Alice

CARING ABOUT CARABINERS

The History of Flagging in the Queer Community

CREATING A LASTING LEGACY

The History of Alice

SWEET HOME ALABAMA

Exploring Tuscaloosa’s Music Scene

LEGACY

FALL 2024

Cover Photo by Josha Charlery

Cover Design by Sarah Mitchell

Photo by Josha Charlery

Design by Sarah Mitchell

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The University of Alabama is the place “where legends

are made.” From the streets we drive to the halls we

walk; we are inundated with the names and messages

of these legends and the legacies they created. From local

restaurants to famous graduates of our university, we seek

to honor the legends in our midst, and in doing so, have

discovered what it truly means to form a legacy.

To build a legacy is to create something lasting, and

worthy of its favor. It must go beyond what is expected and

assumed, to be something greater.

Legacies are carried on the shoulders of moments

that history remembers forever, but they are built on the

backs of unnoticed hours of striving and struggle.

Legacies are built on those who strive, and those

who persist.

This semester, we are celebrating the first edition

of the 10th volume of Alice, and in doing so, we have been

thinking a lot about the legacy it has created on campus and

for the women of our university.

The building of this legacy, however, didn’t

happen overnight. It is only through the hard work and

perseverance of the women who came before us that we

are here today. Hours spent brainstorming ideas and

painstakingly planning. Days, nights and weekends spent

creating space for themselves, where space did not yet exist.

All of their work and dedication has allowed us to continue

to be creative and free in a place just for us, and just for you.

Through out the creation of this edition, I have

been challenged in ways both familiar and unfamiliar. I

know now, however, that it is through the challenges that

our legacy is formed.

I owe everything to the wisdom, knowledge and

graciousness of my staff and our advisor. It is through them

that this issue has come together so beautifully. They have

taught me more than I could ever say. I am a better editor,

leader, friend, person and woman than I was when I began

this journey, and I owe every piece of that to them. To me,

these women are legendary.

I hope you come away from this magazine with

some knowledge of the legacy the powerful women who

started Alice have created, and hopefulness for all the

legacies still yet to come.

And for now, I hope you know that all of this is for

you. All of the time, energy and work are made worth it,

because we get to give it to you. I hope our legacy inspires

your own.

Editor-in-Chief

Caroline Karrh



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Mission Statement

Alice is a publication by and 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.”

Alice is bold and inclusive, serving as an accessible source for all

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

lifestyle for college women, while also tackling 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 have we feel, what we

think, and the future we want to build.

Alice is the 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 she found it.

She graces the 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 in every college woman already

possesses.

Though we do focus on college women, our belief in 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!

alice.ua.edu 5

Is...

Creative Director

Sarah Mitchell

Managing Editor

Elena Giorgi

Digital Director

Morinsola Kukoyi

Design Editor

Isabelle Bennington

Fashion Editor

Gabrielle Gunter

Videography Editor

Madison Brainerd

Assistant Design Editor

Natalie Adams

Photography Editor

Josha Charlery

Assistant Photography Editor

Caroline Simmons

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Food & Health Editor

Maggie Esnard

Lifestyle Editor

Emily Crousore

Web Editor

Hannah Holcombe

Features Editor

Abby Cobe

Beauty Editor

Lisé Badeaux

Entertainment Editor

Leslie Klein

Social Media Editor

Madelyn Barr

Marketing Editor

Hannah Hajek

Writing Contributors:

Abigail Slonaker, Kendall Dillon, Raven Johnson, Jane Blissett, Sydney Ahearn, Margaret Leech,

Gabriella Greek, Alexandra Hayden, Dania Botello, Ella Lybarger,Madison Miller, Margaret Browning, Melanie Bumpus,

Ellie First, Marshall McGahey, Sophie Gros, Emily Mohr, Sammy Bignault, Aria Lawrence, Grace Johnson,

Gabrielle Guenther, Shannon Salerni

Creative Contributors:

Alisha Power, Emily Waugh, Gabriella Lopez, Hannah Grace Mayfield, Isabelle Carroza, Lauren Waters, Sally Warren,

Alexis Mack, Alyssa Fuller, Anna Banks, Ava Cunningham, Carrie D’Arruda, Kyndell Kelley, Makenzie Pardue,

Miho Kimura, Shannon Hahn, Shelby West, Sofia Navarro, Tatum Smith

Social Media Contributors:

Lauren Iley, Bentley Culbreth, Parker Mitchell, Hollis Leevy, Tristan Lyon, Shannon Hahn, Claire Dickinson

Editorial Advisor: Monique Fields

alice.ua.edu 7

The Hidden Cost of Dupe Culture

Post-Grad Fashion

Transforming Wardrobes and Discovering New Style After Graduation

Caring About Carabiners

The History of Flagging in the Queer Community

Under Where?

The Fashion Secrets Hiding Beneath It All

The Seams Between Class, Politics and Fashion

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14

16

20

22

Lights, Camera, Action

The Magic of Makeup

Sephora

Gen Alpha’s New Toy Store

Campaigning for Change

Ready,Set, Go!

The Race for the Next Viral Product

Future Proof

A Guide to Anti-Aging Skin Care

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30

32

34

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Celebrity Beauty Brands

Are They Worth the Hype?

It’s Never Too Late!

Crossing the Stage and Changing the World

Iconic Graduates of the University of Alabama

Creating a Lasting Legacy


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44

46

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56

58

62

64

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Holiday Makeover

How to Revamp Over the Holidays

Sweet Home Alabama


Third Decade Hobbies

Thirty Hobbies to Try in Your Twenties

Which Past Alice Article Are You?

Quiz

The Resurgence of the Pop Industry

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Long Distance Relationships

How to Make It Work or Know When to Let Go

From Chains to Charm

Localizing Your Life

Voting

The Ultimate Power Move

Protect, Don’t Seclude

The Importance of Community While “Protecting Your Peace”

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Tuscaloosa’s Top Tastes

Celebrating 10 Years of Avenue Pub & Southern Ale House

Aging In College

Medication Myths Debunked

Overcoming the Mental Health Treament Stigma

Alice’s Favorite Recipes

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Photo by Caroline Simmons

FASHION

Dupe Culture

The Hidden Cost of Dupe Culture

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Post-Grad Fashion

Transforming Wardrobes and Discovering

New Style After Graduation

Caring About Carabiners

The History of Flagging in the Queer

Community

Under Where?

The Fashion Secrets Hiding Beneath It All

The Seams Between Class,

Politics and Fashion

14

16

20

22

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The Hidden Cost of

Dupe Culture

In recent years, many people have become

increasingly familiar with the term “dupe.” It

describes finding a lower priced, yet identical

version of a higher-end product, like a knockoff.

The word dupe began to rise in mainstream

popularity during the early 2000s, around the same

time microtrends, which are trends that quickly

skyrocket in popularity but burn out just as fast, were

gaining traction. With trends coming and going within

a few short months, people could not afford to continue

buying name brand items.

Dupes have been criticized for causing more

people to shop fast fashion. Instead of investing in

higher quality pieces, people are seeking the cheapest

option possible to keep up with the speed at which

trends are changing.

Target employee Maria Alesia described her

experience working in retail as “disappointing.” Due

to the increase in dupe products, Target has forgone

their popular basics for specific, fleeting trends. Alesia

describes the clearance section as “consistently full of

items that were trending three weeks ago.”

While many people have continued to choose

to support small businesses in lieu of all the cheaper,

yet unethical, options, dupes for big brands are still

increasingly popular.

Makayla Chestang, a dupe connoisseur and

recent graduate of The University of Alabama, was

“upset but not surprised” at the supposed replicas

that were sold to her. One of her favorite products to

test was the Free People Quilted Carryall. While the

original bag from Free People was $68, one of the

most popular Amazon dupes was $45. Although large

influencers made the bag appear to be nearly identical

to the authentic piece, she found it was much smaller

By Emily Mohr

than promised and did not feel like it would last more

than two weeks of everyday wear.

TikTok has been one of the top contributors

to the promotion of fast fashion and the support of

unethical practices. When TikTok Shop launched,

many people felt it was gimmicky and fleeting.

Financial Advisor and TikToker Jessie

Brady described the platform as “dangerous to young

consumers.”

“It feels like every third video on my page is

someone talking about another Amazon must-have,”

Brady says.

It has become so easy to purchase directly

through TikTok or Amazon Storefronts that people are

overspending and over consuming; they are feeding the

ephemeral nature of trends.

The constant aestheticizing of personalities

has led to the loss of a sense of self for many people,

causing them to continuously buy into the newest trend

in hopes they will feel a sense of belonging. However,

it does not matter whether they find belonging their

chosen aesthetic, because it is replaced by the next big

thing a month later, and they no longer belong.

Dupe culture is a way of life for many. It allows

people to dress the way that makes them feel most

confident without breaking the bank, but the more

popular it has become, the less people care about the

quality of the items they bought. Finding a good dupe

became more of a status symbol than buying the piece

itself. However, at what point does the pendulum swing

back? At some point, consumers will find themselves

wanting the more expensive, albeit better quality item,

thus having made no progress, and more waste.

Desgin by Shannon Hahn

Photo by Emmy Waugh

alice.ua.edu 13

Post-Grad

Fashion

Transforming Wardrobes and Discovering

New Style After Graduation By Grace Johnston

Most new graduates find their style shifting when

moving from college life to the world of postgrad.

In addition to professional attire, many

women see differences in their personal style when going

to dinner, attending weddings, completing chores and

running errands. Fashion and personal style change with

growth, so which fashion choices are often left in college

and why?

Morgan Igou, an alumna from The University of

Alabama, has completed four internships, and she was the

president and founder of the National Retail Federation

Student Association at UA in 2020. She is now an assistant

buyer for Macy’s in New York City.

“I left a significant amount of casual wear

behind me when I graduated college,” Igou says. “I knew

I would trade my casual school apparel for professional

work attire.”

Casual athleisure is popular among college

students as they prioritize comfort while walking to class

and sitting in long lectures, but even the working class

needs comfort, too. Striking a balance between adjusting

one’s college wardrobe to reflect a shiny new degree while

staying true to the basics becomes an important factor for

recent graduates.

For some, it is easy to tell the difference between

a college student and a graduate based on their fashion

choices. Others can hide their age through timeless looks

that accompany women at any stage of life. Babs Davis, a

UA fashion professor, finds it easy to identify whether a

woman is currently in college or has already graduated

through her sense of style.

“When I have visited students on internships

or seen them after graduation, I sometimes don’t even

recognize them,” Davis says. “Students are really casual

with athletic wear, t-shirts, sweatshirts, often with their

hair up and no makeup. Once they are in their post grad

jobs, they are dressed nicely with hair and makeup fixed.”

What inspires women to adjust their style and

fashion choices after they graduate from college? For

many, entering a new era of life, often in a different region

of the country, encourages women to finally grasp their

sense of self through the clothes they choose to wear.

“I think it’s different because you are in

completely different phases of life. College is all about

trying new things, experimenting and having fun, while

post-grad is about making a mark on your career and

starting a new journey. They offer different things, and I

believe your wardrobe should reflect that,” says Isabella

Brickl, a fashion lover by trade and junior at UA studying

marketing and management.

For some women, however, even the thought of

being a college graduate brings fear, uncertainty and panic.

The transition from the familiar into uncertainty can

make the transition feel uncomfortable, and sometimes

that’s even reflected in the clothes new grads choose to

wear.

“No one talks about how difficult the first year

after college is. It’s harder to leave your college friends

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than your high school friends because you developed a

different kind of relationship with those people,” Igou

says. “College is the most developmental year of your life,

and I wish people directed college seniors more towards

understanding that early adulthood brings a significant

amount of anxiety, confusion and lost hope.”

While the years after graduation can be unknown,

this stage of life and the ability to display personal style

can be described with one word: ambition. It is time to

transform into a new version of oneself, armed with all

the life lessons and experiences for the easiest transition to

life after graduation (and the occasional online shopping

spree).

Design by Shannon Hahn

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Caring About

Carabiners

By Gabrielle Gunter

“It’s like waving a

mini pride flag,

but only certain

people can see it.”

— Sydney Vandiver

The Venus symbol tattooed on a forearm. The

jangle of keys attached to a carabiner. The flap of

a colored hanky resting in a back pocket. These

subtle characteristics are all indicative of “flagging,” a

subtle way to share one’s queer identity without vocalizing

it. Flagging is a quintessential part of queer fashion.

Born from the forced silencing of the queer voice

and the criminalization of homosexual activities, flagging

began as a way to share one’s sexual preferences through

what was known as hanky code. Hanky code refers to

the act of using handkerchiefs to indicate queerness and

preferred sexual activities. According to Evelyn Bauer’s

“What Is The Hanky Code? The History Behind Gay

Flagging and How To Do It Today,” the hanky code was

born in the 1970s in environments such as leather bars

and motorcycle clubs in Western cities like San Francisco

and Los Angeles. While typically associated with queer

men, hanky code was used by members of the queer

community.

Queerness is more acceptable in contemporary

times, yet queer people today still hold onto flagging

to share their queerness with the world. Queerness has

since morphed into more than handkerchiefs. As time

progresses, more and more ways to subtly show one’s

queerness are born. Sydney Vandiver, a bisexual freshman

studying advertising at The University of Alabama, gives

many modern examples of flagging, such as septum

piercings, thumb rings, cuffed jeans and carabiners.

Carabiners, for example, are not only useful for

alice.ua.edu 17

utility purposes; they are also used for flagging, wherein

they are typically attached to the beltloop of a lesbian

or queer woman. The side of the body the carabiner is

attached to indicates the wearer’s preferred position in

bed. Wearing a carabiner on the left means one is a top,

and wearing a carabiner on the right means one is a

bottom.

Flagging is also no longer simply constrained to

subtle tells in one’s fashion. Lucy Grams, a junior studying

social work at UA, vocalizes her queerness with her own

form of flagging. Grams makes jokes about bisexuality to

see if she is around other queer people.

“I want to know more bisexual people...I guess

joking about my queerness is me projecting and trying to

find somebody like myself,” Grams says.

Displaying preferences and sexuality through

flagging is more than outwardly sharing one’s queerness¾

it is also a political statement. Sarah Clifton, a recent

UA graduate who identifies as a bisexual woman, claims

that flagging is an act of rebellion against the cisgender,

heterosexual status quo and, much like Grams, a way to

connect with other queer people.

“Flagging feels like an act of defiance. ‘I’m gay,

and I dare you to notice’,” Clifton says. “It’s exciting to

rebel and be yourself but having to be hypervigilant about

who notices gets so tiring. So, seeing an obvious sign that

someone else is queer is very comforting to me because

I don’t have to worry about what they do or don’t know

about me.”

Furthermore, flagging does not only provide

a sense of community between queer people. It also

connects the modern queer person to the queer past,

according to Maggie Jutze, a lesbian graduate student at

UA.

“Flagging connects us to our queer past by

allowing us to acknowledge the struggles that queer

people faced when queerness was not accepted,” Jutze

says. “Flagging is a way to show pride in who you are,

whether it’s subtle or obvious, and I think it’s important to

appreciate that we can express our identities much more

freely now because of the work of those who came before

us.”

Flagging was formed when queer voices were

silenced and criminalized, and it continues to be a way

for people to vocalize their queerness today. The threads

of flagging tie the modern queer person to queer history.

It is more than just fashion. Flagging is its own language

born from oppression. Flagging allows one to express

their identity in their own way and fight back against

homophobia and transphobia by proudly being oneself,

however they choose to display it.

“I grew up in Southern Louisiana in a very

Catholic town, and in a lot of ways, flagging, the little

subtle tells that are an embedded part of queer culture,

became a lifeline in a way. Sometimes when you’re in

spaces where you don’t feel like you can fully be yourself,

it’s the little things that make you feel complete,” Clifton

says.

Designed by Isabelle Bennington

Photographed by Caroline Simmons

Modeled by Savannah Grasmick and Deja Williams

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Under

Where

By Aria Lawrence

? Hiding

The Fashion Secrets

Beneath It All

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Undergarments are the unsung heroes

that hold everything together—literally.

Whether they are cotton basics, lace

stunners or shapewear that works overtime, what is

under an outfit is just as crucial as the clothes that

are worn over them. They set the tone for the day.

The right pair? Game changer. The wrong

pair? Total disaster. When someone is

out there running the world, the last

thing needed is underwear that betrays

them—pinching, rolling or just plain

uncomfortable. It is not only about

looking good; it is about feeling

unstoppable.

Dr. Xiao (Michelle) Tong,

an associate professor at The

University of Alabama, knows

how much the right fabric matters.

“Recycled fibers and bamboo

aren’t just trendy; they’re essential in

today’s eco-conscious world. Bamboo,

with its renewable properties, makes it ideal as a

sustainable material, and it contributes to reducing

the environmental impact caused by conventional

materials,” Tong says.

A wardrobe should be good for the body

and the planet. Saving the earth one pair of undies

at a time? Now that is a win. Who knew being ecofriendly

could be this comfortable?

Another essential part of selecting the

right undergarments is functionality. Tiffany

Marie Hill, a former Alabama

rugby player and

current Alabama Law

1L student, does not

have time for wardrobe

malfunctions.

“

Compression shorts

and sports bras are

non-negotiable.

- Tiffany Marie Hill

“

“When you’re constantly on the move,

everything has to stay put.”

Seamless designs? Lifesaver. Distractions

like discomfort? Not an option. Athletes—and really,

anyone with an active lifestyle—need undergarments

that keep up, no matter how fast the pace or intense

the game.

However, let’s not pretend it is only about

performance. Confidence is the real prize here, and

UA senior model and business management student

Nadia Hollis knows it well.

“Lace bralettes and shapewear give that extra

boost,” Hollis says.

Whether strutting down a runway,

presenting in a class, or stepping into a meeting, the

right undergarments can turn a look into that look.

It is all about feeling powerful and put together from

the very first layer.

Ultimately, it is not just about the outer

layers. Whether discussing fit, style or sustainability,

the perfect undergarments are the foundation of

feeling good. Jaeda Carter, a junior biology student at

UA and former all-star cheerleader, sums it up best.

“If your underwear don’t fit right, nothing

else will either,” Carter says.

From everyday wear to special moments,

undergarments really are the MVP, the secret weapon

of feeling unstoppable.

Designed by Shelby West

Photos by Lauren Waters

alice.ua.edu 21

The

Seams

Between

Class, Politics

and Fashion

By Sammy Bignault

Designed by Tatum Smith

How many assumptions cross the mind when

judging someone’s aesthetic? Sorority girl?

Fraternity boy? Rich? Poor? Classy? Trashy?

Fashion goes far deeper than a preference

towards a certain type of clothing. For centuries, it has

been a statement and representation of class, identity and

politics, often displaying class and regality.

“Through art history, certain pigments and dyes

were very expensive. The holy mother is always shown

in blue because it was such an expensive pigment, but

there is nothing in the Bible that says the Virgin Mary

wears blue,” says Ian Crawford, a senior instructor in the

department of clothing, textiles and interior design at The

University of Alabama.

This was a subtle display of fashion that deemed

her royalty. It also shows how every tiny detail within

fashion can have a deeper meaning. In fact, certain fashion

choices were legally restricted through the sumptuary

laws depending on one’s class.

“Those pigments have a role in the history of

fashion from classism onwards by what colors people

were able to wear or how many pleats and buttons were

going to be on things,” Crawford says.

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As the lower class began to afford nicer clothes, the upper class

began to enforce the laws to maintain the class distinction,

forcing people to express their creativity in other ways.

Despite the lack of legal restrictions today, class

still plays a factor in fashion. UA political science student

Jessie O’Boyle is a fashion enthusiast who dreamed of being

a designer when she was younger. She says fashion and class

are inherently intertwined.

The everyday person may not be able to tell someone

else’s financial status just by looking; however, those in tune

with fashion trends can. O’Boyle emphasizes that one can

usually learn about one’s class by their accessories or how

luxurious the brands are. Many consider Tommy Hilfiger a

luxury brand, but those who delve into fashion recognize that

it is designated for the middle class.

Class and fashion are undeniably intertwined, but

politics also plays a significant role in fashion. Rene

Bacarisse, a sophomore studying computer science

at UA and in the Blount Scholars program, finds

there are many instances where fashion and politics

coincide. John Fetterman serves as a prime example

of this phenomenon.

“Fetterman is known for not being

fashionable, but once he became more politically

active, he started wearing more suits,” Bacarisse says.

Having more conservative views is often

associated with tradition, and therefore

his fashion changed to reflect that

stereotype.

Bacarisse notes a significant

number of people use their fashion

to express their political beliefs,

whether that is wearing a certain color, adorning a blouse with

a political button or wearing political campaign merchandise.

Conversely, fashion has also been an outlet of

expression for minorities such as Black and queer people to

establish a sense of community when society was restrictive

of more outward expression.

However, these types of expressions through fashion

also come with assumptions. Both O’Boyle and Bacarisse

admit they judge people by what they wear.

“Everyone does. It’s not a fair thing to say no. You

aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, but people often

do,” Bacarisse says. “At UA, you can often tell who’s in a

fraternity or a sorority or who is queer or bisexual based on

their fashion.”

Both women note they have been judged

for their fashion choices. O’Boyle dresses in

a feminine manner and finds people make

assumptions such as how she “must take a

lot of time to get ready in the morning” and

“she must love to stare at herself,” without

actually knowing her personally. Meanwhile,

Bacarisse experiences a different kind of

judgment, noting she often receives flack for

wearing all black.

Fashion is more than simply what one

wears; it holds an incredible amount

of meaning. From signifying class

and politics to influencing people’s

perceptions of each other, fashion

is indicative to the wearer and their

outlook on life.

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Photograph by Josha Charlery

BEAUTY

Lights, Camera, Action

The Magic of Makeup

26

Sephora


30

Campaigning for Change

32

Ready, Set, Go!


34

Future Proof

A Guide to Anti-Aging Skincare

36

alice.ua.edu 25

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LIGHTS,

CAMERA,

ACTION:

The Magic of

Makeup

By Lisé Badeaux

In both film and theater, makeup is a critical element

when bringing characters to life, immersing the

audience and setting the tone for a production.

Whether it is the subtle, detailed work seen on the big

screen or the bold, dramatic looks designed for the stage,

makeup artists are magicians in the world of acting.

“In big plays and small plays, if a character

doesn’t look the proper age, have too little makeup or

anything else, it ruins the experience and suspension of

disbelief,” says Clara Jean Kelly, an assistant professor of

costume and design at The University of Alabama.

This balance between visual impact and

practicality is key in both theater and film makeup. One

prime example is the character Elphaba in “Wicked”

and “The Wizard of Oz.” The green face paint, carefully

applied to match the actor’s skin tone and facial features,

becomes a defining aspect of the character.

“Even if you haven’t seen “The Wizard of Oz,”

when you think of a witch, you think of Elphaba,” Kelly

says. “The makeup is integral to that.”

On the other hand, film makeup is more

intricate, requiring fine detail and subtlety. Each take

could lead to a close-up, and every flaw or mistake in the

makeup has the potential to be caught on camera. This

level of scrutiny demands high-quality materials, perfect

lighting and constant touch-ups.

The magic of makeup lies in its ability to

completely transform an actor. Margot Robbie is a perfect

example, moving seamlessly between roles like Harley

Quinn in “Suicide Squad” to Queen Elizabeth I in “Mary

Queen of Scots” to Barbie, in the recent blockbuster film.

From gritty and rebellious to regal and sophisticated,

Robbie’s transformations are made possible through the

mastery of makeup artists.

In the theater, the transformations are just as

impressive. Victoria Yaeger, a UA alumna and an actress

who has been part of shows like “Mary Poppins” and “The

Rocky Horror Picture Show,” recalls how makeup artists

work tirelessly to ensure their creations are not only

convincing but durable.

alice.ua.edu 27

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“When you look in the mirror and see your

character fully done, it does something for

your performance.”

- Victoria Yaeger

“In ‘Mary Poppins’ we had to ensure that

the makeup for the chimney sweeps wouldn’t melt

under the stage lights,” Yaeger says. “We wore

multiple sets of makeup for three hours or more

during performances if we were in the ensemble,

and the time involved was always longer than we

expected.”

Creating such looks requires extensive

planning, expert techniques and high-quality

materials. Makeup artists use airbrushing, prosthetics

and sometimes wigs to achieve these complex

transformations. In both stage and film productions,

the work begins long before the cameras start rolling

or the curtain rises.

Makeup also helps establish a character’s

personality. Take “Beetlejuice” for example - the

heavy face paint, wild hair, and grotesque teeth are all

critical to creating the creepy yet comedic character.

Without these elements, Beetlejuice’s haunting,

decayed appearance would lack impact, and his

personality would not be as vivid. In “Beetlejuice,”

the teeth alone are a small but significant detail that

adds to the eerie feel of the character.

“The devil is literally in the details,” says

Gracie Guess, a freshman at Elon University studying

stage management and prop design. “The clothes

and the voice simply can’t do it all. Beetlejuice is

known for his crazy appearance.”

Bringing characters like Elphaba, Harley

Quinn and Beetlejuice to life takes hours of

preparation and application. The amount of effort

put into these looks is immense, as is the patience

required by the actors who spend hours in makeup

chairs. However, for both the audience and the

actors themselves, the end result is worth it.

Design by Natalie Adams

Photographed By Caroline Simmons

Modeled By Riley Taylor, Lauryn Green, Mekelle

Alisse, and Lauren Arnold

alice.ua.edu 29


By Jane Blissett

A

trip to Sephora can be an overwhelming

experience. From the many products

and brands to choose from, to the dark

lighting and intense music, to the employees

asking to do your makeup, it can be overstimulating

to say the least. Now, add 10 preteens

to the mix, running around, smearing

samples on their faces and begging for the latest

products they will not need for years to come.

Young kids have been rapidly running

to makeup stores in recent years, but why now?

When the toys of years past evolved into the

tablets of today, young kids gained access to

the world of social media. This has made Gen

Alpha interested in the world of influencing,

advertising and brand promoting, encouraging

them to experiment with products that were not

intended for them.

With age, Gen Z has become less

influenced by social media and brand

personalities to purchase products, opting for

what they already use and like. This placed the

next generation as the subject of influencing.

The younger the “Sephora kids” are, the more

they want to imitate the people they see online

in an effort to appear older.

“The brands know what they’re doing.

Tik Tok has helped these brands find a new

audience in young kids,” says Abbie Thompson,

a senior at The University of Alabama studying

marketing.

Watching famous influencers and older

figures, such as beauty gurus Mikayla Nogueira

and Meredith Duxbury, makes kids want to use

and buy skincare and makeup. Children are

easily drawn to bright colors, fun brand mascots

30

and upbeat personification. Makeup brands

such as Drunk Elephant have all those elements,

and their products seem to be purposefully

marketed towards a younger audience.

Even if Drunk Elephant weren’t meant

to cater to a younger audience, its brand

personality is the perfect recipe for kids to be

intrigued.

Lucy Blackwell, a senior at UA studying

marketing and a self-described skincare

connoisseur, says she couldn’t even imagine

using these products in her early adolescence.

“I think it’s good for younger

kids to start basic skincare

to build healthy habits, but

besides moisturizer and

sunscreen, anything beyond

doesn’t seem age appropriate,”

Blackwell says.

it might seem harmless, the chemicals found in

these products can tear away at skin barriers,

creating harsh problems in exchange for a quick

video to post online or to brag about to their

friends in the lunch line.

Kids should be able to have fun with

different products but avoid irritants that can

ruin something so gentle. The makeup and

skincare brands that children are flocking

to should consider strategies to spread more

awareness and information on what is in these

products to younger audiences, because these

kids will not find it themselves. As kids continue

to explore the world of beauty, it is crucial that

brands and parents guide them to the right

choices without compromising their health.

Design by Isabelle Bennington

Childhood looks different for kids in

the present era. While watching kids grow up

with the influence of social media may hurt the

hearts of older generations, the products they

are rubbing into their pre-pubescent faces might

prove to be much more harmful.

The skincare products kids are grabbing

off the shelf include retinol, salicylic acid, benzoyl

peroxide, alpha hydroxy acids and essential oils.

These ingredients help with anti-aging, acne or

dryness problems that young people typically

don’t experience for years to come.

Cosmetologist Brooke Stewart believes

kids should not be using these products.

“I think children using retinol is not

smart because all it is doing for them is causing

dryness and irritation, especially if their skin

doesn’t have acne or is already dry,” Stewart says.

Even though kids want to feel older, and

alice.ua.edu 31

Campaigning

For Change

By Emily Crousore

32

A

brand’s reputation is everything.

Whether it is positive or negative,

reputation has the ability to create

insurmountable success or devasting failures.

In a society that is constantly evolving,

brands must be able to understand how to

target their objectives towards the needs of

their consumers. For Dr. Matthew VanDyke,

an associate professor for the public relations

and advertising department at The University

of Alabama, this means understanding an

audience authentically.

“Public relations and advertising are

only as good as what the company does or its

management for how it behaves in society,”

VanDyke says.

Within the past decade, brands have

been held to a high standard when it comes to

advocating for issues that directly align with

their brand. This is especially apparent within

the beauty industry.

“Brands can leverage their publicity

to advocate for social change by authentically

aligning their marketing efforts with causes

that resonate,” says Catherine O’Halloran, a

senior at UA studying public relations.

One beauty brand constantly leading

in social change campaigns is Dove Beauty.

Dove has taken promoting beauty and skincare

products to advocating for self-love and the

importance of inclusivity moving from selling

a product to selling an idea.

This past year, Dove’s “Code My

Crown” campaign reached thousands of

people and has won numerous awards

within the industry. As one of Dove’s

product lines include hair care, they took

this as an opportunity to speak on the lack of

representation of Black hair in video games

and created an entire campaign around it.

“Meaningful campaigns resonate

with your audience and

allow them to feel more

connected to your brand,” says Alexandra

Holley, president of The University of Alabama

Chapter of Public Relations Council of Alabama.

“With the prevalence of ads today, it’s easy for an

audience to forget your campaign unless you dig

deeper and make an impact.”

Another influential campaign from a

beauty brand this past year was L’Oreal Paris’

“Never Your Fault” campaign. For International

Anti-Street Harassment Week, this campaign was

used to remind women that sexual harassment is

never their fault, no matter what clothes that have

on, how much makeup they are wearing or their

behavior in that moment.

Campaigns run by companies such as

Dove Beauty and L’Oreal Paris use research to

discover what it is their consumers could relate to

and then build on that to increase consumer trust

and loyalty.

“The best social change campaigns find a

way to connect the issue with the product in a way

that feels authentic and meaningful,” Holley says.

“I think it’s important for these campaigns to stay

issue-centric, rather than focusing on the product,

but if there is a natural way to integrate it, this can

be a great way of standing up for an important cause

and building consumer interest in your products.”

VanDyke is currently performing his own

research investigating the processes, impacts and

challenges involved in communicating science

and environmental risk information to the public.

Although in the science field, VanDyke believes

that this approach of understanding audiences and

what society expects can be applied to any industry.

“I think offering products and services

while doing business in a way that includes people

and really gets their needs, then using PR or

advertising to elevate the good you’re doing, that to

me seems like the correct formula,” VanDyke says.

Designed by Anna Banks

kaer_fstock/stock.adobe.com

alice.ua.edu 33

Ready,

Set,

GO!


By Margaret Leach

Waiting at the starting line is the newest

heat of racers, coming in from all around

the world, ready to make their mark.

However, this race is unlike any other seen before.

This month’s newest and shiniest beauty products

are racing towards the finish line. Fast beauty is here

and ready to defend its title as the world’s leader in

trendy overconsumption.

Like fast fashion, fast beauty aims to

produce as many products in as short a time as

possible. The market is growing at lightning speed,

and with the help of shopping platforms like TikTok

Shop and Amazon, it is not

slowing down anytime soon.

Fast beauty sells products

on these platforms at a

fraction of the cost that

high-end competitors do,

helping consumers to blow

through microtrends at

an astronomical rate.

According to a report

done by Statista, online

sales are projected

to contribute 19.2%

of the total revenue in

the Beauty & Personal Care

market by the end of 2024.

As easy as it is to criticize fast

beauty, many consumers with limited

budgets look to this industry to enjoy the same

luxuries as others while staying within their budgets.

Mercedes Gonzales, senior English major at The

University of Alabama, is a fast beauty consumer

who frequently shops on sites like

Shein and Amazon.

“I think fast beauty benefits

people who struggle with finances,”

Gonzales says. “I spend a lot on

beauty products, so it’s nice to buy at a

more affordable price.”

Braden Hopkins, another UA

senior studying political science and

communication studies, also indulges

in fast beauty for the price point and

ease of purchase. She often buys from

the fast beauty cosmetics company,

ColourPop.

“I don’t think that someone is

inherently bad for shopping at a more

affordable or fast beauty line,” Hopkins

says. “I think people should research the

type of ingredients and testing measures

that companies in their products use to

make sure it is compatible with their skin

type and morals.”

Social media goes hand in hand with the

rise of fast beauty. In recent years, social media

“influencing” has presented many college students

with the economic opportunity to partner with brands

and make commission from what they sell. These

influencers are one of the biggest tools beauty brands

use to help market their products.

Gonzales notes that people who enjoy

consuming videos about beauty can be easily influenced

34

by the idea of fitting in with

influencer culture.

“I feel like we see influencers around us,

and we desire to feel included. I see an influencer

wearing something and I think I should wear it too,”

Gonzales says.

Fast beauty is in first place, and it is not

planning on falling behind anytime soon. As the

spotlight shines on large companies, one key group

gets left out of the conversation: small businesses.

Small businesses may have some tools,

such as social media and a niche customer base, to

help them keep up in this market, but when large

scale companies like Amazon and Shein can churn

out new products at a rapid pace and slashed price,

small businesses are challenged to keep up.

about only taking from the land what we need and

returning to the land the things we don’t need.”

Though some small businesses may need to

jump over a few more hurdles than other competitors,

authenticity often does not have an expiration date.

While the products in one’s beauty kit may

change from product to product, that doesn’t mean

one’s values should. De-influencing or anti-trend are

words that many influencers use to discourage their

followers from purchasing products, especially when

they’re not inclusive.

It is up to each consumer on how they

approach the use of fast beauty. Whether it is to save

a quick buck or search for a small business to support,

choosing products is up to the one with the cash. Will

fast beauty end up losing the race in the end? That is up

to each every consumer to decide.

Designed by Shelby West

“

We see influencers

around us, and we

desire to feel included.

- Mercedes Gonzales

“

Jenn Harper is the founder and CEO of

Cheekbone Beauty, the first indigenous founded

and owned cosmetics company that aims to create

customer loyalty, foster relationships and promote

sustainable practices.

“We started working with chemists and

sustainability scientists, thinking about how

Cheekbone Beauty can really use Western science

but also ancient indigenous wisdom in developing

products,” Harper says. “Many of my teachings are

alice.ua.edu 35

Future Proof: A Guide to

Anti-Aging

Skincare

By Lawson Vieley

Photographed by Hannah Grace Mayfield


36

E

ntering the world of skincare can sometimes

feel like navigating a constantly shifting maze of

products and trends. With ideas on TikTok and

Instagram evolving almost daily, figuring out the right

approach to anti-aging can be overwhelming.

As the conversation around skincare intensifies,

terms like “wrinkle treatments” and “retinol” have become

as familiar as sunscreen. However, while heavily marketed

products capture attention, the online medical website

Web MD notes they may sometimes do more harm than

good.

When is the right time to start incorporating

anti-aging products into a skincare routine, and how can

it be done correctly? Contrary to popular belief, starting

in one’s early 20s might be more beneficial than waiting

until later, and The Dermatology Group agrees.

With so many products on the market, choosing

the right anti-aging skincare can seem confusing,

especially as a skincare novice. This is why it’s important

to look beyond trends and tailor a routine to individual

needs.

A good example of this would be consulting with

a dermatologist before buying.

“I think the whole purpose is for everyone to get a

consultation— skin care isn’t a one size fits all like blanket.

We’re all different ages and require different products,”

says Mirella Molina, an esthetician at the Tuscaloosa Med

Spa. “The same solutions that help a 20-year-old won’t

necessarily work for a 30-year-old.’”

Establishing solid skincare habits early is

important. Simple practices like cleansing, moisturizing

and applying sunscreen form the foundations of a good

routine. These steps protect the skin from irritants and

harmful UV rays, potentially delaying visible signs of

aging.

Tristan Little, a junior majoring in marketing at

The University of Alabama and an avid sunscreen user,

highlights the importance of the product.

“Sunscreen is something I use every day,” Little

says. “It helps a lot with wrinkles and sunspots, so I make

sure to use it regularly.”

Anti-aging skincare extends beyond SPF.

Retinol, for example, is renowned not only for its wrinkle

reducing benefits but also for helping to fade age spots

and smooth rough patches.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, retinol

enhances skin cell production, unclogs pores and reduces

fine lines and wrinkles. Just like sunscreen, retinol takes

the appearance of many different forms and fits into any

good routine.

“I prefer to use Retinol because it leaves

my appearance a lot smoother, and it gets rid of the

appearance of imperfections on my skin,” says Jenna

Euliano, a sophomore majoring in social work at UA. “I

notice that vitamin C just leaves my face looking brighter.”

While navigating the world of skincare is important, so is

understanding the journey is as much about celebrating

the present as it is about preparing for the future. Aging

with grace and positivity allows every stage of life to be

celebrated and enjoyed, affirming that each age brings its

unique beauty and value.

alice.ua.edu 37

38

Background painting by Rae Mescher

Photo by Caroline Simmons


FEATURES

Celebrity Beauty Brands


It’s Never Too Late!

Crossing the Stage and Changing

the World


Creating a Lasting Legacy


40

42

44

46

alice.ua.edu 39

elebrity

Beauty Brands


It seems like there is a new celebrity beauty brand

hitting the shelves at every beauty store each time

one walks through the doors. Whether it is makeup,

skincare or haircare, celebrities are making millions of

dollars off brands that reflect their identities and values.

What makes these brands so appealing to consumers, and

are their products worth the hype?

One of the first wildly successful brands launched

by a celebrity influencer is Kylie Cosmetics, created by

Kylie Jenner. When she debuted her line in 2017, the then

19-year-old reality TV star and social media icon set the

bar for future celebrity beauty brands. Jenner’s signature

look— her vibrant teal hair, edgy style and famously

plump lips— captivated young audiences, making her an

aspirational figure for millions.

Jenner capitalized on the appeal of her iconic lips

by rolling out Kylie Lip Kits. Upon release in November

2015, the kits, containing a liquid matte lipstick and an

accompanying lip liner, sold out on the Kylie Cosmetics

website in minutes.

By 2019, Kylie Cosmetics became a billiondollar

company, making Jenner the youngest self-made

By Hannah Holcombe

billionaire at age 21. Today, the brand is not bringing in

the revenue it used to, and Jenner’s full lip-look has lost

much of its popularity.

Many consumers at The University of Alabama

and around the country often feel pressured to give in

to trends started by celebrities, such as Jenner’s plumped

lip look. The allure of celebrity-endorsed products lies

in their promise of transformation and the ability to

emulate a star’s glamorous lifestyle. However, with the

fast-paced nature of beauty trends, many students are

now questioning the longevity and true value of these

products.

“I feel like consumers buy celebrity-owned

brands because they want to look like that celebrity.

People are buying these expensive products that are

tied to unrealistic expectations, and these celebrities are

marketing off of that negativity,” says Hailey Hamilton, a

sophomore studying public relations at UA.

Hailey Bieber’s brand, rhode, promotes the

model and influencer’s signature “clean” makeup look, a

trend that has recently taken the internet by storm. Rhode

offers consumers products like neutral and soft pink

40

blushes, skincare items and even phone cases designed

to hold the brand’s popular peptide lip treatments. Like

many celebrity brands, rhode capitalizes on short-lived

microtrends and the desire to emulate the beauty ideals

set by a favorite star.

A common theme with celebrity beauty brands

is the lack of high-quality makeup. Caroline Clifton,

a cosmetology student at Shelton State Community

College, explains that many mainstream celebrities with

beauty lines are primarily profit-driven, which often

results in cheaply made products. However, she notes

that some celebrity-owned brands, like her favorite,

Trixie Mattel’s Trixie Cosmetics, stand out because the

celebrity is actively involved in the development process,

demonstrating a genuine passion for the industry.

“There are other brands out there represented

by people who are working in the factories and making

sure that the quality of the makeup is good. I don’t feel

that from a lot of other celebrities,” Clifton says. “I also see

more diversity in drug store makeup brands ads.”

Another celebrity owned brand that is redefining

the beauty industry is Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty. The brand

launched in 2017 with the goal of offering shades for all

skin tones. One of its standout products, the Pro Filt’r

Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, carries over 50 shades,

positioning Fenty as one of the most inclusive brands on

the market. According to Forbes, Fenty Beauty is now

valued at over $2 billion, cementing Rihanna’s influence

in both music and business.

Alongside Fenty Beauty, Selena Gomez’s Rare

Beauty is using a marketing technique different from

standard cosmetic commercials. Gomez launched Rare

Beauty in 2020, focusing on mental health awareness and

self-acceptance. Just this Fall, Gomez became a billionaire

at age 32.

“I love Rare Beauty,” says Hannah Faille, a

cosmetologist in Birmingham, Alabama. “You can feel the

love Selena Gomez poured into it and it really shows in

her products. The message behind the brand also carries a

lot of love that you do not see in other beauty brands.”

With the message behind her brand, Gomez

has successfully created a brand that resonates with

consumers who value authenticity and social impact.

Sales for Rare Beauty products also go towards the “Rare

Impact Fund”, which aims to raise $100 million for mental

health services, setting it apart from other brands that are

solely focused on profit.

Her emphasis on embracing natural beauty

rather than covering up imperfections has struck a

chord amongst customers, particularly with younger

generations. Gomez’s marketing strategy is built on

vulnerability and relatability, which contrasts with the

highly curated and often unattainable images promoted

by other celebrities.

As consumers become more discerning about

the products they purchase, the success of celebrity

beauty brands hinges on more than just star power. While

some brands rely heavily on hype and fleeting trends,

others, like Fenty Beauty and Rare Beauty, are setting new

standards by emphasizing inclusivity, quality, and social

impact.

Whether a celebrity beauty brand is worth

the hype depends on its authenticity and the values it

represents. For those willing to look beyond the glamorous

packaging and celebrity endorsements, there are brands

that truly deliver on their promises. The choice, as always,

lies with the consumer and their decision to chase the

allure of celebrity or invest in products that align with

their own beauty ideals.


Photos by Josha Charlery

alice.ua.edu 41

It’s Never

Too Late!

By Raven Johnson

Everyone has a goal or dream they hope to

accomplish one day. As young adults, panic tends

to creep in, and the fear of not being where one

wants to be in life can feel daunting. The good news is

that accomplishing your goals does not have an expiration

date.

As long as one works hard and stays focused on

that dream or goal, everything will work out exactly as it

was meant to. Life has a funny way of working out best for

the people who make the best out of the way things work

out, after all.

Kierra Wilson is a 24-year-old student that

applied to The University of Alabama nursing school

multiple times, before being accepted on her fourth

time applying. She has experienced many setbacks that

revealed themselves to be blessings.

“When I had my daughter, I thought I wouldn’t

be able to accomplish school and also take care of her, but

she became my motivation to work even harder,” Wilson

says.

Wilson has experienced self-doubt due to her

difficult major.

“I had many thoughts of just making my minor

my major, but I knew that I wanted to test myself and

reach my full potential academically,” Wilson says.

Wilson decided to pay attention to the habits that

were hurting her and change them. Instead of watching

her favorite TV show, she made sure to study for at least

five hours and review the material with her mom’s help.

If she wanted to go out, she would take notes with her to

study at a party.

No one knows better than Wilson that when it

comes to raising children while in school, it takes a village.

“My friends were so supportive,” Wilson says.

“They would take care of my daughter, Ka’lani, while I

studied, and they would keep her on the weekends when I

needed rest. All of them are Ka’lani’s god-parents.”

Just a few years later, Wilson is now a registered

nurse at East Alabama Medical Center.

“Never think because things get hard you need

to stop doing what you’re doing,” Wilson says. “Just go

harder and Roll Tide.”

While being an older undergraduate student can

be seen as uncommon, education does not have an age

limit.

Gerelene Baker, 62, did not finish her degree

at UA until she was 58 years old. She dropped out of

college in 1980 to care for her child with her high school

sweetheart. Baker later moved in with him, and they had

another child together.

While working a desk job, Baker decided that

she wanted more for herself and her kids. After some

years of getting back on her feet, she began taking classes

online at UA.

42

“After work, I would go home and get on that

computer to make sure that I got that degree,” Baker says.

In December of 2017, Baker finished her degree

and graduated from UA.

“The best thing I could have done was walk that

stage and hear my kids screaming the loudest as I grabbed

my degree,” Baker says.

She now works as an engineer at Neptune, a

company that designs city pipelines. For Baker, giving up

was never an option.

For many people, the journey to success is not

necessarily linear. Phil Lobel, the owner of Lobeline PR

company in Los Angeles, followed his dreams, no matter

how crazy they seemed.

“I came out to The University of Colorado

Boulder my freshman year and had never been to a concert

in my life. I heard there was a stadium concert happening

on campus with Leon Russel and a few other acts,” Lobel

says.

That Leon Russel concert caused Lobel to fall in

love with concerts. At the end of the show, Lobel said he

sat in awe for 30 minutes until well after the stadium had

cleared.

Afterward, Lobel got involved in the CU Program

Council, the organization responsible for putting on the

concerts. After working with the program council for five

and a half years, he won Billboard Magazine’s “College

Talent Buyer of the Year” award in 1978.

After working in the industry from 1980 to 1986,

Lobel decided to pick up his things, rent out a condo in

Denver and drive a U-Haul out to Los Angeles to start a

PR company. Thus, Lobeline PR was born, working with

clients from George Michael to Brad Pitt.

Whether one’s journey to success is a long and

winding road, or one that starts later than others, every path

is different, and no one way is right or wrong. Perseverance,

courage and strength are the only requirements to lead a

life of success.

“Never think because things

get hard you need to stop

doing what you’re doing.”

— Kierra Wilson


alice.ua.edu 43

Crossing

Stage

the

theWorld

Changing and


By Abby Cope

Where Legends Are Made” has been The University

of Alabama’s official slogan since 2016,

though the Capstone has been producing students

turned success stories since long before then.

UA is far more than four years of an academic

education. With hundreds of clubs to join, immense career-building

opportunities and a rich social atmosphere

with students from states and nations far and wide, students

learn life skills and lessons during their college careers.

UA has a long list of graduates that have gone

far from their humble beginnings in Tuscaloosa. The Capstone

equipped them to accomplish great things after they

cross the stage in Coleman Coliseum for graduation and

proudly acknowledges legends who have made their impact

far beyond the classroom.

Sela Ward is the definition of getting after it.

Ward was a member of Chi Omega sorority, on the cheerleading

squad and crowned the 1975 homecoming queen,

all before graduating in 1977.

Senior Public Relations major Maggie Esnard

lives in the Chi O house and finds Ward to be a daily inspiration.

“Walking out of my room every day for two

years, seeing Sela’s composite, reminded me of how inspiring

she is and how much I can accomplish,” Esnard

says.

44

Her stellar collegiate career is not where Ward

stopped blazing her trail, however. She went on to move

to New York and began modeling with Wilhelmina Modeling

Agency.

After this, Ward got her big break into the acting

world, starring in countless hits, such as the TV series

“House” and blockbuster-movies such as “Independence

Day”, “The Fugitive” and “Gone Girl”. Ward also founded

Hope Village for Children, a safe home for neglected

children in her hometown of Meridian, Mississippi. From

her time as an undergraduate student until now, Ward has

embodied the meaning of being a legend.

Luckily for us, the girl power does not stop there.

A more recent UA grad that has made strides in the sports

world is Montana Fouts. Fouts started her collegiate career

at the Capstone in 2018 as a freshman and made

her name one to be reckoned with in the college softball

world.

Fouts, a pitcher on the UA Softball Team, made

her debut in the spring season of 2019. Five seasons later,

Fouts now sports the titles of NCAA Pitcher of the Year,

SEC Co-Pitcher of the Year, SEC Tournament MVP and

many more. She is currently a graduate student at UA,

and she plays for Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball. Fouts

not only inspired her teammates but women around the

country with her passion for softball. She spent her time

at UA bettering not only herself, but the atmosphere surrounding

her sport.

Fouts has nothing but praise for the team that

built her and shaped her as a softball player.

“I feel like the longer that I was in Tuscaloosa,

the more I understood what Coach Murphy was just trying

to get me to understand the whole five years¾ that

softball is what you do, it’s not who you are,” Fouts says in

an interview with Athletes Unlimited.

Another woman that has brought new meaning

to legend status is Kaitlan Collins. Collins graduated from

UA in 2014, and she is now making headlines and reading

them aloud across televisions around the world. Graduating

with her bachelor’s degree in political science and

journalism, Collins went on to work for CNN, where she

co-anchored the show “This Morning.”

In a CNN podcast episode hosted by David

Axelrod, Collins talks about her experience interning at

The Tuscaloosa News, when she was asked to cover the

Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard concert at the Tuscaloosa

Amphitheater. She remembers leaving with three

songs left and running up the hill from the amphitheater

to the newsroom to write a story before the deadline that

evening.

“The next day I went to grab a sandwich, and the

place I went always posted that day’s copy of the Tuscaloosa

news on the wall,” Collins says. “My friends and I look

over at it, and it was my story on the front page.”

In July of 2023, Collins made the transition from

morning news to primetime, and now hosts her own show

titled “The Source with Kaitlin Collins.” A mere ten years

post-grad, Collins has made big moves in her journalism

career and proved a young age does not deter one from

career success.

These are just a few of the countless women who

have shown up and shown the world what they are made

of. UA does not just produce legends; they produce legendary

careers and a lifelong belief that anything is within

reach. The Capstone is just a starting point, as these women

have shown, and four years at Alabama can prepare

students for whatever they set their minds to. Crossing

the stage may end one chapter, but it is only the beginning

of a bigger and better one to come.

Design by Ava Cunningham

vionaembun42/stock.adobe.com

LuckyStep/stock.adobe.com

alice.ua.edu 45

By Caroline Karrh


Photos by Caroline Simmons

Paintings by Rae Mescher

46

alice.ua.edu 47

48

What about Alice?

Ten years ago, The Crimson White was The University of Alabama’s

main print entity. Its reputation for high-level, cutting-edge

journalism marked it as one of the best college newspapers in the

country.

Students and advisors knew, however, that the newspaper,

while both beloved and necessary, wasn’t reaching the full population of

Alabama’s student body. Though proud of their flagship CW, they still felt

like something was missing.

So, they set out to bridge the gap.

Mark Mayfield was the advisor for student media at the time of

Alice’s creation. He says the idea for the magazine was inspired largely by

his own daughters. He set out to understand what content they spent time

reading, and how it could be replicated in UA’s own student media.

Thus, the idea for Alice was formed: a women’s fashion and lifestyle

magazine, created by and for women at UA.

The initial proposal was well received. Through focus groups and

interviews with students, Alice began to take shape. Alice’s official proposal

to the Media Planning Board was unanimous in favor of its establishment.

From there, it was in the hands of the advisors and students to make it

happen.

Interest meetings were packed wall-to-wall with hopeful students

wanting to make their mark on the inaugural issue, and the first Alice staff

was selected from among the best and brightest editors, writers, designers

and photographers that campus had to offer.

alice.ua.edu 49

After the staff was selected, the

final step in establishing the magazine was

to give it a name. The original creators of

Alice struggled to find a name that would

encompass all it would stand for. How can one

name encapsulate all the meaning that was to

belong to this magazine?

To do that, they decided they first

had to define what it didn’t stand for. Though

at UA sports are king, they decided they had

enough of all things sports and Big Al. What,

they asked themselves was the opposite?

A student, Mayfield says, was the

one who asked the question that started it all:

“What about Alice?”

After that, Alice was on its way. The

two editor-in-chiefs, Tara Massouleh and

Allison Ingram, set out to make their vision a

reality. Real women, writing about real issues

faced by real college students every day. They

wanted to tackle issues both big and small,

from figuring out what to wear for a job

interview to understanding the gender pay

gap. Most of all, they wanted it to accurately

represent what it was like to be a woman in

college in the 21st century.

As much as they wanted Alice to

emulate polished and professional magazines

such as “Elle” and “Vogue,” it was crucial to

be different in some ways, too. Unlike the

gossip-rags and high fashion magazines

found in grocery store checkout aisles, the

models in this magazine would be completely

untouched, free from photoshop and postproduction

editing. The models would be

students at the university and look just like

the women reading the magazine. In order

to appeal to the population of UA, they knew

they must first represent them as they are,

instead of a fake, touched-up version.

It was their priority to create a space

where relatability and reality were embraced,

and creativity was cultivated.

The first issue of Alice was released in

2015, entitled “Golden Hour.” It was met with

immediate acclaim, going so far as to win the

Associate Collegiate Press “Pacemaker” award,

the highest award in college journalism.

Almost 10 years later, their legacy

still stands. Alice has allowed hundreds of

women on campus to showcase their skill and

creativity in a space outside of the classroom,

including the ones who worked on this issue.

50

alice.ua.edu 51

52

Modeled by Kyla Knickrehm,

Emilia Oblites and Elizabeth Rice

Who is Alice today?

Alice, as she is known today, is a

women’s magazine at The University of Alabama,

publishing two print issues per year, and weekly

web and social media content.

To its creators, editors, and of course,

readers, however, she is so much more.

Alice is a “big sister” for college women,

offering guidance in a world so foreign and

strange. She is a lifeline for those without women

in their own lives to commiserate with, to take

advice from. She showcases what it means to be a

modern woman in college, dealing with anything

from skincare to healthcare and everything in the

middle.

To put Alice into a box is impossible.

Alice takes on the size and shape of her current

editorial team at a given time. Her direction is

largely dependent on whoever is at the head,

and whichever editors are spinning the wheel,

directing her toward this horizon or that.

But she is also an entity of herself. Almost

entirely self-contained, she stands alone. She often

needs no introduction, for her reputation precedes

her.

Admirable, amiable, awe-inspiring,

award-winning:

alice.ua.edu 53

54

Photographed by Gabriella Lopez

ENTERTAINMENT

Holiday Makeover

How to Revamp over the Holidays

56

Sweet Home Alabama


58

Third Decade Hobbies

Thirty Hobbies to Try in Your Twenties

Which Past Alice Article Are You?

Quiz

62

64

The Resurgence of the Pop

Industry

66

alice.ua.edu 55

Holiday Makeover:

How to Revamp Over the Holidays

By Ella Lybarger

Every girl has been there and done that when it comes

to wanting to reinvent herself, especially over a holiday

break away from the stress of classes. This usually

means trying out a fresh style of clothes, switching up beauty

routines with new skincare or makeup and even practicing

self-care habits. Many times, however, when a girl realizes

she wants to switch something up, she might have no idea

where to start.

The first step of any good makeover is deciding

whether to switch up the closet. In an endless wardrobe

options or a “I have nothing to wear” crisis, the local thrift

stores can help. Second-hand stores are the secret to success

in any college student’s life.

When finding name-brand clothes that are gently

used for half the original price, it is a wonderful day for

women and their bank accounts. Another benefit to using

second-hand stores like Plato’s Closet, or discount stores like

T.J. Maxx, is that one never knows what they might find.

A freshman at The University of Alabama studying

criminology, Maria Giorgi, knows this all too well.

“It is more of a hobby,” Giorgi says. “You don’t go

because you are looking for a specific thing you need, you go

because of the potential to find something you didn’t know

you needed.”

Another tip for thrift and discount store shopping is

do not be afraid to dig. These stores often have hidden gems

for low prices, but shoppers must be willing to have patience

and determination to hunt for them.

The second step for any important reinvention is

makeup and skincare. This topic can be scary for anyone who

has no idea where to start when changing up routine, or what

products are trending in the makeup and skincare markets.

Milisia Dawn Lybarger is an expert who attained

her esthetician license from Queen City Beauty College in

Clarksville Tennessee. She went on to run The Green Fern

Spa in Leesville, Louisiana.

56

The number one skincare product Lybarger recommends

for college students is Lemongrass Spas’ newly released Banana

Facial Oil created for all skin types. This luxurious oil is infused

with vitamins B and C, minerals and antioxidants to promote

hydration and a bright radiant glow all while smelling delicious.

Another successful skincare product is the SKINFIX

Barrier + Strengthening and Moisturizing Triple Lipid-Peptide

Refillable Cream with B-L3. For many women, it has completely

transformed acne-prone skin. When the product is used

consistently, many noticed their breakouts went away and found

their faces free from acne, aside from the occasional pimple.

The third step, and arguably the trickiest step to a

makeover, is nail upkeep. There are many approaches one could

take to tend to their nails but focusing on healthy and inexpensive

options is a good start.

Everyone likes feeling pampered at the nail salon

occasionally. Miracle Nails owner Holly Tran has been a nail

technician based in Tuscaloosa for over ten years.

Holly says the number one tip for at-home nail care is

keeping nails a healthy length.

“It’s important to keep your nails a healthy length

for natural nail care,” Tran says. “That way you aren’t causing

breakage and damage to your nails. If you wish to get acrylic

nails, it is important to get them removed whenever your nail care

professional says, otherwise you could damage your natural nail.”

Tran offers many services at Miracle Nails and loves to

have girl-talk sessions with her clients, many of whom attend UA

or are past graduates that still call Tuscaloosa home.

“I recommend for healthy nail growth using cuticle oil

and a natural nail strengthening clear polish to give nails strength

and a polished look,” Tran says. “Once you have strong nails then

you can get them professionally polished much easier and the

polish will last for a longer period.”

After revamping one’s wardrobe on a budget, deciding

on the best tips for makeup and skincare routines and learning

how to best take care of one’s nails, the ladies on UA’s campus are

now prepared to come back in the Spring fresh and new. While

makeovers are exciting and glamorous, it is important to remember

that being yourself never goes out of style.

Natalia/stock.adobe.com

Design by Miho Kimura

alice.ua.edu 57


By Margaret Ann Browning

Tyler Braden performing at Druid City Music Hall

58

When imagining a defining sound of Tuscaloosa,

it is natural to picture a roaring crowd at Saban

Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the ringing of

Denny Chimes on a buzzing campus or even a faint train

whistle cutting through a quiet night studying at home. A

sound that may not come to mind as naturally is the local

music and talent tucked away in venues across Tuscaloosa.

The local music scene in Tuscaloosa is growing

and thriving every day. In a community so focused on

semesters and deadlines, it is necessary to have outlets that

are community driven and arts centered. Community is kept

alive by events and shows that don’t have an off season.

One of the most anticipated event series in

Tuscaloosa is The Kaleidescope Concert Series at Druid

City Music Hall (DCMH). Spanning from August

through November, this series seeks to highlight diverse,

multigenerational talent to bring college students and their

greater community together.

Vickie Gordon, creator and collaborator for the

series, sees it as an opportunity to study what the community

enjoys and learn to expand on that enjoyment with future

projects.

“We wanted to offer something to college students...

this was our big experiment to see what people would be

interested in,” Gordon says.

Gordon emphasizes college students as the

target demographic of the series. The shows that are most

successful thus far tend to have younger audiences. DCMH

works to make shows accessible and centered around the fan

experience.

Gordon says the most popular shows of the season

feature young Generation Z artists, many of whom have

never toured. Tucker Wetmore, Alex Warren, Josiah Queen

and Maddox Batson were among the names of already soldout

shows. DCMH is making clear, successful efforts to

reach Gen Z where they are and find talent that reflects the

interests and excitement of young music fans.

The series is in full swing and is expected to be

brought back next year. Gordon also highlights opportunities

for students to get involved with the music scene at DCMH.

“If anyone wants to reach out, we have campus

ambassador programs, internships and work especially to

promote young women in the industry,” Gordon says.

“There is a shared love

for art and the people

that create it.”

Wesko performing at Druid City Music Hall

alice.ua.edu 59

Students seeking to get involved with

local music venues need to put themselves out

there. Jonathan Caudill, local DJ and @eulogydj on

Instagram, discusses getting the opportunity to DJ

multiple sets at Rounders Bar, leading to gigs at other

venues such as Innisfree Irish Pub.

“I wanted to get a gig, so I reached out to

Rounders on their website, and offered to play my first

gig for free,” Caudill says. “My first event was a success,

and I am excited about the shows I have in the coming

months.”

Caudill emphasizes the importance of putting

oneself out there. For students, it can be hard to feel

truly a part of their home away from home. However,

it is so beneficial to knock on doors, send emails and

seek out opportunities rather than waiting for the

opportunities to present themselves.

“Just get out there and do it...promote

yourself,” Caudill says.

Students taking the initiative to get involved

in their community is what makes Tuscaloosa so

special. It is a college town in which the students are

truly working to live, while benefiting the community.

From that neighborhood comes a sense

of home and comfort. When students gather with

people of all ages at local venues, common ground is

understood without being spoken. There is a shared

love for art and the people that create it.

Annie Jicka, a junior at The University of

Alabama majoring in creative media shares her love of

live events.

“My freshman year I saw the band Supper

Club at a fraternity band party... I loved their sound,”

Jicka says. “The more intimate nature makes one focus

on the music.”

Focusing on local music and the artists behind

it allows Tuscaloosa to grow. Seeking out local events

is what leads to a community of people who care for

one another and are passionate about the betterment

of each other. Tuscaloosa continues to evolve, and its

music scene has played a role in helping the city thrive.

Designed by Natalie Adams

Photographed by Gabriella Lopez

60

Tyler Braden performing at Druid City Music Hall

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alice.ua.edu 61

Third

Decade

Thirty Hobbies

to Try in

Your Twenties

Hobbies

By Elena Giorgi & Leslie Klein

62

The third decade of life often brings many changes

to the lives we have spent the past 20 years

constructing. With career moves, weddings,

friend fallouts, moving across the country and trying to

figure out how to really ‘do’ life, it can be a dramatic and

1. Read one book per month. Start a book club while

you’re at it. Invite an equally motivated friend to help

you get it started.

2. Cochet. Knit. Cross stitch. Remember, practice makes

perfect.

3. Pickleball or tennis. Try a sport that you can play for

years to come. The outfits are adorable, too.

4. Paint watercolor artwork. Really any type, but watercolor

is abstract and fun.

5. Train for a half marathon. Be annoying about it.

6. Bead embroidery. Make a decal for all your friends.

7. Get into skincare products. Find what actually works

for your skin, not what is popular.

8. Play video games. Get good at it.

9. Learn an instrument. It makes for a great party trick.

10. Take up yoga. Consider becoming an instructor. Also,

try meditating.

11. Hike. Rock climb. Try both while you are at it.

12. Build a Lego set. They make for great fun and great

decor.

13. Write poetry and short stories. Spark your creativity.

14. Collect antiques - they never go out of style.

15. Start growing houseplants.

16. Learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee. Master

traumatic time for many. Through life’s ups and downs,

having outlets to destress and decompress allows one to

be where their feet are and tackle problems when they

arise. Check out one of these 30 hobbies to try during

your third decade next time you need a change of pace.

it to your liking.

17. Practice calligraphy. YouTube has endless tutorials

for beginners.

18. Learn a new language. Dive into a new culture. Start

a streak on Duolingo.

19. Start lifting heavy weights. It is a great stress reliever.

20. Curate a music playlist for every part of your life.

21. Cook and bake. Try a new recipe each time you get

in the kitchen.

22. Perfect weekending - go on spontaneous adventures

to exciting places.

23. Scrapbook. Make photo collages. Perfect craft for a

girls’ night in.

24. Start a Like-To-Know-It profile. Personal shop for

people.

25. Volunteer in your community. Start easy - soup kitchens,

animal shelters or nature cleanup.

26. Clean your baseboards. Give your home some TLC.

27. Collect rocks. Get connected with nature.

28. Experiment with molding clay.

29. Review movies. Become an avid Letterboxd user.

30. Watch squirrels, clouds and people. Journal about

what you see.

Navigating through the third decade of life is like

a rollercoaster¾ exciting, chaotic and can sometimes leave

you feeling uneasy. As we juggle the ups, downs, twists

and turns of this new era, decompressing becomes

more important than ever. Whether it is perfecting

a cup of coffee or going on a hike, hobbies can

act as an escape amid the whirlpool of constant

change.

Life’s third decade holds ample

opportunities for self-growth and

exploration, so pick up that paintbrush, put

down the stress and let loose.


alice.ua.edu 63

Which Past

Article Are You?

By Madison Miller

1. In the morning, what takes you

the longest to get ready for your

day?

A. Perfecting your hair

B. Picking out an outfit

C. Snoozing the alarm

D. Putting on makeup

2. What is your favorite thing to do?

A. Read

B. Shop

C. Nap

D. Go out with friends

3. What is your favorite season?

A. Winter

B. Spring

C. Fall

D. Summer

4. Favorite social media platform?

A. X

B. Snapchat

C. Instagram

D. YouTube

5. What is your favorite drink?

A. Coffee

B. Water

C. Energy Drink

D. Tea

6. What is your favorite color?

A. Red

B. Pink

C. Blue

D. All of them

7. What activity do you do the most?

A. Study

B. Workout

C. Relax

D. Work

8. What is your favorite genre of

movie/television?

A. Sci-Fi

B. Romance

C. Comedy

D. Drama

9. What is your favorite holiday?

A. Christmas

B. Halloween

C. Valentine’s Day

D. Thanksgiving

10. Which adjective describes you

best?

A. Motivated

B. Eccentric

C. Chill

D. Joyful

64

Mostly A’s: “Impress in the Stress” by

Sophia Surett

A popular phrase you might use to describe

yourself is “girl boss.” You are a strong woman with a

successful future ahead. Keeping yourself busy is a big

part of who you are. You are career-motivated and always

looking for the next thing to add to your resume. Your

tenacity and emphasis on structure are key parts of who

you are as a person. “Impress in the Stress” is a great guide

to utilize for your next job hunt, with seven easy steps to

follow to make sure you nail your next interview!

Mostly B’s: “Outfits based on the Songs of

the Summer” by Gabrielle Gunter

You are a fun-loving fashion girl who is always

looking for the hottest trends of the season! Whether it be

walking to class, attending a cocktail event or going to the

biggest party of the year, you are always dressed to the nines.

The songs of the summer listed in the article can inspire

your next showstopping outfit! Even though summer has

long since come to a close, these fun ideas can be used for

any season. Be sure to make everywhere and every day your

runway.


Mostly C’s: “6 Tips for Conquering 8 a.m.

Classes” by Kendall Frisbee

You are a go with the flow kind of girl who is down

to party or just chill on the couch all night. Relaxation is

your best friend, because for some reason you always are

feeling a little tired. You are a self-proclaimed self-care

expert, but you also love to go out on the town. These six

tips for conquering 8 a.m. classes can help you shake off the

morning scaries and make sure you are in class on time,

every time. Though, snoozing the alarm one time never

hurt anybody.

Most D’s: “Alice Editor’s Favorite Beauty

and Skincare” by Grace Owens

You were tuned into YouTube during the height

of makeup tutorials and beauty gurus. You have taken the

skills you learned then to perfect your makeup routine over

the years. You are a girl who always has a smile on her face

and who loves all things colorful. Now, I know you may be a

makeup and fashion expert, but adding a few of the editor’s

favorite beauty and skincare tips to your routine may lead

to absolute flawlessness. Keep killing it! Everyone can’t wait

to see your next amazing makeup look.

alice.ua.edu 65

The

Resurgence

Pop

of the

Industry

By Lesile Klein

In recent months, pop music has seen a remarkable

resurgence, captivating audiences worldwide with

its infectious melodies and relatable lyrics. This

revival is driven by a new generation of artists who

are not only redefining the genre, but also pushing

boundaries in sound and representation. Pop icons

today are embracing the influence of diversity and,

they are creating verses that resonate with their

listeners.

Chappell Roan is a barrier breaker, Billie

Eilish is a genre defying icon, Charlie XCX is an

experimental innovator and Sabrina Carpenter is

a musically diverse force. Together, these artists are

redefining pop music as a genre.

66

Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan is all the buzz right now. Roan

hit the charts with her most recent album, “The Rise

and Fall of a Midwest Princess” in September of 2023,

and ever since, she has been growing substantially. From

her iconic drag looks to her often-unserious lyrics, she

is quickly making a significant impact in the pop world.

Roan is widely known for her dynamic persona and

bold performances, such as her iconic, career changing

Coachella appearance.

Ally Hall, an 1824 PR representative from

Universal Music Group, had the opportunity to work with

Roan leading up to the release of her recent album.

“Outside of her boundless talent, bravado and

style, Chappell brings a certain richness to pop music,”

Hall says. “I am so thrilled to watch her flourish. It was an

honor to work with her.”

Aside from breaking barriers, she is also

breaking stereotypes. Roan is a staunch supporter of the

LGBTQ+ community and is helping positively change the

way people view the drag community. Her exploration of

identity empowerment allows queer individuals to find

solace in her character and music. Roan authentically

manages her fame, challenging the status quo of the pop

industry and paving the way for a more inclusive future.

Charli XCX

Charli XCX has been a prominent name in pop

music since one of her early features on Icona Pop’s “I Love

It” in 2013. Her recent evolution, however, has captivated a

wide array of music lovers, attracting a largely new fanbase

to her experimental approach to pop music. Charli XCX’s

resurgence began with her recent hit song, “Apple,” which

became a worldwide trend on TikTok that captured her

carefree spirit and became an anthem for simply having

a good time. When “Apple” rose to charts, it was not

long until the rest of her album “brat” was discovered,

ultimately leading to the social media phenomenon that

became known as “Brat Summer.” Charli XCX is changing

the pop world by leveraging the use of playful lyrics,

innovative auto tune and the influence of EDM. Although

Brat Summer is technically over, the rage of Charli XCX

will carry on forever.

Ryan Cagle, a senior studying creative media at

The University of Alabama is an avid Charli listener.

“I think she’s an icon because

she sets trends. Charli

consistently tries something

new in every era.”

- Ryan Cagle

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish has been at the forefront of pop

music since the release of her debut album “WHEN WE

ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” in 2019.

Eilish’s edge of dark pop has redefined mainstream

artistry, pushing the boundaries of pop while exploring

the additions of emotionally complex lyrics. Eilish’s

influence continues to cultivate community amongst her

fans through her ability to create introspectively relatable

lyrics, bridge the gap between femininity and masculinity

and ultimately advocate for self-acceptance. One of the

most prominent icons pop has ever seen, Eilish continues

to broaden the horizon of pop all together.

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter kicked off her career on

Disney Channel and has since taken the music world by

storm, winning over fans of all ages. With her cheeky lyrics

and ever-changing song outros, she continually breaks the

mold, boldly pushing boundaries and challenging norms

for women in the music industry. Carpenter’s genreblending

style keeps things fresh¾ from her pop bangers

to her playful exploration into country¾ her spunky

approach and fearless creativity are a breath of fresh air,

making her a standout artist redefining what it means to

be a pop star.

“I think Carpenter is real. I think she brings a

certain aspect of fun to her music and shows in a nostalgic,

girly-pop way,” says Chloe Kilpatrick, a senior studying

psychology at UA.

This chapter of pop music will be one for the

books. From catchy tunes to a genre transformation,

these artists are breaking down walls that those before

them could have only hoped to do. While embracing

diverse audiences and offering a culture of inclusivity, this

transformative era of pop will be remembered for years to

come.


alice.ua.edu 67

68

Photographed By Emmy Wau

LIFESTYLE

Long Distance Relationships

How to Make it Work or

Know When to Let Go

From Chains to Charm


70

72

Voting

The Ultimate Power Move

74


The Importance of Community While

“Protecting Your Peace”

76

alice.ua.edu 69

Long Distance

Relationships:

70

How to Make it Work

or Know When to Let

Go

By Melanie Bumpus

College and graduate school are both amazing

experiences to learn, grow and have fun. Many

believe it is even better to do it alongside the

person they love. But, what if being with the person you

love is not possible?

Enter: the long distance relationship.

It can be stressful to manage school, social and

work-related responsibilities while being away from the

person you love. Some people thrive when they don’t feel

obligated to spend copious amounts of time with their

partner, but others struggle when they can’t snuggle up at

the end of the day with their lover.

A common problem among long distance

couples is the communication barrier or the natural

problems that arise while being unable to communicate

face-to-face.

Alexandra Barker, a senior at UA studying civil

engineering, is in a different time zone than her partner

while juggling schoolwork, a job and a social life.

“We call and text almost exclusively when we are

not visiting in person. Receiving sweet texts throughout

the day keeps me motivated and happy when sitting in

class or going to work,” Barker says.

Some couples FaceTime three to five times

a week if they are unable to talk every day. Creating a

communication schedule that works for both parties is

key for maintaining a stable, loving relationship.

Julia De Pietro-Pedroso, a graduate student

studying advertising and public relations, implores

long distance couples to recognize the importance of

understanding that both parties’ schedules may not always

align. She is studying on campus at UA while her partner

is in Brazil, and she emphasizes the need to understand

that sometimes one’s partner is unable to talk and vice

versa.

Trust is another necessity when it comes to

the topic of social media. Dr. Karla Gower, a professor

in the department of advertising and public relations,

emphasizes the responsible use of social media when

doing long distance with a partner.

“Be cognizant about knowing if your partner will

see your posts and try not to be deceptive while online,”

Gower says. “You may not want to show every weekend

at a bar with friends when the other person may not be

doing the same and seeing you have a good time without

them.”

It is essential to maintain healthy relationships

with friends while keeping in touch with your partner.

“I would not suggest closing yourself off from

your friends,” Gower says. “Spend time with them as

well. Long distance is worth it when you have supportive

family and friends.”

Another helpful tip is planning trips to see one

another during long stretches apart.

“Be patient and understand that long distance is

not forever. It will end eventually, and then you will see

each other daily,” Barker says.

De Pietro-Pedroso and her partner are planning

their next meet as well, giving them something to look

forward to, and easing the pain of being apart as they

count down the days.

“You must ask yourself if you can or cannot live

without this person. If you cannot live without the other

person, you find ways to make the distance work,” Barker

says.

Communication, trust and independence

are important qualities while being in a long-distance

relationship. Balancing text time, screen time and quality

time will allow your relationship to thrive. It is important

for both parties of the couple to be separate people while

together and understand what it takes to ensure both

people feel appreciated and loved. These elements make

the distance doable.

Design by Kyndall Kelley

Phone graphic by Alina/stock.adobe.com

Plane graphic by photostory/stock.adobe.com

Cloud graphic by JMBee Studio/stock.adobe.com

alice.ua.edu 71

From

Chains

to

Charm


By Caroline Carter

72

Tuscaloosa has a distinct charm, blending Southern

hospitality with a vibrant, youthful energy. Driving

down University Boulevard, trees arch gracefully

over the street, offering shade while passing the Quad.

Historic buildings, nestled between modern storefronts

showcase the city’s mix of tradition and progress.

Beyond the well-known landmarks, it is the local

businesses that truly capture the heart of Tuscaloosa. As

college students, it is easy to rely on familiar chain stores

and restaurants for convenience; however, supporting

local businesses can make a significant difference in the

community. Shopping locally helps keep money in the

local economy, creates jobs and helps preserve the unique

charm that makes Tuscaloosa feel like home.

Local businesses often offer unique products

and services that reflect the character of the area,

adding to the charm of cities like Tuscaloosa. Purchases

directly benefit the store owner and their families lives

in significant ways. Supporting these businesses also

fosters personal connections, strengthening the sense of

community.

Love Waffle House or IHOP? Try

Rama Jama’s!

Rama Jama’s has been a Tuscaloosa staple since

1996. Located next to Bryant-Denny Stadium, the walls

are filled with Alabama memorabilia. The menu offers

breakfast classics like eggs, bacon, pancakes and grits

while also serving American favorites like burgers and

fries. A stop at Rama Jama’s exposes the charm of a local

favorite with a side of Crimson Tide pride.

Love Taco Bell? Try SoCal Cantina!

Founded in Miami, SoCal Cantina brings

a Southern California-inspired Cali-Mex menu to

Tuscaloosa’s downtown district. Standouts include the

carne asada fries, Malibu salad and their own version of a

Crunchwrap Supreme.

“SoCal Cantina contributes to the local

community by participating in local events, supporting

local charities and sourcing ingredients from nearby

suppliers,” says Joe Wescom, a manager at SoCal Cantina.

“Supporting local restaurants is crucial for students and

residents because it helps keep the local economy vibrant,

creates jobs and maintains the unique character of the

town.”

SoCal Cantina supports the local community

by offering special deals Monday through Thursday,

with Student Night on Thursdays granting 20% off for

students. Elevate Taco Bell favorites by eating locally at

SoCal Cantina.

Love Starbucks? Try Monarch

Espresso Bar!

Monarch Espresso Bar is a great alternative to

chain coffee shops, offering artisan brews and a welcoming

atmosphere. Located in Downtown Tuscaloosa, Monarch

is known for its high-quality espresso drinks, seasonal

specials and house-made pastries.

“One thing that I love about Monarch is that I

feel they believe in lifelong education. They are constantly

looking for ways to educate the community on what

good coffee is, but more importantly, what ethical coffee

is,” says Stella Gaffery-Eley, a Monarch employee and a

University of Alabama alumna.

This dedication to community education has

made Monarch a popular spot for students and residents

seeking a unique coffee experience. Gaffery-Eley notes

that the coffee shop fosters a sense of connection.

“They have two long community tables in the

center of Monarch, and you always end up sitting next

to someone at Monarch and making those fun little

friendships,” she says.

Next time, skip the Starbucks line and check out

Monarch for a local coffee experience and engage with

new people.

Supporting local businesses is key to keeping

Tuscaloosa’s economy and community strong. By

exploring and trying local alternatives, you’re helping to

preserve what makes this city special, with something as

simple as one purchase. Local businesses are the heart

of the community, and by supporting them, everyone

thrives.

Designed by Ava Cunningham

Photos by Emmy Waugh

alice.ua.edu 73

Voting: The Ultimate

Power Move

Americans possess the ultimate governmental

power – why not use it?

By Alexandra Hayden

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Voting is a right endowed

to American citizens

allowing the beliefs

of the majority to be reflected

within the government and its

systems.

“If voting did not matter,

then people would not be trying

to suppress other people’s right

to vote,” says Rolland Grady,

president of The University of

Alabama’s Vote Everywhere

chapter (UAVE).

Previous generations fought

tirelessly for this right, so it

is essential to honor their sacrifices by exercising the

power they secured for future generations. When

citizens unite to make choices as to who will hold office,

they are deciding on much more than just a face.

“These elected officials will make decisions

that will affect your life. Some of them will appoint

judges, and others will decide when your trash gets

picked up,” Grady says.

When voter turnout is low, however, this

crucial representation becomes distorted. Many

dismiss the significance of a single vote and believe it

does not make a true difference. History, though, has

demonstrated the impact a ballot can have.

UAVE Executive Member Daniel Lynn

emphasizes this point, referencing Senator Al Franken’s

2008 election in Minnesota.

“With over two million votes cast, the election

went down to about 200 votes between him and his

opponent,” Lynn says.

Voting isn’t just about

the outcome; it’s about

the principle.

“It’s a way to show investment into the places

we live,” Adcock says.

Understanding politics on a local, state and

federal level showcases an individual’s dedication to

being an American citizen. When society as a whole

strives to highlight this value to citizens from a young

age, the potential for unity increases.

For young voters, especially college students,

navigating the voting process can feel overwhelming.

This is particularly true for out-of-state students who

must decide whether to vote in their home state or in

the state where they’re attending school.

Each choice has its own set of policies that will

have direct effects on an individual’s life, which means

making informed decisions is crucial. There is value in

registering to vote in a city that is different from one’s

hometown.

UAVE has partnered with Crossroads Civic

Engagement Center to create vote.ua.edu, a website

that has all the necessary information when it comes

to voting. Their resources provide clear instructions to

help college students understand the complicated voting

process regardless of where they choose to register.

Registering to vote, researching candidates

and casting a ballot may feel like a hassle to some,

but it is also the most direct way to influence the

policies implemented in one’s community and country.

Ultimately, voting is the most powerful tool citizens

possess to shape their future.

It is taking responsibility for the future and

demonstrating a commitment to the ideals that shape

our nation.

Emily Adcock, vice president of UAVE,

emphasizes that being civilly engaged shows voters’

care for their communities.

Designed by Anna Banks

MINIWIDE/stock.adobe.com

alice.ua.edu 75


The Importance of Community While

“Protecting Your Peace”

By Dani Rouseau

While it is not a new sentiment, the phrase

“protecting your peace” has recently seen

an uptick in popularity on social media.

People online use the phrase to relate experiences of

prioritizing their mental and emotional wellbeing

while guiding others to do the same. Though protecting

one’s peace seems harmless enough, some confuse

the idea of self-protection with self-isolation. This

misunderstanding can cause people to push others

away for the sake of focusing on themselves.

For those interested in protecting themselves

while avoiding self-imposed isolation, it is crucial to

evaluate relationships before deciding to end them.

Emily Mohr, a senior studying interior design

at The University of Alabama, made the difficult

decision to distance herself from her best friend due

to consistent issues within their friendship. Ending a

friendship can be a challenging decision, and it is one

that requires self-reflection ad communication. During

this friendship split, Mohr relied heavily on her mom

as to not feel alone and to reaffirm that she was making

the right decision.

Reflecting on the situation a year later, Mohr

is content with the decision she made to end the

friendship.

“Even if the person is improving, that doesn’t

necessarily mean they should be in your life,” Mohr

says.

Building a community of positive and

supportive friends helped cushion the blow of losing

a close friend while showing Mohr “there are some

conversations you should not have to have.”

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Similarly, Syd Nicole, a freshman studying

advertising at UA, realizes when it comes to protecting

her peace, community is essential. Nicole’s depression,

worsened by the recent death of her mother, often leaves

her feeling unmotivated to succeed in school.

“I feel like my depression doesn’t allow me

choices,” Nicole says. “It tells me that I’m incapable.”

While attending therapy sessions, Nicole has also

been leaning on her friends’ support for encouragement

and sharing her process with them.

“Sometimes it’s hard to notice positive differences

in myself until it’s pointed out by someone else,” Nicole

says.

These affirming boosts from her friends allow

Nicole to gain motivation by helping her recognize her

progress. Nicole, newly secure in her abilities, is more

willing than before to accept mistakes and let them

motivate her.

Depression often leads to isolation, but Nicole

now recognizes that it doesn’t have to. Peacefulness is

sometimes found in community rather than alone.

Christen Rouseau has battled with lupus for

thirty years, a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning she

is no stranger to protecting her peace.

Rouseau says stress is a big trigger for her illness,

as spikes in cortisol levels can trigger flares.

Consequently, Rouseau is deliberate in

prioritizing her mental and emotional health, even while

juggling the responsibilities of being a working wife and

mother of three.

“Go with the flow and push through,” Rouseau

says.

Rouseau remains grounded in the midst of

setbacks or inconveniences, being deliberate about which

things are worth devoting her energy to and ignoring

the rest. She realizes that while stress is inevitable, not

everything is worth fretting over. Rouseau notes her

ability to prioritize her family and herself above all else

has been one of the largest contributions to her protecting

her peace and her health.

“I feel peace when I’m able to support my family,”

Rouseau says.

Much more than just being some short-lived

internet trend, “protecting your peace” is one of the most

important lifelong undertakings to take on. Even in the

hustle and bustle of life, making all the adjustments you

can to maximize your life is vital. Ensure that you don’t

lose sight of what’s most important—the people who will

be cheering you on every step of the way.

Design by Sofia Navarro

Woman Meditating Graphic by

Frog_Ground/stock,adobe.com

alice.ua.edu 77

78

F O O D

&

HEALTH

Tuscaloosa’s Top Tastes

Celebrating 10 Years of Avenue Pub &

Southern Ale House

Aging in College

80

82

Medication Myths Debunked

Overcoming the Mental Health

Treatment Stigma

84

Alice’s Favorite Recipes

86

alice.ua.edu 79

Tuscaloosa’s

Top Tastes

Celebrating 10

Years of Avenue

Pub & Southern

Ale House

By Sophie Gros

The city of Tuscaloosa hosts a whirlwind of culinary

choices. In a town with such a dynamic dining scene,

it is an impressive feat to become a household name.

Amid the city’s ever-evolving atmosphere, two

restaurants have not only endured, but thrived: Avenue Pub

and Southern Ale House.

Both restaurants have cemented themselves

as staples among locals and tourists alike, and this year,

they celebrate the milestone of 10 years in business. This

achievement is a testament to their high-quality cuisine and

their importance within the community.

Founded in 2014 by a University of Alabama

graduate Craig Williams, Avenue Pub has become a mustvisit

spot in Downtown Tuscaloosa.

80

Avenue Pub is more than just a restaurant,

however; it is a cornerstone of the Tuscaloosa dining

scene and community in itself. Its edgy, industrial interior

is constantly bustling with energy, filled with the chatter

of regulars and visitors alike.

“The food is always consistent, and the guests

are always kind,” says David Charboneau, Avenue Pub’s

director of operations.

This welcoming spirit has been a key factor in

making the restaurant a beloved local institution over

the past decade. Charboneau remembers his early days at

Avenue Pub, fondly recalling a moment that highlighted

the dedication of a young cook.

“I was so blown away by an 18-year-old who was

so committed to the quality of his burgers,” Charboneau

says. “His commitment to his craft and taking pride in

what he did was so impressive to me.”

Avenue Pub is deeply involved in the Tuscaloosa

community, regularly hosting events and partnering

with charities. In the past month, they have sponsored

Tuscaloosa’s First Friday event, Tuscaloosa’s concert

series, “Live at the Plaza,” and United Cerebral Palsy of

West Alabama’s “Big Dreams Gala.”

The fan base here runs deep, and with constant

changes to their menu, Avenue Pub always has something

new for their regulars to try.

“We got rid of our steak sandwich for a little

while,” says Kendra Unthank, Avenue Pub’s manager.

“Our regulars missed it so much that we had to bring it

back.”

This responsiveness to customer preferences,

combined with the restaurant’s no-freezer policy ensuring

only the freshest ingredients, has helped maintain its

reputation for high-quality food.

Avenue Pub’s success has allowed the restaurant

to expand from its iconic Downtown location to a second

location in Orange Beach, Alabama and now a third

location on the Northbank.


Across the Black Warrior River, Southern Ale

House distinguishes itself with its warm, family-owned

Southern charm and signature touches.

Established by Justin Holt and a collaborative

team 10 years ago, Southern Ale House has made a name

for itself with its unique menu, unforgettable flavors and

loyal customer base.

Anna Vassar Hutt, a sophomore business student

at UA, is a Southern Ale House superfan.

“The Yard Bird sandwich is my absolute favorite,”

Hutt says. “I order it every time I come in.”

Another menu standout is the Meme Biscuit.

Named after Holt’s grandmother, the woman who taught

him to cook, the Meme Biscuit symbolizes Southern Ale

House’s commitment to traditional, homestyle Southern

cooking.

A photograph of Meme’s house still hangs in

the restaurant as a tribute to the roots that inspired its

welcoming and authentic atmosphere.

With a decade of success underway, Southern

Ale House has also recently expanded, opening a new

location on Lake Tuscaloosa— the first-ever full-service

dining experience on the water. This opening brings their

beloved bites and brews to a new clientele and setting.

Remaining true to their core values and community

commitment, Southern Ale House continues to thrive.

Holt attributes the secret of the restaurant’s good

fortune to their whole team striving to build a culture of

consistency. Day after day, Southern Ale House honors the

principles that have established it as a cherished culinary

landmark in Tuscaloosa.

With their continually evolving menus and

strong community ties, Avenue Pub and Southern Ale

House have become beloved spots in Tuscaloosa. As

these restaurants move into their next decade, they

remain dedicated to serving exceptional food, building

meaningful connections and upholding the ideals that

have made them staples in Tuscaloosa.

Photos by Hannah Grace Mayfield

alice.ua.edu 81

“I feel more settled. I’ve grown up,

changed my perspective, and now

know the importance of maintaining a

steady work-life balance.”

- Malana Power

Aging In

College

By Marshall McGahey

82

Moving through freshman to senior year, the

bodies and minds of college students will

inevitably undergo significant changes. As

young people move from their late-teens to their earlytwenties

and so on, the changes they face in all aspects

of life can sometimes be jarring. As time goes on, the

physical changes are numerous, but so is the growth both

mentally and emotionally over the next four years.

Malana Power, a senior accounting major at

The University of Alabama, had many thoughts on her

personal changes during her college years. Power notices

many differences in herself now, a stark difference from

the girl she was three years ago.

“I had no idea how to manage the workload that

came with college,” Power says. “Now, I have learned how

to change my mindset.”

As she has grown, Power’s priorities have shifted

drastically. Entering freshman year at 18 years old, Power

explained that she felt more inclined to branch out socially

and be more outgoing.

“I feel more settled. I’ve grown up, changed my

perspective and now know the importance of maintaining

a steady work-life balance,” Power says.

That is not the only thing Power feels has shifted

now that she has aged. Getting older in college also comes

with the uncertainty of the outside world and leaving the

comfortable bubble that is UA.

“As a freshman, I thought I had everything

figured out. Now in my final semester at UA, I’m having

to come to terms with the fact that I have a career and life

to start,” Power says.

Mental health ebbs and flows as students change

in college, especially as people get older. Frances Johnston,

a sophomore at UA studying public relations, has many

thoughts on the physical changes that she has undergone

throughout her first three semesters at the Capstone.

“As a freshman, I was so excited to be out on my

own and take on the responsibilities that come with young

adulthood,” Johnston says. “I had no idea how different

it would be having to find my own meals and figure out

what I am going to eat each day.”

Johnston eats most meals at her sorority house,

but she has discovered she enjoys cooking her own food.

“As a freshman, I had no interest in cooking or

making my own meals, but being back at home over the

summer, I remembered the importance of homecooked

meals,” Johnston says. “Last week, I made my own

Conecuh sausage, and this week, I’m making brunch for

all of my friends.”

With the changes that college employs on the

mind and body, anxiety, stress and panic can easily creep

in.

Kenzie Wright, an associate licensed counselor at

Hope Grows Counseling Center in Northport, Alabama,

notes that as college students get older, stress levels

increase.

“College students are under chronic stress, and

this can cause health issues, memory issues, affect cortisol

levels and lead to mental illness if not managed,” Wright

says.

As students grow closer to completing their

degree, the more prone they are to anxiety and self-doubt

as leaving the college bubble draws nearer. However,

these changes are vital to growth. Without the knowledge

and experiences gained while in college, both inside the

classroom and out, students might never learn who they

are and, eventually, who they can become.

Designed by Natalie Adams

alice.ua.edu 83

Photographed by: Alisha Power

Medication

Myths

Debunked

Overcoming the

Mental Health

Treatment

Stigma

By Ellie First

It is no secret there is a stigma around mental

health. From taking medication to seeing a

therapist, it feels like everybody has something to

say when it comes to mental health treatment. There are

plenty of assumptions and misconceptions surrounding

prescribed medicine, such as it being “character defining”,

“a sign of weakness” or “only for those with ‘severe’ cases.”

Especially in college, these myths often come

up in discourse, and it is easy to feel alone and judged. It

is important to note that many college students struggle

with mental health and receive treatment for it. While

it may not seem like it, there is always a community of

people who understand and can help.

84

Myth: Medication is the only option.

“When I first looked into treatment options

for my anxiety, it seemed like I had to choose between

medication and therapy,” says Alison Gaston, an

advertising and public relations graduate student at The

University of Alabama.

Many students believe that medication is a “fixall”

and the only option for treatment, but in reality, it is

not the best fit for everyone.

“Research shows that medication is most helpful

in combination with talk therapy,” says Elizabeth Shahid,

the resident therapist for the College of Communication

and Information Sciences. “There’s no right or wrong

way to receive treatment, only what works best for the

individual.”

Myth: The doctor always knows what

is best.

“There have been several times that I have felt

pressured into certain treatments and solutions from

doctors, especially when it comes to mental health,” says

Anna Grace Smith, a UA senior studying kinesiology. “It

feels like there’s this problem in healthcare where people,

especially women, are often told that we’re overreacting

about something medical, but in reality, we know our

bodies better than anyone else. I really wish we would be

taken more seriously when it comes to medical things,

especially mental health.”

While medical providers can and do help

with one’s mental health journey, it is imperative that

those seeking treatment are aware that doctors aren’t

mind readers, and can sometimes make mistakes or

misunderstand.

Patients should be sure to ask questions before

proceeding with any mental health treatment plan,

because ultimately, they know themselves better than

anyone.

“Clients may unknowingly assume the doctor

prescribing their medication ‘knows what’s best’ and

many people don’t ask questions,” Shahid says.

Myth: Mental health treatment is a

sign of weakness.

“One thing that I’ve struggled with is the stigma

of being treated for anxiety and depression,” says Kat

Edwards, a senior apparel and textile design student at

UA. “It is hard not to feel like taking medication or going

to therapy makes you weak.”

Shahid says the way society talks about mental

illness can make those seeking treatment think there is

something wrong with them.

It is important to remember that medication

is a normal and valid form of mental health treatment

that can be life-long for some, and for others can be

used temporarily. Everyone has their own journey, and

medication, though not for everyone, has helped many

people on their own path to good mental health.

In 2024, discussions about mental health have

become increasingly common in the mainstream media,

but stigmatization is still an issue. With the rise of social

media and the Internet, it is easier, now more than ever,

for misconceptions to spread.

It is important to foster a positive reception

of conversations about mental health and ensure that

everyone understands they are never alone in their

journey.


alice.ua.edu 85

Alice’s Favorite

Recipes By Maggie Esnard

Food & Health Editor Maggie Esnard’s

Everything Sheet Pan Dinner

On the hunt for good college recipes, Maggie Esnard’s mother found an easy chicken

dish that anyone can make. While Esnard does not use exact measurements, they are helpful to

have!

86

Features Editor Abby Cope’s

Succotash

Abby Cope, alongside her mother and grandmother,

would make this dish every summer. This dish is coined the

“Start of Summer Succotash” by the Cope family and is a delicious

addition to the Alice cookbook.

alice.ua.edu 87

Marketing Editor Hannah Hajek’s

Cowboy Cookies

Hannah Hajek and her mother are known for their

cookies and baked goods. This recipe is Hajek’s favorite! To

accommodate allergies, optional ingredients are marked for

one to include or remove as needed.

88

Managing Editor Elena Giorgi’s

Family Pasta Recipe

Elena Giorgi’s family recipe contains messages from

the whole family on how to make this recipe perfectly. The

Giorgi family recommends listening to Dean Martin radio, or

Italian love songs, drinking a large glass of wine and following

your heart while making this recipe. Lastly, it is recommended

that you force the leftovers onto friends and family and serve

with a rich chocolate cake for dessert.


Recipe cards by wulano/stock.adobe.com

Photos by Isabelle Carroza

alice.ua.edu 89

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alice.ua.edu 91

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