IMARA Magazine Fall 2012 Issue

IMARA

| SUBJECT/THEME STRONGER THAN A DIAMOND AND JUSTARTICLE ASTITLE PRECIOUS

NOVEMBER 2012

Election 2012 Change We Can, Still, and Will Always Believe In!

W, X,Y... Zed? Transitions of an International Student

Personality Quiz See if You’re Open to Life’s Changes!

The Transfer Experience Two Girls’ Transition into Cornell

Fall 2012 | 1

SUBJECT/THEME | ARTICLE TITLE

IMARA Magazine Co-Editors-in-Chief

Kyeiw

aa

KYEIWAA AMOFA-BOACHIE THERESA ANOJE Managing Editor Jasmine Wade Director of Finance Briana King Secretary Angelica-Ruth Wekwete Faculty Advisor ReneĂŠ Alexander

e

in Jasm

STAFF EDITORS Kimberly Kerr Kristi McKenzie Chardae Varlack

Brian

a

i

Krist

Kimb

erly

dae

Char

2 | IMARA Magazine 2 | IMARA Magazine

STAFF WRITERS Kyeiwaa Amofa-Boachie Olivia Chen Olivia Davis Jasmine Harvey Kristi McKenzie Stacey Ndlovu Reetchel Presume Philip Reed Daneille Scott Jasmin Williams

LAYOUT EDITORS Kyeiwaa Amofa-Boachie Theresa Anoje Matilda Ceesay Jessica Gardenhire Reetchel Presume Jaudia Quinn Alison Soong

Visit us online! www.imaramagazine.wordpress.com www.issuu.com/imaramagazine

we are imara...

The transition into a new school year comes with a never-ending list of new beginnings. New ups, new downs. New stressors, new excitements. New friends, but [hopefully] no new enemies. New tough lessons, but ultimately new reasons for hope.

As I enter my third year at Cornell, I’m struck by all the changes I’ve made both inside and out since I first arrived at Clara Dickson Hall two years ago. I still remember many of the things that my 17-year-old self, with shoulder-length relaxed hair and big-fish/ small-pond arrogance expected out of her four years in Ithaca—a list I won’t get into detail about here. But she definitely wasn’t expecting to do “the big chop” and rock natural hair. Or that she’d lose, rather than gain, the Freshman 15. Or just how much harder, and demanding of her time, Cornell courses would be than in high school. (I thought it couldn’t get any worse than AP Calc!) Or that her BFFLs from high school would not stay her best FFLs. Or that the transition into adulthood wouldn’t be an automatic “click”, but a gradual, imperceptible shift.

Admittedly, my freshman self would probably be pretty stunned at who I’ve become. But I’m also sure that she would be proud of all the changes I’ve made, and would be as excited as my current self is to see what’s in store. The difference between my former and current self is the courage it took to make changes within my control and simply accept changes out of my control. So my advice to all of our readers is to take life, with all of its ups, downs, and opportunities for change, with grace and an open mind. It might lead you to somewhere better than you expected.

Author’s Note | Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Spotlights

Eye Candy.............................................19

Transitions

A Goal Stopper?.....................................5 W, X, Y, Zed..........................................13 Metamorphosis....................................12 I Want You to Know............................18 Easing Into Cornell...............................4 Personality Quiz..................................14

Relationships

Reasoning About Relationships..........9 Gotta Change My Ways......................10

Health and Beauty

Dare to Create Your Own Flare!........22

Features

161 Things..............................................6 FFT: Change I Believe In....................16 FFT: Affirmative Action.....................20 That Was Awkward!..............................8 Final Thoughts.....................................23

a s e r e h T

Not shown: Angelica-Ruth Wekwete

Fall 2012 | 3

Transitions | Easing into Cornell

The Transfer Experience: Easing into Cornell

(Photograph © foreverdigital)

We all found ourselves here at Cornell for difBy Reetchel Presume ferent reasons. For some it was because of legacy, a simple choice, or an ambition. For others, it could have just been... an accident. By “an accident,” I mean there apply to Cornell. Once I sent in my first form, there could have been a series of random, unforeseeable was no turning back. In life, isn’t it funny how our largevents that led us to where we are today. Whatever it est transitions start with a single form? You will know was that brought each of us to Cornell, we are here at when you are looking at that crucial form because it a school more than 140 years old with a strong history somehow manages to be the hardest to fill out. A single “where any person can find instruction in any study." I piece of paper asking you, “Are you going to do it?” We can’t say that I’ve regretted ending up at this school; but all have to make that final decision on our own.

I am sure everyone remembers the day they getting here wasn’t all bliss.

During my first semester as a freshman at received their Cornell acceptance letter. I remember Binghamton University, transferring was an idea kept a huge metaphoric weight being lifted the moment I comfortably at the back of my mind. Freshman year, I saw it. After that, I only had to look forward to camhad a great group of friends who are people that I will pus life and integrating into the Class of 2013. What I be forever thankful for having met. We shared inside didn’t expect were my early feelings of loneliness. It was an unanticipated shock. Bejokes, secrets and memories that ing on campus at Cornell was time can never take away. The a different experience than my I can’t say that I’ve rerealization of that was a key part previous year at Binghamton in my slightly sudden decision gretted ending up at this University. There, a group conto transfer. There was also the school; but getting here stantly surrounded me whether encouragement of my family I was in my room or in the dinflooding my doubts and fears. wasn’t all bliss. ning hall. At Cornell, everyone By second semester freshman seemed to be more indepenyear, I just knew that I wanted to dent and consistently busy.

Most sophomores already had their fixed group of friends and there I was, trying to wiggle my way into one.

Transitioning isn’t always easy, frankly, it hardly is!

But I can say I am stronger for it. I now live with few doubts of my adaptability. Possibilities are endless when we conquer the fear of new environments, meet new people and step out of that boring comfort zone.

Without fear, the world is ours for the taking.

4 | IMARA Magazine

A Goal Stopper? | Transitions

Two Sides of the Same Coin A Goal Stopper?

organization that they’ve been involved in since their freshman year. Instead of feeling inspired, I think about how little I achieved in the last two years—besides my

By Olivia Chen acceptance to Cornell. It was something I had wanted so badly that I neglected other goals for my undergradu “Oh you’re a transfer student, that’s awesome, ate career. I had wanted to be fluent in Chinese at the where from?” end of my junior year of college, study abroad at least

“Binghamton University” I reply. twice, join the soccer team, and do so many other ac But I feel uneasy, as if I had lied. I didn’t. I’m tivities. Sadly, I saw no point in pursuing these at my just not the typical transfer. previous schools. For instance, I did not want to take

I graduated from high school dreading college. Chinese courses during my year at Binghamton because I would log on to Facebook and read statuses like, “38 I knew I needed to maintain a 3.5 GPA in order to enroll more days till freedom!!” It felt like torture. I was go- in Cornell for Fall 2012. These decisions have left me ing to Hunter College, a commuter school in Manhattan, feeling conflicted about being at one of the top schools where I’d be living at home and working at my mundane in the nation because I have missed other opportunities.

I don’t blame the people who ask me, “Where did Payless job that I’d had for two years. My life was going you transfer from?” because I know they’re simply trying nowhere. I was so ashamed that I deleted my Facebook, closed myself off, and essentially forgot the world since to engage me in conversation. Deep down though, I feel that saying “Binghamton University” is I felt like it had forgotten about me.

Transitioning is a lie. They probably assume that I spent

This mindset influenced my first year of college. I entered Hunter very difficult espe- the first two years of my undergraduate career there; that I’ve set deep roots College with the intention of leaving as soon as possible. I focused on my stud- cially with limited and that I’ve left close friends behind. ies and began transfer applications my time. However, tran- Although I did make more memories at Binghamton University than at Hunter second month there. I applied to CorCollege, it still feels wrong to wipe that sitioning can also nell: a school I knew I had no shot at, and Binghamton University, a school be a good learning first undergraduate year away. I am constantly reminded that I am only bethat I felt should not have denied me ginning what is two years overdue and experience. admission the previous year. At the end have a lot to accomplish in two years. of my year at Hunter, I had made only On bad days, I feel like I’ve made wrong decithree friends and attended just one event on campus. sions.

But on better days, I convince myself that I will still Thankfully, I was admitted to Binghamton University for the Fall 2011 semester and I had a guaranteed transfer achieve all the goals I set for myself as a first year college to Cornell for Fall 2012. I was incredibly excited but student. In fact you, the reader, are witnessing one of my also conflicted. I wondered what professional or gradu- much better days because I’m working on my goal of ate schools would think of me when my application read improving my creative writing skills by joining a school that I transferred from Hunter College to Binghamton publication. This article is one of my first attempts at to Cornell. How would I establish roots in any of these building a foundation in college, and more importantly, a schools when I’m spending such little time at each one? way to connect with others in a campus who may feel just

Now that I’m at Cornell University, I still have as disconnected as I have for various reasons. Transitionan empty feeling. It remained even after receiving my ing is very difficult especially with limited time. HowevCornell student ID, walking into my dorm room, and at- er, transitioning can also be a good learning experience. tending my first Cornell class. Although I’m happy to be At times, I still envy the Class of 2016 when I think that surrounded by some of the most promising individuals of they will have four years to do things I need to do in two this generation, I sometimes feel that I don’t deserve to years. Nevertheless, I know I will be at the 2014 combe here. Many Cornell students talk about a club/team/ mencement overjoyed about receiving my college degree.

Fall 2012 | 5

161

Features | 161 Things

V I T R A P

Things Every Woman Color Should Do at Cornell

of

With the transition from the last e-board to the new came what seemed to be the end of an IMARA mainstay. Former Managing Editor Chandeerah Davis ’12 began this list in the Fall 2010 issue when she noticed that most of the things on Cornell’s original “161 Things” list were things that the average Cornellian woman of color would probably never do. Her suggestions—besides exposing readers to new experiences on the Hill—encouraged readers to build networks of support, both within and outside of the multicultural community on campus. Even though she has moved on to bigger and better things, our e-board worked together to keep up the legacy and see Chan’s list through to the end. We hope we do it justice!

#61

Eight semesters of Ithaca in a row gets a little old, doesn’t it? Expose yourself to a different part of the world and study abroad!

62) Support the local theatre scene by catching a play in Downtown Ithaca (Hangar Theater or Ithaca Kitchen Theater).

63) Try to visit each restaurant in the Commons at least once before you graduate. (I know, there are a lot!!)

64) Need a new cover photo? Watch the sunrise or sunset over West Campus on top of the slope.

Study at least once in every library on campus, from the Africana Library just past North Campus to the Law Library just before the College Avenue Bridge. Might take a while.

#65

66) Visit Buttermilk Falls during the first week of classes, while the weather’s still nice and before prelim season traps you in the library.

6 | IMARA Magazine

161 Things | Features

67) Befriend at least one underclassman woman of

color. Give her the advice you wish you’d gotten when you were in her shoes!

68) Become a Cornell Winter Ambassador and recruit kids from your high school for the incoming freshman class!

Take a random/unscheduled trip to NYC for the day... or even weekend. Take the Shortline or splurge on the Campus-toCampus bus and get free wi-fi.

#69

70) Have at least one friend in every college at Cornell. (Architects included. Drag them out of Rand if you have to.)

71) Volunteer at the local soup kitchen, nursing home, or hospital to give back. Find out about opportunities through the Cornell Public Service Center.

72) Attend different religious institutions and see what works for you. No matter your religious affiliation, it is an experience to remember!

73) Take a class about a culture completely different than your own through ASRC, CAPS, NES, LSP, etc.

74) Experience truly independent life and rent a place off campus for at least one year before you graduate!

75) Learn a new language. Cornell has so many options, ranging from Yoruba to Tagalog.

76) Welcome some change in your perspective by expanding your group of friends to include people who are not like yourself.

77) Take time to explore the gorges. Most of us are so busy we don’t stop to notice all the natural beauty around us.

78) Run a 5k, half-marathon, or full marathon for a good cause such as the Annual Cancer Resource Center 5K in Ithaca.

79) Stay up to date with politics! We hope you voted in this past presidential election, but be sure to keep up with political issues more than just every four years.

#80

Lastly, since this issue is about transitions and making life changes, allow yourself to think outside the box and step out of your comfort zone!

>>>If you missed the first 60, check out previous issues online at www.issuu.com/imaramagazine!

Fall 2012 | 7

Features | That Was Awkward!

awks...

Students share some awkward and very awkward stories and instances with IMARA.

. Trick or Treat?

“One Halloween, I was trick or treating around my town. I knocked on a door and when the person opened it, instead of candy he handed me a hamburger… That was pretty awkward.”

. You’re Roomies?

–L. from Washington, DC

“I started talking to this guy that I was really feeling. At the same time, at my job, there was another guy that had made it obvious that he liked me but I didn’t really feel the same way, I was just really friendly. I had been talking to the guy that I liked for quite some time when he invited me over to his room. We were on his bed hanging out when his roommate walked in. His roommate turned out to be the guy that I worked with. It was so awkward when he came into the room because he just stopped and stared at us for like 5 seconds and walked out.”

–M. from California

That awkward moment when you hold the door for someone and they don’t go through the door that you’re holding open for them but through the other door beside you.

. Do I Say Hi or...

“I always think it’s awkward when I go somewhere and I see someone I used to go to high school with because I’m not sure if I should say hi or not because we didn’t really talk often and I’m never sure if they really know me. So most times I act like I’m really concentrated on my phone as I pass them or I avoid them and go in the opposite direction.”

. Kiss ’n Run

–R. from New York

“I was walking home from a party with this guy I met there and when we were close to his residence hall, and when we were saying our goodbyes he leaned over and kissed me

8 | IMARA Magazine

and ran away towards his residence hall…

That was really awkward because I didn’t know he was going to kiss me and the fact that he ran away…”

–J. from New York

That awkward moment when the only thing you know on your prelim is the date and your name .

. Wait...Is She Kidding?

“I was in Nastiez one night and this black girl was arguing with the employers. She was basically yelling at them saying that they were racist because they had said that they liked her headwrap. I felt really awkward because I wasn’t sure if she was serious or if she was joking around. It turns out that she knew them personally and that she was just kidding.”

–D. from New Jersey

That awkward moment when you think you did really well on your prelim but you actually got a 45%.

. Loose Hands

Awkward moments always happen to me. I was walking with my friend and my arms were freely hanging by my sides and my hand accidentally brushes against her butt. I shift my eyes to look at her to see if she noticed. It didn’t seem like she did so I tried to play it off like it didn’t happen. Then a little while later, I’m talking and using my hands to emphasize my point and my hand brushes up against her boob. I stopped talking at an awkward point in my sentence and she gives me this look and is like, “first you feel on my butt and then on my boob, if you want me just tell me.” LOL. –K. from Pennsylvania

—REPORTED BY DANEILLE J. SCOTT

Reasoning About Relationships | Relationships

easoning About elationships

(Photo from http://www.sicklycat.com/2010/10/14/black-is-relationships/)

To me, seriously pursuing a woman means seeing the necessary qualities within a woman that warrant a man to invest the time and energy to do so. I didn’t always take romantic relationships seriously. As a younger man, I would go after girls because they were attractive. But this got boring. It was also stressful because I was doing B y P h i l l i p R e e d myself a disservice and hurting others in the proA d a p t e d b y K r i s t i M c K e n z i e cess. Luckily, I have since experienced having a woman of quality in my life. I learned a lot in those three years. Most importantly, I realized that relationships are supposed to relieve, not cause, stress. I also now know what is important to me.

I am attracted to a woman who is ambitious because I want to witness her grow as she pursues her goals. She needs to work hard and be self-sufficient; I have a deep respect for independent women. But, these qualities must be balanced by a sense of realism. It is good for one to have high hopes but she should certainly be reasonable about them. I also like intelligent women because I enjoy intellectual conversation and I appreciate someone who can teach me new things. But, while I like such conversations, I do have another side characterized by very blunt humor. So, women I’m involved with must know how to take a joke. I also like open-minded women because I like to try new things. Of course, there are boundaries but mental flexibility is a must. I also want a woman with depth because I am turned off by materialism and shallow thinking.

Finally, I like complex women because they keep me interested. I like the notion of not knowing everything about a woman because I enjoy a surprise from time to time.

There are also qualities which I think are necessary in order to have a healthy relationship. I need a woman who is mature because maturity helps to bypass unnecessary drama. I can be blunt and insensitive at times so I appreciate someone who can complement me by softening that side. Although I want compassion, I do expect her to tell me the truth no matter how harsh it is. Open and honest communication is necessary to sustain a healthy relationship. I also want someone who is level-headed and can think logically to reach a decision. Finally, she must be loyal. I must have complete trust in the woman in my life and know that she will stay even when the chips are down.

Although I know what I want, I’m never actively looking for a relationship. I’ve heard guys complain about the lack of “quality” women available, especially in our community. But, I don’t necessarily listen to them because I believe the actions of men influence the behavior of women and vice versa. When I was growing up, my mother always told me to treat woman with respect but to be wary of the trouble they can bring. As a result, in my personal relationships I've always tried to maintain the balance of respect while still protecting myself in the process. However I am hoping for a change in the social climate between men and women, especially within the black demographic.

I try not to harbor negative feelings about women but sometimes I find there is a lack of women who fit my tastes. I don’t mind, though, because I believe relationships should happen naturally; compatibility inevitably pairs people. Right now, I’m just excited to graduate, have fun as a professional bachelor, and meet different women as I travel. One day I hope I will find one worth building a life with, sharing successes and enjoying the fruits of our labor together. I have faith in long-lasting relationships because I have witnessed the struggles and triumphs of my parents’ marriage. I am inspired by their ability to maintain a strong relationship.

I know that maintaining good relationships isn’t easy so I will build positive relationships by being humble and engaging in open and honest communication. Communication is key because women can be hard to understand—I’m not a woman so maybe I’ll never “get” some things. Thus, I will learn what I can and tolerate the rest. At one point I thought I could win an argument with a woman.

I’ve realized that, even when I do, it's probably not worth it.

Fall 2012 | 9

Relationships | Gotta Change My Ways SUBJECT/THEME | ARTICLE TITLE

Gotta Change My Ways By Daneille J. Scott

“I love you,” he whispered quietly as he propped himself up while I lay trapped beneath his body and encased in the zone between his arms.

That’s exactly how I felt, trapped, caged. I knew this day, this moment, was coming and I figured it was going to happen now since he kept telling me that he had something important to tell me.

He entered my room, not seeming nervous.

Regular. I smiled at him and gave him a peck on his lips. He really was a great guy. He risked a lot for me, and I for him. A persistent guy. I liked that.

But. There was a but, and although I couldn’t figure out what the reason for the but was, a but existed and that was a problem. He held my face and kissed me deeper. It was just the two of us, standing in the middle of my room. I liked this. I felt special.

“I have something to tell you,” he said as he removed his lips from mine and looked straight into my pupils, still holding my face. I pulled away. I hate eye contact.

“What is it?” I asked, guessing what it could be already.

My mind flashed to an intimate incident we shared a couple of weeks earlier. I was in an extremely vulnerable state, in dire need of some TLC. He was telling me all these things to cheer me up and make me smile. “You’re a wonderful and beautiful girl who is more talented than you can even imagine,” he told me. He said that he had something else to say but it wasn’t time. I smiled then but on the inside, I frowned. I didn’t want that yet.

“Look at me,” he commanded, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked up but not at him, I looked past him, at the white paint on my wall.

“I love you.”

“

Huh? I jerked back and shifted my eyes to his for a quick second and looked down. I knew those were the words he was going to say but I wasn’t ready. I didn’t want to hear it yet. I looked back at him and he was staring at me, searching my face. For what? A sign that I felt the same way? Well sadly, I wasn’t about to give that to him. He cleared his throat and laughed and said, “It’s okay if you don’t want to say it back. I just wanted you to know that I do.”

“Okay,” I said.

He kissed me again.

Just like that.

“I love you,” he whispered quietly as he propped himself up with his arms while I lay trapped beneath his body and encased in the zone between his arms. That’s exactly how I felt, trapped, caged. I knew this day, this moment was coming and I dreaded it. I felt pressured to say it back because to some people, it’s the right thing to do. They think, how can someone tell you that they love you and you don’t say it back? It’s almost as rude as someone saying hello to you and you choosing to ignore them. That pressure made me feel confined. That and his enormous body hover-

I was in an extremely vulnerable state, in dire need of some TLC. He was telling me all these things to cheer me up and make me smile.

10 | IMARA Magazine 10 | IMARA Magazine

”

Gotta ARTICLE Change My TITLE Ways | SUBJECT/THEME | Relationships

ing over me. I still couldn’t look him in his eyes.

But he had no problem staring at me. “It’s okay,” he had said, but his actions all geared towards the fact that it wasn’t okay. He wanted me to say it back.

Could I blame him?

The truth was, I loved him. I had come to terms with that a month before. I had to be 100% sure that I did. Just like I had to be 100% sure that when we first started dating, that I liked him and not just the idea of who he wanted to be in my life. I admired his persistence but I promised myself that I would never date another man out of pity, that he deserved it after swooning me with a few cute words. No. But I knew for sure that I loved the man hovering over me waiting for me to say the three words back. Subconsciously and unintentionally pressuring me with his eyes and body. I just couldn’t get it out. It was the but that I was talking about. The but that existed and I couldn’t figure out the reason for its existence. He was a caring man but. He made me happy for the most part but.

I loved him but… I wasn’t sure I could trust him with my heart. I was a cautious woman. Paranoid.

I refused to get played and be left out and hurt.

Not I. I trusted him for the most part; people are trustworthy but that doesn’t mean they are to be trusted with a fragile concept like the heart.

“I’m sorry,” I said, my right eye tearing. The

feeling of the tear slowly flowing out of my right eye and landing and settling in my right ear gave me subtle chills. Land and settle. That’s what I wanted to do, not that I was flying. I wasn’t flying. But I felt the need to land and settle. My feelings at the moment were all over the place. “I’m sorry,” I said, my eyes tearing once more. “It’s okay,” he said “I already know what your answer is.” He kissed my nose. And for the first time I looked him into his pupils and said, “I love you too.”

I saw a sense of free-ness in his pupils. He had let himself go. He laid himself bare in front of me and I left him hanging by not saying how I felt as well. He had trusted me with his heart by saying those words. But I was too caught up about getting played that I didn’t realize that I had done the playing. I couldn’t continue being so protective over my pride and joy that no one could break the barrier.

It was time that I transitioned from one mindset to another.

I was so paranoid that I didn’t want to be true to my feelings. I was so paranoid that I didn’t want to tell him how I truly felt. But suppose I never got the chance to tell him. It was time that I transitioned from one mindset to another. It was time that I stopped being paranoid and overprotective and put myself out there. It was time that I realized that every time an opportunity like this arose, I should jump at it because anything could happen. And worse than getting played is not letting the person you have strong feelings for know that you feel that way before it’s too late. Because those feelings stay there. They don’t go away. So...

“I love you,” he whispered quietly as we both lay there side by side.

“I love you too.”

“

I was too caught up about getting played that I didn ’t realize that I had done the playing.

”

Fall 2012 | 11 Fall 2012 | 11

Transitions | Metamorphosis White Transparent Naive Thorns adorn her body A mouthful no one wants Impervious Intact Nature grabs hold

Metamorphosis

By Jasmine Harvey

Pink Gentle Graceful Sweet Those that fly, slime, and crawl Having just a taste A bite Dew drops like sweet kisses on the neck Coral Desire Ardor Spreading Petals Expanding Bitter Nectar flowing through veins like wind on tips of wild summer grass Red Passionate Erotic The pluck The pull Swollen Deep Fiery Lush Exposed Raw What is left but to brown Brown Wilting Shedding Dying Scent no longer crisp, but filled with the essence and aura of the used Dirty Deceitfully wooed by the colorful gentle touch that danced across her petals That plunged into her core Damaging The swift passage from secured bud to wild bloom No one wants the used The depleted The sacred beauty The beauty of it all Is ephemeral

12 | IMARA Magazine

W, X, Y, Zed

W, X, Y, Zed | Transitions

By Stacy Ndlovu

neurotic as Blair Waldorff or anyone who dresses like Lil Wayne! Therefore, it is safe to say that most of the stereotypes that I had coming here have been disproved. What has resulted is a complete adjustment of my perceptions of American colleges.

A few weeks into Cornell, I thought I had adjusted pretty well to American college life. I had already made great friends and was relishing the college experience especially the parties and the numerous clubs and societies that offered free food! Virtually everything about college had been perfect (with the exception of prelims of course). I thought I was settling in well and that university wasn’t as big a deal as it was made out to be. I remained in this state of delusion until my roommate expressed shock upon realizing that I pronounced the last letter of the alphabet as ‘Zed,’ not ‘Zee.’ My roommate was so bewildered she had to share this alarming discovery with the world via Facebook (thanks Mark Zuckerberg). Her status update read, “Woah woah woah. My roommate doesn’t say ‘zee’?”

Coming to Cornell from a small Southern African country called Zimbabwe, I can say I had plenty of pre-conceptions about American college life. It is with shame that I admit that most of these assumptions were derived from popular TV shows like Gossip Girl and hip-hop & RnB music videos. I have not met anyone as

What caused this transformation was the seemingly minor occurrence of my roommate’s shock at my pronunciation of the letter ‘z.’ For me, this represented something more than just a cultural difference. It became a catalyst that virtually flip-flopped my understanding of the importance of attending Cornell University, a university that is an ethnic mosaic. I was forced to consider what the definition of a Cornellian really was. Before this incident, I had assumed that a Cornellian was basically someone who attended Cornell.

I had a revelation. I came to realize that Cornell is more than lectures, prelims and good grades. I then recognized Cornell for what it really is: a collage. A collage composed of diverse groups of people who blend together to give Cornell its distinctive face: any person, any study.

That’s why I’m here. That’s why we’re all here.

Our differences help to enrich the educational experience. A year ago, I would never have guessed that there was more than one way of pronouncing the letter ‘z.’ This led me to think: what else is there in this world that I haven’t learned about? What else could people from other cultures teach me?

Even though most people still squint their eyes when I talk to them (because they just don’t get me at times!), I know that the elasticity of the meaning of the word Cornellian accommodates me, (and everyone else too). So, what does it mean to be a Cornellian? A Cornellian is one of the different components that make up the collage that is Cornell: unique, colorful and an integral part of the bigger picture. All because of the letter Z!

Fall 2012 | 13

Transitions | Personality Quiz

PERSONALITY QUIZ: Are You Open

to Change?

Do you think the status quo is the way to go? Or are you so hooked on shaking things up that you’re never quite satisfied? Test your flexibility with this quiz!

1) Would you let the crew from Trading Spaces come into your room and totally redesign it?

a. Are you crazy? —They’d wreck the place.

b. Absolutely—You’d love a new look.

c. Probably, but you’d have tissues on hand in case they painted the walls fuchsia.

2) You just won a gift certificate for any hair service you desire. You choose:

a. Big chop—why not?!

b. A 1/2 inch trim.

c. Braids/weave/extensions. Something different, but temporary.

3) How much of a schedule do you follow on weeknights? a. Zero—work gets done when the mood strikes you.

b. You like to maintain some kind of order, but stay flexible.

c. Between club meetings and meals, you have a strict agenda to follow.

4) When it comes to men:

a. Must be over 6’2’’, varsity athlete, no engineers...

b. You have a general type, but have made some exceptions for particular guys.

c. You can›t even say you have a type—your taste in guys changes *constantly*.

5) How often do you update your wardrobe with trendy items?

a. Rarely—you don›t get too into trends (you’d probably look like a poser).

b. Often—you have a bunch of timeless pieces, but make some room every season for

something new.

c. Constantly—your closet looks completely different from year to year, as it should be.

6) The last time a close friend made a sudden shift in her life—got a new boo, switched majors,

changed her hairstyle—you:

a. Were worried she might not have thought things through, or made a rash mistake.

b. Were inspired, and wanted to do something even bigger.

c. Thought, “Huh, maybe some aspects of my world could use updating…”

14 | IMARA Magazine

Personality Quiz | Transitions 7) Think about the last time you had tension in a relationship (romantic or platonic). What did you do?

a. You tried talking it out, to assess what aspects of the relationship you could salvage and negotiate.

b. You kept quiet and rode out the tension,

hoping things would get better on their own.

c. You jumped ship—no need to stay with

someone who doesn›t make you happy.

8) If your daily routine started getting too predictable, you would:

a. Sit tight—why fix something that’s not

really broken?

b. Consider making time for a new hobby

or club to shake things up.

c. Drop a class, quit a club or two—maybe

even switch majors. Change whatever’s not

making you happy.

Now Add Up Your Points To Find Your Score: 1) A-1, B-3, C-2 2) A-3, B-1, C-2 3) A-3, B-2, C-1 4) A-1, B-2, C-3 5) A-1, B-2, C-3 6) A-1, B-3, C-2 7) A-2, B-1, C-3 8) A-1, B-2, C-3

Change-Craving Chick (20-24 pts)

Flexible Femme (13-19 pts)

Routine-Lover (8-12 pts)

Bravo for being able to shift gears Your ability to make smart chang- Your idea of change is the kind so easily, but you may be mak- es in your life comes from keeping that jingles in your pocket instead ing mega-alternations for the your options open. You don›t lock of shaking you to your core. You wrong reasons. The person who yourself into a strict mode of doing tend not to trust that you can work jumps from one thing to another things. Though you›re no stranger things out in different scenarios, so may be afraid to commit—espe- to just-for-the-hell-of-it altera- you maintain the status quo becially when times get tough. When tions, you prefer to take a subtle cause it›s familiar and safe. No things don›t work out completely snip-here, snip-there approach to matter how uncomfortable you for you, you tend to not want to more serious issues. When things are in a situation, you tell yourself deal with it. You may also over- slow down in your life, you take it›s better to stay with that than estimate how much a change will the time to ask yourself, «What try something new and fail. But affect your life, and when these could be different? What could be that cautious attitude will cost you changes don›t deliver, you›re left better?» Because you›re so confi- in terms of new experiences that searching for another quick fix. dent in your coping skills, you try can change you for the better. To Next time you›re set on making a to deal and make something more kick your rut, imagine yourself switch, ask a trusted friend what workable first rather than dream doing something edgy. Look to she thinks. She shouldn›t decide for of the perfect alternative. That friends for inspiration. Visualizing you, but you can then make a de- open-mindedness is a key to your yourself doing something different cision on a more solid basis. Also, long-term happiness. Stay open to is often all it takes to spark positive change. You might feel a little make modifications in smaller change! anxiety about it, but that first step doses. A little creative maneuverwill pay off in the long run! ing can go further than you think!

Adapted from: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/quizzes-games/online-quiz/cosmo_quiz_are_you_open_to_change

Fall 2012 | 15

Features: Food for Thought | Change I Believe In

Change I Believe In

By Kyeiwaa Amofa-Boachie

Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past year, you probably know this is the year of the presidential election. Our president for the past four years, President Barack Obama (in case you didn’t know), is running up against Republican candidate Mitt Romney. I’m not here to state that Romney’s a horrible person, but my vision of America is more similar to that of Obama than Romney. In addition, Obama’s done tons to move America forward despite the failing economy he inherited when he took office. For those who can’t take the hint, I think Obama deserves another presidential term for all his hard work and America’s progress.

Some may question the progress I’m referring to. As Romney has repeatedly stated, the economy still sucks and 9 million people don’t have jobs.

The unemployment rate is about the same as it was when Obama took office (around 8%). Moreover, Obama fell short of his presidential campaign promises in 2008 to lower the unemployment rate (to around 5%). With a worsening economy, people can’t afford to live comfortably any more, and many think that this is Obama’s doing because he has failed to accomplish anything or keep things from getting worse.

But when it comes to change, sometimes things have to get worse before they get better.

I bet you’ve all heard that before— the same applies here. Obama’s administration inherited an economy in freefall, and his administration has

16 | IMARA Magazine

done the best that they can to fix it without much Republican help. This includes the stimulus package and saving the auto-industry (as well as others) here in the states. The stimulus package was heavily debated and was obstructed by Congressional Republicans, but that unpopular investment in American companies has paid off. So contrary to how the Romney campaign has presented Obama during this presidential election, the Obama administration has not been twiddling its thumbs for the past 4 years and America is not worse off now than it was four years ago.

What I admire most about Obama is how he moved America forward whilst dealing with the economy.

When Obama took office, he said he would end the War in Iraq. Fast forward a couple of years and that’s the case: Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the terror attacks on 9/11 and the catalyst for the War on Terror, was killed and the American military is in the process of returning home. While I’m on the topic of the military, may I say with great pride

that Obama ended the quite offensive and embarrassing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy that was suffocating some of our most patriotic men and women in uniform.

Obama’s also done work to make sure that veterans are respected and have access to benefits when they come back from serving their country.

Progress has also been made apart from the military. Obama passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act concerning the equal pay of women in the workplace, as well as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act which expanded hate crime law to include crimes that are motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, or disability. His immigration reforms have allowed many young people, brought to the U.S. as children, to stay in the U.S., go to school, and temporarily apply for legal residence. He invested in clean energy in an attempt to move America forward when it came to energy independence. He expanded Pell grants for low-income stu-

dents as well as the Pell grant pool by eliminating subsidies that lenders were once able to impose on student loans. Despite increasing Pell grants, the federal deficit shrank by 8% yearon-year.

But I’m not done (*cue rude Romney interruption*). As someone interested in health care, I was excited to have the opportunity to learn in class about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) I kept hearing about, initially dubbed ‘Obamacare’ by the opposition. The ACA expands medical care to those who currently do not qualify, providing subsidies for people who cannot afford health insurance on their own, including non-elderly adults living below the federal poverty line. In addition to expanding the access to care, Obama has made it legally inappropriate for health insurance companies to deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Also, young adults can stay on their parent’s health insurance plan until age 26, regardless of their enrollment in an educational institution. At the same time, the ACA hopes to limit costs of medical care by changing the method of payment to healthcare providers and hospital costs.

Because people haven’t yet felt the effects of some of the things Obama’s been working on, they are quick to state that Obama didn’t try hard enough to make the change happen faster. But Obama has tried—this is a fact. And in spite of the struggle he’s faced the past four years to get America where he envisioned it in 2008, he’s still trying (as usual) without much support from the House of Representatives. Obama is a fan of

Change I Believe In | Features: Food for Thought bi-partisan efforts, moving America 2012. But Obama’s vision for a better forward using ideas from both sides America includes Republicans in it, a of the aisle. If anything, I believe this vision I respect. fact presented those who opposed Obama’s vision of change with an op- And it is important to realize that portunity to hurt Obama’s image. change is around the corner. Both Obama and presidential candidate Republican Senate Minority leader Mitt Romney know this. Americans Mitch McConnell made it clear that will soon feel the effects of the poliit was both his and Republicans’ cies put in place during the last four number one goal—while discussing years. If you read the transcript of the future of America, mind you—to Romney’s speech where he made the make Obama a “one-term president”. infamous 47% remark, Romney admitted that if he became president, Now let’s get this clear: it doesn’t he wouldn’t have to do anything in matter which party a president order to stimulate the economy beor presidential candidate repre- cause good policies were already in sents… if the progress of America place.Americans would feel the efis what one really cares about, fects of those policies kick in around there should be no reason at all the time he starts to hold office (conto hope that the current president veniently enough for him to claim it fails when it comes to moving was his doing).

America forward.

As much as the Romney campaign tried to picture Obama as a horrible president, the truth remains that America has made great strides the past 4 years under Obama.

In addition to addressing humans rights issues (women’s rights, gay rights, immigraThat statement went to show that tion reform, bullying, etc.), America most Republican legislators weren’t has had 32 consecutive months of concerned with the economic state private sector job growth and recent of America, or fighting to improve economic outlooks have been favorthe rights of women, gays, minori- able in many other economic sectors, ties, immigrants, veterans, etc. Most despite the opposition Obama has days, the only agendum Republicans faced. had was to reject anything suggested

by Obama, good or bad. It was even Obama’s done a pretty damn good more frustrating when Republicans job, and he deserves another four rejected ideas they had supported in years for all that he’s done and the past simply because Obama was plans to do, whether Congressionow in favor of them. Of course, this nal Republicans change their tacinevitably interfered with the prog- tics and decide to constructively ress Obama (and those who voted criticize the president, or just point for him in 2008) was hoping to see by fingers again.

Fall 2012 | 17

Transitions | I Want You To Know

A B G D E Z H Q I K L M N X O P R S T U F C Y W

I Want You To Know

This piece is about my ‘transition’ into my sorority, into sisterhood.

Inspired by some lovely ladies.

18 | IMARA Magazine

By Jasmine Williams

A B G D E Z H Q I K L M N X O P R S T U F C Y W

Eye Candy | Spotlights Tell me about a Cornell experience that meant a lot to you.

I was recruited to come here for track and the track team has a history of rivalry against Princeton University. During my freshman year, we won heps (track meet with the other Ivies) for the eighth time in a row.

By Kristi McKenzie

Tell me about a time when you did something solely for someone else’s benefit. I probably do something small every day because I like to help others plus I will do anything that needs to be done. I often clean the track center when no one is there.

What is the most daring thing you have ever done? I used to be scared of heights. But, on a vacation with my mother and twin sister in Mexico, I went on 8 ziplines in a row.

The last zipline was 400 feet up in the air and it ended in the water. I wasn’t scared of heights after that.

Think about the woman who knows you best. What is her relationship to you and what would she say about you? She is my best friend at Cornell. She would say I’m a jerk and a sweetheart at the same time. She also thinks that I’m silly, reliable, observant, and a good listener.

Name: Jourdan White Age: 21 Hometown: New York City School: Arts and Sciences Year: Senior Major: Sociology (concentrating in Business, Networks, and Institutions) Physical Description: 6’2, slender, dark skin, great smile Interests: traveling (has traveled all over Europe, South America, Asia, US) Sign: Virgo

Why are you the perfect eye candy? I’m a chill guy. And, if someone is having a bad day, I will smile at the person and try to cheer him/her up.

What has been the best part of your Cornell experience?

The best part is the people I’ve met here especially those who have become my good friends. I spend so much time with these people and have made so many good memories, especially in Collegetown. I also enjoyed spending last summer in Ithaca.

Tell me some of your personality traits. I’m a very good listener and I’m very calm. Also, I may seem shy at first but I will talk to anyone in any circumstance. Finally, I’m very observant and helpful.

In a relationship, what will you bring to the table? Composure- I’m analytical and rational. I won’t jump to conclusions; I will consider all aspects of a situation first. I think composure is important to keep a relationship stable.

I want to date a girl who… is comfortable in her own skin and independent. I also like a girl who I can just relax and chat with.

What turns you off about a girl? I don’t like a girl who is arrogant or one who thinks she has a right to treat others a certain way.

Describe a romantic evening.

Dinner and a walk afterwards: I like simple things.

What would you have told your 16-year-old self about girls?

Communicate. Relationships go through phases but good communication can make everything simpler.

Someone is making an advertisement about you. What is the setting of the ad? What is your slogan? The setting is different scenes in different countries. My slogan is, “Swag me out!”

Fall 2012 | 19

Features: Food for Thought | Affirmative Action

Affirmative Action: What’s

By Olivia Davis Abigail Fisher (below) is pursuing a law suit against the University of Texas because she believes that the decision to reject her was discriminatory. Her case is being brought to the Supreme Court of the United States with hopes of eradicating or adjusting Affirmative Action’s so called “reverse discrimination.” Here’s what some academics have to say.

Bing Images

“The single biggest problem in this system -- a problem documented by a vast and growing array of research -- is the tendency of large preferences to boomerang and harm their intended beneficiaries. Large preferences often place students in environments where they can neither learn nor compete effectively -- even though these same students would thrive had they gone to less competitive but still quite good schools. The student who would flourish at, say, Wake Forest, instead finds himself at Duke, where the professors are not teaching at a pace designed for him. We refer to this problem as “mismatch,” a word that largely explains why, even though blacks are more likely to enter college than are whites with similar backgrounds, they will usually get much lower grades, rank toward the bottom of the class, and far more often drop out.” ~Richard Sander and Stuart Taylor Jr. are the authors of “Mismatch: How Affirmative Action Hurts Students It’s Intended to Help, and Why Universities Won’t Admit it”

“I think George W. Bush would call it ‘the soft bigotry of low expectations’… When we live in a society where the unemployment rate for college educated people is 4% and people without a high school diploma is 11% and when African- American, Latino unemployment is what is causing our unemployment rate to be near 8%... because if you look at white unemployment, white female unemployment it's 6%... When you understand the core of the problem starts in preschool where children are not prepared and by third grade, Black, Hispanic and White students begin to diverge not because there's something wrong with the Black and Hispanic students…” ~Joy Reid, Political analyst “Babe Ruth did not compete against Willie Mays. Affirmative Action means we’re giving a shot to Michael Jordan… Why do Black people have to be geniuses and white people have to be mediocre in order to compete against the geniuses and the presumption of intelligence is with the mediocre and not the genius… My God what is the complaint here… and I find it ironic that a white woman… white people benefit more at a policy ostensibly aimed at African-American uplift…” ~Political analyst, Dr. Michael Dyson

“There are no victims when there’s racial diversity.” ~Rev. Al Sharpton

The problem is the disparity in educational opportunities. Taking away yet another opportunity for diverse students to thrive would be damaging and overlooking the culprit which is undoubtedly, inequality.

20 | IMARA Magazine

Affirmative Action | Features: Food for Thought

s the Complaint Here?

A Different Type of Diversity

I came from a public high school in a rural South Jersey town, where most people, which would mean whites were “hooked on pot” instead of phonics. I would even venture to say that most (like more than 85%) graduating students didn’t even leave the local area for higher education. Most of them went up the street for community college. There’s nothing wrong with that choice because it’s certainly economical in some cases. And my high school isn’t a fancy prep school; it’s all about sports.

Out of my primarily white graduating class, I, a black female, was the only Ivy Leaguer. I applied Early Decision to Cornell and was accepted—it was a dream. I wasn’t necessarily the smartest. I didn’t graduate as valedictorian; I definitely didn’t have the highest grades.

I was simply ambitious. But it didn’t matter to a select few of my peers that I was still within the top 10% of my class. I received the most coveted award that labeled me as an exemplary graduate. I was one of those students that had trouble keeping a resume to a single page. Yet and still, there was speculation that just because of my skin, I beat out the Jewish kid who also applied to Ivy Leagues. Sadly, this type of discrimination seems to have gone viral.

I can’t even count how many times I’ve been insulted by or overheard a joke about Affirmative Action on Cornell’s campus.

The weight of being a minority student is something seldom talked about in a respectful light. Most antagonists of Affirmative Action claim that minority students are selected because of their skin rather than competency. Also, some people believe that

the words ‘young,’ ‘ethnic’ and ‘intelligent’ do not belong in the same sentence. Regardless, the real issue is certainly about diversity.

The thing is that the criticisms of Affirmative Action aren’t even diverse. Yes, I constantly feel unprepared to handle Cornell’s vigorous challenges. I remember the pains of my first semester very vividly, which constantly resurface during rough prelim seasons. Still, none of my feelings point to a possibility that I’m unworthy of placement in an Ivy League. Cornell is quite complicated, but mostly stressful as students are pressed for time.

Anyways, I think that just because I went from achieving a 4.0 while taking a double-digit number of AP classes since sophomore year, to only dreaming of a 4.0 now, does not say much about anything important to a discussion of my true abilities. I did so many extracurricular activities, such as being the only black female in Cornell’s policy debate. I boldly began my journey at Cornell with the idea that I am blessed to be here and I can do anything I make time to do.

If something needs reforming, it should take root in the minds of people, who refuse to examine Affirmative Action from all angles.

With Affirmative Action, minority students would have a better chance at the pursuing the American dream. So again, what’s the complaint here?

If anything, a place like Cornell is unprepared to handle students like me.

It’s a powerful thing to be a young, smart, outspoken, female, minority student.

Fall 2012 | 21

Health and Beauty | Dare to Create Your Own Flare!

Dar e

ate Your Own e r Flare!

C o t

By Kristi McKenzie

She shakes me shouting “GET UP!” 45 minutes before seven, I reluctantly roll over and say “Our Father who art in heaven.”

I shower at lightning speed then scarf down my meal, To leave as much time as possible for the daily ordeal.

Today we have just 20 minutes, I flop down on the chair, This is only about half the time needed to take care of my hair.

Because, in its natural state, it’s quite long and extremely thick, But I guess this is something I didn’t get to pick.

I couldn’t bother to put my hair in rollers or to wrap it at night, And cutting the ends just never felt right.

So by my college freshman year, I had about half the amount of hair I had before, And I refused to perm it anymore.

My aunt puts a lot of clips in it and, as usual, it looks nice, But all the clips will soon fall out and, Over the weekend, she’ll pay the price.

The years of unnecessary store trips never made her mad, But something else concerning my hair made her very sad.

So, I tried twists and I thought I looked really pretty, But I washed them after my frequent workouts So they got ratty quite quickly.

Plus I hated being at the salon for 6 hours just waiting, And let’s not even discuss the price that I was paying.

In sixth grade I decided to get a perm, As the chemicals smothered my hair, she whispered, “This is long term.”

Well, entering the salon that was something I knew, Although I thought I’d never get a perm, I wanted something new.

Was it too much to ask for a hairstyle that was easy and neat?

That would be time and cost efficient but still made me look sweet?

For 18 years, my hair had caused much confusion and strife, And I was not going to put up with it for the rest of my life.

A perm was going to make my life easier, I was so sure, Plus, as a 7th grader at a new school, I wanted to look more mature.

It didn’t take too long for me to see, That, despite its popularity, This hairstyle wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

For a while, I regretted changing it from its natural state, I wanted to go back to that day in 6th grade but it was way too late.

Eventually frustration led me to the perfect solution, I booked a hair appointment immediately So I wouldn’t get scared before the plan’s execution.

Last year June I said bye to all my hair, As far as maintenance, I don’t have a single care.

15 dollar haircut, 15 minute shower, I’m in control of my hair; I have the power.

Also, I appreciate all the compliments and even the occasional stare, I feel even more confident and beautiful Rocking a style that’s quite rare!

And now if my alarm goes off 45 minutes before seven, I know I have at least an hour left in relaxation heaven.

22 | IMARA Magazine

Final Thoughts | Features It's time for us as a people to start makin' some changes.

Let's change the way we eat, let's change the way we live and let's change the way we treat each other.

-Tupac

hing eryt will be v e be g is thin eant to y r e Ev t is m r ly Wha winte pring tual n e r s v e me mes e Aft o t co mus ge, it c n ll i a Ch ryn H u a -L

e the

mak anna

uw If yo d worl er place ourself tt e at y nge ab look ke a cha a e Tak hen ma t son and ael Jack h -Mic

That part of me left yesterday The heart of me is strong today No regrets, I'm blessed to say The old me dead and gone away -T.I.

Feel s whe so good n yo , thin u gs t ’re doin hat Get g al y l the best ou wan the trea t t yo o urse ut of l to do new ife lf to -Ma som , ry J ethi ng . Bli ge

Loo k I am at me tryi chang n i I am ' every ng, c I'll b hang way I i can - J e bette ng, enn r t ha ifer Hud n I am son

and eath r b ep ar t a de 0, ’ll st e I k , a 1 y T a t to wd coun y’s a ne ep a o de s Tod , f l se n agai find my in I’ma n, ’ll w I , r i with sur vivo chelle i a I’m isette M r -Ch

Go ‘ head up swit ch t And he s tyle i f t hey then hate l e t And ‘e wat m hate up ch t he m -50 oney Cen pile t

Fall 2012 | 23

SUBJECT/THEME | ARTICLE TITLE

Special thanks to Dr. ReneĂŠ Alexander, Ujijji Davis, Devaneke Crumpler, & SAFC

The IMARA Woman is... cosmopolitan by nature she is modern by choice she is a queen by birthright she holds the puissance of Cleopatra the confidence of Nefertiti the allure of Aphrodite she embodies the Agape Theon she is the progeny of Isis she is fervent and resolute she is stronger than the strongest diamond and just as precious she is flirty, fun and fleeting she is a scholar, an athlete and a leader she excels, she succeeds, she overachieves she is the personification of IMARA. We are IMARA! IMARA Magazine is an independent student organization located at Cornell University. IMARA Magazine is responsible for the content of this publication. This publication was neither reviewed nor approved by Cornell University. Published articles do not necessarily express or reflect the policies and opinions of Cornell University or its designated representatives.

Want to be part of something great?

Then IMARA needs YOU! We need photographers, writers, reporters, makeup artists and designers.

If you're interested in working with IMARA, email imaramag@gmail.com for more information, or contact any of the e-board members today!

24 | IMARA Magazine