Distraction Magazine Summer 2023

BALLETCORE

Pliés, pirouettes and pas de bourrées, all in pink.

MIAMI SWIM WEEK

Dive into one of Miami’s biggest fashion events.

RUN THAT TRACK

How some B.A.’s and B.S.’s are adding DJ to their list of acronyms.

BALLETCORE

Pliés, pirouettes and pas de bourrées, all in pink.

SPECIAL SECTION: LOUD

From protesting to popping colors, this issue’s special section favors the bold.

BALLETCORE

Pliés, pirouettes and pas de bourrées, all in pink.

CommunityWire.Miami is a function of the School of Communication at the University of Miami. Staffed by graduate and undergraduate students, the news service covers neighborhoods near the university and provides stories and multimedia projects to local and UM student media outlets.

For more information, please contact:

WHAT THE FORK

What’s your guilty pleasure song?

“Pirates of the Caribbean” compilation. First on my gym playlist.

French National Anthem. That’s not guilty though.

THE TEAM

Editor-in-Chief_Lizzie Kristal

Managing Editor_Sal Puma

Executive Editors_Matt Jiménez & Nicole Facchina

- 30 - Creative Director_Isa Márquez

Associate Creative Director_Marita Gavioti

Photo Director_Nina D’Agostini

Assistant Photo Directors_Ethan Dosa & Gracie Herron

Public Relations Director_Jordan Browning

- 30 - Fashion Director_Andrius Espinoza

Digital Editor_Jamie Moses

I have never heard something as loud as the Distraction staff in one room. In one corner, Matt talks to himself about the geography quiz he’s taking on the counties in Florida. Sal writes captions while singing along to “The Lorax” soundtrack. Nic is shouting about her recent explorations on Raya, and Andrew is arguing about the abbreviation of a state. Nina’s referring to everyone as “dude” while Andrius chimes in with his witty commentary. Amanda’s laugh carries through the suite, and my phone keeps buzzing with design help from Isa. Even those who weren’t in the room can still be heard in this issue.

The special section, “Loud,” is meant to inspire a spark. “Neat” and “quiet” aren’t in our vocabulary, and we’re embracing the chaos. From maximalism to musical protest, we’re exploring all-things bold.

Every staff member is loud in their own way — voices, ideas, personalities and aesthetics. It took some time, but we finally found our harmony. Next year will be a new chapter, saying goodbye to old faces and welcoming new ones. So for the last time this year, listen to our melodies printed on these pages.

LYGC,

“Now or Never” from High School Musical 3

BY

Web Designer_Sidney Cocimano

The Guide Editor_Caleigh Russo

Happening_Amanda Mohamad

What the Fork_Julia Hecht

Special Section_Andrew McCleskey

Health & Wellness Editor_Virginia Suardi

Fashion Editor_Kelly Bramson

Faculty Adviser_Randy Stano

Supporting Faculty_Samuel Terilli & Tsitsi Wakhisi & Contributors

ABOUT US

The magazine is produced four times per year, twice a semester. City Graphics and Bellack Miami printed 2,000 copies of the magazine on 8.5 x 11 inch, 60-pound coated text paper 4/4. The entire magazine is printed four-color and perfect bound. Most text is nine-point Minion Pro with 9.8 points of leading set ragged with a combination of bold, medium and italic. All pages were designed using Adobe Creative Suite CC software InDesign with photographs and artwork handled in Photoshop and Illustrator. For additional information, visit distractionmagazine. com. Questions and comments can be sent to 1330 Miller Drive, Student Media Suite 202A, Coral Gables, Fla., 33146, dropped into SSC Student Media Suite Suite 200 or emailed to distraction305@ gmail.com. All articles, photographs and illustrations are copyrighted by the University of Miami.

We’re taking leaps and twirls to the street with this issue’s shoot, “Balletcore.” photo_nina d’agostini.

“Run That Track” explores the hobby taking students by storm: DJing. photo_marra finkelstein.

WE LIKE YOU

When it comes to contributors, we’re not picky. Whether you’ve found your niche in a biology book, you’re notorious for doing “nothing” at the comm or business school or you’re halfway into your college career and still wave that “undeclared major” flag, we want to hear what you have to say. Distraction is an extracurricular/volunteer operation made for students, by students, and covers the full spectrum of student life here at The U. If you want to get involved or have any questions, comments or concerns email us at distraction305@gmail.com.

The special section, “Loud,” rejects the neat and explores the art of living to the max. illustration_gabriel viaud.

Dive into the week that turned Miami into a fashion powerhouse: Swim Week. photo_valeria barbaglio.

“CRANK THAT”

SOULJA BOY

Welcome to your roadmap — from the how-tos to the best-ofs, The Guide has you covered. We’ll explore the curiosities you never knew you had. Pack your duffle bag and plan the ultimate summer road trip. Take a run to your local yarn shop, because a crochet hobby is right around the corner. Learn the ins and outs of generational trauma, and how to break the cycle. Whatever you’re looking for, let us guide you.

THE GUIDE

photo_isa márquez.

R.V. THERE YET?

Close your eyes and picture your ideal vacation. Are you wandering through eerily beautiful forests covered in foggy mist while hunting for hidden waterfalls? Do you see yourself on top of a snow-capped mountain or in the deepest depths of a narrow canyon? You may be thinking: “So many places, so little time.” But what if we told you there was a chance you could experience all these natural wonders on the same vacation, or even longer with some planning? Put your Crocs in sport mode and grab your GPS: we’re here to talk about road trips. words_nicole facchina. photo_ethan dosa. design_adriana león.

From heart-wrenching films like “Into the Wild” to upbeat comedies like “Dumb and Dumber,” it’s safe to say that almost everyone has read a book or seen a film centered around a road-trip. With summer just around the corner, the time to plan vacations for the three-month break from school is upon us, and what more iconic summer vacation is there than a road trip?

Customize It

Because of their nature, these kinds of vacations offer different opportunities and experiences than a vacation to a single destination. Often, road trip vacations span over several days and involve traveling hundreds of miles, usually with multiple stops at different scenic landmarks along the way.

One of the advantages to planning a road trip as a vacation is the customizability of the experience. After all, there are an infinite amount of road trips to be planned and infinite destination combinations ranging from famous buildings and metropolitan cities to national parks and natural wonders. At the end of the day, it’s all about what you’re into, which is a big part of why people fall in love with them.

Jaimee Getty, a senior at the University of Miami, says that her love of road trips stems from being in nature.

“Being in a road trip lets you be in nature 24/7,” said Getty. “You can get lost in the different surroundings and take in so much nature in such a short amount of time.”

Although the prospect of

being stuck in a car for hours on end can be daunting for some, these kinds of trips can come with very high reward — if you maintain a positive mindset about the journey, that is.

A road trip is a textbook example of the adage, “The journey is the destination.” Keeping an open mind and finding ways to pass the time in the car while awaiting your next stop are crucial parts of the experience — even during the most boring moments of awkward car silence.

Izzy Anderson, a junior at UM, has taken several road trips throughout her life. Anderson states that while she loves road trips, anyone gearing up to hit the road needs to have a positive mindset about the journey.

“Road trips can be very hard if you do not have an open mind and accept that they will take a while,” said Anderson. “They can even drive you crazy if you don’t fully accept and prepare yourself for the time of traveling.”

Preparation

So, how can you best prepare for your first — or next — road trip vacation? It all comes down to thorough preparation and planning.

Before packing anything, you’ll want to do some research on where you’d want to go and what stops you would want to make on your trip. Decide the number of days you’d like to spend on the road,

your start and end destinations and where you would like to stay in between each stop.

When hunting for places to stop, use Google Maps or Roadtrippers.com to check the distance between locations. The miles between each of your destinations will determine the amount of freedom you have throughout your trip. For example, if you have a lot of ground to cover between destinations, you’ll need to be stricter with time management; if there’s less distance, you can take your sweet time.

Make sure to verify the safety of each location on your trip as well. Read up on other people’s road trips via online travel blogs to get an idea of the vibe, and make sure the destinations you choose aren’t going to put you in any kind of danger.

Anderson believes that paying attention to the general vibe of a location is very important, even when you’ll only be stopping for long enough to fill up your gas tank.

“Make sure you don’t stop anywhere that gives you bad vibes, and always look for gas at a quarter tank,” said Anderson. “If a place feels off, don’t stop unless you absolutely have to, and if anything, be quick.”

Next, you must decide how you’re getting from point A to point B, and what your days and nights will

EVEN WHEN DRIVING PAST EMPTY FIELDS, look for small hidden gems like abandoned buildings or funny signs.

look like. Ask yourself the following questions: do you want to stay in a hotel each night, or camp out in your vehicle? Are you renting a vehicle for the drive or using your own? What do you need to bring with you to ensure you’re comfortable and safe throughout the drive?

Just like how some people get checkups at the doctor’s office before going on vacation, if you’re planning on driving your own vehicle, you should visit your local car repair shop or dealership for maintenance — you don’t want to be caught in a situation where your car breaks down in the middle of absolute nowhere.

According to an article published by freelance writer and van life veteran Brent Rose on Roadtrippers.com, “It’s best to have your vehicle inspected by a professional, or at least someone who really knows what they’re doing.”

A list of things in your car that you should check before road tripping includes your tires, engine and breaks, lights, wiper blades, the battery, wiper fluid and motor oil. Also, make sure you have a full gas tank before getting on the road and closely pay attention to your gas levels throughout the trip.

If you’d rather rent a car or a van, do a thorough background check of the company and read reviews about other customers’ experiences with the vehicles. Whether your vehicle is your own or rented, if you plan on sleeping in it, make sure that all doors and windows can lock and are secure. Also, bring blackout shades for your own protection.

Pack It Up

Finally, you need to prepare to pack. According to Rose, there are a few key items that are important to take on road trips including: flashlights, food and water, road flares, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a car charger and portable USB power pack, spare batteries, a multi-tool, blankets and warm clothing. From there, pack whatever clothing and items bring you joy, and get on your way.

Now, we can’t talk about road trips without talking about destinations. So if you’re still struggling to figure out where you’d want to go, we have you covered. 23-year-old Hannah Gebhart from St. Petersburg, Fla., spent several years traveling with her dog in her van across the country and has a wealth of information on all the best destinations.

“I spent eight days driving from West Glacier, Montana to Phoenix, Arizona,” said Gebhart. “Another epic road trip on a smaller scale would simply be driving around Utah. There are so many national parks not too far away from each other, as well as so many beautiful landscapes in between, and would be so doable in a week. Rent a car or van and definitely be sure to hit up Moab, Utah. It is a magical place.”

Utah’s not the only state laced with gems.

“Honestly, Idaho is amazing too. Rent a car for a week and go hot spring hopping. That is what Idaho is known for — wild hot springs with beautiful hikes and a ton of public land for free camping.”

The possibilities associated with road trips are truly endless, making them the perfect vacation for college students. So whether you want to spend three days with friends in your car or three weeks living on the road in a van, give it a chance. You might just write your own coming of age story.

VAN LIFE

For some people, wanderlust is overwhelming. One or two weeks spent on the road simply isn’t nearly enough, and travel becomes something necessary to happiness. This is where the idea of van life comes into the picture. While Gebhart’s undeniable love of nature and travel likely influenced her decision to try van life, she states that her interest in the lifestyle was sparked by YouTube.

“I first became interested in van life when I saw Eamon and Bec on YouTube when I was 17,” said Gebhart. “I had planned all my life to go to college but, life happened, and I realized it wasn’t for me at that time in my life. I traveled and worked for three years and had planned on buying and building out a van with my ex-boyfriend, but then we broke up. A month later, I ended up buying the van on my own.”

For those of you who don’t know what van life is, the name pretty much explains the concept: van life is living out of a van, car, bus or other vehicle while on the road. Many people choose to renovate vans into what could be best described as tiny homes which can include stoves, refrigerators, built-in beds, plenty of storage for clothing and outdoor gear and, in some cases, showers.

While this way of living has been popularized through platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, there are many pros and cons that come along with the lifestyle that can be left out of social media posts. Gebhart offered her insights into best and worst parts of the lifestyle.

“The best parts of living in my van were waking up in new beautiful places whenever I felt like driving somewhere else,” said Gebhart. “The van life community is also incredible, and I met many friends while on the road. As my friend says, ‘no one’s a stranger, they’re friends we don’t know the names of yet.’”

“The worst part of living in the van for me was in fact the loneliness,” said Gebhart. “Sometimes there would be days I didn’t see or talk to anyone but my dog. Also, I didn’t have a shower or toilet in the van, and I didn’t mind it. However, I’m sure other people wouldn’t be too fond of having to go out in the rain to use the bathroom or jump in rivers to bathe.”

If you have an interest in van life, Gebhart suggests trying it out in small doses and doing research before building a van.

“I would say, give it a shot,” said Gebhart. “There are so many vans for rent these days, and I would recommend living in one for a week and seeing what it’s like and if you even like it. It is very romanticized these days, and it’s not for everyone. And do your research. See what other people like and didn’t like from their van builds and use that information when building out your own.”

If van life interests you, think about how you want to use the van specifically.

“Also, know what you plan to do with the van — if you plan to live in it full-time on the road, or full time parked in a spot for certain amounts of time, or if you plan to be a weekend warrior. I would say those all would be different builds for me. Also, see how comfortable you are on the road — take a road trip in whatever vehicle you have now.”

Be sure to check out Gebhart’s Instagram and TikTok to follow her adventures: @hansvanventures.

SWAPPING DRIVERS IS VITAL TO LONG ROADTRIPS. Everyone might have a different tolerance, but even the best drivers could use a break after staring at an empty road for hours.

MAP IT OUT

Want to hit the road, but don’t know where? We picked some routes that you can follow. They hit some of the best nature spots and national parks, all within a general area. Add some of your own stops to the list or customize it however you want. Pack up the van because your summer just got a whole lot more interesting.

words&design_lizzie kristal.

NORTHWEST ROUTE

ESTIMATED TO LAST AT LEAST TWO WEEKS

WEST COAST INLAND ROUTE

WEST COAST INLAND ROUTE

ESTIMATED TO LAST AT LEAST THREE WEEKS

Tip: For a sandier trip, take the West Coast coastal route. Stop at lots of beaches and mountains that line the edge of California.

MULTNOMAH FALLS BEND

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK

CALIFORNIA

LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

LAKE TAHOE

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

OREGON

SEQUIOA NATIONAL PARK PALM SPRINGS

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Need something to listen to? We prepared a Spotify playlist for you to jam out to on the road. The hours can get long, and music can make it go quicker. Scan the code below for more.

LIGHTS UT

MATCH THE HUES OF YOUR POSTERS to your favorite light settings because contrasting colors can make the posters look funky.

It’s no shocker that overhead, sterile lighting is a mood killer, especially in already crammed college dorms or apartments. Students have been revamping their lighting for decades, but the lava lamps and multicolor Christmas lights of the ‘90s have been swapped out for a much chic-er alternative: ambient lighting. Here’s a breakdown of the best, most college-friendly ways to elevate a space using ambient lighting. words_julia hecht. photo&design_lizzie kristal.

The place where you eat meals, call home and procrastinate big assignments should be a place of solitude, an escape from the craziness of college life. Without taking lighting into your own hands, you might feel like you’re living in a doctor’s office.

Enter ambient lighting. The terminology might sound like something you’d tune out while HGTV is on the television in the background, but chances are you’re already familiar with it or have implemented it in your own space.

Ambient lighting is essentially just lighting that illuminates the entirety of a room, rather than the targeted ceiling lights. It’s usually much softer and warmer, giving the space a cleaner, cozier tone.

It’s also frequently used in forms that have color-switching abilities, letting you reflect your mood on a day-to-day or even hourto-hour basis — a considerable improvement from the sad fluorescent overhead lights that many residential buildings have.

Ambient lighting and college students may be a match made in heaven – drab dorms in need of an upgrade, and many cheap options to transform a space. The fan favorite seems to be LED strips, which are sold on numerous platforms and can start as low as $10. Just look in the windows of Lakeside Village — every room is a different color.

The adhesive strips are easy to install and take down, and often come with a color changing remote. If you want a little more bang for your buck, check out the Philips Hue line, a form of “smart lighting” that allows the user to pick a specific color hue using an IOS app.

Another ambient lighting source rising in popularity is the LED sign. Sophomore Skye Anker said that elevating the lighting in her Vox bedroom was a no-brainer.

“I knew I wanted an LED light, specifically something funny because I thought it would make my room more fun and feel personalized,” Anker said. She landed on a green LED sign from Amazon in the outline of an alien’s head. “It doesn’t really make sense, which is perfect for me. I like having it on in my room because the color makes my room feel cozy and the alien is different from other neon lights I’ve seen.”

While bedrooms are typically the most popular rooms to use ambient lighting, you shouldn’t limit yourself to just your sleeping space. Sophomore Jenna MacMillan lives in a Lakeside Village apartment

with a red LED sign in her bathroom that reads “please don’t do coke in the bathroom.”

“We thought it was a funny way to lay a few ground rules for those who come into our home,” MacMillan said. “It’s definitely a funny conversation piece and I’ve noticed that people like taking pictures with it too. It totally transforms the vibe of the bathroom.”

Ambient lighting can do a lot for a shared living space or gathering room. Sophomore Emerson Kouri has a large wavy LED light fixture on her living room wall in Lakeside Village that emits a soft pink light onto her living room where she and her roommates gather at the end of the day.

“We got it mainly for decoration, but after putting it up and using it, I realized it adds a lot of character to the room and makes it ours,” Kouri said.

While LED signs and strips are the hottest in 2023, there’s nothing wrong with going back to the classics. String lights have long been used as a cheap way to spruce up a space, and the former two options of white or multicolor have expanded tenfold. Nowadays, you can find string lights woven into faux vines, little Edison lightbulbs or shapes like butterflies or mushrooms.

There are also the TikTok-famous lights such as the sunset lamp, which casts a golden-hour-esque pink and yellow halo on a wall in the room, or the Sky Lite, which projects a spinning starry night sky onto the ceiling. There’s even a motion activated light for your toilet seat if fluorescent lighting is interfering with the vibes of your midnight bathroom trips.

With endless options for ambient lighting, how do you know what’s right for you? If none of the ultra-specific lighting shapes or signs are calling you, your best bet is to go with a reliable LED light with color changing abilities that can reflect your mood.

There’s even an implied code for students of what colors to use when. Most notably and humorously, red has been tied to sexual activity. Having your LED lights on blue might can mean sadness, while pink and purple are typically used in party or chill settings.

Ultimately, ambient lighting is meant to complement a space, so use it in the way that’s most true to you and you might feel the positive effects.

WHERE TO SHOP

Philips HUE: Will cost you more than your average lighting, but with way more capabilities

Nanoleaf: They sell LED lights in the form of geometric shapes

Twinkly: A leading brand in twinkly string and other LED lights

As students navigate their way to a four-year degree, the stress of exams, presentations and projects seem inescapable. Don’t worry; a new hobby has been becoming popular among Gen Z — crocheting. Once associated only with grannies, crocheting has taken TikTok by storm, and it can look a lot cooler than you think.

While popular stress-relievers include napping, exercising, reading, participating in a sport or listening to music, one uncommon and often overlooked alternative literally is right at students’ fingertips — crocheting. Okay, it may not be the first thing that students consider when looking to unwind, but those who practice the craft say they love it.

“It is really not just relaxing but fun for me,” said University of Miami junior Kalliope Tsartsalis, who began crocheting at 13 years old and continued her hobby on into college.

Sophomore Rachel Davit picked up the habit about three years ago while in high school.

“Taking the time to make something myself helps to take my mind off of my crazy schedule this semester,” Davit said. “Sometimes, I just need a break and doing this stuff [crocheting] has kept me calm and off my phone.”

Tsartsalis and Davit, both active in the campus UKnit club, are among the thousands of college students across the nation who are indulging in the hobby of crocheting.

Stitch History

Crocheting is a yarn activity where patterns are created with a single needle lined with a hooked edge and yarn. The craft, which dates to 1820s England, spread across Europe and was brought to the United States by Irish immigrants during the potato famine in the mid 1840s. During this period, single patterns were widely used and popular; crocheters made floral motifs to use as decorative doilies.

Beginning in the 1900s, crochet evolved into functioning fashion pieces. Simple lace patterns turned into full wedding and ballroom dresses. The next great shift was seen during World War II when the art of crochet became dedicated to wartime efforts. Women at the time crocheted hats, mittens and other gear for soldiers at war serving overseas.

In the late 1960s, crochet had another resurgence, but this time the bright, colorful “granny square” style garments came into fashion. Individually crocheted

Grandmas aren’t the only ones rocking yarn creations nowadays. Crochet is taking the spotlight recently, turning into a hobby rather than a retirement home activity. Not only can you make cool tops and stuffed animals with some hooks and yarn, but it’s a great stress reliever due to its simple, repetitive movements. Don’t worry, we’re not gonna just string you along, so here’s the new trend that has us all in stitches.

words_maria rocha & julianna sondon. design_michael cervantes photo_valeria barbaglio.

squares were woven together to create a loud fashion statement that many people loved. The woven squares were used to make everything from hats to purses to dresses and even blankets and bedspreads.

The art of crochet has gone in and out of style over recent decades, but it is enjoying a resurgence since the pandemic lockdown when the textile art form exploded in popularity. The crochet style du jour is streetwear. Students all over campus can be seen sporting crochet crop tops, tote bags and accessories. And crochet items can be bought just about anywhere, from designer boutiques to even general merchandise stores such as Target and Walmart.

Not only have shirts, hats and crochet bags come into style, but crochet toys have become all the rage.

Knitting in the Now

Jenny Baumer, shop owner of Elegant Stitches in Pinecrest, occasionally makes custom crochet projects to order. The demand for stuffed animals and baby items has been increasing over the past three to four years, she said.

CROCHET ITEMS

DON’T JUST HAVE TO BE CLOTHING. Accessories such as over-the-shoulder bags and smaller purses have also become popular.

“It’s not just grandma style squares anymore,” Baumer said. “I have seen people express themselves, make art through knit and crochet.”

Baumer’s store specializes in knitting and crochet materials and supplies — from yarn to needles and hooks to stitch markers. Baumer teaches one-on-one lessons and also heads a small community group of women crocheters.

“I have seen it all — older women looking to try newer styles of crochet and young girls looking to copy projects off of their Pinterest boards,” Baumer said.

Young people, including college students, start the craft looking to ambitiously tackle the newest fashion trends. Once they master the basics, it becomes much simpler, she said.

“Once you can single [stitch] crochet, everything easily builds off of that,” Baumer said. After mastering simple tops, young knitters soon turn to plush toys. Amigurumi-style crochet plushies have been the biggest and most recent trend for her customers, she said. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of kitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn objects, and the crafter needs only to know a handful of stitches and techniques to get started.

Baumer describes crochet as “dense, elegant and elaborate.” She cautions beginners that the most common mistake made by first-time crocheters is the use of the wrong sized needle or the wrong thickness of yarn. Crochet hooks range from 6mm to 30mm. The larger the crochet hook, the larger the stitch and the larger the final project will be. Talk about a cozy blanket idea.

The most common size hook is the 8.5mm, which is the perfect size for hats, scarves and blankets. Similarly, yarn comes in differing weight classifications. Yarns can span from lace weight to jumbo. The most commonly used is a light to medium weight yarn, depending on the intended purpose of the crochet project.

“Following a pattern can be simple, but if you’re using the wrong materials, a normal-sized hat can be crocheted large enough to fit an elephant,” Baumer said.

Crocheting can be done in a myriad of styles to create interesting patterns. Multi-strand crochet uses several strands of different color yarn to create a distorted blend of color. Overlay crochet creates stitches over each other to create layers of color and different textures. Each style creates new opportunities for crocheters to express their creative abilities in new ways.

While crocheting is undoubtedly a form of art and fashion, the real question is, how will crocheting benefit stressed-out college students who are drowning in assignments?

Helping Hooks

According to a May 2021 National Institute of Health study, crocheting offers positive benefits for personal well-being. Of those surveyed by the group, 89.5 percent of participants reported feeling calmer, 82 percent reported feeling happier and 75 percent reported feeling more useful while crocheting.

According to the American College Health Association’s 2018 National College Health Assessment, 87 percent of college students reported feeling tremendous stress at least once in the previous year.

Knitting and crocheting can be almost meditative, according to KnitPal, an online group that encourages students to form knitting clubs. Among the benefits for college students are improved selfesteem and sense of accomplishment; improved health, since knitting groups sustain a person’s social contacts; and the satisfaction of giving, since crafters often create items not for themselves but others.

Tsartsalis, UKnit’s vice president, said the group’s weekly meetings are a much-welcomed escape from the daily headaches of academic life. The club, which was started by UKnit president Gretchen Nauck in the fall 2022 semester, has attracted about 30 students who love to knit and crochet. The group is made up of mostly women, plus a handful of their boyfriends who choose to participate. The club, which meets weekly on Wednesday nights, also welcomes beginners seeking help or encouragement on their first crochet ventures.

Crocheting and knitting clubs can be found on campuses throughout the United States, especially at universities that endure cold winters. For example, there’s a Harvard Undergraduate Knitting

LEARNING TO CROCHET might be hard, but there are plenty of video tutorials and starter kits for any aspiring beginner.

Circle and a Boston University Knitting Club. Student crafters knit or crochet blankets, caps, scarves and sweaters. Many campus clubs, including the University of Maryland’s Crocheting for a Cause and Columbia University’s Gosh Yarn It, donate their creations to local charities. Through Naughty Knitters at New York University, administrators and alumni join students in creating and donating such items as baby blankets, hats and scarves to the needy.

While fiber artists at cold-climate campuses may curl up by the fire or gather in warm, cozy settings, UKnit members meet in airconditioned rooms at Mahoney Residential College. And while the UKnitters may make the traditional winter gear, they most recently have made bikini tops, blankets and stuffed frogs.

“I’m not sure what kids up north would do with crochet bikini tops,” Davit said.

Fun Crochet Kits for Beginners

Crochet kits are an excellent method for beginning crocheters to get their hands a little dirty. It’s simple to master the fundamentals of crochet because the kits often include all the supplies and instructions needed to finish a particular project — all you need is practice. Here are two of the most popular beginner crochet brands, but there are many more out there to choose from depending on your interests and skill level.

The Wobbles: The kits come with a beginner’s crochet book, a crocheting hook and a variety of colorful yarns. It’s an excellent way to begin the craft and learn foundational stitches like chain, single crochet and double crochet. “The Wobbles - Crochet Kit for Beginners” gained popularity after their cute crochet animals, along with the founder’s impressive pitch went viral for their appearance in episode 1,402 of the famous business reality T.V. series, “SharkTank.” The kits promote the art of amigurumi, a technique used to form small stuffed animals or characters.

Learn to Knit - Pocket Scarf: “This Scarf Kit” also includes all the basic materials needed to create a warm and fashionable scarf. It is an excellent way to practice basic stitches while also making a useful accessory, and the best feature is its pockets. The “Learn to Knit Pocket Scarf” is a best seller at Amazon and a great recommendation for a DIY knitting kit for beginners.

generational trauma

With relatives who have lived through horrifying social movements and events, some unsavory ideals and behaviors can get carried across generations due to what they went through in their lives. Though there are ways to reflect and grow from these traumas, all wounds take some time to heal. Therapy and other mental health tools help tackle all forms of generational trauma. words_nicole bires, naz candal & matt gosper. design_isa márquez.

Her heart in her throat. That’s how a University of Miami sophomore biology major said she feels as she approaches each day.

The stories of the horrific deaths of her family members haunt her even though the atrocities of the Rwandan genocide slaughter that lasted three months and occurred before she was even born.

But her parents and surviving family remember. She too feels the grief more than seven thousand miles away from the Central African country nearly, 40 years after five of her family members were brutally killed.

“It was never me,” she said. “I was not the one who had to fear for my life, nor worry about if I was to be killed next. Yet, it still haunts me to this day. It feels like … like I’m being followed all the way to Florida,” she said.

She explained that she had been physically but not emotionally distanced from her country since coming to Fort Lauderdale during her junior year of high school.

The genocide occurred during the Rwandan Civil

War when armed Hutu tribe militias brutally killed up to 662 thousand Tutsi. The genocide was sparked by the assassination of Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, in April 1994. Hutu extremists, including the Rwandan Armed Forces, believed the Tutsi had orchestrated the assassination and used it as an opportunity to target Tutsi civilians.

Through planned campaigns promoted on radio broadcasts, Hutus were urged to kill Tutsis. Roadblocks were set up and Tutsis were targeted with machetes, guns and other weapons. Rape and other atrocities were also used as weapons of terror against Tutsi women and girls.

“Even now, I have nightmares and flashbacks of these events,” the student said. “I still struggle to form meaningful relationships with others and find it difficult to trust people after what I have witnessed.”

The Rwandan native is experiencing what professional psychologists call generational trauma, an insidious cycle that perpetuates

ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS ABOUT UNPACKING GENERATIONAL TRAUMA can be looking inward and reflecting on it. Though the process is difficult, it’s rewarding.

the emotional scars of past traumas from one generation to the next.

Students and Struggles

For college-aged students, the effects of generational trauma can be particularly challenging as they struggle to cope with the emotional baggage of their parents and grandparents while facing their own unique challenges and struggles.

“It’s one of those things where you know it exists, but it’s not really talked about as an issue because everyone in your social circle has the same problem,” said a UM senior economics major whose Jewish ancestors fled Eastern Europe during the Holocaust.

“You don’t have to go that many generations back to know that either a family member or an aunt or an uncle or someone was killed in the Holocaust or was kicked out of Russia or was kicked out of the Middle East because they were Jewish,” he said.

The Jewish population in Eastern Europe was singled out by the Nazi German government for persecution and death. An estimated six million Jews were murdered during World War II from 1939 to 1945.

A common symptom that victims of generational trauma say they experience is fear, a feeling of “looking over your shoulder and making sure that no one’s kind of looking at you funny for fear of something bad happening,” he said. “And that’s something that was taught to me by my grandparents who had to flee.”

Kisha Bazelais, a psychologist at UM, said generational trauma victims operate from a traumatic stance.

Victims have the sense of “being scared, kind of constantly checking to see like what’s going on,” Bazelais said.

Miguel Barillas, a South Florida therapist specializing in trauma, said the impact of generational trauma can often lead to one believing that there is no hope for the future.

“I have worked with people that have been the children of veterans or people that have been exposed to war, grandkids that have been raised by a mother who was a survivor of the Holocaust,” Barillas said. “And I see that there’s a lot of anxiety.”

Beyond systematic genocide, other generational traumas include oppression,

racism and addiction. These experiences can be incredibly isolating and debilitating as they manifest in a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression and addiction, psychology professionals say.

A graduate student majoring in finance at the Miami Herbert Business School comes from a household riddled with alcohol addiction involving her father and grandparents. Her father grew up in a volatile environment, she said.

“When my grandma was drinking, things could get hairy for them,” she said.

The student said her father uses alcohol as a coping mechanism for his own anxiety, and she too struggles with anxiety.

“I’m just anxious about being like him and how would it affect my future plans,” she said. Although anxiety does impact her daily life, “most of the time I keep myself busy and away from those things.”

Navigating Trauma

Natalie Boone, a licensed clinical social worker in Austin, Texas, highlights the necessity of family therapy for members suffering from generational trauma.

“Through therapy, individuals can gain a better understanding of their trauma, learn coping skills to manage their symptoms and work toward creating healthier patterns of behavior and thought,” Boone said. “Additionally, therapy can help individuals break the cycles of generational trauma, leading to positive changes in their families and communities.”

Barillas, a therapist at the Terra Counseling Center in Miami, said a number of therapies are targeted to help those suffering from generational trauma, including ensemble therapy.

This form of therapy allows therapists to work with all members of a family or community, including those who may have been directly impacted by trauma, as well as those who have been indirectly affected, Barillas said.

Claire Gillespie, an experienced health and wellness writer, said generational trauma is treatable through intense holistic intervention techniques and potentially individual-level therapy.

A holistic intervention for generational trauma might involve a combination of therapy, mindfulness practices, physical exercise, nutrition counseling and other alternative therapies. For example, yoga and meditation can help people to manage stress and improve emotional regulation, while group therapy can provide an opportunity for individuals to share their experiences and learn from others who have gone through similar challenges.

“Family therapy can also be an effective holistic intervention for generational trauma, as it allows families to work together to address issues that have affected them across generations,” Gillespie said.

It can also help to create a supportive environment in which family members

feel safe and encouraged to communicate openly, leading to improved relationships and a greater sense of connection.

At UM, Bazelais encourages students to come in for counseling, acknowledge the trauma, practice self-care and have dialogues with the family to start the healing process.

“Those are some of the key things, but also being able to kind of grieve,” Bazelais said. “And to let it go.”

The sophomore Rwandan student said she has tried therapy and has found it useful.

“Although it is hard to face the shadows of my family’s past in the Rwandan Genocide, I feel that intervention and the use of therapy has helped me to come to terms with a lot,” she said.

For many college students, the weight of generational trauma can make it difficult to form relationships or feel like they belong. Some may also feel hopeless or unmotivated, questioning if their future can be any different than their past. Yet it is crucial not only to acknowledge but also to continue to support and normalize the experience of

WHILE IT CAN BE DRAINING, you’re not alone. Finding a close friend or a trusted family member to confide in can help the healing process.

generational trauma, psychology experts say.

“We must create diverse and inclusive spaces where students can receive healing and care for the unique traumas they have experienced,” Boone said. “By identifying the root causes of these intergenerational patterns, we can help young adults break free from the cycles of trauma and chart a healthier and more hopeful path for their future.”

If you struggle with generational trauma and need help, contact UM’s counseling department by visiting https://counseling. studentaffairs.miami.edu.

PUT YOUR RECORDS ON

2023 has already seen some zero-skip, charttopping albums in its first few months. Taylor Swift’s “Midnights,” SZA’s “SOS” and Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing at a Time” are just a few we have not stopped listening to. To prepare our summer playlists and take a break from these viral albums, the Distraction staff compiled a list of not-so-mainstream albums we think deserve the fame. So if you need some new tunes, we may have discovered the perfect albums for you.

words_izzy lemus. design_isa márquez.

Preacher’s Daughter by Ethel Cain (2022)

Think classic rock meets American gothic, with a hint of gospel. Ethel Cain created an album full of songs that reflect her “house divided” upbringing as a preacher’s daughter who left the church at age 16. The heavy theme paired with uplifting pop sounds is sure to reel you in.

American Heartbreak by Zach Bryan (2022)

This three-in-one album is bound to have a song for everyone. Although this Oklahoma-raised songwriter released some chart-topping songs on this record including “Something in the Orange” and “From Austin”, there are 32 other tracks ready for a sunrise or sunset, windows-down type of car ride.

untied shoes by Cody Jon (2023)

Cody Jon may have released the perfect new coming-ofage album for you. The emerging pop artist combines the struggles of becoming a young adult with hook-heavy, catchy lyrics. His boy band sound and relatable lyrics make for a worthwhile listen.

Raven by Kelala (2023)

Contemporary R&B with a dance-music influence is the best way to describe Kelala’s second album. Her songs touch on the importance of her experience as a queer Black woman, all while creating a club-play/bedroompop style sound.

Waiting to Spill by Backseat Lovers (2022)

This indie-rock band finally released their new record after a three-year hiatus. All we can say is it was worth the wait. The progression of the 10-track album points out an overarching theme of the nostalgia of growing up through each song. Listen in order and enjoy the lyrical ride.

THERE ARE TOO MANY GOOD ALBUMS TO INCLUDE HERE. Some of our honorable mentions are: “Apolonio” by Omar Apollo, “Blue Rev” by Alvvays, “Ivy League” by Harbor Day, “Dummy” by Portishead and “The Dreaming” by Kate Bush.

Happening tackles today’s hot topics and inspiring innovators. These stories are making waves. Prepare for the ultimate event where fashion and sport meet: Miami Swim Week. Peer into one of the most exclusive student groups on campus, P100 And finally, delete Yik Yak and download its newer competitor, Fizz. We bring you the latest and greatest Miami has to offer.

HAPPENING

photo_nina d’agostini.

While New York traditionally takes the cake for the title of the American fashion capital, Miami’s tropical weather makes it a perfect place for aquatic fashion to take center stage, which happens annually during Miami Swim Week. Here is your rundown of a swimmingly exciting week for Miami and the entirety of the fashion world.

DI V E I NTO MIAMI S W

I M W E E K

FOR GUYS’ SWIMSUITS, try shopping at Pacsun or Abercromibe & Fitch. For girls, you can try Blackbough or Aerie.

words_virginia suardi. design_matt jiménez. photo_valeria barbaglio.

If you couldn’t tell from the name, the “week” in “Miami Swim Week” consists of a series of fashion shows that display swimwear, coverups and other related accessories. Powerhouse brands like POSTER GIRL and Monday Swimwear hold shows, as well as the legacy magazines Ocean Drive and Sports Illustrated.

This year’s Swim Week, which traditionally happens the first week of July, will be split up into two separate weeks. The first week, happening from June 8 to 11, is run by Paraiso, a lifestyle brand that has traditionally run their own Swim Week events. D.C. Swim Week, a company that runs a large portion of the Swim Week shows, will follow the traditional dates and hold their shows from July 5 to July 10.

D.C. Swim Week’s fashion shows will focus on diversity and sustainability in fashion this year.

“Miami Swim Week will be unlike anything the fashion industry has ever seen,” said Moe Ducis, the founder and CEO of D.C. Swim Week. “We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting ethical and responsible fashion.”

“We have designers flying into Miami from over 70 countries who will be a part of 50 live fashion shows and pop-up events,” Ducis said.

As Miami grows in popularity both for tourists and new residents, Swim Week’s popularity is only set to grow more. Swim Week organizers are responding to the growing demand for events by expanding into the digital space.

This year, D.C. Swim Week will promote the launch of exclusive Miami Swim Week non-fungible tokens and digital collectibles. They will also continue to provide a special Swim Week Metaverse experience, where online attendees can watch shows and shop new collections in cyberspace.

Swim B.T.S.

Keely Owen, a University of Miami sophomore who is signed to Select Model Management, said that Swim Week is like “New York Fashion Week for Miami.”

Despite its similarities to its New York counterpart, Miami Swim Week tends to be more inclusive than regular runway shows, which are notorious for mainly only using thinner, taller models. At a majority of Swim Week shows, models of all shapes, sizes and colors are represented.

“The [NYFW] walk is very different from a Swim Week walk,” said Owen. “Swim Week walks are more sexy and more fun.”

There’s a different energy that flows through the fashion shows at Swim Week. Because of the nature of the apparel displayed, the vibe is more playful.

While it can seem glamorous and fun from the outside, Owen said the behind-thescenes reality can be very different.

“I’ve done shows before, but nothing like Swim Week,” Owen said. “It’s a very different ballgame.”

Last year, she participated in Ocean Drive’s fashion display for a coverup brand called Thrifts and Threads, which was not as much of a show and was instead a “presentation,” in her words.

Though the show was her favorite gig of the week, the backstage process can be extremely hectic.

“Backstage is always crazy,” Owen said. “It’s a lot of running around and the brand owners are running around trying to make sure everything goes right.”

Besides the backstage dramas, model castings can also be especially chaotic. Castings are sessions in which a company will pick through a line of models to select the lineup they’ll use for their show. If a model is selected at a casting for the show, they will usually be called back for a fitting, and then must attend the actual show. Each event can last numerous hours, depending on the organization level of the casting and how far along each brand is in their development process for the fashion show.

“It’s not glamorous,” Owen said. “It’s a lot of hard work and hard hours.”

Another UM sophomore, Eliza Spain, a model signed to Ford Models, said that castings were “quite literally the longest days of [her] life,” as “hundreds and hundreds of girls would crowd a hotel lobby for hours on end to be seen by a client for 30 seconds.” On some days, Spain would leave South Beach at around 1 a.m. and had to get out of bed at 8 a.m. the next morning for even more events.

Work & Play

Much like Art Basel, Swim Week involves lots of promotional events, known in the industry as “activations,” that companies will set up to spread the word about themselves. Often, these brands will recruit modeling agencies to bring in talent or the models they have signed, to also help generate publicity for the event. Owen and Spain both attended a few of these events.

“I think that’s the best part of Swim Week,” Owen said. “It’s usually just gifting. You pick out a bikini and they gift it to you, and you get to bond with other models.”

At last year’s Alo Yoga event, the organizers gifted Owen and other models two pieces of clothing, among other goodies — as long as they got some promotion in return.

“You have to take photos and post them on your [Instagram] story,” Owen explained.

This year, both Spain and Owen are unsure whether they will participate in Swim Week again. Spain said that some of the negatives, like the below-average pay and long hours made her apprehensive about going through yet another year of castings and shows this year.

Despite the exhaustion, Spain had no regrets about her experience.

“Being behind the scenes of an event so well-known was a super cool experience,” Spain said.

For fashion enthusiasts or anyone looking to experience a unique, iconic Miami event, there are many ways to get involved in Swim Week. Tickets for admission into the fashion shows will be released as each brand settles on a date and time for their display and will be available online on miamiswimweek.net.

You can also opt to volunteer to help with shows for a more involved experience and top-notch networking opportunities. To volunteer, you can fill out the application on the Swim Week website and attend the required training session that typically happens a few weeks before the event.

LIVING THE SURFER

DREAM makes its way into fashion. One-pieces and wetsuits have an effortlessly athletic look to them. Check out Billabong or Roxy for some great options.

Friendly faces, great information and their signature orange polos are what UM’s P100 tour guides are known for. Picked to help take families of prospective students around campus and show them what we’re all about, this group is not easy to get into. So if you’re wondering how these glorious guides get the job, we have the scoop.

words_charles

P 100

boyd, lang hanley & audrey hydorn. design_jade hidalgo. photo_nina d’agostini.

LOUISA KHAN

PRESIDENT’S 100

From freshmen to seniors, many University of Miami students can recall their first tour of campus and being immediately captivated by the landscape, Lake Osceola, the Shalala Center and other landmarks.

Thank P100 — the skilled and eager student guides formally known as the President’s 100. Dressed in their vibrant orange polos, the “P’s” spew UTrivia while walking frontward or backward touting the virtues of UM’s “southern suns and sky-blue water.”

Under a P100’s guidance, the scenic excursion is often is the cherry on top of the “just say yes” admissions process that turns hopeful high school seniors and transfer students into veritable ‘Canes. Whether sharing their personal UM stories, showing off their favorite part of campus, or simply being as passionate as possible about the university, “P’s” are tasked with making parents and prospective students feel at home the second they step on campus.

“Parents and prospective students depend on the authentic insight and friendly guidance that each ambassador shares with those deciding whether to make the University of Miami their next home,” the UM Office of Admissions said in a prepared statement. “These leaders are fantastic.”

Fresh Faces

Gabriela Abramowitz, a sophomore musical theater major, is a new P100 member.

“I was super involved and had a lot of commitments, but they were all for musical theater and I wanted to be part of something for the school,” Abramowitz said.

Despite the name, P100 actually consists of more than 100 students, with a current crop of 118 members ranging from second-

semester, first-year students to seniors in their final semester.

The application process, which is conducted during the fall semester, is highly competitive and includes a written portion, interviews and a final presentation. While P100s are required to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, 80 percent of the applicants holding above a 3.5 GPA, according to the P100 Instagram, @Presidents100.

In the most recent application cycle, 271 students applied, 57 more than the previous year. Only 15 percent were hired, and just 27 percent of the applicants were offered interviews, according to the P100 website.

Once accepted, new members will do two shadow tours with a more experienced member followed by a co-tour and finally a solo tour, Abramowitz said.

There’s not an official tour script, but “P’s” are expected to memorize certain points to touch on about campus and follow specific routes around campus that include Richter Library, the main academic end, the Shalala Center, the Frost School of Music, Mahoney Residential College and Lakeside Village.

En Route

“You just never know how much there is about campus or how much you know about campus,” said sophomore biochemistry major Destiny Wiggins, a new member who had planned to join P100 during freshman year but missed the application process.

While she was still in training, Wiggins was co-touring with another P100 member who decided to spice up the tour by performing a popular dance from the Dominican Republic.

“He started dancing the bachata in front of Shalala because he took classes in the Wellness Center,” Wiggins said. “So, that was funny to me because I didn’t expect it. The families didn’t expect it, but everyone loved it.”

Despite only joining this past fall semester, she said she has already grown from the experience both in terms

of her knowledge of campus and public speaking ability.

“Right in front of the lake, the Shalala area, that’s my favorite spot,” Wiggins said. “There’s so much to touch on because you can just see everything; and the lake they’re always mesmerized by, and sometimes they’ll take pictures,” she said.

P100 is a paid job. Each P100 earns an estimated $15 per 90-minute tour when clocked-in. There aren’t many other surfacelevel perks, but members say the job comes with several other benefits including gaining valuable work experience, improving public speaking skills and a chance to bond with other like-minded students.

Only so much can be portrayed about campus life by describing parts of campus so “P’s” also answer any questions parents or prospective students have while on tour and often share their thoughts and experiences on being a student at the UM.

“I feel like the personal story is what makes the tour,” said Wiggins. “Even going back to my tour before I came here, I kind of remember those personal stories because they really shape and frame the college experience for the families.”

“So honestly, whenever possible, especially for admitted families, you really want to give them that authentic UMiami experience,” said Wiggins.

JENNY RIVAS

MIKAELA SANDERS

A CAMPUS TOUR AGENDA

STOP 1 UNIVERSITY CENTER

- The center point of campus

- Fun fact: the Rock is named after our alumnus Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson after he donated a large sum of money

- Home to the admissions office, the LGBTQ+ center and the campus book store

STOP 2 UC LOBBY

- The Launch Pad is open to any student with an idea to receive mentoring from advisers

- Chill’N and The Salty Donut were created here

- The only outdoor pool on campus that students can access for free

- Fun Fact: Drake came to campus in 2018 to film the music video for “God’s Plan” and gave a scholarship to a UM student

STOP 3 SHALALA STUDENT CENTER

- Built five years ago as a hub for student clubs and organizations

- First floor is for Late Night Programming, second floor houses over 300 student organizations and the third floor is ballroom and event space

STOP 4

FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

- Walk past the Rathskeller on the way because we are a wet campus

- All Frost students must audition as part of the admissions process

- Frost has its own recording label called “‘Cane Records”

STOP 5 RICHTER LIBRARY

- The library remains open 24/7 during finals

- Has unique collections and archives such as the Cuban Heritage Collection and rare scholarly resources

- Home of the Tech Help Desk, Writing Center, Math Lab, Science Lab and Digital Media Lab

STOP 6 COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

- Average class size is 15-26 students across all colleges

- There’s about $5 million worth of equipment in the engineering lab, including a microscope that can zoom to one million times normal magnification

- Pass by the Cosford Cinema, an on-campus screening room for student films and documentaries

STOP 7 SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

- Professors are active professionals that are currently working in their areas of expertise

- You don’t need to be in the School of Communication to join student media organizations, like The Hurricane newspaper, Distraction magazine, Ibis yearbook and WVUM

STOP 8 NORTHEAST CORNER OF CAMPUS

- About 20 percent of students are involved in Greek life, including pre-med, business, music and film organizations

- For every class you take, you get two free hours of tutoring per week. Stop by ‘Canes Central for more information

STOP 9 DINING HALL

- The campus registered dietician helps oversee dining hall options and works with students with any dietary needs

- Check out Rock Bot app — you can DJ the songs that play in the cafeteria

STOP 10

RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES

- There are three ways to find roommates: get randomly assigned, find a match via Facebook or other media channels, or use the multi-tiered roommate questionnaire provided by UM

- This year, UM redacted its statement, saying students who wish to continue living on campus are guaranteed housing all four years due to a housing shortage

Source: Quizlet from AlexDeLR

SYDNEY HILL

As far as apps go, Yik Yak once ruled college campuses. Anonymous accounts posting short texts — perfect for our generation’s love of snippets of content. Recently, a new app has entered the scene: Fizz.

While it’s basically Yik Yak with some new bells and whistles, it has quickly dwarfed the latter. With a strict college-student-only user base, if you want to be on the ground floor of your campus’ meme scene, this is the place to be. words_sal puma. design_lizzie kristal.

Whenever a major event happens, be it a scandal of celebrity or political nature, our generation has turned from checking the news to checking social media. Who didn’t go check out what everyone was saying on Twitter after the infamous slapping of Chris Rock at The Oscars or the death of Queen Elizabeth II?

College campuses are full of action.

Whether it’s an event, mishap or the latest gossip, there’s always something to talk about. Thanks to Fizz, we get the campus-focused coverage from students themselves.

On Fizz, your coverage of events can be limited to a single area — specifically, your college campus.

“I love how you can see fizzes from your school specially, instead of just the general area,” sophomore Sammy Sucholeiki said.

When you make an account, you use your school email. If you’re concerned that your school email will trace back to you, don’t be. It’s just to verify that you’re a college student and to connect you to other users from your university. Once an account is made, you can view and post in your specific college’s own designated Fizz timeline.

Structured like the cooler, older cousin of its predecessor, Fizz does what Yik Yak does and more. It has a similar post format that consists of small blocks of text that resemble a Tweet. What sets the app apart is that Fizz allows users to add pictures, links and even polls to their posts. You can comment on and upvote or downvote posts like Yik Yak, but Fizz also allows you to repost or “refizz” someone else’s post.

Sophomore Claire Bitner commented on the app’s structure and layout.

“It’s cool to see some of the top upvoted posts from the past day, week or all time,” Bitner said.

Fizz furthers its organization by giving users the option to give their post a category that it belongs to — some examples being Confession, Event, For Sale and Crush. You can browse through these categories just to see what secondhand clothes you can buy or how down-bad some students are.

It’s basically a lawless land where anyone can post their unfiltered thoughts anonymously. Unsurprisingly, many students find it very amusing.

“For the most part it’s hilarious,” Sucholeiki said. “But sometimes content can be odd.”

He’s not wrong. While it does have its funny moments, any platform built on a format where users can stay anonymous or adopt some persona can go awry. You can put anything out there, and no one can trace it back to you.

This leads to some people being unabashedly funny, users with pseudonyms @sanestbuisnessmajor or @spice — yes, named after singer Ice Spice — have made big names for themselves on the app for their good sense of humor.

Sophomore Owen DeRuyter is in support of the anonymous format.

“Anonymity is what makes the app so entertaining,” said DeRuyter. “Without the anonymous posting, people would probably be more reserved with what they say.”

While users are poking fun at each other’s expense all the time, Fizz does have some community guidelines and moderators in place to ensure that there isn’t any blatant hate speech on the app.

Whether the subject is freshmen, certain majors or whatever frat is catching flack that week, people can say what they want without feeling like they’re getting judged. Seeing it posted anonymously, even from someone

with a pseudonym, softens the blow. After all, how much can they mean it if they are only willing to say it behind their digital anonymity?

At the end of the day, it is just an app. So if you do find yourself getting sucked in or offended by the dumb memes, please touch grass once in a while.

WITH A USER

Distraction interviewed one of Fizz’s more notable users who goes by their pseudonym @challengedblond.

Q: Did you purposely try and gain fame, or was it completely by accident?

A: In all honesty, I just wanted to put out posts that people would laugh at. My content did very well and I was on the leaderboard in about a week. I settled on my username @challengedblond, and it became my character on here. And now people actually want to know the face behind the name, which is surprising.

Q: Do you like the attention? And does its anonymity make it better?

A: I like the attention, and I love that it’s anonymous. I have zero filter, and on Fizz I’m able to voice every thought I have with no fear of feeling judged or embarrassed.

Q: Have you realized there is like a specific kind of content that does better on Fizz? Do you have a niche of content you’re known for?

A: Yes, I originally got on the leaderboard for making content related to the housing crisis. The more relatable the better. As @challengedblond, I revolve most of my content around being a typical girl at UM, going to frat parties and being obsessed with frat guys.

Q&A

Museum of

SEX

Thanks to The Museum of Sex Miami, “Sex and the City” can stand for a whole lot more than Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic New York Column. Coming this spring, the museum will be home to more than 20 thousand artifacts that, due to their sexual nature, you won’t be able to see elsewhere. Miami locals, tourists and college students alike will soon be able to dive into the culture of sex through art, artifacts, design and activities. If you want to get in touch with your sexual nature, this museum is for you — but trust us when we say this is not your average Art Basel.

words_molly mackenzie. design_nina

d’agostini

Let’s be real: Miami is as sexy of a city as it gets. However, sometimes the sexual vibrancy can put residents in unsafe or simply undesired situations. Instead of hitting the clubs, own your inner sexy safely at The Museum of Sex.

Whether for date night or girls’ night out, you’ll be amazed by the lively, interactive and erotic displays.

The Museum of Sex first origionally opened in New York City in 2002 and, like fine wine, it has only become better with age. As for the new Miami location, considering the so-called “917 Movement” with New Yorkers flocking south permanently or as snowbirds, Miami is the perfect place to open a second location.

What should you anticipate for this, beyond a unique exhibition? A fun and enriching experience learning about the history of sexuality, and engaging activities that explore sexual thrills.

Featured at the museum will be the Desire Machines by the Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama, his first major museum exhibition in the United States. Pieces such as nine-foot-tall “sexy robot” sculptures, a bronze “sexy robot walking sculpture” and more than 20 never-before-seen artworks will be on display. Sorayama explores themes of beauty and eroticism, both of humans and machines, through the exhibition. His statues and artwork provide photo opportunities for visitors, adding to the already sexy vibe of the museum’s aesthetic.

Some of Sorayama’s pieces on display have made their way recently to pop culture through partnerships with Dior and popular artist, The Weeknd.

Explore the history and culture of marketing, advertising, design and distribution of sexual health products with the exhibition Modern Sex: 100 Years of Design and Decency. This exhibit showcases over 500 artifacts from the 1920s to the the present day. Visitors can expect to see items

such as the coded cure-all vibrator from the 1950s and AIDs advertisements from the 1980s. The exhibition aims to show over 100 years’ worth of debate and experimentation in the sexual health business.

Perhaps the grandest part of the new museum is Super Funland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival, a popular installation that came to the New York location in 2019 that will include even more features in its Miami version. Super Funland houses games and interactive displays that incorporate sexual humor and thrills. Additionally, it will include four new exhibits that have never been seen before, one being a 40-footwide mermaid performance tank that will serve as the centerpiece of the erotic

Daniel Gluck, founder and executive director of the Museum of Sex, shares that the opening of the museum in Miami is a huge milestone for the team

The museum’s goal is to offer the city of Miami — both locals and visitors — a “destination unlike any other they have been offered before,” Gluck said.

Many University of Miami students have visited the Museum of Sex in New York City and are excited to have a new location easily accessible to them during the school year. UM student Simone Lantier enjoyed

the many activities in Super Funland, and is eager to see the expansion when the doors to the Miami location open.

“I had way too much fun when I visited the museum. I won squishies from playing the arcade games and I play with them all the time,” Lantier said. “I will definitely be going when the new one opens.”

If only our middle school health teachers knew about the Museum of Sex. Sex Ed is more than learning to be safe, it’s learning to admire all human sexualities and their cultural significance. The Museum of Sex does just that.

THE NEW MUSEUM OF SEX LOCATION WILL BE IN THE ALLAPATTAH NEIGHBORHOOD, close to Wynwood. The building is a 32 thousand square-foot converted warehouse.

Featured Exhibits

Hajime Sorayama: Desire Machines

Will feature nine-foot-tall “sexy robot” scultures and simultaneously futuristic and nostalgic erotic paintings

Modern Sex: 100 Years of Design and Decency

Surveys the cultural and societal impact of restriction on the design, marketing and distribution of sexual health products from the 1920s until today

Super Funland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival

Presents an immersive “carnival fairground” featuring dazzling amusements and games that play on sexual thrills, humor and decadence

What the Fork is a foodie’s paradise, stuffed with mouth-watering recipes and hidden-gem restaurants. Don’t judge a book by its cover because hole-in-the-wall restaurants might have your next favorite comfort dish. Master the art of borgs, a staple at college parties. If you missed Girl Scout cookie season, don’t fret because we’ll show you some recipe dupes. We’re serving up the latest dishes, so grab a plate and dig in. photo_isa márquez.

WHAT THE FORK

HOLEIN-THEWALLS

South Florida is known for its extravagant restaurants: think Gekko in Brickell and Gianni’s in South Beach. Scattered among the area’s fine-dining locales are the not-so-fancy hole-in-the walls, greasy spoons and dingy hideaways where ambience may be lacking, but the food is superb. These restaurants may not have Michelin stars, but their satisfied customers don’t seem to mind. Tired of fast-food fare, campus cuisine and pizza deliveries? Here are a few lesser-known and affordable locations we discovered.

words_angela cifone, nellie johnson & cj maz. photo_isabelle fitzpatrick. design_michael cervantes & lizzie kristal.

PICTURED OUTSIDE TACOS EL CARNAL stands the faux-mascot of this Mexican restaurant. You can find the statue alongside Flagler Street.

TACOS EL CARNAL

WESTERN MIAMI

Tacos El Carnal is a delicious Mexican restaurant in Miami-Dade’s Flagami neighborhood. The restaurant — which has been open for just under two years — has late hours, a plus for students who need a bite following a late night of partying or cramming for exams. The casual atmosphere features Mexican décor with streamers, flags, photographs and Mexican music. For an appetizer, you can enjoy the crispy chips and guacamole for $10 or queso fundido for $15, which is a blend of melted cheeses accompanied by chips and four flour tortillas. The manager recommends the pollo tacos for $10, which is the best seller on the menu. There are fish, steak and shrimp tacos starting at $10, as well. But don’t leave without trying the popular churros for $4.

“The food has the perfect amount of flavors to make me want to always come back,” said Christina Materdomini, a bartender at the Fontainebleau and a Broward College student. “I travel from Fort Lauderdale to eat here because it is one of my favorite places.”

6888 W. Flagler St., Miami, (786) 287-8950, tacoselcarnal2.com 5 p.m.–2:30 a.m. Monday–Thursday; 5 p.m.–4:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 5 p.m.–3:30 a.m. Sunday

JAMAICA KITCHEN

SOUTH MIAMI

Jamaican Kitchen has been a staple in the Kendall area for nearly 46 years. Its unique Jamaican-Chinese and traditional Jamaican food is what some would say is the best Jamaican food they’ve ever had. The restaurant has been using the same family recipes for as long it has been in business. Jamaican Kitchen has been featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri. Despite the show helping with its popularity, the restaurant, which opened in 1976, still sits in its small original location in a strip mall with LED signs in the front window giving the hole-in-wall feel. Inside there are only a few places to sit and a small counter in the middle where you place your orders.

“The jerk chicken [$12–$22], ox-tail [$22–$38], curry goat [$18–$33] and jerk pork fried rice [$13] are our hottest sellers, but all come with a Jamaican kick,” said co-owner Cheryl Chin.

8736 SW 72nd St., Miami, (305) 596-2585, jamaicakitchen.com/home 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday; Closed Sunday

MATSURI RESTAURANT

CORAL GABLES

Matsuri is an authentic Japanese restaurant serving popular iconic cuisine staples of sushi, sashimi and noodles. Many internet reviewers say it is the best sushi they have ever had. The restaurant, not far from the Coral Gables campus, has been in the neighborhood for more than 30 years. Matsuri is in the Red Bird Shopping Center, a strip mall of 30 stores that includes Ace Hardware, Walgreens and an AT&T store. The restaurant seems constantly busy with both takeout orders and dining in. Affordable prices, good food and free parking may account for long customer lines. Customers say they often get a non-stop busy signal when trying to make a reservation.

Some of Matsuri’s most popular dishes include the Matsuri house salad for $3, a blend of fresh garden vegetables with house dressing; the nigiri special for $22, nine pieces of assorted sushi and tuna roll; and the pork dumplings for $4, served deep fried or steamed.

“I love Matsuri so much; I think I go at least twice a week,” said Bria White, a junior entrepreneurship major.

5759 Bird Rd., Miami, (305) 663-1615, matsurimiami.com 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; 5:30–10 p.m. Tuesday–Friday; 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Closed Monday

ASIAN THAI KITCHEN

COCONUT GROVE

You wouldn’t usually think to go to a Kwik Stop to get proper Thai food, but that is exactly where you will find Asian Thai Kitchen, which produces some of the most delicious Thai food around. Asian Thai Kitchen has been located inside the Coconut Grove Kwik Stop for more than a decade. Nothing from this place will disappoint. The chicken pad Thai for $13 is a crowd favorite. You could also get it with shrimp, pork, beef or tofu. Other top sellers are the special fried rice for $15, drunken noodles for $13 and the Panang curry for $13, which is made with coconut milk and fish sauce with carrots, bell peppers and roasted ground peanuts. Although the restaurant is located close to the UM, not many students order from here. However, the staff say some students order through the Grubhub App.

“I remember the first time when I walked into that Kwik Stop, and I thought it was typical, awful gas station food,” said Meltzer, the Thrillist writer. “But this is actually better than any other Thai food I’ve had in Miami.”

3135 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, (305) 323-9294, asianthaikitchenmiami.com 12–10 p.m. Monday–Friday; 12–10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Closed 3 p.m.–4 p.m. every day

LOKAL RESTAURANT & BAR COCONUT GROVE

For decades, University of Miami students have enjoyed nearby Coconut Grove as an off-campus playground of shops, restaurants, bars and parks, but LoKal, located on Commodore Plaza, might get overlooked. Opened in 2011, LoKal is the first restaurant in Miami-Dade County to use 100 percent clean, renewable energy sourced from wind and solar power. The restaurant is committed to using ingredients produced from locals in the area. The ambience is fun and relaxed, with indoor and outdoor seating.

“The Classic” burger for $18 and all menu burgers are ground fresh daily in house by hand, and the award-winning LoKal Key Lime Pie for $11 is also made in house. The staff also suggests the “Frita By Kush” burger for $19, which includes guava jelly, potato stix, bacon, Swiss cheese and LoKal sauce; and the “Grilled Cheese on Sopa De Tomate” for $15, which comes with Swiss cheese, tomato and rye bread served with homemade hot tomato soup for dipping.

“I really enjoy this place because they make common items taste so much more upscale and different,” said UM sophomore finance major Cade Dalton. “It’s a great lunch experience; I had the classic burger, and it was totally worth the price.”

3190 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, (305) 442-3377, kushhospitality.com/locations/lokal/ 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday–Tuesday; 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday

EL TAQUITO MEXICAN KITCHEN

FOUR LOCATIONS

El Taquito is a family-owned Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Coconut Grove. The original of four stores in South Florida, the Grove location is about the size of an airport kiosk restaurant and only has one small table inside for customers who want to eat in. Even though it’s a small restaurant, the food is off the charts. A popular item is the chicken fajitas for $9 with intense smoky flavors. Other favorites are tacos for $3.50, quesadillas starting at $9, fajitas starting at $9 and burritos starting at $9.

“It’s one of my favorite spots to eat in Miami,” said Kyle Snyder, a sophomore international business major. “Not many people know about it,” Snyder added. “I always introduce it to my friends, and they are all shocked at how good it is and wish they knew it existed sooner.”

3410 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove, (305) 446-2303, eltaquitomexicanrestaurant.com 12–10 p.m. Sunday and Monday; 12 p.m.–12 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 12 p.m.–2 a.m. Thursday–Saturday

BORGS ARE BACK

College kids are masters of unconventional innovation — most famously, new ways to get sloshed. Borgs are one of the newest inventions that have been sweeping college campuses by storm.

These portable gallons of masterfully-concocted mixed drinks make it easy to keep your drink safe, and half the fun is the process of making them. While a convenient way to party, there are some general rules to stick to so you stay out of trouble and get the most out of your gallon.

words_sal puma. photo&design_lizzie kristal.

College students are always looking for a new way to party, and borgs have been one of the newest trending creations to do so. Born out of convenience and the desire to save money, these new mixed drinks have become a staple of any college party.

A borg, otherwise known as a blackout rage gallon, is practically a pocket punch bowl. Like the name suggests, they were made as a quick and easy way to get the party started. The original recipe was one part water, one part vodka and some squirts of Mio, Crystal Light or other concentrated flavorings. Compared to other drinks, they might seem very strong, but they were made with the intention of lasting the entirety of the party.

While seemingly a chaotic force, borgs have a lot of good aspects. Since you’re the one making the borg, you get to customize it, so it can be a tailored drink that works with your tolerance. Since they’re in gallon water jugs and other similar containers, not only are they easy to keep on you, but their caps lower the risk of spiking.

Over time, the borg has evolved into something completely new. While the original borgs were made using normal water gallons, people have started to opt for fancier containers: jars, cartons, juice bottles and anything that would turn people’s heads.

Recipes got more involved, too — people have experimented switching out the usual vodka for different liquors and changing the water bases into something else. For example, with some

BORG CONCOCTIONS

Old Faithful

1 part vodka, 1 part fruit punch

Berry Blitz

1 part vodka, 1 can of mixed berry Celsius, 1 bottle of grape Fanta

Sour Shocker

1 part vodka, 1/2 part lemonade, 1/2 part Sprite

Taste of the Tropics

1 part Malibu rum, 1 part Tropicana pineapple mango juice

BORG NAMES

Backstreet Borgs, SeBorgstian the Ibis, Regina Borge, Go Borg or Go Home, Outer Borgs (OBX), Baby Got Borg, Ruth Bader, Ginsborg, Spongeborg Squarepants, Borgalicious

lemonade and tequila, you could make yourself a bastardized borg margarita. And for the more adventurous, you can bring bottomless mimosa flavors to the pregame and make yourself a borg out of orange juice and champagne.

One of the most notable — and fun — features of a borg is its name. It’s not a true borg without a personalized name written on the side of the gallon in Sharpie pen. You can practically call it anything, but the only rule is that the drink must have the word “borg” incorporated into it somehow.

People make borg names based off their favorite celebrities — Borgan Freeman — songs and movies — Certified Lover Borg — or expressions that match a party’s theme. Just make sure it fits, unless you want to be clowned at the function.

While they are a fun time, make sure to drink responsibly. Yes, you get to choose what goes in it, but always make sure you measure how much you’re putting in with shot glasses or measurement cups. Some good advice is to always add more mixer than liquor, or to add in some anti-hangover saviors like Liquid IV or Pedialyte powder. And remember, borgs are made to last. Pace yourself so you don’t get hurt and have enough to last through the rest of the function.

WHEN THINKING OF A NAME FOR YOUR BORG, tailor it to the party’s theme to make it more relevant.

WORK QUICKLY WITH THE CARAMEL when making these cookies since it cools and hardens rapidly.

COUNTERFEIT COOKIES

That time of year where girls outside of shopping centers make you ditch your New Year’s diet plans, otherwise known as Girl Scout cookie season, has come and gone. If you’ve stocked up with a bunch of boxes, your stash might last you a month or so, but what do you do after?

If you’re willing to make a trip to the grocery store and put in a little elbow grease, you might not have to wait until next year for the delectable delights.

words_jamie moses. photo&design_lizzie kristal.

For over a century, Girl Scouts have served as trailblazers and role models across the country. The origin of the youth organization dates back to 1912 in Savannah, Ga., where 18 girls became the first of many classes.

There are six levels that can be achieved throughout the duration of the program: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior and, finally, Ambassador, added to the troops in 2011. The Girl Scouts sell cookies door to door, online, through stands and have even modernized with a new mobile app that displays locations selling the famous cookies. The annual cookie sales serve as a way for Girl Scout troops to fund themselves and learn

Ingredients (Dough)

- 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup) at room temperature

- ½ cup sugar

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- ¼ teaspoon baking powder

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons milk

- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

(Coconut Topping)

- 3 cups shredded sweetened coconut

- 20 ounces store bought caramel

- 4 tablespoons milk

- 12 ounces dark chocolate

Instructions

(Cookies)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture to the creamed butter.

4. Add the milk and vanilla and blend together to combine.

5. Once combined, separate dough in half. Press each half into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about an hour.

6. Once the dough has chilled, roll out each disk on a lightly floured surface until it is about ⅛ inch thick. Cut out cookies with a doughnut cutter or use two cookie cutters of different sizes to get the hole in the middle. Place the cookies on a baking sheet.

about leadership and money management.

As of 2023, there are 12 different flavors of Girl Scout Cookies: thin mints, shortbread, s’mores, raspberry rally, adventurefuls, trefoils, caramel chocolate chip, samoas/ caramel delites, tagalong/peanut butter patties, do-si-dos/ peanut butter sandwich, toffee-tastic, lemonades and lemon-ups. The fan-favorite flavor is arguably the thin mints and samoas. The newest flavor might surprise you though — the raspberry rally is only available online.

While cookie sales are a huge success year after year, the organization says it doesn’t want to overwhelm the girls by selling them year-round. Since it doesn’t look like that’ll change anytime soon, we’ve got you covered with some of the greatest recipes from the greatest Girl Scouts and their wonderful chef fanbase to satisfy all your Girl Scout cookie cravings.

7. Bake the cookies for 10–15 minutes until they are pale golden brown. Transfer cookies onto a wire rack to cool.

(Coconut Topping)

1. Spread the coconut onto a baking sheet lined. Bake the coconut for 10–15 minutes in a 350 F oven until toasted.

2. Melt the caramels and milk in a double boiler over medium-low heat. Stir until fully melted. Remove from heat and combine 1/2 of the melted caramel with the toasted coconut in a large bowl. Mix.

3. Use the remaining caramel to spread a thin layer onto the cookies. Use your hands to press the coconut mixture onto the caramel.

4. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler. Once melted dip the bottom of the cookie into the chocolate and place them on a baking sheet. Use a piping bag or cut a plastic bag to drizzle the remaining chocolate on the top of the cookies.

5. Let the cookies sit until the chocolate hardens.

Ingredients

(Dough)

- 1 cup butter (softened)

- ⅔ cup granulated sugar

- 1 large egg white (at room temperature)

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- ½ cup cocoa powder

- ½ teaspoon salt

(Chocolate Coating)

- 2 ⅔ cups semisweet chocolate (finely chopped)

- 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract

- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

- ¼ teaspoon neutral-flavored vegetable oil

Instructions

(Dough)

1. In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until fluffy. Add in the egg white, vanilla extract and peppermint extract and beat until combined. In a small bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder and salt together.

2. With the mixer on low, mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a dough is formed. Shape the dough into a flattened disc, then wrap well and refrigerate until firm, about two hours.

3. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 F.

4. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to ⅛-inch-thick and with a 2-inch round cutter, cut out circles of dough. Place the cookies 1 ½ inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

5. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the cookies look dry and baked. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

(Coating)

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate, peppermint extract, vanilla extract and vegetable oil and heat until melted.

2. Using a fork, immerse each cookie in the chocolate, then lift out and return to the baking sheets to set completely before serving.

3. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.

Ingredients

- ½ stick butter, unsalted

- ¾ cup white granulated sugar

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 1 ½ teaspoons raspberry extract

- ½ egg

- 1 ¼ cup flour

- 2 cups semi sweet or milk chocolate chips

- Red food dye

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and prepare a baking sheet with nonstick parchment paper in advance.

2. In a mixing bowl, blend together the butter and salt.

3. Add the sugar and mix together again until combined.

4. Add the egg and raspberry extract along with a drop of red food dye. Mix the wet ingredients.

5. Measure the flour into the bowl and mix together until a dough forms. It shouldn’t be super stiff, but also not sticky.

6. Take your circle cookie cutter and cut out circles.

7. Place the cut out dough on the prepared baking sheet. Take away the excess and repeat the rolling out process to finish cutting out the rest of the cookies.

8. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes.

THIN MINTS RASP - BERRY

9. While that is baking, heat the chocolate in a mixing bowl in the microwave at 30 second intervals until completely melted.

10. Once the cookies are done, let them cool for 10 minutes.

11. Dip each cookie into the melted chocolate and flip to fully coat with a fork. Drain the excess chocolate and place back on the parchment paper to sit.

12. Let them harden in the refrigerator for five minutes and enjoy.

WHEN TRYING TO REPLICATE YOUR OWN THINMINTS, melting the chocolate can be tricky. Try getting chocolate melts or a double boiler to help.

Who wants to blend in anyway? This issue’s special section, Loud, is sure to amplify everything to the next level. From student DJs to noise therapy, sound makes its way into everyone’s life. Stop holding back and embrace full-on maximalism. Buy those EDC tickets because we’ll help you assemble a flawless music festival outfit. Throw on some color, get mic’d up and find your way to be loud.

SPECIAL SECTION: LOUD

photo_isa márquez.

to the MAX

Sometimes bold prints, bright colors and a boisterous attitude can seem tacky. However, with some styling, even the wildest concepts can be brought to life tastefully. Maximalism has existed for generations, living in bright ’70s floral prints, cluttered room decor and accessories on top of accessories. If you’ve been trying to get into a loud lifestyle or want to find ways to keep your own expression artfully corralled, Distraction is turning the vibrance up to give you a taste of how some University of Miami students live on the bright side.

words_sal puma. photo_gracie herron. design_logan o’neill.

If you’ve ever been drawn to bold aesthetics, you might be a maximalist at heart. Maximalism is a design and lifestyle movement that celebrates excess, abundance and individuality. It's the antithesis of minimalism and encourages you to live life to the fullest.

Successfully pulling off maximalism can seem daunting. Unlike more traditional styles, there aren’t any rules to follow. All you have to do is follow the vibe. Whether you're trying to learn how to enhance your own look or just want to observe from the sidelines, let's get crazy.

Mastering Mess

When trying to achieve maximalism in design, it is all about embracing color, pattern and texture. Think of the opposites of the sleek and modern designs that have dominated the design world for the past few years. Instead of sparse spaces, maximalist interiors are filled with an abundance of objects, artworks and furnishings.

Kylie Spakausky, a sophomore majoring in architecture, gave her input on the design aspects of maximalism.

FLOWERS WITH BRIGHT COLORS are a great way to add a natural pop and bring some life into any room.

“Personally, mixing heavy woven wood like fabrics with super light and airy fabrics like sheer silk, linen or lace offers dimension, lightness and softness to a space,” said Spakausky. The pieces you choose don’t all have to go together. Mix and match different styles to create a unique and personal space. Don't be afraid to embrace the eclectic and unexpected, and let your creativity run wild.

“The mixing of multiple different textures is something I find really unique and maximalist designs pull it off very well,” said Spakausky. “Oftentimes in architecture textures on the interior of spaces tends to get lost especially now in more clean line [or] modern spaces and they end up being smooth and almost too easy on the eyes.”

While it is tempting to collect a bunch of things you find beautiful or fun, the key to achieving a successful maximalist interior is to balance the various elements so that they work together in harmony. There is a difference between bold maximalist design and tacky kindergarten-core. There is such a thing as too much, believe it or not.

“Having too many miscellaneous decorative elements like

vases and pots on shelves starts to just make it look like you have an odd collection habit and just sold-out Home Depot and Home Goods,” said Spakausky.

What can help center a space is choosing specific things to focus on. Whether the space you’re looking at is a desk or an entire wall, choosing an element like layout or lighting can give your design a direction that can help elevate the appeal.

The art of maximalism has a lot of room for customization. For example, the other interests of a maximalist can really change what their room looks like. Someone who might love technology and video games can make their room reminiscent of an arcade with vibrant RGB lights on the ceilings and walls.

Another maximalist might have a deep connection to the natural aspects of the world and decorate their room with plants, crystals and tapestries. Vastly different aesthetics, but still maximalism at its core. It’s your space, so it should reflect you as a person.

Out-there Outfits

Maximalism in fashion is all about bold choices and wearing what you want. It's a way to express your individuality and make a statement with your clothing. Instead of playing it safe with neutral tones and classic silhouettes, maximalism allows you to really go outside the box and channel your inner Harper from “Wizards of Waverly Place.”

“I really love color coordination,” said senior Sarah Hutchinson. “No matter what the piece is, if I can make the colors match, I’ll wear it.”

To truly make an outfit that screams controlled chaos, you should find a way to ground it. Play with simple pieces of different colors or garments that have a simple color pattern accentuated by an interesting shape.

“Creating different outfits so that I’m almost never wearing the same exact outfit twice is one reason I like having my style,” says Hutchinson.

Switching around a few pieces from one outfit can help create a bunch of outfits out of one — almost like a maximalist’s capsule closet, a great way to dip your toes into maximalism.

Statement pieces are the name of the game in maximalism. If they are united through a theme or feel, you could throw on three different statement pieces and make a beautiful outfit.

If you love a denim vest and have a pair of red pants you can’t stop wearing, put them together with some red pins or a bandana to create a chaotic yet impactful look. Even the simplest of household objects can help blend two pieces together that usually stand out on their own.

It doesn’t only have to be accessories: makeup and hairstyles can also elevate an outfit.

“I love creating maximalist makeup looks with colored eyeliner, but normally on the weekend. Sometimes, it just depends upon how confident I feel that day and what I think I can pull off,” said Hutchinson.

One thing to take note of if you’re trying to start out in maximalism is it might take time. As a style based on abundance and statement pieces, you may need to start building a wardrobe that truly stands out. But don’t buy just to buy; without a vision, maximalism’s impact falls flat and can border on tacky if you’re not careful.

Life in Technicolor

While attributed mostly to a style of design, maximalism is also a lifestyle. Over the years it's taken many shapes, but it’s always been there — from the Yolo merchandise a few years ago to Taco Bell’s slogan that tells us all to “live más.”

Much like how maximalism in fashion encourages abundance, it also encourages you to live life to the fullest. It’s all about focusing on joy and individuality in all aspects of life.

A great start is to embrace your passions and interests. Art, music, fashion or travel — it doesn’t matter. Indulge in the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. If they make you feel

happy, then why not show that happiness to the world?

Another pillar of the maximalist attitude is self-assurance and liberation from fear. When decorating a room or putting together a maximalist outfit, you have to push the envelope a little bit. It takes some confidence to rock an outfit like a Batman villain. You only have one life, so you may as well decorate the experience with as many fun things as you can, regardless of what other people may think or feel.

The final, key principle of maximalism is mindfulness. Instead of mindlessly consuming, maximalists are intentional about what they bring into their lives. They choose objects and experiences that bring them joy and meaning, rather than accumulating things for the sake of it.

As Marie Kondo once famously asked, “Does it spark joy?” If not, why bother yourself with it? Whether it's an old cardigan, an unneeded notebook or even someone that just rubs you the wrong way, take them out of the picture.

Maximalism is all about embracing your individuality and expressing yourself authentically. Don’t try to get maximalism right by attempting to conform to a certain style or trend. Nothing beats expressing your individuality in a way that brings you joy and is undoubtedly you. So go ahead, give maximalism a shot and revel in all that life has to offer.

WHEN DRESSING MAXIMALLY, bright technicolors are great for making a statement. You can even add some patterns and textures. Thrift stores are a great place to find unique blends of textiles and designs. You might just find some hidden gems.

RUN THAT TRACK

You might see friends on the dancefloor relatively often. But what’s more unexpected is seeing a fellow ‘Cane behind the DJ booth. How do you go from mixing beats for mini-dorm parties to having your set featured in one of Miami’s many clubs? Some students find themselves on that path and get to live the club life from a whole different perspective.

words_sofia gasparo, jordyn cerullo & jordan abraham. design_marita gavioti. photo_marra finkelstein.

PEYTON MANNA — DJ name Catherina — performing her set at 1-800-Lucky. She is a current senior at the University of Miami. Find her on Instagram @djcatherina.

B.A., B.S., and the list goes one. These days, students are looking to add another acronym to their repertoire — DJ.

Whether they’re in it for fun or fortune, college DJs are often the magic behind the turntables, the foundation of every party. With an arsenal of equipment, technical talent and crowd-pleasing know-how, these students are jumping into the social mix, putting their creative mark on frat events, house parties and other live events.

Depending on their ability to work the crowd, they can be the difference between a mediocre night or the best night of your life. They can bring a unique energy to campus events and often have a good understanding of what their peers want to hear.

“Professional DJs do not know what college students enjoy, which is why having a student DJ from your generation can completely transform the party,” said Darby Drahzal, a sophomore legal studies major. “They know the current songs guaranteed to get the crowd going.”

Over the past couple of years, DJing has seen a massive surge in popularity, as it has been accommodating almost anyone who is motivated and inspired.

Starting Out

Thomas Baker, a senior music engineering and technology major, credits Elliot Harper for encouraging his DJ passion. Baker said Harper noticed that he was getting into “this whole DJ thing.”

Baker soon joined Harper, who is getting a master’s degree in music engineering and technology, and another student, Colin Raab, a senior music engineering technology major. The three work as a team known as Gold Hound at gigs and help each other strengthen their skills as a team.

Harper said the group formed in the middle of the pandemic after he had finished a remix and then showed it to Baker.

“He really liked it and knew it had potential,” Harper said, but Baker told him to get rid of the second half of the song.

“I was so taken aback by that, and he was so right,” said Harper, who took out the last two minutes. “Thomas gave me such clear feedback and turned the song into an absolute banger, and that’s when I knew that we would work well together.” The collab resulted in the group’s first remix.

It is not a novelty that college students are jumping on the DJ bandwagon. The precedent was set by Ray Newby, a 16-yearold California college student, who is said to be the nation’s first DJ. In 1909, Newby used a spark transmitter to play records over the radio airwaves. The term disc jockey, however, did not come about until 1935, with “disc” referring to disc records and “jockey” to a machine operator.

The popularity of college DJs is growing, aided by various local and national competitions to honor them. CAMPVS Entertainment, which is based in Los Angeles, has been sponsoring the College DJ Championships since 2013. Through a series of events, college DJs and music producers win cash prizes, gear and visibility.

College DJs also are breaking into the professional DJ markets. Some of the biggest stars, including Tropical House superstar Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll, a.k.a. Kygo, and mashup maestro Justin Blau, a.k.a. 3LAU, emerged from undergraduate programs. Kygo was halfway through a degree in business and finance at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, when he decided to pursue music full time. 3LAU was a finance student at Washington University in St. Louis and was creating dorm room mash-ups before leaving to groom his DJ career.

Miami Music Makers

Similar to 3LAU and Kgyo, Dan Molinari started DJing before college. After enrolling at UM, he began DJing at house parties in his fraternity Sigma Chi.

“Once I got to Miami, I got introduced to a very different music scene and that’s when I first got introduced into deeper house, Afro house, just more Latin house,” said Molinari, who is from Tenafly, N.J. “And once I got a liking for that, I wanted to see what else I could do with music because I really had a passion for it.”

Peyton Manna, a senior music business and entertainment major, said she is inspired by a combination of rhythms — Afro house, Black coffee and British DJ and electronic music producer Damian Lazarus.

“I really liked how it was a combination of rhythm,” Manna said. “It had that R&B element in the sense of the vocals, but it also had that ‘house-y tribal’ vibe and I really liked that combo, so that’s what really inspired me.”

Elliot said Gold Hound’s sound is inspired by the underground club scene and the detailed production style of modern music.

“We make electronic music, produce and mix our original work as well as remixes and co-productions,” Elliot said.

A college DJ wouldn’t be anywhere without supporters motivating them. Molinari’s fraternity friends have been motivating him to keep pursuing his passion.

“The fraternity did help me in my earlier stages in getting over things like stage fright and playing in front of people, doing everything live before I started actual gigs,” said Molinari, recalling one of his gigs when all of his friends showed up.

DJ STANDS FOR DISC JOCKEY because before digital music, DJs would use vinyl records and manually mix on the fly.

“It was honestly one of the best nights of my life,” he said. “Everyone had a smile on their face, and I couldn’t keep one off mine.”

Cedric Lafleur, a junior finance major and frat brother, said it is easy to rally behind Molinari because he “DJs with passion.”

While DJing might seem fun, exciting and easy, it can take a lot of practice in learning various scratching techniques, song editing and beat matching. Newcomers will need to learn how to line up gigs and master a ton of equipment, including turntables, CDs, mixers and controllers, headphones, laptops and DJ boards.

“With the purchase of this board and the occupancy of a laptop, anyone can begin to learn the skills needed to spin,” said Molinari.

Thomas Baker, a senior music engineering and technology major, DJs a lot of events for Delta Epsilon Psi and said he is hoping to get more into the club scene.

FEEL IT DONT HEAR IT

Baker purchased his first board when he returned to campus from the COVID-19 lockdown. This board showed him the essential tools and allowed him to play around with different features. He also downloaded music software to blend songs with similar beats. After all, music software goes much farther than SoundCloud.

“I didn’t even have a board at the time; I was just playing around with the software being like ‘Wow, look at this really cool transition.’ I was really obsessed with transitioning songs at the time,” Baker said.

Beginner soundboards start at around $100 and can be purchased through various websites such as eBay and Amazon. A laptop is usually needed to begin drafting a playlist, he mentioned.

“The quality won’t be as sophisticated for this price, but the tools are there to learn the basics,” said Baker, who brings his computer and his soundboard to frat events, which enables him to play any song a student requests.

FEEL IT FEEL IT FEEL

High-tech, sophisticated DJ equipment can go up to $10,000 per modular piece. Baker, who is looking for an upgraded board that will connect to his computer, said he suspects it will be around $800–$900.

Equipment costs and purchases aside, the basics of DJing begin with two important skills — song selection and the physical mixing, Molinari mentioned.

“To DJ you need songs, so picking a collection of songs that you enjoy should be done before even beginning the next skill,” he said.

With mixing, Molinari said the board needs to be connected to the laptop and loaded with the required software. “Once loaded, drag in songs and begin to get feel for the board and what certain buttons do to alter the songs that are playing,” he said.

Playing for a room full of people can be jarring, but practice is the best way to master confidence. Molinari suggests reading the crowd and keeping an eye on how people are vibing with the music.

Baker agrees, specifically for house parties. “It’s less about transitions. Instead, it’s about the crowd work, the energy and the song selection,” Baker said.

“It becomes a game,” Baker said. “I have this list of songs that I can play, and I need to play them in a specific order to keep as many people there as possible. It’s crazy because when you start doing that you can get into this place that’s disconnected and it’s a really cool thing,” he said.

Baker said he always brings a microphone to all of his gigs.

DONT HEAR IT FEEL

“If you have a microphone with you and just communicate with the people that are there, it makes the energy so much better,” he said. “If I have a microphone and my equipment stops working, I can tell the crowd don’t worry we are fixing the issues. It makes people feel included, which makes the energy of the party so much better.”

FEEL IT DONT HEAR IT FEEL IT DONT FEEL IT DONT HEAR IT FEEL IT DONT HEAR IT FEEL IT

ON AIR THE VOICE

Have you ever wondered about what goes into producing the shows you hear on the radio? Turns out we have some of that magic here on campus at WVUM. It’s more than just clicking a button and playing a few songs that creates an awardwinning station. WVUM is the school’s alternative radio station. From North Miami to Homestead, the WVUM family works hard to promote an air of creativity for listeners.

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WVUM is UM’s award-winning, entirely student-run radio station played on 90.5 FM and is a nonprofit organization that runs entirely based on donations.

WVUM “reaches from North Miami all the way down to Homestead,” according to junior Silvia Silva.

The station was chosen as the Miami New Times’ "Editor’s Choice Best FM Radio Station" and "Reader’s Choice Best FM Radio Station" and has been given several other titles and awards. It was also awarded the “Woodie” award in 2011 by MTV and recognized as the “best college radio station in the country.”

WVUM was founded in 1968 by a group of engineering students who discovered how to start a pirated station and get on the air without an FCC license. From an underground station run from a dorm room, WVUM has grown into a formal station run through the school that has become a very distinct presence in the Miami community.

Each week, members pitch songs they discover, and the music staff and board members select what goes on air. As for specialty shows, anyone can pitch any idea to be created into a specialty show that’s unique with a story behind it. These have a more personal feel.

“We encourage people to find their groove, experiment a little bit, and we give a little bit of a history behind the artists or behind the song,” says

sophomore and current news and public affairs director Emily Danzinger.

Danzinger also mentions that many of these shows are “some form of political statement and speak to the political ideologies of the day.” Though as an FCCbacked radio station, they are required to be nonpartisan.

“We give the facts only,” said Danzinger. These shows have a “rough script,” depending on which show and how the host decides to run the program.

Both Danzinger and Silva, WVUM’s current programming directors, run their specialty shows solo. Silva runs “Glitch” which is an alternative electronic music station. Danzinger runs “Studio 305” that’s inspired by the Studio 54 Nightclub in New York where many disco and funk creators paved their path. She aims to highlight disco and funk music that may have “fallen between the cracks during the ’70s and ’80s,” as she puts it.

Joanna Jara, famously known as DJ Spooky, was the former general manager who passed away in October 2019. In spite of her absence, her presence is still felt throughout the station because she was responsible for making the station what it is today.

Always keeping her in mind, it is clear that Jara’s heart beats through the station.

“Everything done at the station is dedicated to her as a means to honor her and all the work she did,” says Danzinger. Spookathon is a week-long event dedicated to the memory of Jara, commemorating her and the work she did for the station. It’s a week in October devoted to “upholding all of these values that she had for the station and this passion that she had for it,” said Silva.

Another major event is Radiothon.

This is a whole

week at the end of each March with new merchandise and live 48-hour programming happening March 30 to 31.

“For 48 hours WVUM will have nonstop people on the air,” said Silva. “The first 24 hours will be specialty shows and the second half will consist of pure DJ sets. Radiothon is WVUM’s main fundraising week.”

On their website, you can listen live, read their blog, find schedules, listen to podcasts, buy merchandise, donate, read about Jara and learn more about WVUM.

If you’re interested in joining, don’t fret.

“The learning curve is basically straight up,” said Danzinger. If you're interested in doing music, radio, writing, public relations or social media, you should absolutely take a shot at it. There’s a position for everyone.

You can walk into the station located at the entrance of the pool, and the team will be eager to get you started. It’s not hard to join, and they are always looking for new people. Give it a chance, as it might become your new passion.

EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE ACCESS TO A RADIO, you can still listen to WVUM broadcasts live from their website: https://www.wvum.org.

LISTEN UP!

When protests erupted across the nation following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, protesters could be heard in the streets shouting the lyrics of N.W.A.’s confrontational anthem “F**k tha Police” and demanding people say his name. Streaming numbers boomed in the next weeks and signs made by protest organizers bore the song title’s message. Clearly, music drives protest during our country’s most contentious moments, but where do the roots of American protest music really lie? And how do artists use music as a means of

Early Beginnings

According to a study conducted by the National Women’s History Museum, Americans have used music as a vehicle for collective action since the days of the Revolutionary War, with soldiers singing tunes such as “Yankee Doodle” to defy British rule. Simultaneously, enslaved Africans created songs later dubbed “spirituals,” combining European hymns and elements of sub-Saharan African culture to detail their struggles and relay secret messages under the radar.

Whether it be the spirituals that guided slaves to freedom or the resistant tunes that motivated soldiers during war, early American protest music often used a repetitive song structure to drive home the main message.

Joe Rapolla, the chair of the Music and Theater Arts program and the director of the Music Industry program at Monmouth University, argues that the sonic repetition present in protest music serves as a practical purpose in the creation of a wider social movement.

“Repetitive patterns make songs easier to learn and remember. Social movement and protest or topical music writers utilized [sonic repetition]. In many cases, lyrics were merely added to existing melodies for familiarity,” said Rapolla. “The easier songs are to sing along to, the more likely they will be more adopted by a larger audience or community.”

The advent of the modern American music industry in the 1920s granted musicians the ability to reach audiences of

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previously unimaginable scale. At the same time, radio sets became accessible to the middle class and created another avenue for musical acts to distribute their work. The stage was set for the birth of protest music that would truly change and forever divide the whole nation.

The 20th and 21st Centuries

As the nation struggled through the Great Depression, a young jazz singer known as Billie Holiday or “Lady Day” burst onto the scene in 1939 with the controversial protest song “Strange Fruit.” She immediately received backlash from white audiences who could not stomach the song’s grim account of lynchings in the American South. However, despite attempts to suppress her voice, Holiday’s song inspired other blues and jazz musicians to confront the issues of the day in all of their music.

Decades later, Nina Simone released the protest anthem “Mississippi Goddam” as a single in 1964, and civil rights activists adopted the song as an anthem of the movement for racial equality. After performing the song at the monumental march in Alabama — from Montgomery to Selma — several Southern states banned Simone’s tune.

Emily Danzinger, a sophomore majoring in international relations and political science and intern at the university’s George P. Hanley Democracy Center, believes Holiday and Simone suffered commercially due to their decisions to confront racism and other systems of oppression through their music.

“Holiday and Simone faced both public backlash and blackmail for their protests, especially since the two were Black women,” said Danzinger. “White record label executives couldn’t deal with the idea that these artists had their own ideas and beliefs and were more than just puppets for them to control.”

In the face of an FBI investigation into Holiday and the commercial blackballing of Simone, the people continued supporting their endeavors into music with elements of social justice commentary and demands for more than second-class treatment. Rapolla maintains that “Strange Fruit” and “Mississippi Goddam” opened the door for budding artists in other genres to comment on sociopolitical issues.

“I believe [Billie Holiday and Nina Simone] played a big role in raising the profile of topical music and set the stage for folk protest songwriters to follow,” said Rapolla. “They were willing to take the chances necessary to break down the walls between popular music and important social issues.”

With the establishment of hip-hop in the Bronx during the 1970s, the genre became another vehicle for artists to reflect on their experiences and critique their relation to society and its institutions. Danzinger accredits hip-hop’s cemented place in the

history of protest music to its grassroot origins, as he puts it.

“What makes hip-hop especially important in protest music is that hip-hop was invented in the very communities from which many major protests originated,” said Danzinger. “Hip-hop was invented in urban Black communities, many of which were affected by the trademark socioeconomic and racial inequalities that were protested against in the mid-to-late 20th century.”

Presently, digital streaming services and social media platforms have transformed the ways in which the people consume and interact with artists and their music. Danzinger holds that the accessibility of the internet and its virtual communities allows for artists to garner traction and use their platforms for change.

“Virality, especially on apps like TikTok or Instagram, has provided new opportunities to smaller artists who aren’t picked up by major record labels,” said Danzinger. “Now, the public can access any form of music they want, not just the music that major executives and companies want them to see.”

So What?

Our nation’s history reveals that musical artists hold the power to bring social, political or economic issues to the forefront of the American imagination. As fame brings musicians acclaim and wealth, they run the risk of losing touch with the cause they set out to fight. Danzinger acknowledges the out of touch stances of some creatives.

“It is absolutely possible for artists to be able to express the plight of the people,” said Danzinger. “However, when an artist begins to garner wealth, they may potentially become further removed from their audiences, since wealth presents a whole new level of opportunity and privilege.”

For a moment, to better understand the role of an artist in society, one must look back at the intention and the process behind the art itself. Musicians do not exist in a bubble, despite what the glitz and glamor of Hollywood may lead you to believe, and they react to the cultural, political and societal developments around them.

Rapolla uses an analogy to conceptualize what exactly artists do when creating music.

“Artists dress the store windows of society,” said Rapolla. “They express what they see, in creative mediums so that audiences might be attracted to the art and engaged by the message.”

Simultaneously, it is critical to understand how the music alone impacts us and shapes our worldviews. When listening to music, listeners find ways to understand and relate to the stories of the musical acts they admire. Rapolla believes music owes its power to the inherently human nature of the art.

“The sole reason to create art is to engage and move an audience. Music is embedded in our DNA,” said Rapolla. “Using music to convey messages about culture, society and

current issues has been the practice since the early days of recorded history.”

In an exclusive interview clip that was later released through a documentary on Simone’s life, she declared, “It’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times in which we live.” This sentiment has sparked generations of musicians that have followed in the footsteps of our nation’s protest music pioneers and dedicated their creative pursuits to creating the future of tomorrow. However, as Rapolla notes, authenticity must remain central to artists who want to truly leave their mark.

“An artist needs to remain true if they’re going to use music as a vehicle,” said Rapolla. “When this is done sincerely and with genuine intentions, artists can not only reflect the times, but their music can also impact history.”

SOME PROTEST SONGS DON’T HAVE A REPUTATION of being so. The ever-so-patriotic “Born in The U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen is about the poor treatment of the soldiers who survived a violent war.

WRITER’S PICKS PROTEST MUSIC

“Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday (1939)

“A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke (1963)

“Mississippi Goddam” by Nina Simone (1964)

“What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye (1971)

“9 to 5” by Dolly Parton (1980)

“F**k tha Police” by N.W.A (1988)

“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga (2011)

“Freedom” by Beyoncé (2016)

HEARING HEAL TO

It’s time to face a harsh reality: you might complete all of your everyday tasks with music or T.V. in the background. Whether you’re blasting your favorite album before a night out or looping a 10-hour white noise track to fall asleep, it’s evident that music impacts emotions and moods. Even Spotify has an entire section dedicated to moods. Can sound go as far to be used as therapy, or is it too good to be true?

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The Basics

So what is sound therapy? In the minds of many, this subset of holistic medicine may be thought of as any melodic or rhythmic experience that helps us traverse whatever issues we may be facing.

According to Jenifer Caplan, the founder of the reiki healing center Bioenergy Wellness Miami, sound therapy goes further than simply boosting your morale and operates in the same ways as traditional medicine.

“Sound therapy or vibrational medicine is the practice of using any form of sound or vibration to affect the biofield,” said Caplan. “Just like pharmaceuticals create changes

Writers Note: Distraction is not saying that gongs, singing bowls, songs and other forms of healing sonic experiences are useless and cannot serve as a useful part of your healing journey nor are we claiming to know what works and what does not work for everyone. However, please be wary of allencompassing claims that may seem just too good to be true — like declarations of curing cancer — especially when they are accompanied by a hefty price tag. Most importantly, do your own research and speak with a medical professional before beginning any form of treatment.

in body chemistry, we can use sound and vibration to activate these changes not only in the physical body but also in the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the biofield.”

Before figuring out the science behind using sound as therapy, let’s first take a step back. Sound therapy’s history did not begin with aesthetic videos of influencers using singing bowls in their monochromatic bedrooms or living rooms while burning incense and meditating. Caplan argues that the practice has extensive historical roots in the mountains of South Asia.

“Vibration sound healing, which involves the use of singing bowls, gongs and other instruments to create sound vibrations that promote healing and relaxation, is believed to have originated in the Himalayan region of Nepal and Tibet,” said Caplan. “It has been used for centuries as a form of meditation and healing.”

Reiki healers and other holistic medicine practitioners around the world claim that sound therapy and vibrational sound healing treatments help patients battle anxiety, depression, insomnia and a slew of other conditions. With seemingly advancing technology at their disposal, reiki therapists have attracted larger audiences and more patients to their wellness centers. Caplan attributes the success of treatments involving sound to the supposed inefficiency of

HEAD OVER TO OUR HEADPHONES ARTICLE on page 44 to see how you can truly immerse yourself in the sound.

traditional medicines in comparison.

“Vibration sound healing can help to reduce anxiety, depression and stress by promoting relaxation and calming the mind. The calming effects of vibration sound healing can also help to improve the quality of sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.” said Caplan. “Physical items like herbs and pills must get broken down in the body before they create chemical changes. Sound is 100 percent efficient modality.”

In fact, alternative medicine healers contend that certain frequencies can affect the human body in previously unimaginable ways. Caplan holds that the frequencies of 432 and 538 hertz possess the ability to have transformative effects on health in and of themselves — a crazy capability.

“The frequency of 528 hertz is believed to have a healing effect on DNA,” said Caplan. “While the frequency of 432 hertz is thought to promote a sense of calm and balance.”

Now while that seems a little far-fetched, there still remains the essential question: What is fact and what is fiction when discussing sound and vibrational therapy?

Fact vs. Fiction

Scientific studies have pondered upon the same question you might find yourself asking: Does sound therapy really work?

In 2016, a group of Italian doctors conducted a study published by the National

Library of Medicine on the different applications of vibrational therapy techniques in treatments aimed at healing patients’ muscles, ligaments and tendons. These researchers came to mixed results at the conclusion of their report. While their study confirmed that vibrational therapy can improve muscle function, physical performance and patient mobility, they recognized that previous scientists found no clear relationship between vibrational therapy and improved patient outcomes.

The European Review of Aging and Physical Activity embarked on a similar inquiry in 2020 with Chinese doctors who wanted to figure out whether vibrational therapy could help elders struggling with sarcopenia, a condition that results in the loss of skeletal mass. Again, while the results of the study revealed that vibrational therapy showed promising signs to help old people gain muscle mass and increase physical performance, the doctors strongly recommended that future studies be conducted on larger scales to create more reliable answers to their research question.

Surprisingly, Indian scientists conducted a 2022 study relating the effects of full body vibration on anxiety, depression, quality of life and stress in university students. These medical professionals found that whole body vibrational therapy substantially reduced anxiety, depression and stress for college students navigating the everyday stressors of university life.

Thus far, sound therapy seems to be a reliable medical treatment for mental and physical conditions. So what’s the catch?

In some countries, individuals have exploited these technologies and created

falsified advertisements claiming that vibrational therapy could cure all, including but not limited to autism, allergies, cancer and nutritional deficiencies.

For example, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration began targeting companies advertising bio-resonance devices with fictitious claims and charging ridiculous amounts for these products. Unfortunately, consumers who don’t conduct the proper research into the science behind sound therapy treatments may fall victim to scams run by people without proper medical licensing or training.

Worth the Hype?

In a stressful college environment, filled with assignments, exams and extracurriculars, most of us are looking for simple relief from life’s pressures. So what can be taken away from the research? What’s in it for us?

Balaj Raza, a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism, believes that sound therapy can have a practical use in our lives.

“I suffer from a generalized anxiety disorder and was diagnosed when I was 16,” said Raza. “Due to my challenges, I started using music as a coping mechanism for my anxiety and I still cope by singing or playing my ukulele.”

After struggling with his sexuality throughout high school, Raza began using music as a therapeutic form of expression that allowed him to express his identity through emotion and sound. Although Raza takes medication for his generalized anxiety disorder, he still finds music as a calming force in his life that allows him to take control of life’s obstacles.

“I believe sound therapy is a natural way

to cope instead of taking medication,” said Raza. “I personally take medication for my anxiety but when I want to calm down in situations where I am more anxious than usual, I listen to music.”

While the verdict from government officials and the scientific community remains undecided, one thing remains clear: music, sound and vibration can innovate care and potentially transform lives. As of recent years, harmonic frequencies and sound therapy techniques have made their way into popular culture and music.

R&B singer Jhené Aiko garnered award show nominations, critical acclaim and successful record sales numbers for her sixth studio album “Chilombo,” which incorporated healing musical elements and used singing bowls to form the melodies found on the album. Antoneasha Hudge, a senior majoring in global health, believes Aiko’s work has contributed to the spiritual journeys of women across social and demographic boundaries.

“She has been a role model for me and I think that it’s great that she’s integrated sound frequencies in her music,” said Hudge. “I know sometimes Black and Hispanic people don't care for therapy, including my family, and I think that she’s opening [the practice] up and making it more accessible to people of color.”

‘FITS TO RAVE ABOUT RAVE ABOUT

Music festival season is rounding the corner. To some, the outfits might be as big a deal as the music itself. Festival culture emphasizes the freedom to be unique, so it’s the ideal time to showcase some funky fashion. Depending on your style and the festival’s vibe, there are infinite ways to take the outfit. Here’s a brief breakdown on what to wear to each festival. words_caleigh russo. photo_lizzie kristal. design_marita gavioti.

THIN HEAD SCARF are popular at raves and can elevate any outfit.

ULTRA

Regarded as the “world’s premier electronic music celebration,” Ultra Music Festival comes to Miami every spring, bringing established and emerging electronic musicians. This year, the lineup included Marshmello, David Guetta, Zedd and many up-and-coming artists.

Given the high-tempo and heavy beats of EDM music, Ultra’s vibe is unequivocally rave. From March 23 to 25, hundreds of UM students pile onto the metro, dressed in vibrant colors and dazzled in rhinestones. The regular metro-goers stare plenty.

Kate Pickens, a junior nursing major, spent her Saturday with 15 of her closest friends at the festival, having decided to attend last minute with a friend’s tickets.

“The culture of music festivals seems to revolve around people’s outfit choices,” said Pickens, who found herself searching through her friend’s closet the day of for an outfit, given the spontaneity of her attendance. Pickens borrowed her friend’s see-through and eccentrically printed dress and wore a bikini top with a matching skirt underneath the outfit.

Also in attendance on Saturday were Chloe Stemerman and her ever-expanding group of EDM connoisseurs. A junior majoring in marketing, Stemerman is also a practicing DJ who estimates she attends three-to-four EDM festivals annually.

When choosing her Ultra outfit, Stemerman searched small businesses such as Euphoric and Lumi Shop for pieces that matched her already-chosen color concepts. Stemerman considers bold makeup and accessories a staple at Ultra; however, she values the music much more than her outfits.

“I love doing extravagant makeup and accessories at festivals,” said Stemerman. “But in the end, that doesn’t matter. What matters is the time you have, and not how fancy your outfit is.”

Many guys throw on a jersey with some patterned shorts and call it a day. Spice up this combination with a pashmina, cool glasses, and even some body paint. A little accessorizing goes a long way.

ROLLING LOUD

Rolling Loud returns to its roots in Miami each July, bringing major rap and hip-hop artists with it. While the lineup has yet to be announced, the festival has previously featured artists such as Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Ferg.

The festival, which has expanded globally since its start in 2015, is taking place from July 21 to 23 at Hard Rock Stadium in the Miami Gardens.

In true Miami fashion, the tone for Rolling Loud is vibrant and eccentric, but the vibe is much more casual than Ultra. Think of pop-of-color bodysuits, tank tops and jean shorts accessorized with funky sunglasses and statement jewelry.

KANDI ARE BEADED BRACELETS that people make and trade at festivals. Some you can even wear day to day.

If popping colors are not for you, don’t worry. Black-on-black is all the rage right now; try leather miniskirts and black tops or, even better, matching black sets.

Valeria Barbaglio, a sophomore majoring in psychology and media management, attended the festival in 2021 and wore a bright-pink snakeskin bodysuit from FashionNova — an online storefront which she recommends for music festival clothing options.

“Rolling Loud is definitely less rave than Ultra, but people still dress anything but boring — the opposite of minimalistic,” said Barbaglio.

TORTUGA

Looking for a song to take you home to those country roads? While it’s not exactly located in the countryside, Tortuga is held every spring on the beaches of Fort Lauderdale and features the biggest names in country music. Grab your cowboy hat and get ready.

This year, the festival is being held from April 14 to 16 and will include headliners Shania Twain, Eric Church and Kenny Chesney. Unlike other South Florida music festivals, Tortuga doesn’t follow typical festival fashion norms. Olivia Sayegh, a sophomore majoring in exercise physiology, noticed the difference in attire while attending Tortuga in 2022.

“I would love to say when picking an outfit I go for comfort, but that is not the case most of the time,” said Sayegh, who recalls wearing a bathing suit with a flannel for a cover-up and a cowboy hat. “I also wore cowboy boots which were not the comfiest to wear on the beach, but they matched the vibe.”

LOLLAPALOOZA

Are you not going to be in Miami this summer? Music festival season goes far beyond the Florida borders. Lollapalooza is held in Chicago every summer — this year from Aug. 3 to 6.

This year, the lineup spans many genres, featuring artists Lana Del Ray, the Red-Hot Chili Peppers, Dom Dolla, A Boogie Wit A Hoodie and over 170 others. Given the name, Lollapalooza outfits oftentimes taken on a whimsical and flashy nature.

Morgan Fry, a freshman majoring in business, attended the festival in 2022 and wore a crop top with shorts since she wanted to wear an outfit that could withstand the summer heat.

“Lollapalooza outfits consist of bra tops, glitter, fanny packs and unique hairstyles,” said Fry. “Festivals are a great time to show off your creativity, and I love planning an outfit that I wouldn’t wear in my day-to-day life. I loved seeing the outfits that everyone put together.”

Fry specifically recommended wearing sunglasses to Lollapalooza, calling them both cute and practical since they block out the bright sun rays that beat down in Chicago during the summer.

“Sunglasses are an excellent way to spruce up your outfit,” said Fry. “I love my heart-shaped and kaleidoscope sunglasses,” she added.

GOVERNOR’S BALL

If you attend UM, chances are that you’ll be returning home to the tri-state area this summer. If so, check out tickets for Governor’s Bowl in Flushing Meadows, Queens, N.Y., a three-day festival that rivals Memorial Day weekend in Coney Island for the crown of best way to kick off summer in the city.

From June 9 to 11 at Corona Park, Governor’s Ball will showcase a wide range of popular musicians including Lizzo, Diplo, Lil Uzi Vert and Kendrick Lamar.

Vivian Brunke, a sophomore majoring in exercise physiology who attended the festival in 2022, recommends wearing a fun statement piece — specifically butterfly-shaped or disco-tile tank tops — to spiff up jean shorts or a cargo skirt. Brunke, who went to see acts such as Chelsea Cutler, COIN and Quinn XCII, ending up wearing a halter mini dress with a bright pink and yellow swirl print and the vintage pink round sunglasses she bought from Amazon.

“The vibe is jean shorts and a fun, quirky tank top,” said Brunke. “I noticed that many people lean toward comfort over flashy.”

COACHELLA

The climax of the music festival season, Coachella, is the most wellknown festival with almost every celebrity and influencer living to post about it incessantly. The festival features a broad range of the biggest names in music, with a lineup featuring Calvin Harris, Blondie, Dominic Fike, TV Girl, Rae Sremmurd and many others.

In anticipation of the highly awaited festival, FashionTok recommends Coachella attendees go for one of three aesthetics: utility sports vibe, black-on-black or wild-west, since all three styles look great in the desert. Remember, Coachella is the endall-be-all music festival, meaning trends we see at Coachella will trickle into other mainstream music festivals and wider summer fashion trends, especially since so many celebrities attend.

Black-on-black entails anything elevated for clothes, as long as it’s all black. This could mean fishnet dresses and matching black sets with anything leather fitting this aesthetic. Remember, black-on-black is not necessarily biker-esque; it is sleeker, elevated and voguish. For this kind of look, clunky black boots are a must; rimless Y2K black sunglasses also go super well with them.

The Wild West aesthetic in the music festival world must be amplified; simply dressing up like a cowboy will not suffice. There must be some flare to it. Cowboy boots and a cowboy hat are a must, preferably bedazzled to any extent. Denim-on-denim is an option, as is anything fringe or knit.

Each festival has its unique venue, crowd, lineup and, most importantly, vibe. It doesn’t matter what you wear to a festival, as long as you have a blast and make memories that will last forever. Regardless, curating an outfit specifically for your Instagram feed is paramount to the experience.

MIAMI MUSIC FESTIVAL MIAMI MUSIC FESTIVAL

WHAT FITS YOU?

Before worrying about which bedazzled and colorful outfits will appear on your Instagram feed during musical festival season, you have to choose the right musical festival for you. Most of us couldn’t imagine someone with a severe disdain for EDM music attending Ultra or EDC. So take our quiz and find out which festival best suits your vibe. We don’t know everything, but calling Miami home has definitely taught us a thing or two about these kinds of events. words_andrew mccleskey. design_lizzie kristal.

1. What genre of music do you like hearing when you’re out for a night on the town?

a. Country

b. EDM

c. Hip-hop and pop

2. Which of the following fashion staples are you most likely to wear?

a. A pair of cowboy boots

b. A neon bodysuit

c. A matching black set

3. When you imagine yourself at your ideal musical festival, what kind of venue are you at?

a. A beachfront park away from the craziness of the bustling city with a calming ocean breeze

b. An easily accessible venue surrounded by other tourist attractions and thrilling nightlife

c. A controlled stadium environment that can manage a large, energized crowd

4. Which of the following artists would you want to see live in concert the most?

a. Luke Bryan

b. David Guetta

c. Kendrick Lamar

5. What makes or breaks the musical festival experience?

a. Being comfortable during performances

b. Diving head-first into the mosh pit

c. Looking as hot as possible

If you answered mostly A . . . TORTUGA

Do you hate the chaos of traditional musical festivals? Held annually in Fort Lauderdale, Tortuga is perfect for all the music lovers out there who love the simple things in life and cannot resist the temptation of belting a Dolly Parton tune at every function. The festival’s seaside venue headlines some of the biggest acts in the country music business and gives you the opportunity to live out your ultimate cowgirl dreams.

If you answered mostly B . . .

ULTRA

Have you ever thought about becoming a DJ or a bottle girl at a club? Do you spend your free time scouring the Internet for EDM mixes played at clubs or house parties? If so, your little techno heart needs to experience the thrill and excitement of Ultra. The best part is that the fun does not have to stop with Ultra; Bayshore Park’s prime location puts you within arm’s reach of some of Miami’s best bars and clubs where you can party your way through the night.

If you answered mostly C . . .

ROLLING LOUD

With international name recognition and sister shows in other cities, such as Los Angeles, Munich, New York and Toronto, Rolling Loud needs no introduction. The diverse lineup provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy themselves among other rap and pop music fans. While Rolling Loud’s crowds cannot compete with the raves of Ultra, Rolling Loud may be a safer alternative for festival beginners who fear getting trampled during a performance.

TUNING OUT

What’s the worst thing to leave at home? A trusty pair of headphones that gets you through treacherous walks between classes and hours of assignments. From Airpods to Beats, the headphone options are endless. But are the trendy options worth the hype? Let us guide you into the world of headphones and help you tune it all out.

words_andrew mccleskey. photo&design_lizzie kristal.

Throw It Back

The next time you find yourself sitting in the library grinding out that paper or delayed at the airport, ask yourself: “What do I have in common with the complete strangers around me?” Whether you realize it or not, most of you will have headphones in your ears, drowning out the noise around you. But where exactly does the headphone technology come from?

According to Katherine Losse, a published writer and an early Facebook employee, headphones have a humble origin in the mountains of the American West.

“The modern headphone was invented by a technically inclined, churchgoing man by way of Stanford named Nathaniel Baldwin, who wanted to amplify the sound of sermons at his Mormon temple,” wrote Losse. “His design took off when the U.S. Navy bought them to outfit sailors during World War I.”

For most of the modern headphone’s early history, military officers and troops remained the only ones with access to this innovative technology. However, the invention of the first stereo headphones by jazz musician John Koss in 1958 changed the game and inspired the inventors of headsets that hit the market in the 1970s, such as the Sony Walkman. Jimmy Stamp, design researcher and Smithsonian Magazine writer, proposes that the initial successes of the Walkman could have allowed for headphones to become more accessible to consumers.

“The ubiquity of modern headphones could perhaps be attributed to the Sony Walkman, which debuted in 1979 and almost immediately became a pop culture icon,” said Stamp.

Student Perspectives

Recently, over-the-ear headphones have swung back into popular culture and escaped the fringes of music-nerd Twitter. Take a stroll on the average college campus nowadays and within minutes you’ll pass at least two or three people wearing clunky headsets that might have felt outdated a few years ago. Sophomore Isabella Fitzpatrick, who owns the JBL Live 460NC headset, raves about the sleek earbud’s main rival.

“To be honest, my over-the-ear headphones were like life-changing for me,” said Fitzpatrick.

Although you can find a vast array of headphone options at their local electronics store or online shops, the over-the-ear Apple Airpods Max and the Sony XM5 headphones seem to have a particular hold on college students nationwide. While these headphones carry hefty price tags of $549 and $399, respectively, tech critics have commended them for their durability, performance and sound quality.

Mia Summa, a sophomore math major, recently purchased Sony’s XM5 headset and could not imagine life without the headset’s noise canceling setting.

“I love my Sony XM5 headphones because I feel bathed in the sound,”

said Summa, “When people see me with my headphones on, they know to leave me alone.”

Senior Isabelle Castro also recently purchased the Sony XM5 model because of recommendations she received from friends and positive reviews she saw online. However, she now regrets her slightly impulsive decision to splurge on the expensive headphones.

“I bought into the Sony hype, and I unfortunately wish that I could return them,” said Castro.

So did the wired headphones that used to come in every iPhone box and other earbuds mysteriously fall off the face of the Earth? Not necessarily; although they still remain popular, over-the-ear headphones have challenged the earbud’s hold over the headphone market because many of us cannot stand the shrill feeling of cold plastic shoved into our ear canal.

Caroline Frisiras, a sophomore majoring in philosophy who adores her Apple Airpods Max, maintains an odd position on the earbuds versus over-the-ear headphones debacle and debate.

“I personally feel as if I have a hot take on headphones,” said Frisiras. “Wired earbuds are better than AirPods, but overthe-ear headphones are better than earbuds altogether.”

Whether you decide to break the bank on the newest headphone release or choose to stick to the basics, don’t buy a pair of headphones simply because they’re trendy or mainstream. Make sure to do your research by reading reviews from critics and consumers. Figure out what exactly you’re looking for in your sonic experience and, most importantly, turn up the music and keep it loud.

WHILE THE AIRPOD MAXES might be on the expensive side, they do give an extra layer of customization because you can swap out the ear cushions for different colors.

This section is your sanctuary to refuel your body and mind. Workouts, mental health, beauty, oh my! Stop skipping stretching to get the most out of your workouts. Take some deep breaths, and channel your inner peace with meditation. Don’t push naps to the backburner because they might be more beneficial than you think. Keep flipping for the best tips on tending to your health.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

photo_isa márquez.

STAY

FLEXIBLE

In Miami, fitness is a lifestyle for many. But as much as we might love getting a daily pump, some skip a routine staple: stretching. If you’ve been slacking on your flexibility exercises, it might be beneficial to learn some surprising benefits it gives you — and it only takes a few minutes. After all, those hard-earned gains won’t impress anyone if you’re limping after your sweat sesh.

Miami is a fast-paced city. Whether you’re studying, working or both, it can be hard to find the time to hit the gym, let alone fit some stretches into your routine. But stretching doesn’t have to be a time-consuming hassle. Even just five minutes of good stretching is enough to reap the health benefits of increased mobility and overall fitness.

It’s essential to establish the difference between stretching and warming up. Many people think a good stretch before exercising counts as a warm-up, but that’s not true. Stretching and warming up are two completely different activities.

According to UHealth, stretching helps our muscles and connective tissue increase flexibility, while a warm-up just gets our bodies prepared for exercise. A proper warm-up will get the heart to pump blood to our muscles, thus gradually increasing our breathing towards the rate we will be exercising at.

As for stretching, the main benefit is increased flexibility, but whether or not flexibility can help prevent injury during exercise is still unclear. Studies investigating the protective impact of stretching have had mixed results, presenting inconclusive evidence. However, there are many more in-depth studies currently underway that are investigating the potential short and long term benefits of stretching.

words_matt jiménez. design_valeria barbaglio. photo_ethan dosa.

THE SEATED FIGURE-FOUR STRETCH, pictured here, is a great way to stretch your glutes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit American academic medical center, better flexibility may aid you in many ways. It can improve your performance in physical activities, decrease your risk of injuries, help your joints move through their full range of motion, increase muscle blood flow, enable your muscles to work most effectively and improve your ability to do daily activities.

The Science

There are two main categories of stretches: dynamic and static, though the subcategories go on. Dynamic stretches are controlled movements that engage a range of muscles throughout the motion, whereas static stretches hold one position to keep muscles at a fixed length and tension.

Unlike a rubber band, which is elastic, muscles are viscoelastic. While a rubber band will return to its original form after it’s been stretched, muscles will adapt to the stress of being stretched. Thus, regularly practicing stretching leads to a greater range of muscle mobility and, therefore, flexibility.

To experience the full benefits of stretching, consistency is key. According to TED-Ed, for skeletal muscles, improved flexibility comes from additional sarcomeres, which allows you to maintain strength. Sarcomeres are added and subtracted to muscles depending on how frequently they’re used, so improving overall flexibility requires a comprehensive stretching regimen. Stretching for about 10 minutes a day for about two months is enough to start noticing progress.

Cameron Montanarella, a personal trainer at the Herbert Wellness Center, said that even a small amount of time stretching can be beneficial.

“If you’re low on time, holding a stretch up to 10 seconds will do the job. If you have extra time, hold stretches anywhere between 30 seconds to one minute,” said Montanarella.

Freshman computer science major Taylor Shirk always makes it a point to fit stretching into her gym routine.

“I stretch for approximately 10 to 15 minutes,” said Shirk “If I’m already working out, I usually plan in time to stretch, but I wish I had more time to stretch outside of the gym.”

Sophomore marine biology and ecology major Johnnie Xia also prioritizes flexibility and stretching exercises.

“I always stretch before [my workout]. I usually stretch for around five to 10 minutes,” said Xia.

The Progressing Steps

Now how about which muscles you should stretch, and which stretches best target them? Don’t worry: we’ve got you covered there, too.

First, you should start with stretching the muscles you trained during your workout.

“It’s more beneficial that the muscle groups an individual worked out that day take priority when stretching post-workout,” said Montanarella. “This is because those muscles will be facing more inflammation and tightness than the muscles you didn’t work out.”

You can certainly stretch as many muscle groups as you please. As a matter of fact, stretching doesn’t need to happen right after your workout. Stretching during study breaks or before bed is an efficient way to make up for any stretching you may have skipped before.

Timing-wise, most experts recommend stretching post-workout rather than preworkout. According to Harvard Medical School, “Recent expert opinion has moved away from static stretching before activity and toward a gradual and active warm-up period before exercise.”

Trying to stretch deeply before a workout can strain and potentially injure muscles, which are considered cold before a workout.

Frantz Blanc, who works at the Herbert Wellness Center, recommended “The reclined hero pose, side bend, forward fold, seated straddle and the pigeon pose,” for optimum tension relief and flexibility.

Here are some tips:

• Don’t consider it a warm-up. You may hurt yourself by stretching cold muscles. In other words, make sure to stretch after your exercise, not before.

• Focus on symmetry. Having equal flexibility on both sides can help prevent injuries.

• Focus on major muscle groups (calves, thighs, lower back, hips, neck and shoulders.)

• Hold each static stretch for around 30 seconds. For overly stiff areas, try holding for up to a minute.

• Listen to your body. You should feel tension when stretching, but not pain. If you feel pain, lessen the intensity or try a different one.

Five-minute full body stretching routine for beginners

• Neck stretch: 20 seconds each side

• Seated straddle stretch: 20 seconds

• Hip flexor lunge: 20 seconds each side

• Cobra: 20 seconds

• Cat/Cow: 20 seconds

• Child’s pose: 20 seconds

• Arm cross strech: 20 seconds each side

• Behind-the-head triceps: 20 seconds each side

• Standing quad stretch: 20 seconds each side

• Touching toes: 20 seconds

INHALE EXHALE

Taylor Swift said it best on her 2019 album “Lover”: we all need to calm down. However, staying chill in the face of the hustle and bustle of Miami life can seem impossible. Meditation is one of the simplest ways to remedy the chaos of our city, and it goes far beyond sitting crisscross-applesauce and humming. Whether from an app or a Spotify track, there are many modernized ways to meditate. words_amanda mohamad. design_elizabeth vila. photos_ethan dosa.

The technical definition of meditation is to engage in specific mental practices to cultivate beneficial mental qualities: there isn’t exactly a right or wrong way to do it. The same way that different stressors impact people differently, there’s a multitude of meditation practices that work for different people. These methods can vary by location, time of day, frequency and length per session.

No Right or Wrong

Max Stone, a freshman finance major and fitness enthusiast, enjoys meditating after working out at the Herbert Wellness Center.

“I like to meditate explicitly in the sauna because a key part of meditating is being able to focus on a sound or vibration, like your breathing,” said Stone. “Being in an enclosed area like a sauna where it’s really quiet helps with that.”

Stone started practicing meditation during his first semester at UM to help implement discipline and patience into his daily life while creating “an outlet to relieve stress and just focus on [himself].”

“It’s become a core part of my life after working out, just going to the sauna for 15 minutes and decompressing,” Stone said.

As a first-year student, Stone lives on campus, which gives him easy access to the Wellness Center’s peaceful sauna. But meditation can be done from anywhere, even in your own bedroom.

Brittani Mays, a junior double majoring in political science and public administration, lives off-campus and often meditates after waking up or before going to bed.

“I would say my meditation schedule isn’t necessarily on a day-to-day basis. But if I’m going through something or have a lot on my mind, I’ll do it,” said Mays. “I like closing my eyes and sitting somewhere comfortable. Usually, I will sit in my room on my floor because if I lie down on my bed, I know I will fall asleep.”

If you want to venture into the world of meditation but don’t know where to begin, YouTube is a great starting place. There are millions of guided meditation videos on

YouTube for different purposes like relaxation, mental clarity or self-empowerment. Pick what you feel you need most.

Mindfulness

Practicing meditation, as relaxing as it may seem, can be difficult. It’s commonly believed that the goal of meditation is to “clear your mind.” However, fully escaping your thoughts can prove to be challenging.

Dr. Amishi Jha is a psychology professor and director of the contemplative neuroscience program at UM. Her studies have confirmed the positive impact of meditation and mindfulness on mental health. But what’s the difference between the two?

“Meditation is an under-specified term, a general category. Within the umbrella term of meditation, there are different subcategories … [including] mindfulness meditation,” said Jha. “The specific mental quality we aim to cultivate is presence-centered attention that is not emotionally reactive and not evaluating what’s going on.”

Along with conducting research, starting the UMindfulness program and writing her own book, titled “Peak Mind,”

MEDITATION IS GREAT

TO ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS after a hectic day. For the most benefits, try meditating outside and in nature.

Dr. Jha still finds the time to teach and inspire undergraduate students.

This semester, she’s teaching a course called “Mindfulness Attention in the Brain,” where students learn about the neuroscience behind mental intention and are taught mindfulness techniques.

If you want to practice meditation but are having trouble focusing, Dr. Jha recommends taking these three steps:

1. Focus on a specific target — your breathing, some music, whatever you use to help meditate.

2. Notice when your attention is not on that specified target.

3. Redirect your attention to the target. Just like a sport, practice makes perfect and mindfulness is all about self-correction. So how do meditation and mindfulness impact the brain? Psychology

professor Dr. Elyse Hurtado, explained that meditating focuses on deactivating your Default Mode Network. The Default Mode Network, or DMN, is only active in your brain when you defocus on outside world and can only be measured in an MRI scanner.

“Research shows that people who are experienced in meditation, their DMN is less active, which is a good thing because having an overactive default mode network is associated with stress and anxiety, maybe even depression,” Dr. Hurtado said.

While making meditation a habit seems daunting, there is no downside to giving it a try. It’s much simpler than meets the eye.

FREE APPS

Headspace: Mindful Meditation — Ryan Reynolds said he uses this app to manage his anxiety, and I will believe anyone wise enough to marry Serena van der Woodsen.

Aura: An Apple Best of Apps winner, Aura allows you to personalize your meditation practice with content choices that include hypnosis, prayer, life coaching and more.

Meditopia: Sleep Meets Meditation — want to fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves or white noise but are stuck in the dorms with a sleeping roommate? Put on your headphones and sleep like a baby with a wide variety of sounds from Meditopia.

Peak Mind: Dr. Jha’s bestselling book is becoming an app. Be on the lookout.

YOUTUBE CHANNELS

• Michael Sealey

• Your Youniverse

• Great Meditation

• Tara Brach

MEDITATION COMES IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. There’s no right way to meditate, so try some different methods and see what works for you.

CATCHING ZZZ’S

Naps — the sole thing keeping some college students together. Whether it’s a brief respite in between your classes or a cooldown before you start your homework for the evening, there’s no wrong way to sneak in some rest. Take your napping experience up a few notches with some tips and tricks from other students. Just try not to doze off while reading.

While sitting in a remote corner of a Whitten Learning Center classroom, a usually attentive student succumbs to an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. In this incognito location, their eyes slowly close, their fingers idle over his laptop and the hour-long class begins to feel more like a lullaby than a lecture. The professor’s voice drones on as the PowerPoint moves the student into oblivion. With their chin leading the way, the student’s heavy head gradually lowers to their chest.

And the next sound they hears is the jarring voice of a vexed professor: “Hey, somebody wake that guy up.”

Probably at least once in the four-year journey to a college degree, a student will end up in a similar unscripted classroom predicament where note-taking has yielded to napping and where bobbing heads are not nodding in agreement with the instructor but from lack of sleep.

Welcome to the weary world of the classroom fatigue phenomenon.

“My most inconvenient naps have come during a variety of courses where the professor lectures for a very long time,” said Erika Guzman, a University of Miami sophomore majoring in exercise physiology.

Sleeping in College

Students like Guzman have busy schedules filled with academics, jobs, parties, time management decisions and newfound freedoms of being away from home. Universities recognize that the combination of all these dizzying factors can prevent a good night’s sleep, hence web pages dedicated to helping students maintain good sleep schedules and habits.

In the “Sleep” section on UM’s Student Health Service website, administrators advise

students to aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

“There is a link between a lack of adequate sleep and poor academic performance,” according to the site. It cites a study that showed that after two weeks of sleeping six hours or less a night, students perform as poorly as someone who has gone without sleep for 48 hours. The website also warns that students who pull all-nighters are more likely to have a lower GPA.

A 2014 National Institute of Health report revealed that more than 70 percent of college students sleep less than eight hours a day; 60 percent say they are “dragging, tired or sleepy” at least three days a week, and more than 80 percent say loss of sleep affects their academic performance.

Many students turn to naps to play catch up on their poor night’s sleep.

Rather than sleep during class time, Guzman said she tries to make it back to her room at Eaton Residential College before fully entering nap mode.

“I like to take quick 20-minute naps that make me feel very replenished,” Guzman said, adding that she naps about three times a week.

Insufficient sleep also can interfere with a student’s other important daytime activities.

Clocking in for an extra shift after class can be unbearable without proper sleep, said George Kavadias, a freshman finance major who works as a lifeguard.

“I often catch myself dozing off at work whenever I miss a nap,” said Kavadias, acknowledging that he needs to be alert at all times as a lifeguard.

Several studies affirm that a daytime nap can help improve performance and alertness for students. Naps also can help boost mood and lower stress. The Journal of Sleep Research performed a study in 2017 that

found a correlation between a short nap and stress reduction among young adults.

Freshman Bronwyn Hyland is a believer.

“I allow myself to take naps because I get very irritable and emotional,” said Hyland, a marketing and finance major. “When I don’t take naps, things tend to make me more stressed and anxious; therefore, I think it’s important to put my health and body first.”

Recognizing the problems students encounter in getting sufficient rest, some schools have installed nap pods, resting zones, nap nooks and resting stations to help students get more rest. The University of Michigan and Washington State University are two colleges who utilize these creative napping technologies.

At the urging of UM Student Government, two nap pods were installed in 2016 at UM in the Shalala Student Center and the Whitten University Center. A major goal was to provide downtime for commuter students who don’t have the luxury of a nearby dorm room to catch a quick nap, UM said.

Francesca Cagnana, a junior broadcast journalism major, often looks for an opportunity to rest during her day on campus.

“Sometimes I use the napping pods to calm my mind by shutting my eyes with relaxing music in my ears.”

Students also have plenty of ideas on best practices for napping.

Strategic Naps

Clarke Augustine, a junior public relations major, is a nap enthusiast who devised a fivestep plan for achieving the best nap.

- Enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee or espresso, hot or iced.

- Set a 45-minute timer and put your phone on silent mode.

words_max keller & emma kessler. photo_lizzie kristal. design_laurie vuong & lizzie kristal.

- Lie down on your coziest resting spot.

- Close your eyes and savor 45 straight minutes of uninterrupted rest.

- Wake up dazzlingly refreshed and alert just as the caffeine effects are peaking in your body.

Augustine’s “Coffee Nap Routine” is based on research literature that claims caffeine concentration peaks 45 minutes after consumption, he said.

“One should wake up from a nap feeling caffeinated and be able to take on the world energized,” Augustine said.

Proceed With Caution

As wonderful as naps may sound to a student who is craving some extra rest, naps can have potential downsides. If a student falls asleep and enters a luxurious, multi-hour nap, they may wake up feeling more fatigued than before, sleep researchers say.

Researchers at Boston College’s School of Nursing conducted a study that tracked the nap-taking and nighttime sleeping habits of 440 college students in 2015. Students who were frequent, long and late nappers could have a “higher risk of poor nighttime sleep quality and more severe sleep deprivation,” the study concluded.

“I don’t get as many hours or as good of a sleep when I nap, and I have difficulty falling asleep,” said Taylor Consolazio, a sophomore majoring in health sciences.

Consolazio and Kavadias said when they take longer naps, it often negatively affects their quality of sleep at night.

Taking naps later in the day can result in difficulties falling asleep at night, said Derec Alexis Rodriguez, a junior finance major.

Rodriguez said his best naps happen if scheduled correctly. His nap window is between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the afternoon to avoid feeling restless at bedtime.

“If I take it at a proper time, it helps me be less fatigued for the rest of the day,” Rodriguez said.

And while UM provides sleep pods for students, the Student Health Service nevertheless promotes developing healthy sleep habits over napping. It offers 10 healthy sleep habit tips, ranging from sticking to a sleep schedule to avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, vapes and heavy meals in the evening.

If students have trouble sleeping, the health service’s sleep tip No. 2 cautions students to avoid naps, especially in the afternoon hours.

“Power napping may help you get through the day, but if you find that you can’t fall asleep at bedtime, eliminating even short catnaps may help,” reads the website.

Visit studenthealth.studentaffairs.miami. edu for more sleeping tips.

A COMFY BLANKET CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR NAP. Buy some from Ugg, Amazon or local boutiques.

PLA NNING

Eating in college should ideally consist of more than just energy drinks and dino nuggets. Not that we’re serving up five-course meals every night, but it’s important to structure your grocery shopping so you can get through an entire week with minimal take-out meals. Get your shopping list ready because getting groceries just got a whole lot easier.

wordsphoto&design_lizzie kristal.

Here’s how this is going to work: leftovers only last about three to four days in the fridge. We know your roommate’s rotisserie chicken has been sitting there for two weeks, but food should really be eaten much sooner. That means you’ll need to prepare two of each meal for the week: two breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Throw on some snacks and other necessities, and you’ve got yourself a proper grocery list. We’ve compiled a list of simple ideas for every meal of the day. Keep in mind every meal should have a balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.

BREAKFAST (PICK TWO)

- Avocado toast: multigrain bread, avocado, seasoning of choice

- Yogurt and granola: Greek yogurt, granola

- Omelet: eggs, cheese, toppings of choice

- Oatmeal: oats, protein powder, nut butter, berries, brown sugar

- Smoothie: frozen banana, frozen berries, protein powder, nut butter

- Classic breakfast: potatoes, turkey bacon, fruit

- Frozen waffles: frozen waffles, fruit, nut butter

LUNCH (PICK TWO)

- Wrap: tortilla, chicken, hummus, toppings of choice

- Pasta: chickpea pasta, marinara sauce

- Mexican bowl: rice, black beans, chicken, pre-made salsa

- Greek bowl: rice, chickpeas, cucumber, feta, black olives, onion, dressing

- Sandwich: multigrain bread, sliced deli meat, pesto, tomato, lettuce

- Grilled cheese: multigrain bread, cheese, side salad

- Loaded potato: potato, ground beef, cheese, spinach, onion

DINNER (PICK TWO)

- Tacos: tortilla, rice, beans, meat of choice, pre-made salsa

- Stir-fry: meat of choice, rice, veggie medley, soy sauce

- Bodybuilder’s dream: rice, ground beef, broccoli

- Salmon bowl: salmon, rice, cucumber, spicy mayo

- Pizza: pre-made crust, cheese, chicken, marinara sauce, spinach

- Frozen meals: Trader Joe’s is a must

- Bowl: At the end of the week, throw what you have left in a bowl and add sauce

Don’t forget to stock up on your favorite snacks in between meals, including a few dessert options. Since everyone’s sweet tooth is a little different, we’ll leave that up to you.

FRESH FRUIT IS GREAT, but keep an eye on it to make sure you use it all before it expires.

Fashion is showcasing the best in style, perfect for those looking to make a statement. Get your beauty rest, because we are showing you how to rest in beauty. Find your legwarmers because we’re taking ballet fashion to the street. Embrace femininity with Coconut Grove’s LoveShackFancy storefront. This section plunges into the cultural significance of today’s trends.

photo_nina d’agostini.

FASHION

SLEEP MASKS ARE BACK IN AND ARE perfect for locking yourself into sleep. Go beyond the average plaid pattern with some bedazzling, graphics or bright colors.

SLEEPING

No matter what you throw on before bed, it must be comfortable. Sometimes, the best clothes you have are old navy flannel pants and the same sleep shirt you’ve had in rotation since freshman year of high school. Though for others, the drip doesn’t stop. From silky sets to drapey robes, today’s beauty sleep really looks like sleeping in beauty.

words_virginia suardi. design_adriana leόn. photo_valeria barbaglio.

Being fashionable starts when you wake up, slip off your PJs and pick out your outfit for the day. Right? Wrong.

Many fashionistas are starting to pay more attention to their sleepwear. From functional loungewear to lacy slips, there’s been a spotlight on sleep and comfy clothes in the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 meant that people were spending more time at home and not always wanting to change into more traditional outfits for the virtual workday.

Enter brands like Skims who have made a name for themselves in transforming the concept of at-home-wear from the typical oversized T-shirts and boxers to stylish, classy pieces that can also be

worn outdoors. This trend fulfills a demand for the rising customer inclination towards comfort in everyday wear, while staying stylish.

Additionally, many fashionistas are also hopping onto the trend of wearing sleepwear as outerwear. ‘90s style slip dresses, matching silk sets, and kimono-style wrap dresses have all exploded in streetwear popularity in recent years.

So what makes for the perfect pair of pajamas? While some might boil it down to just how they look or feel upon first impression, fabric choice and construction are just as important.

Sophomore biology major Abigayle Guyer prioritizes quality when buying a great pair of pajamas.

“Not all companies make their pajamas ethically or with safe materials,” Guyer said. “I usually try to find good materials like bamboo or silk.”

Bamboo textiles have been taking the sleepwear industry by storm ever since they emerged on the scene in the early 2000s. Bamboo’s light, breathable fibers are perfect for sleepwear for many reasons. It’s soft as silk, while also providing top-notch insulation, keeping wearers cooler in the summer and warmer during the colder months. Lastly, it’s the most eco-friendly fabric in the world, because of how renewable bamboo plants are, and because it’s 100 percent biodegradable.

Linen is another fabric that is well suited to sleepwear. Like bamboo, linen is known for its breathability and ability to keep its wearer cool in warm weather. It’s a light fabric, yet it’s two times more durable than cotton, which can make linen pajamas a great investment despite their cost. Additionally, linen pants or buttondown shirts can often double as beach coverups or casual staples that can be paired with a variety of other items.

So these quality materials are great, but aren’t exactly the cheapest. Plus, it’s just sleepwear — why should we care so much about the clothes we’re wearing when no one can even see us?

“For one, safe, good materials are so much better for your skin,” said Guyer. “We spend much of our day being exposed to different chemicals.”

It’s true that wearing cheaper materials can have detrimental effects on skin health. For example, according to a 2015 study done at Stockholm University, polyester, which makes up an estimated 60 percent of clothing worldwide, can contain thousands of harmful chemicals. Sleep is the period of the day when our skin is the most sensitive, so it’s important to be mindful of the types of materials we’re exposing it to during this period of time.

TAKE YOUR PAJAMAS TO THE STREET

• Dress your satin nightgown up and throw on an oversized blazer, jewelry and strappy heels. For more effect, wear a slicked back ponytail or bun to juxtapose the informal quality of the nightgown.

•Wear your PJ pants with a swimsuit top for the perfect laid-back beach look. A relaxed, flowy pant will go perfectly overtop a one piece or paired with a bikini top and makes for a perfect outfit for a beach-side lunch or a boardwalk bike ride.

• Style a button-down pajama top with tailored pants. Again, contrast is key. A silky longsleeve button-down pairs perfectly with fitted slacks and heels. This is the perfect outfit for an elevated cocktail-party or dinner look.

•Elevate a satin cami top by pairing it with jewelry, a chic hairstyle and cute bottoms. Silky tops juxtapose denim particularly well, so try pairing your tank with straight jeans, nice sandals and a matching bag.

IN STYLE

Though natural fabrics like silk, linen and bamboo come with a heftier price tag, they’re more durable, healthier and have more ecofriendly production methods than synthetic fabrics.

Aesthetic-wise, Guyer loves the look of a matching set.

MATCHING SETS AREN’T JUST FOR WOMEN, so if you want in on the action, flannel sets are a great way to start.

“I like finding a PJ set that is cute and put-together,” Guyer said. “Simple, classic, with no crazy designs or anything.”

Sophomore Morgan Vickaryous, who has launched a small selfowned sewing business, loves creating feminine, dainty slip dresses for pajamas. The first sleepwear piece that she created was a satin dress that she thrifted and then reworked more to her liking.

“I was inspired by silky slip dresses that I would see in old movies,” Vickaryous said.

Much of modern sleepwear remains inspired by vintage pieces. Classic films like “Rear Window” with Grace Kelly’s gauzy robe and satiny blush-toned nightgown have influenced pajama trends for decades now. Lingerie brands like Intimissimi and Cosabella, for example, are massive producers of daintier, sexier sleepwear pieces.

But again, why does it really matter what our sleepwear looks like? Shouldn’t it just be functional and comfortable? According to Vickaryous, there’s more to it than that.

“They portray a delicate, feminine vibe, and show close attention to detail even in an item that all you do is sleep in,” Vickaryous said. “It’s a sort of luxury for women in that they get to do it for themselves and no one else.”

Every now and then, you might find yourself wanting to unleash the drama of your inner “Swan Lake” or “Sugar Plum Fairy,” but the last time you danced was in your second grade ballet recital. Thankfully, you don’t need to know how to plié in order to capture that essence. Balletcore is in, and with a few key pieces and some tips to follow, you’ll look ready for the stage.

words_sal puma. design_isa márquez & lizzie kristal. photo_nina d’agostini.

SHOWING SKIN

Dancewear pieces are staples of balletcore, and they’re known to show a moderate amount of skin. While you might not have explicitly dance purposed pieces, using tight and simple crops, tights or leggings and tastefully short bottoms you can emulate it.

PINK + WHITE

When you think of a ballerina, you might think of pink ribbon and tutus, and that’s not just because it’s a pretty color. Ballet originated in Italy and France where they used light pink tones to make the dancer’s limbs look longer and more elegant. A light pink paired with a white or even ivory looks great on any skin tone for a softly feminine look.

RIBBONS & LACE

When looking for accessories that fit into the balletcore feel try playing around with ribbons or lacey pieces. Socks with lace tops, collars with lace elements or even shirts made entirely from lace embody belletcore. Ribbons can be worn in a bunch of ways as well. Use them to tie up your hair, wrap them around your arms and legs in lieu of jewelry or even as a way to sinch and accentuate the shape of a dress.

FITTED & FLOWING

Putting together a perfect outfit to fit the balletcore vibe involves playing with silhouettes. It’s not like maximalism where you want to go crazy. Look at page 30 for more of that. Mixing clothes that fit you differently can make simple pieces seem much more interesting and eye-catching.

FLATS VS. HEELS

To completely capture the balletcore look head to toe, you must get the shoes right. Flats are a perfect everyday shoe that look like a dancer’s shoe, though way comfier. It gives the vibe of the casual dancer, the pure essence of balletcore. Or for a classier vibe, you can wear a pair of heels. Smooth white or pink heels and some ribbon are perfect. Strut on the tips of your toes like the best ballerines out there.

While anyone can pull off this more masculine-presenting still can. Sleek black shoes, tight black or lightly patterned pants and a loose white button-up can help you capture a princely essence. Add some simple jewelry and put minimal product in your hair to add to this classy but free look.

LEGWARMERS

These knit shin-sleeves aren’t only in those ‘80s workout videos your mom watches. Ballerinas have a use for them as well. They keep the leg muscles warm and limber which helps prevent cramping and long term aches. A pastel, white, cream or black pair can also be a great addition to any outfit — a great alternative to the usual socks or stockings.

LOVE SHACKFANCY

GO FOR AN ANGELIC LOOK in the Antique White Nora Top and Ivory Aldrin Silk Mini Skirt — a complementary pairing.

Vintage meets whimsical fairytale, then goes on a double date with preppy and romantic floral prints at LoveShackFancy. Established in 2013, LoveShackFancy has garnered international attention with their collections featuring timeless silk dresses. Now, this trendy shop has a storefront in Miami-Dade hot-spot Coconut Grove. Forget Disneyworld because at Distraction, LSF Coconut Grove just might be the most magical place on Earth.

words_amanda mohamad. design_elizabeth vila. photo_isa márquez & nina d’agostini.

COME INSIDE

LOVESHACKFANCY’S COCONUT GROVE STOREFRONT, 3401 Main Hwy, for a magical shopping experience.

ACCESSORIES ARE A MUST IF YOU WANT TO ADD ELEGANCE TO ANY OUTFIT. The Julietta Pearl Heart Joker is the perfect addition to this set. LoveShackFancy even has their own shoe line to match the look.

SHE’S LOOKING PRIM AND PROPER. Live out your childhood tea party memories in the Vivid Pink Raleigh Mini Dress and Upcycled Butterfly Embellished Straw Hat, both available online.

JUST LIKE THE BEAUTIFUL DRESSES, THE STORE ITSELF IS FULL OF FLOWERS AND DECOR. Check out LoveShackFancy’s home decor. They sell pillows, bedding, towels, stationary and even wallpaper.

NEXT TIME YOU’RE IN THE GROVE WITH FRIENDS, STOP BY THE STOREFRONT. LoveShackFancy is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

THE ENCHANTED LEAVES FLORENT MINI DRESS is just what you need for your next Sunday brunch in the Grove.

What Miami Club Are You? What Miami Club Are You?

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what the move for the night is. Miami is a city of many choices, so why not leave it up to chance? Let our new TikTok filter assign your vibe to a club because who doesn’t love taking internet quizzes to heart? Featuring big names like Club Space and LIV, and some familiar venues from our roots, anything goes. So will you end up at LVL 1 tonight, or is it a Komodo kind of evening? words_sal puma. design_marita gavioti & lizzie kristal.

To use the TikTok filter all you need to do is scan the Q.R. which will take you to a TikTok we made with it. Tap the effect in the bottom left — and maybe follow us while you’re at it — and have fun.

INTRODUCING LA TERRAZZA, ROOFTOP RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Stunning Views | Full Premium Bar | Dinner Served Wednesday through Saturday

SUNSET HAPPY HOUR

Wednesday – Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

$10 Cocktails | $9 Wines by the Glass

| $9 Spritz | Small Bites

Live music Thursdays & Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

CIGAR NIGHTS

Every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Engage with high-end spirit ambassadors and cigar partners, cocktail specials and more.

SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH

11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Live jazz and a family-friendly brunch menu including classic and signature dishes, tableside Bloody Marys and more.

La Terrazza is located at 1515 Sunset Dr. Miami, FL 33143 on the rooftop. Phone: (305) 912-2639

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