DEAR DIARY Confessions of an introvert
MAGICAL HIDEOUT How to create the den of your dreams
OFF THE SHELF Books to read for a good cry
#01 £4 SPRING 2017
we Hello! Welcome to the very first issue of Wallflower! We're a community built for young female introverts. Here, we inspire you to stand proud and love the fact that you are unique. We’re here to champion young women who think deeply, are fiercely independent and are after meaty content that will make them scream with excitement (internally of course)! We're sure you'll fall in love with our funny, relatable and bold content. Remember, Wallflower is so much more than just a magazine. We are a community, a sisterhood and we welcome you with warm and open arms. Peace and love,
Team Wallflower xxx
Introlife
4 What is an introvert? 11Confessions of an introvert 8 Interview with a beauty queen Culture
7Cancelled plans
20 Reader contribution
22 Book Reviews: Tear jerkers 23 Hidden figures 24 Alternative protesting Lifestyle
14 Build your dream den 18 The perfect night in 19 Get your freak on
Relationships
10 Why so flaky? 12 Would you Bumble? 26 Pets are better than humans EDITORIAL Esther Egbeyemi, Maddy Richards, Megan Davies, Monita Pesumal PRODUCTION Amy Marsden, Kim Kaveh, Maria Aguado, Marian McHugh
What is an
introvert? We’ve all taken a personality test at some time or another, but where does it all stem from? Here’s our rundown of the personality theory that started it all
ABOVE RIGHT The creators of the Myers Briggs test, Katherine (left) and Isabel (right)
“The two believed that knowledge of personality types would help women in the workforce”
T
he Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most popular personality tests, but not many people know its origin. Amidst the perils of the second world war, American mother-daughter team, Katherine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers created the MBTI. Katherine had begun her research into personality in 1917 and after meeting her future son-in-law, she noticed that he had different personality traits to that of her family. Following the release of the English translation of Carl Jung’s book, Psychological Types, in 1923, Katherine identified similarities between Carl’s theory and her own. She began to study Carl’s work, focusing on both human behaviour and the theory of psychological types for practical use. She was joined in her studies by her daughter Isabel, who became an apprentice for a personnel manager of a bank in Philadelphia, Edward Hay.
He later started one of the first successful personnel consulting firms in America. Through Edward, Isabel learned how to construct personality tests. This was vital, as neither Isabel nor her mother had any formal training in psychology. However, they were both self-taught in psychometric testing, the art of measuring personality traits and intellectual abilities. Katherine and Isabel began developing the MBTI during the second world war. They believed that the knowledge of personality types would help women who, for the first time, would be entering the industrial workforce. They hoped employers would use the test results to match each woman with the best possible job for her personality, improving performance and strengthening the war effort. It just goes to show, that with a little bit of hard work, introverts really can change the world!
BELOW: We at Wallflower always practice what we preach, so we took the test ourselves! Here are our types:
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MARIAN
KIM
MADDY
MONITA
EXTROVERTS INTROVERTS
So... which type are you? ISTJ
INFJ
ISTP
INFP
ISFJ
INTJ
ISFP
INTP
ESTP
ENFP
ESTJ
ENFJ
ESFP
ENTP
ESFJ
ENTJ
Quietly systematic, factual, organised, logical, detailed, responsible, critical, conservative, decisive and stable
Quietly intense, insightful, creative, sensitive, seeks harmony, growth, serious, persevering and inspiring.
Warm, sympathetic, detailed, dependable, organised, thorough, realistic, caring, practical, stable and helpful.
Innovative, logical, seeks understanding, critical, decisive, independent, determined and pursues improvement.
Active, easygoing, pragmatic, direct, realistic, adventurous, efficient, analytical, spontaneous and adventurous.
Energetic, sociable, friendly, caring, open, enthusiastic, adaptable, observant, hands-on, generous and fun-loving.
Enthusiastic, imaginative, creative, warm, individualistic, insightful, caring, optimistic, playful and spontaneous.
Energetic, inventive, abstract, logical, analytical, complex, ingenious, adaptable, global, enthusiastic and independent.
Logical, analytical, adaptable, curious, cool, problem-solver, realistic, hands-on, exact, adventurous and independent.
Gentle, caring, compassionate, modest, adaptable, visionary, idealistic, loyal, helpful, patient and spontaneous.
Logical, assertive, fact-loving, decisive, practical, systematic, takes charge, concrete, and critical.
Actively sociable, warm, caring, empathetic, practical, responsible, loyal, conscientious, and appreciative.
Calming, creative, compassionate, idealistic, empathetic, inquisitive, enjoys writing, independent and adaptable.
Logical, analytical, objective, critical, ingenious, complex, wants understanding, questioning, curious and intellectual.
Sociable, enthusiastic, expressive, warm, idealistic, insightful, cooperative, tactful, imaginative, and conscientious.
Driven, a planner, decisive, conceptual, strategic, systematic, assertive, critical, logical, organised, pursues achievement.
Take the Myers Briggs test yourself at 16personalities.com
MARIA
AMY
ESTHER
MEGAN
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ave you ever made plans to H catch up with your friends, then wanted to cancel when the time comes?
Feel you’re using the same excuses all the time? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
“My cat is
REALLY POORLY have to look after him”
and I
Cats are life. Enough said.
We’ve all been there; we enthusiastically agree to meet with friends over the weekend and then... we realise that we can’t actually be bothered. There’s often no real reason behind it, it just sort of happens. What do you do in those situations? Do you panic? Do you grudgingly go anyway? Nope, there’s absolutely no need for all that. Here are some totally believable and 100% fool-proof ways to get out of those mustmiss events.
“The only clothes I own are pyjamas” Since it’s not yet socially acceptable to walk around in them, we’re afraid you’ll have to stay indoors.
Cancelled Plans
(good) excuses for bailing out on friends Your cut out ‘n’ keep guide!
“I have to finish this book before tomorrow, and I’m only
halfway through” Everybody knows how hard it is to start a book, only to have to put it back down again.
“I only had
two hours
of sleep last night”
Nobody wants to hang around with a tired friend and everybody knows how important sleep is.
very important phone call that “I’m due a
I can’t cancel”
This one is bound to get you out of plans. That phone call must be really important, especially as your friends already know that you hate speaking on the phone.
“I have a
highly contagious
infection”
If they still want you to come out then are they even your real friends, though?
Beauty is in the eye of
the beholder
Despite being an introvert, 24-year-old Erica Henderson is a model, successful blogger, vlogger and has just entered the Miss Wales pageant – now nothing can get in her way
When did you first realise you were an introvert?
From a very young age (maybe around six), I loved to sing and dance. Performing was so much fun for me, but every time I got up in front of people my stage fright was so immense I’d freeze and forget the words! I also remember always wanting to make more friends, but as I approached them, I didn’t have anything to say. I was always the quiet one, roaming the playground all on my own.
How did you get into blogging?
My aunt told me that it might interest me and sent me some blogs to look at. I was 18 and started my first blog, Sushi, turtles and life. It was about different products I’d review, tips and lifestyle posts. Since then, I’ve re-branded to Spinach and Specs which focusses on my life as an optometry student and things I find interesting, but it’s still lifestyle-based. I think my readers like the real side of people.
What made you enter Miss Wales?
A few girls from my high school had entered and they did really well. One won Miss Cardiff and another Miss Wales! It looked like a lot of fun and I love new experiences. They do a lot of work for charity, build confidence and it’s all very glam. What’s not to love? I thought I’d give it a try and I got through to the finals! You never know unless you try.
Has your life changed since then? If so, how?
It has. In a short time, my confidence has received a massive boost. I push myself a lot more and I’ve met lots of different girls from different
backgrounds. Where they’ve come from and how they’ve grown from adversity is really inspiring. I had a chance to attend several socials with the girls and our sponsor and I even got to model at Cardiff Fashion Week, which was a dream come true for me.
What has been your most inspiring moment or significant achievement to date?
My most significant achievement was overcoming my anxiety and depression. The worst of it lasted a few years and severely obstructed my studies. I remember waiting and waiting for the results. The day I got into Optometry school, opening my exam marks, I was so nervous. My heart was in my throat. I got what I needed, cried and immediately phoned my mum.
Who are you closest to in the world and why?
I think it’s true for most girls – my mum! She really is the rock in my life. I go to her with all my problems and I’m lucky to have her there to listen. What I love the most is that as I’ve grown up and become an adult, our relationship has been able to grow. I love to share new experiences with her, we go on dinner dates and even to the spa. Our favourite thing though, is chatting over a cup of tea or 10! We’ll sit in the kitchen for hours, just catching up.
To find out more about Erica, her beautiful life and what she gets up to, pay her a visit at:
spinachandspecs.co.uk
M
eet 25-year-old IT programmer Uuchey (the extrovert) and 23-year-old student Vivienne (the introvert). This pair are a real dream team, but like most couples, they’re also pretty different. Introverts are notoriously flaky, but in this relationship, the roles are reversed! We had a chat with the couple to find out their thoughts on their similarities, differences and Uuchey bailing out on Vivienne!
Vivienne
Uuchey
When he flakes out on me, it’s annoying because although the quiet nights in, watching movies and enjoying one another’s company is something I could never decline, it’s not everyday that we do Netflix.
I’m flaky because I prefer bringing the party to me rather than going out for a party. I love the comfort of my own home. Honestly, anything else is a bit of a stress for me!
I enjoy trying new things, going on new adventures and exploring new places. Going to gigs, jazz bars and quirky cafés are just a few of the things I like to do as often as I can.
On the occasions when we do go out and socialise with friends, I appear more “outgoing” than she does. I can be the talkative one, the party starter, the extrovert. Let’s just say you’re likely to hear my laughter in a crowded room.
But he can be a stay-at-home kind of guy which often leaves me doing these activities alone, or in the company of my girlfriends. We’ve found a happy medium, it’s what suits us — but like I said, it’s not to stay indoors every day.
It may appear to most like I’m the extrovert in the relationship, but the reality is that we’re both extroverted at different times and in different social situations. I think we complement each other in that respect.
In conversation:
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Photograph: Vivienne Wokoma
“Why so flaky?”
Confessions of an introvert:
Running with Introference
We introverts do our best to engage in conversation. But when the train to Tangent City pulls up, we just can’t help but climb on board. By Wallflower reader Cass Jones
I
f I had one unit of first world currency for every time I was told to ”stop thinking too deeply,” I’d be making it rain, Kanye knows. If you’re a deep thinker, chances are most of your social interactions are spent inside your own head. You’re there in body but not so much in everything else. It’s also likely you’re a fan of your own company and are all too familiar with what I like to call “introference.” This is best described as the ongoing internal monologue punctuated by occasional breaches into what mindfully-present mortals call “waking reality.” It doesn’t take much. A well-placed buzzword in murmured conversation and even the most well-meaning, focused attempts to remain in the moment are thwarted by those delicate whispers of the inner voice. Before you know it, we’re off to Tangent City. Allow me to illustrate: Introvera (not her real name) is at a bar with people. People she’s likely turned down at least five times before showing up. People whose calls she lets ring before calling — wait…what am I saying? — texting back. They sit around a table, chatting animatedly as the second round is poured. Vera, being quiet, is likely on her third. When aware of any attention, she smiles and reaches for the snacks: dispelling any concern, discouraging any engagement. The quiet, awkward smile acts as a two-way mirror on the escalated brain traffic brought about by her current situation. Behind the smile, however, the brain train is on full-crank.
Introference:In life? Or at this table? Vera: (Groan)
Vera (to table): (awkward smile) Vera ( to self): Idiot. Introference: Woah! Self-love. Vera: Ugh! New age bullsh*t. Can’t believe I just went there. I have got to stop trolling. Introference: They see me trolling, they hatin’. Vera: Shut the – Ohhhh, totes déjà vu...what was that movie about anyway? Introference: Popcorn! Table: Hey Vera, you want another round? Vera (to table): Sure why, not. Thanks. You were saying?
“Wait. What was he saying about his dead... hamster?”
Vera (to self): Wait. What was he saying… about his dead… hamster? Should I get another drink? Introference: Popcorn! Vera: Dammit! Missed it again. I’m the worst! Introference: Popcorn…. Arrivals: Tangent City, Passenger 1. So there you have it. The curse of introference. It’s not that we’re not interested in what others have to say, it’s just that…wait, what was I talking about?
Image vecteezy.com
Vera: What the hell am I doing here?
Friend: You okay?
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Would you Bum Wallflower Megan Davies shares her first Bumble dating experience
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably downloaded and deleted almost every dating app out there. These apps usually all have one thing in common; the creepy chat up lines. After years (yes, years-don’t judge) of being on dating sites, I’ve never been on an actual date. The truth is, I’m getting bored of speaking to guys and being too shy to meet them. Does anybody else do this too? We’ve heard so many success stories from online dating, so I decided to step out of my comfort zone and actually go on a first date. I downloaded Bumble – the “Feminist Tinder” - which gives us women the power to choose who we talk to. It still involves swiping left or right, but it’s up to the woman to message first within a 24-hour time frame, or else the match will disappear. For women interested in women, you both have 24 hours to make the first move.
Photo credits: Rebecca Cherrett, Georga Allan, Hannah griffiths, pixabay.com
February 3rd: After a bit of Dutch courage (a double gin & tonic), I set up a new profile. After 20 minutes of swiping, I receive a notification: “It’s a match!”
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Meet Clint, 22, a 6ft rugby player who describes himself as a “foodie”. He has a photo cuddling his dog; good so far! Except the name…Who looks at a baby and says, “You suit a Clint.” Can’t hold this against him though, I’m not Katie Hopkins. I make my move: “If you could invite a guest to dinner–dead or alive – who would you choose and why?” I hope he says someone like Rosa Parks rather than Jodie Marsh. “Hey. I would say my nan. She’s passed now but I would love to have dinner with her to catch up!” OMG, how cute! Conversation flows nicely until bedtime. February 17th: We have been talking for two weeks now. We talk all day about nothing. Small talk… quite tiring. Today he asks if we can meet at a Costa nearest me. I agree and we plan for tomorrow. I have nervous butterflies when he asks because this is the point at which I will purposely let things fizzle out. I deep condition my hair, put on a chocolate-flavoured face mask (it smells nicer than it tastes) and paint my nails red, because men
are apparently attracted to the colour red. I’ve decided to go casual: skinny jeans, a plain white t-shirt with a red jacket and my Converse, which need a clean. I can’t stop worrying about tomorrow. I keep replaying scenarios in my head: What if he isn’t who he says he is? What if he doesn’t talk at all? What if there are lots of awkward silences? Bed time. February 18th: I am meeting Clint in 3 hours and I’m so nervous. I can’t even tie my laces properly. I can’t stop shaking or sweating. I have half an hour until I get there. Wish me luck…
“I got there and waited patiently whilst checking our Bumble conversation every two minutes” Later the same day: I’m home and thank goodness for that. I got there and sat patiently whilst checking our Bumble conversation every 2 minutes to make sure he hadn’t cancelled. He walked through the door 15 minutes late. He strolled over to me and gave me the most awkward hug ever. He did offer to buy me a coffee though. I asked for a small latte. He sat down and the first thing he said was, “Are you glad I turned up, then?” I was still far too nervous to come up with any witty comeback, so I just smiled. We spoke for a while about our days and things seemed really awkward. Constant small-talk and nothing that really kickstarted a good conversation. I asked if he read any books and he said, “Don’t be silly, I haven’t read a book since GCSE.” He didn’t seem too keen to impress me. At times nerves sometimes got the better of me, too. He asked me what my favourite colour was. I said blue. My favourite colour is purple – I was just very nervous and it was the first colour that popped into my head. At one point I felt so awkward at one point during a 10-second silence that I had to go to the toilet. As I got up, my chair made
Meet Hannah. Hannah is 23 from South Wales and is a serial Bumble dater. Although she is yet to find the one, she says she is, “Having fun trying and enjoying all of the free food.”
ble? Meet Georgia and Simon. They both had many mutual friends but had never actually met each other. Since their first date, they have been inseparable and Simon says, “There’s a stigma attached to online dating. But when you find the one you don’t care about what other people think.”
Meet Rebecca, soon to be Mrs. Parker. She met her fiance Luke on Bumble and they have since bought a home. Rebecca said, “If it wasn’t for Bumble, I wouldn’t have found the one!”
the loudest squeak and everybody looked at me. I had the chance to gather my thoughts and decided I was not into this guy at all! On my return he was on the phone to someone. I sat down and waited a whole 15 minutes for him to stop talking about getting “rat-arsed” tonight. Charming. I couldn’t bear much longer so I told Clint I needed to get home for tea but thanked him for my latte. He got up with me, gave me another very awkward hug and said, “I’m sure I will see you around”. February 19th: Clint texted me at 9am as per usual and asked if I was free again tonight as he’d enjoyed the date. Enjoyed the date! Was he on the same date as me? I couldn’t lead him on and had to tell the truth in the nicest way possible: “Sorry I’m just not that into you.” I haven’t heard from him since and he deleted me off Facebook. Oops. I don’t think the online dating thing is for me. I hate small talk and I hate feeling awkward, both common features of first dates with someone you don’t know. I think it is safe to say I will be deleting the dating apps once and for all.
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HOW TO:
Build your dream den
Illustrations: freepik.com
Everyone needs their own private haven – to make your own, you can’t go wrong with a trip to IKEA
1.
2.
Little extras Adding a little flair to your den’s table isn’t too difficult – just a little candle or a wicker basket can make the inside of your haven infinitely more inviting. Try this DRUVFLÄDER basket - £8 (1), or this gorgeous FORMLIG candle £6 (2) for a bit of warmth
T
here’s nothing us Wallflowers like more than a cosy night in, catching up on our favourite Netflix series and eating junk food. In fact, there’s only one thing that could make a night like this even better: a comfy den to enjoy it in. Imagine curling up in a secret little spot, surrounded by your essentials, kitted out in your favourite PJs, and never having to leave. A place with fairy lights everywhere, cute little cushions, and a fluffy blanket to keep you warm. Bliss. We decided to create our own Wallflower den and where better to start than IKEA? We got in contact with our local branch and they were kind enough to let us have free rein in the store. Just picture it, rifling through their products in order to make the perfect den. On arrival, we had a quick pit stop at the café to refuel — you can’t go to IKEA and not try their famous meatballs — and we were off! To say we were like kids in a candy shop would be an understatement; it was homeware heaven. Here are some of the treasures we found on our quest to create the perfect den.
Illustrations: freepik.com
3.
4.
Shelf space Whoever said less is more is obviously wrong; a little greenery and style goes a long way. A simple flower basket lightens up the atmosphere instantly. Try this CLUSIA potted plant (3) - £3.50 each, paired with FEJKA white orchids (4) - £10, for a winning combination
Wonderwall Try this RÖRD frame - £15 (5), and make yourself some pretty DIY origami cranes to hang from it.
5. Illustrations: freepik.com
An intricate wall hanging can give your den a much homier feel and add some instant interest. Hang things to your heart’s content!
Pamper night e all need some time to W spoil ourselves so we have created the perfect pamper
night in for those who have had a stressful day. We’ve tried and tested as many things as humanly possible to ensure we recommend you the BEST products that will make you feel human again in no time.
1
Dressing gown
2
Skin
Nothing says relax and pamper yourself quite like a cosy dressing gown. Step away from the one your grandma bought you 10 years ago and treat yourself to a Ted Baker gown. This super soft gown keeps you warm and is very gentle on the skin
After a long day there’s no better feeling than rubbing off your make up. Clinique Clarifying lotion is a life saver. Once you’ve added some to your cotton pad and rubbed all over your face, your face will feel super clean and fresh.
3
Nails
4
Tan
Look no further than Roccoco Nail Apparel for their incredible nail-varnish range. These nail-varnishes are difficult to chip and their colour are to die for! We recommend pink to make the boys wink!
Photo credit: Pixabay, Kim Kaveh
From extra light to extra dark, He-Shi tan has it all. From mists, lotions and foams they apply so evenly that you don’t have to
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worry about those streaky finishes.
5
Hair
Aussie miracle insurance spray has us addicted from the first spray. The amazing floral scent leaves you like the lady from the herbal essence advert, but even louder! Your hair will shine and and feel healthier in no time.
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Reader Contribution
You: a short story by Rosie Gailor
a chance encounter on a train leads to sudden obsession for one commuter
Y
“I pictured you sleeping, your body partially covered by the sheets”
fingernails were painted – as red as Snow White’s ruby lips – and they stood out against the dull pages. Your hair – as brown as rich mahogany – was in soft curls draped around your face and neck. You wore a sheer white shirt buttoned only to your bosom, with a delicate gold chain hanging around your neck. The skin on your bare chest had three moles (one on your collarbone, one on the base of your neck and one on the crease between your breasts). You had on a navy skirt, hugging your waist, with a delicate polka dot pattern around the top. I could see your navel just above it, through your shirt. You had an outwardly protruding bellybutton. It was unusual. I liked it. You had a small flake of pastry, presumably from lunch, on your skirt. I had to thrust my hands into my pockets to resist the urge to wipe it away, to have it stick to my skin before it fell to the floor. On the bare skin of my forearm I could feel the warmth radiating from your body. My hairs stood on end. You pretended not to notice our sudden closeness; you kept your eyes fixed on your book. All the while my skin itched to be touched by yours, silky and smooth and soft. Out of the corner of my eye I saw you glance at me, before crossing one leg over the other, gently nudging my shin with your foot. “Sorry,” you smiled. Time stood still. Your eyes lit up, like someone holding a leaf up to the sun. Your eyes were bloodshot. Were you tired? Had you been crying? I wanted to reach out and place my hand on your shoulder, but I didn’t. There were speckles of black around the outer rim of your irises, like shadows in a misty field. You had uneven eyebrows: one had a slightly higher arch than the other. It was endearing. You had one, two, three, four, five freckles subtly placed on the bridge of your nose.
Images vecteezy.com
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ou came out of the blue, like a firework that caught me off guard, just as you took a sip of your beer and, startled, spilt it down your white shirt. You looked like a child with the inability to control the direction of a bottle. You’d taken the seat next to me on the train. The conductor spoke through the sound system: expected delays; they were doing what they could; they’d keep us updated; there was coffee available in carriage H. It was then that you tore your eyes away from your tattered book and looked at me as if to say, “Trains, eh?” You smelt of perfume and paint – a smell I have yet to forget. When I close my eyes to think back to that moment, to remember the exact tint of auburn in your hair, the precise number of freckles on your cheeks. That smell rises up again, so thick I can almost drink it. The elderly woman opposite us snored a little in her sleep. I wished that you’d make eye contact with me again, that I had someone to laugh with. We could have been like two children, hiding our mockery behind innocently evil smiles. Couldn’t we have done that? But, no, your eyes continued to look downwards, seemingly mesmerised by a wonderfully worn novel. What was it? I should’ve asked. Up until that moment, I’d never before taken notice of strangers, beautiful or not, on any street or train or bus. It just wasn’t something that I did. But with you...well, you changed everything. In the split second that my eyes met yours I was hooked. That was all it took – one second. And I bet you didn’t even have a clue. I didn’t know what to do with myself; I couldn’t peel my eyes away. I studied you. Your eyes – as green as Oz’s Emerald City and twice as sparkling – scanned the pages in front of you. Your left hand was holding the book, your right was cupped under your chin, propping up your head.
Your thick, full lips framed your straight teeth. Did that happen naturally or did you used to have braces? The image of you as a teenager with braces and greasy skin brought a smile to my face. You turned away then, taking my smile as a response. I kicked myself inwardly, desperately searching for another way to explore your eyes for rogue traces of blue and grey, to examine your uneven hairline, to memorise the dimples in your cheeks. As the train suddenly darkened and we went through a tunnel, the window acted as a mirror. You lifted your head to look outside, almost as a favour to me, as if you sensed I wasn’t done appraising you. Even seen the wrong way round, your face was so beautiful. You tucked your hair behind your ear, revealing a pair of stud earrings. They were transparent gemstones made of either glass or diamond, the reflection wasn’t clear enough to be sure. As you were looking at your reflection – oh, if I could be the mirror to cast your likeness – your eyes met mine. Your eyes looked away, hurriedly, like a sound being hushed before it had time to fully resonate. There was something about you that felt familiar, like a face in a crowd that you recognise from somewhere you can’t remember, but in a flash the face is gone while the image remains, burnt into the back of the mind as if it had been dreamt into existence. A small, smelly man in a blue uniform approached our table, asking to inspect our tickets. Mine were stored in my breast pocket, whereas you had kept yours in your purse, thrown into your bag and tucked away under your seat. It was charming to see you rummage through your bag, like a child eagerly opening Christmas presents. The malodorous ticket inspector sighed with impatience. I shot him a glare. He rolled his eyes as you timidly handed over your train tickets. “Sorry,” you whispered. Indignantly, I withheld eye contact as I passed my tickets over, then my left hand
outstretched, awaiting the return of them, newly-stamped. I peeked at you as you tidied your belongings away, flustered, your cheeks flushed red. I wanted to smile at you, reassure you, calm you, but you were too busy hiding away your clothes into your bag. Was that real leather? Splashes of red cotton, blue silk, grey linen spilled out from the opening of the holdall, skirts and jumpers and underwear. I imagined you trying them all on, twirling around in slow-motion, revealing your skin then covering it with another item of clothing: now long, now short; now there, now not. I pictured you sleeping, partially covered by your sheets, your hair strewn across the mattress below you, legs akimbo, eyes shut, mouth parted, breathing quietly. A blurry voice transmitted through the air: the train would be arriving shortly at the next stop; please remember your luggage; connecting trains are all on time; thank you for travelling with us. You looked at me as if to say, “Better get comfortable, we’ve a long way to go.” I blinked, stupefied by the wrinkles fanning out from the corners of your mouth. But then you started putting on your coat. My brows knitted in confusion. Were you cold? Were you going to get some of the coffee available in carriage H? You stood, picked up your book, and marked the page before packing it into the front pocket of your bag. How could you? You carelessly threw the strap over your shoulder, before giving me the same look as before. This time your uneven eyebrows were raised higher, your dry lips pursed tighter, saying something different, saying, “Well, this is my stop.” How could you? I swung my legs sideways to grant you access to the aisle. The smell of perfume and paint clawed over me, clinging to my skin. Your coat touched my hand; colder, harsher than your body which was now obscured from view. Your threadbare bag jolted my shoulder on your way past. “Sorry,” you said.
R e v i e w s Get ready to be punched in the feels with these tear-jerking novels Room by Emma Donoghue
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
Room tells the story of five-year-old Jack who was born and raised in a shed measuring 11x11 feet.
In 1942, Bruno moves with his family to a house near a concentration camp. Shmuel and his family are confined to the camp. One day, while out exploring, Bruno meets Shmuel. They share their first handshake through a barbed wire fence.
Unknown to Jack, his mother, Ma, is being held captive by Old Nick, Jack’s biological father. Jack and Ma share a bed, bathtub, small television and a barely functional kitchen. Light gets into the tiny room through a small skylight. At night, Ma shuts Jack safely in the wardrobe, coaxing him to sleep, because that’s when Old Nick visits. While Room is essentially a prison for Ma, for little Jack, it’s his entire world. It’s where he eats, plays, studies and whiles away his days. He knows nothing of the outside world other than what Ma has taught him. Inanimate objects like the bed, chairs and plants are his only friends. He greets them each morning, and bids them goodnight, before he turns in. Room is one of those books that will impact you in a way where you learn to appreciate and value your freedom. Wallflower sob rating: 8/10
The story depicts the innocence of children in the midst of violence, cruelty and antisemitism. Though the two are physically separated by the fence and their environments couldn’t be more different, their lives become deeply entangled. However, there are certain situations that Bruno cannot process. Why is everyone on Shmuel’s farm wearing identical striped pyjamas? And why can’t he leave the farm to play? This tale of friendship will tug on your heartstrings and leave you devastated. Wallflower sob rating: 7/10
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes Louisa Clark is a witty, perky, small town girl who has just lost her job in a café. In a bid to find another, she lands a new role as a caregiver to Will Traynor who is paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. Will is cynical and hates the attention that Louisa showers on him as part of her duties. As the story unfolds, we learn that he is determined to go to Switzerland to commit assisted suicide to escape the pain of his disabilities.
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Louisa and Will share their first date with a visit to the opera, where Will tells Louisa he doesn’t want the night to end. It’s a pognant moment as you know it won’t last because of Will’s wish to die. Wallflower sob rating: 9/10
Portrait Robin Stott, Retusj Flickr.com
From walks in the park to attending concerts to holidaying together, their relationship grows over time until it’s clear that Louisa is in love.
Hidden Figures: Rosalind Franklin The heartbreaking tale of the forgotten woman behind the structure of DNA
D
o you remember when your annoying shoolfriend would copy your answers for the homework? The teacher would ask her for the answer and when she got it right, she basked in all the glory. Frustrating, wasn’t it? Well, just imagine if you were the one to discover the structure of DNA and your colleagues were rewarded for it while you were erased from history. Although Rosalind Franklin had been relegated to the background of scientific history, her work on DNA was crucial to the discovery of its famous double helix structure.
A rising genius
Rosalind was born in London in 1920 to a family who valued the importance of education, and so at the age of 18 she started studying physics and chemistry at Newnham Women’s College at Cambridge University. After university, she started her PhD thesis on the porosity of coal after working for the British Coal Utilisation Research Association. She was an avid traveller, and her academic work allowed her to see the world as a guest speaker at international conferences. In 1947, she moved to Paris as a postdoctoral researcher became an expert in X-ray crystallography. Four years later, she moved back to London and started work in King’s College where she met physicist Maurice Wilkins. The two worked together, trying to uncover the structure of DNA. However, a misunderstanding caused friction between them and their working relationship began to deterioriate. This conflict led each to work in relative solation and, while this
“Imagine if you were the one to discover the structure of DNA and your colleagues were rewarded for it while you were erased from history”
was fine with introverted Rosalind, Maurice sought to find some company from his friend, molecular biologist and biophysicist Francis Crick.
Rosalind was robbed!
Francis was working on building a model of the DNA molecule with geneticist James Watson and, unknown to Rosalind, Maurice showed both of them some of her unpublished data. One of the photos that Francis and James saw was Rosalind’s “Photo 51,” which was an X-ray diffraction picture of a DNA molecule whose pattern was a double helix. With help from this photo, James and Francis created their famous DNA model and Rosalind’s contribution went unnoticed. She later moved to Birkbeck College in London where she started working on structures of the tobacco mosaic virus and travelled the world talking about her passion: coal structures. Sadly, just as her career was taking off, her life was cut short when she tragically died in 1958 from ovarian cancer, at the age of just 37. In 1962, James Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering the structure of DNA. As the Nobel prize can only be awarded to the living, Rosalind’s role in this monumental discovery was not acknowledged. Nor was due credit given to her by the three men for many years. In his memoir, James credited her work in the formation of the double helix structure. In 2015, Nicole Kidman portrayed her in a West End, Photograph 51. Today, Rosalind Franklin is finally getting the recognition she deserves.
Stand up and be counted! Marching may be the most common way of protesting, but that doesn’t mean it is the only way to get your message heard
Image P24 flickr.com
Image P25 Wikicommons
B
oy oh boy, what an age we live in! We’re swamped by technology, everything is so fricking fast and politics is hella crazy right now. The history books provide us with tons of knowledge about important political and social movements that took place during the last century, from the suffragettes who fought hard for women’s rights, to the Civil Rights Movement where African Americans campaigned tirelessly in order to gain equality with their white counterparts. Protesting has been an extremely powerful tool in the past and now, perhaps more than ever in this century, we really need it. Events like Brexit, President Trump’s election, police brutality in America and the wars in Aleppo and other parts of the Middle East have provided a platform for blatant racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia and religious intolerance. And it’s just not on. There’s a growing importance for us as people to stand together in solidarity and challenge the promotion of certain ideologies and activities head on. Sana Abubaker, a 22-year-old trainee journalist and seasoned protester says, “There are countless examples of when people have protested and it worked. Protesting is part of your democratic right. If there’s something you’re not happy about, you should be allowed to go onto the street and say ‘I’m not happy about this’.” Sana has gotten involved in numerous protests, from campaigning against the burkini ban in France to the Women’s March and protest against Donald Trump’s immigration ban which both took place earlier this year. There’s a real power in people coming together. However, it’s not all the time that we can attend group protests. There might be impracticalities when it comes to location, time or maybe physically going out and showing your support just isn’t you. Whatever it might be, every single one of us has a voice that deserves to be heard. More importantly, self expression doesn’t have to be done conventionally. Here are five alternative ways that you can protest and still have an impact.
Attend a silent protest
If chants and verbal expression of your views isn’t your thing, why not try out a silent protest? With these events, your presence is the most important thing. So much can be said by not uttering a word.
Social Media
Make your social media a propaganda machine.T here are lots of platforms providing us with opportunities to express ourselves. Don’t be afraid to tell the world what’s on your mind. Connect and engage with like-minded people and see how much influence can come from it.
Write for a paper or magazine
Words are an incredibly powerful thing and journalism has historically been seen as a fundamental vehicle in inciting change. Got something to say about an issue? Put it into words and see if you can get it published or, better still, publish it on your own platform!
Get deep with friends
Social gatherings present a brilliant opportunity for you and your friends to discuss where you stand on certain things going on in the world. You’ll all leave more enlightened, challenged and motivated to share what you’ve learnt with others.
Create things
Have a go at taking pictures, creating some cartoons if you’re an illustrator (satirical artwork is most definitely hot right now), make a video, design some graphics to put on leaflets or posters. It may sound clichéd but the possibilities are truly endless!
“every single one of us has a voice that deserves to be heard”
Pets are better than Humans:
Goldfish v Tortoises We all have friends who demand loads of our time, give us unnecessary “banter” and pile on the boy drama. Don’t you just wish you could swap them for an animal friend? Well, you can! But which one is best...?
Goldfish
D
uring spawning, a female goldfish can lay over 1,000 eggs in one go, so it’s no wonder why they’re the most popular aquarium fish! Watching a goldfish in its tank can be a very mindful activity for those who are stressed. Here are some reasons we believe fish are better than humans:
1. They don’t make any noise, great for when you want some peace and quiet
2. They’re tranquil and relaxing 3. They’re easily replaceable, so your niece won’t know the difference
4. They don’t bite or scratch
Tortoises
1. They’re easy to catch when they run away 2. They existed at the same time as dinosaurs! 3. They’re cheap to care for and easy to clean 4. You’ll never have to read your tortoise a bedtime story
test to discover the ultimate furry, feathery, or scaly friend!
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Images pixabay.com
Next issue: we put two more pets to the
Photograph: Deathtostock.photo
Why wouldn’t you want a pet that lives for generations? A tortoise is a perfect pet for those who are anxious about having animals around the house. These happy herbivores are easy to handle and don’t demand much of your time. Perfecto. Here are some reasons we believe tortoises are better than humans:
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Wallflower ˈwɔːlflaʊə/ noun
1. A young woman who is intelligent, reflective, fiercely independent and completely owns her unique qualities. She doesn’t attempt to follow the crowd but instead paves her own way. 2. Informal A total badass.