FASHION TEAM CLOSET: HYPNOSIS, CAMPUS VAMPIRES, CATFISHING, ALIEN ELEGANCE, MARIONETTE THRIFTING KING: FRAMEWORK, ROCK N ROLL
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VALLEY
Penn State’s premier student-run life and style magazine.
VALLEY Magazine is published once per semester and distributed for free on Penn State’s main campus in University Park, PA.
Our mission is to recognize Penn State students for their academic and extracurricular accomplishments and to feature local style, entertainment and lifestyle trends.
VALLEY Magazine is named after Happy Valley and was founded in September 2007 by former Penn State students Nicole Gallo, Meredith Ryan, Katie Zuccolo and Kathryn Tomaselli. The Fall 2022 magazine is VALLEY’s thirtieth issue.
Natalie
I had a secret when I was younger. Every night, I’d tuck myself into bed, my blonde curls tied up in pigtails, patiently for my parents to peek in and say goodnight. The moment they left, I’d pull my book from under the covers, switch on my nightlight, and disappear into another world. Looking back, I realize it wasn’t just the stories that captivated me — it was the words themselves.
There’s a precision in language that has always drawn me in. Words are a perfectionist’s dream — the rhythm of a perfectly structured sentence, the balance between simplicity and depth, the way a single word can shift an entire meaning. When used just right, words have the power to crack us open; to make us feel seen, understood or even changed.
At my first VALLEY meeting as a freshman, I looked up at the executive board at the front of the room, hoping that one day, I’d be in their place. Becoming editor in chief has been more than a goal, it’s been a reflection of everything I love about VALLEY. This magazine has shaped me far beyond just my writing. The voice that once trembled as I nervously pitched ideas now speaks with confidence to a room full of talented writers. With every issue, this magazine gets better and better. I am constantly in awe of the talent and dedication of our staff.
Abby, from the moment of our first interview, your story was the one I felt most connected to. The passion you have towards life, I’ve felt it too. I hope when you read this, you don’t just see yourself — I hope you see what I and everyone else will: a powerful person who has turned hardship into strength, using your experience to empower others.
To everyone on the editorial staff, each of your unique strengths never goes unnoticed, and I appreciate every single one of you. To my wonderful
print writers, your words made us laugh, cry and swell with pride. I am endlessly grateful to have had the chance to read and edit your work.
Alyssa and Ginger, you have been my VALLEY parents. You both embodied what it means to be editor in chief, and I have always tried to emulate that. It breaks my heart that you both will be gone after this semester, but I can’t wait to watch you both take on the world. Thank you for trusting me with this role, I hope I did you proud.
Dani, you have been a fantastic web director, and our joined passion for VALLEY has been an incredible thing to share. Greta, you have been so fun to work with and I’m so proud of how you have handled your role as assistant web director. Erin, I had a feeling when I chose you as managing editor, you would be giving me a run for my money, and oh, you have. Laughing with you has made this experience even more fun than I ever could have imagined. I have full confidence that next semester you will be an amazing editor in chief. To Reeya, the most dependable copy editor and lover of the ‘em dash,’ knowing you have been there to edit has taken a weight off my shoulders, I’m forever grateful I got to work with you.
To our business director, Emma and creative director Diane, working as a team has made my time in this role so fun. You each are so talented, and it has been an amazing experience watching us come together to create V35.
Untch LETTER FROM EDITORIAL
To my parents, who always supported a confident and rather feisty daughter, thank you for telling me I can do anything. You have forever given me the gift of believing in myself.
To my friends who have been coming to VALLEY launches with me since freshman year, who have helped me craft pitches and read every single thing I’ve written — you are just as much a part of my VALLEY experience as anything else. I love you all endlessly.
I still can’t even fathom that I got the chance to be editor in chief. This semester, I tried to soak in every small moment, taking mental pictures at every step. I will carry this role and everything it has taught me into whatever comes next.
VALLEY has meant the world to me. As you flip through the pages, know every article in this issue was chosen with purpose. I wanted V35 to be one that left people feeling empowered.
With all the love I have, I hope you enjoy V35.
LETTER FROM BUSINESS
Emma Froelich
I cannot express my gratitude enough to our members, readers, friends and everyone who has touched VALLEY and made it what it is. It is so incredible to be surrounded by a community of such intelligent, creative, hard-working, loving individuals. The work we have done this semester is proof of the magic that can happen when individuals feel uplifted and heard. This issue is so special and will speak for itself as a testament to how truly talented our organization is. Also, thank you, especially, to my business directors - Jules, Lois, Jaiden, Kylea, Madi, Sav - you are my pillars, and I am forever in awe of your work ethic. Natalie and Diane, thank you for trusting me and letting me share your vision. If I have one piece of advice to leave with all of you, you attract what you put out into the world. VALLEY instilled this in me. No matter what new style I tried out, type of content I posted or opportunity I sought after, VALLEY was my #1 support system, and I knew at the end of the day they would understand. Find those people and hold onto them. I have never been happier or felt more confident than when being my most authentic self. It’s simply the VALLEY way. No one has ever succeeded by being just like everyone else. I am forever thankful to be a VALLEY girl. Thank you for allowing me to lead as your Business Director this year.
LETTER FROM CREATIVE
This issue really flew by. It’s crazy how different things feel the second time around. The bumps and hurdles of last semester that felt insurmountable now feel familiar. I like to think about the previous issue as getting something out of my system, the years I spent becoming the person I needed to be and meditating on my creative practice so I could be the Creative Director that VALLEY needed. For this issue however, it feels like VALLEY has begun to transition into a creative outlet for my team and I to experiment and discover more questions about ourselves and the nature of creative collaboration.
With about 40 members on our creative team, we really expanded and pushed the limits of what had been done before. Between our new videographers, our 4 additional graphic designers, and the additions to our photo and fashion teams, our community and work ethic have really amplified. Thank you all for providing your fresh perspectives and fantastic skillset to the work we do in this magazine. Your efforts are felt in every page, meeting, and photoshoot. I am excited to watch you all embark on your creative journey with and beyond VALLEY.
Though I am so glad to have these new additions, it pains me that we will be losing so many excellent team members. To my directors, Zoë, Nasir, Lamisse, Chloe, Michael, Emma, and Raynah, it pains me to see you all leave, though I know your imprint on our community will be forever felt and kept in our hearts. A lot of us started at the same time, with some of you being my predecessors. To have a VALLEY without you brings me so much grief, though I know life must continue. Schylar, Katherine, Charlie, Julie, Connor, and Emma you will be greatly missed. The air of our meetings and photoshoots will never feel the same in your absence and I feel so lucky to have worked with so many talented and dedicated individuals like you all. You have taught me so much more about the Creative
Diane Akpovwa
Process and fostering community than you will ever know. Thank you for being there to bounce ideas off of and contribute your minds and skills to our work.
This magazine would be nothing without the hard work and dedication of all of our VALLEY members. From the Business and PR team, to the Editors, it is clear that the VALLEY way is to be steadfast about pursuing excellence. Thank you Emma and Natalie for the work you do in your respective teams. Your commitment to advancing this magazine is echoed in the enthusiasm of all of your team members.
I am so grateful that we get to embark on this journey together. Please enjoy V35 as we alchemize and take risks.
BEAUTY A
HEALTH ND
There is no rush here, no noise — only a gentle rhythm. Waves brush the shore like a clock’s steady tick pulling you somewhere quieter, somewhere lighter. The weight of afflictions melts from your shoulder as your mind softens, uncoiling like silk in a warm breeze. A voice guides you in a space where the impossible suddenly feels effortless. This is hypnotism, a gentle redirection of the mind’s endless current.
Hypnosis
and Hypnotherapy
Evan Katucki founded Penn State’s Hypnosis Club in 2022. Our culture often views hypnosis as a trick, a wild card for entertainment. Katucki’s focus, however, remains on its therapeutic benefits; he defines this as a state of relaxation, absorption and focused concentration.
“You’re not going to magically quack like a duck,” he laughs, dispelling a common misconception.
Kim Yurkovich, the founder of Denovo Hypnotherapy, is a certified clinical hypnotherapist who aims to guide individuals on their healing journey. She compares hypnotherapy to the sensation of driving and parking your car without realizing how you made it there. This relaxed state allows hypnotherapists to work with the unconscious mind.
“The subconscious is where your guidance system is. It is where your thoughts, beliefs and behavioral patterns are housed,” Yurkovitch says. “It reframes and retrains your brain on ways to approach the issue that person is struggling with, in a manner that is going to serve them better.”
Hypnotherapy can address a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, pain management and substance withdrawal. In Yurkovich’s methods, she is known to use regression therapy.
Your Anchor Reconnecting with Your Inner Child
Regression therapy involves revisiting past experiences to uncover the origins of emotional pain. Childhood experiences shape how people see the world and are the core of unresolved emotional issues that linger into adulthood. These emotions may manifest as self-sabotage, unhealthy coping mechanisms or challenges in relationships.
“They come back to haunt you the more you push it down,” Yurkovich says. “Regression helps with the root cause, but it is not re-experiencing painful things, but understanding it and looking through a completely different lens. It is taking your power back so you can release it without lingering tethers.”
While hypnotherapy is a powerful tool, it is not a replacement for traditional mental health treatment, particularly in cases of severe depression. If someone feels trapped in a dark tunnel with no sense of escape, deeper therapeutic intervention is needed.
Yurkovich recommends Penn State’s campus resources that are available for students who are open to the process and want to strip the stigma of mental health.
Hypnotherapy can be a tool for smoking and substance withdrawal. It can be a guide to rewiring the narrow pathways associated with working through triggers. This can be the habit of smoking first thing in the morning or perhaps before and after a meal. Some hypnotherapists use aversion therapy by associating smoking with very negative connotations like smell.
Yurkovich introduces “the anchor” into her sessions, a tool for a patient to use if the person experiences a trigger. This could be putting your hand over a heart and speaking affirmations or reaching out to your support system by asking a friend to go on a walk.
Creating habits in your day-to-day life can also open up narrow pathways to allow your thought processes to set the stage for positivity. “You have to retrain your brain so that your thoughts don’t control you, you control your thoughts,” Yurkovitch says. “Gratitude is really powerful. This can be writing what you are grateful for in the morning or celebrating the wins in life, even if it is getting to class in the cold weather!”
When it comes to creating positive change, it’s important to have a good support system in place. Having a person to lean on, talk to, go on a walk with, helps to work through negative emotions and emotionally reset.
As science continues to validate hypnosis’s therapeutic benefits, its role in healthcare has become an increasingly significant avenue. It invites us to trust the capacity of tapping into the subconscious mind. By embracing this transformative approach, individuals can unlock a pathway to healing the bridges between mind and body.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOLLY BROWN
“I’m looked down on consistently by non-athlete men who think they could beat me at my own sport. The number of times I’ve had boys in my classes inform me that they could beat me because ‘fencing can’t be that hard’ is beyond angering. No male student at Penn State is being told by other men in their classes that they could be beaten because their sport is ‘easy.’”
In addition to facing adversity simply for competing in a women’s sport, every athlete faces unique struggles.
McManus discusses one such aspect of rugby: wearing your body down, day after day. She says that the sheer physicality of her sport forces her and her teammates to choose to get up after each big hit and keep pushing amidst strenuous conditions.
McManus notes that:
Written By
A sharp sense of focus overwhelms you amidst a moment of neck-and-neck competition. The mind silences at the moment the scale tips between success and failure, victory and loss. When the scale wobbles in indecision, you have two choices: mental fortitude or forfeit. Just as the scale dips out of neutrality and into your favor, you pass through the threshold of greatness.
Youth is the time to strive for our perceived outlandish and foolish goals. Contrary to the opinions of others, your ability to achieve these goals should never be discounted. To find the answer, we turn to the female athletes of Penn State who are the epitome of mental toughness as they pave their way through the threshold of greatness.
The key to being the best can only be unearthed when we discover what separates a competitor from a victor. What can be the determinant of a win, when the outcome is still undecided and it is up to you to tip the scale in your favor? Second year fencer, Emma Holmes, thinks back to moments when victory rested on her shoulders.
“The women around me want to see me succeed but won’t blame me if I don’t. Remembering the love and support that comes from my team pushes me forward with no hesitations, no reservations and no limits.”
Rugby is a sport where one’s mindset needs to be even tougher than one’s tackles. Penn State rugby player, Cara McManus (third year) attests, “Having confidence is so important for all kinds of athletes and the more you want it, the harder you’ll work to get it.”
McManus also highlights the importance of having vision and playing for something bigger than yourself. “Playing for the legacy of the program, treating every gift as a game, [and] choosing mental and physical resilience,” McManus says.
So, how can you mimic athlete-level dedication?
“Play to leave a legacy in the program” — pursue your goals so fervently that you leave a trail of success everywhere you go. “Treat every game as a gift” — express gratitude for the chances you are given to make yourself better. “Choose mental and physical resilience” — simply dial it all in and get the job done.
However, constructive thinking only gets you so far.
In a culture where sports like football often overshadow the stories of female athletes, we must celebrate their accomplishments while still discussing the unique challenges of women in sports. As Holmes walks around campus with her navy blue backpack, signaling her athlete status, she often finds she’s easily underestimated.
Reaching the threshold of greatness does not only mean a shiny new trophy or a pat on the back but also the knowledge that you are stronger than who you were prior. You have become something that you strived to be.
“[I have] grown so much respect and love for [the] sport since being in college. [The] feeling of making a big tackle, scoring a try and winning with my best friends is worth all the hard work and sacrifices we make daily,” McManus says, with her team by her side.
Emma Holmes similarly describes her own transformative experience.
“I’ve found a group of women who will challenge me to make me a better person alongside a better athlete and that’s worth every ounce of heartache.”
We may not all be athletes working towards a national championship, but we all have our own aspirations; the things that challenge our minds to work harder than they ever have or push our bodies harder than we ever thought possible. Those are the things we must strive to achieve, to prove to ourselves that we are capable of greatness.
SMILE! BY:SHEADEASY
great. Everything looks good. Now, give me your biggest smile!
The camera clicks. Perfect.
Many of us had the quintessential middle school braces, expanders and retainers that still haunt us today. Those years of metal in our mouths have built a strong foundation for handling criticism and developing self-image. Trusting the process, we endured endless dental pains hoping for a perfect smile.
Sophia Vincenzino, a fourth year student on the pre-dental track, struggled with anxiety and confidence with the appearance of her smile prior to braces. “Before I got braces, I was definitely all over the place. I had no confidence in any of my abilities.”
Needless To Say, This Story Does Not Come Without Hardship
When we think back on our first orthodontist appointment, we’re instantly transported to the sounds of drilling, the feeling of our teeth throbbing and the struggle to sit with the pain of newly placed metal in our mouths.
hand, we take in the reality of our metal smile.
“Braceface” — A Teenager’s Worst Nightmare
For many, puberty is an embarrassingly awkward time as we figure out who we are. More often than not, we try to carry ourselves with a smile to hide our teenage blues. As our journey goes on, our shy pre-teen selves become experts in taking care of our smiles. We’ve nailed our routine and we feel healthy, both physically and mentally. “The shifting of my teeth began to parallel my life drastically as these braces rearranged my teeth. Day in and day out, I matured and saw life from a different perspective,” Vincenzino recalls.
“I began to see things straighter.”
Our Beautiful Smile
Finally, the day’s here. The braces are coming off. The crooked smile we once knew now appears perfect as we look in the small mirror one last time, finally seeing the hard work pay off.
Vincenzino says how her entire perspective changed once her braces came off her teeth,
skyrocketing her confidence and passion to help
“Being in that chair, getting my braces off and seeing that reflection of a new person really inspired me. And it showed me that things can be out of line, but with a few brackets and some wires, everything can
The feeling of swiping our tongues against smooth and glossy teeth leaves us a little taller and a lot happier. But the journey isn’t over yet.
Lost retainers. Inconsistency. More Problems Ahead.
Our newly perfect smile becomes tainted by a slight overbite, gum disease and some crooked teeth. Our oral health is the entry point to our respiratory and digestive systems, so we feel our teeth and body ache from caffeine and nicotine. Problems can lie as deep as the roots.
“If cavities go to the root and it starts affecting your nerves in your mouth and your jaw, it can stem or create a whole bunch of other health issues,” Vincenzino says, describing that a simple toothache or cavity has more of an impact on us than we think.
Our early fears of the dentist have changed to worries about tooth decay and the crooked smile we strived to fix and maintain. It only takes a few simple acts of self-love and appreciation for our oral hygiene to put us back on track. We only have one body — one beautiful, bright smile.
By: Abigail Sass
SELFIMPR
OVEMENT
Fiona Pfafflin
Life is about finding balance amid endless duality. Over time, passion pushes us to sprint towards our dreams, but we become frozen by the infinite, unpromised roads. There are two common beliefs of success. The first: prey on it. Hustling hard and just simply doing as much as you can, whenever you can, will eventually pay off. The second: pray on it. If you put your trust in something bigger than yourself, the world will arrange itself for your dreams.
Prey on it
Penn State senior Roman Bahadursingh originally believed he would spend his life climbing up the Caribbean tourism industry ladder. However, when he was fifteen, Hurricane Irma changed his perspective on how unpredictable the world can be. He watched what would usually be a routinely radiant day become mass destruction.
From that point on, his perspective of success and work shifted. He now thought that he could do something different than the path set out for him. However, he knew that required him to work harder than he had ever imagined.
“If you’re encouraged and motivated and willing, you can do whatever it is you wanna do. I feel like if someone’s done it already, someone’s already processed it, why not me?” Bahadursingh says.
Bahadursingh figured political science would be the obvious choice for someone who wants to attend law school, so instead he double majored in economics and finance. Outside of his studies, he would join organizations like student government and serve on school boards at Penn State. He mentioned spending five hours outside of class work every day on extracurriculars and personal study.
He manages his time by, “[Taking] it day by day, really. I just plan out the next day the night before. And it’s not that hard when I do that, actually. I feel like if I think of it all at once, it gets very intimidating.”
However, this process didn’t go without falling short of his own expectations. Bahadursingh first took the LSAT sophomore year and got a 160 — his goal being 170. His third score was a 169, just one point away.
“Ijustfeltsodestroyedatthatmoment. I was like, am I delusional? Maybe I’m just not meant to do this,” Bahadursingh says. “But then I decided I’d try again anyway. And two months later, I took it. And this time I got 178.”
For Bahadursingh, there was no other option but to prey on it, and that’s exactly what he did.
Pray on it
Another fellow student, Rusham Katoch, was always extremely goal-oriented. When pursuing her goals for college, the weight of her self-made expectations created an
overwhelming amount of anxiety. She dedicated endless amounts of energy to hunting down work-related opportunities in the hopes that accomplishment would ease her anxiety.
After sacrificing her entire first semester at Penn State, studying and working diligently, she was faced with a disappointment that she wasn’t prepared for. Katoch was ultimately rejected from the Nittany Lion Fund, the competitive student management investment fund at Penn State. For her, being a part of the Fund was always crucial to her plan, so she spiraled when that plan went out of order.
She then decided it was time to look inward. She spent that summer recentering her thoughts, studying the relationship she had with herself and discovering her own sense of spirituality.
The rejection and subsequent awakening led her down a path that culminated in finding the internship of her dreams. She was able to rush a business fraternity and meet her best friends in the world. All the while becoming president of the Blue and White society.
“Now,whenI’mapproachingsomething that could potentially be a failure, I remind myself that if I fail at this, there’s a reason why … there’s a higher power that’s telling me this isn’t what’s meant for me,” Katoch says.
What Katoch once thought to be important was then changed by rejection. Instead, Katoch found peace in her plan to pray on it.
In her book The Male Brain, neuroscientist Louann Brizendine introduces readers to a fascinating parallel between human male behavior and that of certain lizards with strikingly colored throats. These lizards — sporting orange, yellow or blue markings — offer an intriguing lens to examine human mating strategies. While we may like to think we’ve evolved beyond basic animal instincts, the truth is that when it comes to courtship and competition, our behavior may mirror the natural world more closely than we’d like to admit.
Then there are the blue-throated males — the devoted romantics. Rather than competing for multiple partners, they find one female and guard her at all times, never leaving her side.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s because these behaviors have human counterparts. In psychology, similar behaviors have been documented and studied.
Biological science has long drawn connections between the animal kingdom and human behavior. While we have complex emotions, social structures and cultural influences shaping our actions, there are still fundamental instincts that remain. One of the most compelling aspects of this overlap is mating behavior. Whether we realize it or not, the way we choose (or fight for) romantic partners echoes the strategies employed by creatures of different species.
Orange, Yellow, Blue
In nature, the throat colors of lizards serve as more than just a visual cue — they are indicators of distinct mating strategies and social roles. Orange-throated males are the alphas of the group. High in testosterone, they aggressively dominate their territory, fight off rivals and assert their authority in pursuit of mates.
Yellow-throated males, on the other hand, are cunning opportunists. They don’t engage in direct combat but instead use stealth, sneaking in to steal mates from orange-throated competitors when they
Humans In The Wild
Take the yellow-throated lizards, for example. Their sneaky mate-stealing habits closely resemble what psychologists call “mate poaching.” Ever had a friend who couldn’t resist hitting on your crush? Or know someone who only seems interested in someone once they’re already taken? That’s mate poaching in action.
Studies suggest it’s more common than we think, with research showing that people who engage in it share similar personality traits, such as extraversion and a disregard for social norms. Psychologists have a theory — when we see someone being actively pursued by another, it increases their worth in our eyes. It triggers a competitive instinct that overrides loyalty or ethics. Unfortunately, this often leads to short-lived satisfaction and long-term heartache.
Then there are the orange-throated types — the aggressive, dominant mate-seekers. We see this behavior all too often in human courtship, especially in environments where men feel they must compete for attention. Think of the overly assertive guy at the bar who won’t take a hint, the catcaller on the street or the one who insists on buying you a drink even after you’ve politely declined.
These individuals operate under the belief that persistence and dominance equate to success. In reality, this behavior often crosses the line into discomfort. The orange-throated lizards may thrive in their environment by being aggressive, but in the human world, this type of approach can be unsettling — and in some cases, dangerous.
partner. These males find their match and stay close, offering protection, loyalty and devotion. In human relationships, this translates to the kind of person who values emotional connection over conquest, who sees their partner as an individual rather than a prize. The blue-throated people of the world are the ones who listen, who respect boundaries and who build relationships based on trust and mutual appreciation. They are the ones who make us feel truly seen and cherished.
Shedding Our Skin
Whether we realize it or not, we all encounter these archetypes in our own romantic lives. We’ve met the cunning charmers, the aggressive pursuers and the devoted romantics. Perhaps we’ve even embodied different versions of these roles at times. While human relationships are more nuanced than those of lizards, there’s something both amusing and eye-opening about seeing our tendencies reflected in nature.
So, the next time you’re navigating the complexities of the dating world, take a moment to consider: are you dealing with an orange, a yellow, or a blue? More importantly, which one are you?
Then, of course, throated lizards — the ones that embody the qualities we want in an ideal
A Orange and Yellow Throated Lizard
Christine Bitoni
one woman’s mistake holds the capability to damn an entire species, can we ever escape the innate nature of our family tree?
It is natural to fall short of perfection; with each passing day on Earth, we compile mistake after mistake. The outline of these mistakes takes shape in our DNA, wiring our predictive behaviors and actions. Despite this, we tend to go on, oblivious to our faults. The faults of our family members, however, are often the most blaring. Is it possible to avoid the undesirable habits of our ancestors or are we already set in our ways?
Nature vs. nurture is an age-old debate, an unsolvable conundrum that questions the purpose of being. According to Associate Professor of Psychology, Dr. Dustin Elliot, “There is not a single psychological disorder in the ‘DSM-5’ that is predicted exclusively by someone’s genetics or experiences.” Rather,
Katherine Engleka
Dr. Elliot explains that genetics can allow the brain to build on lived experiences that affect our thought processes and personalities. Due to the brain’s plasticity, it can change based on our
it runs in the family
In addition to traits like eye and hair color, personality and mental health tendencies can often be traced back to genetics. Family members can provide important indicators for our future in terms of physical and mental health. They can also serve as explanations for why we act the way we do. Preference toward music, sports and daily habits stems from the common branch of the blood we share. The habits of parents and siblings sometimes feel foreign when compared to our own decisions. However, what makes us truly uncomfortable about our family’s habits is how they subconsciously connect to what drives us.
rooted in wisdom
Whether we know their influence or not, our family shapes much of our knowledge regarding ourselves and our world.
“[Observing our previous generations allows us to] see what other paths have been chosen and what the experiences from those paths were like,” says Dr. Elliot. Intergenerational relationships with family can provide a model for living with unique perspectives and fresh opportunities. By reflecting properly and not being dismissive of our families’ faults, we can begin to understand the subconscious issues that we struggle to handle through a productive manner. The actions of our family might have been pivotal to the past, but we can further push ourselves to make the right choices and avoid falling into the same traps for our future.
“[This ability] empowers us to realize that we are in charge of our own destinies,” says Dr. Elliot.
Each day, when we are faced with our own apple tree, we are forced to make decisions that shape us. Whether the source of our intuition stems from life experience or genetic intervention, these choices are our own. Although we cannot control our circumstances or DNA, we can shape our own lives through the choices that remain in our hands.
A little girl’s first giggle is pure magic. Inside lie the breaths of the dream that she has the world at her glittering fingertips. The sounds of a baby’s cry give life to this magic. A mom holds her daughter for the first time and wants to shield her from the harsh sounds the world has since surrounded her with. Those sounds do subside … for a little while, at least.
“You Can Be Whoever You Want To Be”
Words of encouragement are spilled into the little girl’s ears. The television remains on a continuous loop of Barbie and Disney movies, each portraying a different career or a different storyline but ultimately resolving in the same ending of success. The girl sings along as she dances in front of the flickering screen in her living room, feet waltzing across the carpet, careful not to trip over her princess dress.
The little girl enters school on career day and gazes up in awe as she listens to the women speaking about their careers, their heels clickclacking on the tile floor as they walk across the stage to speak. The little girl thinks to herself, I’m going to be just like her when I grow up. Her dreams of ruling a kingdom and talking to animals in the forest are left astray as she looks up at the women with pencil skirts, black leather heels and powerful voices.
“Let’s Talk About Periods”
The little girl’s giggle slowly matures into a deeper laugh. Her voice no longer mimics the light tone of a child, but rather a young teenager. Enter puberty. An announcement from the nurse, “All sixth-grade girls must report down to the cafeteria at this time.” Chairs squeak awkwardly against the floor as every girl gets up and walks down, ignoring the laughs and jokes made by their male classmates as they exit. Nobody looks forward to these lessons, but to herself, the girl thinks, “What is it about my body that makes boys laugh?”
“What Do You Know About Sports?”
Sundays have become her favorite days. Her dad yells out in celebration when their team scores, and the girl and her father rejoice with a high-five. She could talk about football for hours. The next day at school, she overhears some boys analyzing the game, she smiles and attempts to join in. All she gets though are blank stares in return, then finally, “No way you watched the game. Do youevenknowthequarterback’sname?” She turns back around and rolls her eyes as one of the boys recalls the wrong score and nobody corrects him.
“Nice Jeans”
The first of soon-to-be many sexualized comments made by men passing by. The little girl once sheltered within her Barbie dream house is now faced with remarks about a body she has yet to feel familiar with. She’ll soon learn that no piece of clothing can be worn without a comment or stare accompanying it.
“Use Your Voice”
As the girl keeps growing up, she pays more attention to the remarks being said about the world. A news anchor in the background, when she makes breakfast, claims that wildfires in the west have not subsided in days. The girl walks past a protest in her college town, male voices chanting, “Women belong in the kitchen.” She
into the buildings she’s dreamed about. The chaos inside sparks a rush of adrenaline in her body as she sits down into a chair — one that she’ll rarely occupy as she stands for what she believes in. However, being heard is harder than she had believed. She experienced this before — her attempt to talk about sports, her objection to creepy stares; but to now be ignored in conversations about her body, her experiences, her environment … the cuts go a lot deeper. She stands in a room full of politicians who groan when sitting down and are constantly clearing their throats of age. In an attempt to inform them about real, serious issues, all she gets is …
opens an app with a feed full of politicians screaming in her ear that they know what’s best for her … what’s best for her body. I need to do something about this, she thinks to herself. She makes a promise that she will be in Washington D.C. someday, yelling back at those politicians.
“You Did It, You Graduated”
Heels clicking across the stage remind her of the women she had watched on her career day fifteen years ago. The memory appears in her mind vividly and she thinks, I’m about to do it. This is my moment. The crowd erupts with cheers as the graduates toss their caps. The world is calling for her help, she’s ready to answer.
“Go
Do Great Things”
She arrives in the city with passion in her eyes. Her ideas and ambitions crowd her brain as her heels, once again, click-clack up the steps
BY: Erin O’Neil
Silence.
The little girl is not so little anymore, but her voice certainly feels like it. Resilience remains within her, though. She hears hope in giggles of young girls, songs sung with friends and cheers of little life victories. She knows that a woman cannot give the world what a man can. They are not meant to. A world without a woman is a silent world, for there would be no one to inhabit it. Therefore, she will continue to object to the current response of silence and make her voice as powerful as she was told, as powerful as she knows it is.
By Bella Mikelonis
At this very moment, you are living your dream. Even if it doesn’t feel like it, this is the moment you’ve always dreamed of — that being younger you, of course.
Back then, when we were younger, college was a distant, almost mythical milestone. The gateway to our adulthood. You imagined a life filled with newfound freedom, knowledge and friendships that would last forever. You probably thought you’d have it all figured out by now, from landing the perfect internship to having a clear career path. A life that felt like a movie montage of success.
Okay, clearly, the twelve-year-old you didn’t know what it meant to be a college student. The struggles, the self-doubt, the late-night existential crises fueled by copious amounts of energy drinks. Yet, in their eyes, none of that mattered. What matters is that you made it here now.
Penn State senior Lanie Godines says, “Younger me would be proud of finding out I’m getting my master’s degree in creative writing. Fourth grade was the first time a teacher had ever told me I was a talented writer. I don’t remember if I believed her at the time, but I
knew that writing was something I loved to do. Younger me would’ve been proud of the fact I didn’t succumb to studying something just because it would make me seemingly successful, but actually something I truly loved and cared about.”
The Road To You
We often measure success by comparison. Who landed the best internship? Who got the highest grade on an exam? Who seems to have their life perfectly mapped out? But the truth is, success isn’t a finish line; it’s a series of small, hard-earned victories. The fact that you’re here, pushing forward, is worth celebrating.
would be proud that I’ve never forgotten them. I’ve never forgotten the dreams she made or the hardships she went through. I like to think I carry my younger self on my sleeve and make my decisions with her. I think she’d be proud to know that I still value her and her dreams are becoming realities.”
Younger you didn’t have it all figured out either, but they trusted that someday you would. Figuring out who you are and what you want isn’t just part of the journey, it is the journey. College isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about the process of discovering yourself.
The reality is that our younger selves saw endless possibilities before the world told us to lower our expectations. They didn’t know how strong, resilient and incredible you would become.
Penn State junior Colby Kloehr beautifully shares, “Young me would hate how unapologetically queer I am and the way my beliefs have been shaped.”
Remember that you’ve already grown so much into a person your younger self couldn’t have even imagined.
Penn State senior McKenna Loney shares, “My younger self would think [that] all the stuff I’m doing and have accomplished is cool. I think she’d also be proud with how much I’ve challenged myself and gone outside of my comfort zone to continue improving as a student, sister, friend, human.”
Think about it. Remember when leaving your hometown felt like the biggest adventure imaginable? Now look at you.
TJ Powell, 20, shares, “I think my younger self
“I wish I could hold that kid and explain so much to them. Deep down, I know that kid was just aching to be accepted and loved by the world and themselves and hurt because they didn’t know why it just wouldn’t happen. So deep down, I think that my younger self would be happy knowing that I am loved [and] accepted,” Kloehr says.
To the seniors about to graduate, or anyone feeling stuck in life, just know that your younger self would think you’re so cool. So, keep going. Keep dreaming. On the tough days, remember your younger self is still rooting for you. They always have been. They’d be proud of you and you should be too.
Katie Dallas
It’s an all too familiar scene: a late Saturday night and you find yourself lying next to your partner, heart racing, trying to pretend everything is completely normal. You’ve been here before — navigating awkward silences and quiet tensions. The expectation of something that never quite arrives and that fateful question: “Did you finish?”
Maybe, somewhere along the way, the pressure to perform overtakes your own desires and faking it feels like the only option. For many people having heterosexual sex, this scenario is far too normal.
It’s Not Personal
Faking it can feel isolating for many — an Oscar-worthy performance they would rather not admit to. They might feel alone and insecure in their false performances, questioning if there’s something wrong with them. Yet, it seems that they are far from alone in this phenomenon. According to the National Institute of Health, over 60% of females in relationships admit to having faked an orgasm at least once.
“I’ve faked it more than I’ve felt it,” one Penn State student admits.
In a male-pleasure centered world, women feel pressure to fake orgasms for a wide array of reasons: avoiding the awkward, boosting a partner’s ego or just to put an end to some notso-good sex. Sex can bring up insecurity and doubt for a partner who can’t get the other to finish and because of this, there can be a fear of making a male partner feel emasculated.
“Women might [also] be faking orgasms so that they don’t feel like their bodies are perceived as being abnormal or defective.” Maggie-Rose Condit-Summerson, a postdoctoral teaching fellow in women’s, gender and sexuality studies at Penn State, explains.
Who’s to Blame?
Obviously it takes two to tango, this problem is a joint effort to fix. A lot of people see sex as a means to an end, with that end being “the big O.” For sex to be truly pleasurable, it has to be an intimate multifaceted experience. Society has always told women that their pleasure is secondary. Whether it’s through a lack of sex
education, social narratives, pop culture, media or porn, one thing is clear — it’s all about the man.
“Heterosexual men are often socialized to prioritize their own pleasure, without maybe considering a [female] partner’s pleasure,” Condit-Summerson explains.
One Penn State student explains, “Guys have a hard time finding our spots because they think too much during sex or don’t think at all … also most guys don’t care as long as they finish, they could honestly care less if we did.”
If something feels good, then why do we want it to end so quickly? If it doesn’t feel good, start asking your partner (and yourself), what can be changed or experimented with.
Reclaiming Your Pleasure
Two things are clear: everyone wants to feel good and everyone wants their partner to feel good too! So the real question is “How” — how do we undo generations of social norms to finally have good sex for everyone? Communication is key, yet this communication can feel hard to navigate and sometimes just plain awkward. Creating a space of vulnerability and accepting the awkwardness is crucial for both people to understand each other’s wants and needs. This communication should be constant. Now, obviously, you don’t have to talk the entire time, but explaining what works and what doesn’t is helpful in the long run.
To have good sex you need to accept that it might be awkward at first, as well as acknowledging that sex can be more than an orgasm. Knowing what you want and verbalizing your desires can be sexy and confident. It’s also important to remember that you’re not only having a relationship with your partner, but also with yourself.
To tell someone what you like, you have to know it yourself. Although you might have all your moans and “yeses” already rehearsed and ready to go, it might be time to reevaluate your wants, needs and desires.
“I think there’s probably a ton of expectations to perform a certain way, to act a certain way, to look a certain way. I think, you know, orgasms and sex lives are not separate from that,” Condit-Summerson says.
CAMPUS
ULTURE
Isabella Villalobos
Here at Penn State, the rules for us students to follow are not particularly out of the ordinary. The regulations set in place in the Student Code of Conduct and updated each year are typical. With rules such as prohibiting substance use, alcohol consumption and academic misconduct. However, what is common sense now is not the same as it was 50 years ago.
While some, including alumni, know the Penn State spirit has not changed, naturally, some major aspects of the school have. The old buildings that the previous students once knew are now gradually replaced by new and modern structures. The stores that once filled the shops downtown have closed and reopened again.
With the Times
When we think about who is in charge of our student body as a whole, the president comes to mind. However, not too long ago, there were two separate deans, one for males and one for females. Today, that separation between males and females no longer exists. When this did occur, there were specific rules placed for each gender. Comparatively, the rules were much stricter for female students.
of commemorative information, witty text, photographs, contact information and even space for students to write notes. From as far back as the 1890s, Penn State handbooks were originally leather-bound and then eventually became paperback.
The Penn State 1925 Student Handbook states that its purpose is to, “Give on the inside pages some points which will be of interest and which will answer some of the many questions that crowd into a young man’s mind.”
mile limit of Old Main until after Thanksgiving vacation.”
Inside these pages, the goal was to give male students access to not only the rules of the
As the decades went on, they became even less of a formality, the rules for students being conveniently available online. These handbooks, along with other relics and archival information, are available in the Pattee and Paterno Library for anyone to access.
The current Code of Conduct is digitalized and easily accessible online, but where were they before the internet? The handbooks were stuffed into backpacks and sat on nightstands, as they were originally physical copies. These books were akin to miniature yearbooks — full
school but also advice to follow throughout their college experience and beyond.
“Don’t lose your head during leisure hours, don’t live at the movies.” Solid advice, right?
Rules & Regulations
The references made in these handbooks might sound unfamiliar to current students in 2025, but for those going to school in the 1930s, it was part of their everyday life. In that time, freshmen men were required to wear “dinks,” which were beanie caps, as well as ties called “four-in-hand ties” at all times.
A majority of these regulations might sound bizarre to the modern-day student. Take this quote from the 1939-1940 handbook, “Freshmen shall not associate with coeds within a three-
In the handbook from the 1951-1952 school year, the Dean of Women’s list of women’s customs details the regulation of green hair ribbons for freshman girls. They were required to wear these from the first day of classes up until the third week. Meanwhile, the list of men’s customs details a mandatory green dink, black bow tie and “name card” for all freshmen males.
The old handbooks are traces that outline the evolving times and changing events on Penn State’s campus. These handbooks connect the students of the past with the students of today and those of the future. Now, they serve as a compass for those who represent the Penn State name. Forever holding a place for what it means to be a true Penn State student.
Gabriella Vitable
The Penn State performing arts community isn’t just your high school drama club 2.0; it’s a space where creativity thrives, stories unfold and dreams come alive. Catching sight of elaborate costumes or hearing someone rehearsing lines on the HUB lawn barely hints at what lies beneath.
“Performing arts gives people a space to continue hobbies they maybe didn’t have enough time for in high school and also gives people a space to really connect with others and find friends,” Rayann Patterson, a junior studying English, says.
Patterson is an active member of the Penn State Thespian Society. She thoroughly enjoys being part of this group — “It’s very welcoming and opening. I remember going to the first meeting and seeing everyone, and they were so
nice, asking [my] name and where [I’m] from. It’s a lot of people, but a lot of kind and good people,” Patterson says.
The Creative Grind
Pulling off a performance is not a simple task. Rehearsals are intense, stretching over weeks or even months. Every detail — this could be the timing of a dance move or the delivery of a line — must be perfected to ensure the final production.
Kate Diuguid, a junior in the BFA acting major, reflects on her first production here at Penn State. “My first play was “Amelia” directed by Jenny Lamb … it was a very female empowering story and the rehearsal space was always just so collaborative,” Diuguid says.
The tech crew works just as hard — designing intricate sets, programming lighting cues and managing quick scene changes.
“Although I have not directly helped out during a performance yet, the tech crew is key to making the performance come
together. From lighting to set changes, everything must work perfectly to help tell the story on stage,” Gregory Quigley, a junior studying film, says.
The professors at Penn State also notice the hard work students put into productions and have seen for themselves this hard work pay off.
“One of my students … developed a pilot script and it won best student pilot in an LA writing competition. She has graduated … and is out in LA working for a producer and everything,” Anne Triolo, a screenwriting professor at Penn State, says.
Building a Community
What makes Penn State’s performing arts scene stand out isn’t just the productions themselves but the sense of community they create.
“We have such an incredible faculty that we all end up getting really close with them because we just spend so much time talking with them. They end up seeing us grow over the course of four years so closely that a lot of them end up becoming like our surrogate parents at school,” Diuguid says. She feels a strong sense of community from not only her peers but also the faculty supporting her in her journey.
For many, the arts provide a safe space to explore emotions, gain confidence and develop valuable skills that extend beyond the stage. It’s a reminder that Penn State is not only about academics or sports but also about fostering creativity and building a community of artists and other creatives.
Finding the Spotlight
Getting involved does not mean you have to start by landing a role on stage. Start by attending a show. Penn State’s calendar is packed with performances, from Broadway classics to experimental plays and student showcases. Plus, your ticket purchase directly supports these hardworking students, funding everything from props to sound equipment.
Penn State students can stay informed about upcoming performing arts events by visiting the official website for the Center for the Performing Arts. This site provides detailed information about the season’s productions, including dates, ticket prices and special events. For those interested in student discounts, there are often student-specific ticket options available for many productions.
“If anyone has any sort of interest in the performing arts, just get involved, just put yourself out there because you will be welcomed with open arms,” Diuguid says.
Abby Giordano
It’s a Friday night in downtown State College, built-up anticipation has you ready for a weekend out. You’ve been stuck in classes all week, listening to your favorite music through your AirPods, but now it’s time to hear it live.
Everyone’s Phyrst
The night starts in celebration of a friend’s 21st. Though this is often the only time you go to this bar, you can’t help but be excited to see the infamous band that’s a staple every Friday night.
Penn State Human Development and Families Studies professor, Molly Countermine, plays here every weekend with her band, Ted McCloskey & the Hi-Fi’s.
“Music decreases the emotional distance between people. When you’re listening to the same music, you get to the same place emotionally. On Friday nights at the Phyrst, it’s all about getting everyone to this ‘no matter what’s happening in the world everything is going to be okay and we’re all going to be okay’ mindset because we’re all listening to this great music and coming together,” says Countermine.
Nothing brings us all together like the music we grew up with, so it’s only fitting to start Phyrst, which brings that to a night out. Throwbacks from artists like Billy Joel, Queen, Pitbull and Kesha have everyone singing at the top of their lungs. The music plays on the live guitar and keyboards, rather than a DJ board that sits in the corner.
“A typical night out just flies by. We get there and set up around 10 p.m., and the crowd starts really flooding in around maybe 10:30 p.m. We prepare what we are going to play for the night. Sometimes, it’s original songs too, but we love to cover the fan favorite songs,” shares Coutermine.
For a performer, there is something special about hearing the words you sing sung back to you. As an audience member, hearing a song you love sparks an unmatched connection between you and the musician.
“When everyone is singing and dancing to our music, it’s a surreal experience. The night flies by and when we finish after a few hours, it feels like the whole night was only an hour,” says Countermine.
Breakfast (& Drinks) at Cafe
You head to everyone’s favorite mimosas and live music spot: Cafe 210 West. The live music on a Saturday morning at Cafe has a relaxing but upbeat tone. The perfect place to sit and sip before the Penn State bar scene comes to life.
“I wake up earliest on the days I know I’m going to Cafe. The live bands playing Billy Joel while it’s 60 degrees on a Saturday morning is the best. It’s so relaxing with the bands [playing] while you’re sitting on the patio listening to music and people watching at 11 a.m.,” says Penn State senior, Melanie Meehan.
One Last Stop
To keep the vibes going, you walk three blocks down to Doggie’s. The juxtaposition between the outdoor courtyard and the rustic indoor bar makes for an energizing place to continue a night. Doggie’s is the spot you go for the drinks and stay for dinner, a slice in hand. You might feel like it’s time to call it a night, but then the band plugs in the bass and electric music vibrates through the floors. You look around at your friends and know everyone’s staying.
NATALIE UNTCH
Abby Downey lived in a predominantly white, upper-class area in New Jersey. At 7 years old, she and her mom walked to the communal mailbox area at the end of their neighborhood. As they walked, an older woman pulled up beside them in her car and said, “Hey, this is a private neighborhood. You guys can’t be here; you have to leave.”
Abby’s mom instantly recognized the woman sitting in the driver’s seat: their next-door neighbor, someone her mom was familiar with. Abby remembers her mom’s anger and frustration in that moment; however, at just 7 years old, she couldn’t quite understand why.
“There was construction happening in the neighborhood and most of the construction workers were Hispanic,” Abby says. Later that night, her mom sat her down and explained that the woman had likely assumed they were the wife and children of one of the construction workers, just because they were Mexican.
BIG CHANGES, NEW BEGINNINGS
After several years of living in New Jersey, her family moved to Spokane, Washington, only a few months into the sixth grade. Leaving everything she knew behind, Abby would have to go to the overflow middle school — a stark contrast to what she had known in New Jersey.
“I was really heavily bullied for being Asian [in Spokane]. I’m not Asian. People would call me ‘Asian’ as if it were my name,” Abby says.
As Abby got older, she noticed a shift in the racist comments kids in her classes would make. In 2016, at the height of the anti-immigration rhetoric during the Trump administration, the remarks became more directly tied to the political climate in the United States.
“People would say ‘build the wall’ to me all the time,” Abby says.
She even recalls receiving personal messages on Instagram and Snapchat, with people saying they hoped Trump would deport her. To Abby,
this didn’t feel like politics anymore; it felt personal and wrong.
During this time, she would meet Adam. Their friendship had started in a scene straight out of a coming-of-age movie: seventh grade, Abby fumbling with her books, papers scattering across the hallway. Adam had knelt, handing them back with a teasing grin. Abby leaned on Adam for a friendship that resembled pure childlike innocence.
“He is one of the only pure male friendships I’ve ever had,” she says.
Abby had all of her classes with Adam and saw him every day, but what they bonded over the most was swimming. Having been on the same team as Adam throughout middle school, swimming was and still is deeply important to her.
Now, after years spent competitively swimming, she devotes her summers to coaching a local youth swim team in New Jersey. She strives to be more than just a coach — she’s a mentor, a supporter and someone who genuinely looks out for her swimmers, both in and out of the pool.
“I’ve always been somebody who doesn’t like it when people who can’t protect themselves are picked on and I think that’s why I’ve gravitated so hard to making sure that these kids are taken care of,” Abby says.
Her desire to help others and stand up for what’s right reflects the support Abby received from Adam during middle school. The racism Abby encountered persisted, but Adam went out of his way to stand up for her, even when she wasn’t around.
“He was on the yearbook committee and these girls were making a celebrity look-alike section and they put a K-pop star for my look-alike. I remember him telling me how they put it in, but he got them to take it out,” Abby says. “He would brush things off like that, but he really did care.”
From One Town to Another
At the end of eighth grade, Abby learned she would be moving back to her old hometown in New Jersey. While she was saddened to leave behind the friends she had made in Washington, returning to a familiar place made the transition easier. This time, however, she was coming back
more confident and outspoken.
“It was a culture shock going back to New Jersey because people weren’t as blunt ... It was something I had to get used to,” Abby says.
When she started high school, Abby was part of a friend group where she was the only person of color. She noticed the subtle microaggressions directed at her. One moment in the lunchroom stood out when she mentioned taking a beginner Spanish class. A friend responded with, “You’re in Spanish I? I thought you were supposed to be fluent in that.” Having already experienced more overt racism, Abby knew she couldn’t tolerate these remarks. So, she quickly distanced herself from the group.
INTERLINKED, INTERTWINED
During the three years since leaving Washington, Abby had stayed in touch with a few friends, including Adam. On February 10, 2020, however, Abby received a text from her mom that shattered everything she knew.
“Adam passed away this morning.”
Her world stopped right in the middle of art class. Her body reacted before her mind could, as her hands trembled and tears streamed down her face. She only realized she had been crying when the bell for the next class rang. She went to her next class, precalculus, in shock.
“I couldn’t conceptualize how this person who was bigger than life wasn’t here anymore. It took me a long time to conceptualize that he was gone,” she says.
Abby had to stay in school and finish the rest of her classes for the day since there was no one to come pick her up. After the last bell, she had to choose whether to go to the swim meet after school or not. Adam loved swimming and Abby felt that attending the meet would honor his memory, even though it was difficult. “He would have told me to get in the water, you’re fine,” she says.
As she made her way to the swim meet, Abby thought it would’ve been easier to hold in her emotions. But, in the middle of the swim meet, she looked at her friend and said, “I’m going to start crying.” Her friend kept asking what was wrong, but she felt so overwhelmed that the words got stuck in her throat. Instead, Abby pulled out her phone and typed what had happened in her notes app to show her friend. Although she was experiencing intense emotions during the meet, she still competed in the event with Adam in mind.
SAFEGUARDING TIME
At 16, Abby had lost one of her best friends, but learned quickly she had no one to relate to about it.
“When you’re young, not a lot of people have friends who have passed away young,” Abby says.
The carefree nature of her childhood was altered after Adam passed. In the wake of his death, she found herself gripped by an unshakable anxiety about mortality. An awareness that life could change in an instant. The perception she had of life’s predictability became fragile.
What once felt like just another casual photo now held significant weight. “If you go on my Instagram now, I have a billion pictures of all my friends because when you’re in the moment, you don’t really know what you have until one day you want to go back,” Abby says. Every photo, every video became a safeguard against time.
“I’m so grateful I got to know him and to carry with me all the things he taught me. It really makes me grateful for all the things I have,” she says.
Though his absence is profound, his impact remains and has shaped the way she moves through life. She now treasures her relationships more fiercely, capturing moments not just for the sake of nostalgia but as a reminder of what and who truly matters.
As Abby moved forward in life, Adams’s presence remained with her, shaping how she saw each milestone. Moments that once
felt routine or ordinary now carried a deeper meaning.
“When I was going away to college, I felt like, ‘agh, I don’t want to move,’ but then I was like, ‘well, he never got to,’” she says. That realization changed her view on inconvenient moments, defining them not as a burden, but as a reminder to embrace every opportunity.
THE START OF A NEW PATH
“So, what’s your name? Where are you from? What’s your major?”
It’s the script every freshman is familiar with: A cycle of introductions played on repeat as nervous students talk person to person. There was one in particular that she seemed to get more than others — “Oh and what ethnicity are you?”
She had gotten used to the comments people made that were usually hiding behind snide racist remarks. Still, in the first few days of college, when everyone was scrambling to categorize one another, the question stood out. While these comments went over 7-year-old Abby’s head, she sees through them now with complete clarity.
Before starting at Penn State, she had already decided how to approach friendships. In a school of over 40,000 students, there was no reason to tolerate anyone who made uncomfortable comments or carried underlying prejudices. Instead, she was determined to surround herself with people who genuinely valued and respected her, rather than wasting time on those who made her feel out of place or unwelcome.
“I didn’t feel like I needed to deal with that in this stage of my life and make those people feel comfortable in their ignorance. So if you’re ignorant at your grown age, that’s on you, not on me,” Abby says.
Throughout her college experience, Abby noticed that many people are comfortable staying silent in the face of injustice. She has seen firsthand that silence is just another form of complacency.
“When you don’t care about marginalized communities and about people who are essentially being scapegoated, that makes it easier for them to continue to be persecuted,”
she says. “Just because you’re not participating actively in this narrative of discrimination and prejudice, doesn’t mean that you’re not contributing to it. If you’re complacent, you are contributing.”
For Abby, sticking to the values she had before coming to college was important to her.
As someone who has always been academically driven, finishing college with the end goal of getting into law school has been a driving force.
“I’ll be the first woman in my family to graduate from college,” Abby says. Amber, a close cousin of Abby, has a 6-year-old daughter named Neveah. Abby wants to be a role model Neveah can look up to.
“There has definitely been a lot of pressure to make sure that I can achieve that for them without falling short of the very high standards I’ve set for myself,” Abby says. “I set these standards because, I mean, there are so few of us in this space — only 2% of lawyers are Latinas. It’s very important to me to represent and show why I have these high goals.”
Fighting for representation isn’t just about breaking into spaces that weren’t built for Abby, it’s about making sure others, like Neveah and the kids from her swim team, grow up knowing they belong in them. Every step forward isn’t just for herself — it’s for those who never got the chance and for those who will come after her.
FA
SHION
If you’re sensitive, you wear your heart on it; if you’re getting to work, you’re rolling it up and if you’ve got a plan, you have an ace somewhere up in it. The sleeve. If their inclusion in such a thing as idiomatic language tells you anything, it’s that sleeves have and always will tell a story. Every — well, nearly every top, dress, hoodie or shirt you own will probably have a pair. In most cases, the presence of a sleeve, or lack thereof, is what makes the piece what it is.
Paula Bates is a vintage and antique fashion seller and self-taught researcher. She’s someone who has explored several aspects of historical fashion, including sleeves. Bates uses sleeves as a point of reference to date garments, telling us that they are a mark of time. This, in turn, makes the sleeve a source for the temporal, social and cultural shifts of that specific era.
Sleeve or No Sleeve
A particularly pivotal time in fashion and the progression of the sleeve was the 1920s. This was, interestingly enough, when the lack of sleeves became the focal point of the garment. In turn, this was a sign of change and rebellion. Bates explains that sleeveless dresses became more popular in the later 1910s, but mostly in the 1920s. She explains that this was not as popular within the general population, but more so amongst a certain subsect of individuals — flappers.
“My mom talks about her grandmother being a flapper and how her family disapproved of her cutting her hair short and wearing sleeveless dresses. It was a statement. But also, practically speaking, they were dancing all night and they wanted to move freely,”Bates says.
After this, the ongoing war called for another new chapter for the sleeve. We started to see it all go short — the sleeves, yes, but the skirts too; this was less for fashionable reasons and more because longer ones weren’t as practical, especially if you were part of the working class.
“You won’t find much of that in the fashion magazines of the time, but you start to see it in old photographs.Workwear had to be functional, so sleeves became simpler, less frilly and made from more durable fabrics,”Bates explains.
Shaping the Narrative
The story of fashion, for one, is littered with trends that have come and gone. Sleeves have quite literally played a role in “shaping” such trends. One that has seemingly stayed consistent across times is the hourglass body — the sleeves of your clothes play a more important role in the silhouette than you’d think. In the 1830s, the larger sleeves gave the illusion of a smaller waist, with the skirts ballooning out to achieve this shape.
“I cannot stand the myth that everyone was smaller back then, because it’s just not true,” Bates emphasizes. “These people look like they’ve got ‘snatched’ waists but it’s just their clothing, like sleeves, helping to create the illusion or whatever they were trying to achieve.”
What Goes Around … The Arm?
Like most things in fashion, sleeves have always come back around. In the 1890s, sleeves became extremely large, but only for about five years. That in itself was a throwback to the 1830s, after which they progressed in becoming small once again. This cycle continued ten years later, in 1905, when they became popularly large again.
“I see echoes of historical fashion everywhere,” Bates says.
According to her, researching historical fashion is particularly fun because it allows one to see how all styles in fashion are historically recycled and reused. Fashion designers have always taken inspiration from what came before them, and this will continue to happen. “If you’re looking for it, you’ll see it everywhere,” she explains.
When asked about her favorite sleeve style, Bates was particularly enthusiastic about the “leg-ofmutton” sleeve.
“The bigger [the sleeve], the more drama — put some bows on it!”
By Reeya Kulkarni
By: Lily Henderson
The artists behind the fashion industry are constantly being inspired by other designers’ new pieces, creating a revolving cycle in the fashion world. High-end brands have dominated the industry for decades, giving the biggest fashion lovers fresh looks every spring and fall, crafted by the minds of people who live and breathe textiles. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is attempting to prove that living, breathing and thinking might not be as important to fashion as we previously believed.
AI has been studied and developed for over 50 years but only started gaining traction in the late 2010s. It was integrated gradually into every industry and with creative sectors like fashion, this poses a question of integrity. When can AI be used ethically in the process from initial design to someone’s closet and does the technology threaten what makes fashion so special?
The AI Interruption
On the business side, AI has the potential to streamline many logistical aspects of consumer fashion. There are multiple steps of getting a garment into the hands of a consumer that could be improved with artificial intelligence.
Heng Xu, Director of the Center for AI Ethics, Cyber Governance and Privacy Management at the University of Florida, is a fashion lover who has studied the relationship between artificial intelligence and fashion. Stitch Fix is a brand she has noticed that uses artificial intelligence to recommend products based on the information
you provide to the company. “It’s a starting point to utilizing merchant learning and AI,” Xu says.
The support functions of AI, both in-store and online, are endless. The technology can range from generating individualized content, tailoring the website or enhancing users’ unique profiles for a more enjoyable shopping experience. This, in turn, can generate optimal sales descriptions based on data. Business analysts presume that AI technology can be used to forecast trends, generate personalized content and accelerate campaign development to avoid creative blocks. While these make sense at face value, we quickly find that the relationship a creative job has with society is not as simple.
A technology whose intelligence is based on the data it collects from the internet pulls almost entirely from the data collected in the past. However, high-end designers still have to create the original products, which then become trends as they filter down through the department stores. “[High-end
designers often] cater to a special population of their customers who are only into their logos. For that part, I don’t think AI can interrupt anything,” Xu says.
The AI Forecast
The fashion industry, which has already played a major role in world pollution, is taking it on at another level by using AI. It is known to be environmentally hazardous for AI’s use of fossil fuels to power data centers, water to cool those same centers and mass greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite this, there are ways AI has managed to improve and offset its environmental effects. Xu has attended several runway shows through virtual reality, which she points out can reduce the energy consumption of traveling, housing and other factors that are associated with traditional shows.
Put A
In the same way people wear their hearts on their sleeve, they also wear their opinions on their chest, hips or shoulder. Our most passionate messages can best be spread when they are physically clasped to our clothes. That message can range from your favored political candidate in an election to what sports team you are supporting at a tailgate.
College students have accessorized themselves with pins that say “BEAT OHIO STATE.” While that is what a pin emulates now, unfortunately, they were not created for the purpose of shaming the Buckeyes.
Pinning For Gameday
Pins gained their popularity in the decades when Americans were finding their political voice. The 1960s and 1970s were known for large-scale protests for civil rights and the antiwar movement. People needed to find a quick way to advertise their beliefs to politicians and society. The individuals fighting against segregation and other nationwide issues were looking for a way for the movements to gain traction and attention. Pins were a cost-effective way to show people what they were standing for.
Pins were the previous generation’s form of social media, in the sense that today, an
By Sophia Monteforte
opinion can be shared widely across social media platforms. For that reason, pins are more commonly recognized as a cute accessory to a fundraising event, supporting a philanthropic cause or to add to your gameday outfit.
Penn State senior Morgan Saxe took it upon herself to make a collection of pins for her entrepreneurship class last semester.
“Iwantedtodosomethingfunthatwouldappeal to a lot of people. My favorite part of getting ready is accessorizing and I figured people would take a liking to it as well,” Saxe says.
She marketed these pins to sororities with their philanthropic missions, personal apparel and as an encouragement to “Go Greek.”
Political Pride
While social media has come to the forefront of sharing opinions and messages, that doesn’t dispute that pins still remain a powerful tool in political campaigns. The 2024 presidential election was supported through the use of pins, especially for people who wanted to boast their favored party. With this revival, pins have not lost their original purpose. Their versatility makes them attractive to entrepreneurs, marketing teams, students and opinionated individuals
Dominick Cardace, an international affairs student at the George Washington University, shares the impact he has seen pins make in a political campaign.
“It’s a direct message to the electorate that you stand with the candidate. A person being a physical advertisement shows that there is trust and pride between the candidate and their constituents,” Cardace says.
People without a firm political stance searching for guidance in a campaign season might look to others for political assurance. Pins can do that by showing how passionate someone is about their viewpoint and why they choose to wear it
“We are naturally attracted to sites that disrupt perfection — a pin on a shirt directly catches someone’s eye and acts as free publicity for the candidate and can encourage potential voters to look into the background and stance of the candidate,” Cardace says.
Pins are fulfilling the mission of accessorizing a good outfit while also making a statement.
Its political and empowering history is shadowed by its addition to a game-day tailgate outfit. Pins age through the decades the way people do, but
PHOTOGRAPHED
ENTERTA
INMENT
people into making them think you are somebody you’re not for emotional, personal or financial gain. Typically, this entails a fake name, fake image and fake backstories all used to manipulate others into thinking you’re somebody else.
person. It is a fake online identity used to deceive people into making them think you are somebody you’re not for emotional, personal or financial gain. Typically, this entails a fake name, fake image and fake backstories all used to manipulate others into thinking you’re somebody else.
But catfishing becomes more real and relevant as social media makes individuals insecure and terrified to embrace who they really are. The allure of social media can encourage us as individuals to want to be somebody we’re not, hurting ourselves and others.
But catfishing becomes more real and relevant as social media makes individuals insecure and terrified to embrace who they really are. The allure of social media can encourage us as individuals to want to be somebody we’re not, hurting ourselves and others.
In his senior year of high school in February 2021, Anonymous would experience an event that would forever change his perception of trust and dating. “Being catfished was probably the most difficult time of my life,” says Anonymous. “Not only did I think I was starting a relationship with my dream girl, but I had also found and lost the love of my life within a matter of days.
In his senior year of high school in February 2021, Anonymous would experience an event that would forever change his perception of trust and dating. “Being catfished was probably the most difficult time of my life,” says Anonymous. “Not only did I think I was starting a relationship with my dream girl, but I had also found and lost the love of my life within a matter of days.
that we’re not?
that we’re not?
faces with no beauty filter and no makeup on.
But the falsities of social media have normalized the desire to be somebody else. In this, we lose our sense of self by getting caught up in who we want to be.
lifestyles, like waking up late and showing their faces with no beauty filter and no makeup on. But the falsities of social media have normalized desire to be somebody else. In this, we lose our sense of self by getting caught up in who we want to be.
“Being a teenage girl present on social media, it makes it hard to not be wrapped up in the dating apps and toxicity from social media,” says Coyne. “My feed on all my apps is just models.”
“Being a teenage girl present on social media, it makes it hard to not be wrapped up in the dating apps and toxicity from social media,” says Coyne. “My feed on all my apps is just models.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHARELL WALTER
music hasn’t gone anywhere and most certainly was not “just a phase.”
Cory Barker, an assistant teaching professor
the public doesn’t seem to completely agree on which artists are “emo” artists and which aren’t. Grunge, punk and rock bands like Nirvana, Green Day and Fall Out Boy are often mistakenly characterized as “emo.”
from the other genres is the contents of the lyrics.
“Obviously some of the songs are quite dark and depressing, right? But, what appeals still to me are some of the ones that are quite good at humour, some tongue in cheek and selfawareness of the gravity of the lyrics,” Barker says.
Despite the dark exterior of the emo aesthetic, much of the music boasts variety and color. It can be very angry and painful, with deep, powerful guitar chords and unsettling, energetic drums. But it can also be soft and somber, packed with
in the Department of Film Production at Penn State, says, “My high school girlfriend flat ironed my hair at times. I wore eyeliner occasionally. Very tight, unbearably tight jeans. You know that sort of stuff.”
He continues, “I felt very much a part of the community and I don’t feel like it’s left, it’s just matured.”
The emo subculture started in the late ‘80s in Washington D.C. and its influence can still be felt today in music, art and film. The highly emotional and dark character of the movement has left its presence as an unmistakable fixture of pop culture. However, the emo phase is not just dark clothing and eccentric hairstyles.
Being Misunderstood
Many of the bands that pioneered the genre resented the label of “emo.” On the other hand,
“I think the idea of emo music just means emotional music and that is so broad and widely encompassing that people tend to just throw a lot of things into it. I feel like as we move further from rock music being the main genre in American culture, it makes sense that younger people might flatten a lot of rock adjacent music from the ‘90s onward into this very, very big bucket of emo,” Barker shares.
By: Otto Mezei
The movement, if nothing else, was a large band of misfits that were able to be misunderstood, together. At its very core, the culture provided a place for people to feel welcomed, like they belonged. Bands like The Middle reinforce that you don’t need to fit in with what society wants you to be. Your greatness comes from you and not what other people think, say or do.
A Genre Undefined
Trying to completely understand the emo genre is a difficult, near-impossible task. It’s a genre that refuses to be defined by a single sound or trope while also presenting striking similarities to the punk and rock genres that came before it. Perhaps the thing that differentiates emo music
deep emotion and a delicate touch. Simply put, there is something for everyone to connect with and enjoy.
Much of what emo music is about is perseverance. In a sense, that is why the emo movement has been able to survive for so long and why we see it still today. It manages to uplift those of us who may feel defeated or give a community to those who feel misunderstood.
As long as there is love and death, there will be perseverance and as long as we must overcome our obstacles, emo will not be “just a phase.” Instead, it will be a fixture of our culture, as it has been for decades.
Talking. Just hearing one voice can be music alone. Podcast creators rhythmically serve their listeners with their speech. They can orchestrate any topic and transform it into bingeable episodes. Millions tune in each day for their auditory fix. Yet, what makes a podcast truly successful? How can someone’s voice become addicting?
Listen and Learn
Music and podcasts are intertwined. They both entertain listeners through passion and sound. Nevertheless, podcast creators often design their episodes to inform.
“Many people turn to podcasts for professional resources, to get their news or even learn about a certain niche topic,” says Amanda Cupido, founder of Lead Podcasting, a podcast production services company.
Authentic podcasts, like authentic music, stay true to the creator’s voice. For instance, the stereotypical, quiet true crime voice is a thing of the past. “Podcasting has really burst that idea open. What really is a podcast voice?” asks Cupido. “It’s amazing to hear the diversity of voices that are now ‘mainstream’ in the podcast space.”
Cupido runs workshops for those who want to start their own podcast. Her lessons allow individuals to learn the auditory medium inside and out. “Having people say, ‘This is the first time I’ve loved how my voice sounds. I’m proud of what my voice has to say,’ is amazing. It truly is one of the best parts of the job.”
The voice is how the podcast sings. When it flows correctly, each episode hums the same tune. Whether it’s pop culture or comedy based, the body of an episode relies on its creator. This is why it’s important their voice attracts and pleases the audience.
“There’s research that shows that audio-only media is seen as very trustworthy,” says Cupido. She explains that audio media helps listeners form a parasocial relationship with the creator. “[It means] feeling like they’re actual friends even though they’ve never met before. That’s one of the beauties of podcasts.”
Reeling For Info
No matter the genre, podcasts have the power to teach. The creator’s voice sings but their words carry weight with their audience. The music of podcasts cannot carry on without its main note: the topic.
Tess Bellomo and Claire Donald are the hosts and co-founders of “Right Answers Mostly,” a historical gossip podcast. Since starting in 2021, they’ve produced episodes ranging in topics from the Titanic to UFOs and everything in between.
History might seem daunting to unpack, but they find joy in making it entertaining. “We want to give people the space to ask questions. It’s okay to not know everything,” says Donald. “Yes, when you ask a question, it shows you’re curious. Curiosity shows your intelligence,” says Bellomo.
Their podcast title, “Right Answers Mostly,” represents how Donald and Bellomo learn alongside their audience. As a result, this transparency helps them build a connection with their listeners. While some podcasts focus solely on one category, their show infuses pop culture with history. This cohesion helps their topics flow as they address and debunk historical issues.
Movers and Shakers
It’s important for podcast creators to continuously grow their following. Originally, Donald and Bellomo thought their main audience would match their own identities. As of recently, more women in their early twenties have joined their following.
The two creators are inspired by listener requests, their own interests and more importantly, righting wrongs in history. Often, they address events that have an underlying sexism. “We always lead with a dedication to unravel stories with women at the center who didn’t get the recognition they deserved,” says Bellomo.
Cupido, like Bellomo and Donald, understands the need for different perspectives. Her time working in radio allowed her to express herself freely. “[On the radio] there once was the stereotypical big, booming male voice and the sweet, bubbly gal voice,” says Cupido.
“My voice was not that ‘traditional voice’ for women,” she laughs. In 2010, Cupido joined the auditory movement and created her first podcast. Since then, she has grown her career and her love for voices.
Creating a podcast can be difficult, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. “There’s no one right way of doing it,” says Cupido. “What I say is, just honor your voice. Don’t put on a shtick. Don’t pretend and someone out there will appreciate it.”
Podcasts, in other words, are music to our ears. The episodes blend seamlessly together when the creators are authentically themselves. All you have to do is get a mic and talk.
Molly McMenamy
By Emily Jones
Documentaries have the special ability to take lived experiences and highlight those involved. This type of media balances the fine line of telling a compelling story while considering the ethical issues of real-life events. However, whether it be a lack of consent or transparency for how the victims will be portrayed, the final product can bring back harsh traumatic memories and negatively portray those involved.
As documentaries grow in popularity, a certain genre has risen above the rest: true crime. Its morbid fascination has captivated viewers, drawing them into the sick and twisted things that humans are capable of. There is something so interesting about these stories, from chilling real-life events to notorious figures that the human mind is drawn to, regardless if we know it shouldn’t be. This unique form of media takes viewers through unsettling and compelling narratives.
As its demand increases, so do the countless stories being projected onto the big screen, but this comes at a price more than just at the box
office. Ethical concerns from consent to morality reveal a harsh truth behind this popular genre. When does the hunger for profit outweigh the pain of others?
A Legal Battle
Many families and victims have publicly expressed their frustration when documentaries are made without their approval or even consent. They are more than just characters. In many cases, the victim’s relatives might not even have the power to stop production.
Documentaries are more than just a piece of entertainment. Indeed, many inform the public about crimes, social issues or even inspire the
reopening of cold cases, but does that mean it is ethically appropriate to invade people’s privacy?
This is particularly important in unsolved cases. Suspects and theories get thrown around and sometimes guilt is nothing more than speculation. This can taint the reputation of those who are potentially falsely accused as well as cause a lack of closure for the victim’s families. True crime is just one type of exploitative filmmaking.
Telling the Truth or Creating It?
Documentary filmmakers hold significant power in shaping narratives. They should be responsible for ensuring accurate portrayals of the cultures they cover, yet more often than not, they let personal views conflict with reality.
Those with platforms and audiences must present things clearly and without bias. The negative portrayal of certain cultures leads to cycles of harm. This can be felt not only
by outside groups but internally as well, as individuals within these groups start to see themselves through this distorted lens.
“It’s not money per se but selfishness of all kinds that drives people to break their morals. People also violate their own morals to fit in with groups whose opinions they value.” Eric Silver, a psychology professor at Penn State, says.
When these filmmakers want to capture attention, they sometimes prioritize sensational stories like poverty, violence or political unrest because these are more marketable or “interesting” to Western audiences. This focus on victimhood, rather than agency, has a lasting negative effect.
The West has cultivated skewed views of the East, portraying them as distant or unfortunate. The power lies with those who have the money and platform to produce and release such media, but audiences can reclaim this by choosing what to consume.
A Compromise for Crime
The public’s hunger and fascination for documentaries only continue to grow. Despite the challenges involved with greater sensitivity and mindfulness, there are ways to approach this media minefield.
The most important step when balancing real life and the big screen is understanding those involved. While Silver says, “It’s hard to know in advance what someone will consider traumatic.” However, an effort should be made to empower the voices and agency of those featured. This allows the story to be told in a way that honors the victims and lessens the risk of potential harm.
Sensationalizin tragedy or exaggerating details captures viewers’ attention, but the glamour should be saved for Hollywood. These events are true, and adding drama takes away from reality. Sticking to the facts shows respect for the victims and tells their story through the correct lens.
Documentary filmmakers should look at their work and ask themselves, is this to educate or to entertain? The line can be thin, but as they say, “money is the root of all evil.” When greed outweighs the genuine desire for accurate storytelling, respect for others is discarded. A line must be drawn where the humanity and dignity of the stories captured can be preserved.
“The Society of Scares,” a Los Angeles-based horror podcast, dives into the myths and legends of Pennsylvania, uncovering why the state has become a hotspot for Hollywood horror. The podcast is hosted by Annabel Chick, a former scare actor, featuring traveling musician Leo Vasquez and filmmaker Ellie Propp. Vasquez brings a creative perspective with stories from various states and Propp leads research and production for the podcast.
“We are all curious, interested and passionate,” said Propp. “Dry humor with fun sincerity is what the whole podcast is.”
As one of the oldest states in the U.S., Pennsylvania stands as a character of its own, shaping eerie tales throughout its history. Its ancient mountains, historic towns and abandoned asylums offer the perfect backdrop for unsettling stories.
Myths and Legends of Appalachia
Pennsylvania is home to the Appalachian Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. These mountains are steeped in Indigenous folklore and tales, with sightings of skinwalkers — a witch-like creature that can shape-shift into animal forms — with which many hikers have reported frightening encounters.
While a skinwalker may seem unsettling, another creature that inhabits the Appalachian Mountains is the misunderstood Squonk. Known for its beast-like appearance, the Squonk is so ashamed of how it looks that, as Chick explains, it’s always crying, unable to accept its reflection.
The Haunted Legacy of Gettysburg
You’re in bed in the dead of night, the crickets chirping outside your window. You’re ready to let your thoughts drift you to sleep, so you open the pages of a new book to relax your mind. Suddenly, you’re transported to 1863 Pennsylvania.
The Battle of Gettysburg, a Civil War in
Gettysburg, PA, is known for being one of the bloodiest conflicts in the nation’s history. Today, the land once soaked in blood and horror, is haunted by soldiers’ restless spirits. Gettysburg is now considered one of the most haunted locations in Pennsylvania.
Chick explained that she became aware of the Battle of Gettysburg, through the Scooby-Doo episode based on it.
Remember, this is Pennsylvania … Enter Vasquez, the touring musician and horror fanatic, as he tells the tale of the Devil’s Den. If you ever visit the Devil’s Den, a landmark from the Battle of Gettysburg, it’s said that a young man will greet you, eager to help you take photos of the site, even offering to be in them. The moment you snap the picture, he disappears, gone without a trace, neither in the photo nor anywhere to be found.
Enough of Gettysburg for the night, you close the book, ready to finally get some sleep.
From Fact to Fiction
Tossing and turning, sleep won’t come as thoughts of Gettysburg linger. You grab the remote and switch on the TV, before you know it, it’s 1986.
“Stranger Things” season four features a fictional Pennhurst Mental Hospital. Propp explains how the name Pennhurst may sound familiar to some. The creators of “Stranger Things” were inspired by the real-life Pennhurst Asylum, with many elements of its troubled history influencing the show.
Pennhurst Asylum is one of the most haunted asylums in Pennsylvania. Located in Spring City, it opened in 1908 but was shut down in 1987 after years of abuse and neglect toward its residents, leaving behind a legacy of horror.
Why Horror Loves Pennsylvania
Okay, now you definitely can’t sleep. You’re probably left thinking, Why Pennsylvania? Is
this all a coincidence or is there something to this? You open your computer to browse the internet and do some research.
The entertainment industry often chooses Pennsylvania for its “small-town” feel, with its towns and suburbs providing the perfect backdrop for many productions. Think Rosewood, the fictional town in Pretty Little Liars. The state’s woodlands and mountains help create a sense of suspense while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. According to Axios Philadelphia, “As of 2023 more than 330 horror films have been filmed in the state — more than any other state in the US.”
“Pa’s history makes it an ideal backdrop for storytelling, with its rich origins and small-town allure,” says Propp.
That’s a Wrap …?
So, next time you find yourself driving through a quaint Pennsylvania town or the mountains of Appalachia, don’t be fooled by its beauty. Whether it’s an escaped serial killer, a skinwalker or a Squonk waiting around the next bend, you might just become part of the next Pennsylvanian horror story.
By
Bella Speir
In an age where the personal lives of creatives are as public as their work, the question of personal morality versus artistic merit is at the forefront of cultural conversation. Ask yourself: Can I separate the art from the artist? And even if I can, should I?
The Origin Story
The debate over whether one can separate the art from the artist has been ongoing for over a century. The postmodernist critics of the mid-20th century were instrumental in this conversation. They argued that focusing too much on external factors of a piece of artwork detracts from its meaning and the beauty of the object itself. However, by detaching artwork from its origins, are we ignoring the human condition that shapes the work, uninterested in its social functions and effects? These are the questions that have kept this debate so divisive.
The Ongoing Debate
This issue has persisted for more than a hundred years and recent high-profile cases — like those of Woody Allen and Rex Orange County — showcase the enduring relevance of this dilemma.
The modernist view would tell you that art simply “is.” In contrast, the postmodernist view, held by critics from the 20th century, challenges this idea by claiming that art is part of a relationship between the artist, the art and the audience. Today, a widely held school of thought tries to reconcile these two theories — encouraging us to do whatever feels right to us.
Separating Art: A Personal Decision
How a person experiences art is inherently personal. Take J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, for example. For many, those books offer comfort, escape and inspiration. Rowling created a world where bravery, friendship and love triumph over prejudice, injustice and evil. Yet, her personal beliefs — particularly regarding gender issues — have sparked significant controversy, leaving a stain on the legacy of the work she created. How can we reconcile this? While it’s true that art is an artist’s personal expression, some argue
that once art enters the world, it’s open to be interpreted and experienced in countless ways, each personal to whoever engages with it.
Jackson Bonds, a film and English major, believes, “Unless the artist has expressed theirproblematicbehaviororviewsthroughtheir given medium, their art is completely separate from themselves.”
For Bonds, the personal views or actions of an artist should not automatically be tied to the work they produce. He advocates for a view many art lovers are likely to support: one that allows art to be appreciated for what it is, independent of the artist’s actions.
“It’s reasonable to no longer feel comfortable consuming art because of the artist’s actions. However, it is not reasonable, in my opinion, to feel obligated to deprive oneself of the meaning and enjoyment they get from a piece of art to satisfy a widely held false sense of justice,” Bonds says. He encourages a sense of balance, allowing one’s moral compass to dictate personal actions.
The Unbreakable Link Between Artist and Art
For many, the biggest issue with foregoing separation is the fear of putting money into the pockets of “moral monstrosities.” Take Kanye West, for example, who earns money through royalties, live performances and merchandise. Those against the idea of artistic severance argue that supporting such an artist through consumption aligns too closely with endorsing or validating the harmful rhetoric and actions they’re associated with, potentially expanding their platform.
Student and artist Colby Kloehr, an English and psychology major with a creative writing minor, believes that the art and the artist are too intertwined to be separated. Kloehr asserts, “Art simply cannot be separated from the artist … We embed so much of ourselves in our art, even without intending to.”
A Thought Experiment
What about art with no artist to claim it? One of the most prominent street artists, known as Banksy, represents this gray area. The pseudonymous artist is known for politically charged street art, as well as the mystery surrounding their identity since the 1990s. Some of Banksy’s most iconic works are “Girl with Balloon,” supposedly representing a beacon of hope, release and new beginnings. While another piece, “Laugh Now,” offers a commentary on slavery and the fleeting nature of power.
Would the meanings of these paintings change or would their impact be diminished if Banksy’s identity were revealed and they weren’t the artist the world has imagined? What if they were a woman What if they were a fascist? Gay? Black? The list of distinguishing qualities — and the implications that come with them — are endless.
Solving the Discrepancy
It’s up to each individual to decide how they engage with art. Kloehr offers a compelling analogy for balancing a holistic and divided view of art: “When we analyze art, it’s like holding the artist in one hand and the art in the other, keeping your hands as far apart as possible. They are always going to be connected, but this separation allows us to both examine the work and also keep in reference the context in which the work was made.”
This speaks to the broader complexity of the artist-viewer relationship: the meaning we derive from art is not only shaped by the artist but also by our own context, values and experiences.
