Alice Vol. 5 No. 1

POCO A POCO 

A cancer survivor’s story of healing 

one step at a time 

THE SORRY REFLEX 

What are we apologizing for? 

FASHION: SUSTAINABILITY 

How to save money and the 

environment 

Your vision. Your life. 

Your future. 

$5.99 Vol.5 No.1 

The University of Alabama | Winter 2020

Cover Photo 

Photographer: 

Sam MacDonald 

Model: 

Eryn Cade 

This Page 

Photographer: 

Abbey Paucke 

Model: 

Abigail Beckham

Letter from the Editor 

Volume 5 

Issue 1 

In real life, empowerment doesn’t always 

look like the confident model gracing our cover. 

Sometimes an empowering moment is a whisper in 

the dark — a quiet victory that is all your own. 

The production of this issue pushed me past 

my comfort zone and forced me to question my 

abilities as a journalist, as a leader, and as a 

person. This edition was a huge undertaking at 

the start with a looming deadline and an almost - 

completely new editorial staff. My lofty goals for 

extending distribution locations, improving online 

engagement, and further clarifying our publication’s 

mission left me in unfamiliar territory. 

Every new project and deadline was another 

brick in the wall that stood between me and my 

goals, but it was watching my fearless editors tackle 

each new task with excitement that prevented me 

from giving up. My own empowerment didn’t come 

in the form of a mighty roar. Rather, I was inspired 

by the smallest whisper, pushing me forward. It 

was in these amazing women that I found my voice 

again. These are the same women who helped mold 

the diverse perspectives we explore in this issue as 

we strive to be as inclusive as possible on our road 

to empowerment. 

On the web: 

alice.ua.edu 

@alicethemag 

pinterest.com/alicemagazine 

When you read this issue I hope you can see 

all the hard work our amazing staff has put into it 

and how we’ve drawn inspiration from the past five 

years to create a revised mission statement for the 

publication Alice is becoming. I hope this issue can 

be a reminder to find inspiration in the past, and in 

each other, and to draw from daily life to feel truly 

empowered. 

Contact us: 

alicemagazine.editor@gmail.com 

Editorial and Advertising offices for Alice Magazine are located at 

414 Campus Drive East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. 

The mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. 

Phone: (205) 348-7257. 

Alice is published by the Office of Student Media 

at The University of Alabama. 

All content and design are produced by students 

in consultation with professional staff advisers. 

All material contained herein, except advertising or where 

indicated otherwise, is copyrighted © 2019 by Alice magazine. 

Material herein may not be reprinted without the 

expressed, written permission of Alice magazine. 

Saige Rozanc-Petski 

Alice Winter 2020 1

The 

Faces 

of Alice 

2 Alice Winter 2020 


Alice’s Mission Statement 

Alice is a publication by college women for college women, brought to you by a 

hardworking staff of University of Alabama students. Alice began in 2015 as the 

brainchild of a collaborative meeting between faculty and students who decided 

we have enough material about Big Al, “so let’s make it about Alice.” 

Editorial 

Editor in Chief Saige Rozanc-Petski 

Creative Director A’Neshia Turner 

Art Director Sarah Lumpkin 

Photo Editor Sam MacDonald 

Managing Editor Meg McGuire 

Event Coordinator Sarah Kimbell Stephenson 

Fashion Editor Evan Edwards 

Beauty Editor Kali Sturgis 

Lifestyle Editor Annie Hollon 

Food and Health Editor Kenzie Beach 

Entertainment Editor Meghan Mitchell 

Digital Editor Ashby Brown 

Social Media Editor Erica Howie & Gabby Dicarlo 

Online Editor Tegan Goodson 

Newsletter Editor Sarah Kimbell Stephenson 

Market Editor Annie Stone 

Contributing Writers 

Christine Thompson, Katie Nethery, Emie Garrett, 

Caroline Ward, Emma Wilson, Anika Nowak, Lindsey 

Wilkinson, Gabrielle Sirois, Julia Service, Angelica 

Zdzienicki, Meg Mcguire, SK Stephenson, Cat 

Clinton, Peyton Ashley King, Evan Edwards, Jennafer 

Bowman, Rachel Stern, Maddie Stevens, Morgan 

Harris, Hannah Taylor 

Contributing Designers 

Blythe Markel, Sophia Ancira 

Models 

Heather Whitset, Tanner Bramlett, Piper Pochkowski, 

Amaya McClain, Brody Southern, Abigail Beckham, 

Daisy Ford, Donnamy Steele, Emily Benito, Sarah 

Hartsell, Imani Hardy, Veronica Martinez, Kirklin 

Abercrombie, Allison Hayes, Destini Davis, Jennafer 

Bowman, Sophia Sarrett, Savannah Zellers, Madison 

Lawson, Carne Grace Guy, Jordan Watkins, Katie 

Evans, Camden Ferreira, Alexus Cumbie, Eryn Cade, 

Kirsten Bell 

Hair and Makeup 

Hanna Fridriksson, Leah Jackson, Donnamy Steele, 

Kali Sturgis, Christine Thompson, Sarah Tucker, 

Natalie Vande Linde 

Advisers 

Editorial Mark Mayfield (msmayfield1@ua.edu) 

Advertising Julie Salter (julie.salter@ua.edu) 

Published by UA Office of Student Media 

Interim Director Traci Mitchell 

Alice is bold, yet inclusive as an accessible source for all things encapsulated in 

the college lifestyle. We cover fashion, beauty, entertainment, food & health, and 

lifestyle for college women but also serious issues young women face like the 

gender wage gap and sexual health. Because college women are more than what 

we wear and what we look like, but also how we feel, what we think, and the future 

we want to build. 

Alice is a next generation women’s magazine, emphasizing the ability women have to support each other 

and focus on the positives and potential. Alice is every woman. She is every skin tone, every shape, every 

voice and every idea. When she walks into a room, she makes a grand entrance. When she departs, she 

leaves each place better than how she found it. She graces this world with love, color and sound, and 

harnesses the power of words and images to ignite a celebration of collegiate womanhood, in all its 

layered, diverse complexity. She encourages community and empowerment. A best friend to everyone. 

All of the women featured in Alice are 100 percent unretouched because we believe in the beauty every 

college woman already possesses. 

Contributing Photographers 

Abbey Paucke, Hannah Saad, Kasandra Boor, 

Arayana Wooley, Katie Nethery, Scarlet VanMeter, 

Jaiden Tatum, Sarah Hartsell, Johana Chavez, Ashley 

King, Rebecca Martin 

Though we do focus on college women, our belief of inclusivity extends far beyond 

the content we produce. We want everyone and anyone to feel like they can pick 

up our magazine and enjoy — there are no rules for having fun at Alice! 



Table of 

Contents 

BEAUTY 

10 

16 

18 

26 

ENTERTAINMENT 

32 

35 

38 

40 

42 

LIFESTYLE 

48 

51 

54 

57 

THE KINK IN MY HAIR 

HAIR INGREDIENTS 

BOLD BEAUTY FOR YOUR 

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 

ANDROGYNOUS BEAUTY 

PODCASTING CALL 

MONEY TALKS, LET’S SPEAK UP 

THAT’S WHAT SHE WROTE 

COURAGE, COMEDIANS, CANCEL 

CULTURE 

IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY THIS 

OVERCOMING OVERCOMMITMENT 

GET CUFFED: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO 

SEASONAL FLINGS 

ORGANIZATION FOR THE “DISORGANIZED” 

SORRY REFLEX 

FEATURES 

61 

64 

72 

FASHION 

76 

78 

79 

85 

86 

88 

92 

95 

SUSTAINABLY FAD-ULOUS 

THE NEW APPROACH TO FASHION: 

MINDFUL THRIFTING 

THRIFT FLIP 

HOW TO NAVIGATE ONLINE THRIFT 

STORES 

HIT OR MISS: PLUS SIZE THRIFTING 

THE STAPLES: A STYLE GUIDE 

VINTAGE CLOTHES STILL HAVE LIFE 

TO GIVE 

WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY 

FOOD & HEALTH 

99 

102 

104 

POCO A POCO 

INSTA-MAGIC CITY 

ALEXUS CUMBIE 

LESS DIETING, MORE LIVING 

MENTAL HEALTH: SOCIAL MEDIA 

STANDARDS 

HOW TO DETOX YOUR SOCIAL 

MEDIA FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH 



BEAUTY 

None of the images of women in this 

issue have been retouched. 

10 

16 

18 

26 

THE KINK IN MY HAIR 

HAIR INGREDIENTS 

BOLD BEAUTY FOR YOUR 

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 

ANDROGYNOUS BEAUTY 

8 Alice Winter Fall 2019 2020 


The Kink In My Hair 

By Christine Thompson 

In a world where beauty is seemingly defined by 

those with influence, we often see black women left out of 

the conversation. In modern-day America, black hair has 

been regulated, criticized, and more recently, politicized. 

While other non-black women have the luxury of wearing 

their natural locks without a second thought, for us, 

it is daring to “bare it all” in a public place, let alone a 

professional environment. This dynamic has robbed 

black girls of their sense of freedom, and the right to exist 

in their natural state without fear of criticism. 

That said, we have made great strides in the beauty 

community regarding representation for natural hair. 

Most recently, the current titleholders of three of the 

major pageant systems in the country, Miss USA, Miss 

America, and Miss Teen USA, are all black women – 

making pageant history. Miss USA and Miss Teen USA 

won their respective national pageants with their natural 

curls. 

As I can attest, this was a monumental win for black 

women who compete in pageants everywhere. This win, 

for us, meant representation in the pageant community 

– a community which has maintained strict, European 

beauty standards. 

Additionally, in the mainstream beauty community, 

we have seen major campaigns featuring natural hair 

from brands like Ulta, Dove, Covergirl, and Pantene. With 

prominent celebrities like Janelle Monae, Zendaya, and 

Lupita NYong’o, and other black models and celebrities 

sporting their natural hair on multiple international 

beauty campaigns, the natural hair movement is taking 

the beauty community by storm. 

With recent incidents involving young, black school 

girls and adult professionals being criticized for their 

natural hair in academic and workplace settings, we must 

recognize the white majority’s resistance to the natural 

hair movement. Though we might be making strides 

in the beauty community, we are still fighting an uphill 

battle in workplace and educational environments. This 

is not to discount the success we have made in achieving 

some level of representation in the beauty industry, but 

the fight is continuing in other aspects of our lives as well. 

“I think a lot of people are 

like, ‘Oh, I love that ethnic hair 

on a black woman,’ but do they 

necessarily think it’s beautiful and 

value it? I don’t think so. I don’t think 

so at all.” 



Junior, Kenya Harris, is the public relations chair of Blend 

— a diverse and inclusive organization on campus that seeks to, 

“promote genuine intercultural relationships,”and a member 

of the Black Scholars program. We had an honest conversation 

about outside perceptions of natural hair in our society and what 

it means to her. 

“I think a lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I love that ethnic hair 

on a black woman,’ but do they necessarily think it’s beautiful 

and value it? I don’t think so. I don’t think so at all.” 

When the conversation shifted to representation in the 

beauty community, Harris provided some illuminating insight 

that is most often overlooked when we talk about black hair 

representation. 

“There needs to be more representation for black hair in the 

beauty industry, but also a focus on 4c hair specifically, because 

I think there’s been more representation for natural hair as a 

whole, but it’s the 3c loose, mixed girl, light brite curls. And most 

black women don’t have that.” 

Harris’s words ring true for a lot of black women. When 

we see only a certain type of natural hair represented, it feels 

like a compromise between the beauty industry and the black 

community: ‘here, we’ll give you representation, but only our 

acceptable, palatable, version of it.’ 

A commonly shared experience amongst black women is the 

desire to have straighter hair when they were younger. Though 

many girls with curly hair had this experience, for black girls, it 

goes deeper than just wanting what other people have. Natural 

hair has played a significant role in black history throughout the 

generations and was even used as a form of rhetoric resistance 

for the pro-black movement during the Civil Rights Era. With 

this historical context, this widespread desire of young black 

girls to have straighter hair has serious implications. 

Caitlin Jones, a history and Spanish double major , and 

member of the Pre-law Student Association commented on her 

own journey with her natural hair 

“Honestly when I was a kid, I begged my mom for a perm, 

and she would not put one in my head...I just kind of thought it 

was the thing to do. I didn’t see a lot of representation...When it 

was advertised it was always about taming or straightening it in 

a way,” said Jones. 

Jones’s experience challenges us to reflect on what we 

mean specifically when we talk about black hair representation. 

While there is nothing wrong with black girls wearing their hair 

straight, if it is the only black hair representation black girls 

see, it is still delivering a negative message. Simply pushing for 

black hair representation is not enough — for black girls, it is 

important that we demand to see accurate depictions of black 

women in every state we exist in: natural. 



14 Alice Winter 2020 Alice Winter 2020 15

Hair Ingredients 

By Katie Nethery 

So, how do you avoid all these harmful ingredients? 

The best way is to do your research and read labels. 

Whenever you’re shopping, make sure to turn the 

bottle around and keep an eye out for these ingredients. 

Opting for a more natural product will not only be 

better for you, but it can last longer, too. 

We all have those days where our hair doesn’t look 

or feel its best. There are millions of hair products on 

the market from treatment masks, deep conditioners 

and oils, but do these products actually help or hurt our 

hair? 

Next time you go to reach for your favorite leave 

in conditioning spray, turn it around and read the 

ingredients list. Chances are, if you can’t read the names 

of the ingredients, they’re hurting instead of helping. 

Ingredients that can hurt your hair are parabens, 

glycols, silicone, sulfates, alcohol, and heavy perfumes. 

Alcohol & Sulfates: 

Glycols & Parabens: 

1 

2 

Parabens are used to prolong shelf life, but can possibly 

contribute to breast cancer according to certain studies. 

Cyclosiloxanes have also gained attention for links to 

breast cancer and endocrine system disruption. 

Perfumes: 

Natural oils such as coconut, avocado, jojoba, and 

argan help to strengthen the hair and nourish the scalp. 

It might sound contradicting, but they can also help to 

reduce oil buildup at the root. By reducing breakage, 

your hair will feel thicker and look stronger. You can 

also use essential oils in your everyday hair routine as 

well. 

Almond and rosemary oils help to soothe, 

moisturize, and increase circulation to the scalp; 

cedarwood and jojoba oils stimulate the scalp for hair 

growth; chamomile, coconut, and argan oils nourish, 

add shine and softness. 

Next time you’re reaching for your go-to hair 

products, stop and consider a more natural alternative. 

Steering clear of harmful ingredients will keep your 

hair happy and healthy, while making you feel more 

confident. 

1 

2 

Look out for products that claim to be deep 

cleaning or purifying. 

Can strip your hair of its natural oils leading to 

dry and brittle hair. 

1 

2 

Heavy perfumes in shampoos and conditioners can 

actually irritate the scalp and leave you begging for 

relief. 

Can make your hair dry, your scalp itchy, or even burn 

your scalp. 

3 

Will cause your scalp to overproduce protective 

oils which is why you can go from fresh, clean hair 

at night, to a greasy mess in the morning. 



Bold Beauty for Your Enneagram 

Type By Emie Garrett 

Introduction: 

“So, what’s your type?” The Enneagram has exploded 

in popularity within the last couple of years, sparking 

hundreds of books, blogs, and social media accounts to be 

devoted solely to helping readers discover and understand 

their “type.” 

If you’re unfamiliar with this phenomenon, here’s a 

quick run down: According to The Enneagram Institute, 

the Enneagram is a system of personality classification that 

describes the patterns in which we understand the world 

and manage our emotions. The Enneagram consists of nine 

personality types, with no number ranking higher than 

another. While it is common to identify with characteristics 

of each type, we each have a “basic personality type,” which 

is the type that we identify closest with — and once you find 

your type, the accuracy is surprising. 

The Enneagram is a tool that can help you attain a 

better understanding of not only your emotions and driving 

motivations but also gives you a little more insight into the 

motivations of others. 

With this season’s beauty being unapologetically bold 

and colorful, there are endless looks to choose from. If 

you’re anything like me (indecisive Type Six here!), you may 

need some help deciding what looks you should try first; 

thankfully, the Enneagram is here to help! 

If you’re looking for the neutral earth-tones that 

typically dominate fall fashion, you’re not going to find 

it this year. Designers have turned their noses up to 

exclusively dark color palettes and have embraced bold 

orange, juicy pink, and a plethora of hues traditionally seen 

on spring runways. Naturally, the beauty world has taken 

a cue from fashion and is celebrating bright colors year 

‘round. 

Here are the bold beauty trends you should try based 

on your enneagram type. 

Type 1: The Reformer 

The perfectionist of the group, Type Ones are detail-oriented, practical, and honest — but don’t 

expect it to be sugar-coated! You believe there is a correct way to do everything and strive to achieve 

inherent goodness. One, this fall you should try rocking a monochromatic look with glossy lids. Not 

only is monochrome makeup super “in” right now, but not having to think about what lip will pair best 

with your eyeshadow will be a serious time-saver, helping to quiet that sometimes nagging perfectionist 

in you and speaking to your practicality! Try blending a bold shadow all over the lid for a soft, diffused 

look, then pop a little eyelid gloss on top for an ultra-chic glossy lid (a little Vaseline will work great 

if you’re ballin’ on a budget). And no need to make it hard on yourself trying to hunt down a perfectly 

matching lip, just use the same shadow/balm combo on your lips — the perfectionist in you will thank 

me later. 

To try: 

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in “Blitzen” 

Glossier’s Balm Dot Com in “Clear” 



Type 2: The Helper 

A natural lover of people, Type Twos are warm-hearted and generous. You would 

quite literally give someone the shirt off your back! You are always there with tissues 

and ice cream when a friend is down, and you’re the first to respond in the group text 

when someone needs a ride. To show off your inner love and warmth this fall, try 

making a statement with bold blush and a pop of bright liner. Blend a coral or hot pink 

blush onto the cheekbones and temples with the fingers or a stippling brush. Then, 

apply a contrasting liner directly to, or right below the lower lash line — and voila, 

you’re a blushing beauty with a high-fashion twist! 

To Try: 

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in “Salve4pink” or “Animal” 

e.l.f cosmetics stippling brush 

ColourPop Creme Gel Liner 

Type 3: The Achiever 

The level-headed go-getter that always has a plan. To put it simply, Three, you 

know what it takes to succeed and you’re not going to stop until you get it. That’s why 

this fall you need a look that’s just like you — efficient, energetic — without getting in 

the way of your ambition. You’re too busy trying to run the world (or at least make an 

A+ in all of your classes) to fuss with uber-detailed makeup looks, all you need to make 

a statement is a fresh face, a few swipes of colorful mascara, and a killer gloss. Try using 

a high coverage concealer to hide all evidence of your late work/study sessions, next 

swipe on some bold mascara, and finally slick on a sheer, moisturizing lip gloss. Now 

you’re on trend and still have time to cross a few things off of your to-do list. 

To Try: 

Tarte Shape Tape 

ColourPop BFF mascara 

NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair” 

Type 4: The Individualist 

Sometimes moody, always creative, Type Fours are expressive and highly intuitive. 

You practically invented walking to the beat of your own drum and revel in knowing 

that you’re one-in-a-million. Since “bold” is your middle name, go all out this season 

by accessorizing your look with rhinestones — yeah, that’s right. Remember when 

bedazzling was a thing? Well it’s back, but instead of covering the back pockets of your 

favorite jeans with jewels (much to your mother’s dismay), you’re putting them on your 

face. Keep your skin fresh with a BB cream, then play into your moody nature with a 

bold eye, try a deep navy hue blended all over the lid — one of this season’s “it” colors. 

Finally, use tweezers and any lash glue — non-latex if you have a latex allergy — to place 

the stones anywhere you want. Get creative! Place stones randomly, create designs, 

do whatever feels authentic to you! You’ll be turning heads everywhere with this eye 

catching look — not that that’s new for you. 

To Try: 

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 

L’Oreal Infallible 24 Hour eyeshadow in “Midnight” 

Craft store Rhinestones 

beautyGARDE False Lash Adhesive 



Type 5: The Investigator 

Characterized by your intellect, you’re an innovator and knowledge seeker. You’re 

the one friends go to when they need solid advice, and you probably spend your spare 

time trying to learn something new, or just kicking back and enjoying some quality 

“you” time. This fall, try taking a detailed eyeliner look for a spin. Use a bright, creamy 

liner to create unique shapes and patterns on the lid, brow bone, or under the eye. While 

your first instinct may be to shy away from the intricate eyeliner looks trending this fall, 

don’t do it. Step out of your comfort zone, Five! This look speaks to your skillful and 

innovative mind and will be just as fun to create as it will be to wear. 

To Try: 


Type 6: The Loyalist 

While many label the Six as the “worry wart” of the bunch, you bring so much more 

to the table. Sixes are also characterized by their endearing nature, intense loyalty, and 

courageous spirit. You’re the friend that always has a game plan and is prepared for all 

possible scenarios — it’s all fun and games until someone needs those emergency bandaids 

you carry in your bag! Spice up your look this fall with a glittery gold eye paired 

with a juicy coral or berry lip. Start by blending a warm, bronzed gold shadow all over 

the lid, then layer a chunky gold glitter shadow on top. Finally, dab on a lip stain. Start 

in the middle of the lips and feather outward for that pretty, just-ate-a-popsicle look. 

This is a bold look that’s versatile enough for a glam work day or a late night party; it’s 

the best of both worlds, cooperating with whatever your plans may be. 

To Try: 

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in “Moonwalk” 

ColourPop Pressed Glitter Shadow in “Get Lost” 

Revlon’s Kiss Cushion Lip Tint in “High End Coral” or “Berry Lit” 

Type 7: The Enthusiast 

Always down for a good time, Type Sevens aren’t called “The Enthusiast” for 

nothing! Sevens are ready to pick up and go at the drop of a hat. They are adventurous, 

playful, and see nothing wrong with doing whatever brings them the most happiness. 

To play into your adventurous spirit, go for a soft, technicolor eye look this fall. Start by 

choosing shadows in hues that spark the most joy, and go to work! Blend the shadow 

using a fluffy blending brush all over the lid and under the eye, but remember to use a 

light hand so you get that melted into the skin, diffused effect. This colorful look will not 

only brighten your mood but will bring joy to everyone you meet on whatever adventure 

the day brings. 

To Try: 

NYX “Brights Ultimate” eyeshadow palette 

IT Cosmetics Airbrush Blending Crease Brush #105 



Type 8: The Challenger 

Type 8: The Challenger 

You’re the natural born leader who has no problem stating your opinions or 

fighting for the individuals and causes you’re passionate about. Though some may 

perceive your attitude as aggressive, you’re actually just a boss babe who knows exactly 

what you want — and more power to you! This season you need a look that’s as strong 

as you are, but doesn’t distract from all the power moves you’ll be making. Take a bold, 

yet minimalistic approach by keeping the skin fresh with nothing but a colorful graphic 

liner on the eyes. Then finish the look off with an ultra glossy lip. Although intimidating 

to some, this look finds its beauty in its effortless strength, just like you. 

To Try: 


Lime Crime Wet Cherry Gloss in “Extra 

Poppin’” 

Type 9: The Peacemaker 

Type 9: The Peacemaker 

Optimistic, diplomatic, and patient, Type Nines thrive in a harmonious 

environment. You’re the friend that is always ready to listen and help solve whatever 

problems someone is up against. In times of disagreement, you strive to find a 

solution that makes everyone happy, and you believe that peace is achievable through 

communication. Play into your gentle, optimistic attitude by trying an ethereal purple 

eye paired with a nude lip. To start, blend a light purple shadow all over the lid and 

into the crease. Then take a darker purple hue and blend into the outer corner of the 

eye. Next, dab a layer of glitter on top of the shadow. Consider even going up toward 

the brow bone or out on to the temple! Finally, tie the entire look together with a 

sophisticated, nude lip. This look speaks to your optimism through its light, airy colors 

but finds balance with the nude lip giving the same harmony to your look that you seek 

to find in the world. 

To Try: 

ColourPop “It’s My Pleasure” eyeshadow palette 

ColourPop Glitter Gel in “Disco Lady” 

Maybelline Color Sensational “Inti-matte Nudes” lipstick 

Conclusion: 

While it is fun to create lists like this one, never feel that you have to put 

yourself in a box because of your “type.” Mix, match, get creative, and try out any 

look(s) that feels authentic to you and your style. The Enneagram is a remarkable 

tool that helps you understand your inner motivations and what makes you tick, 

but it shouldn’t encompass your decision making and how you define yourself. 

The most important things to remember are: 

There’s beauty in every “type.” We are all necessary to finding balance in society. 

A personality classification system does not determine your value. 

If you’re new to the Enneagram or aren’t certain what type you are, there 

are tests, books, and social media accounts dedicated to helping you figure it out! 

Below, I’ve listed some recommended sources. 

Online quiz: EclecticEnergies.com 

Book: The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by 

Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabil 

Instagram: @ginagomez.co, @justmyenneatype, and @enneagramexplained 



Androgynous Beauty 

an•drog•y•nous 

having the characteristics or 

nature of both male and female 

: suitable to or for either sex 

Definition via Merriam-Webster 



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29

ENTERTAINMENT 

Courtesy of Focus Features 

32 

35 

38 

40 

42 

PODCASTING CALL 

MONEY TALKS, LET’S 

SPEAK UP 

THAT’S WHAT SHE WROTE 

COURAGE. COMEDIANS, 

CANCEL CULTURE 

IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY THIS 



Podcasting Call 

By Lauren Kostuke 

Crime Junkie 

For fans of: American Crime Story, Conversations with 

a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, Law and Order: SVU 

Podcasts have become a major hit in 

today’s active multimedia landscape, with 

everyone from brand ambassadors and tech 

moguls, to CEO’s and celebrities jumping 

on the trend and starting their own podcast. 

In a world where content is constant and 

continuously evolving, weekly installments are 

turning into daily doses and taking the media 

world by storm. 

Apple added the podcast app to the iPhone 

in 2014, but it wasn’t until 2018 that podcasting 

really started to trend. As of 2019, there are 

currently over 700,000 active podcasts and 29 

million episodes spanning multiple languages 

and genres. Society & Culture holds the top 

spot for most popular genre, with Business, 

Comedy, News & Politics, and Health securing 

the other top five spots respectively. 

In a fast-paced world where multitasking 

is the norm and free time is scarce, podcasts 

are the perfect way to consume news on the 

go. Whether you’re driving to work, walking 

to class or cleaning the house, it has become 

simple to tune in on your own time. While 

many may still prefer the relaxation that comes 

with sitting on the couch at the end of a long 

day to watch the news and binge the newest 

Netflix series, this is a luxury. Podcasts are the 

best on the go alternative to stay up to date on 

everything from global events to the newest 

reality TV gossip. 

To be sure you never miss a beat, 

subscribing to various podcasts is the perfect 

way to remind yourself to take a little time and 

get caught up on various topics and events. 

Setting aside a certain block of time each day 

to listen can help set up a routine. Traffic on 

the way to work will start to become enjoyable, 

and you might even find yourself sitting in your 

car an extra minute to finish an episode or hear 

a closing remark. The days of waiting a week 

for a new HBO original to drop are over, and 

instead you’ll be counting down the days to 

listen to the newest podcast installment while 

grocery shopping or on the go. 

The vast realm of podcasts can be very 

overwhelming. How is one supposed to choose 

between Gweneth Paltrow and Snoop Dogg 

on their own? Not to worry, Alice has got you 

covered. Here are our top recommendations 

for podcasts spanning the entertainment 

industry right now. 

For fans of: Queer Eye, Comedy Central, Gay of Thrones 

Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, Crime Junkie plays as 

a casual conversation between two friends that just happens to be 

about some of the most outlandish crimes in history. For lovers of 

all things crime-related, Crime Junkie covers the most notorious 

murders from across the country. 

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness 

Loved by many for his iconic presence in Netflix’s Queer Eye, JVN 

continues serving in his podcast series in which he talks about 

everything under the sun mixed with his signature flare and hilarious 

commentary. 

Armchair Expert 

For fans of: Television, Movies, Comedy 

Dax Shepard (Parenthood, Bless This Mess) sits down each week 

with a different celebrity or expert in their chosen field and covers 

topics from life and career, to family and embarrassing childhood 

stories. Notable guests include Bill Nye, Sanjay Gupta, Ashton 

Kutcher, Will Ferrell, and wife Kristen Bell. This hilarious and 

down to earth podcast offers a genuine, rare look at the lives of 

celebrities. 



Office Ladies 

For fans of: The Office, Parks and Rec, 30 Rock 

Catch a behind the scenes look at the show we all know and love 

- and will never stop binge watching. Catch these two real life BFF’s, 

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, as they sit down together each 

week and watch an episode of The Office and share behind the scenes 

stories and reminisce about days on set. 

Morning Toast 

For fans of: Bridesmaids, Entertainment, Pop 

Culture 

The perfect podcast for millennials. Tune in as sisters Claudia 

and Jackie Oshry talk all things pop culture, entertainment, 

politics, and television. From recreating the Jenner “Drunk 

Getting Ready Video” to dishing on the recent Lizzie McGuire 

reboot, these two offer a daily installment complete with daily 

banter that shows off their humor, wit, and down to earth charm. 

Money Talks, 

Let’s Speak Up 

By Caroline Ward 

The Ron Burgundy Podcast 

For fans of: Anchorman, Step Brothers, SNL, Stand-Up Comedy 

Will Ferrel continues to impress fans as he explores a new sector 

of the entertainment industry. Never breaking character, Ferrel 

reprises his iconic role of Ron Burgundy from the Anchorman series 

for this feel-good podcast series. 



Spider-Man: Far From Home. Bohemian 

Rhapsody. Baby Driver. Besides being some of the 

most recent highest-grossing films, these movies all 

have one thing in common: an “F” on the Bechdel 

Test. Created by Alison Bechdel in her 1985 comic 

strip called The Rule, the Bechdel Test has become a 

popular measuring tool for gauging gender bias in film. 

The criteria to pass? At least two women - preferably 

named - must talk to each other about something other 

than a man. 

This test has been applied to films throughout the 

last century, and when you really stop to think about 

it, some of your favorite movies surely won’t meet the 

mark. Although loopholes allow for imperfect stories 

to sneak by, the Bechdel Test draws awareness to an 

aspect of female storytelling that has been lacking 

all these years: depth. Yes, a balanced gender ratio 

on screen is important; however, the way in which 

female perspectives are depicted — through the words 

they share and concerns they hold — speaks more to 

progress than a quota ever could. But, before we can 

tackle that conversation, which the industry may or 

may not be ready for, we have to talk numbers. 

Anyone who has been paying attention in 2019 

knows something’s up with female representation in 

film — or a lack thereof. Taking full advantage of her 

platform at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards, Regina 

King set the stage for greater awareness of this issue 

during her speech for Best Supporting Actress. King 

made a vow to produce projects within the next two 

years comprised of 50 percent female representation, 

calling upon not only Hollywood, but also the nation, 

to do more than simply acknowledge that “time is up” 

on gender inequality. 

King addressed her message to those with the 

influence and means to spur immediate reform saying, 

“And I just challenge anyone out there — anyone out 

there who is in a position of power, not just in our 

industry, in all industries — I challenge you to challenge 

yourselves and stand with us in solidarity and do the 

same.” 

It’s not just the executive producers of media 

conglomerates or the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies 

who have that power. Movie-goers have power in 

numbers and the responsibility to take those numbers 

to the box office. 

The film industry — like most other industries 

— concerns itself mainly with the bottom line. If 

consumers hope to witness measurable change within 

the next few years, they must consciously put their 

money where their values are. Key decision makers 

in the entertainment industry still seem misguided by 

the antiquated idea that female-driven projects are not 

commercially viable — luckily, money talks. 

According to Business Insider, women drive 70- 

80% of all consumer purchasing decisions in the U.S. 

with a combined purchasing power of $5 trillion to $15 

trillion annually. Change often starts from the bottom 

up; with this combined financial power to support 

females in film, women can demonstrate just how 

successful female-driven content can be when given 

the chance. 

According to research conducted by Dr. Stacy L. 

Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, 

of the top 100 films of 2018, 96.4 percent of directors 

were male, leaving the remaining 3.6 percent to be 

female. This equates to a gender ratio of 27 to 1. Not a 

fan of those odds? Yeah, us neither. 

In addition, for films with exclusively male 

direction, the percentage of on-screen female speaking 

characters was 32.5 percent. When a female was part of 

the project’s direction that percentage jumped to 47.6 

percent. Coincidence? We think not. 

And gender isn’t the only factor dividing the movie 

industry. Research through the Inclusion Initiative 

recorded of the top 100 films in 2018 that 33 had no 

black or African American females, 54 had no Asian or 

Asian American females, 70 had no Latinas, 99 had no 

American Indian or Alaska Native females, 97 had no 

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander females, and 92 

had no females from multiracial/other groups. Beyond 

the lack of racial and ethnic representation on screen, 

89 of the films had no LGBTQ+ females, and 83 had 

no female characters with disabilities. The numbers are 

even more bleak for female minorities in lead roles and 

within the production staff. 

Although many companies have made moves to 

improve inclusion within their films, these statistics 

highlight the measurable extent to which female 

perspectives have been erased, particularly from 

underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, the 

LGBTQ+ community and individuals with disabilities. 

Highly-anticipated projects like Harriet, directed 

by Kasi Lemmons and starring Cynthia Erivo, Little 

Women, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, as well 

as Queen & Slim, written by Lena Waithe and directed 

by Melina Matsoukas, are due for release before the year 

ends, offering just a few prime, upcoming opportunities 

for consumers to illustrate to studios why female-based 

productions are worth investing in. 

Considering the sheer desire for gender equality 

hasn’t been enough to compel a change in the 

industry, exceeding box office expectations will send 

a clearer message that consumers demand proper 

representation. Balanced gender representation in 

film is just as important on-screen as it is off. 

When women have the opportunity to call the shots 

behind the camera, in the writers’ room, or in casting 

deliberations, films portray more diverse female 

perspectives and discourage further stereotyping of 

females on-screen, a standard we should come to 

expect in 2019. 



That’s 

What She 

Whether you love them or hate them, some of the biggest 

movie franchises have started in little cafes as blurbs written 

down frantically in a moment of inspiration or wild dreams 

of epic proportions that were typed onto a computer screen. 

Authors and their books are one of the primary sources for 

most content that we see in Hollywood today. From Twilight 

to The Hunger Games even to Gone Girl, female writers have 

been kicking butt at having their works picked for big-screen 

production. 

Generally, most people think that in order to get involved 

in book to movie producing, you have to know the right 

people. While it always helps to know the right people in the 

right places, having connections but having a terrible story is 

not going to get you very far in the long run. Another general 

stereotype is that there is a strong presence of male writers 

being optioned over female writers for their work regardless 

of quality. Again, while there is going to be a gender bias in 

a workplace like Hollywood, a true production company is 

going to go with the product that will benefit them the most. 

The key to getting a book looked at for movie production is 

perseverance and a thick skin. A lot of writers are constantly 

being turned away when they think that they have movie 

material and have spurned away from writing all together 

because of one negative reaction. 

J.K. Rowling is one of the many famous writers who kept 

trying after countless rejections from publishing companies. 

She had just finished the first of the beloved Harry Potter 

series and was eager for people to read her book. She originally 

signed the book as “Joanne Rowling” but the publishing 

company asked her to add “K” for her middle name so the 

books would appear to be written by a man. At the time, 

studies showed that in a young audiences, specifically young 

boys, were more prone to pick out books written by men, and 

having a “male name” on the cover of Rowling’s book would 

increase the likelihood of her selling more copies. Being a 

female author does not guarantee any kind of leeway in the 

publishing community, in fact, it is harder to be recognized 

for accomplishments in female writing. 

One surprising thing about J.K. Rowling’s process from 

publication to production is that she was heavily involved in 

screenwriting and script writing teams. Since the rest of the 

series hadn’t even been written yet, she was a valuable asset 

on staff to what characters and scenes needed to be truly in 

depth for the movies to be as successful as the books. This is 

highly unusual as most authors would give up certain creative 

rights for the screenplay team to relay the complexity of their 

book to a movie adaptation. This was necessary though, 

because J.K. Rowling was the only one who knew specific 

insights to the characters and how of course, the series would 

be brought to an end. 

Another noted female author whose books skyrocketed 

after hitting the big screen is Suzanne Collins, author of The 

Hunger Games and The Underland Chronicles franchise. 

Collins was from a military family and was constantly being 

educated about the topic of war, which was the topic or 

underlying theme of most of her books. The highly successful 

Hunger Games is about just that, war. She wanted to bring 

attention to how desensitized the general public is to war, 

and the terrible conflicts that happen in more places than 

it should. The books were almost immediately picked for 

movie adaptations because the themes were and still are very 

relevant to everyday news and life. We couldn’t ever imagine 

a real place where we send kids to their deaths, but it is 

definitely interesting enough for us to spend money on the 

books and movies. So what makes a book a good choice for a 

movie? Usually the first things that a producer would look at 

is what kind of quality screenplay and script it would make. 

Would this be engaging? Does this have an arching plotline? 

Would this be enough for a full-length (90 minutes) movie? 

Both book franchises met these requirements as the plots 

and characters immediately captured their audience of nearly 

everyone. The same can be said with other female writers 

such as Stephanie Meyer, the Twilight series, Veronica Roth, 

the Divergent series and so many more. Female writers have 

been dominating the publication field in nearly every realm 

from children’s books to non-fiction. We can only assume 

that women are going to keep going and doing bigger and 

better things. 

We as consumers, love twists and turns and loveable 

characters who make us follow their story. It’s when truly 

exceptional books that make even the most unwilling person 

read it are conceptualized for the big-screen and it just so 

happens that women have been a huge part of the movie 

making process. It’s the simplest ideas that can turn into 

the best products and the little piece of faith that can make 

something truly special. If women want something, they can 

do it and they can eat their cake too. 

Wrote By Emma Wilson 



Courage, 

Comedians, 

and Cancel Culture 

By Lindsey Wilkinson 

Turning controversy into comedy can cause an 

uproar, but one thing is for sure: Comedians will not be 

silenced. Comedy is looked at by many as a safe place, 

because everyone can be turned into a punchline. 

Comedy isn’t exclusively about the laughs; it’s about 

the struggles, misfortunes, and every day bumps in the 

road. 

While comedy is always around to make us laugh, 

there seems to be a recent renewal with the help of 

streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube that 

allow comics to expand their audience. 

UA alumna and comedian Hannah Widener said 

that the increase in streaming services has decreased 

the cutthroat, competitive nature of the business. 

“More opportunities are available for comedians,” 

Widener said. “Twenty or thirty years ago your success 

would be judged by if you landed on a sitcom or 

landed a late night spot. These limited spots created a 

competition and heightened animosity between comics 

[...]There are just so many more avenues, and there is a 

spot for everyone. Comedians can see that I can create 

my own path and my own way in this industry, and it 

doesn’t mean that your success is my loss.” 

While the services broaden the horizons for 

comedians, there are still some drawbacks. Most of 

these services promote content based on what has been 

previously watched. In this aspect, these services can 

still be limiting. 

“If a comedian does a special on Hulu, you might 

not see it. So people — in particular Iliza Shlesinger 

— had a Netflix special when Netflix was just getting 

started. At that time when you researched female 

comedians on the platform you might see three or four 

women. Whereas today, while Iliza Shlesinger is super 

famous now, I don’t know if you would see her on the 

platform because there are just so many people.” 

Another obstacle for all comedians is the recent 

explosion of cancel culture. The definition of cancel 

culture, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary is 

that it “refers to the removal of public support of public 

figures on the basis of their objectionable opinions or 

actions.” Most comedians follow the golden rule to 

never apologize for a joke, but that doesn’t mean they 

don’t catch backlash for their content. Kathy Griffin 

shared a photo a few years back that resulted in her 

unemployment. Agents wouldn’t keep her, networks 

wouldn’t greenlight her shows, but that didn’t stop her. 

Using her own funds, she booked venues and toured, 

promoting the concept that free speech could not be 

silenced. 

“Kathy Griffin has been a huge inspiration in 

the past few years in terms of fighting for speech and 

fighting for the right to say what you want to on stage,” 

Widener said. “She is a huge example of being knocked 

down and rising from the ashes.” 

Widener went on to explain cancel culture’s role in 

the industry, explaining its possible negative effects on 

free speech. 

“Silencing comedians will do no one any good,” 

she said. “At the end of the day, we are here to create 

entertainment. You may not like it, you may not 

agree with it, but you can learn from it. You can’t just 

shut people up. If you silence that person, you aren’t 

learning from them. You are casting them off. They will 

not disappear because you blocked them on Twitter. 

Cancel culture perpetuates silence, and we have to 

stop.” 

Cancel culture can be a daunting obstacle for 

comedians, especially in regards to speaking on 

difficult topics. When asked about navigating these 

treacherous waters, Widener described her experience. 

“I’ve talked about my sexual assault, and it is very 

difficult to talk about that on stage,” Widener said. 

“There is a line. The intention of a comic is never to 

be malicious, so when you are talking about a topic 

like sexual assault, you tread lightly. You want them 

to root for you, and you want them to laugh with you. 

You want to take some of their pain away. That is all 

you can do at the end of the day — is laugh. Laugh, 

especially at some of the horrible things that happen 

in the world, because that is the only way you will get 

through them.” 



IF YOU 

LIKE... 

THEN 

TRY... 

Sex and the City 

The Bold Type 

IF YOU LIKE THIS, 

TRY THIS 

By Gabrielle Sirois 

Sex and the City is the OG feel-good girls show. 

There’s nothing better than laying on the 

couch on a Sunday watching Carrie pine after 

Mr. Big and asking her famous questions. 

Watching SATC feels like you are hanging out 

with the cool older sister that every girl wants 

to have. It made us all want to move to New 

York City by tricking us into believing that we 

too could live in a glamourous one-bedroom 

apartment on a writer’s salary. Regardless 

of the unrealisticness, the show remains a 

classic, and let’s face it, any girl who says 

she’s never thought about if she’s a Carrie, 

Charlotte, Samantha or Miranda is lying. 

The Bold Type is pretty much Sex and the City 

for the new era. Instead of Carrie and the gang, 

you have Jane, Kat and Sutton navigating NYC 

while working at Scarlett, a Cosmopolitanesque 

magazine. The Bold Type is able to 

effortlessly maintain a rom-com atmosphere, 

while still addressing major issues that our 

generation faces such as diversity, sexual 

harassment and gun control. It captures the 

same charm and ups and downs of dating that 

Sex and the City did, while adding a degree 

of freshness and relatability for the young 

women of today. 

With the growth of Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services, 

binge-watching has become America’s favorite pastime. The amount of 

television choices that are available to us can become overwhelming and 

hard to choose from, so many people find themselves just watching the 

same TV show for the seventh time. While there’s no harm in revisiting 

a classic, why not branch out and try something new? We’ve made the 

endless list of choices easy for you to navigate by creating a list of shows 

that you might like based on what you’ve previously binged. 

The Office 

The Office is probably the most popular 

comedy series of all time. Who hasn’t laughed 

until they cried at the fire drill cold open or 

hasn’t said “I feel God in this Chili’s” at least 

once? The Office set the bar for comedies going 

forward and reinvented situational comedy in 

a way that everyone was able to relate to. Its 

humor didn’t rely on cheap jokes. Instead, it 

drew you in by simply exaggerating situations 

that you already find yourself in every day. 

Schitt’s Creek 

While Schitt’s Creek may have a very different 

premise from The Office, I guarantee the Rose 

family will have you laughing just as hard 

as the Dunder Mifflin crew. After suddenly 

losing all of their money, the once-wealthy 

Rose family is forced to live in a motel in the 

eccentric town of Schitt’s Creek. What ensues 

is some of the sharpest comedy on television 

that everyone is sure to enjoy. 



IF YOU 

LIKE... 

THEN 

TRY... 

IF YOU 

LIKE... 

THEN 

TRY... 

Friday Night 

Lights 

Friday Night Lights is the show that made us 

all fall in love with Tim Riggins. He and the 

rest of his team showed us time and time again 

what it means to be a part of something bigger 

than yourself and show up for the people 

you care about. Even those of us who weren’t 

football fans were won over by the charms of 

the Dillon Panthers and probably longed for a 

relationship just like Coach Taylor and Tami’s. 

To sum it all up: “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t 

lose.” 

All American 

All American is basically Friday Night Lights 

but set in Beverly Hills. Instead of the Dillon 

Panthers, you have the Beverly Eagles and 

instead of Kyle Chandler as your star coach 

you have Taye Diggs. All American also adds a 

deeper layer to the story by examining privilege 

and how the circumstances that a person is born 

into can affect their whole life. All American 

gives you romance, comedy, drama and more, 

all with football as theunderlying premise. 

Law & Order 

Law & Order captivated America’s attention 

for 20 years, as one of the first shows to 

provide a realistic look into the American 

justice system. Over the years, the show saw 

a multitude of criminals brought to justice, 

often using real-world cases as inspiration for 

the ones featured in the show. Law & Order 

really popularized the police procedural genre 

and inspired a multitude of shows, including 

five spin-offs of its own-- all characterized 

bya suspenseful atmosphere that is equally 

enjoyable. 

Mindhunter 

Mindhunter transports us all back in time to 

the 1970s and the birth of criminal profiling. 

Drawing inspiration from true events, the show 

tells the story of the FBI agents who coined 

the term “serial killer.” It features depictions 

of real-life killers such as Ed Kempur, Wayne 

Williams and Charles Manson, while the 

second season brings the audience along on 

an extended case, in the search to catch the 

Atlanta Child Killer. Much like Law & Order, 

the show isn’t extremely scary, moresorelying 

on the suspenseful atmosphere. For any truecrime 

fans, Mindhunter is a must-watch! 

Skins 

Euphoria 

Lost 

The Society 

Skins broke ground for being one of the realest 

teen TV shows out there. While most of the 

other popular teen shows at the time (i.e. Gossip 

Girl, The O.C.) focused on picture-perfect 

teens who lead unbelievably privileged lives, 

Skins told the story of the average teenager. 

This allowed the audience to see themselves 

and their friends in them in the characters of 

the show. The British show never shied away 

from the truth of reality, featuring highlycontroversial 

topics for its time including 

mental health, sexuality, substance abuse and 

more. The show was first and foremost honest, 

which is what has allowed its impact to last. 

You’ve probably already heard about Euphoria 

because it was the hottest TV show of the summer. 

The Zendaya-led show follows a similar format 

to Skins, in that it spends each episode primarily 

focused on one of the characters. It also isn’t 

afraid to tackle tough subjects that today’s teens 

deal with, focusing on drug abuse, gender and 

sexuality. The show provides a fascinating look 

at the things that the teens of today have to deal 

with, specifically relating to the digital age. The 

actors in the show bring emotional depth to 

their characters, and they do it while donned 

in amazing fashion and makeup. What’s not to 

love? 

Lost is definitely among the most famous 

television shows of all time. Its mysterious 

plotline and shocking plot-twists garnered 

tons of viewers and numerous awards during 

its tenure. Its sci-fi elements added to the 

appeal of the show and created an extremely 

compelling storyline. When watching it you 

can never be certain what exactly is going on, 

which opens it up to speculation and discussion 

by the audience. This puzzling show remains 

intriguing to this day, as fans continue to 

theorize and search for clues to figure out the 

“truth” of the island. 

The Society is just like Lost, but with way 

more teenage angst. The show takes place in 

an average town called West Ham where one 

day everyone except the high school students 

mysteriously disappear. The result is a Lord of 

the Flies-esque scenario but with a PG-13 rating 

and some supernatural elements. The show 

somehow finds realism in such an unrealistic 

setting, while takings on huge concepts like 

power, control, fear, and the struggles of being 

a teenager. 

Now that we’ve shown you where to start, there’s 

no excuse not to try something new and expand your 

television repertoire. What are you waiting for? Go 

grab a snack, get cozy and turn on the TV! 



LIFESTYLE 

48 OVERCOMING 

OVERCOMMITMENT 

51 

54 

57 

GET CUFFED: A BEGINNER’S 

GUIDE TO SEASONAL FLINGS 

ORGANIZATION FOR THE 

“DISORGANIZED” 

SORRY REFLEX 



Overcoming 

Overcommitment 

By Julia Service 

Tip #1: 

Prioritize your commitments 

No matter how many organizations you’re a part of, some 

are going to hold more importance to you than others. By 

evaluating which organizations are most valuable to you, it 

becomes easier to decide between meetings if two are happening 

at the same time. It also becomes easier to set aside the 

organization at the bottom of your list when you have work that 

needs to be done for one at the top. Don’t forget to take school 

and friends into account when making these decisions, too. If you 

have a test the next day, it’s alright to skip a meeting if you need 

to study. And you don’t want to neglect your friends for all that 

you’re involved in, since they’re an important part of your college 

experience too. 

As someone who has definitely overcommitted herself in college, I 

will be the first to admit that I tried to deny it. Even when I was struggling 

to juggle all of my club duties with school work and hanging out with my 

friends, I was adamant that I could handle all of it. I just needed to have 

better time management skills. But there’s a difference between needing to 

manage your time better and just being too involved. 

My wake-up call came when a friend texted me and said, “I feel like 

you’re trying to fit your whole junior year into one semester,” and I realized 

she wasn’t wrong. Since I’m studying abroad in the spring, I’ve been 

trying to throw myself into every opportunity to get involved, from joining 

new groups to holding new leadership positions. This has lead to some 

unhealthy habits, like skipping meals for meetings and substituting caffeine 

for rest. In an attempt to reclaim my time (and sleep), I came up with these 

tips to remind myself that I can’t do everything and to manage the things I 

can do. 

Tip #2: 

Don’t be afraid of blank space on your 

calendar 

If you’re anything like me, you live off of your Google 

Calendar (or planner, iCal or whatever resource you choose to 

keep track of everything you’re involved in). At the beginning 

of the semester before all of my extracurriculars picked up, I 

complained about all the empty space on my calendar because 

I had no idea what to do with all of that free time. Now I live for 

the small breaks between classes and club meetings. We can get 

so caught up in feeling like we need to be productive every hour 

of the day that we forget that downtime gives us the opportunity 

to eat, catch up with friends or watch an episode of our favorite 

show. These activities give your mind the chance to take a break, 

so you don’t burnout. 


Tip #3: 

Try not to compare yourself to others 

Just because the girl in your class holds positions in three 

clubs, is a member of three others and is taking the max number 

of credit hours doesn’t mean that you’re not doing enough. It’s 

easy to think “if she’s doing all that without even breaking a 

sweat over it, why can’t I?” But just because she appears put 

together on the outside doesn’t mean she isn’t struggling to 

juggle all of her responsibilities. If you are trying to be more 

involved, make sure the decision is based on your desire to 

be involved rather than because you feel the need to play the 

imaginary game of catch-up with those around you. 


Have someone to hold you accountable 

Tip #4: 

When I received an email about the chance to apply for 

a marketing committee that would look great on my resumé, 

but I knew I probably didn’t have time for, I turned to my 

best friend to be my voice of reason. As someone who knows 

everything that I’m involved in and what my schedule is like, I 

trusted her to be straight up with me, which is exactly how she 

was when she told me, “You do not have time for that.” When 

you’re struggling to decide whether or not you can handle adding 

another responsibility to your growing list, don’t be afraid to 

turn to someone for help, whether that’s hearing out advice from 

a friend or an advisor. A second opinion can help you manage 

expectations with reality. 

Tip #5: 

It’s okay to say no 

If there’s something you’d like to be a part of but you know 

that trying to fit it into your schedule would just lead to stress, 

don’t be afraid to pass on it for now. Most likely, you can still 

get involved next semester when your class load is different 

and hopefully more manageable. If it is a one-time thing, try 

looking for another organization that’s similar or offers a similar 

experience. You can always ask your professors if they have 

any recommendations based on what you’re looking for. Just 

remember that it won’t be the end of the world if you don’t take 

an opportunity or join a club that would make your workload 

unmanageable. Your mental health comes first. 

The feeling that I’m not doing enough does still hit me, 

especially since I’ve cut down on some of my activities. I just 

have to remind myself that college is more than trying to stuff my 

resume with involvement — it’s about enjoying my time here, too. 

Get Cuffed: 

A Beginner's 

Guide to 

Seasonal Flings 

By Angelica Zdzienicki 

As the holiday season begins again, some relationships turn 

into engagements and those who are single, decide it is time to 

get cuffed. If you have not heard of cuffing yet, it refers to being 

“handcuffed” to another person, because you want to be with 

someone at least for a short period of time. Most cuffing starts 

around late September and ends when the holiday season ends 

and the cold is gone. Think of it this way: Fall into your cuff of 

choice and spring out when it's warm. 

So why do we cuff? 

Biologically: Getting down to the basics of biology, when 

the temperature drops we go into hibernation mode. We want 

to be cuddled up with someone for warmth, especially with the 

shorter days and sun going down before your workday is over. 

Charmin Aijan, from Psychology Today Magazine, elaborates a 

little more on this explaining that “people tend to be lonelier and 

socialization becomes a struggle” and that this is one of the main 

reasons to want to bundle up with a buddy. 

Environmentally: We also want to find someone to cuddle 

up with because as the temperatures drop, you want to find 

someone to keep you warm and make you hot cocoa. Because 

when the temperature drops, apparently so do the clothes. 

Psychologically: In winter, our standards, like the 

temperatures, drop. In summer we’re more prone to pick a 

companion based on body image, due to the lack of layers. 

However, in winter due to the layers of clothes that separate us, 

we tend to focus on other qualities than those associated with 

physiological attractions. 



Is it for you? 

Evolutionarily: Cuffing has been around since the first 

groups of people who walked this earth. It certainly is not the 

same as modern-day cuffing with Netflix, cookies, and cocoa, but 

in the past, you would have to pair with others in order to survive 

the winter’s lack of resources and ultimately the cold bite of the 

season. 

With all of this information on the cuffing phenomenon, ask 

yourself if a temporary winter relationship is right for you. In this 

case, there are really only two things to consider. The first being: 

Can you handle the possibility of this relationship only lasting 

a couple of months? Do you think you could be the person that 

can get close to someone and then at the first ray of sunshine let 

them go? Secondly: Are you ready for all the ups and downs of 

a semi-non-kinda-not-really relationship? You have to think of 

and accept the possibility that the other person you are talking 

to might not be considerate of the traditional style of dating one 

person at a time. 

Socially: One of the most defining reasons for why we cuff 

is due to the social pressure of society, social media and family. 

With the holidays coming up, the inevitable question from your 

extended family on why such a nice person like you is still single 

will be moving around the table faster than the gravy boat.There 

are any number of holiday parties that you don’t want to attend 

alone. Worst of all, there are New Year’s Eve celebrations and 

the struggle that comes with the social stigma that you should 

show up with a date or you risk kissing an absolute stranger at 

midnight. 

Finding a new companion for each party can be exhausting, 

but if you bring the same person to multiple events, there are 

conflicting ideas of what your guest of choice might be thinking 

about the pending status between the two of you. Not to mention 

happy couples are posting on social media snaps of them clinking 

their matching mugs of hot cocoa in their seasonal pajamas 

binge-watching the addictive holiday movies on Hallmark or 

Netflix. We’ve all seen the movie of the CEO girl who is too busy 

advancing her career for a relationship (and not to mention is 

perfectly fine) but then suddenly during holiday season finds the 

need to be with someone and can’t work without someone in her 

life. 

Every sappy holiday movie, that we can’t help but watch over 

and over again, are filling us up with the idea that during this 

time of the year we need to be in a relationship or that we will 

run into the love of our lives in a ski cabin while on a family ski 

trip. The holiday season knows how to play us and they even have 

it down perfectly in the scripts. 

There may be jealousy if this is an issue, but if not, there are 

still the other frustrations of the beginnings of this situationship. 

Dealing with the explanation to family and friends on what 

you are, learning each other's quirks and everything that falls in 

between. If you are unsure of all of this, consult a close friend or 

two and ask them if they think this is something you can handle. 

If this isn’t for you, not a problem at all, just grab your bestie 

and make the best of the colder days! If so, here is some advice 

for you to follow to help you find the best person to couple up 

with this season. 

On Cuffing and Being Cuffed 

Going into cuffing season, make sure to set ground rules 

and boundaries with your significant cuff-er or else you both 

might end up on different pages. Set boundaries relating to what 

this cuff is going to be, how long it is going to last and if you are 

allowed to date other people should someone catch your eye. 

Do not assume that this cuff will turn into a full-fledged 

relationship, but also don't assume that just because it is 

temporary nature that it will not last. However, if things do 

start to become more comfortable and you two feel good about 

opening up and becoming the official status creating titles like 

boyfriend or girlfriend, then go for it! Everything in life is trial 

and error, so why not give it a try. 

Create a cuffing schedule, so you have plenty of time to get to 

know your partner and plan ahead for your dates. Make the most 

of the season together, whether it be publicly at parties or in the 

comfort of your own home. Either way, you chose to cuff, enjoy 

yourselves and your time together during the most wonderful 

time of the year. 



Organization for the “Disorganized” 

By Gabrielle Sirois 

In today’s society, there seems to be pressure on individuals to stay organized. From endless organizational 

hacks on Pinterest to everybody raving about how great “Tidying Up” is on Netflix, it feels as though we are 

constantly being presented with ideals that we should be living up to in order to achieve an organized life. But 

what if none of these “hacks” work for you? What if you have tried to keep things in order, but it just becomes 

too hard for you to maintain? It's easy to feel like you may be the only “disorganized” person out there, but 

you’re not. Take it from someone who has tried so many different methods of organization and has figured out 

the best ones for those of us who don’t have “Type A” personalities. While these tips aren’t going to transform 

your whole life and turn you into an organization guru, hopefully, they will point you in the right direction of 

where to start. 

Tip #3: Make a system that works for you 

You’ve probably heard of the term “organized mess” before. Honestly, I think that this is how a lot of us 

have to live our lives. Not everyone is going to be able to maintain a perfectly clean and organized lifestyle, 

since a lot of people don’t have the time or energy that is required for that level of upkeep. The best remedy is to 

develop a system that works for you and your needs. That system may seem chaotic and messy to others, but as 

long as you understand it and it’s functional for your lifestyle, then it is perfect! 

Take your closet, for example. Some people like to organize their clothes by color, type or season, while 

some may not have any method but still know exactly where an article of clothing is when they want to wear it. 

This can apply to every other aspect of your life. Everyone is going to approach situations in different ways, so 

don’t worry about trying to do things the “right” way. Instead, focus on creating a system built to function for 

your lifestyle. 

Tip #1: Take your planner digital 

Physical planners work great for some people, but for others, they can be more hassle than help. Using a 

digital calendar is a great alternative if you want to add some structure to your life without having to constantly 

carry a planner. Google Calendar and Apple Calendar are two popular options that people use to keep track of 

their day digitally. These are great for people who want to visualize their schedules because you can actually see 

the chunks of time that are being taken up by work or school, and the time you have available. You can easily set 

up recurring events, which is helpful for things that happen every week such as your classes or meetings. There 

is also the option to set up reminders for when an event is happening to make sure you don’t forget or arrive 

late. If you want to step things up a notch, you can even color-code the different events to further visualize what 

categories they fall into. However, you are free to leave them all the same color as well if color-coding seems 

overwhelming for you. Taking your planner digital ensures that you always have it in the palm of your hand, 

creating less stress and hassle for you. 

Tip #4: Get in a routine 

Something that coincides with an unorganized personality is forgetfulness. Between balancing school, jobs, 

a social life and everything else that comes with being a student, it can be easy for little things to slip through the 

cracks. Developing a routine that you can stick to will help ensure that you don’t forget to do important things. 

For example, I know that the first thing that I do every morning after I wake up is take my medication for the 

day, and the last thing I do before I go to sleep every night is set my alarm for the next morning. By performing 

these tasks at the same time every day, it ensures that I don’t forget them and end up in a sticky situation. 

Tip #2: Put the fun in functional organization 

Tip #5: Don’t bite off more than you can chew 

If the thought of cleaning and getting organized fills you with a sense of dread, make it bearable by finding 

ways to make it fun. For repetitive tasks like cleaning or folding laundry, listen to a podcast or catch up on the 

latest shows you’ve been wanting to see to distract yourself from the work. Beautifying your storage can further 

incentivize you to stay organized. For example, you are probably more likely to sort your items into different 

baskets if you use matching baskets that are in your favorite color or pattern. It's crucial to find something that 

makes organizing tolerable for you, or else you are never going to keep up with it. 

Regardless of how hard you might try, you can’t reorganize your entire life in one day. Ease into the 

organizational mindset by performing small tasks such as making to-do lists or setting up your digital planner 

before you try to go Marie Kondo on your entire apartment. Don’t push yourself to try and do more than you can 

handle, the whole point of organization is to make things easier on you, not stress you out! 



S O R R Y R E F L E X 

By Annie Hollon 

Take a moment and think about how many times you have said or heard the 

word “sorry” in the last 24 hours. Was the apology warranted? Did you mean it? Or 

was it an instinctive response to a situation where no one owes anyone an apology? 

If your answer is the latter, you are one of the many plagued by the “sorry reflex,” a 

sociocultural reaction embedded within the upbringing of young women associated with 

humility and submissiveness. The root of the problem could stem from a number of 

places, but the key question here is why women say sorry so often and what we can do to 

reverse and stop this habit. 

Life in Plastic Gets Realistic 

While this subject is hardly a new revelation, its cultural prevalence and how it 

is impacting young women is. Commonly called the “Apology Reflex,” the subject was 

brought to the public eye’s attention from a rather unexpected source: Barbie. The 

childhood heroine of many young girls voiced her frustration on the issue through one 

of her YouTube vlogs (no lie). In her video from June 2018, she coined the term “sorry 

reflex” when describing the constant apologies women utter in everyday circumstances 

to the millions who follow her videos. 

She goes on to give examples of when people apologize unnecessarily and calls out 

the damage it causes to women’s confidence, challenging her viewers to watch how often 

they say “sorry” and swap it for a “thank you.” 

“I think there’s a bigger issue around sorry, especially 

with girls,” Barbie said. “We say it a lot…Like it’s a 

reflex, and somehow everything that goes wrong is 

our fault.” 

While the video is aimed at young girls, the message resonated with women of 

all ages online, with over a million views on the video as of the date of publication. 

Identifying this issue, especially in content targeted at 7.5 million subscribers, raised 

awareness and sparked a greater conversation about what exactly the “sorry reflex” is 

and the impact it has on young girls. This animated media icon is not the only one to 

speak out on the subject matter, or the first. 



Why am I sorry to bother you? 

Opinion piece after opinion piece attempts to tackle the subject in relation to 

apologetic behavior in the workplace and cultural upbringing. But they almost all come 

to one conclusion: Women are taught from a young age to be sympathetic towards 

others and their emotions. In speaking to my own friends about the issue, they admitted 

to over- apologizing “all the time,” with some acknowledging it in themselves and some 

having friends who constantly call them out on this behavior. Yet as helpful as personal 

anecdotes are when it comes to understanding the commonality of the catch-all 

phrase, the lack of factual evidence makes the subject matter seem lackluster or overexaggerated. 

However, the general consensus in regards to how “sorry” affects young 

girls and women points to the development of self-esteem over time. 

Katherine Oths, an anthropology professor at The University of Alabama, said via 

email that the apology reflex reflects on how women are taught to refrain from outright 

statements and often soften their commentary with a “sorry.” 

“It’s a response that girls are socialized into making 

as a preface to whatever they are about to do, even 

if it’s something as simple as alerting you they need 

space to get past you, or whatever opinion they are 

about to offer, in part of our insecurity that their 

opinion matters, and in part to blunt any impression 

they might give of being assertive or confident,” Oths 

said. 

You have no reason to apologize for taking up space, whether it be verbally or 

physically, so don’t. Save your apologies for when you truly need them and wield 

ownership over your words and self-worth. 

“I think there’s a bigger issue around sorry, especially 

with girls,” Barbie said. “We say it a lot…Like it’s a 

reflex, and somehow everything that goes wrong is 

our fault.” 

This lack of confidence is slowly, but surely, changing and progressing from what 

it once was. The power balance is continuing to shift as the wage gap closes and more 

women are in positions of leadership across the board. Nevertheless, until we can 

raise a generation of women who are shamelessly bold and empowered, the women 

of the modern era are going to need to strive towards building one another up while 

apologizing less for doing so. 

“When I learned how to turn ‘sorry’ into ‘thank you', it 

changed my life.” 

Knowing when a sorry is appropriate is the first step in taking back the weight 

and power of the word. Apologies are necessary in circumstances where one party (or 

both) is in the wrong and wants to reconcile for what was said or done. This should be 

a given but you do not need to say sorry for asking a question in class or for slipping 

past someone trying to get to your seat. Calling people out on said behavior lets them 

recognize their redundant use of the word, restoring their confidence. 

“When any student, male or female, uses this 

preface..., I gently suggest that there is never a need 

to apologize in advance for what they have to say,” 

Oths said. “That apologies are only needed if they 

have wronged or hurt someone. I note that by the end 

of the semester in my seminar courses, the phrase is 

almost never used.” 



FEATURES 

Poco a Poco 

By Meg McGuire 

61 POCO A POCO 

64 

72 ALEXUS CUMBIE 

INSTA-MAGIC CITY 

Poco a poco: an Italian adverb meaning little by little or 

gradually, manifesting itself musically in pushes and pulls so 

subtle that the listener may not even notice it’s happening. Yet, 

slowly but surely, it composes itself into something entirely new. 

Healing comes in many forms, extending far beyond the physical 

realms of recovery. It’s a process that rarely charges full-speed 

ahead and one that is as unique as the individual trying to find it. 

Ultimately, the journey to healing is subjective. It’s comprised of 

the good days, the bad days and the ones in between, taking place 

in swells of beauty and pain, as well as denial and epiphany. 

For Blair Reinlie, a second-year Traditional MBA student at 

The University of Alabama, this journey began on the tailend of 

achieving a life-long dream. 

Reinlie graduated from Vanderbilt University with her 

Bachelor’s of Arts in Oboe Performance. With aspirations to 

become a professional orchestral musician, the next steps 

were clear: She’d set her sights on the Bienen School of Music 

at Northwestern University just outside of Chicago. She was 

admitted into the program, securing her opportunity to finalize 

the foundation upon which she would construct her music career. 

It was everything she had hoped for, until several months into her 

first semester when she fell ill and just couldn’t seem to shake it. 

Weeks went by, and the symptoms remained. 

And then she found the lump. 

Many appointments and procedures later, Reinlie finally got 

the answer she and her family had been seeking. The lump had 

a name. 

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. 

“My life felt very perfect, and I was exactly where I wanted to 

be,” Reinlie said. “Then just those three words, ‘You have cancer,’ 

changed everything.” 

According to Dr. Jimmie Holland of Memorial Sloan-Kettering 

Cancer Center in New York, in association with the American 

Cancer Society, diagnosis and treatment are easier to digest 

when portioned into “day bites.” This coping mechanism allows 

the daunting reality to be a bit more manageable. He encourages 

patients to simply take it all in day by day, moment by moment. 

With six months of chemotherapy before her, Reinlie chose to 

take this approach. She moved back home to Florence, Alabama 

to face her new reality, leaving her newfound “very perfect life” 

approximately 600 miles away in exchange for treatments every 

other week. 

For the first five days following the treatment, she felt extreme 

fatigue and nausea, unable to read or watch television. Yet after 

these five days, some internal switch seemed to flip. She could 

exercise. Eat what she wanted. There was an illusion of normalcy. 

Then the cycle would repeat. One month, one treatment, one day 

at a time. 

During her treatment, Reinlie maintained a relationship with 

her oboe instructor at Northwestern. They would Skype for 

virtual lessons, creating a crucial sense of connection in the 

midst of an otherwise isolated season. These digital encounters 

offered a sliver of time to look forward to — something familiar, 

something to work towards besides “just getting better.” But four 

months into chemotherapy, something shifted. Reinlie began to 

question her pursuit of music. 

Since her diagnosis, uncertainty hung over her like a storm 

cloud, methodically creeping its way into uncharted territory and 

infiltrating one of her greatest passions. What once was a safe 

place to run to no longer offered the security she needed. 

“I think all of the turmoil and instability of my life over the past 

few months had caused me to view my life through the lens of 

prioritizing stability,” Reinlie said. 

She retaliated. She didn’t listen to classical music for eight 

months. 



“I asked so many questions I didn’t have answers to,” Reinlie 

said. “And that scared me. I wanted to know that what I was doing 

would matter one day, and I didn’t see that in my path.” 

Over the course of an emotionally raw phone call back to 

Illinois, Reinlie withdrew from Northwestern and began to seek 

out what life after cancer would look like without music. For a 

while, she was only met with more question marks. 

“My life felt like it had been ripped away from me,” Reinlie said. 

“And I lost my sense of identity. Cancer is one of those things that 

makes you dig really deep… You have to answer some really hard 

questions about yourself.” 

Yet, in the middle of it all, Reinlie found great solace in the 

community of friends and family who rallied around her. 

Encouraging words, letters, and companionship were precious 

gifts on the days when diagnosis threatened better tomorrows. 

“When you’re going through cancer, you’re so focused on 

getting better,” Reinlie said. “Having people to help fill the gaps 

in the midst of your spiritual and emotional health is crucial. 

You realize how much you need people when you go through 

something like that.” 

In addition to her loved ones, Reinle clung tightly to her 

Christian faith. Despite the war being waged inside her body, she 

said she’d never felt closer to the God she believed was responsible 

for her creation. 

Reinlie’s final chemotherapy session was an event 

commemorated with celebratory pomp and circumstance, but 

on the other side of treatment, she found a soul-aching void. For 

six months, her sole focus had been on physical healing. Though 

she checked off all the medical boxes, she had never felt such a 

small sense of purpose. She was left with an insatiable craving 

for control and a longing to find some greater meaning behind all 

that she’d endured. 

For Reinlie, life immediately after cancer was a treatmentinduced 

hurricane. She found the chasm in her chest comparable 

to what it must feel like to be the victim of a natural disaster. 

In the eye of the storm, volunteers rush in to nurture and tend 

to what is broken. News stations challenge a nation to rise up. 

Donations and prayers flood the coast. Yet when it’s all over, when 

the camera crews and good Samaritans roll out, the destruction 

remains in the hearts of those who lived it, left to address their 

own wounds in light of the aftermath. 

According to the National Cancer Institute, oncologists advise 

patients to make every effort to focus on what is tangibly within 

their control both during and after treatment. As a recent cancer 

survivor, taking control for Reinlie looked like migrating north, 

this time to New York City. While there, she worked in a marketing 

position that only further fed her desire for stability — she needed 

to go back to school. 

Reinlie applied to the MBA program at the University of 

Alabama’s Manderson Graduate School of Business, but the 

decision to move back to her home state was met with some 

personal hesitancy. She had fallen in love with her new urban 

lifestyle but knew the move was a necessary step towards shaking 

free from the cobwebs of doubt that had collected since her 

diagnosis. To combat these initial feelings, Reinlie said she chose 

(and still chooses) to seek out “good things to meditate on and 

appreciate.” 

Reinlie enrolled into the university’s two-year Master’s of 

Business Administration program in 2018, but the drastic change 

in scenery from skyscrapers to academic halls still wasn’t enough 

to thwart the ever-present fog of post-cancer emotional trauma. 

Yet, three semesters in, she’s finally beginning to recognize 

moments of clarity in which the fog is lifting. 

Her relatively new identity as a survivor has adjusted the lenses 

through which she processes her own existence. While she favors 

stability and control, she’s quite the risk taker. She intentionally 

seeks out ways to have the greatest impact on others, while 

savoring relationships and opportunities for all they’re worth. 

And, she’s started playing again. 

As time accumulated between her diagnosis and current reality, 

the indirect resentment that she’d harbored against music began 

to disintegrate. Music and cancer were no longer synonymous. 

Reinlie said that business school has taught her more about music 

than music school ever did, broadening her sense of all that the 

art encompasses. It’s no longer a platform for performance and 

perfectionism, but rather an outlet for hope and expression. It’s 

now a place of celebration. It’s now a means of channeling a new 

perspective. 

“When something’s that big of a deal in your life,” Reinlie said, 

“you can’t really turn your back on it forever.” 

Reinlie said that she is working to “make the oboe cool,” with 

plans to play alongside some of her singer/songwriter friends in 

upcoming shows in Nashville. 

Reinlie aspires to pursue a career that will allow her to merge 

her passion for the arts and newfound expertise in business 

administration. With her May 2020 graduation date approaching, 

these words from C.S. Lewis are a foundation for things yet to 

come, despite some gray days of inconsistency: “Hardships often 

prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” 

Reinlie reconciled with music. Its presence in her life has been 

redeemed to represent the human capacity to choose joy and 

harness strength in the weakest moments. In 

the same way music has permanently ingrained 

itself into her personal narrative, her diagnosis 

will forever be etched into her story. 

For survivors, cancer is a life sentence, but it 

is a life. One of purpose and promise. Reinlie’s 

experiences continue to shape her, refining 

every detail, molding her very sense of identity. 

Healing accumulates in sheet music and 

road trips, in sharing her story and the art of 

learning something new. 

Reinlie encourages those facing life-altering 

trauma to press onward towards the light 

at the end of the tunnel, taking intentional 

time to acknowledge the tunnel itself. It is in 

these shadowed moments of appreciating the 

journey that one might just catch a glimpse of 

the gradual healing compiling little by little, 

poco a poco, fueling the promise that they’re 

not destined to remain in the dark. 

Reinlie reconciled with music. Its presence 

in her life has been redeemed to represent 

the human capacity to choose joy and harness 

strength in the weakest moments. In the same 

way music has permanently ingrained itself 

into her personal narrative, her diagnosis will 

forever be etched into her story. 

For survivors, cancer is a life sentence, but it 

is a life. One of purpose and promise. Reinlie’s 

experiences continue to shape her, refining 

every detail, molding her very sense of identity. 

Healing accumulates in sheet music and 

road trips, in sharing her story and the art of 

learning something new. 

Reinlie encourages those facing life-altering 

trauma to press onward towards the light 

at the end of the tunnel, taking intentional 

time to acknowledge the tunnel itself. It is in 

these shadowed moments of appreciating the 

journey that one might just catch a glimpse of 

the gradual healing compiling little by little, 

poco a poco, fueling the promise that they’re 

not destined to remain in the dark. 



A well-known Birmingham location 

that is perfect for Instagram is Sloss 

Furnaces. Sloss is a historical landmark 

and was once a functioning steel mill 

but was shut down several years ago. 

There are several locations to take cute 

pics here, like the train tracks (which are 

still in use, so be careful) and the many 

staircases and framing archways that 

make you the center of attention. 

NSTA 

M I - 

AGIC 

CITY 



Near the Alabama Theatre 

is the mural of Vulcan. The 

Vulcan is one of the iconic 

symbols of the Birmingham 

area. It has been painted in 

bright colors multiple times 

on the exposed brick which 

brings a pop of color to your 

Instagram feed. 



All over Birmingham, there 

are beautiful glass buildings that 

make an incredible backdrop for 

any photo. You can use them to 

contrast against your outfit or 

color-coordinate depending on 

what kind of photo you are going 

for. 



Right beside the Vulcan mural 

is a wooden barrier with ivy 

creeping up it that gives a more 

neutral background for you to 

be the center of attention in a 

photo in front of it. It is perfect 

for showcasing your incredible 

outfit! 



• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

About Me: 

Activist and advocate 

Birmingham Native 

Intern to Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) 

Poetess & Founder of Literary Vibes 

Lover of Prose and Politics 

Award-winning Author of “Why Negro Bodies Dodge 

a Southern Sun” 

UA NAACP President 

Alpha Kappa Alpha woman 

Fun Facts: 

Alexus Cumbie 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Likes: 

Book: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered 

Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake 

Shange 

Music: Solange, Alabama Shakes, Mac Miller, Adele, 

Drake, Amy Winehouse, Anderson Paak 

Podcast: NPR Tiny Desk 

Movie: All Dogs Go To Heaven 

Food: French Fries(The Superior Starch) 

Word: Echo 

Inspirations: 

Alice editors sat down with University of Alabama 

student and activist Alexus Cumbie about her 

inspirational work in Birmingham, on campus in 

Tuscaloosa, and on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.. 

Between conversations about empowering marginalized 

Birmingham youngsters to find their voice through 

poetry and dancing to Lizzo at the photoshoot, Cumbie 

shared some wisdom about how she infuses all her 

endeavors with her zeal for advocacy. 

"When it comes to my professional goals, it starts 

with my passions,” she said. “When you ask how I got 

here, I think it definitely starts with my commitment 

to increasing literacy rates in low socioeconomic areas. 

All the things I've done in my professional career and in 

school have been with that end in mind." 

Poetry and spoken have always played an important 

role in Cumbie’s life. Growing up, she was a rapper 

before she was a poet, but this creative outlet led her to 

poetry and spoken word. 

Her senior year of high school, Cumbie channeled 

her passion for educational equality into a mentorship 

program called Literary Vibes. What started as a way 

to perform her poetry for visiting family members 

transformed into a collective of local poets, musicians, 

and artists. She went on to use the funds raised from 

this showcase to start a mentoring program where 

Birmingham poets, authors and artists host monthly 

workshops in their public school system. The program 

encompasses all ages, ranging from teaching kids how 

to pronounce the alphabet to helping older students use 

their struggles to find their voice. 

For the past two summers, Cumbie has interned with 

the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation where she 

drafted congressional records, filmed press conferences, 

and gave speeches alongside prolific legislators like John 

Lewis and the Elijah Cummings. During this time she 

worked with Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) as 

a voice for the constituents of Alabama’s Black Belt. As 

one of her proudest achievements, Alexus remembers 

her time with Congresswoman Sewell fondly. 

"It was just a really proud space to be in,” Cumbie 

recalls. "It was the little things she [Sewell] would say 

in the elevator that would bring me back to life, the 

affirmations she threw at me randomly throughout the 

day.” 

Like most students, Alexus is unsure of what postgrad 

life will bring. While she sees law school or grad 

school in the future, she doesn’t know where yet. 

“Wherever I go though I will always be an advocate, 

an artist, and a person who believes in building a space, 

stage, and sanctuary for others,” she said. “Whatever 

I'm doing, it's going to be activism." 

Cumbie has many lofty goals including to publish a 

collection of her poetry, perform in all 50 states, and 

write a book about what it means to be a full human 

being. 

To other college women seeking direction in their 

future: “Develop your passion first, and once you 

develop your passion, know you belong there,” she 

suggests. “You really have to affirm that within yourself 

because as women we are often barred from a lot of the 

spaces we belong in, that we perform best in, but you 

have to develop that confidence in yourself." 

As a first-generation college student and one of seven 

siblings, this message has shaped her success story. 

“As cliché as it is, I would tell anyone to be yourself. 

When you love yourself, others love you. When you 

pursue your true passions, similar people will gravitate 

to you." 

• I watch The View every single night while eating a 

bowl of Eddy’s Fudge Brownie Ice Cream. 

• I can’t ride a bike, and I can’t whistle either (trust 

me, I’ve tried). 

• I can’t watch cable in October because commercials 

for scary movies give me the heebie-jeebies. 

• 

• 

Zora Neale Hurston, Poetess and Author 

Stevona Elem(My Cousin), Founder of “Black 

Women are for Grownups” 

Congresswoman Terri Sewell 

• 



FASHION 

THE SUSTAINABILITY EDIT 



Sustainably 

Fad-ulous 

Brands that are both stylish 

and eco-friendly 

By Cat Clinton 

People often claim there is no feeling like putting on something 

new, but what if you could give some of your favorite pieces that 

brand new feeling again? Today, brands are taking extra steps to be 

earth friendly by offering services to repair products, replacing them 

and discounting the customers who donate. Being environmentally 

ethical and dressing well shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. 

LuluLemon is one popular brand that you can see on almost 

any given day around the student activity center. But this brand 

of athleisure wear is also suitable for the Quad, a quick meal, or 

class. On top of being a current trend and staple brand at most 

universities, it is also renowned for its sustainability. LuluLemon 

offers to repair/ replace products that are damaged or are poor 

quality and will reuse the material from your original piece for 

future products. They also require that vendors submit their waste 

streams, reduction targets and management systems. Although 

$100 on leggings may seem radical, free repairs may make them a 

safe buy. Their shopping bags are also reusable, so don’t forget to 

bring yours the next time you stop in a store. 

Toms is another brand proving once again that clothing brands 

do not always have to be expensive or flashy—sometimes it’s the 

things nobody notices that make the biggest impact. The shoes are 

made of 100 percent recyclable, sustainable and vegan materials, as 

well as the boxes. They are quality made, and for every pair you buy, 

one pair is donated to a child in need. Next time someone guilts 

you for shoe shopping, try reminding them you’re simultaneously 

providing a stranger with what you deem to be a daily necessity. 

Small changes in the clothes you purchase are sure to cause a 

ripple effect in the way producers work and function. Consumers 

have the power to demand better products, and the standard we 

demand is the standard that will be met. Maybe one day we won’t 

feel the need to reward those who produce only quality and ecofriendly 

products, but until it is a normal occurrence we must 

recognize those who are willing to take that extra step. 

Following the trend of donation, Levi’s asks for yours. No 

matter the brand, Levi’s will recycle old material and clothing you 

don’t want. In return, you will receive a voucher for 20 percent off 

any regular-priced item. This donation offer includes shoes and is a 

great idea for someone who needs to clean out a closet, because let’s 

be real, there’s some stuff Goodwill doesn’t want. 

“ 

small 

changes in 

the clothes 

you purchase 

are sure 

to cause a 

ripple effect 

in the way 

producers 

work and 

function ” 



The New Approach to Fashion: Mindful Thrifting 

By Peyton Ashley King 

The year 2019 has revived an approach to fashion and the way people shop. Becoming 

more conscious of the prices of shirts, pants, shoes, and accessories has caused individuals to 

seek their local thrift shops. Thrifting has increased the demand for secondhand shops to be 

built in communities from all financial backgrounds. 

THRIFT FLIP 

BY KATIE NETHERY 

Thrifting can be the most rewarding or the most disappointing shopping trip that you’ve 

ever experienced. A shopping trip that gives the opportunity to find anything that you desire 

is ideal; however, searching through the unique hidden treasures that are patiently waiting to 

be loved again can be a challenging and frustrating task at times. But nothing feels better than 

the excitement to show off the fine treasures you discovered during the hunt. 

There are a few tricks to being successful in a thrift shop so you get the most bang for your 

buck (and your time). 

1 

Set Intentions: Thrifting without purpose 

can add stress to your experience causing you 

not to think clearly. Having a clear goal of 

what you want will aid to a smooth thrifting 

experience, so make a list or take pictures of 

looks that you are aiming for. 

2 

Dress Comfy Not Flashy: Since some thrift 

stores have a no return or exchange policy, 

wearing form- fitting clothing such as tanks, 

leggings, and boy shorts will give you an 

advantage to trying garments on, even when 

there isn’t a fitting room (which there isn’t in 

most thrift shops). 

3 

Stay on the Budget: Many shoppers get 

excited by all their unique finds and forget 

the budget they’d set. To avoid this issue, you 

should try on the items and make a judgement 

of how your feel in it and how much use you 

will get out of it as a part of your wardrobe. 

4 

Be Friendly: Creating bonds with staff 

workers at thrift shops that fit your style 

and budget can open doors for more unique 

garments and pieces in your everyday wear. 

They can not only help you find what you are 

looking for, but can also tip you off to new 

arrivals and great deals. 



When it comes to cutting or cropping, you can do this 

with almost any item. You could always turn a t-shirt into 

a crop top but if you want to be a little more adventurous 

you can try cutting jeans in many different ways: distress 

the bottom of the leg or fray some holes at the knees. 

We all have those days where we feel like we have 

nothing to wear and we’d rather just buy new clothes, 

but the fast fashion world can get very expensive very 

quickly. Thrifting is an easy alternative, and with some 

simple tips you can transform thrift pieces with your 

own personal flair. 

There are many different ways that can spice up items 

you find at the thrift store. You can cut, crop, alter color 

and texture, and even dress it up or down with other 

items. Simple and classic items like an old pair of jeans 

or a plain t-shirt can be turned into a whole new outfit. 



Once you’ve cut your item, you can leave it be or spice it up 

by altering color and texture. You can add personality to 

jackets, jeans, and t-shirts with patches or by embroidering 

a personal design onto it. If you just aren’t loving the color, 

you can also customize that by using bleach or fabric dye, 

and if you want to go the extra mile you can add studs or 

jewels for some extra bling. 

Even if you don’t have the skills or time to cut, crop, dye, 

embroider or stud, you can always use other items to dress 

up your new find. You can make a statement with a vintage 

graphic tee, by throwing on a denim skirt and some 

earrings, or pair those authentic 80’s mom jeans with your 

favorite heels and blouse for a night out. 



On the flip side, if you find something that you think 

is too dressy for your everyday looks, try dressing 

it down. A silk slip dress with a white tee under, 

finished off with your favorite sneakers, can be ready 

for a day on campus in a pinch. A skirt that’s a little 

outside of your comfort zone, add some tights and 

tuck in a graphic tee to create a more casual look. 

How to Navigate Online Thrift Stores 

By Evan Edwards 

If you’re still thinking that you won’t be able to 

find something you love at a thrift store, give thrift 

flipping a try. You might take a plain, everyday item 

and turn it into one of your favorite pieces in your 

wardrobe. 

A pile of wrinkled and forgotten clothes are occupying 

the majority of closet space. Shirts that haven’t been worn 

since high school are lingering around on their individual 

hangers. New outfits are still sitting in shopping bags, 

waiting for a slot in the compiled wardrobe to become 

available. This scenario is very familiar and hits home for 

many style-obsessed college students. 

“I overestimate the amount of things I need to bring 

from home,” Mclane Rosen said, who is a junior majoring 

in hospitality. “As a result, there tends to be pieces of 

clothing that barely get worn.” 

In the past, there has been no efficient way to get rid 

of unwanted attire. Yet within the last two years, students 

have started to turn to apps, online sites, and social media 

to sell their gently used clothes. This new form of secondhand 

recycling allows individuals to switch up their 

wardrobe—while still staying within a college budget. The 

stigma that occasionally surrounds thrifted clothing is 

world’s largest online thrift store through embracing girls 

at all stages of life. Thredup originally began as a website, 

and then progressed into an app. While it is not as popular 

on The University of Alabama campus, Thredup is working 

its way into the college industry. 

Payton Rawson, a junior majoring in engineering, 

said she prefers Thredup over Curtsy. 

“I have so many clothes from when I was younger 

that I don’t know what to do with,” Rawson said. “Stuff 

that I know wouldn’t sell as well on Curtsy tends to do 

really well on Thredup.” 

The company, Poshmark, is comparable to both 

Curtsy and Thredup. Poshmark separates their brand 

from the rest through advertising different categories— 

including menswear. The setup of their app mirrors 

Instagram, and promotes a user-friendly format. 

Poshmark puts great effort into their marketing and social 

media platforms. All of their sites have a distinct aesthetic 

now fading out. 

Curtsy is a widely popular app that is specifically 

dedicated for buying and selling clothes by college 

students. After creating a profile, young adults can price, 

photograph and post items to sell. Meanwhile, the money 

they earn can be used to shop right on the app. Curtsy is 

filled with clothes and accessories from popular brands— 

without the high price tags. 

Jordan Meeks, a junior majoring in Spanish, is a 

committed Curtsy user. Meeks said she has made a little 

extra income since the creation of her account last year. 

“Curtsy allows me to clean out my closet right through my 

phone,” Meeks said. “It’s so practical and works around 

my hectic schedule.” 

Meeks said she is excited to see where Curtsy goes 

as it gains more popularity across college campuses 

throughout the United States. 

Thredup is another company that encompasses many 

of the same attributes as Curtsy. It markets itself as the 

coined by the Poshmark team. In return, the company 

has a loyal following of all ages across the United States. 

Mclane Rosen said Poshmark is her first choice when it 

comes to purchasing pre-owned clothing. 

“Poshmark is a very trustworthy site,” Rosen said. 

“I know I’m getting exactly what is shown.” 

As more companies emerge into the digital thrifting 

industry, it is beneficial to understand the differences 

between them. Because Curtsy, Thredup, and Poshmark 

embrace a particular niche or appeal—everyone has a 

site tailored towards their own personal style. 

Payton Rawson said she doesn’t see the need to go 

out and purchase brand new clothing. 

“Why go to a store when I can purchase the same 

thing on an app,” Rawson said. “For basically half the 

price.” 



HIT 

Everyone experiences a bad thrifting day, 

but being plus size makes the chances of a 

bad trip more likely. As a plus size thrifter, it 

can be discouraging to shop at a thrift store 

because of the little to no options. Being plus 

size should not discourage you from thrifting. 

Instead, it should inspire you to try new things 

and new ways to wear clothes. 

Thrifting in general is a great way to save 

money. It takes used name brand items and 

lowers the price so most people can afford 

those items. With a rise in stores adding plus 

size items, the marketing ploy of charging 

bigger customers for bigger sizes seems to 

be depleting. But, brands still use this tactic. 

Thrifting allows this price gap to be eliminated, 

making not only our bank accounts happier 

but our self-esteem as well. When at a thrift 

store, you never know what a diamond in the 

rough you’ll find. Recently, I thrifted a denim 

skirt that has the brand’s tag ripped off. This 

skirt fits better than most of my name brand 

clothing. 

Thrift stores are a cornucopia of different 

brands: they allow patrons to explore new 

brands they have never heard of or never 

would have tried. Fashion styles cycle through 

every couple of years. For instance, scrunchies 

and mom jeans aren’t just a thing of the 90’s 

anymore, anyone who’s scrolled through 

OR 

MISS 

By Jennafer Bowman 

PLUS SIZE THRIFTING 

Instagram has probably seen the pair 

quite a bit. What used to be considered 

‘vintage’ is now everyday wear. That’s why 

when most people think of thrifting, they 

instantly think of vintage. With platforms like 

YouTube and Instagram, it’s seemingly easy 

to take an old styled shirt and DIY it. With 

so many creators online, it’s easy to find DIY 

inspiration anywhere. You can cut a shirt and 

make it into a crop top, (which by the way 

was originally presented in the 90’s but now 

every store has a crop top section.) There are 

a million ways to make clothing your own 

especially when it’s at such a small price tag, 

the problem though is finding clothing in 

your size. 

The problem with thrifting when plus 

size arises when your section only has older 

women’s clothing, vintage is great but 

outdated is devastating. Walking into any 

store, the plus size section is pushed in the 

back corner and is about two racks of clothes 

with maybe a shelf of jeans. You would think 

walking into a thrift store would be different. 

People donate their old clothes because they’re 

too big which makes the options for plus sizes 

go up, right? Wrong. The plus-size section 

is mostly filled with outdated more mature 

clothing, not something a young adult wants 

to wear. Some items might be vintage but it’s 

hard to revamp something that was dead when it 

was in its prime. If the selection isn’t the problem, 

it’s sizing. A woman named Chloe Martin tweeted 

out a picture of her shorts from different brands all 

in the same size. Miraculously, none of the shorts 

matched up to be the same waist length. This 

makes finding your size in a thrift store extremely 

hard since the racks contain all different brands. 

In my personal experience, I brought back three 

pairs of jeans all labeled size 18. The jeans I 

originally wore were a size 18, so you can imagine 

my heart break when none of the jeans I went to 

try on fit past my thighs. I was so upset I left the 

thrift shop. The number on our waist bands can 

dictate how we feel about ourselves, and it sucks. 

It doesn’t help to watch Youtubers show off their 

$100 haul of thrifted goods. Thrifting is a hit or 

miss for anyone but adding the element of bigger 

sizes make it even harder. 

So, when you watch youtubers find tons of 

clothing that fits them and you walk out with 

nothing, it hurts. Some YouTubers suggest going 

to multiple stores, but being plus sized means we 

already have to do that just to get a little bit of 

variety. It’s a struggle to travel to five different 

stores and still find nothing that fits correctly. 

I was so upset I left the thrift shop. The number 

on our waist bands can dictate how we feel about 

ourselves, and it sucks. It doesn’t help to watch 

YouTubers show off their $100 haul of thrifted 

goods. Thrifting is a hit or miss for anyone but 

adding the element of bigger sizes make it even 

harder. So, when you watch YouTubers find tons 

of clothing that fits them and you walk out with 

nothing, it hurts. Some YouTubers suggest going 

to multiple stores, but being plus sized means we 

already have to do that just to get a little bit of 

variety. It’s a struggle to travel to five different 

stores and still find nothing that fits correctly. 

There is a key to somewhat success, when 

it comes to plus size thrifting. Now this may 

sound typical but, keeping an open mind when 

thrifting really helps. If something doesn’t fit 

try a bigger size and start over. The size of a 

pair of jeans should not dictate how you feel 

about yourself. Remember, a 20 in one brand 

is not a 20 in another. There is no true size 

20. Personally, I find a lot of luck in the men’s 

section. Men’s clothes are built bigger because 

of their broad shoulders and longer torso. You 

will have a better chance in finding an oversized 

flannel, hoodie or shirt in the men’s section 

because of how they are tailored compared 

to the women’s section. To make an article of 

clothing more you, try DIYing. You could take 

a sharpie to a pair of mom jeans and decorate 

them, or cut up a shirt into a tank top, there are 

so many ways to make clothing yours. 

It can be difficult to thrift when you don’t fit 

into most of the store’s sections. With unreliable 

sizing, small sections, and outdated clothing, 

thrifting can easily lower anyone’s self-esteem. 

But, with the considerable amount of do-ityourself 

options it doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Plus-size thrifting isn’t a burden; if anything, 

it’s a fun challenge. 


The Oversized Blazer 

Many fashion bloggers and celebrities have been spotted 

wearing oversized black blazers with nearly everything. For 

the hotter weather, many style the blazer with crop tops 

and bike shorts—for a chic, sporty look. For a more relaxed 

approach, wear a blazer with a simple white tee and denim 

shorts—completed with chunky sneakers. Since a blazer 

is a more masculine piece, pair it with bright colors and 

patterns. You could also throw it over a bodysuit or dress. 

THE STAPLES: A Style Guide 

By Rachel Stern 

Plaid 

A pattern that constantly circles the runway is plaid. For 

summer, bright color schemes printed on mini skirts 

and dresses were all the rage—styled like the 90’s. Since 

fall is coming up, bring out the darker colors and mix 

them with graphic tees. Add a pair of white sneakers for 

an updated schoolgirl look. Plaid pants are also having a 

moment—which can be styled with a crop top or chunky 

sweater. 

We all know that the fashion industry moves at a rapid pace. As soon as a trend comes in, 

designers are already moving on to something new. However, there are certain pieces that are 

considered “staples”—and they are stylish in every season. 



Accessories 

White Sneakers 

When you want to add 

something quick to an otherwise 

basic look—think earrings. Gold 

hoops are classic, and can make 

a plain tee with jeans a chic 

ensemble. For football games, 

pair red or black earrings with a 

simple white dress to take it to 

a more established level. Either 

of these options are a great way 

to enhance your looks, while 

still maintaining an effortless 

presence. 

Animal Print 

It’s no surprise white sneakers are a fashion staple. 

They’re comfortable, easy to throw on, and most 

importantly—they go with everything. For a sporty 

and stylish look, opt for biker shorts, an oversized 

graphic tee and sneaks. For a more feminine 

look, pair them with a mini dress or skirt. It’s not 

uncommon for anyone to own a pair of Air Force 

1s or Filas. Consider making yours unique with 

colored laces and personal designs. 

Leopard print is by far the most 

staple print. It can be worn with 

nearly every color and pattern. 

Animal prints in general are 

considered “neutrals” because of 

how versatile they are when pairing 

with other pieces. This season, zebra 

is all the rage. Pair a zebra print mini 

skirt and a black turtleneck with 

booties. Polish off that look with 

a set of hair clips for the ultimate 

2000s throwback. 



Vintage 

Clothes 

Still Have 

Life to Give 



White After Labor Day 





FOOD 

AND HEALTH 

99 BREAK UP WITH DIETING 

102 

104 

MENTAL HEALTH: SOCIAL 

MEDIA STANDARDS 

HOW TO DETOX YOUR SOCIAL 

MEDIA FOR YOUR MENTAL 

HEALTH 

Less Dieting, 

More Living 

By Maddie Stevens 

What if I told you that the key to living 

a healthier life starts with your mindset, and 

not the food on your plate? 

Many of us have been misled by the 

dieting mentality. Somehow, society has 

successfully sold us on fad diets, and quick 

fixes that promise to sustain big results, while 

shifting our thought process to believe that 

our body defines our identity. With that, we 

are left with an unhealthy relationship with 

food and the inability to live an authentically 

healthy, happy life. 

When you begin to see food and nutrition 

as a daily lifestyle, everything changes. What 

if we viewed food as a way to honor our body 

each day, instead of making it about how 

many calories you’re “allowed to have?” 

When we think about honoring our bodies as 

a lifestyle adjustment and not just a quick fix, 

everything changes. 

Let’s break up with the dieting mindset 

and shift our thinking to a healthier, 

sustainable lifestyle with these five goals. 

1. You can’t use a temporary fix for 

a lifelong solution 

Has fad-dieting ever really given anyone longterm 

results? Is it just a quick fix, or does the diet 

change daily life into a sustainable, healthier way 

of living? Well, if you’re only changing your diet 

for one week or one month … then that doesn’t 

change into a lifestyle. A diet is a temporary fix 

to a lifelong journey — sounds like a recipe for 

disappointment. 

If you want a long-term, healthy change for 

your body, a diet isn’t the way to go. But how you 

view food and how you control what you put into 

your body is does lead to a healthier, happier you. 

If you are spending your days counting your 

calories, intentionally depriving your body of 

the nutrition you need, or determined to only eat 

salads for every meal-- it’s time for a wake up call. 

A healthy change starts with mindset. Not 

necessarily what’s on your plate. 

Start by asking yourself, at the very core of 

these feelings: why are you wanting to diet? Is your 

motivation coming from the desire to lose weight, 

is it to impress someone, is it for control? Search 

for the roots to those feelings. Not only why you 

want to diet, but what drove you to feel that way. 

When you find out the source of why you 

want to diet, where this dissatisfaction with food is 

coming from, take control of it and throw it away. 

Stand up to it and know that you are about to make 

a positive adjustment that is longer lasting than 

any diet could be. 



“ Accepting all food means that you 

will happily allow yourself to enjoy 

a dinner (and dessert!) out with your 

friends, but you can still honor your 

body with daily nutrition. 

” 

2. Food freedom 

Make peace with food. All types of food. From 

lettuce to brownies, food IS your friend. The more 

we mentally label good versus bad foods, the messier 

this process gets. Remember the idea of an adult 

telling you not to take the cookie from the cookie 

jar as a kid? Which always led to you wanting the 

cookie even more? The same subconscious mindset 

applies now. If you label food with “good” or “bad” 

titles, you’re left craving whatever food you tried to 

cut out of your life. 

Don’t get me wrong here. Food is the fuel our 

bodies need to run on a daily basis. And yes, we 

need good fuel to operate at our best. We should 

try to pick the most nutritious option available 

because it’s important to nourish ourselves. But IT 

IS OKAY to have all food types. Enjoy your favorite 

treat. Shamelessly have that dessert. Just do it in 

moderation. If you create a proper balance, it will be 

absolutely okay. Accepting all food means that you 

will happily allow yourself to enjoy a dinner (and 

dessert!) out with your friends, but you can still 

honor your body with daily nutrition. 

When you decide to make a lifestyle change 

with food, it’s a lifelong journey. That means that 

eating the tasty treat will not ruin you because 

your journey isn’t over. You don’t have an end goal 

because you are pursuing a healthy life each day. 

This is all about rebuilding a broken relationship 

with food. Part of a breakup is letting go, so girl, let 

go of that food guilt. When this becomes a lifestyle, 

one cheat day will not ruin you. Learn about 

nutrition, how to fuel your body and slowly modify 

those steps into your daily life. Allow yourself to 

have freedom in your journey to a healthy lifestyle. 

3. How to actually make it last. 

Let’s talk sustainability. If you want to see a lifestyle 

change, not just for an alleged one-week diet or 30-day 

challenge; but you want to see lasting results and have 

authentic improvement in your body, there needs to be a 

change that you genuinely want to maintain. 

Start off with committing to small changes in your 

current diet. Ask yourself how you can make a meal in 

front of you just a little better. Can you add some more 

greens? Maybe some healthy fats or smart carbs? Take 

what you’re doing right now and try to incorporate 

little improvements. By slowly being consistent in small 

changes, you will naturally keep it growing from there. 

You can also try meal prepping, which also saves 

time in the kitchen during a busy week, or incorporating 

better snacks to bring with you to work or class. No 

matter how you choose to go about this, commit to those 

small steps. Watch what happens over time. 

When it comes to cutting out certain foods, like sugar 

or processed foods, begin with simply minimizing your 

intake amount. This may sound silly, but usually people’s 

first reaction is to cut it out of their diet completely 

overnight. When you instantly remove something that 

is fairly normal in your diet without slowly weaning 

your body off of it, chances of cravings and binge eating 

reach an all time high. For a sustainable change, slowly 

decrease your intake and your body handles the rest. 

Next, celebrate the little victories. Embrace your 

success of small changes. For long-term changes to 

your lifestyle, it takes time. And that waiting game can 

be the hardest part, but enjoy the journey — celebrate 

it and soak it in! After all, it is about the progress, not 

perfection. 

4. Your food doesn’t define you. Your 

shape doesn’t define you. 

When you link morality to food, you’re giving 

your freedom away to food. You are not a good person 

for eating a salad, nor are you a bad person for eating 

cheese fries. Absolutely take the time to celebrate the 

positive steps and embrace it, but don’t reflect on them 

as increasing or decreasing your worth as an awesome 

human being. Food is your fuel, it does not define 

character. Don’t punish yourself for eating that slice 

of cake. Celebrating a healthy relationship with food 

doesn’t involve you telling yourself that you are good for 

eating veggies for your afternoon snack. It means taking 

the time to celebrate that you made a positive choice 

and you are going about it in a healthy way. It means 

to feel GOOD about honoring your body and loving who 

you are. It does not mean depriving or reprimanding 

yourself. This is meant to be a fun journey to a healthier 

lifestyle through less dieting and more living! 

You are going to get busy, tired or maybe just have 

a really bad day. It’s OKAY to miss that workout or 

grab a meal in the drive thru. Life is going to get in the 

way sometimes, so have grace with yourself. Have the 

patience to roll with it and create balance, not punishing 

yourself through food deprivation or negative self-talk. 

A huge part of this journey is embracing yourself. 

It’s a big step to choose to make these changes for a 

healthier life and commit to small steps, including 

treating yourself well. Speak positive words to yourself 

in a mirror; lift yourself up in your thoughts. The same 

way that we’re working on having a healthy relationship 

with food- the way you view yourself is just as important. 

5. For when it gets hard… 

The hardest part about achieving a healthier 

lifestyle and making small changes that lead to 

long-term results is the waiting; when you’ve been 

making the extra effort for a while and you don’t 

see or feel results. 

Think about it this way: it’s not about WHEN 

you get there, but it’s about how you get there-- the 

whole process. What would it be like to embrace 

the process, celebrate the little victories, and watch 

the small changes turn into bigger ones? 

Instead of keeping your eyes laser-focused on 

the idea of what it looks like to fully achieve your 

goal, whether it’s food or fitness, soak in where you 

are right now. Fully embrace the fulfillment of your 

journey and know that you are moving toward a 

healthy transformation. 

Whether you’re working on small changes in 

your daily diet, truly breaking up with the dieting 

mindset, or learning to live out food freedom: 

enjoy the moment. When you shift your joy into 

the journey, you’ll want to keep it going. And you 

will get there. 



How to Detox Your 

Social Media for Your 

Mental Health 

By Morgan Harris 

#DETOX 

In the beauty-driven world we live in today, the word 

detox is used left and right to rid us of all the “bad” things 

in our life. There are juice cleanses to detox all the junk 

you put in your body, charcoal masks to detox your 

clogged pores, and meditation apps to detox your bad 

thoughts. We are so often made to believe the choices we 

are making for ourselves are notoriously bad for us, and, 

who knows, maybe they are. There are so many products 

and gimmicks to sell us on how we can improve our lives, 

that we may begin to believe the only way we can improve 

our well being is to spend a dollar. 

One of the most important things that we often 

neglect and forget about, is our mental health. It’s so 

easy to believe if we buy this amazing special product 

that it will drastically improve our lives in some way. 

And while I too may be guilty of splurging on that 

overpriced juice cleanse from time to time, I think 

taking steps to detox your life can begin without a 

purchase. A whole new mindset is at your fingertips, and 

you don’t have to spend a dime. 

Numerous studies show how social media is affecting 

our mental health, namely the link between depression 

and social media consumption. With these negative 

hits to our mental health through social media that we 

consume, how can we fix it? There are a number of ways 

you can begin taking steps to detox your social media to 

start improving your mental health. 

2 1 

3 

4 

Be Intentional About How You Spend 

Your Time 

On iPhones, you can go to your settings to see your screen time and a breakdown 

of which apps you use the most and how much time you spend on each of them. On 

my own screen, the social media category was the most-used section. Where do you 

spend the most time on your phone? You may be surprised by the answer, and it may 

be affecting you in ways you aren’t even attuned to. 

Download a Social Media Detox App 

There is an app for just about everything, ironically including apps to get you 

to stay off your phone. Moment is an app geared towards bringing your social media 

usage down by monitoring screen time, and coaching users on how to bring that 

screen time down. You can also enable automatic cut-off times, reminders, and more 

to start setting goals for your journey into a social media detox. 

Unfollow, Unfollow, Unfollow 

Believe it or not, something as simple as unfollowing people and pages can 

help to detox your social media. How often have you followed a drop-dead gorgeous 

Instagram model for “fashion inspo” or to give yourself ideas on how you’d like to 

“theme” your profile? It’s so easy to constantly see other accounts and use them to 

compare yourself, but if it’s someone you don’t know personally and you find yourself 

feeling down each time they post, it’s time to hit that unfollow button. Although it 

may feel like a hit at your self-esteem to admit the people you’re following are taking 

a toll on our mental health, filtering what you consume can largely affect how you 

think. 

A Full Cleanse 

Taking the leap and logging off social media for good may seem daunting, but 

a complete disconnect can be freeing. Even if you don’t decide to completely delete 

your accounts, simply logging off for a weekend getaway to actually connect with 

friends, or deciding to keep your phone in your bag during dinner can impact your 

daily life. You have probably seen friends signing off for x amount of days to escape 

their social media and thought that it’s a crazy idea. However, taking little steps to 

connect more with “real” life and disconnect from our digitally curated life as a social 

presence can improve so many aspects of day-to-day life. 



Mental Health: 

Social Media Standards 

By Hannah Taylor 

Dianne Bragg was in seventh grade when she 

contracted mononucleosis. Bed ridden for weeks and 

unable to go to school, she asked her mother for the 

one thing she hadn’t yet been exposed to: a magazine. 

Bragg specifically requested an issue of Seventeen; the 

one she received featured model Patti Hansen on its 

cover. Recalling Hansen’s freckles and red hair, Bragg 

said she “just devoured [the magazine].” 

Bragg is an associate professor in the department 

of journalism and creative media at The University 

of Alabama. Throughout her childhood she initially 

defined beauty standards by TV shows of the ’60s, 

including Gilligan’s Island and The Brady Bunch. 

The ideals represented in adolescent magazines like 

Seventeen seemed “more attainable than the women 

(she’d) seen on television.” One show Bragg described 

as having a particularly negative impact on her selfimage 

was the ’70s hit Charlie’s Angels. 

Comparison is a habit of human nature that has 

worsened with the rise of social media. Today, social 

media has come to define how we participate in dayto-day 

activities; from news consumption to keeping 

in touch with friends and family, it would be hard to 

imagine a world without it. Lucrative careers are built 

on social media platforms, in the form of vloggers, 

bloggers, and influencers. Naibuzz estimated that 

David Dobrik, leader of the Vlog Squad, makes 

“I remember watching that show 

and feeling very inferior,” Bragg said, 

pointing out the elusive beauty and 

charisma the star of the show, Farrah 

Fawcett, exuded. 


around $24,000 per day off of ads that run on his 

videos. 

Entire company departments are now 

dedicated to the strategic management and use of 

social media. Influencer agencies, such as Digital Brand 

Architects, specialize in developing and marketing 

personal brands. However, the reward associated with 

the successful utilization of social media comes with 

risks, too. The same platforms that build careers often 

set the stage for their downfalls. 

In May of 2019, the world of beauty vlogging ignited 

in controversy after influencer Tati Westbrook released 

a 40-minute-long, expository video about former 

friend and makeup mogul James Charles. Within days, 

Charles lost over 2 million subscribers on YouTube 

and his Instagram following dropped by hundreds of 

thousands. He subsequently took a prolonged break 

from his accounts and explicitly stated the damaging 

effect the public drama had on his mental health. 

While there is no evidence directly correlating 

the increase in mental illnesses and social media, it’s 

hard to ignore the implications of spending several 

hours a day on these interactive technologies. A 2018 

Pew Research survey of U.S. teens ages 13-17 revealed 

that 70 percent of teens consider anxiety and depression 

“among people their age in the community where they 

live” a “major problem.” 

Nicole Koch, 28, is no stranger to the harmful 

effects of social media. Host and social media manager 

for multimedia entertainment company Young 

Hollywood, Koch spends roughly seven hours a day 

on social media. Every morning she spends five to 10 

minutes checking Instagram and Twitter, looking for 

breaking news in the world of pop culture. It’s her job 

to consistently update the company’s various social 

media and make sure Young Hollywood takes part in 

trending conversations, she said. With over 8 million 

followers across all direct platforms, this is no small 

task. Aside from positioning Young Hollywood as a 

central voice in the entertainment industry, Koch said 

she must critically look at the analytics for each post, as social media 

performance could potentially affect the booking of talent. 

Juggling multiple responsibilities and working for the 

majority of the week as a social media manager began to take its 

toll. The line between personal and professional faded, and Koch 

said she started looking at her own account in a more critical light. 

Grace Thaxton Barrett, a 17-year-old high school senior 

not yet exposed to the pressures associated with career-ladder 

climbing, said she compares herself not to influencers or established 

professionals, but to college-aged girls. Barrett said she tries to get 

off social media when she starts participating in disparaging selftalk, 

but several of her friends will sit on their phones for hours, 

saving pictures of girls and “trying to look like them.” 

These detrimental habits of comparison are not unique to 

teenagers and millennials. Kim Bissell, associate dean for research 

for the College of Communication and Information Sciences at The 

University of Alabama, conducts research on the effects media has 

on children. Bissell discovered that boys and girls as young as 6 

years old engage in social comparison. When kids don’t look like 

the athletes and celebrities they follow on social media, they feel as 

if they haven’t met “societal expectations,” and this “drives negative 

self-perception,” she said. 

Aligned with the troubling evidence of comparison at early 

ages, she said the biggest threat social media poses to children 

stems from a lack of oversight. 

“They’re on it too much, [and] parents don’t know what 

they’re exposed to,” Bissell said. 

Part of Bissell’s research includes teaching media literacy, 

how to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not. In a world 

of social media content saturation, the line often blurs. Scrolling 

through Instagram reveals a deluge of perfectly posed influencers 

living lavish lifestyles and user profiles typically function as 

highlight reels. 

“If people want to do something 

with their careers, they watch how 

other people are doing it and then try 

and match it. If they can’t...that’s where 

the negativity comes in,” Koch said. 

“[It’s] definitely given me a lot of anxiety, in my work, and 

also in my personal life,” Koch said. 

Three months ago, Koch said she got caught up in making 

sure her Instagram account reflected her career successes. After 

receiving numerous questions about her job, Koch thought, “I 

need to start posting more, make myself look more like a host and 

make sure I’m branding myself that way.” After a brief period of 

posting interviews she’d done simply for the sake of posting them, 

Koch said she decided to use social media more intentionally. 

“I try to use it in a positive way as best as I can,” she said. 

Koch adjusted her social media practices to align with 

her values, but comparing careers seems to be a common 

occurrence in millennials looking to establish themselves in 

the entertainment industry. She recalled a young host who put 

immense pressure on herself to gain a larger following after 

being unable to book commercials because she had under 50,000 

followers on Instagram. 


Mikayla King, a 21 year-old junior at The University 

of Alabama, estimates that she follows 150 influencers and 

celebrities on Instagram. Of those 150, King can name 25 off 

the top of her head, from Bachelor Nation to movie stars. King 

said she originally used social media to keep up with friends 

and family, but it’s now become a means for finding outfit 

inspiration and beauty products. As for social media’s effect on 

her mood, King said her negative experiences arise from fear of 

missing out, commonly referred to as FOMO. 

“I’ve never [felt the need] to get off social media 

because I’m comparing my [body], but I have compared my 

life [to others]. I’ve seen what other people were doing, and it 

made me feel sad because I wasn’t doing what they were doing, 

I couldn’t buy what they were buying, or I wasn’t hanging out 

with the people they were hanging out with.” 

FOMO is more prominent than ever. Snapchat and 

Instagram stories allow people to share what they’re doing 

every minute of every day, and more often than not, they’re 

showing the best moments. Social media platforms set the 

stage for a competition of who’s living a better life. Sitting at 

home and looking at social media, it’s easy to feel left out simply 

because you aren’t doing the same things as everyone else. In 

order to avoid the dreaded FOMO, high school senior Barrett 

said she purposefully won’t go on Snapchat or Instagram if she 

knows all of her friends went to an event she didn’t attend. 

While social media’s negative effects are evident, and 

its long-term impact on younger generations isn’t yet clear, 

these interactive technologies can be used for good, too. In 

her media education efforts, professor Bissell developed an 

app that allows children to better understand the concept of 

nutrition. Kids can take pictures of their food, upload it to the 

app, and subsequently receive suggestions on how to increase 

the nutritional value of their meals. Bissell even integrated a 

positive reward system. 

In the business world, careers are built on social 

media through means aside from influencing and blogging. 

Networking apps, like LinkedIn, connect users with potential 

employers; industry influencers often post inspiring success 

stories and tools for professional development on various 

platforms. 

As for mental health, the negative stigma surrounding 

this topic is dissipating as people become more vocal about 

their experiences with anxiety and depression. Wellness 

podcasts exist in abundance on audio streaming platforms, and 

TED talks on triumphing over mental illnesses reach millions 

of viewers through video-sharing company YouTube. Young 

Hollywood’s social media manager Koch said she follows 

spiritual self-help profiles like @spiritdaughter and actively 

looks for Instagram accounts that represent the “goodness in 

the world, just to help [her] mood.” 



Mari Andrew, artist and writer, runs such an 

account; it illustrates human emotions ranging from 

heartbreak, longing, loneliness and joy. The account, @ 

bymariandrew, has amassed over 1 million followers to date, 

and a special story-highlight is dedicated to her essay on 

optimism, which she wrote after overcoming a disease that 

left her temporarily paralyzed. 

Regardless of the benefits and burdens associated with 

social media, the effects of its use can be managed. This can 

be accomplished by practicing intentional posting, joining 

valuable conversations, setting limits on the amount of time 

spent on the platforms, and following motivational accounts. 

Above all, practicing mindfulness by acknowledging when 

and why negative thoughts emerge will help in filtering out 

the content they stem from. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, 

comparison is the thief of joy. Consider the possibility of a life 

without it. 





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Photographer: 

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