YourMagazine Special Edition: Spring 2021

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VOLUME 15 | SPECIAL EDITIONS SPRING 2021

YOUR MAG YOUR MAG

VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 1 | MARCH 2021

YOUR MAG VOLUME 15 | SPECIAL EDITION SPRING 2021

TALIA SMITH Managing Editor

LILLIAN COHEN Editor-in-Chief

L I LY W A L S H Creative Director

AMANDA HAMPTON Asst. Editor-in-Chief

MARIANNA REYES Head Designer

ELOISA DE FARIAS Asst. Creative Director

MARIANNA REYES Romance Editor

ILEANA PEREZ Asst. Head Designer

NATASHA ARNOWITZ Art Director

BECCA LETTS Asst. Romance Editor

SEREN CHO Asst. Head Designer

REBEKAH CZUKOSKI Asst. Art Director

AMANDA HAMPTON A&E Editor

GABRIELA PORTUGAL Asst. Head Designer

E M I LY K I N G Photo Director

ALEXIS GARCIA-RUIZ Asst. A&E Editor

LAURA PHILIPS Co-YMTV Director

PA L L A S H AYE S Asst. Photo Director

MARYCATHERINE NEAL Living Editor

OLUWATAMILORE ODUNSI

Co-YMTV Director

LAUREN DILLOW Style Director

OLIVIA CIGLIANO Style Editor

NEEKA BOROUMANDI Marketing Coordinator

KHANH NGUYEN Talent Director

KATIE POWERS Head Proofreader

DELANEY BAILEY Co-Social Media Coordinator

JESS FERGUSON Co-Copy Chief

TIFFANY CARBON Web Director

JULIA MALLON Co-Social Media Coordinator

ALLISON HUGHES Co-Copy Chief

COPY EDITORS: MEHER GUPTA, ALLISON CARAVELLA, MADELYN MULREANEY, KATE HEALY, JO MALICDEM, SARAH PERRY,

PHOEBE SWEETING, CHARLOTTE DRUMMOND

DESIGN: AINSLEY BASIC, CHLOE WILLIAMS , ANA HEIN , HALEY BROWN, MADELYN MULREANEY, TOBY LICHTENWALTER PROOFREADERS: MADELYN MULREANEY, KATE HEALY, BECCA LETTS, CHARLOTTE DRUMMOND, JESS ROSS, FIONA MURPHY, KAITLYN FEHR, KATIE REDEFER, CHRISTINA HORACIO, AMARIS RAMIREZ, MARYCATHERINE NEAL

TABLE Romance

YMP3

4

DID I REALLY DREAM THAT?

6

STUDENTS TURN TO SEX WORK

8

PILLOW TALK

10

SEX LIFE CONFESSIONS

12

WHY CANT I CUM?

14

“IT’S A METAPHOR FOR UNREALISTIC ROMANTIC...

16

BEING FUNNY HAS RUINED MY DATING LIFE

18

SEXUAL MINDFULNESS

YM ADVISES 20 SONGS TO GET YOU GOING ‘SOLO’

Editorials 22

UP TO OUR NECKS

30

TWISTED

style 38

SOCIAL MEDIA FASHION MAKING TRENDS...

40

HERE COMES THE BRIDE...IN BLACK

42

THE TRUE INTENTIONS BEHIND CRUEL INTENTIONS

44

JUSTIN DONELLY WORKS IN FASHION’S PAST...

YMP3 46 SONGS TO GET DRESSED TO 48

NEVER CHANGE YOUR HAIR FOR A BOY

50

GAP HOODIES

52

REPRESENTATION ON FASHION COMPETITIONS

54

I BLEACHED MY EYEBROWS

YM ADVISES 56 GO-TO SPRING OUTFITS

Editorials 58

FLOUR

66

DOLLHOUSE

Living

YMP3

YM ADVISES

1 | YOURMAG

72

THE TIKTOK DOCTOR IS IN

74

WHERE ARE THE GIRLS WITH STOMACH PAIN?

76

HOW SISTERHOOD SAVED ME

78

PLAYLIST THAT REMINDS YOU OF HOME

80

TURNING 21 AS A RECOVERING ALCOHOLIC

82

A LOVE LETTER TO JIMMY CARTER

84

YOUR NOT-SO-SCARY GUIDE TO DONATING BLOOD

86

PETS ARE GETTING US THROUGH THIS...

88

THINGS TO DO YOUR LAST NIGHT IN BOSTON

of Editorials 90

PIZZA

98

SENIOR SHOOT

Arts

entertainment

108

INFLUENCER MEANS ACTOR

110

THE CASE FOR ASMR

112

SCREAMING FOR CHANGE...

YMP3 114

YM ADVISES

and

IF MY LIFE WAS A MOVIE MONTAGE PLAYLIST

116

PRINCESS DIARIES: THE QUINTESSENTIAL...

118

GOODBYE TO “HISTORICALLY INACCURATE”

120

GUILTY AS CHARGED: I STILL WATCH RIVERDALE

122

THE EFFY STONEM EFFECT

124

GUILTY PLEASURES

WEB 126

GROWING UP DERRY

128

GAMESTOP EXPLAINED BY MY FRIENDS DAD

YMP3 130 132

YM ADVISES 134

THE SPRING BREAK THAT GOT AWAY THE PROBLEM WITH PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN FAVORITE BOOKS

EXTRAS ARTIST STATEMENT YM ADVISES ARTIST STATEMENT YMP3

136

PERSONALITY QUIZ

138

SAVANNAH BERKELAND

142

FAVORITE SHOWS TO STREAM

144

DEV LEMONS

148

NOT SO RAINY DAY PLAYLIST

150

JOIN YOURMAG!

CONTENTS YOURMAG | 2

YOUR MAG SPECIAL EDITION SPRING 2021

1 | YOURMAG

EDITOR’S letter

c

ontrary to past publications and what the calendar may or may not say, this is not our April issue.

This is not a compilation of our past issues from

was more connection to be made with our readers than the traditional one-issue print. And there was more to be said.

-

both worlds, with new specialized content only released in print, and our favorite articles and content from our March

-

really resist?

YOURMAG | 2

Did I Really Dream That?

WRITTEN BY MARIANNA POLETTI REYES ART BY REBEKAH CZUKOSKI

W -

-

to a new partner.

3 | ROMANCE

or father, and you are familiarly tantalized by the idea and relationship psychotherapist. ly desire it.

The one dream that most people dread includes -

appreciate her.

-

YM

ROMANCE | 4

strapped for cash, students

turn to Sex Work WRITTEN BY SOLEIL EASTON ART BY FRANCESCA POLISTINA

T

a separate study, 7 percent of students say they turned

car insurance, student loans, and even food. the pandemic to pay for essentials, such as rent.

5 | ROMANCE

you can trust. es were not fully covered by her student loan and part-

-

and she needed another source of income to pay for was, the more money she earned.

Despite her undeniable self-love, she sometimes feels embarrassed because some men automatically label her

Once the pandemic hit, she was strapped for -

-

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trans chaser, which made her feel unsafe and uncomfortable.

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YM the interviewees.

ROMANCE | 6

Pillow Talk WRITTEN BY MARYCATHERINE NEAL PHOTOGRAPHED BY XINYI XU

7 | ROMANCE

S

tand-up comedy specials have never been my

Nox Journal Girl Daddy cozy common room.

-

hump all of the decorative pillows in her house when

Big Mouth,

about my body and its relationship to pleasure.

milestone? even adults, include pillows while they masturbate.

Pen15 seen it in a couple of tv shows and movies but had never tried it out themselves. Of course, maybe they

-

the action, Pen15

Girl Daddy, Pen15, and Big Mouth hormones and puberty. More importantly, these shows Nox Journal

Big Mouth masturbation. YM

ROMANCE | 8

Sex Life

Confessions members of our editorial team and magazine contributors anonymously shared some of their worst sex stories.

Art by Natasha Arnowitz

I tried to take a guy’s virginity my freshman

I hooked up with this guy from BU sophomore year at his

him a human anatomy lesson instead. cemented with my mascara on the

cover my face with my hands when

9 | ROMANCE

I was hooking up with this guy I was super nervous and awkward around. When he put on a red condom, I said his dick looked like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’s nose. I didn’t hook up with him again after that.

Man was almost a virgin and hadn’t done it too much, so he was super nervous and had trouble getting it up. Understandable. But what I couldn’t understand was why this 29-year-old man was trying to put a semi-softie inside me. IT’S NOT GOING TO WORK, SIR. I just let him figure it out for himself. We still had sex; I just didn’t feel a thing.

I got a flat tire immediately after leaving a hookup and had to be picked up by AAA down the street … not my greatest moment.

He ate hot wings right before he fingered me. Needless to say, I was on fire for a good while until we found a water bottle in the back of his car to relieve the pain.

We still had sex after.

The first time I hooked up with my boyfriend, I didn’t realize he finished. I said to him, “You okay?” He said, “I finished.” And I said, “Oh, period.”

ROMANCE | 10

Why can’t I Cum?

11 | ROMANCE

WRITTEN BY SOLEIL EASTON

ART BY REBEKAH CZUKOSKI

C

one on antidepressants wants to hear while hav-

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ona says.

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for three years.

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-

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all.

-

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months.

-

the ride. YM

ROMANCE | 12

WRITTEN BY KATARINA MONDOR

PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY KING

O my story play out?

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how fabricated they really are.

YM

13 | ROMANCE

“It’s a Metaphor” for Unrealistic Romantic Expectations

ROMANCE | 14

Being Funny Has Ruined My Dating Life

WRITTEN BY GRACE GUY ART BY ANDREA MÉNDEZ

15 | ROMANCE

I

have a friend who believes that two funny people should never date, but what he really means is he

into place.

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-

-

-

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came.

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A lot of my friends have actually insinuated that havfunny one out of the two of us.

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the hands of someone you are intimate with is a whole occupy that space in the relationship. So from here on

YM

ROMANCE | 16

Sexual Mindfulness WRITTEN BY MARIANNA POLETTI REYES ART BY NATASHA ARNOWITZ

17 | ROMANCE

A -

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These practices ease stress, reduce levels of cortisol (a stress hor-

lead to erectile dysfunction for men and can cause women to become

with time, whether it be solo, with a partner, or with multiple partners.

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life. YM

ROMANCE | 18

Y.MP3 SONGS TO GET YOU GOING “SOLO” PHOTO BY EMILY KING

SOAKED — BENEE MILK & COFFEE — NOMBE GIRLS NEED LOVE — SUMMER WALKER JUNE — FLORENCE + THE MACHINE BITING DOWN — LORDE GO SLOW — HAIM BLUSH — ALLAN RAYMAN MAKE OUT IN MY CAR — MOSES SUMNEY, JAMES BLAKE KICKS — FKA TWIGS BURNING DESIRE — LANA DEL REY DANCE LIKE U — OKAY KAYA BITCHES — TOVE LO EXXUS — GLASS ANIMALS AMERICAN BEAUTY — GIRLPOOL GIMME — BANKS NEW DORP. NEW YORK — SBTRKT WARM HONEY — WILLOW SEX MUSIC — BEAK> LOVEHAPPY — THE CARTERS BIRTHDAY — DISCLOSURE, KEHLANI, & SYD COLD WAR — CAUTIOUS CLAY MOMENT — VICTORIA MONET BEAUTIFUL — DOJA CAT DOVES IN THE WIND — SZA FEAT. KENDRICK LAMAR YOU WANT IT BAD – CLUB KURU

19 | ROMANCE

ROMANCE | 20

UP DIRECTED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY OLIVIA CIGLIANO MODELED BY BLU

21 | YOURMAG

TO OUR NECKS

YOURMAG | 22

23 | YOURMAG

YOURMAG | 24

27 | YOURMAG

Twisted DIRECTED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY LILY WALSH STYLED BY LAUREN DILLOW MODELED BY LILY NELSON VANECIA NIAMOKO

Social Media Fashion making Trends S u s ta i n a b l e WRITTEN BY CAMRYN CIANCIA

C

ART BY ANDREA MÉNDEZ

sustainability.

This independent fashion house is based in Spain,

-

37 | STYLE

-

-

-

-

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wool to develop its own path in conscious manufactur-

fail to introduce the use of environmentally friendly ees.

the brand only produces what is in demand and shop-

doorstep for at least two months.

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stretch for most people.

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of the consumer and the planet.

made item from one of these brands, consider yourself YM STYLE | 38

Here comes the bride IN black

A

Sex and the City. Despite

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married in white, because of its implications of purity and to communicate that her

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The Knot

YM

39 | STYLE

WRITTEN BY ALEJANDRA CUELLAR ART BY ELIZABETH APPLE

STYLE | 40

The True Intentions Behind Cruel Intentions WRITTEN BY DERIN YILMAZ

ART BY JAMES SULLIVAN

I

n

Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and scandalCruel Intentions Seductive vs. Angelic nette. The chemistry between the two is built upon op-

Annette.

She’s All That, The Sweetest Thing, A Cinderella Story

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Cruel Intentions remains her favorite. The fashion is not only hind the characters and the story.

ductive playboy charm, and yet, they balance each other out.

Red as the Forecaster of Sex color palettes and styles for each character. She creates a contrast between the sinfully sophisticated step sibator-prey dynamic.

costumes. She dresses Cecile in a red, hooded sweatshirt

Opposite Colors Attract Femme Fatale vs. the Innocent Socialite At this moment, the two are in love. The introduction -

41 | STYLE

steps into her true self as she snorts cocaine out of her Hidden Corsets and Retro Sunglasses

Cruel Intentions and her mom, to earn their trust. She does this in a

YM and immediately unbuttons her blazer to reveal a salm-

STYLE | 42

Justin Donelly Works in Fashion’s Past for Fashion’s Future

WRITTEN BY JACOb BLUMENTHAL

ART BY HADLEY BREAULT

J

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tween other members of the archival fashion commu-

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Donelly corresponds with a team of enthusiasts who are dedicated to the preservation of historical, -

dismantle the ubiquitous intersperse of information, the embedded elitist hierarchy of fashion, and the se-

as materialism are because of his desire to introduce people to alternatives to fast fashion brands, a sector -

The archival community has been around for a Donelly now rarely buys retail, and if he does, val fashion pieces, for this was when brands and labels

that would otherwise be thrown away and contribute to to this waste, however.

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ty is on, more people start to buy secondhand. Archival Instagram -

ers, for ourselves, and for the craft. Donelly, his friends, fashion status quo. There has never been a more important time in our history for hobbies and activism to -

elation. consumption, and it ultimately lies on the public to vote -

he felt that it cheapened the appeal of the archive, he

consumers to aesthetes, who choose craftsmanship over -

this inevitable evolution.

YM.

Y.MP3 SONGS TO GET DRESSED TO PHOTO BY EMILY KING

YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING — LEO SAYER WATERLOO SUNSET — THE KINKS BOREDOM — TYLER THE CREATOR, REX ORANGE COUNTY AND ANNA OF THE NORTH BLIND — ROLE MODEL HEARTBREAKER — MARIAH CAREY FEAT. JAY-Z BOYFRIEND (REPEAT) — CONFIDENCE MAN IF LOOKS COULD KILL — LAUREN AQUILINA CHERRY RED — IDA MARIA QUEEN OF THIS SHIT — QUAY DASH POST THAT — LEIKELI47 BOSS — THE CARTERS RICH GIRL — GWEN STEFANI, EVE WTP — TEYANA TAYLOR, MYKKI BLANCO VERSACE HOTTIE — PRINCESS NOKIA FITNESS — LIZZO SET — CIARA DENIM JACKET — SAMMY RAE & THE FRIENDS PINK PONY CLUB — CHAPPELL ROAN DANCING ON MY OWN — ROBYN CRUEL SUMMER — TAYLOR SWIFT DON’T START NOW — DUA LIPA

WRITTEN BY CAMRYN CIANCIA PHOTO BY TALIA SMITH

47 | LIVING

NEVER CHANGE YOUR HAIR FOR A BOY

I

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boyfriend.

-

-

The Oscar Mayer heiress eventually left me be-

school house parties, now as a liberal arts student studyfashion. watched Lady Bird nearly every other day.

bleach my hair to platinum, a style choice that has YM LIVING | 48

GAP

HOODIES WRITTEN BY MARYCATHERINE NEAL ART BY EMILY KING

G one could tell me otherwise.

YM

49 | LIVING

LIVING | 50

FASHION SHOWS: DO’S AND DON’TS

WRITTEN BY TALIA SMITH

51 | LIVING

ART BY REBEKAH CZUKOSKI

T

America’s Next Top Model, very almost all memories of competition winners,

Making the Cut when it aired in early diverse

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ilar to ANTM

The conversation around misrepresentation in the ress made in the fashion industry to celebrate bodies, orientations, and identities of all sorts. But representation ANTM, Project Runway fashion competition show Next In Fashion seems unfath-

consider

Often, any model or contestant of televised fashion shows who presents other than the usual aforementioned

newest competition Next In Fashion does cast an array of -

plus-sized, queer, or non-white contestants on ANTM. NIF features a number of queer contestants, yet be-

-

all the show frames their technique, creative characteris-

-

within the show features a variety of model sizes that the -

-

Holland’s Next Top Model

a perpetuated misrepresentation of misunderstood mar-

style and physical attributes were frowned upon and distoshoots of her cishet counterparts was celebrated and

-

see some

ANTM

Project Runway aired, harm. YM

LIVING | 52

53 25 || LIVING STYLE

I BLEACHED MY EYEBROWS WRITTEN BY FRANCESCA POLISTINA ART BY ELIZABETH APPLE

I -

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YM

LIVING 54 Style || 26

Go-to Spring Outfits Art by Natasha Arnowitz

Some of the members of our editorial team and magazine contributors describe their ideal spring outfits

ral dresses, especially my blue Lacey Monterey Dress from

comfortable and feels very me.

FLOUR

DIRECTED BY LILLIAN COHEN PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNE WOODBURY MODELED BY BLU

DOLLHOUSE DIRECTED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAINA MILLSAP

MODELED BY GABRIELA PORTUGAL

THE (TIKTOK) DOCTOR IS IN

WRITTEN BY JESS FERGUSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY XINYI GAO

71 | LIVING

W

were focused on their sports teams, school,

not alone in this.

tients have the insurance and means to see a specialist, time can be an issue.

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@denverskindoc

-

-

-

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come in.

-

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tential brand deals, such as #ad or #sponsored. Also, do some research to ensure the products have favorable sures his sponsored content is worthwhile to his audience. er, for more serious or persistent concerns, an in-person YM

LIVING | 72

W

When Harry Met Sally ride.

middle school. Since then, she has become more comher. As a spectator, you are embarrassed, but for whom?

ly build the internal worlds of femme characters on -

and fart as they please, women are not.

-

hicle Lady Bird Bridesmaids, or overt avoidance. school when fettuccine alfredo put her in the fetal position. A particular point of contention for her on the ment.

She, however, understands the inherent comedy of the situation.

South Park Brooklyn -

rare occasions where an on-camera bowel evacuation

about in bathrooms and behind closed bedroom doors, YM

73 | LIVING

Where are the girls with stomach pain?

WRITTEN BY: ALTHEA CHAMPION PHOTOGRAPHY BY: EMILY KING

LIVING | 74

How Sisterhood Saved Me WRITTEN BY MARY GRACE PURSER ART BY NATASHA ARNOWITZ

T

Little Women.

My eldest sister Lauren is the obedient, ever so -

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put on by students and there was a character named -

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-

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another day.

My point is not merely that we resemble the characters, but that our dynamic and sisterhood is a com-

individual, the cherry on top.

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so they could protect us, but instead it resulted in spirsource of pain.

75 | LIVING

seen our parents slip away from reality and science, only

a place of despair and pity rather than the deep-root-

-

of us slowly deconstructed our beliefs and then became

ical transformation really stemmed from our promise to hold each other accountable to the belief that we should always remain critical and never complacent.

Many cannot say the same.

Perhaps it was the moments in between the confusion and the pain that weaved our little tapestry of sions, weird church member impersonations, and of course, Little Women Beth.

Little Women

and that title will always hold the utmost reverence to the four of us. ym LIVING | 76

Y.MP3 SONGS THAT REMIND YOU OF HOME ART BY NATASHA ARNOWITZ

BOSTON — AUGUSTANA SEND ME ON MY WAY — RUSTED ROOT AMERICAN PIE — DON MCLEAN BOSTON — DERMOT KENNEDY WALK ON THE WILD SIDE — LOU REED RIVERS AND ROADS — THE HEAD AND THE HEART GAP IN THE CLOUDS — YELLOW DAYS PINK PONY CLUB — CHAPPELL ROAN INTERSTATE LOVE SONG — STONE TEMPLE PILOTS CHELSEA DAGGER —THE FRATELLIS COME ON EILEEN — DEXYS MIDNIGHT RUNNERS TAKE THREE — JERRY FOLK DANG! — MAC MILLER (FEAT. ANDERSON .PAAK) LIMESTONE — MAGIC CITY HIPPIES I DON’T WANT TO BE — GAVIN DEGRAW BUTTERFLIES — KACEY MUSGRAVES SOS — ABBA BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS — FLEET FOXES SOAK UP THE SUN — SHERYL CROW SWEET VIRGINIA BREEZE — ROBBIN THOMPSON INTO THE MYSTIC — VAN MORRISON PUFF, THE MAGIC DRAGON — PETER, PAUL AND MARY BEFORE THE WORLD WAS BIG — GIRLPOOL REAL LOVE — BIG THIEF BIG SIS— SALES PLACE WE WERE MADE — MAISIE PETERS IN MY LIFE — THE BEATLES

77 | LIVING

LIVING | 78

turning 21 as a recovering alcoholic WRITTEN BY SOLEIL EASTON ART BY KAITLYN BECKMANN

T

-

with my doll. My eyes were drawn to the Alcohol continued to lure me in with empty -

would have on my life.

state. Alcohol was the answer to my problems, my best friend and my worst enemy.

needed alcohol

As the days of isolation continued, my hatred -

-

Adult Children of Alcoholic and Dysfunctional ers to heal the hurt that was buried beneath.

honest with them.

-

blazes blue, and the sun is a celebration of yellow.

Sobriety has been an uphill battle. Sometimes

have any friends?

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whenever you want may be a dream for some, but -

eties in my brain.

ships are there to deepen us, to remind us that we sleep, repeat.

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YM

A LOVE LETTER TO JIMMY CARTER WRITTEN BY MARY GRACE PURSER ART BY LILY WALSH

A

-

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and a picture of Carter at The Allman Brothers real. was. principles of compassion and an intrinsic value for ardent supporter of all types of love. The woman

ment for anyone who wants to meet him is simply

Carter deviates from the typical role model most

abides by his promise to spread his faith however nity to sit in on one of these sermons at Maranatha

Christian man who has served in politics. And yet,

States President preaches there twice a month.

sure to behold in this hellish landscape we call life,

nature of the church community who invited every-

man and his community was. There was no charade of perfection, or display of wealth and status. with such ease that is hard to come by. But quietly tions in the country.

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imprint will continue to live on within every individual who has been touched by his acts of charity and benevolence. YM

Your Not-S0-Scary Guide to

Donating Blood WRITTEN BY MADELYN MULREANEY

A

shows up on my Instagram

ART BY MADELYN MULREANEY

- March, many donors cancelled their appointments

donors were lost because blood centers could no lonblood supply is critically low internationally.

of supply.

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- your arrival at the donation center to your departure.

-

tion can be lifted entirely. blood, my sisters would not be alive. A lot of people all need to be that someone.

But what if I’m scared of needles?

can decide to stop at any point before then if you

barely feel it.

All this to be said, it would be inappropriate for

can.

-

community.

-

YM

men as people with penises and women as people

Pets are getting us through this WRITTEN BY MARIANNA POLETTI REYES ART BY NATASHA ARNOWITZ

L in Spanish.

PLOS One

earth that love their owners more than they love themselves.

investment in your happiness.

YM

my Last night in Boston...

“I’ll be spending all the time I can with my roommates. This is the last time we will all be together in Boston since two of us are graduating. I hope it involves Mario Kart and maybe one last cooked meal. Also maybe some outside time if the weather is nice.” — MaryCatherine Neal, Living Editor “A homemade pot pie and glasses of champagne to celebrate graduating from college!” — Lillian Cohen, Editor-in0Chief “Probably spend the night walking around the city with my friends before I have to move back home across the country.” — Anne O’Leary, Contributing Writer “Probably playing Bang! and Mario Kart with my roommates to celebrate/mourn the end of another year.” — Madelyn Mulreaney, Contributing Writer “I’ll definitely be spending it at my favorite jazz bar, The Beehive, hopefully locking eyes with a mysterious man in a leather jacket from across the room, marking the start of a beautifully chaotic romance … I’m clearly a hopeless romantic.” — Soleil Easton, Contributing Writer “Probably out celebrating my birthday since it falls right as we leave, taking one final walk to the Esplanade with my friends.” — Mary Grace Purser, Contributing Writer “I’ll probably be sitting and laughing in the Garden with my friends, procrastinating packing for as long as I possibly can.” — Jess Ferguson, Co-Copy Chief “Panic-packing and fitting in last minute quality time with my roommates and boyfriend.” — Katie Powers, Head Proofreader

87 | LIVING

Some of the members of our editorial team and magazine contributors give an insight of what their last night in boston will look like

LIVING | 88

PIZZA DIRECTED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY LILLIAN COHEN CO-DIRECTOR AND MODEL AMANDA HAMPTON

89 | YOURMAG

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YourMag Seniors

YMSeniors

97 | YOURMAG

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Lillian Cohen Editor-in-Chief 99 | YOURMAG

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Lily Walsh

101 | YOURMAG

Creative Director

YOURMAG | 102

103 | YOURMAG

MaryCatherine Neal Living Editor

YOURMAG | 104

Pallas Hayes

105 | YOURMAG

Asst. Photo Director

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107 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Influencer Means Actor WRITTEN BY DERIN YILMAZ

ART BY JAMES SULLIVAN

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. ym ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 108

THE CASE FOR ASMR

109 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WRITTEN BY GEORGIA HOWE

ART BY KAITLYN BECKMANNOE

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SCREAMING FOR CHANGE: PUNK AND METAL ACTIVISM

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of their eras, and as time went on, the music itself steadi-

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WRITTEN BY ALEXANDER VASSILOPOULOS ART BY REBEKAH CZUKOSKI

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music is everywhere and everybody can come see it, of all

heavy distortion and often macabre themes, metal evolved A powerful voice of metal activism is the band

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rius in support of positive mental health, these bands show YM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 112

Y.MP3 IF MY LIFE WAS A MOVIE MONTAGE PLAYLIST PHOTO BY EMILY KING

START ME UP — THE ROLLING STONES O GREEN WORLD — GORILLAZ BACK IN BLACK — AC/DC YOU SEXY THING — ZELLA DAY AN HONEST MAN — FANTASTIC NEGRITO WAKE AND BAKE — FLEECE COOL COLORADO — LA FEMME BITTER RIVALS — SLEIGH BELLS NEW YORK GROOVE — ACE FREHLEY NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN — FLEETWOOD MAC I DISAGREE — POPPY TEAR YOU APART — SHE WANTS REVENGE GOOD TIME GIRL — SOFI TUKKER I’M IN LOVE WITH U, SORRY — J’SAN WATCH ME SHINE — JOANNA PACITTI BITTER SWEET SYMPHONY — THE VERVE HAYLOFT — MOTHER MOTHER 6 WEEKS — BEACH BUNNY FEEL GOOD INC. — GORILLAZ UNDER THE TABLE — FIONA APPLE TAKING PICTURES OF YOU — THE KOOKS DREAMS TONITE — ALVVAYS DEVIL’S ADVOCATE – THE NEIGHBOURHOOD HOLY TERRAIN – FKA TWIGS, FUTURE RAWNALD GREGORY ERICKSON THE SECOND – STRFKR

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Princess Diaries:

The Quintessential Comfort Movie

E

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The Princess Diaries 2: Royal En-

screenplay, The Princess Diaries series has continued to be

gagement relationship practically birthed our dear “enemies to -

The Princess Diaries

and sentimentality, many still label the series as child-

fond displays of womanhood that have made it such a beloved movie.

The Princess Diaries’ charm entiated Mia from other female leads was her authentic

we not allow ourselves to relish in the simple pleasure vide them a sort of catharsis they so desperately need

because a movie is predictable or immature, does not -

cool. After all, she was a lit-

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The Princess Diaries is a treasure, and its popularity 20 YM 115 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WRITTEN BY MARY GRACE PURSER ART BY OLIVIA CIGLIANO

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eriod pieces are fan favorites for their aesthetics,

on why they may feel that way and where they can

innate curiosity.

“People are interested in their ancestors and their

especially when it comes to race.

areas, such as the costumes in Little Women or Pride and Prejudice

confused.

Bridgerton and musicals Hamilton into these roles without any question of accuracy or suitability.

Little Women

The Little Mermaid because Ariel is portrayed as and voiced by a white woman.

Bridgerton

solid start for how we should approach these types of media.

Cooper believes that this type of seamless dynamics of these pieces of media shift.

YM

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Goodbye to “Historically Inaccurate” WRITTEN BY JESS FERGUSON ART BY NATASHA ARNOWITZ

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WRITTEN BY DERIN YILMAZ PHOTO BY EMILY KING

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Guilty as charged: I stIll watch riverdale

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that is Riverdale season of Riverdale Riverdale is the love child of Archie Comics and David Twin Peaks, which initially attracted me to the

season, with a new murderer on the loose and the town

Riverdale

The Suite Life of Zack

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Riverdale lost its creative direction and some of its audience when the

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& Cody.

apartment.

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rious and possibly paranormal case that seems to involve Riverdale Riverdale ma, The X-Files Riverdale

Riverdale The best part about the show is still, without a

Twin Peaks Grease

Diner Riverdale. YM YOURMAG | 120

The EFFY

Effect WRITTEN BY AMANDA HAMPTON ART BY FRANCESCA POLISTINA

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F

position where she needed to be saved by a love interest.

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Stonem of Skins as a patron saint.

of Skins, this portrayal points to a worrisome correlation -

squarely in her desirability.

Skins fan, says that cre-

that they were deep, mysterious, and worthy of obsession.

Skins her

connection to the character.

Because of the increased awareness of mental

wanted to be. Mental illness was romanticized all over Tumblr the same way it was in Skins, so you wanted to

Euphoria Euphoria, while not entirely based in reality, portrays the low lows of addiction and Euphoria

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she became an aesthetic more than a three-dimensional character, and her host of very real issues (addiction,

Skins was revolutionary in its full-steam approach Skins for

This becomes especially evident when shown Skins s

serious issues more responsibly. YM

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Guilty Pleasures Who is watching?

Amanda Hampton — Arts & Entertainment Editor

Ileana Perez — Asst.

Head Designer

Jess Ferguson — CoCopy Chief

watched the After movies.

watch Degrassi so my parents

earned money, to rent After 2

bly not appropriate for a

entertainment, and my is super-soapy dystopian teen dramas, especially The 100.

Does the pilot feature a mon-

did with most of my middle school obsessions, but here

and fun, and it actually has really bad movie. recommend.

123 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

to relive your middle school days (without braces this -

Some of the members of our editorial team and magazine contributors let us know their tv and movie guilty pleasures

MaryCatherine Neal — Living Editor America’s Next Top Model. But let me be

Neeka Boroumandi — Marketing Director

Katie Powers — Head Proofreader season of Summer House non-Covid times, the show follows a house of semi-

to watch Keeping up with the Kardashians puter because someone was and so messy. This season is even messier because the reason, it would capture my now and then because someone ate your food from the

about mundane situations

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 124

I

tice board at a local restaurant, then Derry Girls is -

- my mom calls it, and it was because much of the Derry Girls was created and tween Catholic nationalists and Protestant unionists came to the realization that the perfect scene for the -

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ry evolved. self, many of the characteristics of the critically acclaimed series remain uncanny to the daily acts of -

-

main focus of Derry Girls yet rebellious teen. She writes each of their roles their hands. More often than not, your mother catchhousehold is devoted to the Catholic church, in case - relatable, but timeless. YM

GROWING UP DERRY WRITTEN BY LAUREN SURBEY ART BY HADLEY BREAULT

Gamestop

Written by Althea Champion art by chloe williams

EXPLAINED BY MY FRIENDS DAD

I

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as call options, that predicted a certain value of the

to write articles about them for various me-

which it most often was, those who sold the option

they were undervalued and sell when overvalued.

-

that at the very least they have a couple of years bits of his shares on the way to the top until he

-

their shares.

mortar company. ers to buy to cover their position, so the price will

-

these situations.

To reiterate his previous intention, from which he has somewhat strayed but still stayed true short. companies you trust. YM

Y.MP3

THE SPRING BREAK THAT GOT AWAY MR. BLUE SKY–ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA WOULD YOU BE SO KIND–DODIE I SAW HER STANDING THERE–THE BEATLES STICKS AND STONES–THE ZOMBIES UNWRITTEN–NATASHA BEDINGFIELD ME AND JULIO DOWN BY THE SCHOOLYARD–PAUL SIMON ROLLERCOASTER–BLEACHERS FIVE YEARSTIME–NOAH AND THE WHALE STRAWBERRY WINE–LEMONDROP WALK BACKWARDS–MAUDE LATOUR WE’RE GOOD–DUA LIPA HOT SUGAR–GLASS ANIMALS TROPICANA–VANILLA GORILLA CANDY WRAPPERS–SUMMER SALT WAY IT GOES–HIPPO CAMPUS OK–WALLOWS AL OESTE–JUANA MOLINA SEX TOURISTS–FRENCH KICKS MARILYN FT. MICACHU–MOUNT KIMBIE

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ART BY XINYI GAO

PEACH FUZZ–CAAMP LA MEG–OKAY KAYA DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE–THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS EL DESIERTO–LHASA DE SELA I’LL BE AROUND–FOG LAKE OOM SHA LA LA–HALEY HEYNDERICKX ON MELANCHOLY HILL–GORILLAZ HEAVEN OR LAS VEGAS–COCTEAU TWINS ONE DANCE–DRAKE MIA–BAD BUNNY WORK–RIHANNA WOO!–REMI WOLF CALIFORNIA–CHILDISH GAMBINO LUCID DREAMS–ST. BEAUTY STRAWBERRY MOON–STRANGE WEATHER GIVING UP THE GUN–VAMPIRE WEEKEND SUNSET PLAZA–MACKENZIE MORRIS

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The Problem with Promising Young Woman

Written by madelyn mulreaney art by xinyi xu

CW: This piece discusses violence against women and sexual assault as well as reveals spoilers

F

rom the moment I first saw the trailer for Promising Young Woman, I was hooked. I was so excited to see the film that I didn’t even mind shelling out $20 to watch it On-Demand; however, that purchase was a lot harder to justify after actually having watched the movie.

The trailer promised me that at least one would-be rapist was going to die, but instead, I watched Carey Mulligan’s Cassie give men some stern talking-tos for an hour and fifty-four minutes, only to watch her get brutally murdered in the finale. I couldn’t help but feel like I had been tricked. What was the sense in taking so much time to make the movie seem like a feminist film, only for the last thirty minutes to completely tank all of those themes by killing off the main character?

To say the movie left a bad taste in my mouth would be an understatement, and all I wanted to do was warn people to change their expectations before watching it.

Promising Young Woman did have some things going for it—namely, the brilliant artistic choices made throughout the film, such as the cinematography and the setting.

The film had a gorgeous color palette that juxtaposed against the sometimes-horror movie, sometimes-bubblegum pop score and soundtrack.

The use of blues and pinks both in the lighting design and the set & wardrobe subtly communicated gender and power dynamics throughout the film, making the woman-centered themes foundational to the storytelling.

The movie also showcased actors that are typically cast as gentle male characters to play

on the audience’s preconceived notions of the ‘nice guy’ archetype, in order to drive home the film’s criticism of how any guy could become violent. Emerson alum Gina York gushed about these casting choices, saying, “Adam Brody usually plays such sweethearts!

So, when I was watching the movie, I remember texting my friend and saying, ‘Adam Brody’s not going to assault her, right!?’ because I couldn’t believe that Adam Brody could do it.”

Despite the good things happening in production, the film’s first set of flaws appear in the execution of Cassie’s revenge plans. Cassie’s outlandish idea of revenge was to inflict as much trauma onto others as what was inflicted upon her and her childhood best friend Nina while in college, which is fundamentally troubling.

“I have a lot of ethical problems with the movie,” said Laura Abell, a junior social work major at Millersville University. “You can’t solve violence and harassment with more violence and harassment.”

However, the film fails to properly condemn Cassie’s problematic response—and since the only ‘justice’ we really see Cassie execute is through causing trauma to others, the film isn’t putting out a positive message about this reaction.

My particular issue with Cassie’s revenge is that she only manages to actually inflict trauma onto other women, which is counterproductive to the seemingly feminist message of the film. There’s no justification for letting Madison, played by Alison Brie, believe that she had been assaulted for half the film just because she had perpetuated rape culture, nor was there any reason to kidnap a minor and then lead a woman to believe that her daughter was going to get gang-raped by a pack of college boys. Those

actions were inexcusable and failed to address the culture that taught these women to give rapists the benefit of the doubt in the first place. For this reason, I don’t think Cassie’s character was a feminist, nor do I think her form of revenge was in any way empowering to watch.

The ending of the film has clearly been the most divisive part of the story—and for good reason. Killing off the main character in a movie is a bold choice, but depicting a very long, very graphic murder of an otherwise-powerful woman is a completely new level of horror.

Cassie’s on-screen murder lasted for two and a half minutes—the actual amount of time it would take to suffocate someone to death using a pillow—which was unnecessarily triggering for myself and many other viewers. Abell said that this scene left her upset and unsatisfied with the film as a whole. “It was a little inappropriate to show the whole murder. The guys didn’t get tortured at all, but when we get to Cassie’s death, [the director] decides to milk that scene. It was excessive.”

The setting and shooting of the scene also made Cassie’s murder particularly difficult to stomach; by setting the scene on a bed, combined with Al using his physical dominance to trap Cassie while he smothers her to death, the scene visually parallelled a rape scene, which was an especially gruesome choice.

So much of the movie was exaggerated, so for the most grounded scene to showcase a woman getting brutalized, I couldn’t get on board.

There are too many movies made by men that already do this, so I didn’t need a female director to give me the same content. Especially not when the conclusion to the film was unsatisfactory and left justice unserved since the rest of the film proved how ineffective the justice system is at protecting women and holding everyone that was involved accountable.

In an already exaggerated film, I just wanted to see the woman beat the bad guy and walk away from the fight.

Ultimately, my main problem with Promising Young Woman boils down to the marketing of the film. It was advertised as a feminist revenge film, and while the story was certainly

female-oriented, there’s something distinctly anti-feminist in creating yet another thriller where women are abused and degraded on-screen. I went into this film expecting to find catharsis from the everyday nightmare that is rape culture, and instead, I was forced to watch a woman get graphically murdered by a rapist. I didn’t want or need to see that, and I’m not sure if anyone else did, either.

The women that this movie had been advertised to certainly didn’t need to be reminded that most men could probably physically overpower and kill us if they really felt like it. The story is too female-centered to appeal to a male audience, but the message is lost in the echo-chamber of women for whom the threat (and execution) of male violence is already an inescapable reality.

The trailer refers to the film as “a delicious new take on revenge” and I simply can’t agree, unless that “new take” is that Cassie never actually gets revenge. “She never completes her quest to get revenge—she wasn’t given any justice in the end!

[Al getting arrested] wasn’t enough to call this a revenge movie,” said Abell, who was shocked to hear how the movie has been advertised.

However, Gina York did not have an issue with the film’s marketing strategy. “If [marketing the film as a revenge thriller] is what’s going to bring new people to see the movie, then I think it was a great choice,” said York. I was duped by the trailers and walked away from the movie needing to talk to any and everyone about the ending. In this way, York was right; the misleading advertising sparked conversations about violence against women and what justice for survivors of male violence should be.

There’s no doubt that the movie was a social commentary, but it wasn’t about exacting revenge, and it wasn’t cathartic for the women watching it; for that reason alone, I take issue with the advertising. If you’re hoping to watch an actual feminist revenge film on your next movie night, opt for Jennifer’s Body instead of Promising Young Woman. This is not to say that Promising Young Woman isn’t worth watching, but I can’t in good conscience recommend anyone sees the film without a crucial trigger warning. YM

YM ADVISES Favorite Books to Read Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney - Lily Walsh, Creative Director I’m not a huge reader so I need something that will keep me coming back, and this book has so many unexpected twists that kept me engaged. Would highly recommend it if you like psychological thrillers!

Flower Children by Maxine Swann - Lillian Cohen, Editor in Chief Reading about the gaggle of children, raised by their free-range hippie parents, makes me nostalgic about my own childhood, as if I had lived it myself. Short but slow and sweet.

The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides -

Section Editor

MaryCatherine Neal, Living

As much as I hate the term, this book is an actual page-turner. Non-stop thrills and twists.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn -

Jess Ferguson, Co-Copy Chief

was curious to read the book it was based on, especially because I’m a fan of Gillian Flynn’s other books. I’d recommend it for people who like slow-burning mysteries, especially if you liked Gone Girl, which is also by Flynn.

Normal People by Sally Rooney - Emily King, Photo Director I read this book in a period of two days because I couldn’t put it down. The writing was so real and relatable, and yes, I did cry. The book centers around the themes of toxic relationships, abuse, friendship, codependence, and more. I would say it’s a fast-paced read, so if you like those, you’re in a reading slump, or looking for a genuinely good book, I would recommend it!

133 | YOURMAG

Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh -

Proofreader

Katie Powers, Head

Hyperbole and a Half and became enthralled with how she writes stories with accompanying images. Both of her books draw from her life and are equal measure sweet and hilarious. She tackles bigger issues like dealing with depression, but always does so in a way that is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.

Bluets by Maggie Nelson - Talia Smith, Managing Editor I’ve recently gotten back into reading poetry, and Maggie Nelson has a certain way of explaining such seemingly menial things and making them stick. This book is centered around her idea of and experiences with the color blue throughout her life. It’s a quick read, really easy to carry around, and made me cry multiple times.

Vagina by Naomi Wolf — Olivia Cigliano, Style Editor

tural synthesis about the connection between the vagina and the decision making, and overall way we approach life. I realized the lack of sexual education that centers female anatomy and pleasure is pretty systemically oppressive, as well as the cultural indifference to female orgasm.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness -

A&E Editor

Amanda Hampton,

me in so far. I love a good dystopian drama, and this one is unique, both in terms of its premise and the way it’s written.

It’s action-packed and a little weird, and features a dog as a main character, which is a plus in my book. There’s a movie adaptation coming out soon starring Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, so I’m looking forward to seeing that after reading the book.

Little Weirds by Jenny Slate - Laura Philips, YMTV Co-Director I have always loved Jenny Slate as an actress and comedian, but I did not expect her book to hit me in such an emoso resemble love letters, as well as frustration letters, to the little things in life. It’s written so whimsically but also with a very realistic sense about how heavy existence can feel and the things we need to do or tell ourselves to feel better about it.

YOURMAG | 134

Personality quiz 1. What’s your go-to Starbucks drink?

A. Latte B. Matcha C. Cold brew with oat milk D. Pink drink 2. How would you describe your style?

A. Grungy B. Cottagecore C. Grandpa but make it cute D. Bright and funky 3. Where do you go to cry?

A. Just my room B. The Esplanade C. The shower D. I don’t cry 4. What new album did you listen to in quarantine?

A. Fiona Apple: Fetch the Bolt Cutters B. Taylor Swift: folklore & evermore C. Phoebe Bridgers: Punisher D. Gracie Abrams: minor

135 | YOURMAG

5. What’s your go-to Emerson dining place?

A. El Jefe’s Taqueria B. Tatte C. Garbanzo D. Blaze Pizza What element is your zodiac sign?

A. Air B. Earth C. Water D. Fire What’s your favorite pair of shoes?

A. Docs B. Converse C. Mary Janes D. Air Force 1s

Mostly As = St. Vincent

Mostly Bs = Mitski

Mostly Cs = Julien Baker

Mostly Ds = Maude Latour

YOURMAG | 136

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What motivates you to take photos?

each one.

What’s your favorite part of photography?

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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

means so much for me to be able use it as a creative outlet.

Who inspires you? to try and develop.

When do you feel the most creative?

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ARTIST STATEMENT: Savannah Berkeland

Tell us about your most recent project!

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Kim’s Convenience

Seren Cho, Assistant

The Wilds

Derry Girls -

Art by Natasha Arnowitz

Shows You Love To Stream

The Handmaid’s Tale

The Queen’s Gambit -

ARTIST STATEMENT

DEVON VONDER SCHMALZ

How did you pick the name “Dev Lemons?”

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Have you always been interested in music? What’s your background in it?

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is an option.

Y.MP3 NOT SO SAD RAINY DAY

NAKED AS WE CAME — IRON & WINE HEADSTONES AND LAND MINES — LIZZY MCALPINE SHE — DODIE CAUSE U MISSED ME — MARLEE MICHIGAN — THE MILK CARTON KIDS BEST FRIEND — LAUFEY SIDE EFFECTS — JOSEPH CONSIDER ME — ALLEN STONE WATERMELON — NOAH GUNDERSEN GRASS STAINS — LAURA ELLIOTT SO HOT YOU’RE HURTING MY FEELINGS — SQUIRREL FLOWER MARGERY, MY FIRST CAR — VULFPECK NGUI YI — BLICK BASSY PEOPLE CAN’T STOP CHILLIN’ — SPORTS BABY BLUE — SEAN W SPELLMAN DREAMS (TAKE 2) — FLEETWOOD MAC DIFFERENT THIS TIME — CORNELIA MURR I’M SLEEPIN’ IN — KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD BABY — BRITTANY HOWARD COSMIC FREEWAY — YEEK, MAX OF HOMESTEAD SUDDENLY — DRUGDEALER, WEYES BLOOD MY ANGEL — ADRIANNE LENKER THE BUG COLLECTOR — HALEY HEYNDERICKX WHITE DAISY PASSING — ROCKY VOTOLATO PALE BLUE EYES — THE VELVET UNDERGROUND I’M ON FIRE — SOCCER MOMMY A CASE OF YOU — JONI MITCHELL

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