Co Editor-In-Chief & Designer
Sierra Worden
Co Editor-In-Chief
Kaitlyn McClung
President & Co-Editor
Brogan Dozier
Head of Photography
Emily Kennel
Managing Editor
Jessica Riley
WVU Asian Association
Kaitlyn McClung, cover girl
Emily Kennel
Tayler Pillo
Dayna Pratt
Ava Mancini
Kaitlyn McClung
Sierra Worden
Jessica Riley
Tess Barnhart
Tayler Pillo
Maddy Watson
Maggie Stewart
Suraya Boggs
Emily Benson
Griffith Bihun
Kellsey Savage
Gabrielle Frazier
Michael Duong
Sydney White
Kaitlyn McClung
Julia Griffith
Suraya Boggs
Mallory Sibble
Tess Barnhart
Ella Dietz
Amelia Blevins
Kellsey Savage
Meredith Bobersky
Susanna Reigner
Magnolia Toler
Tayler Pillo
Andrew Liu
Jayson Nguyen
Isabelle Mari
Janella Camp
Sydney White
Liza Wan
Erin Skaff
Kaho Yajima
Gianna Aquaviva
Andrea Alimario
Izzie Boneno
Jada Williams
Samantha Mariano
This is our ELEVENTH issue! Divinity is all about you being your most powerful and fulfilled self. Through this magazine we hope that we inspire you to embrace your differences and never change who you are!
We are constantly learning new things about not only ourselves, but the world We wanted that to reflect in this issue My time with Mirage has just begun, and I am so excited to see where our magazine goes in the future May all the positive vibes flow off our angel numbers 11:11
Welcome to our eleventh issue! Divinity is about becoming your most powerful self We wanted our eleventh issue to mirror the meanings of of the angel numbers 11:11 Throughout this issue, we want you to think about new beginnings and embarking on your own journey. Your journey is yours alone, never change for that of others
Throughout my time in Mirage, I am so grateful for everything that has come my way. Working with Mirage has been a journey in it of itself. I have met some of the most beautiful, talented, kind-hearted people. Mirage has allowed me to fall back in love with writing I will be eternally grateful to this publication and the people involved I am honored to end my time here on such a high note Mirage will forever be a part of a part of me and will take the lessons I have learned into my new beginnings With that, I present our eleventh issue, Divinity
place
Your aura is thought to be a luminous body that surrounds your physical one. Each layer surrounds your body in a net of energy.
Red: A red aura is associated with passion, sexual desires, and libido The darker this color is, the more likely it means that you're feeling anger, frustration, or low energy.
Orange: An orange aura is related to creativity, fertility and emotions, which can be positive or negative. Orange is the color of the sacral chakra, which is where one will hold their negative or positive emotions that are influenced by the relationships they have with others.
Yellow: A yellow aura is related to the mental body, so it deals with your intellect and self-esteem A yellow aura signifies the inner happiness and balance that one has within Yellow can also indicate a playful spirit, high self-esteem, a spiritual awakening, high intellect or a desire for greatness
Green: Orbiting around the heart chakra is the color green. When green is present, it's associated with having a compassionate and loving heart. This loving-kindness can be towards animals, plants, friends, family and life in general.
truth The lighter the blue, the more peaceful and positive the energy is Purple/Violet: If you have a purple or violet aura, you are intuitive, feel oneness and can see the bigger picture People with this aura have a direct connection to the universe, and the ability to channel or receive revelations. Overall, purple auras are strongly associated with intuition, psychic abilities and a connection to the spiritual realms.
Gold: Those with a gold aura are spiritually aligned. This aura color is related to the soul star chakra, which signifies spiritual enlightenment and wisdom It is often found in those who are spiritually attuned or possess leadership qualities
Silver: Connected to the spirit chakra, a silver aura color illustrates abundance and wisdom. In the physical and spiritual sense, a silver aura means being filled with cosmic intellect and psychic ability.
White: A white aura color is associated with the divine, signifying a full ascension of your being. Someone with a white aura is fully connected to the cosmos. It is associated with the divine gateway chakra Individuals with a white aura portray a notable level of pureness
In recent years, the topic of manifestation has become more popular. As it grew in popularity, skepticism also became a topic of discussion. It seems impossible that a wish or aspiration being spoken out loud could come true by using positive energy, but this may not be the whole story. No matter what, the idea of manifesting comes down to what someone believes in and how they use their beliefs. There are essentially two parties in this argument, those who truly believe manifesting is a real form of power and those who believe it is a complete hoax To understand both sides of this argument, we must first understand what manifestation actually is
There is no set date or time of when manifestation became prominent, however different religions have mentioned some version of manifesting These different religions are Christianity and Buddhism, however it is theorized that it began with Hinduism, the oldest religion/faith in the world. The idea of manifestation is a different version of pseudoscientific, a non-scientific proven theory, self help ideas that make a person's aspirations or wishes come true by visually seeing them.
Those who believe in manifestation have stated that there are many benefits that come outside of visualizing a dream. An improvement in mood and mindfulness, creates easier paths for goals and gains a deeper appreciation of tangible and intangible things a person has There have been many viral videos on multiple social media platforms of creators claiming the work of manifestation has provided them with different aspirations These include relationships, money, grades and promotions
There are many different ways to manifest Some of the more popular ones include journaling, visualization or the ‘369’ method. The 369 method is one that takes more time, as you write down what you want three times in the morning, six in the afternoon and nine at night. These processes make someone keep their wish or aspiration in mind until they achieve it.
On the contrary, looking at manifestation through a scientific lens, there is no way to prove if these factors actually work This isn’t something that can easily be proven However, as more and more people have joined this fast growing method more stories of success have come out Those who do not understand the entirety of manifestation simply believe it is some type of magic While magic may not be real, there is also no way to completely prove whether manifestation is real
At the end of the day manifestation is more a form of gaining confidence to complete things we are scared of doing. Job interviews, tests, meeting new people. Writing down that you are able to do something makes it seem real, even if it hasn't happened yet. Confidence is the true answer to manifesting even though it doesn’t seem like it. The next time you feel anxious or nervous, look in the mirror and tell yourself you can do it and that you already did it It may help more than you know”
“Within you is the divine capacity to manifest and attract all you desire.” -
Wayne W. Dryer
Greek Gods and Goddesses are thought to be forged with incredible strength and ability. However, it was rarely taught that the Goddesses were often subjected to being kept from their full power and potential We know the women in Greece were oppressed, but not so much the Goddesses as well
It's thought that the first sign of Greek gods and goddesses appeared in roughly 750 B C They include Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Hestia and Demeter and Hades Later on Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, Athena, Hephaestus, Aphrodite and Ares were added to this list.. Ever since then, there have been different versions and adaptations of them. From Hollywood's Percy Jackson to TikTok accounts claiming to speak to certain Gods. They have never fully left society's minds. However, the Greek Goddesses themselves have faced multiple issues including forms of sexualization and mistreatment from not only society, but the other Gods as well.
Medusa is arguably one of the most misunderstood Goddesses in Greek Mythology She has been painted as a gorgon (monster) within society for many years Being described as violent and maleficent, who would easily turn anyone into stone who dared to look into her eyes. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the case at all. Medusa wasn’t ‘evil’ for no reason, and her backstory is often overlooked.
Her story is best represented through the Roman poet, Ovid, who described her as a beautiful young woman and the priestess of Athena. It is said that Posiedian became intrigued by her beauty and broke into Athenas temple to rape Medusa Athena, who believed this to be a betrayal by Medusa, turned her into a gorgon out of anger
Although this is a fictional story to many, it doesn't make it right that Medusa’s true story is overlooked because it ‘doesn’t make a good narrative’ these actions happen to many women from around the world and are treated as ‘emotional, angry liars’ when they come forward
It's important for society to understand that these stereotypes of women being overly emotional for no reason date back to ancient civilizations
Aphrodite was thought to be the most beautiful woman in Greek mythology. Her beauty, love and passion made many men fall for the Goddesses and ask for her hand in marriage. She was often overlooked as nothing more than a good looking woman. She was forced to marry a man she did not love as a means to stop a war Aphrodite is the Goddess of love, and it's ironic that she was in a loveless marriage
In Greek culture, women are not allowed to instigate divorces unless the husband gives permission first This led to Aphrodite being stuck in a marriage that was nothing more than a transaction between them
Forced marriages are still very common in today's society. The idea that women are a pawn to men, nothing more than a trophy to show off to others has been drilled into society's minds for decades. Even the most powerful still suffered at the hands of tradition.
Artemis is one of the more interesting Goddesses in Greek mythology She has often been described as a ‘man-hater’ due to her lack of interaction with the male Gods She was assumed to have been a lesbian or asexual This was extremely frowned upon and she became an outcast This became an even bigger issue after she refused to wed anyone and remained a virgin This choice was where her title as the ‘man-hater’ started to show up.
She was known for killing multiple men who had attempted to assault her or other unsuspecting women. There was a lot of victim blaming around this time period, and she was thought to be very violent for ‘no reason’. She was one of the first Goddesses that began sticking up for herself and others and attempted to break the s women These included women not enough or not being good provider these stereotypes are still in place are still fighting to break them
With the amount of stories that have about Greek Mythology, it's easy t why the truth of these women was the rug. That does not mean society why these women acted the w Forcing these stereotypes is extrem women from across the globe. Wi said, it is also important to kn struggles women face today were even the most powerful thousands Knowing where these harmful discu is a way to break them in the modern
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Divine Femininity is a phrase that has started to make a prominent appearance in recent years With people becoming more open to the idea of spirituality, it is important to look at where it exactly came from, and how it has become overshadowed by those of colonizing religions. But what Divine Feminine and how can I become in tune with my own energy?
Divine Femininity extends beyond one belief system, and instead serves as a spiritual lens This idea refers to the energy that exists within ourselves and the world This energy is known to be softer, intuitive, nurturing and empowering The best way to think about it is through Mother Earth Mother Earth encompasses all of the qualities of Divine Femininity One could also look at Divine Femininity as something similar to Yin energy or Shakti. Similar to Yin Yang energy, Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine are counterparts to one another. When they are balanced, we can live in polyphony. This balance allows one to be rich in knowledge, but also balanced within themselves. In our red-blooded society, it is easy to lose sight of our feminine energy. It tends to be swallowed by the overwhelming amount of Divine Masculinity that flows within our masculine driven society.
It is important to note that these terms are not linked to any gender or sex The duality of energies has existed long before us These balancing energies exist in everything Anyone, of any gender, will have both of these energies Now, how much one has over the other depends on a myriad of personal factors
Since the beginning of history, Divine Femininity has been considered sacred and worshiped as the matrix of creation. In a multitude of ancient societies, it is associated with the concepts of fertility and creation. It is found that Goddess religions, or polytheistic religions, were around long before that of patriarchal religions Societies were structured around these religions with priestesses at the helm, performing rituals These women acted as religious leaders within their cultures These societies developed as matriarchal and peaceful cultures, until the appearance of warrior societies Mother Earth is known for being one the most prominent matriarchal archetypes displayed in ancient art and literature. With most of the world's major religions having a male God, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where these civilizations' faith in the sacred female started.
According to our ancestors, Divine Femininity was the Earth herself. Ancient people had a more direct, greater relationship with nature than those today. They viewed Earth as a female-being who gave birth and continuously created life Through this observation, a cycle was formed, birth, death, rebirth They saw Earth creating and healing the entirety of their ecosystems Conclusively, all life depends on this force of both creation and destruction The ancient peoples did not take this for granted and saw nature and everything on it as blessed gifts They were considered children of the earth.
The first reference to Earth as a mother can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. This concept of Mother Earth was first introduced by Greek poet Hesiod, in the early 7th century. Hesiod recorded the story of the birth of the universe. According to Hesiod, it was only Gaia, Eros and Chaos at the dawn of creation. Therefore, this would make Gaia one of the primordial elemental deities to the Greeks She was revered as the mother of gods and living creatures The gods and goddesses we are familiar with descended from Gaia and her unions with Ouranos, Pontos and Tartaros Mortals were then birthed directly from her flesh
The Egyptians were also another culture rooted in a polytheistic religion Like the Greeks, they worshiped an array of female deities For the Egyptians, Maat represented truth, justice, balance and cosmic harmony She is often depicted with an ostrich feather atop her head The Egyptians believed the truth of the universe was supported by Maat It was believed by her devotees that after their deaths their hearts would be weighed against her white feather of judgment. If their heart was as light as the feather, they would be permitted into Osiris’ paradise kingdom.
There are many other ancient civilizations and indigenous cultures with their own versions of the Divine Femininity. The Snake Goddess of the Ancient Cretes and the Queen of the Night from Ancient Mesopotamia are just a few more examples Each civilization worshiped them through statues or spiritual work These civilizations saw them as a maternal, nurturing figure that continuously gives life in one way or another
It is important to reiterate that Divine Femininity in today’s society, is a non-denominational concept This concept is that of self exploration that is meant to restore a balance within ourselves There is no singular, concrete way to restore balance within yourself. This is something that takes practice. With these opposing yet harmonizing energies flowing within us, some may feel more in tune with their masculine energy or vice versa. Those who are more in tune with their masculine energy are often overly dominating and constantly pushing. On the other hand, if one is too passive or struggling to move forward they could be more in tune with their feminine energy. By finding balance in both, one could live a more harmonious life.
HerearesomewaystobecomemoreintunewithyourDivineFemininity:
Form a Connection with Nature
Meditation
Practicing Self-Love
Forming a Connection With Your Body
It is important to be aware of the lessons that run within the Divine Femininity . It is not about calculated, societal ideals, but rather embracing balance in one's life. It is about recognizing one’s intuitive strengths, sparking creativity, encouraging love in all forms, self-love and community. Embodying this energy will look different for everyone Focusing on how you celebrate your own Divine Femininity and divinity with others It is important to continue moving forward in order to fill the balance that we are all undoubtedly missing right now
“Wearethisdivineenergy. It’snotsomethingwehaveto attain.Wejusthaveto realizeit,tobepresenttoit.”
—MarshallB. Rosenberg
By: Suraya Boggs
I have always been attached to my name Like anyone else, my name holds my identity– it is what people know me as Names are so much more than something you are called by They hold meaning, and to some religions, they lay out your future characteristics and destinies I grew up with the influence of two cultures and subsequently two religions: Christianity and Hinduism Regardless of the differences in these religions, both have deep connections between names of children and their prospective lives. In Christianity, naming children after Saints and biblical figures is done in hope of instilling some of these divine traits in their children. In Hinduism, astrology is a huge part of the process of naming, and even if it is not used in the initial naming process, it is used afterwards to provide some insight into their lives as they grow up
While Christianity did have some influence in my life, particularly in my last name, I cannot say that it had any effect on my first name – it was either going to be Suraya or Maya, and my mom won the battle on that one However, Maya is a Christian name; it comes from the biblical name “Maria” and in Judaism, it is Hebrew for “from God.” I wonder if my identity would have been different if my name was Maya instead of Suraya. Would it have made my life easier? Harder? Would I harbor as much frustration from people constantly mispronouncing my name? Would that lack of frustration have steered me away from the path of life that I am currently on? I truly cannot know that, but what I do know is that it would have made my experience at Starbucks a whole lot easier
While my dad may not have intentionally picked the name Maya because of his faith, a lot of families do For those who are particularly close to their religion, naming a child in a Christian tradition is done in hopes of later allowing the children to see their connection to God– no matter what path they choose in life.
Other families use the Christian naming tradition in order to pre-determine their child’s path; for example, naming a child “Matthew” may be done with the intention of creating a person that aligns with the meaning of their name– “Gift of God.” According to the parent’s faith, they have now chosen their child’s destiny and instilled in them divine traits.
The other religious influence in my life was Hinduism, and I would say this is the stronger influence on my name and the culture surrounding it. In Hinduism, astrology has a huge influence on what people name their children; oftentimes, a third party astrologer will suggest names to parents based on the alignment of the stars and the meaning of that alignment They can even suggest what sounds the name should start with, which influences the family’s naming process It is also common for people in the Hindu religion to have multiple names; they have their name that was given at birth and then they have what is known as a “calling name ” For example, my mother’s given name is “Sati” and her calling name is “Gai.” This tradition is similar amongst all of her siblings as well. Unlike a nickname, a calling name has meaning and is not just a shortened version of someone’s given name.
Another name that people usually have is called a “Raasi name.” This one is not used by others to call someone, but it is used in religious sessions by a pundit (Hindu priest); after giving them your Rraasi name, they look in a book that is produced yearly based on the alignment of the stars and can tell you key things about your life For example, my Raasi name is Mohini, and my Nana (grandfather) who’s a pundit can look in the book and tell me things to do and things to watch out for on a monthly basis. This can range from “be careful of falling in June” to “save your money in August.” They can also tell you when to do specific poojas (prayer sessions) to specific Hindu gods/goddesses in order to avoid these problems or make your life easier in some way. I have to admit, while I do have some skepticism about this tradition, I cannot deny that sometimes these readings can be scarily accurate
As I said earlier, I am quite attached to my name Although I sometimes wished to have a nickname in middle and high school just so it would make it easier for people to pronounce it, I have realized that shortening or changing my name for other people was denying my identity “Suraya” is an alternate spelling of the name “Surya,” which is the name of the sun god in Hinduism. Subsequently, the meaning of my name is “ray of light.” Persian cultures, however, hold my favorite meaning of my name– “princess.” I have truly grown to love my name and the uniqueness of it. Sorry Dad, but I’m so glad Mom won the naming battle.
A good mononym carries its own mythology. When done right, a lone name can deeply embed itself in our conscience, conjuring up something magical and uncompromising. Just think of Sade, Beyoncé, Prince, Cher, Madonna. And now, we have Tems.
A Tems song is a real place. It’s hard for a three-minute track heard on the radio or streamed while idly scrolling to be so visceral that it transports you inward, but that’s what Teams did four years ago when she released her first song, the self-produced “Mr Rebel'' –that’s when a fan base calling themselves “Rebel Gang'' began to assemble And with every song since, from the moment her voice enters until the last note hangs in the air, we are at her mercy It’s rare for a solo debut to deliver on such an enormous promise: This is modern African soul, and Tems is the standard, the moment.
“Whenever I'm dealing with so many things, I remember three years ago I was that girl in Ajah, Lagos. Nobody knew me, I was just a singer with a dream to share my music. I'm still that girl today, and that just brings me perspective,” says Tems “Every day you have to keep remembering who you are and where you are coming from ”
Before the world discovered her soulstirring talent, Temilade Openiyi was studying economics at Monash South Africa University in Johannesburg. But she knew music was her destiny, as it always has been. “Music gives me life. My focus, my passion, there’s never been anything else. I write so many songs and I just want to find someone that loves them as much as me, to find a community that would accept me.” Tems says “I think I've definitely found much more than that ”
While in South Africa, the country’s dynamic dance music caught her ear
Inspired by the movement’s unpredictable sounds and undeniable soul, Tems developed her skills at producing, something of a self-guided apprenticeship “South Africans are very delicate with moving, and that's why the music sounds so good, because they take you on a journey,” she says “The way South African House or Amapiano builds up is so unexpected, next thing you know you’re moving ” Tems’ music weaves together many influences, feelings, and sounds But soul is the common denominator: “As human beings, the only thing we all resonate with is the soul And that’s my thing ”
Back in Nigeria, Tems stepped into the music industry “with zero expectations ” “When you know what is at stake and you know what you're meant to do, you just have to do it There's no time to think about it or be in your head,” she says. “I can't control the reward. I can only do what I can and leave everything to God.”
We know the rest of the story: after a slew of singles and a brilliant self-produced debut EP, Tems made her undeniability known. For Broken Ears arrived in 2020, in the midst of what can only be described as an explosive moment for African music. Still, the EP has little of Afrobeats’ pop and gloss, zero chart-friendly hits, and no obvious single. Unphased by her contemporaries, Tems breaks convention and experiments with sound and her persona on her own terms. She pours out her heart unflinchingly. There’s a war in her mind, and music is how she can get it all out. “I try to be fine but I can't be / The noise in my mind wouldn't leave me / I try to get by but I'm burning,” she sings on “Free Mind ” Hindsight tells us this was an artist at the prime of her becoming, a multitalented innovator coming into her greatness
The same year, she delivered a legacy-making hook on Wizkid’s hit song “Essence ” It was the final trigger that launched Tems into the upper echelons of culture Sure enough, a year later her name was in everyone’s ear; features from Justin Bieber, Drake, and Future followed Then another ethereal EP, If Orange Was a Place – a reminder that Tems is so great because of Tems, not other artists She’s snagged multiple rising artist awards, and a Grammy nomination graced some of the most important stages across the globe, and just burst into the fashion scene, becoming a face of
Tommy Hilfiger. But if you ask her, she’ll tell you not much has changed. “The only thing I would say that has changed is this, less time with yourself… Less time where it's also more adventures for me, more uncertain, but that's the beauty of it.”
Tems doesn’t like to dwell on her accolades. She often speaks of how she has many more surprises in the vault, but even those she’s not one to boast about – it’s one of her defining, appealing qualities. “I guess people only know me based on the last thing I did But I've done so many things that are yet to be released, that I've already moved on from And yeah, I feel like I'm five, ten steps ahead And when it’s time, I’ll be excited to share a lot of the things that I've been up to ” And the fans have flocked not to these associations or whispers of collaborations to come, but to her That soothing voice that leaves you defenseless, her poetic appreciation for form, and lyrics “My music is based on where I'm at at the moment It's not always going to be painful, but it's definitely always going to be true ”
It’s heartening that an unapologetically African artist like Tems can be as appreciated and celebrated, without fitting into the glossy Afrobeats bracket, without needing international co-signs – features of Drake and Future can be chalked up to them simply being fans. Online – and in person – she’s reserved, and mysterious, adding to her own mythology. She‘s the anti-celebrity whose star won’t stop rising.
“Life has become an adventure to me. I feel like I'm writing a book just by living my life and that's why ” she says “I’m looking forward to experiencing more of this book of Tems ”
Have you ever noticed yourself surrounded by your friends laughing together, having a fun night, yet feeling a touch of sadness creep up in the back of your mind? While in the midst of all the happiness and excitement, you find a small little grain of sorrow thinking, “This is so great! Why can’t it be like this all the time?” This dichotomy is not necessarily good or bad, it is just life This is Yin Yang energy It is here to remind us that there is a natural order to the universe, and that there would be no meaning to happiness if it wasn’t countered with a touch of sadness No perfection if not opposed by imperfection.
According to ancient Chinese philosophy, Yin Yang is a concept of dualism and harmony describing how polar opposites are still very interconnected within each other. In Chinese cosmology, the universe created itself out of a primary chaotic energy called “Wuji” or “無極” in traditional Chinese. From this, the universe made Taichi going from a state of nothing and transforming it into everything Tai-chi or in traditional Chinese “太極, ” is a Chinese cosmological term for “Supreme Ultimate” which is a state of undifferentiated absolute and infinite potential in the universe from which Yin and Yang originate from The material energy which the universe has created itself out of is referred to as “qi” or “氣 ” Yin and Yang are two halves of a side that form the wholeness of this qi which makes life possible To many, qi is the underlying energy that gives life to all physical things including us humans. .
Yin and Yang cannot exist without one another. The two qualities oppose each other while at the same time compliment the other one They are the separation and the interaction and the merging all at once They create each other, control each other, and even transform into each other In nature, they are viewed as light and dark, or fire and water Everything around us has yin and yang aspects, for a shadow cannot exist without some source of light When one side reaches its peak it will naturally begin to transform into the opposite quality, for that is just the way of life When a plant reaches its full height in the summer, or yang, it will then begin to release seeds and die off in the winter, or yin. This is an endless cycle.
The symbol for yin yang is one of the most easily recognizable signs, also referred to as the Tai Chi symbol to some. It is a circle cut in half by a curving line in the middle. Each side has a dot of the other side’s color to symbolize the importance of having a balanced yin yang energy for survival and harmony Yin energy is the side of the symbol that is black with a dot of white It is feminine, calm, and negative It is the black night and the moon above the water The cold autumn and winter, and the death that follows Yin energy is seen as round, soft, but also flexible In contrast, yang energy is the white side of the symbol with a black dot Yang energy is the masculine, positive, lively sun in the heat of the springs and summers. It is light and movement that is full of energy and life.
When this life-force energy is balanced, it will flow smoothly and maintain a healthy state both physically and emotionally. When out of balance, though, problems will occur internally and externally. When one’s personal qi balance falls out of alignment, they are likely to feel unwell and their ability to manifest using the law of attraction will suffer This imbalance makes our energy unstable and difficult to concentrate on a goal, causing things around us to also come to nothing
This leads to our affirmations and manifestations failing to send out the right message to the universe Balancing yin yang energy is finding equal amounts of both and looking to every new day with both excitement and acceptance of whatever will happen.
Finding your own balance of these two cosmic duos is key to overall health. Using this balanced energy will help you not only manifest your goals, but also boost your overall well-being both mentally and physically. You can tell when your qi is out of balance when you find yourself constantly tired, stressed, or your mind is unclear Finding middle ground between yin and yang is not about focusing on one, but rather how to incorporate both into your daily lifestyle There is a power to be found in the passiveness and calmness of yin, but there is also power in the challenging and lively yang Having too much yin and always listening or staying content can cause life to move past us, and leave us unprepared when new opportunities do offer themselves to us. In contrast, too much yang energy is staying up late and burning a candle at the same time, which can interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm leading to illnesses and irritability. Taking time to mix in yin activities during one’s busy day-to-day schedule like sitting back and meditating on what you are grateful for in life can help counter the yang Letting yourself be open to receiving and relaxing is important in today’s society where many partake in too many yang intense activities trying to succeed
Ultimately, Yin and Yang is why even in the best of times, there is always a touch of sadness It is the endless cycle of life. These two natural, complementary yet contradictory forces in our universe show how despite being completely different forces, they still mutually complement each other and work together. One’s best productivity comes from the unity of the pair, and is what everyone should strive to achieve
After a childhood of surfing and skateboarding on Oahu’s North Shore, the “Gossip Girl” star, partycircuit fixture and friend to many brands is making waves on the island of Manhattan.
Mr Mock, 25, is probably best known for his role as the pink-haired, Park Avenue-raised, Tarkovskyloving bisexual son of a right-wing media mogul
On the HBO Max reboot of “Gossip Girl,” which returns for its second season on Dec 1, but the downtown denizen has a lot of other things going on
A king of the “collab,” he has worked with brands including the Danish jewelry manufacturer Pandora and the Italian footwear designer Giuseppe Zanotti. He has modeled for designers including Paco Rabanne and Virgil Abloh. His skateboarding prowess has landed him a hefty sponsorship from Hurley and an elusive spot on the Instagram grid of Frank Ocean. A few months ago he started a fashion line, Wahine, with the stylist Donté McGuine
He is a bona fide multi-hyphenate, a party-circuit fixture, an it-boy, a man about town
Today, Mock is routinely included as a high scoring entry on best-dressed lists. He can practically wear anything. He has fun with it, too. He pushes boundaries with a sense of youthfulness, and doesn't take anything too seriously. The Gossip Girl
2.0 actor/model fuses a skater vibe – catch him flipping boards in baggy cargoes, wavy specs and chunky Nike Dunks or beat-up Converse kicks –with more “hypey” pieces, such as cropped sweater vests, baby pink tablecloth check Vivienne Westwood handbags and low-slung flared trousers
Anything goes: even the dyed pink crop Naturally, he's become the cover guy for brands such as Calvin Klein, and earns front row seats for buzzy shows like Salvatore Ferragamo
The 25-year-old says that he's consciously entering his 'young gentleman' years. Perhaps because he's graduated from Gossip Girl High (the show hasn't been renewed for a third season), and wants to be taken more seriously Mock's decision to change up his style is reflective of his wider approach to life
He muses that these days, he's saying no to things
He explains that he's just wrapped on two films that he shot in Bulgaria, but they're also projects that he is passionate about. As his fame rose following his role in Gossip Girl – that sort of meteoric TikTok blink-and-yourfamous stardom he found that he'd say yes to everything, notably fashion shows and collaborative opportunities.
Mock's throwing his energy into his own brand, Wahine, which he launched in early 2022 and is reflective of his Hawaiian heritage Dua lipa wears it So does Kid Cudi Wahine T-shirts come emblazoned with photographs of the scenic islands that frame his hometown, and the beaches he grew up on, while striped, tailored shirts are reminiscent of those ones worn by the men around him when he was a young kid
So yeah, Evan Mock loves fashion and fashion loves him right back
My name is Maggie Stewart, and I have a story I have been through it all, the best and the worst I wanted to tell my story and experiences, because if anyone has been through something similar, I want them to know they are not alone Religion is not a linear path that involves going to church on Sunday and praying at meals. It’s a journey that is both extensive and beautiful. Overall, I learned that it’s the people in the church that cause these issues, not Jesus.
When I was 12, my church separated Some members chose to stay, but my family left People I called family just suddenly weren’t a part of my life anymore This was a place I considered home and still do. Having these people I loved so dearly be, what I felt, ripped away, was traumatic. I saw some of them turn on each other over differences of opinion, and it was horrific to see that unfold. After that, I tried to find another church, but nothing felt right. My parents stopped attending services. This made me feel as though it was not important. However, I realized that they both knew that they would never find a church like that one. I eventually found a place, going off and on during different periods for 7 years This was occurring at the start of my teenage years, so it was my most formative experience I always felt a disconnect with this new church; we didn’t quite fit in with them
As I grew up, I wanted to push boundaries and question the way things are done within the church. I wore “provocative” clothing and spoke openly about wanting women to have the same opportunities as men in religious settings I asked to pray in front of the group and take on leadership roles However, I was met with strong opposition from many in the church Granted this was just my personal experience, but I had never felt more judged in a church before That did not sit right with me The people who I looked to as accepting and loving, were the ones who made me feel horrible Religion felt like a double-edged sword, and depending on the day I would go home elated, or I would go home crushed. There were great people who loved me and cared about me. However, those same people could make me feel the exact opposite After reflecting, the emotions I felt stemmed from how much weight I let their opinions have In my opinion, the church makes you feel as though you should center your whole life around it Youth group for friends when you’re young, men’s and women’s groups when you get older They make you feel like you should surround yourself with people whose beliefs are the same as yours, because it will make life easier and bring you closer to God. If you rely on one group of people for all your social interactions, you become dependent on their opinions.
I would consider myself lucky with all the amazing experiences I’ve had and the life-long friendships I’ve made You feel like you are on a spiritual high, and then when someone pulls you down, you fall I went on a 10 day trip at the most famous Christian university, Pepperdine, in Malibu, California for teen Christian leaders. I learned so many amazing things that helped me grow as a leader in the church. However, whenI got home my new ideas were immediately struck down The people on the trip didn’t care what gender you were, they let you pray and be leaders Nonetheless, small-town West Virginia wasn’t ready for that level of progression When I asked about this, I was told not to post those views online because it might reflect badly on the church and that I shouldn’t ask again This interaction shocked me and sent me down a rabbit hole of questions I stopped going to church after this incident.I felt like they only cared about the way they were perceived and not about being a loving, caring person. One of the big reasons, however, was the repression within the church We were told that if you had sex before marriage, looked at pornography in any way, cursed, did any sort of drug, etc that you should be cast out They said, “We don’t accept that behavior ” That attitude made it so the people in my youth group were doing things way worse than most other teens, in my opinion It was looked down on so much, that it made everyone want to do it so much more than most. When I cursed at school or did something that was taboo, I would let the guilt eat me from the inside. Jesus loves me regardless of the “taboo” things I have done.
My experiences are not as bad as others One year, I decided to go to the church near my house for Easter. The majority of Easter Sunday sermons are about Jesus being risen from the grave and resurrected. However, I had to sit through a sermon where he told everyone all the different reasons they were going to hell and how they weren’t good enough The only thing we are called to do is love each other My heart goes out to all the people who go to that church and hear that kind of message every Sunday The Jesus I know doesn’t discriminate
I promised myself when I walked away that I wouldn’t let my bad experiences with people affect my love for Jesus People are the ones who made me feel so bad, not Jesus I still love the church I look back fondly on all my memories, and I try not to let the bad memories overshadow the good ones I know many people that have struggles just like mine They have probably gone through the same rollercoaster of emotions as I did. Nonetheless, I wanted to show my struggles so they know they are not alone. The Jesus I know loves EVERYONE
accept the fact that Jesus is not white, you have to accept the fact that he was a part of the oppressed minority. In the bible, Jesus was described as having a darker hue to his skin tone and hair like wool. These are classic characteristics of a Jewish male at the time. Whether or not you believe in God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit, you must accept that he was not a white male; Jesus was born in Bethlehem, he faced many injustices and the whitewashing of Jesus whitewashes Christianity as a whole
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which is now located in modern day Palestine It is about six miles past Jerusalem Most people from that area are of a darker hair and skin complexion Whitewashing stories in history is a common theme in American culture, and this is where the biggest population of Christians is located. This does not only reign true for America, because whatever race the artist was they would paint or draw Jesus to look like them. Accepting that “someone” you idolize does not look like you can be a hard pill to swallow for some people. In the Bible, there is no mistake about Jesus’s religious and genealogical identity. He was Jewish.
Jesus faced many injustices in his time on Earth, and not accepting the fact that he is a man of color, affects his perceived narrative White people will simply never understand what true oppression is They were not the victims of it, and will never experience the generational trauma brought on by it Perpetrators sympathizing with victims is something that has never sat well with most people, so why would it work now.
something that has been highly frowned upon, but expected when it comes to people of color. Specifically, single black mothers are never even given a second thought, but communities want to rally around single white mothers. Mary gave birth to the son of God, but the only people to “rally” behind her were the wise men I wonder why that was?
The whitewashing of Jesus harmfully effects Christianity as a whole The biggest barrier that many people have when it comes to religion, Christianity specifically, is the condescending attitude that is given to those who do not share the same beliefs The “White Jesus'' trope is very harmful to the basis of Christianity. Many different areas in life feel closed off to minority groups because they feel like they do not belong. We need to be realistic and accurate with the history and origin of Jesus. Religion should be a place that welcomes everyone. If people on the outside are looking in to see members of the religion whitewashing history; what would make them want to be a part of that?
Some people may say that none of this matters, that may be true because the ethnicity of Jesus Christ is not important as far as salvation is concerned, he accepts all Though this is true , salvation is not what we are talking about We are talking about historical accuracy, and that is important Especially in today's society where people are trying their hardest to erase the stories of the past.
No matter if you believe in Jesus or not, you must accept that Jesus was not a white male. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, he faced many injustices and the whitewashing of Jesus whitewashes Christianity as a whole. Obviously, there is no definite way to know what Jesus actually looked like, because there was no cameras and definitely no smart phones at the time What we do know is that it is highly unlikely that he would be white
Fostering a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community, while also acknowledging the heteropatriarchal approach by which some churches operate, is key in reducing alienation amongst this important community According to a study done by UCLA School of Law’s William Institute, around 50 percent of LGBTQ+ adults in the United States are religious. With this in mind, religiosity and the LGBTQ+ community is an understudied and under observed topic. It is incredibly important that for those who are religious in the community, have a place to attend with open arms and acceptance.
Throughout history, religious principles rooted in heteronormativity have affected LGBTQ+ people’s attendance at church, as well as their ideas of inclusion and exclusion that lie within The convergence and divergence of these heteronormative values amongst these groups of certain religions have promoted both intersectionality in the church, and on the other hand, the spread and reinforcement of outdated homophobic rhetoric
Modern Christian theological and ethical discussions regarding the queer community typically circle back to the reference of same-sex relationships; in Leviticus 18:22 it says, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” In Leviticus however, there are various references to anachronistic abominations that do not align with widespread societal virtues of today. These include the prohibition of tattoos, the idea that women are of less worth than men, and that God shuns those who are disabled So how much dependency can individuals really have on Leviticus 18:22 in an argument when promoting homophobia?
Those who quote passages from the Bible to perpetuate discrimination against queer people, will typically gloss over the abominations that directly affect them, such as eating seafood and wearing pants as a woman Devout religious individuals cannot however, like a buffet, pick and choose which principles they should use to condemn a community, and which they turn a blind eye to. This is not a spread of religious messaging, but an excuse to use religion to further impose personal bias and hatred on individuals.
Religion is ultimately meant to provide solace and compassion to those in a world full of uncertainty. It provides explanations for the everyday beauty in our lives So why use that wonderful rhetoric to persecute individuals who are queer? Why not allow these people to experience the same comfort in a place where others do so without worry? Religion is ever changing in order to adapt to modern principles This means that there is a clear separation between the church, and the religious followings, that sometimes condone prejudice towards the queer community
LGBTQ+ church members and priests around the United States like Rev Bryan Massingale of NYC are opening up opportunities for queer individuals to take part in church services safely, as well as redefining the way that we view church clergy Massingale, an openly gay male reverend at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, vocalizes his disagreement with the church’s belief on same-sex relationships. He unashamedly advocates for the respect, love and protection of queer people in the church.
These safe spaces create options for LGBTQ+ people to take part in religious services without guilt, with freedom and in a space with like-minded individuals Inclusive churches can make all the difference when it comes to queer attendance No matter what religion you practice, dominant cultural narratives imposed by church groups should be examined in order to combat the oppressive systems nationwide It’s crucial that every individual who wants to participate in church services is able to do so freely, with love, support and kindness surrounding them.
First Presbyterian Church
Westover United Methodist Church
Morgantown Church of the Brethren
St. Paul Lutheran Church
In God We Trust A simple statement, but something with such a large impact throughout the United States How can a country that’s said to be rooted in religious freedom, value this statement so highly when the prevalence of Christianity is so visible
Looking back into the history of the United States you can see that the founding fathers were all white Christian men, but with a falsified idea of giving people “freedoms.” Moreover, these freedoms were only given to specific people. One of these freedoms included the freedom of religion, which includes the separation of church from state. This freedom of religion allowed for individuals to freely practice whatever religion they pleased throughout the United States. This freedom also included having legislative material not be impacted by religion, keeping politicians secular in their decision making Even though the mention of God is never written within the constitution it’s seen through many different public systems such as schools and even courts The idea of God is seen everywhere within the United States
Throughout public schooling the pledge of allegiance plays throughout the intercom and the phrase “One nation under God'' is played. If public school systems are funded by the government, the use of God should not be mentioned. However, this also institutes the idea of religion to young children, even if their parents are not religious. Exposing people at such a vulnerable age to the idea of religion represents the ideology and deeply rooted insights into Christianity, and that God is the higher power, allowing the country to follow his rule. Even though laws have been passed that children cannot get in trouble for not repeating that part of the Pledge of Allegiance; it is still played everyday Students repeat it, and their classmates are quick to follow their peers This is a key example of how church vs state is a concept with blurred lines and something most cannot escape
“No longer religious in nature, the phrase has become, rather, a historical artifact, a public recognition of the role of religion in national life, and an expression of patriotism,” said D Jason Berggren in the article “The First Amendment Encyclopedia '' by MTSU This quote explains how the phrase, “In God We Trust,” is not seen from a religious standpoint, but something of historical American culture. This article also shows how American courts are defending this phrase, going beyond the idea of how its background affects citizens and the religious culture of the country. If courts are defending this phrase it begs us to ask the question if court decisions are being upheld to the secular standard, or if christianity plays a role in decision making?
Throughout 2022 legislation, a common topic has been over the right to ban abortion, and whether it’s ethical or not However, many fighting for the criminalization have fought under the idea that God created a life, and it should not be taken away A prime example of one of these believers would be supreme court justice Amy Coney Barrett, who has been accused many times of bringing her catholic beliefs into decision making, and it is extremely evident throughout her career.
Barrett has stated many times that her beliefs do not impact her thought process when it comes to her career, but she has been found to have supported groups like the Women’s Care Center which is highly supported by faith guided people This center is also misleading because they claim to provide support and guidance towards creating an abortion plan, but they offer no services for actually providing it As an influential person through Washington it should not be evident where her support lies when it comes to issues like this Instances like this open the questions towards how many others with heavy decisions like this follow their beliefs as opposed to what is actually right. People should be allowed to practice whatever they want while in office, but people who push their views and support unethical, faith-based businesses and make dire decisions based on their views as opposed to the ethical ideals that uphold the constitution, should be held accountable.
However, Washington has made many efforts to show their secular efforts and thoughts towards this religious inclusion such as not having to swear on the Bible and no prayers during public school, but how inclusive is this environment?
Because the United States was founded upon Christianity majority of the population does identify as that, allowing for a growth in influential Christian actions However, throughout history there has been an overwhelming amount of anti-semitism and attacks against muslims, and there still are to this day Little is done for the protection of Muslim Americans within the current legislature, but issues such as abortion and trans-gender rights are the top priority because some see them to “threaten” God’s wishes and what he created. But if God is said to be so loving, then why are some of these people who believe in him not fighting for acceptance of these people? Instead they choose to fight against the right to privacy for many Americans. This plays on the idea that the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are being ignored as people are losing their basic freedoms due to someone's take on what being a Christian truly is. As time moves forward people are thought to progress and learn from the past, but things only seem to be getting worse The need for even higher secularization is rising as time passes As much as the government tries to hide it, it is more prevalent than ever that it is restricting the rights of Americans In God do we trust?
"People should be allowed to practice whatever they want while in office, but people who push their views and support unethical, faith-based businesses and make dire decisions based on their views as opposed to the ethical ideals that uphold the constitution, should be held accountable."
In today’s media world, you can turn on the TV and watch Jennifer Coolidge waltz around on vacation in The White Lotus, laugh at shows like Abbot Elementary or Veep as their characters mimic the lives of our teachers and politicians, and connect to emotional stories like Succession and Parasite as they illustrate tragic morals playing out to epic proportions We may think that these media tropes, ideas, and characters are products of today’s culture or maybe one that was born in the last 100 years of media, however, our TV shows and movies have been impacted by a force in storytelling that dates back to around 700 BC Much like our political system and architecture, our media is highly influenced by the ancient Greeks. Greek theater is not only responsible for iconic plays like The Odyssey or theater language, but also the very tropes and genres that we interact with today. Greek theater history gave birth to many storytelling movements and has continued to influence our media. In fact, there are some incredibly surprising places Greek theater has influenced, with many of them being some of our favorite shows and movies By looking at where our favorite media intersects with ancient Greek theater tropes, we not only can build a new interest in Greek history (one that you can totally use in your next trivia night) but also build a newfound appreciation for your favorite media
Before we can look at the different ways Greek theater has influenced our media we need to first learn the history behind the art form Drama and theater were introduced to the Greek civilization in around 700 BC in the city-state of Athens This took place before what we understand as the classical period of ancient Greece Theater’s popularity was spread through annual festivals held to honor the god Dionysus in order to promote peace and community for the neighboring areas Dionysus was the Olympian god of wine, vegetation, pleasure, festivity and madness. This god represented happiness, goodwill and an enjoyment of life for the Greeks. At first, these festivals just featured poets acting out their work, but this concept started to grow as audiences grew and longer scripts were written. Fastforward, and these shows had directors, actors, and writers along with individuals pioneering new ideas in the era One notable figure is Thespis, who became known as “The Father of Tragedy '' , is one of the biggest pioneers in the drama He is also responsible for the idea of calling talented actors “Thespians'' Another notable figure is the ever famous Homer Homer, who many recognize from their high school English classes, had his work performed at these annual festivals and the tropes within them are still revered today
Theater created a new culture in ancient Greece as there was now a new form of entertainment, and they built new structures to enjoy it, including the amphitheater, which we still see today in movie theaters, theaters and sports stadiums.
Out of the boom in Greek theater, three main genres of theater were born: tragedy, comedy and satire. These genres are not only still around today, but they serve as the backbone to much of the way we approach storytelling today The tragedy was born out of the desire from the audience to see tragic morals depicted in the endings of plays, with Aristotle's writing hinting to dithyrambs (choral hymns) being a large influence
Rituals surrounding different gods were also a large part of the tragedy, leading to larger than life performances by actors as they delivered the “voices of gods'' Comedies were born out of a desire to represent daily life in ancient Greece and the different ways absurd scenarios could enter their lives. Aristophanes is known to be responsible for writing Greek comedies. His characters were designed purely for the audience to laugh at with their mistakes and upsets not meant to cause pain to the audience. Silly costumes and actions were common in ancient Greek theater, with sometimes sexual and phallic references being a common trope. Satire was born out of the combination of comedy and tragedy, with laughter being paired with shame Social commentary also played a huge role in the formation of satire as the inclusion of social commentary made for a blend in the comedy drama format that inserted reality
The ancient Greeks were highly skilled at putting the arts at the center of culture, and we have a plethora of media as proof of their skills. Satire is one of the most popular genres of media in the 20th century. It is arguably the most important contribution to modern media the ancient Greeks made. Satire is found in TV sitcoms like “Parks and Recreation” and “Abbott Elementary” as well as movies like “Get Out”, “American Psycho” and “Don’t Look Up”. Just like the Greeks’ design, these TV shows and movies combine the comedic or ironic with social commentary and tragedy
Characters like Janine, Patrick Bateman and Ron Swanson are meant to represent a person in reality, that is then exaggerated for comedic effect or to display tragedy.
Satire isn't the only way that Greek theater has influenced modern media as the tragedy is still a huge part of our current media landscape. Nowadays, the tragedy breaks into subgenres, like dark comedies, dramedies and psychological thrillers. However, the epic proportions and dramatic stories are still a mainstay In shows like “Succession” or “Breaking Bad”, stories of tragedy are told through an ironic lens, often examining how wealth’s importance in our society can ruin relationships Likewise, tragedy is a large part of our modern day media with shows like “The Last of Us” and movies like “Marriage Story” displaying how combining elements of horror, science fiction, or just plain life can illustrate the very principle that Greek theater built in their depiction of tragedies.
Though hundreds of years ago we are certainly still connected to Greek culture, festivals celebrating Olypians and the history of Greek theater. Our modern day media serves as our best example and connection to Greek theater, proving that art and culture have been and will always be an important part of our lives and storytelling will continue to be a valuable role in our society
By: Kellsey Savage
The Sistine Chapel is by far one of the most famous buildings on earth, with references to its spectacular design and decorum found everywhere, from ET to Ariana Grande Perhaps one of the greatest examples of the Sistine Chapel’s influence is the 2018 Met Gala, aptly named "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." The biggest stars on the planet dawned and looked embedded with renaissance imagery.
For years, the Sistine Chapel has stood as a staple in art and architecture and is famous for its symbolism, significance and impact, but what is its real story? What are the deeper meanings behind the art? While the Sistine Chapel is rightfully known for its dramatic depictions, its creation-including its history, implications and controversies is just as dramatic
Commissioned in 1490 by the colorful “warrior pope” Pope Julius II, the Sistine Chapel could be considered the crown jewel of the Renaissance, an art and philosophy movement that spanned from roughly 1390 to 1530. During this time, creatives drew aesthetic inspiration from classical Greece and Rome namely, humanism and linear perspective.
At the center of the Renaissance was the concept of heavenly beauty, and much of the artwork reflects the relationship between man and the divine The Renaissance is an era best defined by its artistic exploration, including the work of groundbreaking artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Filippo Bruneleschi, and everyone’s favorite diva Michelangelo.
Add a little bit of body text While Michelangelo is best known for his work inside the Sistine Chapel, he was originally against the project. Before the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo was mainly a sculptor, not a painter. He felt that his talents would be wasted painting a ceiling. However, Michelangelo eventually agreed to take on the project only after demanding full artistic control The piece was originally supposed to be simple portraits of the twelve apostles Still, either out of ambition or spite, Michelangelo expanded the project to include an elaborate retelling of the book of Genesis that covered almost every inch of the walls and ceiling
While the retelling includes everything, such as the creation of the world, the creation of humanity, the fall from grace and of course insurmountable suffering, the most iconic section is The Creation of Adam.
In the painting, God and Adam have their arms outstretched toward each other, with their index fingers pointing at each other However, it is important to note that there is a gap between their hands Although interpretations tend to differ, this is believed to depict the moment right after God created Adam Another thing of note is the shape behind God. One of the most popular and divisive interpretations is that this represents a human brain. God is positioned at the prefrontal cortex, the section of the brain responsible for the creative thinking process. This fits interestingly with the idea of humanism, which was popular at the time.
Humanism was an intellectual movement that focused less on religion and more on what it meant to be human The placement of God inside the brain could be Michelangelo’s way of saying that he considers art and creativity to be divine, much like how God implemented those concepts to create Adam
Regardless of the true meaning behind the Creation of Adam, one thing is for certain: it is and will continue to be one of the most iconic works of art. It is a classic staple that demonstrates movement, aesthetics, depth, and detail in an exaggerated yet natural way. In a way, it’s almost poetic how a painting representing the birth of humanity serves as a reminder of just how far we’ve come and how much farther we can go.
Photo by Robert Polidori for WSJ Magazine
We are in a time where support and a sense of community for all are so important in today’s world that starting the Asian Association at West Virginia University felt like a necessity For me, being adopted as a baby from China and being brought to a small town in West Virginia surrounded by people who didn’t always look like me or understand what I was experiencing was always difficult West Virginia is known for having the smallest relative population for Asian Americans, and it was very apparent to me everywhere I went Against the majority, I stood out like a sore thumb, and felt alone in my feelings Growing up, I struggled a lot with identity issues and just finding my place in the world I felt underrepresented, and not heard or seen.
Coming to WVU, these struggles didn’t necessarily disappear, but they did get smaller as I began to meet people of all different backgrounds and immerse myself in the culture here. I realized that there were actually many people like me in the world with similar stories and experiences. Stories that are never heard or talked about. Being Asian in America is not an easy experience, and can not be summed up just by one person's story. Constantly being the butt of racist jokes, and then being told to not make a big deal over “nothing” just continues to silence us. This lack of a voice in society planted the seed in my head to start something of my own for the community I wanted to create something big Something meaningful, and bigger than myself I wanted people who were like me to not feel so alone and confused here; whether they were from West Virginia, a different state, or even a different country It was something I didn’t realize we needed when I first came to WVU, but now that it is fully established, I can see our school desperately needed something like this sooner So many students I’ve never seen or met before were coming together to create a community here, telling me their stories and what experiences shaped them to be who they are today This made me realize even more that representation is so significant in how we view ourselves with many people having similar upbringings to mine. A lack of community can cause us to feel isolated and just not understood or heard. Uplifting the students here, and creating a platform they can stand out on is so meaningful to me, because I feel that growing up, I was nev
It saddens me to think wish I had the opportu confident that what I a of Morgantown in the y Association, and proud I hope that the membe Asian Association I ho hope they find themse
Asian Association President
By: Michael Duong
Am I like the other flowers?
Sitting in the garden
Those bright lilacs
Those effervescent roses
All blooming happily.
I know the world sees me
With bent eyes
Wondering if I truly belong, I know I didn't choose my birthright
Nor did I want any scrutiny.
I'm just like any other flower.
One that wants to bathe in the sunlight
To be adored and loved-
I'm the sunflower on the wall
Smile and I'll bloom
As bright and full as I can
By: Sydney Whiterather clumsy and self-critical, tend to lack My divine self, however, knows me: in authenticity, in unity, in entirety It knows that, constantly and incessantly, my body betrays me. It always has.
I remember being five years old. Mom is driving her blue Mazda, crying. I am in a booster seat in the back of the car. We are somewhere in Southampton, having just left a homeschool co-op meeting that I, in a very typical manner, did not participate in. Peering at me in the rearview mirror, mom asks, “Why can’t you just talk?” I can tell she is disappointed, frustrated, with the fact I freeze at the mere thought of being perceived It is not for no reason I have known these people for two years I tell her, “It won’t come out ” It is true My throat gets unbearably tight when I try to speak in public I shake I cry I am physically incapable of making a sound That day, I recall wishing I had a body I could control
Now, I am eleven I am standing behind the safety of my front door, trying to will myself with all my power to just get the damn mail from the mailbox. “It’s probably only twenty steps,” I say to myself. But at the mere thought of those twenty steps, my veins fill with liquid lead. I peek out the window. There is no one there. Yet, the thought of being seen by a passing car or a neighbor is too much to bear. I put my back against the door and slump to the floor.
I am eighteen years old, shopping for groceries in Martin’s in Charles Town I moved back from Thailand and I forgot what it was like to be able to read food labels and understand the music playing through the speakers The cart I push rattles on the tiled floor The wheels squeak loudly and stupidly I hear the chatter of people Too overstimulated, I collapse onto my knees in the natural food aisle. I am dead weight plopped in front of the vegan yogurt in a fetal position. I hyperventilate. Tears bleed down my face. I think to myself, “Why can’t I just function like everyone else?”
e 9th floor of Seneca hall. d. I used my voice.) He he does not care. I am thinking to myself that it is my fault. It is my fault for fitting into the hyper-submissive Asian girl stereotype, for seeming meek and demure and being a pushover. It is my fault, my fault. I search for my words. I search for strength to push away Instead, my mind blanks I play dead I am voiceless, stuck, wishing I was detached from my body, wishing I had no body, wishing I had a body that listened to me Most of all, wishing I fought back for all the wrongdoings I put up with from men who did not deserve me
My divine self knows me: in authenticity, in unity, in entirety. It knows my body betrays me. It always has, and it most likely always will. But with this newfound divinity, I will learn to accept myself, my body included.
