December 2017 – South Hill Revival | IC Distinct Magazine

DISTINCT December 2017

SOUTH HILL REVIVAL

GENDER NEUTRAL FASHION

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FASHION INDEPENDENCE

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SWEATER WEATHER

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SIMPLE SKINCARE

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MAKEUP REMOVAL

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HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS

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SOUTH HILL REVIVAL

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THE RED RUP DEBACLE

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DECEMBER 2

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

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SUICIDE PREVENTION

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HOW TO GO VEGAN

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BE LIKE OTHER PEOPLE

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STUDENT ACTIVISM

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COLLEGE THEN VS. NOW

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sara Belcher FASHION EDITOR Tara Stacy BEAUTY EDITOR Akili Dorsey-Bell LIFESTYLE EDITOR Meredith Nash HEALTH & FITNESS EDITOR Madison Barlow CULTURE EDITOR Kalia Kornegay

COPY EDITORS Deanna Wetmore Grace Dexter Nicole Brokaw Sydney Joyce Danielle Gazda Alexandria Logedo DESIGN Sara Belcher Brent Ferguson Eliza Lopes Sydney Matzko FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR Anna D'Arcy

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS Alessia DiNunno Devin Kasparian

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Raquel Borges

LOOKBOOK COORDINATOR Brent Ferguson

SECRETARY Stephanie Cordova Rodriguez

LOOKBOOK FASHION DIRECTOR Sarah Carrillo HEAD OF COPY Annika Kushner ART DIRECTOR Courtney Yule

FACULTY ADVISOR Katie Marks COVER PHOTO Brent Ferguson

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Reader, You’re likely picking up this issue of Distinct around one of the most stressful times of any college semester — finals. One of the (hopefully only) two times of the semester that every professor has an assignment or test within the same week.

Recently, I read an article from Thought Catalogue about self-care, and the idea that it isn’t what we’re glorifying it to be. See, self-care isn’t all about face masks and bath bombs and an extra slice of chocolate cake. Self-care is about doing the things that need to be done, so you can take better care of yourself. It’s not what social media makes it out to be — it’s the dirty behind the scenes that no one wants to deal with.

While it’s important to remember to take time for yourself, sometimes walking away from everything isn’t enough.

And, unfortunately, finals aren’t something you can just walk away from. Ignoring them won’t make your life any easier and procrastinating further is going to undo all of the self-care your hour-long bubble bath did. Right now, self-care is doing what you need to do right now.

Instead of going out one night, spend that Friday night making a plan for how you’re going to tackle your final semesterly tasks. Set daily goals for yourself so you’re not overwhelmed all at once. Instead of having that extra slice of cake in the dining hall, grab a healthy snack and some water to ensure you have the energy to stay up a little later while you work on your paper. Instead of watching Netflix after class, start studying when you get back to your room — and watch Netflix once you’re done studying.

I’m not saying don’t do the things you enjoy just because it’s finals — just don’t do them exclusively over the things that will really help you take care of yourself. Put on a face mask while you look over your notes the night before a test, plan out your day so you can get eight hours of sleep, and plan a study session with friends instead of a dinner out with friends. Self-care isn’t all about the Instagrammable moments, but about doing the things that will actually make you feel good. You can still do your trendy self-care routine, just pair it with something that will actually help you prepare for finals.

It’s likely your anxiety and depression will peak during these crucial times of the semester, so prepare your support system ahead of time if possible. If you can make a CAPS appointment before or during finals week, I highly encourage it. You can also seek off-campus resources now, so you’ll be ready to go into the hell that is finals. If therapy isn’t your thing — or you don’t have the resources — talk to some close friends or family members about potentially being there. Set up a nightly phone call with your mom to vent, or plan to do your work with a friend who can be there for you if you start to feel especially anxious.

At the end of the day, self-care is so much more than posed legs in a bath bomb-filled tub, or a book in bed while wearing ridiculously high socks. Self-care is sitting down with yourself and planning out what’s best for you — what will actually help you at the end of the day. You might not be able to Instagram it, but you’ll thank yourself for planning ahead.

Take care of yourself this finals season. And remember this: Even our worst days only have 24 hours. You can do it.

Sincerely,

Sara Belcher

IC Distinct MagazineEditor in Chief

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FLUID FASHION HOW THE GENDER BINARY IS BREAKING DOWN WRITTEN BY: KELLY CARBERY PHOTOGRAPHY BY: NADIA SISLEY

(Genderfluid is a gender identity which refers to a gender that varies over time. Someone who is genderfluid may at any point in time identify as male, female, any other nonbinary identity, or some combination of identities. Their gender may vary randomly or in response to circumstances in their life. Genderfluid people may also identify as multi-gender, nonbinary, and/or transgender.)

This past New York Fashion Week embodied a millennial mindset of sorts, as many designers chose to blur the lines of gender, in addition to breaking the norm of age and body type on the runway. While binaries are still extremely evident, especially when it comes to fashion, more and more we are seeing the ideas of masculinity and femininity as less binary and more on a spectrum. The distinctions between the opposing identities, which at one point were very clearly laid out, are now up for question.

Rejina Pyo captivated the entire fashion industry this past season with her choice of models in her Spring/Summer 2018 runway show, deciding that half of them would be non-models.

“My customers come in all ages and all ethnicities. Why not show that in my casting?” Pyo said, according an article

by Pandora Sykes on Man Repeller.

This recent flurry of inclusiveness probably shouldn’t seem so groundbreaking, yet it feels that way. We saw women in their seventies, trans women, women of color, various body shapes and sizes, a woman in a hijab, and even a pregnant woman on the runway this season. Elizabeth Paton of The New York Times told Man Repeller, “There is a degree of attention-seeking behavior to ‘alternative’ casting, but we are pushing for greater diversity; and this is a good way to do that.” Attention-seeking or not, there was a noticeable shift in the industry that will hopefully become the new norm.

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Of course, there is a right and wrong way to go about portraying gender fluidity in the media. The most recent and widely known example of an effort gone awry was the Vogue cover featuring Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid. They were dressed in fashions meant to challenge the existing gender norms with good intentions in mind. Where it went wrong, was when Vogue portrayed Gigi and Zayn as faces of the genderfluid community, one which they do not identify with.

“The story was intended to highlight the impact the genderfluid, nonbinary communities have had on fashion and culture,” Vogue said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight.

“We are very sorry the story did not correctly reflect that spirit — we missed the mark.” They did indeed miss the mark, but despite their screw-up, seeing genderfluid fashion on the cover of Vogue is, if anything, a small step in a more accepting direction for those who actually identify with the genderfluid community.

On the other hand, pop culture and celebrity appeal can be beneficial for the gender movement, especially in spreading awareness and promoting acceptance. Miley Cyrus for example, is openly genderfluid, and openly talks about it, among other taboo topics. “I’m just equal,” she told Billboard. “I’m just even.

It has nothing to do with any parts of me or how I dress or how I look. It’s literally just how I feel.” Her carefree and open attitude toward it all normalizes fluidity and makes it a more comfortable thing to talk about. There are also more and more androgynous models and influencers in the media.

I wanted to get some real-life input from someone regarding gender queerness, so I took to Instagram for inspiration. Chella

Man is a deaf, genderqueer artist attending the New School in Manhattan. I found his page just months ago, and he has become one of my biggest influencers when it comes to my own art, as well as one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to gender. Above all that, following his page has opened my eyes to one person’s unique gender journey and educated me on the specifics of transitioning that I wouldn’t have understood as well otherwise.

“MY GENDER JOURNEY IS PERPETUAL”

“My gender journey is perpetual,” Chella Man said of his gender identity. “I don’t think I’ll ever completely arrive at a point that I feel is the end due to my gender simply not being definable.” Chella Man is, of course, only one person out of many on the far-reaching gender spectrum.

I was curious about his take on fashion as a genderqueer individual, and when asked, he said, “My view on fashion has not really shifted much other than wishing there were more nonbinary brands or lines.” Knowing that there was a significant change on the runways this past season gives me hope that the industry will evolve to be more fluid and carry down into smaller retailers, too.

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LEARNING TO BE FASHION INDEPENDENT WRITTEN BY: EMILY CARTWRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: LIBBY COOK

Fashion is one of the most prominent forms of selfexpression. People who exhibit their personal style on a daily basis use it to control (to some extent) how others view them.

Some people pride themselves on their sense of style, while others are unaffected by what they’re wearing — whether it’s a dress and heels or a sweatshirt and leggings. Whatever you’re most comfortable wearing with confidence on a dayto-day basis exhibits fashion independence — meaning you dress for you in your best interest, regardless of what those around you are doing.

If you’re anything like me, what you wear dictates your day — how productive you are, how engaged you are in conversations, and your overall confidence level. If you’re not comfortable or confident, it can be nearly impossible to encourage yourself to raise your hand in class when you know everyone is going to turn their heads and watch you speak. Engaging in conversation and maintaining eye contact with a friend or classmate when you’re concerned about how you look can be such a crippling feeling — especially if you consider yourself a social person.

This feeling of self-consciousness may lead people to accuse you of being materialistic or conceited. Society is at a point where being confident in yourself — not only in what you wear, but in what you do and who you are — is praised.

Everyone wants so badly to feel confident, but some people are too fearful of judgement to actually do so.

This “confidence revolution” is something everyone can take part in, no matter how small the gesture is. If you’re tempted to wear that jacket you’ve stored away in your closet because you don’t know whether or not it’d be “weird” to show up to class in, do it. By doing this, you’re representing your style and what you like. It’s more likely the person you’re

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sitting next to in your lecture is going to throw you a compliment instead of a confused glare. If your friends are loudmouthed and you’re worried about their opinions, take them. When they’re done ranting about what they think, fake a smirk and say something like, “Well, I like it.” People usually get really thrown off by such confidence. Your lack of defense and hurt feelings will probably surprise them, but will gain their respect. You’ll never have to worry about facing the wrath of your peers based on that jacket you love so much ever again.

This theory isn’t saying you need to show up to class in a dress and heels every day (unless that’s what you truly want to do) but rather to dress for yourself instead of what people expect of you. If you consider your style a representation of yourself and you would be more comfortable in a fur coat than a hoodie, go for it. You will most likely feel better about your day and be recognized for your daring sense of style.

If throwing on a pair of jeans instead of your usual leggings and sweatshirt combo will encourage you to go run those errands you’ve been putting off for weeks — do it. Dressing decently every day will encourage you to get out of your room and take on the day, no matter what it demands.

Fashion independence is not necessarily about whether or not you dress “well,” but if you like what you’re wearing and you think it will suit your daily needs. Campus is the best place to explore what you like to wear and what you feel good in. Instead of trying to compete with others, dressing how you feel exemplifies what you stand for and allows you to put your best foot forward each day. College is where we learn our place in society and how we will one day contribute to the world, so why not learn to wear what we love and represent ourselves proudly while we’re here?

“MY PERSONAL STYLE MAKES ME FEEL CONFIDENT BECAUSE I THINK IT LOOKS GOOD AND I KNOW IT LOOKS GOOD AND GENUINELY THAT’S ALL I CARE ABOUT — I ONLY CARE ABOUT MY OWN OPINION.” – CAROLINE WATSON

“I LIKE TO EXPRESS MYSELF THROUGH MY CLOTHES BECAUSE I TRICK MYSELF INTO FEELING CONFIDENT” – EMMA ROTHSCHILD

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SWEATER WEATHER

PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT FERGUSON STYLING BRENT FERGUSON & SARA BELCHER MODELING KELSEY SHARER & ZACH TIDWELL

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A SIMPLIFIED APPROACH TO DAILY SKINCARE WRITTEN BY: SYDNEY MUROKA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: LIBBY COOK

3. SUNSCREEN

Between school, work, extracurriculars, and other daily obligations, it can be difficult to find time to take care of yourself. Self-care is an important practice that can sometimes get pushed to the back of our minds, but it is necessary for you to be your best self on a regular basis. Skin care is an often neglected self-care practice that doesn’t take a lot of time and can really boost your mood. Incorporating it into your daily routine will not only make your skin look great, but you can utilize the process as a small escape from your responsibilities, a short refresher to boost your mood. Some people don’t think they have the time to take care of their skin with their busy schedules, while others are overwhelmed by the seemingly endless aisles of skin care products at the drugstore and don’t know where to begin. Whatever the case, taking care of your skin can be made simple and is something that everyone should prioritize. Here is a simple routine that won’t take you more than five minutes twice a day — it will fit into even the busiest of schedules, and you only need three products!

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but you should be wearing sunscreen every day. Not just on summer days, but every day of the year. The ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer and early signs of aging are not blocked by clouds and are present year-round. Daily sun protection is necessary to prevent damage to the skin. Find yourself a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, making sure to apply and reapply liberally. The key here is to find something you enjoy using so that you will remember to apply it. Daily use is key.

And that’s it! A no-nonsense, bare-bones daily skin care routine for people who want to save time and get back to the basics. Whether you are simplifying your current skincare routine or starting from nothing at all, it is important to understand that your skin is an organ that works to maintain and balance itself. Work with your skin and its natural functions.

Learn what it likes and what it doesn’t by starting at the basics and building from there. Things such as toners, serums, scrubs, and such can be added as you see fit. By starting with a basic routine, you can see what special skin concerns need to be addressed beyond the processes outlined here while saving time and money in the process.

1. CLEANSER (2X DAILY)

During the day, your face accumulates bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and old skin cells. Cleansing in the morning and at night removes these impurities. Consider your skin type to determine how much cleansing your face really needs. Normal skin may need just a rinse with water in the morning and a deeper cleanse at night, while acne prone skin types may be most comfortable using a cleansing product twice a day. An important thing to remember is not to over cleanse. According to dermatologist and founder of DNA Renewal, Dr. Ronald Moy, “over-cleansing can lead to ruining your skin’s lipid barrier and strip your skin of its natural oils... Washing your face more than three times a day—with the exception of post workout cleansing—can cause dry and irritated skin.”

2. MOISTURIZER

Skin needs moisturizer. This can seem obvious for people with dry or normal skin types, but oily skinned guys and girls need to prioritize moisture, too. According to the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC, you can have oily, acne-prone skin but still lack hydration. Dry skin is about lack of water, not oil. Find a moisturizer that works well with your skin. It should not leave you feeling oily and sticky. Instead, your skin should feel dewy and hydrated. For oily skin types who have a tougher time loving moisturizers than most, try out some oil-free options.

Don’t lose hope, you will find a moisturizer that works for you with a little trial and error.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a dermatologist. Take the information presented in this article with a grain of salt. If you have specific skincare questions, problems, or concerns, please see a professional. A professional dermatologist has the training to answer your questions and can provide you with an individualized routine to treat concerns specific to your skin.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKEUP REMOVAL WRITTEN BY: ALLISON HORVATH PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SYDNEY MATZKO

You’ve come home from a long night of being out, or maybe you just finished binging “Sex and the City,” and the thought of getting out of your bed to take off your makeup sounds like way too much effort. Taking off your makeup at the end of the night may be annoying, but it is totally necessary. Keeping last night’s makeup on while you sleep will ruin your next “good skin” day. Most liquid foundations are filled with oils, and mixed with the oils that your skin secretes naturally all day … you get the picture. Acne and clogged pores are just two consequences of this bad habit. I’m going to tell you guys the makeup removal routine I try my best to keep up with, but will also include a lazy girl hack if the walk to the sink is just a liiiiiii-tle too far.

1. REMOVE ALL MAKEUP WITH A MAKEUP WIPE

My favorite wipes are the Simple Micellar Make-Up Remover Wipes ($7.99 at ulta.com). They remove the majority of your makeup, but they never feel like they’re pulling at your skin. The wipes even remove most waterproof mascara, which is saying a lot! The addition of micellar water (*hint* for later) also keeps your skin hydrated.

2. EXFLOLIATE

This step is very important. Makeup remover wipes remove the makeup on the surface of your skin, but there could still be makeup residue (gross, right?) left underneath. I use the Let the Good Times Roll scrub ($12.95, lushusa.com), and I could not rave about it more. It smells like a vanilla cupcake, and is made of all-natural ingredients like the following: cinnamon, cornmeal, and even popcorn! I take about a dime-sized amount, buff it into my skin, and rinse it off with cool water. My skin is instantly baby-soft and smells amazing.

If you’re feeling ambitious …

These are just two extra steps I like to take when I want my skin to be at its best when I wake up in the morning:

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3. TONE

Toner is just an extra step of cleanliness for your skin. It really goes deep into your pores to make them less noticeable, and makes your skin smoother overall. Thayer’s Witch Hazel toner ($7.49, target.com) is an all-natural toner, that makes your skin feel like it has never been cleaner. I take a little bit on a cotton pad, and apply it all over my skin.

4. SPRAY

I can not say enough about Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herb, and Rosewater ($7.00, ulta.com). I spray my face with this about 10 times a day, no exaggeration. Wake up, spray. After a long day of classes, spray. So the time at night before I go to sleep is no exception. Aside from the fact that it smells like roses, it gives my skin a boost of hydration that is essential for dry-skin girls like me. Thyme is also one of the ingredients, and it is a natural disinfectant that will help fight against acne.

For the lazy girl who doesn’t have that time (or energy) …

MICELLAR WATER According to Huffington Post, micellar water is described as “made up of micelles (tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules) suspended in soft water.” That’s basically what it feels like: a slightly oilier water. However, if you have oily skin, you should not fear. You can still use this product, and it will not make your face feel any slicker. The best part? You don’t need to rinse it off! Just take a cotton pad, saturate it with the solution, and wipe it all over your face. I love to use this on my eyelashes to get every last bit of mascara off of them, and then I know I won’t wake up with “raccoon eyes.” Tons of brands make their own micellar water, but give Garnier’s a try ($8.99, ulta.com).

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HOLIDAY 2017 COLLECTIONS

3. NARS NARS’ 2017 holiday collection is inspired by artist Man Ray. They included gold lips on the packaging (inspired by Ray), and some of the products include feature photography of his.

The collection includes eye shadows, blushes, lip lacquers, highlighters, and eyeliners. All of the new products will be limited edition. Some of the standout products include the rose gold toned highlighter in Double Take and a Glass Tears Eyeshadow that has four limited edition shimmering shadows and two limited edition mattes. This collection definitely holds artistic value.

WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA CURTIS

It’s the greatest time of year! Help me celebrate it … with some makeup! Any makeup junkie will know that the holiday season is probably the best time of year not only for gifts and hot chocolate, but also for makeup. Every year, numerous makeup brands will come out with collections solely dedicated to the season. Sometimes those collections are based off of holidays, and they use Christmas colors or winter-themed names.

This year has not disappointed when it comes to these collections. Many companies have pulled out all the stops in order for this to be their best holiday collection yet, and it has paid off. The hype doesn’t just surround the products themselves — although they are pretty amazing. Many companies sell products in bundles during the holidays, so often you can get multiple products in one and it comes out cheaper than if you were to buy all those items separately.

Because there are so many amazing collections out this year, we’ve decided to make your decision about which ones to buy a little easier by listing five of the best ones.

4. TARTE

Tarte’s holiday collection is equal parts massive and eyecapturing. With 42 items, Tarte did not come to play. They ditched the typical holiday route and instead went with a Moroccan vibe, using bright colors and patterns, and even a hint of sea life with a lipstick set called “mermaid kisses.” Tarte’s bundles this year are quite amazing. For $148, you can get the PRO vault, which includes their Amazonian clay palette, glow highlight and contour palette, lash paint mascara, double take eyeliner, a creamy matte lip paint, a lip bling top coat, and a pair of lashes. If that doesn’t cover your whole christmas list, I don’t know what will. If you don’t want to spend $150, you can get the treasure box collector’s set that includes an eyeshadow palette, blushes, bronzers, a highlighter, an eyeliner, mascara, and a lip paint. Whether you go with a bundle or a single item, you can’t go wrong with Tarte.

1. MAC

5. STILA

In what might be their largest holiday collection yet, MAC took a sort of “ice queen” approach to the holidays this year.

Lipsticks, glosses, eyeshadow palettes, pigments, lashes, and face powders are amongst the products this year. Some of MAC’s standout products this year are a Snow Ball lipstick that has a frosted finish, an opalescent face powder in the shade Snow Ball, and a trio of mini pigments and glitters. Not only are the products amazing, but the packaging is beautiful. They really capitalized on the winter season by using golds, silvers, and glitters, rather than the typical reds and greens. MAC’s collection is definitely worth it.

Stila’s holiday collection is full of mini bundles, and it’s the cutest thing ever. Whether you want shadows, lipsticks, or eyeliners, Stila has you covered. In the Eye For Elegance Liquid Eye Shadow Set, you can get three deluxe Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadows and three deluxe Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadows, a new product launching in the spring. The set has a value of $72 but is selling for $45. If you’re looking to go the lip route, you can get a three bundle of two matte liquid lips and one new Shimmer Liquid Lip. Whichever product you buy, you’ll also be able to see their beautiful gold packaging.

2. TOO FACED

While holiday collections can sometimes get all the hype, then end up disappointing, this year is sure to be different.

Whether you go with MAC, Stila, Tarte, or any of the other numerous brands, you can’t go wrong — whether treating yourself, or buying someone special a gift.

This year, Too Faced decided to create new products and relaunch some already established favorites, such as the Better Than Sex Mascara. You can get the ever-so-famous mascara in a trio that includes minis of the mascara, the waterproof mascara, and the Mascara Melt Off Cleansing Oil, all for just $12. Too Faced is also releasing a full-sized White Chocolate Bar. For $49 you can also get a makeup bag that includes three holiday eyeshadow palettes, three face products, and a full-sized Better Than Sex Mascara. You can also snag a chocolate vault that includes 11 chocolate products. Other products include highlighters, lipsticks, and even a 2018 agenda.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BRENT FERGUSON

SOUTH HILL REVIVAL

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South Hill Revival is a band comprised of Ithaca College students. Their modern take on classic rock styles has been played at many local venues, including The Haunt, Lot 10, and various house parties.

After forming the band their sophomore year, SHR has recently released an EP of three introductory songs, and the band currently has an album they’re planning to release closer to their graduation date.

Distinct editor Sara Belcher sat down with lead guitarist David Vinder, bassist Colby Daboul, and drummer Matt Gurbarg to talk about their music, the recent SHR EP, and the trio of senior’s post-grad plans.

writing and playing together. It’s probably been like a year and a half now at this point, that we’ve been a band. But we’ve been playing together since we got to school. We’ve known each other all of college. It was only when we started living together that we decided we were going to do a band.

Colby Daboul: Sophomore year was a pretty pivotal moment. We lived in Emerson, and it was really like the spring of sophomore year that it was like we really started writing stuff and putting stuff together.

Matt Gurbarg: I’ve been living with David since freshman year, so we’ve all been good friends since freshman year. We’ve been talking about music and sharing music for a long time before we even started playing together.

Sara Belcher: How long have you guys been playing together and what inspired you to start a band?

David Vinder: Well, we were roommates last year, and at the beginning of last year — so, our junior year — we decided we were going to start a band, and started

SB: What were your guys’ performances before you started a band?

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DV: First of all, freshman year we didn’t live together, so we would always go to each other’s rooms and jam. We’d lug our guitar, our amp over from one freshman dorm to the other — and that’s how it started. And then when we moved in together, it just became like, “Everyone’s back from class, so we’re going to start playing.” Eight o’clock would roll around, and we would all just be in one room, so we’d all start playing. And now it’s like the same thing because we still live together, but now it’s more like all the time. Now, if you live on 149 Kendall, you’re in the band. It’s full time.

So South Hill was pretty universal. And we were like “revival.” Alright, South Hill Revival.

MG: The reason for “revival” is we play music inspired by classic rock. It’s kind of a ballsy name. It’s like, “We’re the s--- of South Hill.” But we don’t really mean that.

DV: We’re just like the rock revival of South Hill — that would be the official title, it just doesn’t sound as good.

SB: How would you describe your music?

CD: We recently wrote that it’s an amalgam of rock textures. Just kind of spanning different decades. Rock from the ’60s, ’70s, I guess the ’80s, ’90s.

DV: It’s like freshly nostalgic, where it’s new material that you haven’t heard before, but you understand where it’s going with the nostalgia.

CD: We get twangy every once in awhile, and that’s kind of that southern rock. But yeah, there’s a lot of stuff going on.

SB: What was the inspiration for the name “South Hill Revival”?

CD: We knew we wanted to do something with “revival,” and we knew we wanted to do something that tied us to Ithaca, but would also be somewhat universal, y’know, so somebody outside of Ithaca could be like, “Yeah.”

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SB:Are there any specific artists that inspire you?

MG: A band called White Denim.

DV: That would be the band’s collective inspiration. But in terms of individually, MG: Zeppelin.

DV: The Beatles. Colby’s a huge Zeppelin fan. Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

CD: But definitely that more, kind of those modern interpretations. White Denim is definitely a really good example, Allah-Las — personally Allah-Las — Tame Impala.

Definitely stuff like that — even Mac DeMarco. Not necessarily the lo-fi sound, but what they’re doing.

SB: Why is White Denim the collective artist for your inspiration?

DV: They literally kind of do what we’re doing, but we write more power rock songs than them. I don’t want to say we’re heavier, like death-metal heavier, but we’re more modern rock, fullness, harshness, as opposed to them. But in concept, they write original material and they sound like they could be from the ’70s.

CD: I think, also, it did come naturally as well, because it was this mutual thing. When we started playing together it was going in this direction.

MG: I’ve been listening to a lot of indie music, especially different types of music that are new that sound like different types of old music.

SB: What’s your favorite part of performing?

DV: When the crowd gets into it, that’s obviously the best.

When they dance, when they move, when they sing. That’s definitely the best part for me about performing, is the crowd reaction — how people get into it. I love singing, though. But that’s just, like, what I do in the band.

CD: I think it’s fun to interact with the band a little bit more because when we rehearse, we really kind of focus on playing our parts and really listen to what’s going on. And, not that we’re not listening when we’re performing, but I think there’s a lot more band chemistry on stage. You get to communicate with everybody a lot more, which is fun.

MG: I’d say, I guess just being a drummer, being the boss

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— which is kind of a blessing and a curse — it’s a lot of responsibility. But when it goes well, you can tell. Everyone’s dancing because of the beat that you’re playing, and that’s kind of amazing. When you’re leading the whole field, it’s tough.

SB: What’s your favorite place you’ve performed?

MG: The Commons.

DV: Yeah, that was just the coolest thing. It was outdoors, right next to Starbucks — you’re literally in The Commons.

You couldn’t be anymore in The Commons. You’re just like right there. The TCAT’s about to pick you up. People got into it immediately. It was just a cool vibe and a cool place to play.

CD: We’ve done The Dock, we’ve done The Nines, we’ve done Lot 10, [we’ve done] The Haunt. But we’ve also done house shows, too. Those are a lot of fun because in both of those instances, people are going to wherever you’re at because they know there’s going to be music there.

MG: So they go in open — they’re like going, open, to an experience. They don’t know what’s going to happen necessarily.

Where as more formal shows, you’re going for a specific band to see them or you’re a fan. And fans are hard to come by these days.

SB: Tell me about the EP you guys released in June.

DV: So the EP was three of our very first songs. That’s kind of misleading, but I guess we can just say that’s the case.

CD: Yeah, they’re the base tracks.

DV: They’re basically like, our intro songs. If you want to listen to SHR and get a feel for us, starting with the EP would be a good start. But the album will include the songs on it, too. The album that we’re releasing — probably toward the end of this school year — will have remasters of those tracks on it, plus a more full discography/documentation of the band. But the EP is cool, and Matt did all of the production and engineering for it.

SB: What’s it like balancing being in a band while also being seniors?

DV: It’s not much of a balance, I like need it. Like I wouldn’t say it’s a balance, it’s more like what you want to do at the end of being a senior. It’s not really like keeping two commitments

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SB: Can you tell me more about the album you guys have the in works?

CD: It’s honestly just, like Dave kind of said earlier, it’s where we’re at right now. It’s what we’ve been playing live.

DV: It definitely features, I’d say, more of a holistic perspective.

It’s more of a collaboration on these last couple of songs. It’s more like everyone’s songwriting together — the other songs are also collabs, obviously — but the album should be more of a clear picture as to what it is now.

up. It’s like you want to play, so you do whatever you can to play.

CD: It helps that we live together. That makes it much easier.

DV: That’s the thing — us living together makes it feel like when you go home, you’re already working on the band full time. So we don’t really miss it because we don’t live separately.

MG: It’s kind of like we’re touring full time. *laughs* DV: It is an interesting dynamic to be like, “I come home, Colby’s playing bass. I can just hop on there.” And there you go: You have an impromptu band practice. So that’s how it kind of doesn’t have to be so much of a balance like as it is a lifestyle.

MG: It’s hard to find time to do the things that you want to do — because I won’t not do the things that I want to be doing, but I have to slack off on something else to be doing what I want to be doing, and just balancing that. It’s necessary.

SB: Do you guys hope to continue the band after graduation?

DV: We probably won’t, just because we’re all doing different things. Some of that includes music, some of it doesn’t. At the end of the day, it’s like a project about music from our college years, essentially.

CD: Everyone’s kind of doing their own thing. I don’t think we 26

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ever went into it thinking that it would be a permanent thing.

I chose not to pursue music in college because it’s I wanted to do it on the side, so this was the perfect outlet to do that.

MG: Hopefully, it won’t be the last time we play together.

Hopefully when we’re like old and dads, we’ll get together in someone’s basement.

for the technical side. I guess how the technical and the art part of it meet. That’s where I want to be.

CD: In light of all of this electronic stuff, the music gear space is a pretty fascinating space to be in. And I think that whoever can seamlessly get gear from one person to the next, and who can advertise it the best and in the best way is the place to be at. I love that stuff. [Whatever] marketplace for gear, that’s kind of where I see myself. I love music, but I also love working with people, so it’s like I’d love to kind of be in a capacity where it’s a marketplace for gear — who’s in there? I’d love to be working with buyers and sellers. That would be fun.

SB: So what are each of you doing after graduation?

DV: I’d say to work in music — or as close to music as possible. I really want to work a label and work with artists and work with a label division of artists they have, and work on their brand.

MG: I’m trying to record music or work with music in some way that’s also technical. I’ve been doing a lot of live sound for concerts and stuff like that. I’m just trying to make money with music. And not playing, too. Because playing drums — I do want to keep it to like a hobby, whereas I just have a thirst

To listen to SHR’s music, you can visit their BandCamp at https://southhillrevival.bandcamp.com/ or see them live on December 8 at Lot 10.

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THE RED CUP DEBACLE: HOW TO SHOW RESPECT TO ONE ANOTHER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Written by: Christine Gaba Photography by: Brent Ferguson

It’s the holiday season and the signs are everywhere, from stores’ holiday sale specials to Christmas carols playing on almost every radio station. One favorite sign of the festivities for many people is when establishments start promoting holiday-themed products to match the flavor of the season.

One popular establishment known for doing this is Starbucks, where — as many of us are already aware — they change the color of their cups depending on that season’s holidays, going orange in fall and red in winter.

Starbucks got some serious backlash over social media when in 2015 they changed the design of their winter cups. On Nov. 1, 2015, they unveiled a plain red cup, doing away with the usual holiday designs of stars, snowflakes, and snowmen. On Nov. 5, not even a week after the day the new cup was released, people started to raise the issue of the new cups on social media platforms, claiming that the removal of the Christmas designs was an attack on Christianity and demanding that the designs return to the cups. Starbucks quickly tried to perform damage control to quell the public outcry, releasing a statement on Nov. 8 explaining that the new design for the red cup was designed to invite “customers to create their own stories with a red cup that mimics a blank canvas.” Unfortunately, they were not fast enough with this statement, and the issue remained

relevant and controversial for the rest of that winter season.

Brittany Mechler, a junior vocal music education major at Ithaca College, has worked at Starbucks since senior year of high school as a barista. She worked at Starbucks when the red cup controversy occurred. “The problem was that most of the time, they had very specific designs on it that were Christmas-related,” she said. “They were never religious, and they never had Jesus on it. But when they took Santa and all of that off, people got really offended. The problem wasn’t that it was red — it was that there was no more Christmas on it.”

The upheaval over the design of a cup put a spotlight on the deeper underlying religious tensions between Christians and non-Christians in the United States that are still prevalent today. While our country has no official religion, the main holiday promoted and commercialized during winter is Christmas, a Christian holiday, with the standard greeting being “merry Christmas!” Followers of other religions such as Judaism and Islam have argued that this hard focus on Christmas doesn’t properly respect their religions — that they often remain unacknowledged and pushed to the side while Christmas takes the spotlight. And so they have been calling for a more neutral holiday greeting.While Starbucks’ changing of the red cup’s design shows that there have been 28

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movements to respect the wishes of other people from other religions, the American public’s reaction to the plain red cup — calling it an attack on Christianity — shows that there is still resistance to taking some of the focus off Christmas and other Christian holidays.

Lauren Astor, a junior emerging media major at Ithaca College and practicing Protestant, had a lot to say on the matter as well. “I’ve had one of the red cups,” she said.“I think it’s fun.

It’s festive. I don’t think people should get as upset as they did when they don’t have the cute little designs on them anymore.”

Astor is not alone in her opinion. When the backlash against Starbucks started, there was also a small but loyal portion of the public on Starbucks’ side, supporting them through Twitter and other social media platforms and voicing their approval of the cup and the company’s attempt at making the holidays more inclusive.

“Their cups are printed the same everywhere,” Mechler said.

“So to make it red and be like, ‘Happy holidays! It’s cold. Here’s a red cup,’ communicates the same thing to people who are like, ‘Oh, it’s Christmas. It’s festive.’ But it’s not shoving Santa in their face.”

Since the red cup controversy and the issue of Christmas’ dominance during the holiday season, there have been some

big looming social questions hovering over American society: What do we do about this now? How do we show respect to other people who don’t celebrate Christmas? Also, how do we do this without making Christians feel that we are taking away from the spirit of Christmas? People have begun to make more gestures — both big and small, on the commercial and social ends — aimed at making the holidays more inclusive to people who aren’t Christian. One of the simplest ways people have been doing this is by saying “happy holidays” as opposed to “merry Christmas” when greeting someone.

“I think ‘happy holidays’ is always a safe way to go,” said Astor. “ It’s not an offensive thing to say.”

The holiday season, no matter what we celebrate, is a time for us to be thankful for our good fortunes and to appreciate the relationships we have with our friends and family. It is not meant to be a time for us to be resentful toward one another or to make other people feel left out of festivities.

This winter, we have to try to be more open to the feelings of people outside of our own religions. We have to try to show respect for their beliefs, whether with a blank red cup or a simple holiday greeting. It is, after all, the time of year to show goodwill toward all.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE — FOR THE GIFT GIVERS WHO STRUGGLE TO GIVE WRITTEN BY: CARLY WECKEL & MEREDITH NASH ILUSTRATION BY: AMY THOMAS

someone is really into makeup. Learn their favorite brands and research what new products have come out. The clues are simple. What pages do they look at in a magazine? Have they said that they are in need of a specific item recently? Is their favorite musician having a concert near by? The clues are in the details of everyday life.

Once you start taking notice of these details, write them down. Have a designated notebook or even folder on your phone filled with the possible ideas. Make sure you number them and order them from most important to least important.

There are loads of ideas out there and it’s understandable that you only want the best ones.

Buying a gift for someone artistic? Being artsy can mean many more creative outlets other than just drawing. If they like music, a vintage record player would be a fantastic gift.

Anyone who has a strong passion for music probably has wanted to own a record collection. So why not give them a

Snowflakes are free falling! Slay bells are ringing! ’Tis the season of giving! Imagine being curled up in front of a fire. Your family is surrounding you, and the scent of fresh cinnamon buns is lingering through the air. You’re relaxed next to the Christmas tree standing 8 feet high, decorated with beautiful ornaments. Everyone loves their presents. What could be better?

But hold up. Before this could happen, you need to figure out what presents you are getting your friends, family, and a possible significant other. You probably still have no idea and want them all to be perfect. Well, look no further! This guide will help you out and maybe, just maybe, give you some ideas.

How do you even pick the ideal gift? It’s easy to ask, “What do you want for Christmas?” But not everyone on your gift list will give you an exact answer. Take a look at your surroundings and soon enough you will be gifted with the answer. Look at what your friends are seemingly amused by. If you’re at a bookstore, see what they’re interested in, but don’t buy. Say

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head start? In the case that your loved one is a fantastic drawer, I would suggest getting them a top brand exercise book or course to draw with. Get your artist the paper, pens, or pencils that they have only dreamed of having.

Friends with a writer? As a writer myself, I can assure you that we adore old fashioned typewriters. I understand this is a little extreme, because who really types on those dinosaurs?

I can promise you that they would love the uniqueness of the gift and would create some great works with it.

So you know someone who is in love with theater, acting, and all that jazz? Find out their favorite plays and get them the collector’s addition of those plays. A dancer? At any store dedicated to dance, you could definitely find a turnboard. A turnboard is this little curved cushion board that dancers can use to practice and better their turns. Any dancer would be ecstatic about this gift.

But some of the best gifts may cost a pretty penny. Now, Christmas does not have to be materialistic. However, if you’re anything like me, then you can’t help but love to splurge on your loved ones. Here are some other common gift options:

quirky or weird options, check out Claire’s and buy them a wild set of earrings. The options are unlimited.

3. BODY MODIFICATION GIFT CARDS

There’s always that one person in your life who’s obsessed with body modifications such as tattoos or piercings. This is an easy but great gift idea that would be for perfect for anyone who has this interest. Now, a piercing gift card may not be too expensive, but tattoos on the other hand come a bit pricier. I’m sure whoever receives this would be in love. The great thing about a gift card is it puts away money purposefully for them to get that tattoo they’ve always wanted. Simply giving money tends to be a little impersonal and doesn’t show someone cares as much. But with a body modification gift card it shows you’ve been listening to them and their potential rants about their new septum piercing they want.

4. PERSONABLE, HOMEMADE GIFTS

1. LUGGAGE

I know this is a rather broad topic and you may already be thinking, I am the complete opposite of artistic, count me out.

However, some of the best gifts purely come from the heart, despite the dollar sign. In the past I’ve made “Open When..” letters for significant others, so if you’re gone a long period of time after the holidays they can have a stack of letters that you pre-wrote for specific events. Some examples include “Open when you miss me” or “Open when you graduate college.”

Another cute idea would be to fill a mason jar with slips of colorful paper with different meanings. I’ve done date ideas, things you love about them, surprises, motivational quotes, or really anything you think would be meaningful to your gift receiver. Honestly, the thing about gifts is they’re all about the meaning — that sounds beyond cliche, but to get something as small as a key chain might be a perfect gift depending on the person.

You have to know at least one person who is constantly traveling. It’s as if they just cannot remain in one place. If this is their lifestyle, then they would enjoy some luxury luggage.

Especially for those in college, you may know friends and significant others who are traveling abroad, vacationing over spring break, or simply always stuffing things into a tiny backpack. Hence the word luxury, this present is on the pricier end of things, but it could be worth it to put in the money for a quality bag. For the girlier people, Vera Bradley sells adorable duffles in numerous patterns. Some other companies include Rockland, Nautica, and Samsonite.

2. JEWELRY

Have a special someone in your life, or in general just someone really important to you? Jewelry is a great way to go and also has many price options! Although this is definitely a more feminine gift, this can go as broad as making your partner a friendship bracelet or anklet. If you’re looking to spend some more money, some great brands for bracelets and necklaces include Dogeared, Pandora, Alex and Ani, and Tiffany & Co. I know for me personally, receiving a simple pearl on a necklace was probably one of my most used gifts, I wear it everyday.

Maybe if your friend, family member, or significant other likes

All in all, by paying close attention to your friend, family member, or significant other’s daily life, you’ll easily be able to find something for them on the holidays. Even if you’re on a budget, small quirky gifts can be easily made or ordered on Amazon with that amazing Prime Student trial. Happy shopping!

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OVERCOMING THE SEASONAL SLUMP:

COPING WITH SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER WRITTEN BY: STEPHANIE LEGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SAMANTHA SCHMALZ

From November to the beginning of January, many students face a similar obstacle: depression. With stress levels skyrocketing and nature blurring into a dull grey and white, many students find it difficult to maintain good mental health.

So why does the transition into the colder months take a toll on such a large majority of people? As defined by the Mayo Clinic, seasonal affective disorder “is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year.” You are not alone.

As an avid reader of self-help, self-love, and personal growth books, I can confidently say I’ve read almost everything out there promoting “perfectly balanced” mental health. For example, “Big Magic: Creating Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert remains one of the most influential selfhelp and creativity-inducing books I have read. Mental health is addressed through YouTube videos, Buzzfeed articles, and health classes, which all convey a similar message: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Positive, constructive outlets such as teachers, parents, and close friends are always available to lend a helping hand.

Reading the first article that pops up in a Google search or the first video that jumps out on YouTube can be helpful, but nothing compares to talking with a counselor or therapist.

Relying on these as a coping mechanism affords some insight, but each source gives subjective advice — it’s meant to relate to everyone. Each person faces their own struggles and obstacles, and although they all might center around the same main idea, it’s crucial to seek advice that is objective to your personal situation.

The seasonal slump isn’t something you have to just “get through.” There are ways to cope with the lack of motivation, low self-esteem, and mood swings. One of the most common coping mechanisms is light therapy, which uses exposure to artificial light as a therapeutic treatment for SAD. Fortunately,

light box therapy is offered to students at Ithaca College through the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services.

Students are welcome to use the light box in tandem with other counseling services to help cope with depression and any other side effects. CAPS is located on the lower level of Hammond Health Center for students who are interested.

As helpful as the mental health services at Ithaca College can be, the long winter break poses some challenges for students who live far from campus. Staying occupied with friends and family is a positive way to cope with any feelings of depression, especially during the holidays. Investing time in fun activities

with friends, such as gingerbread house-making, holidaytree decorating, or “Elf ” marathons, is a great way to keep yourself busy. The people around you should always have your back.

Mental health plays a vital role in everyday life — it is crucial to maintain and stay aware of it. There are many safety nets in place to ensure your well-being, and they are meant to be taken advantage of. Winter break is a time for relaxation and can usually lead to some serious self-realization after dealing with depressing thoughts. There are resources on campus, as well as ways you can keep yourself occupied off-campus. Take care of yourself and always put your mental health first.

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SUICIDE PREVENTION: THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A DISCUSSION WRITTEN BY: DEANNA WETMORE

Suicide has been and continues to be a taboo topic of discussion. Statistics show that for every suicide there are 25 attempts, and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. These numbers are alarming, and the reason why there are so many attempts and suicides in the U.S. is contributed to the lack of knowledge and awareness of the issues. Eight out of 10 people show signs of suicide, but either other people around them don’t notice, or they don’t know how to address it.

An ABC News article talked about a community coming together after a 24-year-old Will Carrigan committed suicide.

When Will’s mother was asked what could have saved her son her answer was simply one word: “Education.” Many others believe that part of the reason why suicide is prominent is because it is not talked about enough. There is a negative stigma surrounding suicide attempts which is not helping the cause for suicide prevention.

According to Mental Health America there are a few warning signs that a person may attempt suicide. These warning signs include: personality changes, lack of interest in future plans, and expressing hopelessness and helplessness. MHA also has tips to give people who are at risk of attempting suicide help; such as how to communicate (especially listening), asking direct questions without judgement, and getting professional help for the person.

Getting professional help or talking with a professional is one of the essential things for a person who is considering to attempt suicide. If you or someone you know shows signs of attempting suicide, talk to a professional or someone that you trust. It is time to start the conversation, and make talk of suicide prevention a norm for all months of the year. Some resources that are helpful for those considering suicide or are concerned for someone else’s safety may find these hotlines and websites helpful:

SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE

Call the number in order to talk with a professional.

JED

Provides immediate help to those who are thinking of attempting suicide while also helping those who have been affected by suicide.

CRISIS TEXT LINE

Text anytime, anywhere for free and talk with a professional

BEFRIENDERS

Dedicated to suicide prevention around the world

VETERANS CRISIS HOTLINE Call hotline specifically for veterans

TRANS LIFELINE

Call hotline specifically for people who identify as transgender

AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

Foundation that has information about suicide and on places to get help

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BECOMING VEGAN: WHERE TO START?

WRITTEN BY: ANNIKA KUSHNER ILLUSTRATION BY: COURTNEY YULE At first, trying to enter the vegan world might seem hard.

There is a ton of misinformation out there, and it can be really hard to know where to start. If you’re interested in becoming vegan but are unsure where to begin, then you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of the most important things to know if you are thinking about adopting a vegan lifestyle.

Once you make some easy switches and redevelop some habits, you won’t be lacking anything. In fact, your diet — and life in general — will probably be more abundantly healthy than ever before.

be consuming the unhealthy hormones present in meat and cheese, so you will still be healthier than you would be on the Standard American Diet — but there are still many unhealthy mistakes you can make as an uneducated vegan.

Next, let’s speak to animal rights: Once you feel like you can start properly planning meals, then you should start learning about animal cruelty. Part of being vegan is wanting to reduce harm: harm to the planet, harmful effects water waste, and harm to animals being slaughtered. There are many ways to help prevent these things and fully embrace the vegan lifestyle.

You can stop buying leather, buy hair and body products that are cruelty-free, and try to buy from more eco-friendly, vegan, independent retailers.

If you’re in it for health reasons, educating yourself on the harmful effects of animal consumption and use may seem unnecessary. But in actuality, this will help you to follow a vegan diet. If you are only plant-based, you can look at an animal product without having the emotional connection of knowing that piece of meat used to be an animal — and that’ll make it easier for you to have cheat days or cheat meals. You also probably won’t be as aware of the health detriments that come with eating meat: It increases your risk of getting cancer, it increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes, it makes it hard to maintain a healthy body weight, it puts unnatural hormones in your body, and it makes it more likely that you will die at a younger age.

DO YOUR RESEARCH.

It can be really tempting to jump into a vegan lifestyle without preparing yourself for it, but you need to make sure that you have the resources to get the right nutrients and right number of calories in your diet. There are many wonderful independent studies, books, and documentaries about nutrition that will help you start a plant-based diet, and you should check them out (suggestions for resources at the end of the article).

You also need to find the right pace for you. Some people can become vegan overnight, but other people might need months. Some people need to go vegetarian first. Whatever your pacing, the most important thing is to know everything you can about what you’re doing. And hey, you’re reading this article! That’s a good start.

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? THINK ABOUT YOUR HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU BE EATING? WHAT SHOULD YOU REASONING. It is important to know that being plant-based and being BE EATING? vegan are two different things. Being plant-based refers only to your diet, but being vegan involves not using animal products in addition to not consuming them.

Along the same lines, a 2016 Vomad survey found that the two greatest reasons people go vegan are health and animal rights.

Let’s first speak to the healthy aspect of being vegan: If health is your primary motivation for going vegan, then maybe you want to lose weight, you don’t feel energized, or you’re addicted to caffeine or sugar. Being vegan could definitely be a way to help with that, but be aware that it is very possible to be an unhealthy vegan. There is a ton of vegan junk food, and if you don’t make a conscious effort to get all the necessary nutrients, you might end up not making a ton of progress. You won’t

New vegans often just don’t eat enough. If you’re vegan, you need to be eating high quality, calorically dense foods. Just salads and vegetables are not enough. This is because there are many fewer calories per gram in fruits and vegetables than there are calories per gram in animal-based foods (usually proteins and fats): A very large portion of broccoli or spinach will provide you with an equal or lesser number of calories (and a higher percentage of protein) than a much smaller portion of meat or cheese. So if you’re new to being vegan, you will probably need to eat a much greater quantity of food than you’re used to.

It is helpful to calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (the amount of energy expended while at rest), and look at how much exercise you are doing. You can then make sure that you’re

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consuming enough calories to keep you healthy and strong.

You also need to be tracking your macronutrients, at least for the first couple of weeks of being vegan. What are macronutrients, you ask? Macronutrients are the largest class of nutrients required for the survival and function of the body: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Tracking your macros will ensure that you’re eating a balanced diet. If you eat too few fats (common for some vegans), your brain will start feeling cloudy, you might start getting dry skin, you’ll start getting cold very easily, and you might be unusually hungry. You need to eat enough protein to make sure that your muscles can repair themselves after working out (see the protein calculator included later), and you need to eat enough carbs that you feel energized. Though the balance is different for everyone, a good place to start is making sure that of your macros, 25 percent come from protein, 25 percent come from fat, and the remaining 50 percent come from carbohydrates.

Once you get into the habit of eating this way, you can always switch around your macronutrients to suit your energy type.

You also need to make sure that you’re getting all your necessary vitamins. For instance, you absolutely need to be taking a B12 supplement. Many vegans suffer from a very low B12 intake, which can cause anemia and nervous system damage. A B12 supplement is essential in getting the full benefit of a vegan diet.

DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP.

The reality of the situation is that you probably won’t be 100 percent perfect. Don’t beat yourself up about it.

You might accidentally eat cheese. Maybe a friend gives you something that has dairy products in it, or you just make a mistake on your own. You might get really angry at yourself or said friend. You know that it’s not good for your health, and you can’t believe that this is how you’re breaking your monthslong record of not eating animal products.

It’s okay.

You’re still vegan. You’re not cut off from the vegan world,

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and you don’t have to start all over again. Accidents happen all the time.

And sometimes consumption or use of animal products is just unavoidable. Certain medicines are tested on animals, and that’s not necessarily something you can negotiate. Or maybe you’re buying a car, and the car has leather seats. That’s also hard to negotiate. You could be really radical and get a bike, but you could also just buy the car anyway and continue to support non-leather products in every other aspect of your life.

Every tiny change you make is shifting the dollar and making things better. The point is that you care about animals and animal rights, and other people do, too! Vegan awareness and the number of people going vegan is increasing all the time.

The U.S. vegan population has actually grown by 500 percent since 2014. It is more and more talked about in the media, and restaurants are starting to cater to vegans in addition to vegetarians. The awareness is out there. You are helping it grow.

IT CAN BE TOUGH TO BE VEGAN IN A MOSTLY OMNIVOROUS WORLD.

science of veganism is so that you can be confident when faced with criticism. It can be hard to be vegan in a predominantly omnivorous society. Some people might attack your vegan lifestyle or disassociate themselves with you because of it. Some people who you’re friends with may not be able to come to terms with it. They might think it’s a joke, and they might not empathize. You need to be grounded in the vegan mindset in order to protect yourself if this comes up.

This leads to another important point: You can still go out and socialize and stay vegan. Don’t feel like you can’t go to a party because they’re going to be serving food that you can’t eat. Just bring snacks or to eat beforehand. There are actually a ton of snacks that are accidentally vegan, like oreos! You shouldn’t have to sacrifice parts of your life or stop socializing just because you have a new diet — you can develop your relationships with your friends independent of food.

There is so much science to back you up. So much.

Here’s an example: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association) was founded in 1917, and it is now the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals in the world. It has over 100,000 credentialed practitioners, and its goal is to improve the nation’s health.

Here is their position on vegan and vegetarian diets: “Appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.”

The data also showed that people who don’t eat meat have lower body mass indexes and lower overall cancer rates.

This is a scientific report from one of the most credentialed food and nutrition organizations that exists. This and so much other research shows that what you are doing is healthful and good. Major organizations are starting to come to this realization, and the number of resources you’ve got behind you is growing and growing.

It can become very hard to be around people who eat meat around you. It can make you really angry and upset looking at something on the plate of someone you care for and knowing that this was once a living, breathing being. And you also know that the meat is bad for their health — that it could lead to cancer and heart disease.

You have to respect others. You are not superior to people who eat meat because you’re vegan. You’re not superior to other people’s cultures. Be sensitive to people who are eating meat: You were once in their shoes. It is very important to keep humble about it. If you feel the need to talk to someone about the detrimental effects of eating meat, do it from a place of respect, love, and health — not judgment.

THERE’S ALSO A SOCIAL MORE AND MORE, THE SCIENCE ASPECT. Another reason that it’s important to be well-versed in the IS BACKING YOU UP.

If anyone treats you negatively or is being offensive, tell them calmly that whatever they’re doing is very disrespectful to you.

Tell them that this is your life and your lifestyle, and that it has nothing to do with them. You are not criticizing them. You can handle and take care of yourself. You’ve done the research, you’ve put the work in, and you know what’s going on. They need to respect your boundaries.

If they can’t respect your boundaries, then you have a choice to not interact with them, to interact with them less, or even to cut them out of your life altogether.

The important thing is that you are knowledgeable about how and why you are doing this. You know that your small changes are making big changes in the long run. You know that not eating meat is saving animals’ lives. You know that you’re saving over 30,000 gallons of water each month. You know that you’re making good choices your own health.

The vegan community is aware, progressive, and knowledgeable — and they are ready to welcome you with open arms. If you’re still on the fence about trying the vegan lifestyle, go for it! Any tiny change you make will have a huge impact. And as long as you do your research, you’re going to feel great — physically, mentally, and spiritually. Who knows?

Becoming vegan might be the best change you ever make in your life.

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WHY IT’S NOT SO BAD BEING LIKE OTHER PEOPLE WRITTEN BY: RHIANNON COLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: NADIA SISLEY

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO SAY “I’M NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS/BOYS” People I’ve met in college often talk about how they are not like other girls or boys. They are the ones to stereotype other people with labels such as “jock,” “preppy,” and even “slutty.” The kind of language people like this use forces others into narrow categories and implies a lack of individuality while attempting to make others feel inferior. The phrase “I’m not like other girls/ boys” is often used by people who wish to be seen as “quirky” or “edgy,” but it completely denounces those who follow what is considered mainstream. These kinds of people also often don’t have hobbies or interests only for the sake of being a well-rounded person, but instead to prove something about their image to others. Their refusal to be associated with the mainstream draws lines between themselves and others, fostering a divisive culture based on vague stereotypes.

SEPARATING ONESELF FROM OTHERS IS HARMFUL

A significant part of the college experience is discovering who yoA significant part of the college experience is discovering who you want to be as a person and finding people who are on the same wavelength as you. This process of self-discovery is largely shaped by the activities you choose to be involved in and the way you express and present yourself to the world. It’s fine to distance yourself from activities and interests that you know you won’t find appealing; what’s not okay is finding something interesting, but avoiding it because of others who are interested in it, too. I’ve heard from people who have said, “Oh, I really want that haircut,” or “I really want to join that club,” but they choose not to because of the types of people they associate with those things and because they are determined to avoid anything too mainstream. But when you try so hard to not be like other people and refuse to engage in activities because of stereotypes, you end up missing out on a lot of opportunities and chances for good memories with good people.

AVOID THE PHRASE: “I’M NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS/BOYS”

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This isn’t about bashing the idea that everyone is unique, but rather about the idea that it’s okay if not everything about you is one of a kind. Think about it: Every friend who you’ve ever had in your life probably had a lot of similar interests with you, so, obviously, it’s okay to find similarities between yourself and others — it’s how you make friends. This is about the idea that it’s beneficial to be a part of a community.

To say “I’m not like other girls/boys” is illogical because you are like other girls/boys. There’s a reason why we’re all one species — one human race. Using this phrase only separates you from other people, usually people who tend to like common, mainstream things, and therefore puts you into a new group of people who are outsiders. When you try so hard to not be like others, you create cliques within society, placing yourself among a group who shares a disdain for others.

The people who “are not like other people” are typically the ones who place a lot of importance on their image as a whole.

They aren’t the ones who are trying to find themselves, but instead are the people who care more about how others view them.

They think their image is the most important thing in life and end up putting it at the forefront of everything else. So what if you like something that happens to be commonly liked? Why does it matter if you are friends with people who tend to follow the mainstream? The only time in which being like other people is a problem is when you make it a problem. Finding mainstream activities, clothes, hairstyles, etc. appealing doesn’t make someone any less of an individual.

COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT The harm caused by using language that denotes a disdain for others who are not like you relates back to the importance of community. Being a young college student, especially in America, means you most likely have a pretty individualistic view on life. This is a fair assumption considering you are living with a significant amount of independence and are in charge of your own education and future. Also, your identity, which is largely defined by this time in your life, is completely reliant on your individual choices.

Clearly, it is easy for the idea of community to lose significance in your life. But valuing community is beneficial, especially at this time in your life when it seems like you have the most independence. Despite all of the independence you seem to have, you would not be where you are now without the people in your life. You will not get to where you want to be without connections, and you can’t establish your individual identity without community.

Stop labelling others. Instead, think of other people as just that — people. You’ll find it a lot easier to find the person you want to be when you stop focusing solely on who you don’t want to be.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHEN IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE WRITTEN BY: DEANNA WETMORE ILLUSTRATION BY: AMY THOMAS College is an environment where students can grow and form their own opinions. On their own, college students are exposed to new ideas and new people, which encourages them to think differently. Especially at a liberal arts college, where freedom of expression is encouraged, college students often choose a cause that they are passionate about and become active in promoting that cause.

The internet and social media are both great tools for activism, but they have also created new problems for people trying to get involved. On the one hand, the internet and social media have helped create movements that anyone around the world can be apart of. The spread of information in real time makes it easy to learn more about any given issue. Easy access and the ability to connect with other people makes it simple to become part of a larger discussion and commit to actions that incite change.

But on the other side, the internet and social media have created a lot of noise that can be overwhelming. Being exposed to the many issues of the world and then choosing which ones to fix can feel like a daunting task that may feel impossible to some. For others, seeing protests and rallies against an issue may seem too “aggressive,” and those people will shy away from acting at all. Some college students want to be more active for a cause, but hesitate to share anything on social media because they are afraid of showing biases that could hurt their chances of getting a job in the future.

These obstacles can make activism seem impossible to college students who are balancing a heavy work schedule while also participating in extracurriculars. Figuring out what you are most passionate about and focusing on those issues will help a lot; and it doesn’t mean that you have to dedicate your whole life to a cause. Activism can be different people doing a bunch of little things that, together, can create a big impact.

According to a research report released by the research firm Achieve, in partnership with the Case Foundation, most millennials (defined by the study as those born between 1980 and 2000) believe that they are activists. In this study, “activist” was defined as “a person who behaves intentionally to bring about political or social change.” However, this same study also showed that while most signed a petition for an issue that they cared about, but only half volunteered or donated and only one-third participated in a demonstration. This study shows that college students don’t see activism as just protests, but as verbal language, as well.

This is good news for people who don’t feel comfortable going to rallies or protesting on the street. A lot of introverts feel pressured to be physically active in causes that require a lot of interaction with others, which can be hard for them.

Contributing writer to Psychology Today and author Sophia Dembling is an introvert who struggles with being an activist for causes that she cares about. In her article, “How Can Introverts Help Heal the World?” Dembling writes, “My introversion makes me drag my feet. Sitting on the couch in my peaceful living room is so much easier than committing to something that will take effort. … Doing nothing is comfortable, doing something is hard.”

In the article, Dembling suggests that any little things that a person feels comfortable doing is enough. Donating time and volunteering can be a quiet yet impactful way of supporting a cause. Donating money is also an option for those that can afford to.

Another article from Huffington Post suggests using an ability, such as photography, graphic design, or writing to contribute to a movement. This can be easy to do on social media independently, but working with an organization and creating graphics or writing for a cause is a way for people to still be a part of a cause without having to go outside of their comfort zones.

Unfortunately for college students wanting to keep a professional appearance on social media while still being active, there are no set rules just yet. Social media is still relatively new, so it’s hard to say what is acceptable and what isn’t for potential employers. Each field is different, as well as each company.

For jobs where the individual is still a representative of their organization online, such as in journalism or work for any type of corporate business, employers don’t like employees showing too much bias on their accounts. The key word is “balance”: If you are worried about being too biased, choose to be active on your own time and not on social media.

College is a great time to get involved in a cause, if you haven’t already. Finding yourself and what you believe in can be beneficial to you and can also make a difference in society.

Whether you are the type of person to participate in a protest, join a club, or donate time, every little thing for a political or social cause will help. It is important to remember that it is not impossible to make a change as long as people are active when it comes to what they’re passionate about.

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COLLEGE THEN VS NOW:

COMPARING COLLEGE CULTURE FROM PREVIOUS GENERATIONS TO WHAT STUDENTS GO THROUGH NOW WRITTEN BY: ALEXANDRA ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BRENT FERGUSON

Isn’t it weird to imagine your parents staying up until 3 in the morning, preparing for finals week? Time flies and one day, we college students will be working professionals, parents, or even professors at a college ourselves. As times have changed, so has the culture of college.

The NY Times article “Campus Culture or Climate” states, “Students are socialized through their perception of the institution’s norms, including peer norms, and their habitual participation in routine practices and communal events.”

Many aspects of college have stayed the same, but their culture has evolved throughout time.

When my mother and I talk, I’m amazed at how different our college experiences were. This is partially due to the fact that my mother is 40 years older than me, which makes it very difficult for her to give me advice. This lead me to wonder: How are the college experiences of today different from and similar to those who went to college during the ’70s-’80s?

To find answers, I interviewed my mother, Susan, and my freshman seminar professor, Katharine Kittredge, who graduated Hamilton College in 1983.

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FRESHMAN YEAR When I asked Kittredge whether or not her college had an orientation to help students transition, she said that the first day she stepped foot on campus wasn’t for a welcoming college orientation, but rather for placement tests. Not only did she have to take placement tests in English, math, and language, but she also had to give a speech as a part of another exam.

“Weirdly enough, the school had a history of public speaking,” she said. “And so on the first day we were there, we were divided up alphabetically, and we had to go in and give a five-minute speech. And if we were considered to be deficient, we would have to take a speech course.”

This is a far cry from the online tests we had to take right before college orientation. I can only imagine having just arrived at college and being forced, day one, to give a speech in front of a bunch of strangers.

“I don’t remember any formal meetings where they talked about what college was,” she said. “The only thing we had was that everyone went to dessert at their advisors’ house before classes started.”

I find this interesting because college back in the early ’80s seemed more distant, but closer at the same time. Ithaca College takes the time to make sure that students transition well, but no one would even think of advisors having desserts with their students.

However, Kittredge believes that this could be because that her graduating class was only 400 students. Is it the times, class size, or both? It’s hard to tell.

My mother, Susan, transferred to SUNY Binghamton (also known as Binghamton University) in 1976 and graduated in 1979. At both colleges she attended, she wished that there was more guidance and an overall better system for registration.

“Registration was a nightmare,” she said. “I remember there was this big hall at the gymnasium, and they had tables set up, and they had lines for each course. So you had to figure out what courses you wanted before you went in there and then stand in line to register for each course.”

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Students at Ithaca College complain about how stressful registration is; freshmen might even attest that registration week is more stressful than finals.

However, I didn’t know how bad it could be until hearing that my mom had to wait in a physical line in order to register for courses. At least technology has allowed us to evolve into some resemblance of a system.

ATHLETICS Kittredge described playing a plethora of sports — soccer, ice hockey, and rugby amongst many others — in college and found it to be a primary means of socialization.

“As somebody who was pre-title IX, I didn’t have the opportunity to do sports before college at all,” she says.

Title IX, passed in 1972, is a law that makes it illegal to discriminate against people from participating in educational activities and/or programs on the basis of their sex.

“I was just really excited to get the opportunity to finally play,” Kittredge said. “It was also different because the majority of the other women also hadn’t been playing sports. So, instead of trying out for sports, we were learning together.”

When I asked her whether or not the male attention she received for being a woman who played sports was sexist, she said, “As a pretty serious athlete, I got attention from men who were surprised that I was not adhering to what they thought of as feminine. For the first semester, I practiced with the men’s varsity soccer sometimes. It put me in a different category, and as somebody who was a highly skilled soccer player on a team of women — many of them who didn’t know how to play — I stood out. I stood out because at that time there were so few women. … I didn’t feel like men were antagonistic towards my athletic status. If anything, they saw it as something they could relate to.”

Even though many freedoms were won for women in the ’70s and ’80s, thanks to the feminist movement, sexism was still extremely pervasive and there was a lot of pushback from men during that era. Therefore, it was uplifting to know that Kittredge felt supported by her fellow male athletes, instead of being discriminated against.

SOCIAL LIFE Making friends is also a huge part of the college experience, and I find that everyone at Ithaca College meets their friends in multiple different scenarios and often in the strangest of ways.

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When asking my mother how she made her friends, she said without hesitation, “Dorm life. I met most of my friends through my residence hall. And then you met other people through the people you met in your residence hall. Sometimes you meet people through classes ... but the primary means of where I met people, was through dorm life.”

This is probably the biggest difference between my mother and my college experiences. I’ve only made a few friends through dorm life, but I’ve found that I’ve made many through my classes, clubs, and friends of friends. I’ve found that, for the most part, people keep their doors closed and don’t socialize with their neighbors. This is probably due to students finding friends based more on common interests rather than on who lives next store to each other.

In terms of her college culture, my mother remembers it being very easygoing.

“Very, very casual,” she said. “Very personal. Very liberal. Music was a huge piece of college life, too.

Everybody played their albums. I think that people shared music, went to concerts, talked about music, listened to music together.”

Back then, the drinking age was 18, which made drinking with friends a huge social scene. Kittredge remembers alcohol being a huge means of socialization for students.

“Hamilton is near Utica, which had breweries back in the day, so there was just a huge amount of beer flowing on campus all the time,” she said. “Beer was cheaper than soda. There was a full-fledged pub 50 yards from my dorm. On special occasions, there would actually be beer bought by the administration and served in the quad or in the dining halls.” It’s strange to think that that the college administration was so relaxed about alcohol, even going as far as serving it to students.

In terms of the drug culture, Kittredge states, “There was pot everywhere. There was still a lot of hallucinogens. There was one fraternity that was known as the drug fraternity — that was a source for acid. Other places had mushrooms. A lot of cocaine, I think. I don’t know anybody who was abusing opioids.”

Opioid abuse has recently been declared a national emergency, and many families are losing their kids to prescription drug addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of deaths caused by opioid overdose has increased 200 percent between the years 2000 and 2014. The idea that that someone could die from a drug they obtained legally prescribed by a physician was very rare in Kittredge’s generation.

My mother said, “[They were doing] a lot more drugs. People didn’t drink as much as they do now.

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It’s more drinking at colleges now, whereas it was more pot smoking when I went to school. Smoking marijuana was the numero uno past time.”

As a non-drinker, I’ve never been pressured by my friends to drink. However, I know many people who have been. I’m curious as to why people back then were more respectful of personal health decisions, whereas now college kids feel the need to pressure their friends into activities they’re not comfortable with in order to validate their own behavior.

get repealed. People of my mother’s generation barely knew about the LGBT community and what it meant to be anything other heterosexual.

“As far as the LGBT community, I didn’t even know what a bisexual was and being transgender was also something I didn’t know existed,” my mother said. “The only thing I knew about were lesbians and gay people. It was never openly discussed.

Nobody really thought it was that prevalent. … Whoever was gay was hiding out and pretending not to be.”

My mother doesn’t recall any specific instances of homophobia, but does remember gay slurs being used as insults.

“As far as flinging around words, I remember that sometimes people would use the word ‘f-----’ to insult someone,” she said.

“It wasn’t really accusational that they were gay. It was just sort of like slinging mud at someone.”

MENTAL HEALTH With mental health treatment, Kittredge said she couldn’t remember if her campus even had a counseling center.

“We had people who were dealing with mental health issues who would then sort of quietly leave campus for a semester,” she said. “It may have been the sheer quantity of alcohol was masking. I’m sure that there were people who were self medicating in order to deal with their mental health issues.”

We are lucky to have a counseling center on campus and that student organizations such as Active Minds are breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. However, CAPS is severely understaffed, with a ratio of 1 counselor for 822 students as of November 2016. Even though it’s great that we’ve finally opened up the conversation surrounding mental health, we still have a ways to go. Many students struggle in silence, and suicide rates amongst young adults have tripled since the 1950s. This is all the more reason to continue to open the dialogue around mental health and to invest in our counseling center at Ithaca College.

WHAT I FOUND In terms of how the college experiences of today and yesterday are similar, Kittredge believes, “People are striking out on their own and defining themselves. In the ages between 18 and 22, people change so much and they really got to come into their own in terms of knowing who they are and what they can do.”

Even though I’ve only been at college a little over a year, I already feel like I have changed so much as a person. Learning to become independent in a safe environment, such as college, has helped me evolve as a human being. Through the support of my fellow students and faculty, I’m starting to realize that I’m capable of anything I set my mind to.

In terms of differences, Kittredge said, “We were much more on our own. We didn’t see our professors as much. I don’t even know who our RAs were. There was no programming. We were not asked to reflect on being college students as much.

Like the idea of a course that would help with your transition to college was just totally unknown: ‘You’ll figure it out, it’s not that hard.’”

College students back then were basically thrown in the deep end when they didn’t know how to swim. They were expected to figure life out all by themselves. Today, there is much more support for students. I took Professor Kittredge’s freshman seminar, Girl Stories, back in the fall of 2016, and it was one of my favorite courses. I believe that this is partially because she asked us to reflect on who we were as young women by reading literature that features strong female leads. She also had us reflect on our adjustment to college in journals every week, which is something I greatly attribute my smooth transition to. It felt good to be cared about not only as a student, but as a human being. This support from faculty members was mostly absent from earlier generations.

My mother also believes that there are a lot of positives about our college culture versus hers.

“I feel like you guys have a much greater sense of all the

DIVERSITY Kittredge recalls, “[There were] very few people of color at all. … There were a handful of international students. With Kirkland, there was some representation of gay women. I can think of like three gay men that I was aware of. There were still people who stayed closeted all the way through college.”

My mother also remembers there being very few minority students and a lack of proper integration practices. “Everybody believed that minorities should be a part of the fabric of the university life, but there was a lot of disagreement about how that should be done,” she said. “There were people that literally did not think that these people were as intelligent as they were.”

Susan felt that this mentality came from a combination of factors, such as prejudice ignorance and a general lack of exposure.

It is important to remember that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had just been passed 11 years before my mother’s freshman year of college. Therefore, most students hadn’t interacted with students who were from minority groups before. Also, back when Kittredge and my mother went to college, “sodomy laws,” laws that prohibited same-sex relations, were just starting to 46

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professional opportunities that are out there than I ever did,” she said. “We knew about maybe 10 professions, and that’s what we thought we had our choice of in the world. We didn’t even discover different professions until we were out in the world.”

Going to college is not just about getting an education, but also becoming a student of life. It is about growing as a human being and starting to understand your place in the world. My mother definitely felt this way.

“What I learned in college is that the way things were in the world, were sometimes a result of arbitrary circumstances

and not logical,” she said. “A lot of the times they had to do with special interests and power plays. I think I learned how to take on challenges without being so fearful. It taught me to take risks. I think that was a positive thing. And I became a much more analytical thinker.”

As long as colleges continue to teach students to become more confident in themselves and to become more critical thinkers, we can continue to tackle the world’s biggest issues with the faith that we can make our planet better for the next generation.

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