Z MAGAZINE | 1
TABLE
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04 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 06 MEET Z 08 A SOUR TAKE ON GEN Z 10 THE TOTE BAG 12 Z GUIDE TO DINNER PARTIES 14 AND JUSTICE FOR ALL 20 A STUDENT OF LIFE
of
24 POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS 26 FRESH OFF THE BOAT 32 NEVERTHELESS, SHE PERSISTED 38 THE SIGNS AS SHAPES 40 MOONLIGHT 46 REWIRING LOVE 52 Z GUIDE TO TRAVEL 54 PRESSURE TO PERFORM 60 TAKE WHAT YOU NEED 62 Z GUIDE TO DECORATING 64 INTERNET CULTURE
CONTENTS
Z Z MAGAZINE MAGAZINE ||3 3
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E
veryone keeps asking me “ What’s next?” and telling me “You must be so excited!” or reminding me that “It’s almost over!” They’re all referring to the end of my “glory days,” the (alleged) “best days of my life,” that are coming to an end in ten short days as I graduate from UNC Chapel Hill and move on to the next stage of my life. Spoiler alert: this will probably be me moving back into my mom’s house until I find a full time job. Oh yeah, and did I mention I turned 20 only a month ago? It’s all a lot for me to process. One day, you’re a senior in highschool who knows you don’t have it all figured out, but thinks maybe four years in college will do the trick. The next thing you know, you’re taking your graduation pictures by the Old Well and panicking because you still don’t have it all figured out, and you’re a “real adult” now. In four or five years, you’re supposed to be the one getting married, having kids, buying a house, getting a promotion, paying bills: basically, you’re the one adulting now but you still have that final exam to study for Wednesday! It’s all a lot for me to process. Meet: Leighann Vinesett (that’s me!). I’m just one of the 67 million members of Generation Z who is still trying to figure this “life” thing out. Z Magazine is a love letter from myself and 11 other UNC Gen Zer’s to the rest of our generation. On each of our pages, we want to showcase the variety of our generation’s experiences from the epic highs of decorating our new apartments to the terrifying lows of trying to meet our parent’s expectations of us, and everything in between. Z Magazine is a place to vent, to experiment, to challenge stigmas, to get help, and to put it simply, a place to document how we are living our lives. Meet: Generation Z.
M O R F R D E E T E T H E L OM T O R T R I F D R E E E T T H E T L M R M O O T I R D F E E TTER HE T Z MAGAZINE | 5
6 | FALL 2021
GEN Z IS
GEN Z IS
diverse
on TikTok
GEN Z IS
GEN Z IS
quirky
bold
GEN Z IS
GEN Z IS
tired
show-stopping
GEN Z IS
GEN Z IS
still learning
dramatic
GEN Z IS
GEN Z IS
busy
cool
STORY AND DESIGN BY LEIGHANN VINESETT
GEN Z IS
GEN Z IS
funny
stressed
GEN Z IS
GEN Z IS
growing up
genderless
GEN Z IS
GEN Z IS
doing their best
making change
GEN Z IS
restless GEN Z IS
like no other GEN Z IS
vibing Z MAGAZINE | 7
8 | FALL 2021
a
take
on
STORY AND DESIGN BY KENDAL ORRANTIA
O
livia Rodrigo is the epitome of Generation Z. As a Disney star turned viral sensation, the 18-year-old rocked the charts in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic with her debut single, “Driver’s License.” Her debut album, “Sour” released shortly thereafter, encapsulates the complexity of growing up and breaking up in the digital age. Rodrigo came onto the scene at the age of 13, as a young actress starring in the Disney Channel series, “v.” In 2019, she landed the lead role in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” a Disney+ series inspired by the original “High School Musical” films. It was here that Rodrigo is rumored to have experienced her first love and her first heartbreak
with co-star, Joshua Bassett. When the singer-songwriter released her debut single, rumors flew that the heartbreak ballad was about the two’s break up. Regardless of who the lyrics were inspired by, for many, “Driver’s License” captures the nostalgia of young adulthood and first-time heartache. The single quickly went viral on TikTok as users of all generations began posting videos relating to the song. In an interview with Billboard, Rodrigo discusses the impact of her debut single and overnight success. “You can see all the numbers and all the No. 1 charts, but to see people in their day-to-day lives listening to this song, having it resonate with them? That’s been insane,”
Rodrigo said. Shortly after the world learned her name, Rodrigo released her debut album, “Sour.” in May of 2020. Produced by friend and collaborator Dan Nigro, the album is made of 11 tracks that artfully navigate the topics of heartache, betrayal and jealousy through a uniquely youthful lens. While “Driver’s License” reached a wide demographic of listeners, Rodrigo’s songwriting in “Sour” captures the unique experience of teenagers and young adults growing up in Generation Z. In the album’s opener, “brutal”, Rodrigo leans on grunge rock and challenges the idolization of youth, singing “And I’m so sick of 17 / Where’s my fucking teenage dream? / If someone tells me one more time / ‘Enjoy your youth,’ I’m gonna cry.”
Quoting Katy Perry, Rodrigo expresses her frustrations with the false narrative of young adulthood, from insecurities to ego crushes to parallel parking. In the song “jealousy, jealousy,” Rodrigo sings distinctly about comparison culture on social media outlets like Instagram and TikTok. The song opens with the lines: “I kinda wanna throw my phone across the room / ‘Cause all I see are girls too good to be true / With paper-white teeth and perfect bodies.” Like most growing up in the digital age, Rodrigo is no stranger to finding comparison and criticism on the Internet. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she admits that she ignores most of the comments written about her online. “I don’t think anyone is meant to look at that stuff,” Rodrigo said. “I don’t think we as human beings are supposed to know what thousands of people think about what we wore or what we said or how we talk.” Rodrigo hopes that by writing and talking about the “Sour” emotions related to growing up in today’s society, she can lessen the blow for teenagers going through a similar experience. “We’re so much more alike than we are different,” said Rodrigo, in an interview with Teen Vogue. “At the core of it all, we’re all feeling the same feelings of fear and sadness and loneliness and happiness and love.” In addition to lyricism, Rodrigo uses young, playful imagery in the visuals related to “Sour.” Released with singles like “good 4 u,” “deja vu” and “brutal,” her music videos have utilized iconic aspects of Gen Z culture. In the “brutal” music video, Rodrigo uses “Choose Your Player” gaming graphics, reminiscing on arcade video games from the early 2000s. In the “good 4 u” music video, Rodrigo is seen in a high school gym sporting a pastel blue cheerleading costume. Rodrigo’s influences match the likes of young Gen Zers as well. “I’m the biggest Swiftie ever and I never stop talking about it,” said Rodrigo in a YouTube video posted on her 18th birthday. Along with Taylor Swift, Rodrigo lists Lorde, No Doubt and Paramore as musical inspirations. In her best lyrics, Rodrigo channels the diary-like vulnerability of Swift’s songwriting. In her grungiest moments, listeners can hear the pop-punk, alternative rock influences of Hayley Williams. Both Williams and Swift are credited on “Sour” due to the interpolations or melody samplings used on the album. At the end of the day, Rodrigo wants listeners to know that she’s still a young adult early on in her career. “I’m no different from any other 18-year-old out there,” she told Teen Vogue. “I’m definitely going to make a lot of mistakes in my life and in my career probably too. That’s just life.”
Z Z MAGAZINE MAGAZINE ||9 9
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T o T E
(ally) Modern
STORY AND DESIGN BY JADAH SMITH Their slogan, It’s not for you - It’s for everyone
bag has come a long way. Starting with
embodies the inclusivity that characterizes this
its humble beginning to its debut in the
generation, one shopping bag at a time. Following
fashion scene, it has become a staple for many. It should
Telfar’s global success, other fashion brands, like the
be the go-to bag for every young professional and fashion
well-established and loved Marc Jacobs, have released
goer. Many might say, “Why, it’s a generic canvas bag?”
their version of the tote bag. Keeping it modern with
Well, the tote bag has evolved. You can now find it in all
the color palette and authentic to its canvas material
shapes, sizes, colors and fabrics.
roots, the fashion brand “The Tote Bag” is every Gen
It is no longer a bag for your Saturday morning
Zer’s dream.
farmer’s market trip. From the office to college campuses, all genders are enjoying the unisex nature of the tote bag. It’s a fashion statement. The tote bag is the perfect size for your everyday needs. Computers, wallet, planner, outfit for a night out — the bag that holds it all but is still fashionable in doing so. With life referring back to what we call “a new normal,” Millennials and Gen Z are looking for ways to stand out, upgrading their post lockdown looks. What we know as the tote bag now is attributed to L.L. Bean in the 1940s, according to Tote Bag Factory. Beginning as a simple Ice Bag, the tote was praised for its versatility. As decades have gone by, the bag has taken a different form. It is the epitome of when versatility meets fashion.
First released in 2014
Telfar, the black-owned genderless fashion brand, catapulted into the tote bag scene in 2020. Created by
Both the Telfar Shopping Bag and the Marc Jacobs
Liberian-American Telfar Clemens in Brooklyn, New
The Tote Bag are the perfect everyday bags. Not only do
York back in 2005, he has since become one of the most
they maintain the adaptability of their predecessors,
prominent fashion designers “for the people”. Since then,
but they do so with a contemporary twist.
they have elevated the tote bag, providing 3 unique sizes of their unisex “Shopping Bag” in timeless vegan leather.
Z MAGAZINE | 11
THE STAPLE EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE
T
his ain’t your mother’s tote bag. The tote
12 | FALL 2021
2
D IN
2
1. Create your guest list, making sure you have enough plates for everyone to eat off of. 2. Send out your invitations!
3. Think about the atmosphere and aesthetic you’d like for the evening and make a list of things you may need to purchase to accomplish it.
A
TO T
NER
T R PA
Y
THE Z GUIDE
WEEKS BEFORE
H R O WI N
G
DAYS BEFORE 1. Pick up all the ingredients you need to make dinner, including drinks.
2. If you'll be making cocktails or special drinks for your guests, fill up your ice trays and pick up extra ice from the store. 3. Make a playlist (or several).
1
WEEK BEFORE 1. Confirm who is coming to your party and check if they have any dietary restrictions. 2. Plan your menu, keeping in mind what you
will be able to prepare and what you need to purchase. 3. Pick up candles and any other decorations for the party. Don't get flowers yet, as they might wilt before the party!
1
DAY BEFORE
1. Prepare as much of the food as possible, especially dessert.
2. Tidy your home, especially areas where guests will be. Empty the trash and the dishwasher for tomorrow. 3. Pick up flowers or other natural decorations and put them in vases.
2
HOURS BEFORE 1. Set up the table and your decorations. 2. Arrange all the food you've cooked on the counter. 3. Set up a drink and snack station for guests’ arrival.
4. Get ready for the evening - shower and get dressed. 5. Light candles and put on your first playlist as guests begin to arrive. 6. Take a moment to relax and appreciate your hard work!
Z MAGAZINE | 13
14 | FALL 2021
AND AND AND JUSTICE JUSTICE JUSTICE FOR FOR ALL FORALL ALL How Gen Z can be meaningful activists in the fight for equality.
STORY AND DESIGN BY HANNAH CORRELL
S
ocial media has changed
nationwide attention in 2014, when
Houston, Texas — was unnecessarily
the way Gen Z and
the organization demonstrated
murdered by a police officer using
younger generations
following the deaths of several Black
excessive force. The injustice he faced
interact with social justice
men: Dontre Hamilton, Eric Garner,
gained nationwide scrutiny, as did the
movements. Although it has been
John Crawford III, Michael Brown,
murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud
mostly for the good, the Internet
Ezell Ford, Laquan McDonald, Akai
Arbery and many other incidents.
can complicate effective and sincere
Gurley, Tamir Rice, Antonio Martin
Over 2,000 cities around the world
activism that makes a valuable
and Jerame Reid, among others.
participated in the protests, despite
change in the lives of our fellow Black
Brown’s death led to the renowned
COVID-19. Throughout the United
Americans.
“Ferguson protests” in St. Louis,
States, there were more at least 26
The Black Lives Matter Network
Missouri during Labor Day weekend
million participants. As pressure to
has become the title of the movement
in 2014. From then on, the movement
address systemic racism in the police
against police brutality and violence
gained traction.
force grew, its impact infiltrated all
towards the Black population in the United States. The movement gained
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd
corners of social media.
— a Black father originally from Z MAGAZINE | 15
Q & A 16 | FALL 2021
SUMMER 2020: A CRITIQUE
MEET THE INTERVIEWEES
Cam Rogers, 23 Chicago, Illinois
Haley Simons, 21 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Michael James, 21 Chicago, Illinois
G
Mack Slaughter, 22 Washington, D.C.
en Z had several
MS: I went to an in person protest
different responses to
in Washington, D.C. led by Black
the worldwide protests
activists, read and kept up with Black
following the death of George Floyd.
activists online, supported national,
Black and white individuals who
state and local policy proposals, and
were intentional and sincere in their
donated to local bail funds.
responses and volunteer efforts gave
In your opinion, what is the
their personal observations and
most effective way for non-Black
critiques to the behaviors of their
individuals to stand with the Black
Gen-Z counterparts.
community in the fight
How did you participate in
for equality?
supporting the demonstrations for
CR: There’s a difference between
Black Lives Matter during
advocacy and allyship. I think many
Summer 2020?
non-Black people don’t realize that
CR: I mainly practiced digital
both play a crucial role in the fight
advocacy by sharing and creating
for equality. Being mindful of when
online resources and donating to
to utilize resources whether it be via
people, causes and organizations.
platform, privilege, funds and being
MJ: I largely participated on
mindful of when to open the door
social media.
and allow those previously not even
HS: I attended the rally in Chapel Hill
allowed in the space to walk through
in person during the summer and
unaccompanied is the key.
donated to folks’ bail funds.
MJ: The best thing would to be to
educate yourself on Black issues and
that because I participated, but it
why they occur. It’s good to stand
didn’t contribute to a single piece of
with victims of police brutality, but
change toward preventing
it is more useful to understand the
police brutality.
relationship between Black people and American law enforcement over the years to see why it’s such a big deal. What were some actions that you saw white individuals take that upset you during Summer 2020? MJ: There were way too many people posting on social media about police brutality just to fit in with everyone else, and it just seems disingenuous after a while. HS: Utilizing #SayHerName for missing white women, which was created to bring awareness and attention to Black women and girls who are victims of police brutality,
IS THIS HELPFUL
and whose stories are overlooked. What was the most performative or meaningless action you saw others take on social media? MS: The most obvious answer is the black squares on Instagram. CR: Blackout squares. HS: Black squares on Instagram. MJ: The black squares. I’m not even going to say that I’m exempt from
Z MAGAZINE | 17
Q & A 18 | FALL 2021
SUMMER 2020: A CRITIQUE
How does social media both
to that information elsewhere. I think
strengthen and weaken activism
it is easy to discount infographics and
during social justice movements?
sharing information as performative
MJ: Social media is a great way to
activism, however, some folks do
highlight a major issue that wouldn’t
not have the time, means, or ability
otherwise get a lot of publicity, and
to engage in activism in other ways.
with the right people involved, social
However, privileged folks often feel
media can be the catalyst to lasting,
like this is “enough” and do not
meaningful change in our society.
commit to learning and engaging in
However, social media could also be
solidarity with marginalized folks.
a cesspool of misinformation and
Since Summer 2020, non-Black
inaction, and people use social media
people have fallen silent on the
to anonymously regress our
matter. What is your opinion on
society’s progress.
this and how can others continue
HS: Infographics taken at face
to be supportive, regardless of
value are a helpful tool to creatively
whether police brutality makes
disseminate information for groups
national news?
of people who might not have access
HS: White individuals have the
CR: The feelings of disappointment
why capital creates culture and how
privilege of being able to ignore the
are something many Black people
our culture devoids meaning out of
realities that people of color face
have grown accustomed to when
legitimate and specific demands and
which we saw at the end of Summer
it comes to this movement losing
movements like police abolition.
2020. We also only seem to engage
its spark. The movement from
MJ: Educate yourselves on Black
in “activism” for our own benefit
Summer 2020 is much larger
issues that affect our community
to resolve our guilt. The Marian
than one summer, and even much
negatively and positively, actively
Cheek Jackson Center for Saving and
larger than police brutality. It’s
help in areas that our people are
Making History is one example of
important to listen to peers, create
suffering in. People can talk a big
how students in Chapel Hill, North
safe spaces, actively work to learn
talk behind their computer screen,
Carolina can engage in solidarity
and better empathize, have difficult
but nothing will change unless we
work with the community. The
conversations, and hold others and
actually band together among racial
Jackson Center offers many initiatives
themselves accountable.
lines and help each other get out of
and programs focused on affordable
MS: We can continue to be supportive
these situations.
housing, oral histories and food
by volunteering our time and money
insecurity to build and maintain
instead of virtue signaling on social
community in the Northside, Tin Top
media. Others should be weary of
and Pine Knolls residential areas.
top-down messaging and ponder Z MAGAZINE | 19
20 | FALL 2021
A STUDENT OF LIFE Evans Orcel is a senior exploring himself through education and knowledge.
STORY AND DESIGN BY ALICIA ROBBINS PHOTOGRAPH BY CALEB SHUDA
E
vans Orcel, a senior
“I know how to approach my life role
majoring in information
a little better from those moments,”
science, often feels like
Orcel said. He also said a meaningful
he doesn’t belong or is living in two
part of his time as a high school
different worlds because
student was making friends.
he is Haitian-American.
Orcel said he considered
Orcel is an out-of-state student from
abstaining from university, but had
Mass. but spent two years of high
a lot of pressure from his parents
school in Charlotte, N.C.
to attend. He experienced stigmas
Orcel said that in his Mass. suburb,
against going to community college
“You can count how many people of
or trade school. Orcel said he
color are on your fingers.”
wishes there was more widespread
When he went to high school in
appreciation of options other than
Charlotte, N.C. he found more
attending a four-year university like
communities of Black people from
UNC-Chapel Hill.
different backgrounds. However, he
Another issue Orcel has with the
said he never felt like he quite fit in
school system in North Carolina is
because of his Haitian background.
that the sexual education curriculum
Orcel said that his English teacher
only teaches abstinence. Additionally,
helped him channel his voice and
he said some school curricula have
taught him how to remain true to
a lot of educational gaps because of
himself when Orcel shared his poetry
historical and cultural factors.
blog with them.
“Some programs just completely
When Orcel joined the Ardrey
neglect different fields or
Kell High School track and field team
frame types of historical
in Charlotte, N.C., his coach served as
arguments differently,” Orcel said.
another mentor. Orcel said his coach
When Orcel started as a student
acknowledged and appreciated how
at UNC-CH he had trouble reaching
hard he worked and taught him how
out and talking to people because of
to overcome mental blocks.
how large the student population is.
“I know how to approach my life role a little better from those moments.” He struggled fitting in with the
main culture, but then discovered many welcoming subcultures. “University is a place where you can probably find somebody, or some group of people that you love or could talk to. There’s someone out there that understands you academically, which is really comforting and very nice to know,” Orcel said. Orcel found a lot of fulfillment when he started the information science program. The department allows him to learn more about a field he’s interested in, technology, and how to apply it to his everyday life.
Z MAGAZINE | 21
22 | FALL 2021
“That allowed me to form my
he still has to deal with the reality of
perspective on the world,” Orcel
facing oppression. Another challenge
said.“To view people from way
Orcel faces as a student is balancing
different perspectives than
his academics with his social life. He
I had beforehand.”
said he wishes there had been more
Despite the positive experiences
guidance on choosing what to study
he’s had in the Information Science
and finding jobs.
department, Orcel has faced many
Orcel defines a student simply as
challenges at UNC-CH. “The racism
someone who is learning or who seeks
thing doesn’t always escape,” Orcel
to learn. He said he always hopes to be
said. “It’s embedded, it’s kind of
a student. Orcel said learning pushes
everywhere. Biases and bigotry are
boundaries and allows people to do
everywhere, no matter what.”
things they didn’t think possible. He
However, Orcel said the difference
thinks when you stop learning
at UNC-CH is there is sometimes
you flatline.
the opportunity to have coherent
“One thing I’ve been told is: The day
arguments and discussions about
you stop learning is the day you stop
race in academic settings. Yet he said
living.” Orcel said.
“One thing I’ve been told is: The day you stop learning is the day you stop living.”
Q & A WITH STUDENT MARKUS CLARK
Markus Clark is a student who took a leave of absence in 2008 before returning to complete their studies last year.
Q: taking a leave of absence? would say don’t give up. Keep your eye on the A: Iprize. And don’t be afraid of what going back
What advice do you have for students who are
means or to ask for help. I don’t think that you should feel any shame or regret for what you do.
Q: Why did you take a leave of absence? took an unintentional break. There was a A: Ihiccup with my financial aid that resulted
in unpaid bills the aid normally covered. I couldn’t return to campus in the spring because I had to work to pay the bills. Once I started working I never really stopped.
What did that experience teach you?
Q: What did that experience teach you?
Q: What has it been like returning to campus? For me, it was very a daunting task ahead of me. When I A: thought about starting back at school, first of all, it’s all
these people who have been in academia recently. But because I’m older, I wasn’t as afraid or ashamed to reach out and ask for help. Which is what was probably one of the downfalls from before. I’m getting a second chance basically. You don’t get second chances to do things you love often. And I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity and I’m taking full advantage of it.
taught me to be a little bit stronger A: Itanddefinitely to advocate a little bit more and just not to
really back down when I know that something should be correct and it’s not.
Q: Do you regret leaving and coming back? regret it. I missed out on a lot of A: Ikeydefinitely moments with some of my best friends.
Honestly, I felt betrayed and let down because I had given so much of myself to this university. And just to be let down that way was really hard.
is the most valuable part of being a student Q: What to you and how has your perception changed? for me, the most valuable part of being a student A: isI think being able to continue to grow and learn. To realize that there’s more and you don’t have to stop learning. I don’t know if my perception of what it means to be a student has changed. What has changed is my ability to go for what I want.
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FRESH OFF THE BOAT STORY AND DESIGN BY YICHEN YU
Being an adult means growing up, leaving home and being independent.
Xiamen and Chapel Hill GMT+8 and GMT-4 24.5° N and 35.9° N 118.1° E and 79.1° W 13,054 km 25 hours of flight Z Z MAGAZINE MAGAZINE ||27 27
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oday is my 1277th day in Chapel Hill. I got up at 8:30 am and ate a ham and cheese omelet. An hour later, I arrived at Carroll Hall for my first class. At 12:30 pm, I grabbed fried rice from Bonchon on Franklin Street and walked to the Daily Tar Heel with a colleague. At 4:30 pm, I opened up Zoom for a meeting with a
classmate. At 6:00 pm, I arrived home. After resting and taking a shower, I sat in front of my desk and started doing homework. This is a typical day for me in college. It may not sound that interesting, but it usually goes smoothly and keeps me busy, which I actually enjoy. However, 1277 days ago, marking the beginning of my life in Chapel Hill, my life was neither very busy nor easy for me. In August 2018, I arrived at the Raleigh Airport with my parents and five suitcases. I was excited, but my anxiety and nervousness largely and quickly overwhelmed me. I knew life here would be very different, but I was not aware of how different it would really be. I was not prepared for the transition from high school to college; the culture shock I expereinced demonstrated how truly difficult it was going to be to adapt to this new life.
LANGUAGE BARRIER Before coming to the United States, I studied English for many years and received good grades on the English language test. However, the truth is that my knowledge in English differed from how it looked on paper. What I have learned is enough to live here but quite insufficient to allow me to freely switch from different topics with native speakers. As for my written English, such as my homework or emails, the insufficiency is subtle since I usually have more time to structure my sentences and think about proper grammar. For my spoken English, it was a disaster. Because I have an accent and was unsure about the most appropriate way to speak, I chose to keep silent and listen to others, especially after I tried to communicate several times and found out people did not really understand what I said. Many times, I even had some solid opinions or had come up with good ideas, but I chose to shut my mouth and just smile because I was too shy and too awkward to speak. For a long time, I lived with the difficulties caused by the language barrier.
During group discussions in class, I rarely talked; after class, I was afraid to ask the professor my questions because I was too afraid my broken English would confuse them; in the dining hall, I was accustomed to using my finger to point out what vegetables I wanted because I was not confident that they would understand me otherwise. The language barrier stuck me in a giant bubble to where I almost lost my social life and risked hindering my academic performance.
When I write down this story, I can still feel the pain I was experiencing four years ago. However, at the same time, I also feel a great relief. With the courage from my roommate, a native Asian American, and my boyfriend, an international student like me, I gained confidence in my spoken English and gradually stepped out of my bubble. They convinced me that many people have an accent, and there is no shame to speak with an accent. I also realized that the grammar and the structure are not that important in spoken English, as long as I can make people understand. Most importantly, I have come to believe that people will not laugh at me with my, still, poor-spoken English. Jumping out of the language barrier made my life here much more manageable, both academically and socially.
DIET DIFFERENCES Another serious difficulty I experienced is the difference in the diets between Asian and Western food. I was raised to eat rice, noodles, buns and all kinds of typical Chinese food. I am also a big fan of Korean, Japanese and Thai food. However, most food and restaurants here are steak houses, burger shops, fried chicken restaurants and pizza places. Many of them are delicious, but I am not used to eating these every day. Furthermore, since I lived in a dormitory for my first year, I did not have much space or utensils to cook my own meals. Even worse, the Asian restaurants on Franklin Street are not as authentic for me as an Asian, except for Lime and Basil. I also don’t have a car to go to restaurants further away. Whenever I had a video call with my family, I always told them how much I missed the food back in China and how badly I was craving authentic Chinese food. Fortunately, the
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situation vastly changed when I moved
restaurant now!
off-campus and had my own kitchen in
MY LIFE HERE NOW
an apartment. I bought many Chinesestyle pots with my roommate, and we go to Asian supermarkets such as H Mart regularly to purchase ingredients and meats that are suitable for our appetites. During the time of the pandemic, when I felt it was too dangerous to order food delivery, I learned to cook many different kinds of dishes and desserts. The food difference is no longer a problem for me. At the same time, I also explored many non-Asian restaurants and eventually became more and more used
XIAMEN
to these different styles of food. Bar Taco is officially my favorite non-Asian
With the expansion of my study and work, life now is much busier than it was four years ago. I am gradually speaking English in a more natural way, getting used to the taste of food here, and adapting to life even though sometimes people still mishear me and I still miss dishes from home. While I haven’t gotten used to everything, I am in love with my life here as it is peaceful and hopeful. For me, my home and family are on the other side of the Earth and I miss them and my homeland every single day. However, in my mind, Chapel Hill is my home for now in America.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR STUDYING ABROAD? Try to begin by preparing not only physically for your trip, but also mentally, especially if you have never been away from home before. As long as you can keep up with your mental health, other difficulties will be easier to work out!
WHAT IF I STRESS OUT? Definitely ask for help! People will not laugh at you and most of them are very willing to help you out. Your friends and professors are good choices to talk to when you need someone. If you don’t want to talk with them, your university may also provide various resources to get assistance, usually at no cost to you!
WHAT IF I MISS HOME? Home sickness happens for almost every international student. Try scheduling regular video calls with your family every week and sharing details about your day with them. Traveling back home during long breaks, like summer and winter break, will also give you some relief. Getting a pet for company can also help!
CHAPEL HILL
T T T III P P P S S S
ANY OTHER TIPS FOR INCOMING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS? Don’t panic if the environment, courses or foods are not what you expected. This is normal! Find a comfortable way to live in your new home. Remember that you are adapting to your new environment and things will get better.
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NEVERTHELESS, SHE PERSISTED.
Wandering through the maze of life, one turn at a time. STORY AND DESIGN BY SARAH DUBOSE
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A Story of Personal Struggle and Grit
I
am here: a 21-year-old college student in my final undergraduate year during a global pandemic. I am alive, and I will continue to persevere every day. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, I have battled with my mental health, specifically depression and anxiety, for years, and I know I am not alone. For a lot of people, both those you know and those you don’t, each morning, marking the start of a new day, can be an incredibly large and difficult task. Mental health has become a major concern in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suicide rates have reached dangerously high levels, becoming one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Despite the prevalence of these mental health concerns, there still exists a stigma surrounding the diagnosis of and conversation about mental health disorders. Fear, embarrassment, pride and more, all work in negative ways to prevent any discussion of mental health. Today’s society, in comparison to twenty years ago, is continuously working towards breaking down this dangerous stigma, but there is still work to be done. Mental health and how it is defined is completely subjective; each individual has their own set of experiences and responses to those experiences.
Some individuals have a particular brain chemistry that inhibits them from releasing enough dopamine to maintain an emotional homeostasis. Some individuals go through certain experiences that create trauma and severely disturb their state of mental wellness, and others go through temporary waves of certain emotional responses. For me, the defining factor of my depression was silence. It was silent on the outside, hiding from my peers, but on the inside, the feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, exhaustion and frustration weighed down my every step. And it felt inescapable. I did not know how to acknowledge and, moreover, put into words how I was feeling.
BREAKING DOWN STIGMA What society misconstrues, is the concept that someone’s personal experiences and the consequent emotions are more justified, or prevalent, than another’s. This is where the stigma arises. This false belief creates barriers between someone who is struggling with their mental health and the willingness to express their
emotions and seek the help they need. For a lot of those who suffer from mental illness, the need for therapy and medication can be a matter of life or death. And for those who come face to face with the barrier of stigmatization, the lack of aid can lead to more extreme suicidal thoughts and even attempts. The reality, hidden behind the discriminatory stigma, is that treatment provides relief through acknowledging and identifying the root of the negative emotions in order to work through the cause or triggers and prevent worsening symptoms. For me, I suffered for years, telling myself that I had no right to feel the way I felt. I live a privileged life, surrounded by my family who loves me and remains in good health. I thought that my depression and anxiety were not justified because, in comparison to the lives of some others, I had it pretty good. Why should I feel this way when others are losing their battle to cancer or are paralyzed or blind and cannot experience the joy of life to the fullest? I was an otherwise healthy individual, but it came down to genetics and an imbalance of hormones. I felt trapped in the
unworthy fat
lonely
sensitive annoying difficult disappointing stupid
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depth of a complex maze with no exit in sight. I fell victim to the stigma surrounding mental health. I was trying so hard to understand why I was feeling the way I was. Why was it such an effort to get out of bed in the morning, start my homework when I return home, have kind conversations with my family members? I was scared, embarrassed and too stubborn to talk to my parents about how I felt; I didn’t even know what I felt. I just felt stuck.
PUTTING ON A MISLEADING MASK I had made it a habit to force an inauthentic smile on my face the minute I left my house. My friends, teachers and coaches were in the dark about the reality of the emotional turmoil with which I was silently struggling. They saw what I wanted them to see: the extraverted, outgoing, happy-go-lucky version of myself. By the end of each day, I came home exhausted from pretending not to feel the way I truly felt: depressed. As a result, I would refuse to socialize with my family members, but when I did, the conversations had an undertone of irritability and anger which all stemmed from the lack of understanding of why I was feeling so depressed.
there was no singular trigger. My sadness was my new normal; it was my only comfort for years as it was all I knew. At the depth of my sadness, I felt a significant sense of loss. Reflecting back on this experience, I realize that I lost who I was rooted in a consistent, authentic happiness. The happiness felt throughout the three longest, most tiring years of my life was only fleeting.
“Sadness was my only comfort.” A TURNING POINT I refused to stop navigating through my life and these obstacles. Finally, I veered the one corner that made this maze just a little bit more
“Depression is feeling like you’ve lost something but having no clue when or where you last had it. Then one day you realize what you lost is yourself. ” SHERRY ARMATENSTEIN These words really stood out to me because they are so true to how I felt. I was desperate to go back to feeling normal and genuinely enthused by life. For a while, it felt as though my depression defined me. I forgot who I was before it came into my life like a wrecking ball. I wasn’t able to pinpoint when I started feeling so sad;
manageable: a conversation with my doctor. I went on medication and weeks later started to remember the freedom of leaving behind my mask
of joy. This new kind of joy was genuine and did not have to be faked. I hung my mask up and left it behind, now walking along my path with more liveliness and optimism. I took each turn in life with a little more confidence.
FINDING MY LIGHT AGAIN I eventually found my light that had been dimmed for so long before. I spoke to a counselor and began to open up to my family and friends about my years of suffering. My joyful, light-hearted spirit had returned. Even on the bad days, a tougher turn within the maze I’m constantly navigating, I find peace in the person I have become and the suffering through which I have lived. I remind myself, if I can get through such dark times during my years struggling with
through my twenty-one years of life. Looking back on this incredibly hard and hopeless time in my life, I am confident in one thing: I would not be the person I am today without my past troubles. I would not feel such a strong empathy towards those around me; I would not carry the same light around with me if I had not experienced what true darkness feels like; I would not be as in touch with my body and emotions as I am today. All of these things that work to make me who I am, would not exist without the experiences that led me to where I am now. I am a full believer that you go nowhere by accident. Every turn along my maze was put there to aid me in some way. My empathy has grown stronger through every conversation I have about my suffering; since arriving at college, I have realized that I am not alone in my struggles with mental health. I thought for so long my depression was something to keep quiet and be ashamed of, but I now see so clearly that it is something to share openly and through which to connect with those around me, most likely experiencing something similar to me. I am so grateful to be where I am today, and I am so grateful I took the initiative to talk to my doctor and get the help I so desperately needed. If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, seek the appropriate help: have an open conversation. Despite the overwhelming sense of hopelessness I once felt, I believe that the joy I now can see in the little things in life is far greater. This joy only exists because I persisted; I never lost hope.
SEEKING HELP NOW
1-800-950-6264 depression, I can get through the next obstacle. My ability to persevere has only gotten stronger because of the challenges and suffering experienced
NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL HEALTH
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THE SIGNS AS SHAPES ARIES
Dynamic and courageous
CANCER
Intuitive and imaginative
LIBRA
Idealistic and peaceable
TAURUS
GEMINI
Patient and reliable
Adaptable and witty
LEO
VIRGO
Creative and expansive
SCORPIO
Powerful and passionate
Practical and diligent
SAGITTARIUS
Optimistic and freedom-loving
AQUARIUS PISCES
CAPRICORN
Patient and careful
Original and inventive
Intuitive and sympathetic
AD GOES HERE
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MOONLIGHT And The New Coming of Age Story STORY AND DESIGN BY EVAN DAVISON
C
oming of age movies
these on screen stories. As we grow
Jenkins describes making the film
hold a special place in
up, these films not only represent
as an increasingly deep look into his
our hearts, as glimpses
our childhood, but they become
own childhood, and how the film’s
into the tumultuous period of
influences and examples for the
characters represent people from
self-discovery and growth between
people we become.
his own life. “Even for me, on set,
childhood and adulthood. These
“WHO YOU GONNA BE?”
directing these things, it was like
youth-centered films capture the specific culture of each generation, mixing nostalgia and experience in ways that highlight both the good and bad aspects of growing up. Films over the years such Dirty Dancing (1987), Dazed and Confused (1993), Y Tu Mamá También (2001), Juno (2007), The Tree of Life (2011), Perks of Being A Wallflower (2012) and Ladybird (2017) tell stories that engage with the wonders and struggles of being a young adult. Self representation in films has become an important aspect of growing up today, especially in the modern world of social media. Children and adults alike learn about self image, behavior, love and more through watching
Moonlight (2016), directed by Barry Jenkins, defined a new generation for coming-of-age films. Adapted from Terell Alvin McCraney’s play, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, Moonlight is an exploration of family, identity, sexuality and masculinity set in southern Florida. A glowing portrait of protagonist Chiron, Moonlight floats between genres and offers a beautiful contemporary picture of the African-American coming-of-age experience. Director Barry Jenkins describes making the film as a melding of both his and McCraney’s experiences, their own life stories reflected in Chiron’s.
some extremely aggressive therapy,” Jenkins said. “For me, it’s not just a movie.”
“For me, it’s not just a movie.” Moonlight hits hard, taking place during the height of the crack epidemic as Chiron navigates bullies, emotional neglect and violence while discovering his own sexuality and identity. But it is also a beautiful and heartwarming film, which sets stage for a new wave of coming-of-age stories as well as fresh voices and perspectives.
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Moonlight made big waves when it
coming-of-age films. Since these films
between comfortable and cold, a color
was released in 2017, and it became
have such an impact on us as viewers,
representation of the world Chiron
the first LGBT movie with an all-
featuring characters and stories that
grows up in. “Tarell calls Miami a
black cast to win an Oscar. Moonlight
can resonate with underrepresented
‘beautiful nightmare’ and I think what
received 19 nominations and won
groups is incredibly valuable.
we’ve done is paint this nightmare
four Academy Awards, including Best
“I’M ME MAN. AIN’T TRYING TO BE NOTHING ELSE.”
in beautiful tones,” Jenkins said in a
Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay,
podcast with IndieWire. “We wanted
Moonlight’s popularity is a
to embrace the tension of that beauty,
Ali), as well as a Golden Globe for
result of both a compelling story
juxtaposed with the very dark things
Best Motion Picture Drama. The film
and an emotional connection to an
that are happening to the characters
was a landmark LGBT and African-
underrepresented experience. The
in the story.” Together, Jenkins and
American story, which depicted
film is remarkably empathetic, and
cinematographer Hames Laxton
the intersections of race, class, and
just about any viewer can connect
wanted an immersive, dreamlike feel
sexuality in a long overdue big screen
with the themes of growing up and
for the film. It was very important
appearance. The film paved the way
the search for identity, regardless of
that the richness of the characters was
for more diverse and inclusive stories
their own experience.
captured in the color, light and details
and filmmakers to be seen on a
“IN MOONLIGHT, BLACK BOYS LOOK BLUE”
of each and every scene.
Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala
Hollywood level stage. Hollywood has long been notorious for prominently
Moonlight is a naturally beautiful
Jenkins breaks through Hollywood’s traditional stereotypes
creating films that cater to the white,
film. Barry Jenkins brings a poetic
of addiction, homophobia and
heterosexual experience, especially in
visual cinematic style that shifts
masculinity with his characters.
“It was important for the themes of “Moonlight” — the emotion and the spirituality — to have a visual aesthetic that could translate them. We weren’t writing the story on paper; we were painting with moving images.” - Barry Jenkins, Director
“LET YOUR HEAD REST IN MY HAND, I GOT YOU,
I WON’T LET YOU GO.” - JUAN, MOONLIGHT
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A Story in Three Acts (Serious Spoilers Ahead!)
1. Little
2. Chiron
3. Black
Moonlight opens with “little,” a
The second act focuses on Chiron
In the third act, Chiron has
nickname 10-year-old Chiron (Alex
as a teenager in high school (played
become and adult who goes by the
R. Hibbert) is given by his bullies.
by Ashton Sanders), where his
nickname ‘Black.’ He has become
Young Chiron is reserved and isolated
developing sexuality results in
an intimidating muscular picture
from those around him, yet forms a
escalating bullying. This chapter
of masculinity, and works as a drug
strong connection with drug dealer
heavily focuses on the nuances of
dealer in Atlanta. His relationship
Juan (Mahershala Ali), who becomes
teenage masculinity and sexuality, as
with his mother is strained, but the
a father figure of sorts. Juan looks
Chiron navigates a sexual awakening
two reconcile while she is in a drug
after Chiron as his mother Paula
with fellow classmate Kevin (Jharrel
treatment center. Chiron reunites
(Naomie Harris) falls further into
Jerome), and begins to accept his own
with Kevin at the diner he is working
drug addiction, which Juan supports.
identity as a gay man. A later hazing
at, where the two discuss how their
Despite contributing to his mother’s
experience forces Kevin to beat up
lives have taken unexpected turns and
addiction, Juan defies the stereotype
Chiron, a combined emotional and
the people they have become. Chiron
of the hardened drug dealer, and is a
physical violence that alienates him.
breaks down and admits he has not
kind, supportive, and understanding
At the end of the chapter, Chiron
been intimate with anyone since
figure that heavily impacts young
violently retaliates against his high
they were in high school. As Kevin
Chiron’s life.
school bully Terrel, severely
comforts him, he remembers himself
injuring him.
when he was Little, standing on a Miami beach in the moonlight.
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REWIRING How Gen Z is shifting the dating narrative STORY AND DESIGN BY SOFIA ALBA
W
e were taught a
during and after the Great Recession.
workforce later, saving for homes
narrative of love
Consequently, they are more
later and starting families later. These
since we were
concerned about their education, job
life milestones are delayed more
kids. “Johnny and Susie sitting in a
prospects and financial independence
so because women are increasingly
tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love,
and stability than they are about
chasing degrees and careers.
then comes marriage, then comes
dating.
baby in the baby carriage.” A boy and
Pew Research reports that 72% of
More Gen Z’ers are attending
Millennial women are employed while
girl inevitably meet, fall in love and
college and university than previous
only 40% of Silent Generation women
get married. However, Generation
generations. They are better educated,
between 22 through 37 participated in
Z is straying away from previous
and as a result, they are entering the
the labor force.
generations’ expectations and transforming how they approach sex, sexuality, relationships and marriage.
BETTER EDUCATED Percent of generation that received a Bachelor’s degree or higher
Gen Z is pushing back the timeline of expected milestones like marriage and children. They are less focused on saying “I do” and are more
X
29% GE
NERATI
12%
LE
RA T IO N
BABY
BO
N
ME
RS
25%
O
LLEN
NI A
O
MI
SI
graduation day. Gen Z’ers grew up
39%
LS
interested in turning their tassels on
N T G E NE
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Mil len 14 %
Milllennials are less likely to want a monogamous relationship
al ni
43%
Type of IDEAL Relationship
43%
Gen er a 12 %
nX tio
30%
% 58
25%
Ba b
Young adults are focusing all their energy towards school and
mer oo yB
7%
69%
work, which completely disrupts the expected timeline of marriage, first homes, and children. Yes, some women want to get their MRS degree when they’re in college. As a whole however, college students and young
early 20s to late 20s, and it might
but Gen Z is breaking this societal
professionals aren’t dreaming of
become early 30s in the near future.
expectation of marriage.
their wedding day. Instead, they are
Gen Z is not entirely tied to
They are not only challenging
dreaming of moving out and gaining
marriage and monogamy. Young
the construct of marriage, but the
financial independence and stability.
couples are getting married
construct of monogamy as well.
exceptionally later than previous
With each generation, more and
generations, and some people are
more Americans are desiring non-
not getting married at all. According
monogamous relationships.
CHALLENGING MONOGAMY Young couples are getting married exceptionally later than previous generations. According to Pew Research Center, Millennials are 10% to 20% less likely to have wed in their 20s than their parents.” The socially accepted age to marry is shifting from
to Pew Research, “one-in-four of
A study by YouGov found that
today’s young adults will have never
Millennials are most likely to
married by the time they reach their
be interested in having an open
mid-40s to early 50s.” Marriage is a
relationship compared to Gex X and
social and legal construct that has
Baby Boomers. Millennials and Gen
been romanticized and normalized,
Z are shifting the narrative of Johnny
and Susie, and are welcoming a third partner onto the kissing tree.
EMBRACING IDENTITIES They are shifting the narrative by adding a plot line of Johnny and Drew. Gen Z embraces gender expansiveness and queerness. This generation is breaking the notions of gender and sexuality, and it’s in part due to the political atmosphere, social media and hookup culture. Gen Z was born into a world of advanced media and technology. Due to social media, teens and young adults are exposed to influencers and celebrities of all sexualities and gender identities. They are flooded with media and information, and are exposed to ideas beyond
heterosexuality and cis-genderness.
and growing LGBTQ acceptance, the
Gen Z is dating and exploring
number of individuals who identify
their sexualities in a more open
as queer is on the rise. According to
and accepting society. Between the
Gallup, one in six adults in Generation
early 2000s to 2020s, support for
Z identifies as LGBTQ.
gay marriage boomed exponentially.
While some individuals can
According to the Pew Research
identify their sexuality at a young age,
Center, 60% of respondents opposed
others need to experiment in order
the legalization of gay marriage in
to be confident in their sexuality.
2006. In the span of a little over a
Hookup culture provides Gen Z’ers
decade, support for gay marriage
the perfect opportunity to explore
shifted radically. By 2019, 61% of
and learn their sexual preferences.
respondents supported gay marriage.
EXPLORING NONEXCLUSIVITY
Additionally, gay marriage was
In the new media age, hookup
legalized by the Supreme Court
culture and dating app culture work
in 2015. Over the course of Gen Z’s
in tandem. Young folks are able to
upbringing, a majority of Americans began to support LGBTQ rights. Due to exposure to queer folk
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meet new people and hook
The social acceptance of sex before
up more due to social media and
marriage lets Gen Z hookup and have
dating apps. Dating and sex is easily
casual sex without fear of judgment.
accessible because individuals can
Teens and young adults have swapped
meet people at the swipe of their
old-school dating practices for
fingers. Gen Z is able to use hookup
Snapchats, DM’s and hookups.
culture as a means to explore and
DIGITAL DATING
understand themselves, their identities, and their personal desires. Hookup culture is attractive to Millennials and Gen Z due to its glorified lack of commitment. Young adults value work and school moreso than dating, so they don’t make time to date and maintain long-term relationships. They turn to hookup culture because they can date around and meet people without the fear of being tied down to a relationship. Gen Z has broken the standard of going on proper dinner dates, movie dates and mini-golf dates. Instead of going steady, Gen Z’ers prefer casual, fun and nonexclusive relationships. Waiting until marriage is no longer a societally enforced construct, which has heightened hookup culture. According to NPR, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about “90% of people who’ve ever been married say they have had premarital sex.”
Dating has turned digital. Young people find hookups and romantic partners through social media and dating apps. Instead of meeting “organically” in class or through
mutual friends, Millennials and Gen
and presidency of the country’s first
different race or ethnicity. By 2015,
Z’ers meet people through Instagram
Black president. In turn, homophobic
the rate of intermarried newlyweds
mutuals and matches on Tinder.
and racist attitudes have declined
climbed to 17%. Gen Z’ers are not only
throughout the years. According to
embracing their own identities and
generation of swiping right. The
Pacific Standard, Harvard researchers
sexualities, but the complex identities
Proceedings of the National Academy
found that both “conscious and
and sexualities of others.
of Sciences found that nearly 40%
unconscious bias regarding race
“of heterosexual relationships in the
and sexual orientation declined
their pursuit for self-identity and
U.S. began on dating apps” in 2019.
significantly between 2007 and 2016.”
exploration. In their path towards
The digital age is creating a
By 2025, that number is projected
These shifts in attitudes have
Gen Z is characterized by
finding themselves, they are breaking
to reach 65%. A large number of
surfaced in the dating word. Gen
the ideals of love and dating. The
young adults have met their partners
Z’ers are open to dating people with
landscape of dating has entirely
through dating apps, and a majority
varying sexual orientations and
shifted due to their open-mindedness,
of young adults will meet their
racial and/or ethnic backgrounds.
the political climate and their digital
partners on dating apps in the future.
According to YouGov, 43% of
savvy. Gen Z’ers are open to finding
When swiping on apps, Gen Z is
Millennials would be open to dating
love online, they accept love in all
less fazed by differences in race and
a bisexual partner, while less than a
forms, and are interested in people of
sexual orientation. In addition to the
quarter of Baby Boomers would. Pew
all identities. The societal narratives
legalization of gay marriage, these
Research found that 7% of newlyweds
of love are now digitized, expansive,
generations lived through the election
were married to someone of a
and ever-evolving.
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TO
TT II PP SS 4
RAVEL IC T
EM
THE Z GUIDE
POST-PAND
1
A
ccording to a 2021 study by travel booking platform Get Your Guide, travel was the top activity that people
were looking forward to post-pandemic. But as variants of COVID-19 are still on the rise, 57% of Gen Zers cite that safety is their top concern in travel planning. Traveling in 2021 requires a more detailed and cautious approach than before the pandemic, but it can still be done with the right tips, tricks, and safety measures in place.
Be intentional with locations. COVID regulations vary based on location, so make
sure you keep up with regulations at your destination. Another tip is to plan a small
domestic getaway instead of opting for large international trips.
2
Spend money where it matters. On average, 25% of Gen Zer's
travel budget is spent on flights. By using services like Scott's
Cheap Flights, you can spend more money on hotels and experiences.
3
Get outdoors. Being in nature has many benefits:
outdoor COVID-19 transmission rates are low, you can
unplug from technology and activities such as hiking are free.
Do your research. The desire to impulse buy a $300 flight to
Europe is strong, but look into places to stay and things to do before
going. Travel sites like Hopper also often have helpful guides to save money.
5
Be flexible. As infection rates and travel restrictions continue to fluctuate, it's a good idea to book flights and hotels with generous
cancellation and refund policies. Be ready to adapt in case things change!
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The
Pressure Pressure Pressure To Perform FACING TRADITIONAL STIGMAS STORY AND DESIGN BY SOPHIA ALEM
T
hinking about milestones
The answer to that question is
as a 20-year-old can be
complicated. I think a lot of this
scary. In about a year and a
pressure comes from the life patterns
half, I will be finished with my college
of past generations and what we have
degree and ready to begin “the rest
seen in the past. My parents met in
of my life.” It will be the first time in
college, and a lot of their friends that
about 17 years that my entire identity
are married also met in college or
will not revolve around my status as
even earlier than that. Many of them
a student. I’ll be expected to find an
finished college in four years, then
actual career, move out of my parents’
found jobs immediately following
house for good, get married and
that. Some had children right after
eventually have a family of my own.
finishing college. If all of this worked
But who is placing these expectations
out for them, why should we, the
on me? My parents always told me
children of this generation, not follow
I could do whatever I want with my
the same path?
life, as long as I am happy. They do not seem to be too concerned with my plans after graduation, and have faith that I will be able to find my way. So why do I feel so much pressure?
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A DIFFERENT TIME
seem to be breaking away from the
as it has been in the past. Employers
lifestyle conventions of the past.
in some fields are not looking as
perspective, our world looks a lot
COVID-19 inspired a few of my
closely as how many years it took
different now then it did 30 years ago
friends to take some time off from
a candidate to finish college, but
when my parents were my age. We are
school to pursue other hobbies,
rather what experiences they have
in the middle of the most impactful
not concerned with whether or not
gained throughout their lives before
pandemic since the Spanish flu of
this would delay their graduation
applying to an opening at their
the early 1900s. This has certainly
time. Some of my classmates are
company.
derailed the plans of many people
finishing school a semester or even
A MODERN MATCH
around my age. The job market is
a year early, in order to move on to
not great right now, and rent prices
higher education or take a period
seem to go up by the day. A year of
of gap time before entering their
my college education happened via a
career fields. What’s most surprising
Zoom meeting screen. Because of the
and progressive about this is the
pandemic, sometimes I just do not
fact that our academic advisors are
feel like I have had the life experiences
encouraging us to take these paths.
to be prepared to hit these milestones
I personally have been told several
that have been imposed on me.
times that the traditional “college
Speaking from an American
Additionally, many of my peers
path” is not quite as cemented or rigid
Relationships and the significance of romance has also dramatically shifted within the past 10 years. Divorce rates were increasingly high for a long time, with marriages frequently ending in divorce. More recently, divorce rates have been decreasing simply because less people are choosing to get married in the
noticed in romantic first place. I have met so many people in my age group that have expressed a desire to never get legally married. That is not to say that they have no desire for a romantic life partner, but they do not feel like a legally binding agreement is something they want or even need to feel affirmed and secure in a relationship. This has especially increased with so many weddings being put on hold due to large gathering restrictions or other inhibiting factors, Another major difference that I have
relationships is the way that people
in any
are settling into serious relationships
rush to get
much later in life than our parents’
married.
generation did. While my parents
THE BIG DEAL
met in college, like many of their married friends, lots of my college friends do not feel ready to even think about marriage until they finish their degrees. Independence and the idea of really knowing yourself is a valuable skill for younger people, and I personally would rather be comfortable with being alone than dependent on somebody else for the majority of my life as a young adult. That’s not to say that young people in relationships are invalid, but just that it is not as much of a priority now as it used to be 20 or 30 years ago. Even the people I know who are in serious
So, where does the pressure come from then? If it seems like everyone in my generation agrees that there is no “right” way to live your life or a predefined sequence of events that we must fulfill to be happy, why do we feel so much pressure concerning our life decisions? I feel like it has something to do with the lack of an example to go by. That is to say, if we as a generation are deciding to follow our own paths and reject
relationships do not seem to be
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tradition, then we no longer
traditional patterns that might not be
it is also perfectly fine to have a role
have this example to follow and use
right for you. Instead of questioning
model and someone’s path that you
as a sort of checklist for where we
whether or not you are doing the right
would like to imitate, but it’s also
“should” be in our lives by a certain
thing or following the right path, you
okay not to do that either. It sounds
age. Seems counterintuitive, right?
have to remind yourself that you are
cliche, but in the time of uncertainty
It is. One of the most difficult parts
creating the path that is best for you,
we are all in right now, both as young
of straying from tradition is the idea
so there is no right or wrong.
people and as a generation who
of being one of the first people to do
LEAVING THE PAST BEHIND
has had an already difficult time in
something. If few others have taken a specific path before you, you have no basis of comparison or example to go off of. While this certainly has the potential to cause anxiety or fear of the unknown, if you shift your perspective a little bit, it can also alleviate the pressure to fall back into
All this is also not meant to make anyone following a more traditional path feel like they are doing something that they should not be. The point is, we could all benefit a little from abandoning the idea of rigidity in a path. It is certainly good to have a plan, but it’s okay not to;
our lives uprooted by a pandemic, economic crisis, and climate anxiety among so many other issues, the best thing to do is follow your own intuition. If you trust your gut and follow the path that feels right for you, the pressure to perform will eventually disappear.
At the end of the day, seeking validation from doing things that make you happy and having the ambition of self-fulfillment is the best thing for all of us to do. If we can do that, then we can be assured that we are exactly where we need to be. Worrying about the age you get married or what kind of career path
“If you trust your gut and follow the path that feels right for you, the pressure to perform will eventually disappear.” you are on are such valid concerns for young people. But when you really think about it, you only get one life and the pressure to live it in a certain way is not always the best way to do it. In fact, the only “right” way to live life is to do it in a way that makes you happy.
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TAKE WHAT YOU NEED
PAY IT FORWARD, BE KIND TO A STRANGER, SPREAD LOVE IN A NEW WAY.
A SLICE OF CAKE
NO MORE STUDENT DEBT
A 4.0 GPA THIS SEMESTER
A HUG FROM RAMSES
SERATONIN BOOST
A CALL FROM HOME
I
INSIGHTSGEAR.COM
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YLIN
HO
ST
ME
U B ON A
D
G E T
TO
THE Z GUIDE G
R U YO
D
ecorating your first apartment or rental home as a recent graduate with a tight budget can seem like an impossibly large task when, in reality, it can be very manageable. Here are some tips and tricks to relieve some of the pressure you may feel entering into a new chapter of life.
Walls
1: Plain canvases can be incredibly cheap and almost anything can be painted or collaged onto them. 2: Photo collages are another easy solution. Frame colorful old fabrics or scrapbook paper to spice up your wall decor. 3: Curtains can also be inexpensive and used in creative ways; for example, they can be hung on walls as tapestries. 4: Mirrors are also great ways to decorate your walls and make a smaller room feel a lot larger and they can be found at certain department stores.
Furniture
1. Buy less furniture, especially in the beginning. When we first move into a new, empty space, we want to impulsively buy loads of furniture to fill the space that otherwise looks incomplete. Waiting to see what pieces of furniture you actually need after getting settled is the best way to save money, immediately and long term. 2. Buy used furniture on places such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, antique and other furniture consignment shops. These second hand shops make furnishing a new place on a budget easier than ever. 3. Look for pieces that have multiple uses, such as a sofa bed and an ottoman that doubles as storage to both safe space and money.
STORY AND DESIGN BY SARAH DUBOSE PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL OXENDINE
Decor 1. Add a pop of color and depth into your room with throw pillows and throw blankets. 2. Incorporate homemade items around the room and framed photographs to make your space personal. 3. House plants, real or fake, are the perfect inexpensive way to fill a space while contributing to overall personality of your new home.
Lighting Most apartments and rental homes all come with overhead lighting, but the fixtures can’t always be changed. Accessory lighting is a cheap way to brighten up your space and add a cozy, finished feel to it. If your home provides, take advantage of the natural lighting in every room, and strategically place lamps where they are most needed. Inexpensive floor and table lamps can be found online and in various department stores.
Flooring Area rugs are the way to go. All you need is a small area rug here and there around your apartment. They not only protect the floors, but they complete any room, adding pattern and a pop of color to your space.
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TRENDS ON TIKTOK THAT GO VIRAL AMONG GEN Z STORY AND DESIGN BY YINGXIN CUI
1
VOGUE CHALLENGE
2
ALBUM COVER
3
WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY I’M FROM
One of the viral TikTok
Album cover is another trend
Another trend is called
trends in 2021 is called
that went viral this year. This
“What I mean when I say
Vogue Challenge. In this
challenge invites everyone
I’m from.” This TikTok
trend, creators need to edit
to take photos of themselves
trend is one where creators
their favorite photos to look
and use them within a frame
show photos of where they
like they are on the cover of
of an album cover. This is a
live. Creators can show
Vogue Magazine. Hashtags
great way to showcase your
special places, local foods,
of this trend include
best photos as Hiiipower x
experience of places they
#voguechallenge, #vogue,
DIAND by Michael plays as
live and other aspects of
#voguemagazine, and
background music.
their hometown.
#voguecoverchallenge.
4
DM TO QUOTES There is a trend that turns people’s direct messages into quotes. In this trend, creators are sharing their most funny, weird or even nasty messages received in the form of inspirational quotes.
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