAKE IT PERSONAL:
Founder & Creative Director François Nars launched the brand in 1994 with a collection of 12 lipsticks sold exclusively at Barneys New York, the “it” department store of the 1990s. From the start, Nars designed every product to have character, hoping women would pick up the lipstick, look at the name and feel a connection.
When you think of NARS, you often think of the best-selling “Orgasm” Blush — a hybrid of peachy pink and gold shimmer compacted into a silky powder formula.
make people blush. NARS desires to be unexpected and transformative, yet elevated and sophisticated.
“That’s where our heads are at when we brainstorm ideas.” Frey shared. “It’s [about] teetering that fine line when it comes to the words we use.”
CHANNEL YOUR INNER NARS:
Anyone — no matter who you are — can be their own makeup artist. You don’t need to be a pro. As Nars puts it: “Don’t be so serious; it’s only makeup.” Play. Be adventurous.
The tongue-and-cheek title, an ode to the flush that occurs with an actual physiological orgasm, has been turning heads since its 1999 debut. The versatile hue has undoubtedly cemented its place in beauty history, capturing a wide-reaching fan base due to its unwavering popularity among a spectrum of skin tones.
“When I created the ‘Orgasm’ Blush, I came up with the name first, then created the color. I wanted something a bit audacious,” said Nars.
The goal of these daring names is to shock, delight and (sometimes literally)
Whether it’s a full smoky eye for a dive bar or a bare-faced day out, Frey embraces both. Her mantra? Experiment. If you mess up, just wipe it off.
“Just have fun with it and don’t worry too much about the outcome,” Frey said.
FIND YOUR FEMALE MUSES:
Nars cites his mother and grandmothers as his first and eternal muses: the women who influenced his love for makeup. In 2021, he launched the Claudette collection, named after his mother.
The collection captures her refined Parisian glamour during the 1970s, where each pattern and shade paints a portrait of Claudette’s unapologetic style.
Take, for instance, the St Germain Des Prés Eyeshadow Palette. Inspired by her eye for elegance, the palette
features six warm neutral pigments in matte, satin and shimmer finishes. The Claudette Cheek Duo pays homage to her signature look; she never left the house without blush. The compact includes two chic tones that deliver a natural rush of color.
Beauty comes from many places and can be brought to life through makeup, as NARS so artfully does with each collection. Find beauty in those around you, the destinations you explore and the experiences you gather — and let those discoveries guide your makeup choices.
TREAT MAKEUP AS A TRANSPORTATION DEVICE:
Frey’s favorite shades are location based. Her all-time favorite colorway, “High Life,” comes from the Hot Escape summer 2025 collection, a nod to the south of France, where Nars spent his summers growing up. The lip oil, a poppy bubblegum pink, makes her think of lounging on a beach in Europe.
“We want the products to make women feel like they are transported to a different place,” said Frey.
Looking to feel empowered? Use the cult-favorite Explicit Lipstick in “Desirous,” with its ultra-saturated burnt red color that feels creamy and offers a smudge-resistant wear. Craving a revival? Use the Afterglow Liquid Blush in “Dolce Vita” as a treat for your cheeks, with its lasting, dusty rose fresh-faced glow.
THERE ARE NO RULES:
NARS centers on a no-rules beauty approach: the idea of being a risktaker with makeup and unafraid to try something different. NARS invites wearers to push boundaries.
Makeup is a medium meant to amplify the beauty you have. Let your wildest dreams, boldest muses and undefined creativity take the lead with a stroke of a brush, or as NARS does it, a tap of your finger pad.
What Happened to Celebrity Journalism?
A stark rebranding of the celebrity interview format: Where stars become muses, trading accountability for relatability and critique for creativity.
There was a time when a celebrity interview was an event — broadcasted live to millions. You didn’t stumble across a short TikTok clip; you tuned in. Celebrity interviews were once wild, raw and unfiltered. These weren’t cozy chats. They were tense, uncomfortable and sometimes even crossed the line into exploitative.
The queen of that era was Barbara Walters, sitting across from superstars and asking questions that made them visibly squirm. In 1999, Walters grilled Monica Lewinsky about her relationship with President Bill Clinton — a conversation watched by 74 million people. Her 1997 interview with Michael Jackson was just as famous, marked by her willingness to ask what others avoided, from his changing appearance to the rumors defining his life. Moments like these cemented celebrities as cultural muses; their confessionals fueled not only headlines but public imagination.
Fast forward to today: celebrity journalism looks completely different. Big specials and hardhitting interviews have been replaced by lighthearted podcasts and talk shows. But the muse hasn’t disappeared; it’s been redefined. Instead of scandal or spectacle, celebrities are now muses of relatability and intimacy.
Take Jake Shane’s “Therapuss,” for example. The podcast, which blew up on TikTok, mimics a casual therapy session.
“[Shane’s] therapy session[s] work well because he makes us feel relaxed.
The way he introduces each guest is done with warmth, humor and excitement,” said avid “Therapuss” listener Parthenopi Choriatis, a Syracuse freshman studying communication and rhetorical studies.
Shane plays the role of witty confidant, not interrogator. He frames celebrities as figures of comfort; their candidness offers the kind of closeness viewers crave.
That same energy defines Amelia Dimoldenberg’s “Chicken Shop Date,” where every interview plays out like an awkward first date over fried chicken. Dimoldenberg’s deadpan humor and offbeat questions create 10 minutes of charming banter instead of scandalous confrontation. Guests share funny dating stories, embarrassing moments and small doses of vulnerability — enough to make them feel human without getting too messy.
“It’s more humanizing than listening to how perfect they are, or how the worst thing that happened to them was some PR drama,” said Summer Bruce, a Syracuse freshman studying neuroscience and biochemistry.
Today’s celebrity interviews have traded journalism for safety. That safety has created a new kind of muse: the familiar figure inspiring us by being real. Now, celebrity interviews are intentionally built as risk-free spaces for stars to promote projects and show personality, while audiences get viral, shareable moments.
Catherine Farrell, a Syracuse freshman and co-host of “Late Night
Talking,” a student-run podcast about Harry Styles, shares this same sentiment: “Podcasting has become powerful because long-form content is so scarce right now. A podcast is simple and casual — perfect for the demand of short-form media.”
Culturally, laid-back and informal celebrity interviews are at their peak. According to Forbes, “Call Her Daddy” host Alex Cooper recently signed a $125 million deal to expand her “multimedia empire.” Similarly, Sean Evans of “Hot Ones” was part of an $82.5 million deal with his partner company behind the show, BuzzFeed. The success of these hosts shows how they have become innovators by driving new formats, aesthetics and even business models in media.
Podcasts and offbeat talk shows aren’t trying to revive old-school journalism; they’ve succeeded by doing the opposite. “Podcasts are changing storytelling by connecting communities while still being informational,” said Farrell.
What audiences want now are voices who inspire connection, creativity and conversation without the cost of humiliation. Instead of untouchable icons, celebrities now feel like real people, telling their own stories on their own terms. In doing so, they’ve rebranded what it means to be an icon, shifting from figures of spectacle to ones of humanity.
What once lived in primetime specials or glossy magazines now thrives on podcasts, YouTube and TikTok. We still crave the human side of fame, because every generation needs its muses. Today’s platforms have mastered exactly that; they just happen to feel a lot more like us.
words: Elianna Casselle | design: Lucy Fries
UNIVERSITY GIRL’S Semester Soundtrack
Whether you’re stressing about an exam or pregaming with the girls, this playlist has a song for every moment.
words: Stella Ringblom | design: Abby Block
Ever wonder what the University Girl members are blasting in their headphones on the way to class? Short answer: a little bit of everything. The fall 2025 soundtrack captures the personalities of the UGIRL team members and the overall vibe of this semester. Filled with tracks from artists like Addison Rae, Olivia Dean and Lorde, the playlist is full of catchy tunes that are impossible not to sing along to. Songs like “Green Light” to “Money is Everything,” are instant energy and confidence boosters. The theme, “Muse” runs through every beat, allowing this semester’s playlist to not only spark energy but also inspiration.
Since we were kids, color has been a form of selfexpression. Think back to the playground — someone asks, “What’s your favorite color?” and suddenly, you’re declaring a tiny piece of who you are. Back then, it wasn’t about trends or coordination. It was instinct. Before we had words to define our personalities, we expressed them through color. You simply reached for the crayon that felt right. The connection between our identity and the colors we’re drawn to never fades.
According to the article “Do we feel colours?” by Domicele Jonauskaite and Christine Mohr, our relationship with color stretches deeper than simply preference. Research shows that color does far more than please the eye — it communicates meaning.
Over time, people have learned to associate certain colors with specific messages, emotions and experiences. Some of these connections may even be rooted in biology, shaping how we think and behave without conscious awareness, said Andrew J. Elliot and Markus A. Maier in “Color and Psychological Functioning.”
Entire cultures have utilized color to mark celebrations, convey status and express emotions. In Chinese culture, red envelopes symbolize wealth and prosperity, especially during Lunar New Year celebrations. These traditions spill into our own lives through the lipstick we swipe on before class, the way we decorate our spaces and the colors that quietly shape how we navigate the world.
Color is a language; it lifts moods, sparks creativity and can even calm the nervous system, according to Elliot and Maier. Without a single word, color tells the world who we are and how we feel. Purple invites imagination. Green soothes. Black commands. And pink — specifically Baker-Miller Pink — has been shown to have a real physiological effect. Once you start noticing how color moves through your life, you realize it’s not something you use unintentionally. It shapes you.
Combatting Color Anxiety
Still, color can feel like a risk. A red jacket, neon sneakers, a swipe of purple eyeliner — they can all whisper look at me when you’re just trying to blend in. Standing out takes courage. In a world where social media amplifies every glance, every outfit and every opinion, it’s natural to feel hesitant about anything that sets you apart.
The moment you decide to wear something bright just because it makes you feel alive reclaims ownership over how you’re seen. Color stops being a spotlight and starts becoming a statement — not of the confidence you already
have, but of confidence you’re growing into. It’s an act of quiet rebellion against invisibility.
Wearing color is a small, honest way of showing up for yourself. It’s saying, I want to feel something today, or I’m done shrinking myself. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s bold, but it’s always a choice to be seen on your own terms.
What We See on Screen: Color in the Media
Think of the yellow plaid of Cher’s iconic “Clueless” outfit. The unapologetic pink of the “Mean Girls” — because on Wednesdays, they wear pink. These pop culture moments stick with us not just because they’re stylish, but because they capture emotion through color. They show how color can turn confidence into something we can see and feel.
The same idea extends beyond movies. Color drives recognition, identity and emotion in the world around us. Starbucks’ deep green signals calm, connection and routine, while Tiffany’s signature blue is so distinct it’s trademarked, instantly evoking luxury and elegance. Learning to recognize and use color intentionally is how we hone our palette and connect more deeply with our inner muse.
Why It Matters
To understand the significance of the colors you wear and surround yourself with is to recognize how color has long been used to communicate power, prestige and identity. As said in “Why is purple considered the color of royalty?” by Evan Andrews, in many ancient societies, certain shades weren’t simply a matter of fashion — they were visual markers of who held influence
The colors you gravitate toward carry echoes of history, society and self-image. They can reflect your mood, your memories, your ambition and comfort. The palette you build becomes the plot of your story: the shades that support you on quiet days, the ones that boost you on bold days and the ones that remind you of who you’re becoming.
So find your palette. Let color remind you that you have power, even on the days you doubt it. Wear your story boldly, and wear it in full color. Be your full self, in every shade — and never tone it down.
So find your palette. Let color remind you that you have power, even on the days you doubt it. Wear your story boldly, and wear it in full color. Be your full self, in every shade — and never tone it down.
Are The Ones You Need To
As book bans rise and BookTok builds our shelves, we’re mistaking easy reads for bold ones. It’s time to read beyond what the algorithm recommends and more into discomfort. words: Mams Jagha | design: Hannah Mesa
In 2025, it’s strange that the same books taught to entire generations focusing on critical thinking and resisting authority are the same ones causing a political panic. Currently, across the United States, school boards are removing novels from shelves.
Having grown up seeing myself in “banned books,” I fear characters I relate to, navigating a world that reflects my struggles and joys, may be forgotten. As a black woman who emigrated to the U.S. young, I had to grow up fast, learning new social norms, navigating spaces where only a few people looked like me and confronting subtle and blatant racism.
I now see novels — “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Hate U Give” and “The Bluest Eye” — targeted for erasure in the name of “protecting” children. Who exactly is the government protecting?
The double-edged influence of BookTok can be seen as a powerful instrument. The platform has made space for book lovers, while thousands of authors have gained influence through algorithmfueled trends. Publishers Weekly has largely viewed BookTok as a powerful, authentic and sometimes unpredictable force in book marketing and sales. It’s inspiring to see teenagers reading again, but at times, the content being sold is often too safe, sanitized and “digestible.”
According to PEN America, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting free expression worldwide, most U.S. censorship targets books featuring characters of color or other marginalized identities. The organization counted 10,046 book bans in public schools during the 2023–2024 school year alone. The statistic includes books that address issues of race, racism, gender and ethnic diversity — topics that can improve children’s motivation to read and literacy proficiency, as well as reduce social divides.
A systemic hindering of knowledge can be carried out in many ways, but to restrict it through literature is a crime against intellectual freedom.
“I needed a place where I knew I could be myself,” explains Olivia Pagano, a staff member at Golden Bee Bookshop.
She argues that bookshops represent spaces of safety and autonomy, and these bans work as a systematic exclusion of marginalized voices — a direct attack on the human mind and a silencing of those long ignored.
After a couple of scrolls through the book side of TikTok, you’ll notice a repetition in the algorithm. Activism has been commodified on BookTok as a disguise for aesthetics and materialism: a romance
with enough trauma to keep it trendy, a “sad girl” fiction with a simple cover or dystopias so clean that they remove all sense of censure power. Novels like “Animal Farm” are being rebranded as nostalgic classics instead of political warnings. That’s the quiet danger of BookTok’s culture; it compares what is trending to what once sparked revolutions. “The Hunger Games” once forced readers to look into how the media can manipulate and class inequality.
Publishers Weekly notes, “The first eight months of the year show rising revenues in fiction, while sales of nonfiction books are declining. The TikTok community, BookTok, is playing an increasingly important role.”
Luckily, many readers, myself included, remain curious, halting what might seem like a step backward. BookTok has morphed into a space preventative of true confrontation. The structure of the platform elevates hooking hashtags, while leaving radical opinions in the dust.
“We need to stop letting the algorithm tell us what we should be doing, watching or reading,” said Anzor Mustafa, a sophomore studying policy studies at Syracuse University. “The act of searching and, in turn, being uncomfortable is how we become our own muses and then end up finding others in that space.”
What we digest matters; there is often talk about books as nourishment for the soul, but in the current political and economic climate, it seems like many are digesting fast food: comforting and easy reads made for sales and virality. While books like celebrity memoirs or predictable romances offer light entertainment and a temporary escape, our literary diets need to be consistently and wholly fed.
“Fahrenheit 451,” the story of a society that burns books to enforce compliance, illustrates how the suppression of knowledge silences individuality and gets rid of novels that help us see ourselves. It directly reflects our reality, yet many dismiss it and miss the deeper warning it reveals.
More states than ever are enforcing laws that make it easier to ban books, at times targeting specific titles. Identity is now a marketable hook instead of a symbol of empowerment and true activism.
“Writers like Margaret Atwood and Toni Morrison pushed the boundaries that were around them,” said Mustafa. “They wrote not in the mindset of making
money but to remind society that literature is a form of resistance.”
Literature is a place to sit with discomfort. Themes of power, identity and equality make readers think and apply them to real life. But in its current industry, what can quickly be sold takes priority. The less sharp, the cleaner and faster it’ll sell. The books that are being banned are the ones that have kept the business alive.
“We try to reflect our values in our core,” explains Pagano.
She states that bookstores should never be a place to be ableist or bigoted; they should be a place to escape reality.
Banned Books, meant to suppress, have oppositely created a counterculture. Booksellers are hosting “Banned Book Nights,” BookTok content creators are recommending more banned books with coded hashtags and Barnes and Noble even has a “Banned Book Section.”
In many ways, the suppression of information can amplify voices and get readers to seek knowledge they are told to avoid. Despite algorithms and culture wars, curiosity will always win.
“The people or even books I consider muses are those who write, read freely and accept confusion for the result of truth,” explains Nairoby Concepcion, a sophomore studying marketing and sports management at Syracuse University.
By reading banned books, we learn how stories exposing power, prejudice and censorship operate in society, and we learn to engage with suppressed voices, enabling ourselves to challenge the systems that continue to shape the world we will leave behind.
Read books that make people nervous with the amount of knowledge they give, support those who write radically and buy from your local bookstores.
When BookTok tries to tell you what’s trending, instead ask: What else am I not being shown? Feed yourself something richer; when you look outside of the algorithm bubble, you’d be surprised at how remarkable the censorship can be.
COLLEGE LIFE
photo: Malcolm Taylor | design: Sofia Floresca
t
he hings small
Because maybe it’s those in-between moments… words: Ali Rosenberg | design: Maisy Wood
In a world where our screens constantly demand attention, it’s easy to forget that inspiration often lives beyond them. Not all muses come from perfectly curated feeds or endless scrolling — most are found in the everyday: a classmate who pushes you to think differently, a friend who makes you laugh when you need it most or even the quiet comfort of a coffee shop that sparks focus.
College can blur into a cycle of routine and exhaustion, but reconnecting with what moves you doesn’t always require something extravagant. It might just mean getting out of bed and noticing the tiny details that remind you what makes it all worthwhile.
It’s surprisingly easy to get caught up in the routines of everyday college life and lose your sense of motivation, especially during the long, freezing winters in snowy Syracuse.
Bed rotting has become one of the most polarizing trends of 2025, and although it’s tempting, try not to let yourself fall into the habit of staying in bed all day — even though it might be what you need once in a while. There are many ways to fill your cup that are more productive and supportive of your mental health. Try cleaning up your space or doing an at-home workout to re-energize yourself and refresh your mindset.
Sometimes, finding your muse involves changing your habits, which could mean taking your notes outside and letting the fresh air reset your motivation. Inspiration hides in the smallest changes in routine, whether that be overhearing a conversation that makes your wheels turn, watching the first snowfall from the library window or journaling between classes. The more you
embrace the small moments, the easier it becomes to reconnect with yourself — and the things that excite you.
You might be surprised by how much your surroundings affect your motivation. A change in location can inspire a sense of calm and focus that’s hard to find when you’re stuck in the same place every day. Swapping out your study spot isn’t just about productivity but rather about giving yourself space to reconnect with your thoughts and let your environment fuel your inspiration.
It’s also okay if your muse changes with the seasons. What motivates you in September might not be the same thing that keeps you going in February, and that’s normal. Some weeks, it might be your morning coffee and a playlist that gets you out of bed; other times, it’s a late-night talk with a friend that makes all your stressors a little smaller. Inspiration doesn’t have to be grand or cinematic; it can just be the quiet realization that you’re growing, even when you feel stuck.
When that spark hits, don’t let it pass you by — run with it. It’s a gift when inspiration shows up, reminding you what you’re capable of and giving you that rare burst of clarity. Maybe it pushes you to start a project you’ve been putting off, message someone new or finally apply for that position you’ve been overthinking.
Muses are all about making reality of something you thought you could never do. College isn’t always about finding your “big purpose” right away or even within the first couple of years; sometimes it’s just about chasing the smaller things that remind you why you’re here in the first place.
A New Hand
Ialways felt like the analogy of cards to life was menial and obvious. We all face different challenges, forced to play our hand regardless of its capabilities. But what happens when the round ends and you’re dealt a new hand? A second chance, an opportunity to play differently; to win? A new school year is like a new hand of cards; how can you play differently to win?
Each suit carries meaning in a deck, like hearts being associated with love and emotions. Clubs for growth and achievement through work. Diamonds with wealth and prosperity, while spades are life’s challenges and changes. Finding a muse in each of life’s suits gave me the tools that guide me through college life, so here’s my framework to a winning hand!
Hearts: Love, Emotions and Matters of the Heart
Though obvious, finding things that make you happy are vital in having a life you feel fulfilled in. The transition to college is one of the hardest you can make. Leaving behind all you’ve ever known, things that feel like second nature in your routine get left behind. When adjusting to a new world, I forgot how much joy I derived from seemingly trivial tasks: sipping a beautifully colored matcha, painting while blasting music or having the perfect outfit prepared for tomorrow. I realized that I loved to do these things for myself. Even if everything feels out of control, you can always find things that fulfill and inspire you. Little muses oftentimes have the most power, bringing daily joy and inspiration.
Clubs: Growth and Achievement through Work
In competitive academic environments, your grades and intellect feel defining.
How to play your new hand...correctly words: Morgan Magats | design: Ahlik Dikranian
I found myself basing my self-worth on grades, staying up until 4:00 a.m. studying for my 100-level elective (don’t do that) because I felt my identity was tied to a letter. I’ve found success but not fulfillment. Straight A’s without the ability to take pride in them are worthless. Education is a privilege and shouldn’t be a definition of your value. Differentiating my self-worth from my academic standing is something I still struggle with. Inspiration to keep going should come from within; be the muse for yourself. Instead of finding the next thing you can conquer or nitpicking your work, find the ability to celebrate the wins. If I’m doing the best I can and striving for success, the outcome doesn’t matter.
Diamonds: Wealth and Prosperity
Wealth and prosperity in college feel dichotomous. The “broke college student” stereotype is unfortunately a reality. Financial stability and success at this point feel unattainable when you’re willing to work for peanuts. So, I decided to be rich in friendship. Lilian Whiting once said, “To be rich in friends is to be poor in nothing.” Finding your people transforms your life. The abundance of wealth in forms of support, laughter and happiness in my life makes material prosperity feel foolish. It took me almost 20 years to find my truest friends — hold out for the people who truly love you instead of settling for those who just tolerate you. I always thought a muse was a larger-than-life entity; a celebrity who’d never know of my existence. Never once did I consider it could be someone sitting across from me.
I’m lucky enough to be uplifted and grow from my role models, my chosen family, whom I learn from, lean on, love and am unconditionally loved by.
Spades- Life’s Challenges, Conflict and Change
Consistently, I’ve found that negative things always fall in the forefront of my life, letting the bad consume me. Inevitably, challenges will occur; some you can manage on your own, but others require support. And that is okay. Asking for help to navigate a challenge is beyond frightening. Feeling ashamed or weak that you’re not able to solve a problem alone often deters me from even asking for help. Attempting to manage hardships can become debilitating, but learning how to move through challenges, rather than being stuck in them, relieves you from all the invasive feelings. Bad things in your life are not the most important or defining things about you. Reflecting on the past can be scary, but honoring your strength and resilience should empower and carry you through. Lean on others, understand that hardships don’t define you; rather, the way you solve challenges is the most definitive display of character.
I’ve been dealt and re-dealt cards, and I thought if I used the same strategy each round, miraculously, fate would change the ending. With my current hand, I’ve strayed away from the comfort of my typical strategy. I’ve chosen to embrace my cards, instead of wasting time wishing they were better. I found a muse in every suit, guiding and inspiring me through this hand. Take control of your own hand, play exclusively for yourself.
Because ultimately, when you find the winning strategies for your happiness, you’ll never have a losing hand again.
You walk into a crowded frat house. The music is blaring, the bass pulsing through the floor. The beats are insane and the vibe is unmatched; it’s the kind of set that makes you forget everything else. You glance toward the DJ booth, expecting to see the usual frat guy behind the tracks flicking his fingers. Instead, you’re met with a surprise: a woman behind the booth; a mastermind behind the music. That woman is Lauren Ervin, a Syracuse student who first stepped behind the decks her sophomore year and hasn’t looked back since.
In an environment often dominated by men, Ervin controls the crowd with ease — confident, composed and completely in her element. As one of the few female DJs in the college scene, she’s redefining what it means to take up space in DJ culture, proving that talent knows no gender. We got the chance to sit down and talk to Ervin about her story and what DJing means to her.
DJing at Syracuse often feels like a fraternityheavy, male-dominated space. What has your experience been like stepping into that environment?
In general, I feel like I have to perform better because I am a girl. It feels like, “Oh, she’s a girl, so she has to prove herself more than the frat DJ who’s simply just pressing play on the next song and hoping it works out.” For the most part, it’s been a positive experience. It can just be very frustrating to work with people who undermine my skill because of my womanhood.
What does DJing mean to you?
To me, DJing has become a safe space — a place where I can express myself. It’s been very beneficial to my mental health. When I’m DJing, nothing else matters. I’ve learned that I love to take ownership over a room. I love to be responsible for the vibe. I always try to lighten up the room, and DJing has become an outlet for me to do that on a bigger scale.
Can you describe one of your proudest moments while DJing?
There was a turning point in my career when I opened for TwinSick at Delta Upsilon here at Syracuse. I just remember standing with the two of them, and I transitioned out of them. It was the craziest experience. The energy stayed up until the cops came, and it was one of my best moments as a DJ. Definitely a core memory.
If more women entered the space, how do you imagine it might change the sound, the energy or even the crowd culture at parties and events?
Especially in Syracuse, so many of the parties are full of girls. Only a girl understands what a girl wants. In the industry as a whole, it’s frustrating to see all these men blow up and not see as many women. We don’t have a girl equivalent to John Summit. Someone who I wish got the recognition she deserves is Peggy Gou. She is my idol and a powerhouse in the industry.
What’s next? Do you see yourself pursuing DJing in the future?
Honestly, it really just depends on how much I keep things up. Of course, I’d love to blow up on TikTok, but I’m not actively trying to make that happen. I just signed with a manager at Girl Next Door Management. After college, I hope I get to continue this while pursuing my full-time career. A dream would be to book some gigs in the city (NYC).
What is your Muse?
The most inspiring thing for me when it comes to DJing is the crowd of people. Seeing everyone dancing, smiling and losing themselves in the music drives me. I love hearing my friends, and even people I’ve never met, come up to me after a set to say how much fun they had, or that a certain song made their night. Moments like that make all the practice and late nights worth it. It reminds me that what I’m doing actually brings people joy, which is the best feeling in the world. Even during my busiest weeks, I’ll say yes to a DJ gig because DJing is my sanity. Like that’s [on stage] is my happy place.
What’s your advice to anyone looking to try something new?
Just start. The more representation we have, the fewer barriers we’ll face.
At the end of the day, Lauren isn’t trying to prove anything because she doesn’t have to; she’s just doing what she loves. Whether it’s a packed frat basement or a small campus event, her goal stays the same: to make people feel good through music. Lauren’s story reminds us that breaking into male-dominated spaces isn’t about fitting in; it’s about standing out and creating room for others to follow.
photo: Malcolm Taylor | design: Sofia Floresca
THE 5-9 BEFORE MY 9-5
TikTok swears by it, but do we?
words: Leila Yang | design: Leah Sullivan
Sometimes, the best part of waking up is actually snoozing the alarm three times. Well, apparently that’s wrong. TikTok is telling us we should already be journaling, making coffee and finishing a workout all before 9 a.m. The so-called “5-9 before your 9-5” makes mornings look like a fairytale, but is it realistic when your “9-5” is back-to-back classes, club meetings and late-night study sessions?
An influencer’s job is to create a shift in people’s mindsets, which they’ve done when it comes to these glorified routines. The “5-9 before my 9-5” TikToks take us through what happens between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. in an “it girl’s” life, as everyone else is getting ready to clock into their corporate job or simply start their day. Many people are now waking up before the sun rises to prioritize productivity and self-care. It’s a morning marathon of pilates classes, skincare and matcha all before most people even hit snooze. These routines are supposed to make you feel calm and confident, but for college students, they can seriously feel more like a second full-time job.
Of course, this idea sounds dreamy, because who wouldn’t want a peaceful morning to romanticize their life before diving into the chaos of the day? The college version of the 5-9 looks a little different. Actually, a lot different. For most of us, mornings don’t carry that same “main character energy” and involve frantically running to class with wet hair and an iced coffee in hand.
This trend is aspirational but also performative — that’s part of what makes it so complicated. This 5-9 aesthetic thrives on social media all because it’s visually aesthetic. The golden-hour lighting, spotless apartments, matching workout sets, perfect ten-step skincare routine — all of it. But here’s the catch: so much is fake. What we see online is a curated version
of someone’s life, where they’re only showing the calm and polished moments and leaving out the chaos that exists behind the scenes. Between cramming for exams and the occasional Tuesday night out, a 5 a.m. alarm isn’t exactly realistic.
Let’s be real for a second, what college student actually wants to wake up at that hour when we’re already getting no sleep? What matters more is the intention, not the hour. Waking up early and taking time for yourself are habits worth keeping, even if your version starts at 10 a.m. instead of 5 a.m. The 5-9 doesn’t have to be taken literally. Whether that’s stretching, journaling or sitting outside for a few minutes. It’s all about finding your perfect balance.
Here’s the key: The 5-9 trend isn’t a rulebook, it’s a mindset. For college students, that might mean redefining what productivity and self-care look like. Maybe your “morning routine” happens at noon after a late night in the library. Maybe it’s cooking between classes or doing at home yoga. Whatever it may be, the point is less about perfect discipline and more about the calm moments within a busy schedule. Don’t let TikTok be your muse when you already know what best suits you. Focus on the trends that genuinely resonate with you and let them inspire your own routine. Let yourself be the ultimate muse. When you focus on what actually makes you feel good, each small habit becomes a tool for personal wellness, rather than a “performance” for anyone else. Living authentically is the best reminder that your life is your own story, and that’s when you start truly living. You are the one who decides what success and happiness look like for you.
Trends like this can make people feel like their own routines aren’t enough, especially when we live in such a social media-centered generation that’s fueled by comparison and the constant chase for the next big thing. But real self-love isn’t about keeping up. It’s actually about slowing down and listening to what your mind and body need while creating moments that feel meaningful to you.
At the end of the day, it’s okay if your version of wellness doesn’t look like those on TikTok. College life is unpredictable, and that’s the beauty of it! You’re never going to get these years back, so don’t worry about your 5-9 until you actually have a 9-5 post graduation — you’re exactly where you need to be.
While the “5-9 before your 9-5” girl might already be on her second coffee by sunrise, we’ll be over here enjoying a few extra minutes of sleep, because the best morning routine starts when you’re ready.
FIND YOUR MUSE WORD SEARCH
words: Ella Maniloff | design: Tess Cosgrave
The name of an iconic childhood book character
The legendary NARS blush shade...or the best part of sex (wink)
The best companion for long walks, commutes or procrastination sessions
A language that communicates identity without words
The act of restricting access to stories that explore race, gender and power
A classic cocktail with a “muse-worthy” twist
The women who inspire, guide and shape our lives
What UGirl calls an unforgettable sexual affair
The warm-up act that goes forgotten in the bedroom
The it-girl fashion and lifestyle magazine at Syracuse
Sex & Relationships
Relationships
design: Sofia Floresca
To the Women That Make Us Who We Are
We’re all mosaics of the women we love most. words: Ava Robbins | design: Christina Liguori
It’s said that you are who you surround yourself with, and if that’s true, I’m the luckiest girl in the world. The strongest people I’ve looked up to haven’t been power-hungry businessmen, or really any men at all; they’ve always been the women who’ve shaped my own opinions and sense of self. No other relationships have made me pour my heart out in birthday cards, laugh until I can’t breathe or feel supported in my every dream. My muses are close to me, not far away pop stars or untouchable icons, but my own mother, grandmothers, sisters, friends and roommates. Whether you’ve realized it or not, the women around you have been piecing together your mosaic since birth.
Your mother was the first person to ever love you. She was the first to know of your existence and probably wished for it every single night before she went to sleep. Mothers are the first people to hold us when we cry, pick us up when we fall and become our biggest cheerleaders. From a very early age, they’re the women we look up to for everything. They teach you how to be yourself. They let you pick out mismatched outfits, try outlandish hobbies — and most importantly, live loudly and authentically. She was the first piece to your mosaic, and you are her biggest. People say they don’t want to turn into their mothers, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth for me. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today or have accomplished half the things I have today without the guiding hand of my mother.
Sisters are a funny thing; they annoy the hell out of you, but you’d give them your kidney if they needed it. Sisters teach you patience, how to share a room, how to laugh and how to love gently. No one will ever get you quite like them. After all, you did share an entire childhood and set of parents. Your sister will give you a great new lip liner recommendation and, in the same 30 seconds, be brutally real with you about how you’re in the wrong. You’ll spend the greater part of your life with them: together in early childhood, at all your graduations and by their side on your wedding day and at funerals. Sisters are like a mosaic piece split into two; the same, but different. Whether you’d like to admit it or not, sisters are your biggest blessing and have taught you things you’d otherwise never know.
Best friends are unique because they’re not bound to you by blood; they simply found you one day, and the next time you looked down, you were attached at the hip. They are the ones who will let you rant about the same thing for hours, wipe your tears and give it to you straight. Best friends don’t let distance change a thing and are sometimes left to pick up pieces they didn’t break. If you’re lucky, they’ll turn into roommates too. You’ll share your whole world — and a couple of walls — with girls that mean everything to you, and you’ll find yourself picking up on and adopting their little quirks. There’s always been a space for them in your mosaic; it just took some time to find them.
We’ve built our lives, wardrobes and hopes around these women, influenced by the whimsical and distinct ways they move throughout life. They say copying someone is the best form of flattery, and these women have been our inspiration in every way. They aren’t the only special women who’ve had a hand in shaping us either. It could be your grandmother, neighbor, your friend’s mom, your high school coach or even a random saleswoman who single-handedly boosted your confidence.
When it comes down to it, we’re all impressionable people trying to figure out life. From the very beginning, influential women have kindly led us, or at least held our hands, when they didn’t know the way either. Most of your favorite things — movies, brands, songs or restaurants — have likely been inspired by the women around you. They’ve been more than just our muses, they’ve been our road maps, life lines, safety nets and the shiniest pieces of our mosaics. I think I speak for all of us when I say we’d choose these women to be our muses in every lifetime.
ColorfulCanvas
I entered this world as a blank canvas. But quickly, I became blemished by my surroundings. My chocolate skin; dark, warm and rich, seemed out of place.
I noticed early that my canvased color made me different. That difference felt like something I needed to fix.
So, I exchanged my paint brushes for makeup brushes; the paint for foundation.
I hoped that in repainting my canvas, I could cover up the flaws I thought set me apart.
Foundation became comfort. Concealer became control. Blush became my warmth, the color I was meant to show.
I set my mask with setting spray; a shield against the world’s harsh ways. Yet as the day fades and my false colors wear, I learn my truth will always be there.
Beneath the layers of my matted mask, is a canvas perfect in its original form. Each mark, each shade, each hue, each line, tells a story that is wholly mine.
I’ve learned to love both bare and painted. The flaws once feared are now celebrated. Now, looking in the mirror, I finally see. The masterpiece I sought was always me.
words: Hannah Wilson design: Thandi McCain & Sofia Floresca
photo: Diana Valdivia | design: Maisy Wood
unlock your
From mind-blowing foreplay to confidence-boosting tricks, unexpected tips and fiery new positions, your resident sex therapist is spilling the secrets to a sex life that inspires.
words: Rezi Ubogu | design: Penelope Chang
Have you ever wondered if you’re missing out on the best sex of your life? Truth is, you probably are. The honest reality is that not enough sex prioritizes mutual pleasure. Whether a one-time thing or something more frequent, we’ve all heard horror stories about performances falling short, even beyond Hookups From Hell. Either someone bites something they’re not supposed to, the heated rush lasts barely a minute, or they can’t read you in more ways than one. It doesn’t take a future sex therapist in the making to tell you dissatisfaction is a waste of time. Here are a few tried and true ways, rooted in research and rumor, that foster a sex life that inspires.
Set The Mood.
Own Your Pleasure
Being a muse in the bedroom isn’t about dominance; it’s about owning your pleasure in whatever form works. If you like to be in control, you may know about the cowgirl position; however, there are many other unexpected ways to embrace your desire. There are more dominant positions that you may not have heard of that progress from subtle to hardcore. To name a few, the Amazon and Lotus, modified versions of Cowgirl, can give you the dominating satisfaction that you crave and an unforgettable time. And if you’re into your current routine, try mixing it up with a little bit of teasing; patience is a virtue, but more on that later.
If you’re more submissive, there are many ways to unlock what you’ve been craving. Positionally, yes, we are familiar with a couple that make us feel dominated,
doggy style and missionary, but we can’t forget that location can be everything. Studies published in the National Institutes of Health have shown that sex can be enhanced by atmosphere. Some UGirls like candles and sensual aromas to set the mood. Others care more about being thrown around. Someone who likes to explore their dominant and submissive sides, though, has a plethora of options when it comes to trying a little bit of everything. Overall, having museworthy sex boils down to owning what you want and bringing that attitude to the table…or to the bed. At the end of the day, having inspiring sex means taking the reins — whatever side of the rope you’re on.
Foreplay is Everything.
Although this seems obvious, you’d be surprised how many times I’ve heard of sex lacking foreplay. Foreplay is everything — it can make or break the mood. Some have trouble finding where they need to be, which will not be shamed at the moment, while others would rather “find the pot at the end of the rainbow” before even looking at a map. And, we can’t forget that the best sex starts long before you’re in bed, with a sexy text, a flirty glance across the bar or a subtle touch while walking past. What happens before gets us ready for what’s to follow.
Trojan Condoms has a lot more to say in the sex conversation than just supporting the supply and demand. One of their articles echoes that foreplay is hot. Compliments and communication can go a long way, especially when “the act of preparation” sets the tone while providing mental and physical benefits. There’s a reason why studies in the National Library
bedroom
inner muse
of Medicine prove that almost half of people in 26 countries have engaged in oral sex.
What’s great about foreplay is you get to call the shots, down to how loud or quiet you want the room. Even then, sharing is caring, and talking about things can almost be as hot as actually doing them. Foreplay is a hot commodity. Whether you’re giving, receiving or watching, with the right amount of care and consideration, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Dress Up To Dress Down
Yes, maybe cosplay isn’t for everyone, and Halloween is allegedly best kept to October, but there are benefits to dressing up for your match — whether that be just looking good on your night out or slipping into something a little bit more comfortable. Lingerie is not just for whoever is seeing it, but it can become a game-changer when you feel comfortable in your own skin. For many UGirls, dressing up in sexy lingerie sets the mood in an unmatched way. Even Groverson’s Paris Beauty polled 25,000 of its female buyers from various backgrounds, and almost 42% of them stated that having lingerie helps add spice to their sex lives.
Feeling good and looking good are two perfect ways to unlock a more satisfying experience. Whatever makes you feel sexiest is the way to go. If that means going shopping for the perfect set by yourself or with a partner, or dressing up in your favorite going-out top and mini skirt, either works. If you dress to impress yourself, you’re not the only one getting lucky.
Toys. Teasing. & Ties
Bringing unfamiliar techniques and toys into the bedroom can be a walk on the wild side. The media has popularized the use of toys and BDSM (Bondage, Discipline or Domination, Sadism and Masochism).
But we’re talking about real life, not trends we see in movies, books or on social media. What we fail to notice, though, is that this content can be educational and extremely beneficial. We like what we like, so if you’re into being restrained or want to try tying up your partner and watching them beg, there are a few muse-worthy avenues to explore. Some ideas to execute this are handcuffs, a UGirl fan favorite, or even rope, but getting creative with a tie, or anything else nearby, can be even more resourceful.
Introducing vibrators or another sex toy can take things to a new level. An article in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that heterosexual women who used sex toys with partners reported greater arousal, satisfaction and orgasm frequency. Throwing in a vibrator, butt plug, strap-on dildo, c*ck ring — or anything else that gets you going — is proven to help you feel satisfied. There is nothing hotter than bringing out what you might use alone and having someone use it on you. Being a muse in the bedroom is all about finding what works for you and owning it; your journey is about what you want to do and how it makes you feel.
I can’t promise that your sex life will now be transformed, but if anything, remember the most muse thing you can do in the bedroom is to make sure you leave, or kick them out, satisfied. Trying new things can be exciting, but knowing that the sex you’re having is producing the results you want is even more powerful. Whether you’re indulging in a hookup, situationship, relationship or anything in between, I’ve given ways to enhance your bed chem and leave them wanting more — if that’s what you want, of course. To unlock your inner muse, the first step is to own your pleasure; your kinks and desires. Know that, whoever you’re having sex, if you choose to have it, you should be in control in whatever way you decide.
CHALANT
The
art of being be “too much,” “too emotional” and “too obsessed” words: Ella Maniloff and Chloe Rudnick | design: Danat Beyene
The trend of being relaxed and unfazed is over. The new focus is on being as “chalant” as you can.
Chalant, although technically not a real word, has gained recognition as people acknowledge the need for effort. The English language gave us the word nonchalant — calm, unbothered and detached — but somehow neglected to give us the opposite concept, so we made one. Being chalant is a mindset. It means caring loudly, loving openly and refusing to hide what makes you unique.
Society makes boxes for us to squeeze into. There is a socially acceptable way to do everything. But with the chalant attitude, that outlook can be reframed. Instead of aiming to fit the unbothered and effortless vibe, we can deliberately choose to stand out.
Chalant doesn’t mean we have to worry about everything. The “so let them” theory still holds true, but chalant teaches us to prioritize what matters most and confidently embrace our authentic selves.
We see chalant attitudes in everything we do: within the music we listen to, the relationships we form, the actions we prioritize and the ways we choose to show up for ourselves. These choices connect us with people who share our passions, support our individuality and help us embrace our own version of “chalantness.”
Music We Listen To:
Our music choices often reveal more than just taste. They reflect the identities and communities we care about. Being chalant means embracing the artists and songs we resonate with, or uniting as a fan base to collectively share our chalant attitudes. Trading kandi bracelets at raves, friendship bracelets at the Era’s tour and even Brat turning into an attitude all happened because people cared loudly. By celebrating our music fandoms openly, we unite as a collective,
creating spaces where joy is shared and being chalant is nothing short of contagious.
Relationships We Form:
The people we surround ourselves with are mirrors of our values and interests. Chalant relationships thrive on openness, honesty and intention — spaces where compassion is visible and respected. Caring loudly doesn’t mean overextending yourself; it’s about being unafraid to express affection and interest in the lives of others. Sometimes that looks like noticing the little things that inspire people: asking about someone’s hobby, inviting them to join you in it or smiling at a stranger because you know how much it would make your day if someone did the same.
How We Show Up for Ourselves:
Chalant self-expression involves how we present ourselves and honor our needs. From style and routines to our social media presence, showing care for yourself builds confidence. Set boundaries and make choices that reflect your values. Chalantness isn’t about perfection but living with intention, embracing unapologetic authenticity and doing what matters, loud and proud.
How to Be Chalant:
The world can be harsh: full of judgment, comparisons and pressure to shrink and be quiet. Being chalant means putting all that aside and choosing connections over indifference, expression over invisibility and action over passivity. Little acts of attention ripple outwards, creating waves of care in this world — and care spreads farther than you think, proving that chalant isn’t weakness, it’s power.
“Love loudly. Express yourself. Make every moment unmistakably yours. Because nowadays, caring is cooler than ever.”
photo: Diana Valdivia | design: Maisy Wood
words: Devin Conliffe | design: Olivia Rosen
astrology
Impulsive? Fiery? Yes, but also courageous. Aries is the universe’s pioneer. CAREER Aries moves fast and leads first, showing that mistakes are proof of motion. Their drive makes them thrive in leadership positions and entrepreneurial spaces. HOBBIES Aries thrives on motion, so the gym is a perfect outlet.
True strengths lie in their stubbornness. Patient and loyal to their goals, they persevere and always finish what they start. CAREER Taurus thrive when engaging their senses and have an eye for beauty. Interior design or culinary arts are ideal. HOBBIES Cooking, nature walks and skincare rituals -anything that connects them with the world through touch.
Known as the rebels with a cause, Aquarius’ are trendsetters; creating ideas that uplift themselves and the world around them. CAREER Aquarius does well in fields involving tech, fashion and social change. HOBBIES Intellectually stimulating activities like puzzles, painting or fashion.
Virgos are perfectionists. They see the divine in detail and bring visions to life. CAREER Analytical fields fit them best, like research, medicine or event planning. HOBBIES Writing or gardening are ideal for a Virgo — activities they can grow and build from, bringing out their sense of purpose and quiet perfectionism.
Cancers sensitivity allows them to read between the lines, sense others’ emotions and create nurturing energy wherever they go. CAREER Any career where empathy is key, like a caretaker, therapist or activist suits a Cancer. HOBBIES Cancers find their comfort in connection, such as journaling or spending quality time with friends.
Sagittarius is the adventurer of the zodiac: a rebel who seeks meaning through experience. CAREER A Sagittarius would be a great travel blogger, stuntman, flight attendant or a personal trainer! They favor movement and speed. HOBBIES Spontaneous travel or learning a new language. They need changes in scenery and mental stimulation to keep them going.
Effortlessly confident, Leos are naturally captivating, flashy and charismatic. CAREER Leos thrive anywhere they can perform, so entertainment fields appeal to them. HOBBIES Hosting parties or stying— the creative arts attract Leo.
Charming, balanced and socially intuitive, a Libra is a suave communicator. Libras are “people persons.” CAREER Libra excels in law, diplomacy and political strategy. HOBBIES Decorating, makeup and photography best match a Libra, since they are ruled by Venus, the planet of love, art and aesthetics.
Scorpios are known for being in tune with the darker side of things: emotional, artsy and intuitive. CAREER Psychology is the perfect field for a Scorpio, as they get to work with the highs and lows of life. HOBBIES Scorpios may be drawn to studying astrology or tarot because they love uncovering hidden truths. Mystical practices satisfy their curiosity about the spiritual and occult.
Capricorns are ambitious and wise. They are considered the hardest workers of the zodiac. CAREER Politics, business or any long-term career in which they can climb the ladder works. They crave growth. HOBBIES Anything that requires discipline, like fitness, coding, mastering an instrument or perfecting a craft speaks to a Capricorn’s drive for structure and self-improvement.
Known to be gregarious and even gossipy, Geminis are excellent communicators ruled by Mercury. CAREER With sharp wit and curiosity, Geminis excel in media, writing and communication-heavy careers. HOBBIES Exploring new places “just for the plot” or joining a bookclub fits Gemini best.
Pisces are empathic artists. They are dreamy, intuitive and healing to be around. CAREER Creative industries and caregiving align with Pisces’ need to heal through imagination and childlike wonder. HOBBIES Music, swimming and meditation allow Pisces to express emotion through flow and feeling. Anything fluid helps to channel their imagination and find emotional release.
UPGRADING, UNLEARNING, AND REINVENTION
A Conversation with Ryan Rockefeller
words: Rezi Ubogu design: Jackie Mirvis
In a climate of artificial personalities and curated expression, one of my inspirations is Ryan Rockefeller, an uninhibited, relatable and authentic communications major at San Diego State University. It has always been difficult to find a muse who lived up to the title — especially one that looked like me — and in the past year, that is exactly what Rockefeller became. Growing up as a woman of color is far from easy, and yet, her content acknowledges the complex nature of girlhood with a comedic and intimate flair. Rockefeller has become a big sister to some and the world’s best “TikTok ragebaiter” to others. While she was getting a silk press, we sat down to chat about what inspires her, her rebirth and some burning questions on her followers’ minds.
Tell us a little bit about your content and approach to life.
I think my content lives somewhere between curiosity and connection. I talk about real things: ambition, confidence [and] independence, but I try to do it in a way that feels unfiltered and conversational, like you’re just sitting next to me on the couch. I’ve never been interested in perfection; I’m more fascinated by how people build themselves — the tiny decisions, the contradictions, the moments that make you think, “Oh, that’s why I am the way I am.”
What and who inspires you?
That’s actually something I’ve been struggling with...not because I’m uninspired, but because I’m realizing it evolves as I do.
Joe Dispenza really shifted how I think. He was my first introduction to neuroscience and how your thoughts literally shape your reality — that changed how I approach work, mindset and even creativity. Bethenny Frankel inspires me for
her work ethic. She’s unapologetic, sharp and builds everything from grit and instinct.
Musically, it’s that mix of introspection, chaos and mood. It feels alive and self-aware, which is how I want my content and my life to feel too.
What advice would you give someone who is having trouble “upgrading” to the best version of themselves?
Becoming your best self isn’t about adding more. It’s about unlearning. Most people don’t need to reinvent themselves. They just need to figure out what’s holding them back. You can’t upgrade if you don’t know what you’re carrying. That could be fear, comparison or the need for control. Once you see it clearly, it loses its power.
I really believe you need one thing to believe in to start that process. It could be faith, purpose or just the idea that change is possible. That belief gives you the energy to actually do the work.
Growth isn’t about chasing a perfect version of yourself. It’s about peeling back the layers until what’s left finally feels real.
What would you say to someone who wants to enhance themselves without changing themselves?
I think it’s about refinement, not reinvention. I try to enhance what’s already there. That usually means staying curious, spending time alone and being around people who help me grow. It’s less about becoming someone new and more about being aware of who you already are and moving with that intentionally.
What are some moments in your life that have shaped you into who you are today?
It’s never been one exact moment for me. I don’t think transformation works like that. It’s everything that happens after the moment that really shapes you. A lot of my growth has come from the people I’ve let into my life and the ones I’ve had to let go of. Those experiences forced me to see myself clearly.
Reading “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” was another turning point. [It] taught me how much of who I was came from habit, helped me overcome my relationship with alcohol and start[ed] what I think of as my rebirth. It made me realize that change doesn’t come from forcing yourself to be new. It comes from finally understanding who you’ve
been and choosing not to stay there.
If your younger self could talk to you today, what would she say to you? What would YOU say to her?
I don’t think I’d say much to her. I’ve always felt like I’ve been in conversation with my younger self, not in a spiritual way, but in the sense that I’ve always known I’d end up where I was supposed to. Even when I was in my party-girl era, part of me knew I’d eventually build the life I have now.
That same voice still exists when I think about the future. Even when things feel uncertain, I trust that the version of me ahead already knows how it plays out. So, I wouldn’t give my younger self advice. The mistakes shaped me.
Sometimes the biggest life changes are because of our own doing. You changed your last name recently. Could you talk more about that change and what it meant for you?
It honestly started kind of as a joke. I changed it for fun at first, but the more I saw it, the more it started to feel right. The name carries this mix of richness, controversy and legacy — things I’ve always been drawn to. It became a reminder of what I want to build and the kind of energy I want to carry. It started lighthearted, but over time, it turned into something that represents reinvention and selfdefinition.
Your content is redefining the authentic, attractive “cool girl” as someone comedic, unapologetic and strategic. Is there anything you’d like to share about your journey as a woman of color in the social media industry?
It’s been interesting navigating spaces where you don’t often see people who look like you in roles that feel refined or introspective. I think a lot of my work has been about showing that there’s power in being thoughtful, soft-spoken and composed; that you can lead with elegance without losing authenticity.
I’ve learned that representation isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being seen in ways that expand what people expect. And for me, that’s the most fulfilling part of what I do: existing in spaces that weren’t always built for me and making them feel like home.
To become our own muse, we need to reimagine who we want to be and become it.
HOOK UPS HELL FROM
words: Bella Tabak | design: Zach Leone
WrongUgh,Number!
First Timer
One time, my friend was having phone sex with her longdistance boyfriend. It ended up connecting to her dad’s speaker downstairs. I let a guy touch my boobs. He said, “This is my first time touching boobs!”
Oh Brother! Gag or Gagged?
It was fall break, and I was horny. No one knew I’d reconnected with an old hookup from high school. I didn’t want to wait too long, so I planned it for right after my family’s welcome-home dinner. Side note: We ordered Indian.
Big mistake.
We met up in my car, and things started heating up fast. While he was fingering me, a wave of nausea hit. I was sweating, gagging and trying to power through. He asked if I was okay. I lied. Seconds later, I puked silently into my hand. Then, just when I thought it was over, chunks of Indian food flew across my console.
A Fuck Ass
I dated two brothers, and I was actually the hook up from hell. I said the former one’s name while finishing to the current boyfriend at the time.
I showed up at a sneaky link with a musician I had a crush on. Let’s just say I got the ick… He kept a fedora on his head the entire time we had sex.
Women in Male fields?
I had my situationship over, and he found pants on the floor. They belonged to the boy I hooked up with the week before. He asked me whose they were. I gaslit and convinced him they were his, and he wore them home.
I hope he likes his new pair of pants!
The ideas expressed are not those of Syracuse University, the office of Student Activities, the Student Association, or the Student Body.
