Letter from the editor

For the last time, hi all,

As the semester draws to a close, reflection sneaks its way into our minds to, naturally, consume our thoughts. When looking back on my time as editor-in-chief of Backdrop, I am so thankful for the opportunity. I am thankful that our staff was committed and excited to create the best magazine we could.

It is nearly impossible to put into words or a magazine how incredible this staff has been. In meetings, I consistently framed the work we did as a “group project” that centered on collaboration. The talent of every writer, photographer and designer shines through on every page. I will miss most being able to sit in awe and just observe the way the magazine comes together like a puzzle each production week. It is always perfect.

This would not be possible without our executive staff. I want to congratulate Josie Donohue, Laine Dannemiller, Ellie Habel and Drew Follmer on graduating this semester and I cannot wait to see all the great work they do moving forward. I also want to thank Caroline Gillen, who was our copy chief, and Grace Koennecke, who will be assuming that role next year.

I want to give a special thanks to our managing editorial team, Caroline Bissonnette and McKenna Christy, and our Creative Director Rachel Rector for putting in countless hours of work every single issue.

If you get the chance, congratulate Caroline and Rachel for completing their college careers, and congratulate McKenna for accepting the position of editor-in-chief of Backdrop for the 2023-2024 year.

Thank you, lastly, to our readers. Thank you for wanting to read and celebrate these stories along with us. I am certain that the staff next year will continue to showcase just how diverse this little corner of the world that serves as our backdrop is. I am so happy that our final issue of the year is in your hands now. It has been a wonderful journey, and the destination is beautiful.

Have a safe summer, and make good choices, bobcats!

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MIA WALSH

MANAGING EDITOR CAROLINE BISSONNETTE

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR MCKENNA CHRISTY

ASSOCIATE EDITORS CAROLINE BISSONNETTE, ABREANNA BLOSE, MCKENNA CHRISTY, CAROLINE GILLEN, GRACE KOENNECKE

COPY EDITORS CAROLINE GILLEN, GRACE KOENNECKE

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTORS RORY BALL, LAINE DANNEMILLER

PHOTO EDITOR ELLIE HABEL

WEB EDITOR JOSIE DONOHUE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR RACHEL RECTOR

ART DIRECTOR DREW FOLLMER

DESIGNERS ABBY BURNS, DREW FOLLMER, ALLY PARKER, RACHEL RECTOR, ELLIE SABATINO, ALYSSA SHEETS

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR JOSIE DONOHUE

PHOTOGRAPHERS CAROLINE BISSONNETTE, JACOB DURBIN, ELLIE HABEL, PEARL SPURLOCK, SAM WARREN

WRITERS KRISTEN ABBEY, CAROLINE BISSONNETTE, ABREANNA BLOSE, KATRINA CARLSON, CAROLINE GILLEN, GRACE KOENNECKE, GRACE MILLER, AMBER PHIPPS, DARCIE ZUDELL

Contents Features

PORTRAITS FOR CHANGE

Sexual assault culture in athletics needs attention...................................18

TAKING ON THE TRAIL

Two couples share their experience hiking the Appalachian Trail............22

Entertainment

SETTING THE SCENE

Student movie makers come together to tell stories on the silver screen.................................................6

ATHENS MIC’D

Students discuss the podcasting process.................8

Community

SAFE SWIMMING FOR ALL

Children with disabilities learn how to be safe in water...........................................................................................................10

LET'S TALK THIS OUT

Students resolving issues in a constructive environment..........................................................................................12

Infographic

LEAN ON THE LIBRARY

Book it to Alden for these resources..................................14

Recipe

FEELING FRUITY?

You do not have to wait until June to enjoy these berry delicious treats................. ....................16

The

DROP

ALTRUISTIC ATHENS

The act of giving back never gets old...........................26

CELEBRATING SCRIPPS

Journalism students and alumni reflect for the school's centennial..................................................................28

INSIGHT FROM INTERNS

Various OU students reflect on their internship experiences................................................................................30

Photo Story

(PAINT) BUCKETS OF FUN

Backdrop’s first annual graffiti wall painting........32

Voices

WORKING ON ME

After a history of workaholism, one Backdropper shares how she puts her mental health first...........34