in this issue
photographed by Tia Benson
styled by Natalie Luci
hair & makeup by Scout Tincher + Akua
Osei-Bobie
layout by Jack Kerstetter
modeled by Marissa Rotolo + Javaun Robinson
videography by Sophie Masi
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Rhese Voisard
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jack Kerstetter
PUBLISHER
Mia Brillhart
directors of fashion
Kelli Amburgey + Natalie Luci
director of hair & makeup
Katelyn Phan
director of photography
Ellen Long
directors of social media
Tia Benson + Madeline Buecker
copy editors
Allison Lee + Charlotte Hudson
directors of event planning
Abbie Lyons + Sylvia Eastman
director of communication
Elizabeth Maher
director of
business development
Lacey Walker
director of
videography
Zach Lawson
blog editor
Marissa Rotolo
layout designers
Olivia Michelsen
Abby Griffin
Teagan Farmer
Taylor Morgan
Kaylee Miklautsch
Kayla McNab
Hannah Hemmerlein
Kennedy Stackowicz
Caitlin Curran
Lucy Hiller
Madeline Buecker
writers
Julia Jacobs
Evan Sefanik
Julia Moore
Nisso Sacha
Abby Borcoman
Julia Quigley
Emily Bame
Georgia Lokey
Marissa Rotolo
Natalie Luci
hair & makeup artists
Scout Tincher
Sophia Hoerdemann
Teagan Farmer
Katharine Jessop
Meara Green
Akua Osei-Bobie
Elyse Morrow
business development
Justin Dinh
Elaina Calisi
Libby deStefano
Lily Sydell
Maggie Fallon
Emily Clements
Hayley Beardsley
Sophia Hoerdemann
Sylvia Eastman
Clare Webster
Charlotte Crellin
advisors
Kerry Hegarty
Sacha Bellman
stylists
Eden Brush
Lucy Smothers
Kate Stevens
Mary Eisenhart
Liz Karipides
Abby Thompson
Annie Ambrose
Lexie Newman
Nicole Gonzalez
Brooklyn Lee
Paulina Adams
Bella Papson
event planners
Anna Kate Mereness
Kyler Phillips
Emma Mertes
Evelyn Dugan
Jenna Hartman
Madison Gilbert
Jack Dobson
Davie Avis
Olivia Smith
bloggers
Kaitlin McDowell
Emily Bame
Taylor Morgan
Sophia Masi
Thea Postalakis
Hailey Tessman
Addison Ellis
Bridget Conron
Molly Smith
Caroline Albert
Emerson Driscoll
Taylor Nowak
Sydney Mulford
Kate Overend
Sylvia Eastman
Katelyn Phan
Boyd Ensley
Jordyn Damato
videographers
Rachel Whary
Maria Adamo
Ian Do
Sophia Masi
Aric Engel
photographers
Ryan Singh
Olivia Smallcombe
Paige Senkiw
Sarah Frosch
Celena Karra
Lauren Turk
Jordan James
Gabrielle Wehrman
Sophia Myers
Aric Engel
social media
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jordan James
Olivia Smallcombe
Sophia Masi
Ian Do
Celena Karra
Sophia Myers
Emily Levine
Natalie Luci
Greg Engler
Lily Hoffman
STYLISTS
Paulina Adams
Riley McGee
Liz Karipides
Teagan Farmer
Evelyn Dugan
Mercedes Thompson
Lilly Hempfling
Abby Thompson
Maya Carey communications
Alyse Fisher
Sophia Myers
Justin Dinh
Larissa Shoemake
Kate Morrow
Anna Pyrce
Sara Mueller
Kate Overend
Chloe Dickson
Genevieve Arzberger
Molly Smith
Letter from The Editor
I’ve always thought of Spring as a sentimental season.
A flourish of new beginnings tangled in the midst of bittersweet ends. Emotions carry a special kind of complexity during this time and nature seems to reflect this directly. From fresh blooms coated in earlymorning frost to rainbows painted against a grey sky.
There’s a vulnerability in emotion. It unites us; it calls us human.
At its core, Evoke is a celebration of feeling.
It's realizing authentic connections reach far beyond the fast-paced digital world, as told in Julia Quigley's "Breath of Fresh Air" and Nisso Sacha's "Take it Offline." Abby Borcoman's "Aspire" channels the creative connections happening right here on Miami's campus, and Allison Lee’s “Copycat Couture” alludes to the inspiration we draw from those we admire. The concept of limitless love woven through family relationships is told in Natalie Luci's "To the Moon and Back.”
Marissa Rotolo's "The Branches We Outgrew" reaches for the glow that envelops nostalgic memories, and Julia Jacobs' "When I Grow Up" is an ode to childhood dreams and aspirations. The beauty found in timeless elements is expressed in Julia Moore's "Treasured Jewels," and Georgia Lokey's "Extra Extra!" honors the longevity of print media–like the very magazine you hold in your hands.
Charlotte Hudson's "More Than A Passport Stamp" discusses the importance of opening up to new places and perspectives, while Emily Bame's "Kiss Me Through The Phone" explores how relationships are fostered when distance keeps them apart.
In recognition of Evoke being UP's 40th issue, Evan Stefanik's "Archives" reflects on our origin story and how much we've grown. "Metamorphosis" illustrates the importance of change and finding peace within life's journeys.
I couldn't be more honored to share the incredible work our team has created for this edition and am so grateful for Creative Director Jack Kerstetter and Publisher Mia Brillhart, whose hard work and dedication radiate off these pages. As you read, I hope these stories evoke powerful emotions within you as you cherish the people, places and memories that make you feel the most alive.
Take in the view from the mountains and the valleys. Capture the essence of the dark and the light. Feel the shape of the sand and the stars.
Every moment is laced together to create the story of your life. And like every good story, so many more pages are waiting to be turned.
So here's to the moments that feel like magic, the people who make us feel loved and the seasons that remind us how much we’ve grown.
Find those feelings, hold on tight and never let them go.
We are only just beginning.
Much UP Love, Rhese Voisard
Rhese Voisard EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
(v.) To bring a memory, feeling, or picture to the mind.
photographed by Jorden James styled by Abigail Thompson hair & makeup by Katelyn Phan videography by Rachel Whary
modeled by Kyler Phillips + Chris Bradley layout by Kennedy Stacowitz
photographed by Sophie Masi
layout by Lucy Hiller
hair & makeup by Akua Osei-Bobie + Katharine Jessop
videography by Zach Lawson
modeled by Charlotte Hartigan + Ellie Trubisky
Written by Emily Bame
Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
It’s a phrase we’ve all heard before. Being physically separated from someone you love is hard. Whether it’s a romantic relationship or a platonic one, the distance between two people puts their relationship to the test. But despite the separation, it also means love and admiration continue to grow.
Long-distance relationships are inevitable. Maybe it’s a serious relationship parted ways because of college or a job opportunity in a different city. Or maybe it’s a long-distance best friend from high school who tries to visit once a semester. For all the seniors approaching graduation, the friends who are only a quick step away right now will soon be spread out across the country in a matter of months. Suddenly, normal takes on a new meaning— sporadic phone calls, check-in texts, surprise visits, writing letters or mailing gifts. Isn’t this what being in a long-distance relationship is all about?
For seniors Caroline Round in Oxford, Ohio and Sara Turner in San Diego, California, 2,179 miles separate the couple. Originally both from Denver, Colorado, they have college decisions to thank for their long-distance relationship. Round headed to Miami while Turner stayed on the West Coast, choosing San Diego.
Though they attended the same high school, Round and Turner didn’t meet until right before their sophomore year of college. After loosely keeping in touch in the fall, a first date at a tapas restaurant over winter break and being in the full-blown ‘talking stage’ in the spring, the pair officially began dating in the summer of 2023.
“We both realized early on that our connection was something worth committing to long-term,” Turner said. “We see ourselves being together for, hopefully, forever, so what’s the difference of two years apart?”
With a three-hour time difference between Ohio and California, learning to balance their busy schedules has been key. Every college student knows the feeling— class, work, eat, exercise, study, extracurriculars, hangout with friends, go out. It’s a never-ending cycle, relationship or not.
“When something’s meant to be, it will be,” Round says. “Longdistance takes work… but when it’s two people who are really in-sync and are meant to be together, it’s so much easier to put in that work.”
The beauty of adding a long-distance relationship to the college sphere is that it provides a sense of purpose beyond four years.
“It’s taught me the value of remaining committed to something with an end goal in mind, with this person that I really love and care about,” Round said.
With graduation approaching, the couple has their sights set on Dallas, Texas, to start their next chapter.
“We’ve both had this common goal. I think that’s been our North Star this whole time,” Turner said. “We used to be counting down from two years, and now it’s two months.”
Miami University sophomore Matis Jacobson and his girlfriend, Julia Risk, who attends the University of Illinois, know the same feeling. As sophomores, Jacobson and Risk are forging along their long-distance journey. Though the couple met at different high schools, they are now four years into their relationship at different colleges. Their biggest piece of advice: Always have a set date to see each other.
“I think the end goal and all the visits mean so much more than anything you’ll get from not doing it,” Risk said.
Whether it be a quick five-minute FaceTime or playing Rummikub over text, the couple prioritizes the little things that keep them connected while they build their own college experiences.
“What’s so unique for me about long-distance is the fact that as a relationship, Julia and I are developing ourselves individually, but at the same time, also developing along with each other,” Jacobson said. “The distance sucks, but when we’re apart, I’m not reliant on her for things… I’ve grown to understand myself and her better.”
Two successful years of long-distance later, the couple is now preparing for their next adventure together in Europe. Risk will be studying abroad in France this summer and Jacobson is already planning his visit.
“Our mindset was if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work, but at least we tried it,” Risk said. “If you don’t give it a shot, you’ll never know.”
Of course, when you think of a long-distance relationship, it’s natural to think of dating. However, let’s not forget about platonic love and long-distance friendships that make the world go round.
The friend you haven’t seen in months, but when you reunite, it feels like home wrapped in a person.
The friend that you can go days without talking to because of busy schedules, but you know would drop anything to be with you in a heartbeat.
The friend that is your biggest cheerleader from afar, celebrating your wins and counseling your losses, no matter how big or small.
The friend who still makes your face light up and your laugh bounce across the room, even if a screen stands between you.
Just like relationships, long-distance friendships thrive when you choose to grow together.
My best friends from home— Sarah, Theresa, Kate and Sadie— are four girls who know me better than I know myself. Pieces of my heart are spread across Oxford to Dayton to Athens to Pittsburgh. After navigating middle school and high school together–and now attending separate colleges–our bond is closer than ever.
“Grateful is an understatement when describing my core group of girlfriends. I’ve known these girls for a large majority of my life and they continue to inspire me daily even from miles away,” said Sadie Porchowsky, a senior at Ohio University.
Having a friendship that continues to flourish despite the miles between you is truly special. “I think that once you find a group of individuals that feel like home, you know they’re your people. No matter the city, state, or even country, I know that these women will not only be my bridesmaids but we will forever share a bond that is unlike anything else,” Porchowsky said.
The truth is, distance will never sever a true connection. Feeling closest to someone who physically may be worlds away is a beautiful thing. So, if you have a long-distance relationship or friendship, know that you have a connection that withstands the distance. After all, how lucky are you to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard and hellos that much sweeter?
When I Grow
Up
Written by Julia Jacobs
As children, we are told that we can be anything. The sky's the limit, and if we dream it, we can achieve it. This concept is timeless; it’s what children have been told for generations. Today’s elementary schoolers have big dreams. When asking second graders what their future ambitions were, they were eager to share.
“When I grow up, I want to be an astronaut, because I like reading books about space!”
“I think I’m going to be a gym teacher because I like to go jogging!”
“I’m gonna be a singer because I love singing Wand I’m really good at it!”
Children are also inspired by those around them. Role models come in many forms, and have more influence than they may think.
“I wanna be a Youtuber because I like playing video games with my older brothers!”
“I want to be a teacher for second graders because I really like my second grade teacher!”
Each Miami student was once a child with dreams, too, and they were shaped by their interactions with people, movies, music, and more.
Miami senior Meghan Tibbs shared, “My grandpa was a farmer, so I’ve always been interested in STEM. I wanted to be like Matt Damon in The Martian and grow crops on Mars.”
Miami sophomore Sophia Richmond said, “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, for either animals or people. I knew that I could be a doctor, and I would be one, because my mom never stopped telling me that if I worked hard and tried my best I could do it.”
We’re told to dream big, and we do, but that looks different for everyone. When asked about their childhood dreams, Miami students frequently brought up the concept of what classifies as “realistic.”
“I think I've always been pretty grounded and realistic,” Richmond said. “I grew up on PBS Kids, so I didn’t want to be a popstar like Hannah Montana. My entertainment was watching a robot do math, and I think that definitely contributed to my interests.”
Miami senior Hayden Burgett said, “Growing up, I became more and more realistic every year. I learned that it’s more about being happy and focusing on family and friends, rather than yearning for materialistic things.”
As we grow, do our childhood dreams grow with us? Do they evolve, or stay the same? Or are they forgotten entirely?
“I do still have childhood hopes and wonders,” Burgett said. “I think that’s what keeps my creativity and my adventurousness alive.”
Tibbs shared, “I'm still in a similar headspace as I was when I was little: I love science, and I love understanding how the world works. I just have more realistic expectations now about what my impact on that is going to be.”
College students are actively in the process of creating their futures. While their goals have shifted since they were kids, many aspects of their childhoods have manifested into their adult lives in different ways.
“I grew up water skiing just for fun, and now I've competed at nationals as a collegiate water skier,” Tibbs said. “It's fulfilling, as an adult, to be able to do those little creative and fun things that I used to do in an even bigger space.”
Richmond shared that she’s always enjoyed working with kids.
“When I was younger, I babysat and I worked in an elementary school,” she said. “I just loved seeing children develop, and being a part of that growth. Now, I want to continue doing that by going to med school to become an obstetrician.”
Many Miami students have shifted their goals since they were children. Could their plans still change, or are their lives set in stone once they graduate and enter the workforce?
“I think we all will continue to grow as people,” Burgett explained. “Our morals may stay the same, but our lives will always be changing.”
“Before I came to Miami, I didn't know that kinesiology was a thing, and now it’s my major and shaping my future in a way I’d never imagined,” Richmond added. “In the future, I might find something new that I'm even more passionate about.”
The future is fast approaching for students at Miami University. When asked about it, many were hopeful and ready to embrace change.
“I feel like I obviously have come down to earth, figuratively and literally, with my expectations for things,” Tibbs said. “But in a sense, I still feel like the world could be my oyster. And that's the same as when I was a kid.”
“More and more, I'm trying not to plan out the future, because you never know where you're gonna end up or what's gonna happen,” Richmond said. “Every semester I've been here has been a different version of me. Life is ever-changing.”
Plans change; dreams evolve. What never leaves is hope. The same eagerness that college students had as children is present in their lives today. With passion, energy, and hope, any dream can come true.
photographed by Ellen Long
styled by Annabella Papson
hair & makeup by Katharine Jessop + Elyse Morrow
layout by Taylor Morgan
modeled by Jillian Green + Drake Viola
videography by Zach Lawson
photographed by Paige Senkiw styled by Annie Ambrose hair & makeup by Meara Green + Scout Tincher
layout by Lucy Hiller modeled by Sammi Cecutti + Carys Varga videography by Zach Lawson
photographed by Olivia Smallcombe
modeled by Mackenzie Donoher + Nick Barker + Molly Stratton + Melina Remirez + Bryce Shephard
layout by Caitlin Curran
Written by Charlotte Hudson
On January 26, 2025, I boarded my first international flight that was bound for the Miami University Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) in Differdange, Luxembourg. After four years of constant conversation, planning, and daydreaming, the item at the top of my bucket list was finally coming true: studying abroad for the semester. I knew I had wanted to study abroad in college since my freshman year of high school; the idea that a whole life full of new cultures, countries and experiences was just a plane ride away sold me on spending half a year in Europe as I had only ever been in the United States my entire life. By the time you are reading this, however, I have already traveled to 13 countries and have experienced once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that will stay with me forever.
According to Miami University’s data records, about 40% of the student population studies abroad in college. Like myself, many students are motivated by the desire to step outside their comfort zone and explore new perspectives in a unique environment with the world at their fingertips. Through the MUDEC program, Miami students study at what they call the Château during the week, a quaint castle in the heart of the city of Differdange, Luxembourg, and then spend their weekends exploring Europe and all it has to offer. Not all students who study abroad at Miami choose the MUDEC program, but many students do choose the MUDEC program as it is almost like a home away from home; only Miami students and faculty have access to this program and its financial plan is comparable to a semester’s tuition in Oxford.
Sophomore Abigail Echtenacher, studying at MUDEC during the spring 2025 semester, said her first time in Europe was like mine, but she had a unique experience of her first time on an airplane being on the way to Luxembourg. While she may have had a few bumps in the road at the airport–lost luggage and a rush of
complicated emotions–her nerves eased as the plane took off and felt a sense of calm. Air travel on its own can be stressful; anticipating security line times, wondering if your checked bag is above the weight limit, and finding the rate gate are all factors that can make or break your travel experience. To be thrown into new situations like this can be way out of one’s comfort zone, yet isn’t that what studying abroad is all about? Echtenacher describes one of her motives for studying abroad was to do just that: push herself out of her comfort zone and gain a sense of independence.
“I wanted to become more independent and make sure that I'm okay in the future being confident in myself,” Echtenacher said. “I wanted to be able to do a solo trip and be on my own, but also be comfortable and confident and enjoy myself and my own company.”
For senior Abby Showalter, who studied at MUDEC in the fall of 2023, spending a semester abroad was an opportunity for a change of pace, a change of scenery, and a change of culture. While studying abroad can be a thrilling experience, it can also be a period of navigating confusion, stress and adjustment, especially the time leading up to the departure. The normal feelings of anticipation of starting a new semester can catch up to you, but with an extra layer of uncertainty, these thoughts are elevated. Showalter explains that while she experienced some of these feelings, timing is everything when studying abroad. While it did take some time to process these emotions, Showalter was able to learn more about herself while studying abroad than in any other regular semester.
“Before studying abroad, I did not like the idea of unknowns. I did not like the idea of starting over at all, and I did not like the idea of going away and starting something new for the first time,” Showalter said.
Showalter shared that a turning point for her personal growth and development was understanding how to use the spontaneity of the semester in a positive way. A life-changing solo trip to London, England, opened many doors for her that would not have been possible if she did not embrace change. The simple act of reaching out to someone new opened endless doors for future trips, and while in the moment it might have been intimidating, the end result was worth it. You will never know exactly what lies ahead during your time abroad, and I myself have experienced uncertainty, awkwardness, or uncomfortableness throughout this journey, yet knowing the experience makes you stronger is something not to take for granted.
“I actually don't hate starting over,” Showalter said. “I think for so long I confined myself to the anxieties of ‘what if’ that I stopped really reminding myself of what I enjoy and why I enjoy it because I was so scared of failure…going abroad really forced me to be comfortable with failure. It forced me to be comfortable with things not going my way every single time.”
At MUDEC, Student Activities Coordinator Erin Dunning has an interesting perspective on studying abroad, as she was once a student living in Luxembourg at the Château, and now, almost 20 years later, she helps facilitate the transition from living in Oxford to living in Europe by offering a wide range of activities, programs and experiences at the Chateau and around
Differdange to allow students to acclimate to their new home. Dunning’s personal study abroad experience as a student eventually changed the course of her life, as she moved abroad after graduation to South Korea to teach English as a Second Language (ESL), then moved to Vietnam, then Turkey, and Santiago, Chile, before eventually ending up back in Differdange with MUDEC currently. In the years she has lived abroad, Dunning has gained a vast knowledge of different cultural understandings that has shaped the way she views the world.
“It’s just how similar people are all around the world,” Dunning said. “Yes, I could sit here and pick out all of these little differences, but these differences aren’t really substantial or important or meaningful. At the end of the day, students are students, pretty much everywhere…I think everybody is very fearsome of another race or another country or being scared to go to countries they do not know anything about, but people are nice, similar, and polite.”
Above everything else, what students cherish the most from their time abroad is their memories. Maybe it was seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time, or paragliding in Switzerland, or a gondola ride in Italy, but no matter the experience, you will not want to forget it.
Well-traveled junior Miranda Walker who studied abroad through the MUDEC program in the spring of 2024, looks back on her semester abroad fondly and has the perfect piece of advice for students who might be on the fence about studying abroad.
“If you are thinking about studying abroad, do it. Whatever opportunity presents itself, jump on it,” Walker said. “You will get the money back and it is so worth it to go to those cool destinations and make all of those memories with your friends. I could cry, I miss it.”
I couldn't agree more with that piece of advice. Studying abroad has truly been a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the memories, friendships, and skills gained during my journey will continue to evoke a sense of adventure and growth long after I return home.
EXTRA! EXTRA!
Written by Georgia Lokey
There are digital alternatives for every type of media: Kindles for reading books, news websites instead of newspapers and streaming services for movies and TV shows. As the world evolves, it’s phasing out older formats, but in doing so, it also erases small joys - like the satisfying crinkle of magazine pages or the thrill of flipping through spreads to find your horoscope. Print media carries a spontaneity that digital publications struggle to replicate. In the past, people would stumble across articles they didn’t expect to read, simply because they were on the page, not because they actively searched for them.
The majority of media outlets have transitioned to digital publications, opening up new and exciting ways to access news anytime and anywhere. Although there is something special about holding a physical copy, the digital world continues
to innovate, evoking new lifestyles. Even so, physical media isn’t disappearing any time soon, therefore, people who prefer reading physical copies will still be able to experience everything they love about these publications.
Kasey Turnman, The Miami Student Editor-in-Chief, has been writing for more than two years and describes writing for a physical publication as an art.
“Some people won’t get to pick up [a newspaper] and get the ink on their hands,” Turman said. The sensory experiences newspapers provide cannot be replicated through a screen.
Looking back on the history of communication, initially all information was passed on orally and it took thousands of years to have a written manuscript of news. The first online newspaper was created in the 1980s and many companies followed suit, however it wasn’t until the late 2010s that online news consumption became the norm.
At Miami University, there are many news publications solely operated by students. The Miami Student, UP Magazine, The Fem, The Oxford Observer, and The Oxford Free Press. Many of them have both online and print publications, allowing students to read these publications however they prefer. Whether it is picking up a physical copy in Armstrong or reading it from their phone, these publications are able to reach everyone on campus as well as students abroad and alumni.
Because of the digital revolution, traditional media outlets had no choice but to adapt. Print simply wasn't profitable enough anymore.
“If you can get the content for free online, why pay for it in the print version?” Stephen Borg, former publisher of The Record asked. Online news lacks the tactile experience of flipping through a paper and smelling the ink, a reminder of all the hard work that was put into the production of the paper. “Someone handed out all of those articles or [took] all the pictures and [did] all the typing, and [someone had] to put it together and make it look great,” Turman said.
For Gen Z, the shift to online news was seamless. They grew up in an era where every newspaper had a digital version, eliminating the experience of sitting down to read the morning paper from front to back. Now, many of them get their news by opening up TikTok or instagram, in a way, they are reading an unfiltered news source, however it may lack credibility.
Still, there is something about holding a physical magazine or newspaper in your hands that just never gets old. No computer, tablet, or phone can replicate what it feels like to read news on actual paper and from a writer’s standpoint, having your name in the paper is a feeling like none other.
“My first story ended up being on the front page [of The Miami Student] and I was like, this is sick,” Turman said. “My name's in the [paper] like everyone else’s–it's so cool.”
Miami students describe their feelings surrounding print media as happy and nostalgic with a sense of authenticity. Hearing a newspaper’s gritty pages rustle evoke a connection that screens can’t replicate.
“I feel like I have a different relationship to it than when it's on a screen,” Miami Media and Communications professor Ronald Becker said. “It feels like there's a layer of distance between me and the information.”
The future of print media remains unknown, but one thing is clear: the unique elements of a glossy magazine or typed newspaper hold a timeless place in the hearts of readers. While digital media has its own set of advantages, it can’t quite replace feeling the weight of each word.
photographed by Tia Benson styled by Nicole Gonzalez hair & makeup by Scout Tincher videography by Rachel Whary layout by Kayla McNab modeled by Mia Brillhart + Leah Hoffman
FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
Craving a taste of home? Whether you’re missing home-cooked meals or just need a break from instant ramen, these three dessert recipes from UP members’ families are here to bring a little comfort to your kitchen. Try them out and share the sweetness!
layout & written by Madeline Buecker
TITLE: FROM THE KITCHEN OF:
RECIPE
Mrs. BrownK'sButter Chocolate Chip Cookies
INGREDIENTS:
SERVINGS:
The Kerstetter's
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 heaping teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room -temperature 1 cup packed light brown sugar
Step 1- Brown your stick of butter
24 Cookies
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cups semisweet chocolate
-chips3/4 cups dark chocolate chips
Then set aside
Step 2- Mix wet ingredients - cooled brown butter, brown + white sugar, eggs + vanilla
Step 3- In another bowl - mix dry ingredients. Flour, baking soda, salt.
Step 4- MIx dry with wet and then add in your chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt (for sprinkle on top) (maldon)
Step 5- Cover your bowl and set in fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight
Step 6- create cookie dough balls and align on baking sheet
Step 7- Cook at 350 for roughly 15 minutes or until the perfect golden brown
Step 8- Once out of oven - sprinkle with flaky sea salt and enjoy (best with a cold glass of milk)
TITLE: FROM THE KITCHEN OF: INGREDIENTS:
The Brillhart's
-1smallpkg.instantvanilla puddingmix
- 3 cups milk
- 1 regular carton Cool Whip
-1boxgrahamcrackers
DIRECTIONS:
Step 1- Line 9x13 pan with crackers
Step2-Spreadhalfthepuddingmix overcrackersandputsecondlayerof crackers on top
Step3-Repeat,endingwithcrackers
Step 4- Melt chocolate with margarine
SERVINGS:
Topping:
- 2 squares chocolate
- 6 tablespoons margarine
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 teaspoons vanilla
-1-1/2cupspowderedsugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
Step5-Addsyrupandvanillawithsugar and milk
Step6-Mixandpouroverdessert
Step7-Refigerateatleast10hours,24 or more is better
TITLE:
RECIPE
Nana's Black Raspberry Pie
FROM THE KITCHEN OF: INGREDIENTS:
Pie Crust:
The Voisard's
- ½ cup cold Crisco
- 1 ½ cup sifted Gold Medal flour
- ½ tsp. salt
- 3 tbsp. ice water
- 1 egg white - 1 tbsp. sugar
DIRECTIONS:
STEP 1- For the pie crust, sift together flour and salt, add to the Crisco, and blend until crumbled. Add ice water a little bit at a time until it forms a smooth ball, but not sticky
STEP 2- Roll onto a floured surface until thin and place in a 9-inch pie pan. Make another for the top
STEP 3- For the filling, place the berries in a bowl and fold gently with the sugar and flour. Place berries on your crust in the prepared pie pan &
SERVINGS:
Filling:
8
- 6 cups fresh blackberries
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup flour - 2 tbsp. butter
dot with slices of butter.
STEP 4- Place the second crust on top, trim and seal edges with a fork, and cut a slit in the middle
STEP 5- Whisk the egg white and brush across the top before sprinkling with raw sugar
STEP 6- Bake at 425℉ for 10 minutes, then turn over to 350℉ for an additional 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Let cool before serving
COPYCAT
COUTURE COUTURE
Written by Allison Lee
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
The idea of imitation, on a surface level, is the very thing it goes against – originality. However, imitation is oftentimes confused for its twin, inspiration. Taking a scroll on Pinterest or Instagram to see what other creators are doing has been the epicenter of trends throughout this decade, even more so when creators have mass amounts of influence. When achieving 100% originality is nearly impossible, drawing inspiration from influencers and celebrities can evoke a sense of proximity and harbor internal bonds to those you look up to the most.
Junior Allie Dreher has been a Taylor Swift fan – or, as they are known, Swiftie – since early childhood. During her ever-popular Eras Tour, Swifties around the world paid homage to Swift by dressing up in outfits inspired by Swift.
“The Eras Tour has been a long time coming for me,” Dreher said. “I’ve been listening to Taylor Swift since I was a little girl. With such a strong connection to Swift, narrowing an outfit down to the most sentimental can be a chore. “The first Taylor Swift concert I had ever been to was at the Red Tour, so it was kind of a no-brainer for me– I knew I wanted to dress up from that era.” When a nostalgic memory or experience from the past has had such a monumental impact on somebody, the purest act they can do is follow by example. “[Swift] is so me in that era – she’s just trying to figure it out.”
That sense of closeness is amplified when idols are behaving and dressing in similar fashion. “I was wearing what Taylor was wearing in her 22 music video, so when she played 22 I was like ‘oh my god, I’m twinning with my twin.’” Dreher said.
Junior Julia Swanson is another devout Swiftie with a similar experience. “I couldn’t decide which era I wanted to
photographed by Ryan Singh styled by Liz Karipides
hair & makeup by Meara Green
videography by Ian Do
layout by Teagan Farmer + Caitlin Curran modeled by Catherine + Caroline Kennedy
dress up as, so I did them all,” Swanson said. “Instead of just doing one, I had each of the eras painted on my jeans, so it was more subtle.”
Curating a style personalized to yourself looks different for everyone. It can look like tabbing different pages in magazines, frequenting thrift stores or staying in tune to what garments make the wearer feel confident. It can also be like a scrapbook dedicated to loved ones, media and inspirations – a leather jacket that looks straight out of Kill Bill; a sequin scarf that could have been in their mothers wardrobe; a dress their favorite celebrity wore.
Having such a deeply rooted understanding and admiration of somebody is complex in a multitude of ways. For some, artists are tied to listening to music with their parents as a child, finding the perfect words to express their emotions or times where life was simpler. For others, artists can be connected to aspects of their identities – junior Nya Hodge has experienced the latter.
“I have felt soul-tied to Boygenius since I was [between 16 and 17] years old, so getting the opportunity to see them was life-changing for me,” Hodge said. Boygenius and their non-traditional sense of style tie into this feeling of identity. “I love that they are women who wear suits. Not just
feminine-cut suits, but suit jackets and suit pants.”
Boygenius has been closely tied to queer culture and media. “Their style is such a powerful representation of queerness in women. It was a no-brainer to wear a tie and button-up shirt to their concert. It was such a celebration of queerness.” Music is powerful in that sense – not only is it beautiful to the ears, but it can have such a strong impact on the lives of listeners in such a profound way.
Finding personal style is so much more than simply choosing what is fashionable – clothing reflects the personality of the wearers. Denim skirts and fringe maybe shows that Hotel California by the Eagles was somebody’s top song on Spotify Wrapped, whereas leather jackets with flannel are sure indicators of the grunge scene. People want to belong to something. Which subcultures do people belong to and who are their style icons? How can we connect to those similar to us in our threads?
Being called a “copycat” may seem demeaning – people often view copying as something that is done out of a place of jealousy, or perhaps because they don’t know who they truly are. But oh, how deeply one must understand themselves to be able to see a piece of them in someone else and wear it on their sleeve.
TotheMoon &Back
Written by Natalie Luci
It takes light years for distant objects like planets, stars and galaxies to reach Earth. This means that every time you look up at the night sky, it’s like looking back in time. It’s a glimpse into our pasts; like a history book written in the sky.
one another, giving me our signature show of affection: a butterfly kiss. I’ve never felt so at peace; so loved.
I used to make my mother read me bedtime stories every night to fall asleep. While I did love reading, it wasn’t so much about the books. It was about the extra 10 minutes I would get to lie there as my mother’s sweet, soothing voice slipped through my ears, my eyes weighing heavier and heavier as I drifted off.
“Goodnight noises everywhere,” she echoed as I curled up into my blanket, my stuffed bunny rabbit named La La Rose perched under my arm, her pink sock head lying right next to mine. I took one last glimpse of the shimmering night sky dusted with stars and moonlight before dozing off into sweet slumber. Before my mother crept out of my room, she brushed our noses against
They say a mother’s love is unconditional. That there are no limitations, nothing that a child must do to earn their mother’s admiration. It’s rare and it’s limitless, like the infinite bounds of our celestial universe. That love is passed down through generations from mother to child, so deep-rooted as if it’s encoded in their DNA.
“It’s forever. It's eternal. But at the same time, it's always kind of changing. It's dynamic because it changes as you grow,”
my mother, Jacqueline Luci, told me when I asked her how she would describe our bond.
To me, my mother is extraordinary. I strive to emulate her each and every day. My mom often says how much alike we are, both wildly ambitious, yet harshly selfcritical. I asked her if she wished she had taught me anything better, to which she replied:
“Probably self-esteem because I think it's really hard for girls and young women to have confidence and to love themselves and how they look and because that's something I struggle with so much. I don't know that I was a good role model for it.
And it's just hard in this world, I think, for girls to just feel confident with all the messages that they get from social media now and other people.”
I know my mother is incredibly hard on herself, I hear it all the time. I’m sure most mothers feel like this; the constant need to be everything for everyone all the time. It’s exhausting and it’s draining, to the point where it burns you right out.
A supernova is one of the most spectacular events in the universe. It happens when a star burns so much it explodes, creating many of the elements that make up planets and other stars. Mothers are often like these miraculous explosions; they give all of themselves to everyone around them, so much so that they often lose themselves in the process.
My grandmother, Judy Doerger, had dreams of working as a grade school teacher in her young adult life. I asked her how she balanced her own aspirations with the weight of being a mother.
“I guess you just sort of give them up,” she said.“I didn’t work after I had kids. You don’t have to put your kids before you, it is a choice. And that was my choice.”
My mother is the most selfless person I know, evidently learning it from her mother. She is my supernova, sacrificing her ambitions for the sake of my own. Selfdestructing her fantastic and magical goals to create the planets and stars that are my siblings and me.
“Being a mom changes you because it makes you a better person,”
my mother told me. “You're trying to live up to what your kids think of you and be a good role model and it humbles you because you really have to look at yourself and what your weaknesses are and try to overcome them because you want to be the best person you can be for your kids.”
My grandmother shared a similar anecdote: “You just become more loving and caring. You always want to try to help them and be there for them always.”
My mother is who I’ve always wanted to grow up and become. Every school assignment, questionnaire and vision board I’ve made has had her at the forefront of it all. She is my first phone call when I hear good news and my final outfit approval before I walk out the door. Her humility keeps me grounded and her courage pushes me to take the leap and fly.
As I lay next to my mother in her bed, I am still the eight-year-old little girl having sleepovers with her when my dad would go out of town. I’d lay my head on her chest, listening to her heartbeat like a lullaby putting me to sleep. I’m 22 years old and I rest my head on my mother, listening to that same heartbeat I did at eight years old. The same one I listened to before I even entered this world. The same heartbeat that gave me mine.
I look into the night sky. I peer at the moon watching over me, blessing me with another day and the possibility of a tomorrow. I think of all the mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers who came before my time; their steadfast love and humble selflessness gave me the blessing of my own mother.
I thank the moon and I thank my lucky stars.
photographed by Lily Hoffman styled by Natalie Luci hair & makeup by Katharine Jessop videography by Zach Lawson
modeled by Audrey Fitzgerald + Joey Santaiti layout by Madeline Buecker
TREASURED JEWELS
had saved up for and bought when she was younger, in addition to a ring that her dad—Kelleher’s grandfather— had gifted her. The pieces her grandmother acquired through traveling were not so much gifts and more pieces that Kelleher admired and asked for, as she knew that her grandmother rarely, if ever, wore them.
Kelleher remembers feeling a sense of responsibility when she received the ring from her mom. “For her to give me these to have and take care of,” Kelleher said. “I felt very grown up and connected to my mom.” The story and significance of her mom’s ring is just as valuable to her as the ring itself. It represents resilience and hard work, as her mother had to save up her money to buy it for herself. It reminds Kelleher to cherish what she has.
In contrast, the jewelry from her grandmother makes her consider how people can take their blessings for granted. “I recognized the value of things my grandma has overlooked, and overlooked things my mom valued.” What an incredible thing—that a pretty ring or bold pair of earrings can tell stories, impart wisdom, and even teach and remind the wearer of their values and views of
Senior Julia Beaumont, a seasoned accessorizer, treasures her great-grandmother’s favorite costume pearls, which she chose to keep after her passing. “I think about the pearls’ story all the time. It’s a small way to honor and think about her, even when I'm not wearing her necklace
Beaumont feels a unique connection to the pearls due to the way they came into her possession—they weren’t a gift but rather something she chose for herself to celebrate and remember her great-grandmother. “I feel like I’m assigning the necklace a value that it otherwise
I wear every day.”
Regardless of a piece’s history before it reaches its wearer, it inevitably begins carrying their story, too. That’s why jewelry owners don’t always need to have a personal, intimate connection to the piece to understand and appreciate its story. It’s why many jewelry wearers prefer to shop for pieces at antique shops over commercial jewelry stores—even if they aren’t acquainted with the piece’s story, just knowing it has a history is enough to make them want to write the next chapter themselves to hand down and continue the legacy. Keheller shared, “Knowing less makes some pieces feel more like my history than someone else’s past.”
Passing down treasured jewels is a dance, a love letter and a ceremony that binds past and present—a sentimental ritual that Lemos, Kelleher and Beaumont all enthusiastically plan to continue one day. Whether carefully gifted, chosen with intention, or stumbled upon by chance, each piece becomes part of a larger, ongoing story, ready to be treasured all over again.
"Somepiecesdomore than make a statementtheytellastory."
photographed by Celena Karra styled by Natalie Luci hair & makeup by Scout Tincher videography by Aric Engel modeled by Paulina Adams + Bear Vogt layout by Olivia Michelsen
META MORPH OSIS
Written by Rhese Voisard
With every decision a person makes, they throw a pebble into a pond.
When the rock hits the water, a thousand ripples spread across the surface in a mesmerizing pattern of circles.
The Ripple Effect , they call it.
Every action spurs a new event. Good or bad.
Wrong or Right.
And it all starts with a choice to defy gravity.
One of the most daunting pebbles a young person can toss is the decision to attend college.
From the moment a student declares acceptance, ribbons of ripples move across their lives.
They meet new people, travel to new places and learn new things.
Taking those first steps onto a college campus marks a turning point–
The thrill of an endless amount of opportunities. Like an artist blinking back at a blank canvas with a palette full of vivid paints.
Or a writer staring down the vastness of a fresh page.
It’s an all-encompassing feeling–teetering on the edge of all that is possible.
Senior student Elizabeth Smith recalled her college journey as a whirlwind
“Every high school student is stuck in the paradox of having to confidently declare what they want to do with the rest of their lives, despite not truly knowing,” Smith said.
Swept up in the uncertainty of a new chapter;
No wonder college students tend to feel lost.
But sometimes, a venture into the unknown has the biggest impact on a person’s life.
“The memories I’ve made in these few short years have been deeply impactful and essential to my personal growth,” Smith said. “Much like a butterfly breaking free from its chrysalis, transformation isn’t easy. It requires struggle, uncertainty, and patience. And now, as I prepare to close the doors on my college career, I find myself standing at the edge of yet another change.”
One of the most anticipated concepts of the human experience– change
It’s unavoidable.
It’s uncomfortable.
It evokes fear in the face of the unfamiliar.
But it’s pivotal to the art of becoming.
The question is: how does one learn to navigate the labyrinth of change?
As stated in Matt Haig’s New York Times Bestseller, The Midnight Library , “The only way to learn is to live.”
Like tossing a pebble in a pond, the choice to let go doesn’t determine the course of gravity, but it's the only way the rock will hit the surface.
Senior student Camille Scalera described her college experience as an explosion
When her stone hit the water, she was initially filled with the fear that often accopanies the unknown. But as the ripples began to move, Scalera emphasized her firm belief that everything happens for a reason.
“Change isn't easy, but it's worth it to believe in yourself and allow yourself to take that leap of faith,” she said.
Staring out at the edge of a cliff,
Limitless potential mere cen timeters away.
Still, a stream of voices runs through a college student’s mind–
Does it make sense to jump? What if I fall?
It seems like everyone is watching me. But one thing is for sure: Without movement, a person is destined to stay exactly where they are.
But even when it feels like one has reached the summit, It becomes apparent that there is still a journey ahead–Mountains to climb, trails to run, oceans to cross.
Life is marked by a constant rhythm of movement.
“Am I terrified of what’s next?” Smith asked. “Absolutely.” But how incredible it will be—to rediscover myself, to embrace the unknown, and to evolve into someone even
“It was the struggles, the stress, the moments of joy and heartbreak that shaped me,” Smith declared. “Without those experiences, I’d still be that lost girl, disconnected from the version of myself I always knew was possible.”
Senior year feels a lot like the final act of metamorphosis, Featuring a brand-new butterfly with fragile wings.
Stepping into the sun and looking back to see how far they’ve come, The process evokes a bittersweet nostalgia wrapped in hope for the future
. The waiting is over.
The fog has lifted.
The water has settled.
A chrysalis left behind.
But what’s next?
The end of college hardly feels like a conclusion.
In fact, it seems like the story has reached a new beginning.
Where one stone sinks, another soars.
The butterfly has its wings now. They must learn how to use them
To find the things they want.
Scalera wants to create “a beautiful, fulfilling life” for herself.
But beauty is found in the everyday decisions. Scattered like pebbles across the shore of a shimmering lake, Just waiting to be chosen and sent on a new adventure.
photographed by Delaney Juenger
styled by Natalie Luci
hair & makeup by Elyse Morrow + Akua Osei-Bobie
modeled by Sj Weidner
layout by Jack Kerstetter videography by Rachel Whary
TAKE IT
Written by Nisso Sacha
In a highly digital world, how can one unplug to enjoy the “greater” things in life? Many young people are beginning to question how much of their time is truly their own. Members of Gen Z are opting to unplug to explore deeper, more meaningful experiences. Instead of spending hours scrolling through social media, they are looking for ways to connect with people, try new activities and enjoy life beyond screens.
Social media is a double-edged sword. It can provide opportunities for expression and creativity but can also bring significant downsides such as comparison culture, anxiety and the addictive pull of endless scrolling. Research from the American Psychology Association indicates that excessive screen time is consistently linked to increased levels of anxiety and depression in young adults. This understanding is driving a growing movement towards digital minimalism.
A growing number of young people are becoming
aware of this digital pull and actively resisting it. A group of high school students in New York have gained national attention for their decision to ditch smartphones. This movement isn’t focused on rejecting technology, but rather redefining what it means in their lives. Known as the “Luddite Club,” this group of teens meets in person to read books, create art and spend time together without digital distractions. Their efforts reflect a larger trend among Gen Z, a generation actively taking charge of their digital habits.
Numerous studies have shown links between heavy social media usage and mental health struggles. Consequently, when finally choosing to take a break, many find they have more time for hobbies, better focus and stronger relationships. By consciously reducing screen time, they cultivate a greater sense of presence and engagement in their daily lives.
“I always try to put my phone away while I’m having
a meal with friends… I think it's important to have that time aside,” said Emma Rubinski, a sophomore at Miami University and campus ambassador for Bubble Skincare.
This sentiment underscores a growing recognition that genuine connection thrives in the absence of digital distractions. More young people are realizing they don’t need to be online all the time to live a fulfilling life. Instead of quitting technology altogether, they’re setting boundaries to make sure it helps them rather than controls them. This thoughtful approach lets them enjoy the benefits of technology while protecting their well-being.
“Sometimes I think, ‘I’d rather binge-watch this TV show,’ but when I actually go dance, I end up having a great time and feeling good… doing something that’s not just staring at my screen,” Rubinski said.
Rather than valuing productivity in terms of nonstop digital engagement, many younger people are embracing work-life balance and mental well-being as key indicators of achievement.
This shift in mindset isn’t just happening on an individual level - places such as schools and offices are starting to adjust as well. Platforms such as TikTok have introduced screen time reminders, while Google now offers digital well-being dashboards to help users track their usage.
Workplaces are also recognizing the impact of digital burnout, with more companies adopting “right to disconnect” policies that limit after-hours emails and notifications to support work-life balance. As institutions and businesses respond to this shift, it's clear that digital minimalism isn't just a personal choice, it's becoming a larger cultural movement.
“Take as much time as you can and just unplug and do things that you still enjoy,” Rubinski said. “You’ll start losing the passion for things you enjoy doing if you're always on your phone.”
photographed by Aric Engel styled by Paulina Adams hair & makeup by Elyse Morrow + Teagan Farmer
modeled by Madelyn Wood + Nathan Born videography by Zach Lawson layout by Caitlin Curran
Written by Abby Borcoman
Women have been underrepresented in STEM since its existence. As one of the many technical fields dominated by men, engineering is no exception. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a global organization dedicated to uplifting the work of women engineers. At Miami University, the branch is a tight-knit group of girls sharing a bond over loving what they do and embracing the challenges they face.
If engineering is such a hard field to exist in as a woman, why bother entering it?
Members of SWE, senior Delaney Richmond, junior Cate Ronek and junior Bailey Evans shared their insights. They’re in agreement that they do not want typical 9-5 corporate jobs, doing the same monotonous tasks each day. These women find satisfaction in solving challenges. Richmond shared that she always wanted to do something in the medical field but was not interested in medical school. She loves still being able to combine math and science in an engineering job.
Although they are students in the College of Engineering, the girls in SWE hold a wide variety of majors and aspirations. Ronek wants to be involved in aerospace, Evans is in mechanical engineering and wants to be in project management, and Richmond is in biomedical engineering, leaning toward medical device and patient involvement. In that field, she knows she could be greatly improving someone’s life with her work and that keeps her motivated.
to be extroverted when there are a bunch of other women in the room," Richmond said. These girls love what they do, even when it’s hard. All three of them mentioned the isolation that accompanies such a time-consuming degree.
“No one understands the time commitment and just how hard it is,” Ronek said. Most of her roommates and friends outside of SWE are in the business school.
Evans emphasized how vital it is to balance academic and personal life for both physical and mental health. When asked how she maintains a mentally healthy mindset, she said, “Don’t compare yourself to others, especially outside of your major, because everything is so different.” Richmond equates this kind of comparison to ‘apples and oranges’. Even though everyone at Miami shares the experience of attending this school, the difficulties and rewards across majors widely differ.
Being involved in SWE makes it easier for these women to persevere through moments of struggle and doubt. All of the comparisons are positive amongst the women in SWE. Richmond points out that seeing SWE friends accomplish things makes her feel inspired–never jealous.
Despite their difference in studies, the overarching experience is still shared. Richmond references their lively SWE meetings. “Sometimes we don’t have classes together, but we still make time to understand each other. It’s so easy
“We’re all in the same boat and talking about how we feel makes things a lot better,” Ronek said. The connection between the women in SWE extends beyond the club and into the hallways and classrooms of Benton Hall. Ronek mentioned how nice it is to know most of the girls in all of her classes through SWE.
She shared a story from last semester, “In my 8:30 class, my friend said… ‘Cate, you always walk in with a smile
on your face!’ And I said, ‘Yeah, because I get to see you.’” She smiled. “Having the other girls gives you something to look forward to.”
Evans dives deeper into her journey.“To think two years ago I was a scared little freshman thinking how am I gonna do this?” Overwhelmed, as a lot of incoming students feel, it’s a common idea that in college, you will “find your people”. Although she doubted she would at first, Evans feels like she found her people through SWE. “Being able to talk engineering with engineering people who understand is such a comfort,” Evans said.
All three women expressed that SWE has brought them opportunities they never could have imagined. Each year, SWE hosts a national conference; this past fall, it was held in Chicago. Ronek, Evans, and Richmond all attended. Evans described the conference as a perfect example of work and life balance. She got to hear from speakers she cared about while learning with all of her best friends. “Even small interactions with one another are really special,” Richmond added.
The connection between the women in SWE is more powerful than the hardships they endure. When asked if they had advice for any women who might be anxious about entering a male-dominated field in STEM, the answers were clear. Evans highlighted the importance of being true to yourself, without worrying about judgement from others.
Richmond added, “It’s not nearly as scary as it seems, [at Miami] the bad interactions are luckily few and far between.”
“Show ‘em how it’s done,” Ronek said. “Honestly, the guys are kind of intimidated.” She laughed. They should be. These girls don’t mess around! Well, they do… but definitely not about their work. Having a sense of belonging is important for success. If it isn’t apparent at first, it can be sought out. By joining the Society of Women Engineers, these students have conquered their fears, made connections and found opportunities that they never thought were possible.
Aspirations supported by connections can evoke a strong sense of empowerment and strength, even when situations are tough.
"Having the other gives something to look forward to." you girls
photography by Sarah Frosch styled by Lucy Smothers hair & makup by Katelyn Phan
videography by Ian Do
modeled by Lola Craig, Megan Walston, Caroline Bergh, + Emma Flower
layout by Abby Griffin
BRANCHES the we outgrew
Written by Marissa Rotolo
“[Nostalgia] is a kind of evoking in my head of the memory of the first discovery … that moment of the fun and the thrill of it all.” -Robert Wyatt
There was a time where we picked up our favorite toy for the last time. The thing you swore you’d never abandon, the thing that brought you joy, kept the monsters away at night, understood you beyond any other– collecting dust in a closet somewhere.
There was a time when your first kiss came and went, the last time your parents had the final say before you gained independence, the last time you sucked your thumb, and the first time you met your lifelong best friend. The day where you packed up your childhood room and all the memories that came with it.
Moments come full of life, delivered with velocity, and passed quicker than they arrived. Memories feel like reunions with old friends—familiar silhouettes, now softened by time, but their complexities evolve.
And yet, even in their passing, these moments never truly depart. These moments creep quietly into the intricacies of life: in the heartfelt hellos, in rituals practiced, lines reused. The things outgrown do not disappear; they evolve, reshaping themselves into habits, fears, dreams, and values carried forward. Andrea Gagliani holds the wisdom of being a beloved grandmother, wife, and daughter. 73-year-old Andrea Gagliani recalls, “You don’t outgrow memories; you incorporate them.” A branch does not need to be outgrown; it simply becomes another root in the tree.
Gagliani continues to reflect on that idea by saying, “I am a person who believes that it’s important that as you grow, to incorporate all of yourself. Certainly there are things I would do differently now, but I try not to judge my 15-year-old self or my 30-year-old self. I try to just incorporate that into the whole package of who I am. To me, it’s counterproductive to who I am.”
The package of who we are is a mosaic of all the memories we’ve cultivated and the people who have graced our lives. Each tapestry is crafted from its own stained glass, shaped by its own story, etched from its own fibers.
For senior Mia Brillhart, nostalgia is tangled in the weight of endings and beginnings. “Nostalgia is bittersweet happiness,” Brillhart said. For a college student, nostalgia creeps up in loud ways. “Looking back on my last semester has reminded me of all the things I’ve done in college. I am happy that my life isn’t ending here—I have so many chapters left to live.”
Because nostalgia is not just about looking back, it is a reckoning, a lucid confrontation with time itself.
Every now and then, something tugs at the thread of nostalgia—a familiar scent, an old song, a glimpse of a childhood toy buried in a storage box. And for a moment, time suspends, reunited with a version of ourselves we thought we had left behind. 9-year-old Ava Hall still carries her treasured agniello, a stuffed lamb, even though her grasp has loosened. “I used to take my agniello everywhere I go,” Hall said. “I brought him to a lot of places when I was little and I still have him. I keep agniello on my bed now and I sleep with him every night.” Even a 9-year-old’s branches are never truly outgrown, “I think I’ll always have agniello wherever I live.” Hall confesses.
Nostalgia finds us in the most mundane places– late at night, in the smell of pavement after rain. In the familiar cadence of a voice.
Yearning for memories is a sign of a life worth living. You can measure life through the eyes of another— the way a memory washes over them, momentarily transporting them back to that place. It lingers in the quiet flicker of their gaze, in the way their pupils widen as if seeing the past unfold before them.
It can feel like bargaining with fate. Did you satisfy your wildest dreams? Did you become everything your seven-year-old self imagined? How much innocence did you lose along the way—and is there any way to reclaim it?
At the end of life, when life flashes before our eyes, it’s not to remind us of all we were haunted by, it's to show us how even the most vulnerable moments of our life have made us richer. Filled with experience. As the body fades, the mind lingers, sifting through fragments of childhood laughter, first loves, and long-forgotten
lullabies—memories rattling softly like the last breaths taken.
At the edge of existence, the mirror is held up—not by another, but by yourself. And in that reflection, you see it all—the pain you felt, the love you gave, the things left unsaid. There is no chance to rewrite it, only to witness it in its entirety, laid bare like an artist’s final stroke on an unfinished canvas.
Every moment exists at once.
The laughter of childhood spills into the quiet wisdom of later years. Words spoken resurface with full weight, no longer softened by time. Acts of kindness, once forgotten, scream loudly, demanding to be heard.
And as suddenly as it began, the mirror fades. The weight of memory dissolves into something lighter. The breath between past and present stills. What comes next is unknown, but what came before is eternal— etched into time, unchangeable, undeniable. A branch we never really outgrow.
"Yearning for memories is a sign of a life worth living."
photographed by Gabby Wehrman hair & makeup by Teagan Farmer
modeled by Michaeal Billups, Kennedy
styled by Lexie Newman Stackowicz + Logan Deisher videography by Zach Lawson layout by Kaylee Miklautsch
Written by Evan Stefanik
Throughout 40 print issues and 16 years, UP Magazine still captures the zeitgeist of Miami University.
Unlike Miami’s other publications, UP’s dual focus on fashion and lifestyle freshens student perspectives on campus culture. Interest in the magazine has gradually evolved it to become the second largest student organization here, with over 100 on staff.
UP belongs to visionaries of all disciplines, coalescing teams in photography, design, writing and more to a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Across its grandiose release parties and monthly socials, this community highlights itself as one of the most productive and unique at any college.
And today, UP is only headed…up.
During fall’s Devour , readers told Editor-in-Chief Rhese Voisard it looked different, or bolder, than everything before. It also brought them closer to their peers and the magazine with innovations like Try The Front Door.
Her experience leading UP alongside two colleagues involved taking artistic risks, like expanding beyond pastels, no longer playing safe with title deliberation and presenting subjects for diversifying audiences.
“I’ve been very creatively challenged this year in the best possible way,” Voisard said. “Putting myself so out of my comfort zone totally opened my eyes.”
Her predecessor Editors-in-Chief inspired that nuanced, ultra-collaborative approach. The previous year’s Alice Momany encouraged a wider range of talent by expanding the list of distribution locations, recruiting in class visits prior to applications going live and shifting to local resources for shoots. 202223’s Ava Shaffer exercised flexibility and individual attention for all, chancing writers to pitch their own piece and assigning them based on their preferences.
UP changes along with Miami’s culture. When Lauren Kelly and Kelly Phelan-Johnston joined forces in 2009, they knew their magazine’s power as a university first for fashion and for its essential capacity for lifestyle as well.
Annie-Laurie Blair, the first adviser until 2023, supported Lauren’s proposal because of its potential abundance of opportunities with the burgeoning
fashion degree and not many other schools offered either. She helped UP with its succession process, contributed to staff meetings and arranged revenue, from national advertisers to school funding.
Partly in response to Blair’s effort, Miami’s department of Media, Journalism and Film (MJF) created an oversight program to allocate academic fees toward student media groups. Since its conception, UP holds the second-highest budget. Otherwise, UP immediately promoted itself in lifelong bonds with city companies like Juniper.
”I was convinced UP was a worthwhile endeavor,” Blair said. “But I didn’t have to do much. It always looked good.”
The magazine initially tried crafting a third issue for each winter. Its covers used tabloid-esque text everywhere. Then, in fall 2015, creative director Kayle Antony turned the attention to the very definition of UP by featuring only the big and backlit singular word.
“The intention was for the magazine to feel more editorial and fashion-forward. It was an attempt to modernize and be reminiscent of Vogue ,” Antony said. “People considered it a great refresh.”
UP’s identity forever transformed in fall 2018 once creative director Kendall Rae Erickson rebranded its aesthetic. The iconic white border appeared among one of the magazine’s best moments, fall 2018’s Empower, which entered the Society of Professional Journalists contest’s national running after being named the region’s best student magazine.
Erickson chose four cover variants for Empower to prove UP’s pursuit of telling more personal, mature
stories. She invested heavier than ever in its release party, like renting Brick Street Bar and hanging postersize prints from its awning.
“I wanted to rejigger the representation within the magazine, so that anybody who picked it up could see themselves in it,” Erickson said. “That was enough, because now there’s so many different and more people involved.”
Her ongoing message especially includes men. For UP’s decade anniversary, Timeless reflected on its early history and featured two out of its six male cover stars so far. Reverie added a third, as well as Shaffer’s literary quotation tradition on the opposite side.
Shaffer’s term yielded some of the most efficient advancements. She admitted us into MJF Fair and revitalized connections with its affiliates, advocating
for and following those like The Miami Student on social media. Her UP reincorporated lifestyle as a core element after nine out of 12 from the former issue centered around fashion. She also strengthened the magazine’s digital space by requiring a few human sources in each blog post. Momany carried on that momentum by instating free-write sessions for this team.
UP’s blog is “helpful to promote the website” and its content, according to publisher Mia Brillhart. As a top executive, Brillhart manages the magazine’s physical production and supervises the treasury behind it. Jack Kersetter, the creative director and her counterpart, assisted with this, saying that families and friends
were introduced to UP’s biweekly newsletters this year. Business adviser since 2021 Sacha DeVroomen Bellman strives for higher engagement and advertisement online. She cares about the organization’s exposure and is looking into an email-based marketing platform.
The magazine tends to run out of copies before hitting the Farmer’s Market. This might indicate a need to print even more as demand continues to grow.
“I want the budget to add something for promoting their product,” DeVroomen Bellman said. “I give students lots of creative freedom. They have total autonomy.”
Despite UP’s progress, challenges arise, like the increasing price of printing. But despite those, the magazine remains true to its goals, like Shaffer hoping for department-specific socials, Momany atomizing stories into self-sustainable units and Voisard pushing for writers to input more visually.
Most importantly, UP functions as a community. Erickson reminisces on her on-call late nights crosschecking for errors. Now she lives as an art director in Brooklyn, NY, and stays best friends with that familiar team.
“Building a mini campaign for each story is what I did then and what I do now,” Erickson said. “At its root, UP is a middle ground for talents to meet. Each story is special.”
The fun experiences and lessons learned while in UP alchemize in its members’ futures and careers. Antony, for one, co-owns a marketing studio in Chicago.
“My first leadership role in UP taught me to look at my work from a broader picture,” Antony said.
As UP ages, so does its alumni network and abilities of cultivation. Shaffer said the magazine’s sense of mentorship moved her up the ladder, Brillhart said it treats everybody as equals and Kersetter said it allows them to share their passions.
Most members gravitate to UP as soon as they arrive at college and leave only when they graduate. The magazine’s sophisticated aesthetic captivates students like Voisard.
“I discovered the website and couldn’t believe it was run by students,” Voisard said. “I wanted to play even just a small part in it.”
UP’s allure sources from a fearlessness in tackling tough topics on students’ minds. It translates their feelings and fancies into a sleek package a lot of other campuses merely wish for.
With so many years gone and more to come, UP’s best advice is to never back down.
“Don’t get too stuck and don’t be afraid to try new things,” Momany said. “Venture out, because those little ideas can change the magazine significantly.”
up magazine
photographed by Sophia Myers styled by Kelli Amburgey hair & makeup by Sophia Hoerdemann videography by Aric Engel modeled by Abby Drayer layout by Hannah Hemmerlein
photographed by Tia Benson styled by Natalie Luci hair & makeup by Scout Tincher + Akua Osei-Bobie layout by Jack Kerstetter modeled by Marissa Rotolo + Javaun Robinson videography by Sophie Mais
Rhese Voisard
EDITOR IN CHIEF
I want to thank each and every person who’s taken the time to read the 40th issue of UP Magazine. I hope you experienced the true essence of Evoke --an abstract concept full of power and purpose. This publication has been such a special part of my time at Miami University, and it brings me so much joy to have served as Editor-In-Chief in my final year. So many hands and hearts have gone into this publication, and it’s truly incredible to see everything come together. Jack’s determination and creativity has been an honor to work alongside, and Mia’s strong sense of leadership has inspired me immensely. I will forever cherish the opportunities I’ve had to write for UP Magazine and want to thank everyone who has believed in me throughout my journey as a writer–every kind word of support has brought me here today. And to UP Magazine, I express all my love and gratitude. I see beautiful things for the future of this publication and will continue holding it in a very special place in my heart.
Much UP Love,
Rhese Voisard
LAST WORDS
Jack Kerstetter
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
It’s hard to put into words what this magazine has meant to me. Over the years, it’s been a space where I’ve poured so much of myself — my creativity, my heart, my energy — and in return, it’s given me more than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s given me purpose, connection and a community of people who inspire me everyday. Working on Devour and Evoke has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my college career. These issues pushed me to think deeper, feel more and create with intention. Devour was embracing your ambition, striving for greatness and Evoke is an invitation to awaken something within — and both have left a mark on me that I’ll carry long after the pages close. To anyone reading: I hope you feel something. I hope these stories make you pause, reflect, smile, cry — whatever they’re meant to stir in you. Because that’s what this magazine is all about: feeling deeply, living intentionally and connecting through shared experiences. To Mia and Rhese — I couldn’t have asked for better people to dream, create, and grow with. You’ve made this journey unforgettable.
Much UP Love, Jack Kerstetter
Mia Brillhart
PUBLISHER
As I prepare to graduate and close this chapter, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to my role as Publisher of UP. This team has been my creative home, and I’m endlessly proud of everything we’ve built together. From late nights to big ideas, this magazine has been a space of constant evolution, passion, and collaboration. Our newest issue, Evoke , explores how different aspects of life stir powerful emotions—memories, moments, places, and people. It’s a celebration of feeling, reflection, and storytelling. Endless thanks to Rhese, Jack, and our incredible team for their talent, heart, and dedication— none of this would be possible without you. I leave with so much love for this publication and the amazing people behind it. My hope is that UP continues to grow, challenge norms, and give students the freedom to express themselves boldly and authentically. Here’s to the future and to keep pushing boundaries!
Much UP Love, Mia Brillhart
Much Up Love, Rhese, Jack & Mia
Marissa Rotolo
