MARCH 2017 | 1
Photo © Sharon Vanorny
DO HO SUH EXHIBITION
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•
ON VIEW
THROUGH MAY 14
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Meg Rotter Editor in Chief Claire Hornacek Deputy Editor Alexandra Folino Art Director Victoria Fok WUD Publications Committee Director Jim Rogers WUD Publications Committee Advisor Deshawn McKinney WUD President
MARCH 2017 Alix DeBroux Haidee Chu , Lauren Chung, Associate Art Director Caitlin Gronski, Darby Hoffman, Cassie Hurwitz, Ashley Ng, Claire Grummon Claudia Prevete, Geordon Wollner, Marissa Haegele Jameson Zaballos Photography Directors Staff Writers Jameson Zaballos Web Master Megan Abbott, Alexandra Folino, Ben Golden Anna Snell Arts Curator Contributing Writers Kenzie Bryant Morgan Alexis, Shiloah Coley, Special Projects Designer Lilly Miossi, Morgan Suhre, Emily Toboyek, Jordan Wied Kelsey Daykin Models Reilly Koch Creative Directors Haidee Chu Alexa Carlson Alexandra Folino Fashion Editor Anna Snell Art Darby Hoffman Lifestyle Editor Emilie Enke Alexandra Folino, Haley Nippert Morgan Jameson Culture Editor Serena Steinfeld Photography Margaret Duffey Arts Editor Jameson Zaballos Special Thanks To: Men’s Editor Free People Madison The Rock Agency Anna Olla Sex Out Loud Eva-Delilah Wieland Special Events Coordinators Taylor Palmby Marketing and Social Media Liason
on the
COVER
SHILOAH COLEY PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALEXANDRA FOLINO FOR “CHANCEUX” EDITORIAL | PAGE 14 DESIGN: ALEXANDRA FOLINO MARCH 2017 | 3
LIFESTYLE
MARCH
2017
FASHION
6
CHARMED Do you believe in magic?
CULTURE
10 42
WE’RE UP ALL NIGHT TO GET LUCKY On communication and pleasure in relationships
U.S. IMMIGRATION: HARD LUCK OF THE DRAW Exploring the difficulties of navigating the U.S. immigration system
8
JACKPOT: THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO SIN CITY
24
DODGED BULLETS & BLESSINGS IN DIGUISE
29
HOW HOOKUPS BECAME THE NEW COLLEGE NORM
30
THE INTERSECTION OF LUCK & HARD WORK
How to play your cards right in Las Vegas & travel like a pro
Breathe a sigh of relief at past “failures”
Everybody’s doing It
Hint: the harder you work, the more luck you have
MEN’S
7
OVERT MASCULINITY Discussing the problematic themes surrounding “getting lucky”
FEATURED
14 32
CHANCEUX Thank your lucky stars
DRESS WELL, TEST WELL Success from the wardrobe to the scantron
ART
26 28
LANDING THE JOB The power of a first impression
PERMENANTLY LUCKY On tattoos and good fortune
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“CHANCEUX” editorial | pg. 14
TA K I N G T H E NEXT STEP
This month, our Lifestyle Editor Darby Hoffman wrote a piece about blessings in disguise. In the article, Hoffman discusses the silver linings behind bad breakups and missteps in selecting a university, assuring readers that oftentimes something better is ahead. With graduation approaching, the choice of what to do after leaving the bubble of collegiate life seems extremely daunting. Should I apply to graduate school or head straight into the job field? Should I stay in Madison or move across the country?
For journalists and creatives alike, the path to professional success is often unclear. Unlike our pre-med or business school roommates, we do not have our next step in clear site. And that is terrifying. From the moment I was born, I have always had something to work towards, whether it be learning to read, mastering a time step or getting into college. Now, after checking off all the boxes and doing everything I was “supposed to,” I have no idea what to do after they hand me my diploma. However, amidst my moments of sheer panic about the future, I am excited for a new adventure. In my heart I know that I am prepared to take the next step – wherever it may lead me. While there’s a chance that I may end up living on my parents’ couch, there’s also the possibility that I may thrive on my own. So my beautiful Moda readers, I urge you to put a little faith in yourselves. With a bit of luck, your next opportunity could be the best one yet. Good luck on your next job interview, test or date, and enjoy the content that our staff has created for March. Best,
NOVEMBER MARCH 2016 2017 | 5
THE ACCESSORY EDIT Throughout history, people from different cultures have identified and carried objects believed to ward off evil, bring them luck, protection, good health and happiness. Some have argued that luck and confidence go hand-
CHARMED BY GEORDON WOLLNER, FASHION WRITER
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in-hand, while others say luck has nothing to do with anything. Whether you’re superstitious or not, some days we just need to carry around a little luck in order to make a little luck. What do you carry with you?
LEO CLUTCH REBECCA MINKOFF $95 | SHOPBOP.COM
LIPS, RAINBOW AND LIPSTICK PINS GEORGIA PERRY $15/ea | SHOPBOP.COM MINI SMALL SQUARE STUDS KATE SPADE NEW YORK | $32 | KATESPADE.COM
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PENNY QUARTZ RING KAREN LONDON $45 | NORDSTROM.COM
PINSTRIPE TIE CLIP OX AND BULL TRADING CO. $30 | NORDSTROM.COM CELESTIAL PENDANT NECKLACE SEQUIN | $58 | NORDSTROM.COM
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“Luck is believing you’re lucky.” TENNESSEE WILLIAMS
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A ST R E E TC A R NAMED DESIRE
The phrase “get lucky” is no stranger to UW-Madison’s campus, and while there’s nothing wrong with UW-Madison having a healthy, sex-positive culture, the hidden meanings behind the use of the phrase seem to suggest something more sinister and demeaning. In a culture where “locker room talk” is often used as an excuse to objectify women, taking a step back to look at our own language and actions can reveal more about how our current culture on campus differs from our perception of it. While we make many assumptions about how rape culture how affects our campus (or how many think it doesn’t), we make an equal amount of assumptions about masculinity and how it relates to a man’s sexuality. As college students and young adults, furthering this incessant pursuit to “get lucky” can contribute to a damaging, horrific and unfair culture for women, whom we should be treating as equals. It doesn’t, however, suddenly start to exist once we reach college.
mature men, shaping them into individuals who treat women less as prizes and more as equals.
It’s important that we not only focus on teaching our kids to respect women while they’re young, but also to focus on addressing the problem in college. If we And anyone who thinks this culture and don’t, (as one might expect) it can lead to mindset aren’t present on campus has not problems in the workplace and professional spent any amount time around women. In world. Recently, Susan J. Fowler, a former the past year alone, 325 cases of sexual Engineer at Uber, published a blog post assault were reported at UW-Madison.1 detailing rampant sexism and blatant What’s worse, only 35 percent of sexual sexual harassment within the company, and assaults are actually reported, so the her article was an honest look into a culture actual number of sexual assaults occurring some assume and insist doesn’t exist. Her on campus is assuredly much higher.2 reports of sexual harassment were met with Spending any time in this city on the resistance instead of support from the rest weekend will enlighten you to this reality. of the company, as she was told she was I’ve seen signs of it at bars, where men “on thin ice” for reporting these incidences.3 buy women drinks with the expectation This culture of misogyny, of hyper-sexuality of conversation or sex, and men straight- and masculinity, isn’t just limited to tech up forcing themselves on women on the companies in Silicon Valley. Uber’s culture dance floor. Elsewhere, I’ve seen it in men is a microcosm for this dangerous culture not being able to accept being “just friends” as a whole, which teaches men that it’s okay to sacrifice the rights and respect for women if it means they get what they want, be it recognition in their company, or sexual relations The path of needing to “get on a college campus. We’ve lucky” has dangerous roots all heard stories of women in taught to us from a very management and leadership young age, and by the time positions who are referred to we reach college, seems to as “bossy,” while men in the be the norm. Even more so, it same position are referred can appear to be the gauge to as “leaders.” In fact, four by which we are supposed in ten businesses worldwide to judge our social success. have no women in senior This was a lesson that was management.4 Professional ever-present as I was growing life, just like college, does not up. From being taught I cause people to grow up. wasn’t “man enough” when There is no natural event that BY JAMESON ZABALLOS, MEN’S EDITOR I was too scared to talk to will suddenly fix this systemic, a girl I liked, to the bizarre cultural problem, and as men, concept of a Sadie Hawkins it is irresponsible and unjust dance (in which “roles were reversed” with a girl, as they are terrified of falling into to sit around waiting for it to happen. and it was the girl’s turn to make effort), the horrific punishment of “friendship.” Ah, it was an assumed gender role that lead to yes, the mythical friendzone. Right now, So what can we do to combat this damaging, lasting effects. It’s no surprise aspects of our culture perpetuate the idea problem? How can we correct thousands that by the time we graduate from our that women are just good for relationships of years of teaching that tell us and our teenage years (and even before that), it’s or sex. Young men come to believe that peers to lust after women as objects? It ingrained in our heads that women are the they don’t just deserve, but are entitled to a starts with a conscious effort to change ultimate “prize” to be “won,” at any cost. woman’s body if they are “nice enough” or personal expectations, and it starts now. “Acting like a man” becomes equated with “persistent enough.” Often, they’ll get angry The word friendzone no longer exists, being aggressive and not taking “no” for an when they don’t receive these things and and being “just friends” no longer needs answer because that’s what men do. It leads react in a way that hinges on their sexual to carry a sad connotation with it. A to a dangerous cocktail of life lessons, and frustration, proving they weren’t just being proactive approach of confronting not a mindset of persistence wherein the only nice to be nice in the first place. Treating only the problem’s existence, but our role thing standing between a guy and what he women as unconquered territory, they in solving it, means accepting the position “wants” with a woman is his lack of effort. strive to get the goal (i.e. the booty) at all of privilege men are in, acknowledging Persistence, of course, is a valuable lesson costs, even if they have to fake niceness to how our actions can have an effect across to teach, but when all I was told was that get lucky. The hyper-sexualization of what campus, and crushing the idea that women were the end goal (by my friends, a woman means to a man leads to anger being friends with a woman is “weak” by the media pigeonholing women on TV when the possibility of sex is removed or that it isn’t an option. Removing this as simply love interests), it made sense as from the equation. This tangled web of manufactured and fake insecurity from the to how these experiences could contribute disconnect and miscommunication could lives and pressures of men means that we to rape culture in college. My experience be why 80% of sexual assaults reported can all, collectively, take a step in the right and observations are by no means by college age women are committed by direction, and start treating women as the uncommon, and by no means change once people the victims knew. humans they deserve to be treated as. the transition from high school to college is made. We can’t just accept or assume 1 http://www.dailycardinal.com/article/2017/03/3253 https://www.susanjfowler.com/blog/2017/2/19/rethat the transition (however long) from sexual-assaults-reported-at-uw-madison-last-year-ajump-of-over-100 flecting-on-one-very-strange-year-at-uber high school to postsecondary will suddenly 2 https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cv13.pdf 4 https://www.grantthornton.global/en/insights/ MARCH 2017 | 7
OVERT M AS C U L I N I T Y: T H E DA N G E R S O F
ASPIRING TO ‘GET LUCKY’
LUCKY (luhk-ee) adjective to be fortunate “lucky you!”
JACKPOT:
The Insider’s Guide to Sin City BY MEGAN ABBOTT, CONTRIBUTING WRITER ILLUSTRATIONS BY ALEXANDRA FOLINO I remember the first time I landed in Las Vegas; even at 9:00 a.m., the city shimmered. The airport filled with the ringing of slot machines, people betting their first or last dollar hoping to win big, acting as a lively soundtrack to the huge displays that flashed overhead. The movies don’t exaggerate: Vegas is intoxicating, a world of its very own. Five or so trips later, I consider myself a seasoned professional in all things Sin City. From money saving techniques to must-see destinations, I have some tips and tricks to share if you want to make Vegas your next vacation destination.
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INSIDER TIPS
TRY SOMETHING NEW
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY Hitting the jackpot in Vegas is the exception, not the rule. You must be prepared to lose a little bit, but don’t worry, you’ll have a damn good time doing it. Besides gambling, the location is generally much pricier. When paying for hotels, food, drinks and activities, burning a hole in your wallet is easy. Thankfully, I discovered a few secrets that can keep you from breaking the bank. First, MyVEGAS slots will be your new best friend. It is a free app, through Facebook, that you can play on your smartphone or your computer. The game simulates a slot machine, and the more you play, the more gold coins you earn. You can then turn these gold coins into cold, hard cash by redeeming rewards you can use in Vegas. Think of it as your Starbucks rewards card, only much cooler. You can get anything from free food and drinks to free rooms and show tickets. In fact, my mother uses hers so often, she almost has enough points for a free limo ride to and from the airport. Rewards can be redeemed at any MGM property by visiting the Mlife desk. Be sure to read the fine print, as some can only be used on weekdays or if you are staying at an MGM property. I get the most out of my points by purchasing at least one BOGO lunch or dinner buffet, as entry for one person can be as much as $60. Take advantage of free, easy money. Travel also gets expensive. I recommend using Uber or Lyft, as the charge is much cheaper than a taxi. If you have to use a taxi, pay cash to avoid card fees. For a fast way to get around on the strip, buy a Monorail pass. Your feet and your wallet will thank you.
I never anticipated being onstage at The Flamingo, shimmying around in fake eyelashes and a feather boa as part of a burlesque competition (that I won!). I never imagined I might end up blowing a cup across the Coyote Ugly bar on all fours (this I did not win) or dance the night away at the grand opening of Club Omnia with Calvin Harris and Taylor Swift just a few feet away. Las Vegas is full of crazy opportunities, and it is the perfect place to try new things and break out of your comfort zone. If all else fails, at least you got a great story out it. If you want to let loose, go to a Pool Party. Marquee, one of my favorites, is ranked as the number one pool party and dayclub in Las Vegas. You get to soak up the sun, while sipping on delicious mixers in your swimsuit. The clubs typically book bigname DJs to play the events, and it turns into a huge dance party every time. If you really want to push your limits, you can try to go out to a nightclub that same night and see what it has to offer. If you want to sightsee, there are some recommendations everyone knows: the Bellagio fountains, the Eiffel Tower in Paris Paris, the chandeliers in the Cosmopolitan, etc. While these are all must-sees, one place you do not want to miss is Fremont Street. Commonly referred to as “Old Vegas,” Fremont is home to some of the first hotels and casinos built in Vegas. A popular tourist attraction, the street features a huge LED “canopy” with light shows, a zip line, free concerts and, of course, multiple gambling hotspots. It is worth the ride off the strip. Las Vegas also offers dozens of shows and classes. If you are a little rusty in your blackjack skills, some casinos will show you the ropes for free. You can try your hand at pole dancing at Stripper 101 at Planet Hollywood, or channel your inner Christina Aguilera at X Burlesque University. You can even get trapeze lessons from the pros at Trapeze Las Vegas. If you are more prone to keeping your feet on the ground, you can always book a Cirque du Soleil show and watch the professionals do it. From comedy clubs to acrobatics, there is bound to be something for everyone.
After a few trips to Vegas, you learn how this world works. Here are a few of my coveted, hard-earned secrets to success in the City of Lights. Seek out ATMs with lower fees, and take out what you think you will need for a few days. If you are paying $7 every time you need to take out another hundred dollars, you are going to be paying way too much in charges. You are better off pulling money out at Walgreens or CVS, which will charge $3 or the rate of your bank. My secret go-to spot is Casino Royale, whose ATM fee is only $1-3. Also, do not drink at the bar. Alcohol prices are extremely high in Vegas. Instead, buy beer and liquor at Walgreens, where it will be much cheaper. If you are at a club, you can expect to pay about $15 for a single drink. Your best bet is to pregame before you go out. Also, you get free rail drinks while playing machines or tables at the casinos; just be sure to tip your waitress. You can also bring your drink on the streets with you, as long as it is in plastic. Cheers! You can also buy dayclub and nightclub tickets in advance. Tickets will go on presale online, where you will be able to get them at lower prices. Act quick, because when the sale is over, the price doubles. Moreover, male tickets are twice as expensive as female tickets, so if you are a guy or are going with a guy, you definitely want to buy at the pre-sale price. The exception to this is if you plan to go to the club with a group of all girls. Female groups can typically get in for free, as long as they are dressed the part (read: skimpy dress and heels). It may not be the most gender-equal rule, but I would say we deserve it for getting 70 cents to every dollar a man makes, right? Also, if you find yourself ticketless in Vegas, do not blow off club promoters on the street. Oftentimes, they can get you great deals, even eliminating the cover charge altogether by putting you on the guest list. Each time I visit Las Vegas, I learn something new about the city. There is so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming for first-timers to know where to begin. Hopefully, with a little research and these insider tips, you will hit the jackpot with your next vacation. MARCH 2017 | 9
WE’RE UP AL TO GET LUCK
PA R T N E R CO M M U N I C AT I O N ’ S R O L E I N P L E A S WRITTEN, PHOTOGRAPHED AND DESIGNED BY ALEXANDRA FOLINO, ART DIRECTOR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SEX OUT LOUD When it comes to climax, we shouldn’t have to “get lucky” to get there. It’s true: there is a wide variance in bodies out there, and what gets some humans there (yes, I mean there) might not be exactly what works for others, because our identities, bodies, preferences, kinks and sexual histories are particular to us. For some bodies, too, sexual pleasure isn’t limited to the experience of orgasm. Our consumption of pornography, advertising, television and film is no help. It provokes us to make assumptions about others’ body parts and their experience of pleasure. Consuming contemporary media often skews our knowledge about what is “proper” sexual behavior and what may feel good for others. Ideas about what sex should look like are often prioritized over pleasure and experience. Media consumption may even create social pressure and anxiety to participate in sexual behavior in general for those who haven’t had their first sexual encounter or are asexual. All of this is where partner communication and conversation comes in. Having conversations with your sexual partner not only is pertinent to both your partner’s (or partners’) and your safety, but it can also be important to the sexual fulfillment of each
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individual. Having these conversations about pleasure normalizes sexual behavior, which often opens a window for safer sex practices and fosters a stronger connection between individuals. Communication about sex emphasizes consent and allows you and your partner to enjoy sex the way you both want to as well. In our daily lives, the word “sex,” exposure to sexuality and the concept of sexiness are ever-present. Yet the ability to address sex in conversation behind closed doors (i.e. the bedroom) is contradictory. Unfortunately, in greater society penile pleasure is emphasized due to its association with men and power, and some folks with vaginas have their pleasure left out of the picture. Often caught in what is referred to the “orgasm gap,” it has been reported that people with vulvas experience pleasure in unequal amounts when paired with a partner who has a penis. Studies have shown that this gap can be as big as 52 percent, with cis-women having one orgasm every three a cis-man has in partner sex.1 Prioritizing cis-male pleasure over cis-female pleasure reinforces the sexual control cismen have over others and ultimately Edward O. Laumann, The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States https://books.google.com/books/ about/The_Social_Organization_of_Sexuality. html?id=72AHO0rE2HoC&hl=en 1
perpetuates rape culture. The emphasis on penile pleasure doesn’t just leave out cis-women, but also disregards LGBT folk and those with intersex variations, because society enforces “proper”and “sexy” sexual behavior as heterosexual, penetrative penile-vaginal intercourse. Sexual communication allowing consenting individuals to articulate what gets them off can help close that gap. Likewise, when it comes to our trans partners, it’s important to have conversations in order not to make harmful assumptions, cross boundaries of comfortability and/ or turn an enjoyable and pleasurable moment into something more serious.2 Because gender dysphoria is common amongst trans individuals, it is essential that we have a conversation about how to experience pleasure in ways that do not increase one’s dysphoria. Communication about bodies and preferences plays a huge role in making sure all parties are comfortable with their sexual encounters. Regardless of how we identify, it is crucial here to understand the wide variance in how bodies prefer to experience pleasure. Sam Dylan Finch, 8 Tips on Respectfully Talking Pleasure, Sex, and Bodies With Your Trans Lover, http://everydayfeminism. com/2014/12/8-tips-on-respectfully-talkingpleasure-sex-and-bodies-with-your-trans-lover/ 2
LL NIGHT KY
SURE
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NEW TO THE GAME
Of course, the understanding of your own body and experience of pleasure is integral in communicating that your sexual partner. You may understand your preferences from your previous sexual partners or solo masturbation, and you can even be encouraged to try new things you find of interest. It is also beneficial to know that some of us may not interested in any form of sexual activity, only interested in masturbation or would be willing to participate with a partner as a form of intimacy, even if they don’t receive sexual fulfillment from it. It’s okay not to be interested in pleasure or pleasure with others, and it’s crucial to do what feels good, comfortable and safe for you. Regardless, having a conversation with ourselves about what is best for our personal sexual fulfillment and health and being honest with ourselves may be the first step in the right direction.
ASK AWAY The best way to be certain you’re creating the best experience for your partner is to ask questions. Some good jumping off points to ask your partner about their preferences are “how do you like to be touched?”, “what is a turn on for you?”, “what makes you orgasm?” and “what are some things that you wouldn’t be comfortable with?” Having a conversation with your partner isn’t just for kicks, but allows you to better understand their comfortability and limits. Some partners may not feel comfortable vocalizing themselves when you’ve already engaged, so it’s important to watch body language and continuously ask if they are comfortable with something. After you have taken a dive in, know that it can be a learning process. It may be helpful to ask: “did you like it when I did X?”, “I was thinking about how you liked it when I did X-thing, what do you think about doing Y?”
“IDEAS ABOUT WHAT SEX
SHOULD LOOK LIKE
ARE OFTEN PRIORITIZED OVER
PLEASURE & 12 | MARCH 2017
EXPERIENCE.”
CONVERSATION STARTERS AND HOT TIPS
Next, cums—excuse me, *comes—shame-free conversation. Make your way from the ground —meaning, try to not make assumptions about the ways in which you may make your partner feel good. This allows both of you to get comfortable before illustrating and articulating what feels best for your bodies.
“UH! YES!” Still a bit bashful? Moaning and verbal communication amidst foreplay and sex may be something that helps our partners know what we are turned on by or that we like what they are doing. It also can be something that our partner finds sexy. However, this is where waters may get murky. If the only signal we give our partner is a moan, it is important to be truthful to that vocalization rather than attempt to be sexy. Performative moaning can be harmful for sexual dynamics because a partner may use this (and only this!) to judge if they are helping you feel pleasure. It is fairly simple and a promise we make to ourselves: if something doesn’t feel good, don’t moan.
Show, Don’t Tell Masturbating for our partner may be both helpful and hot (*insert fire emoji here*). A simple starter could be, “can I show you what feels really good?” which could be helpful in letting a partner know what gets you off. If you’re curious about your partner’s preferences, encourage them to show you with something like “I’d love to see what makes you feel good, and if you’re comfortable, I would love to watch.” During penetrative sex, we can also encourage our partners to put us in a position that they find pleasurable. As long as the position and/ or movement is comfortable for you, it can be pretty empowering to watch our partner climax all thanks to us.
!!
REMEMBERING THE VARIANCE A general reminder to all that sex is comprised of more than just penile-vaginal intercourse. In general, this perspective of sex is helpful for cisgendered individuals and their pursuit of sexual satisfaction, because not everyone can get off with just penilevaginal penetration. This mindset is also pertinent for those of us with transgender partners who can’t, or do not wish to, partake in penile-vaginal intercourse. Overall, this mindset is inclusive for all individuals, especially folk with vaginas or people with genital variances. Keeping in mind that we all have the right to have our gender, sexual identification and bodies respected, it is also important to take a personal approach with our trans partners. Again, because gender dysphoria is common amongst individuals in the trans community, we must understand that sex can present some trans individuals with a challenge and can be psychologically triggering to some.1 Asking what your partner’s preferences are—or, on the other side, communicating your own preferences—is imperative for a safe and enjoyable experience. On top of understanding and getting to know their sexual preferences, it is important to know the preferred names our partner uses for their own genitalia in order to avoid othering their bodies. For example, there are a lot of different ways transmen may refer to their own genitalia: “penis,” “t-penis” and “cock” to name a few. For those of us who are trans, gender nonconforming, nonbinary or otherwise, know that you have the right to walk away from someone who does not respect your name, your pronouns or how you want others to refer to your body.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? Visit Sex Out Loud, UW-Madison’s peer-to-peer sexual health resource, in the Student Activity Center, room 3143. Request a Sex Out Loud program on safer sex, pleasure, birth control, healthy relationships, or LGBTQ+ for any group of 10 people or more! Join Sex Out Loud for Sexual Health Week in April! We’ll have trans advocate Buck Angel on April 19, pole dancing lessons on April 20, and a sexual health carnival on April 21!
HANG OUT
WITH OUR
FRIENDS!
Overall, there is wide variation in genitalia out there, which, by nature, demands us to explore other routes to pleasure. Keeping this in mind helps to rid sexual relationships of any assumption or expectation. 1
ibid.
Because of the rich variance in bodies and identities, sexual pasts and preferences, it is crucial that we make no assumptions when it comes to sex and sexual pleasure. Through communication, conversation and awareness, we no longer have to live in a space in which climax or sexual fulfilment is something we are “lucky” to have.
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CHANCEUX (ʃɑ̃sø, øz) adjectif avoir de la chance “tu en as de la chance!”
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MORGAN ALEXIS ET SHILOAH COLEY PHOTOGRAPHIÉ PAR ALEXANDRA FOLINO ART ET DIRECTION CRÉATIVE: GEORDON WOLLNER, MIA BOULUKOS & ALEXANDRA FOLINO DIRECTEURS CRÉATIFS: REILLY KOCH & KELSEY DAYKIN VÊTEMENTS COURTOISIE DE FREE PEOPLE MADISON REMERCIEMENTS SPÉCIAUX À THE ROCK AGENCY
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D O D G E D
B U L L E T S
&
BLESSINGS
DISGUIS
BY DARBY HOFFMAN, LIFESTYLE EDITOR | JORDAN WIED AND EMILY TOBOYEK PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMI 24 | MARCH 2017
S IN
SE
ILIE ENKE
It is just another Saturday night. You sit on your couch, bundled in blankets and your coziest pair of sweats, while binge watching The Bachelor and enjoying the company of...your half-eaten pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Many of us are familiar with this lonely image as the traumatic postbreakup scene. Our hearts (and stomachs) ache after we turn to junk food and rom coms to fill the void our last lover left. However, fast forward a few months and what do we see: the same face but a different expression. No longer are you crying over that ex who broke your heart. Instead, you smile at the opportunities ahead of you. Looking back, that relationship had some big issues you did not see. Now that you have had time to heal, you see that it was all for the best. The same is true with many significant life experiences. If at first some failure or tragedy makes it appear as if your whole world is falling apart, you can look back with time and realize that the event turned out to actually benefit your future self. Often times, we recognize this when it comes to our past relationships. I have looked back at several of my past partners only to think “Yikes. What would my life be like if we were still together?” Claudia Prevete, a freshmen at UWMadison, experienced a similar sort of relief after her breakup. “I was in a relationship for two years, on and off, and it was a huge mess, but I honestly thought I was in love,” said Prevete. “When I finally cut ties and decided I wanted it to be over, my ex-boyfriend would send me voice memos and voicemails saying he ‘needed me’ but continued to remind me that I was a terrible person. Can you say ‘mixed messages?’ It was only through our breakup that I realized I am much better off without him, and that I dodged a bullet for sure (though I wish I could have dodged the whole voice-memo situation).” Cajsa Weber, too, had to go through the trials of a difficult relationship to find something better in her future. “My previous relationship was mentally exhausting, unhealthy and overall started deteriorating me emotionally,” said Weber. “I constantly questioned my selfworth, always worried about if I was being cheated on, and neglecting loving myself while trying to handle my ex’s issues.” The relationship took a toll on Weber. However, after finding the courage to leave, she was able to find a new relationship that “truly affirmed” her decision.
“Nowadays, I am in a loving and nurturing relationship that challenges me to be the best version of myself. I feel more confident about myself and in my value and have his full support in anything I set my heart on. I am happy to have given myself the chance to do so,” said Weber. Although relationships are a tried and true example of disappointment turned relief, this concept can extend well beyond the romantic sphere. Take, for example, the experience of Leah Voskuil, a UW-Madison senior who transferred from DePaul University in Chicago her sophomore year. From stressful financial obligations, to damaging relationships with roommates, to worries regarding safety, mental health and more, the trials of this experience forced Voskuil to face many challenging tasks. After breaking into a lengthy panic attack from her current situation, Voskuil decided to make a change. “I got out my laptop and applied to one school—UWMadison. I knew my brother loved doing his undergrad here; my friends from high school were having the time of their lives; it was closer to home; it was a familiar space,” said Voskuil. “Ultimately, I am glad for my time at DePaul, because I learned a lot about myself and life overall. I am more myself than I ever have been. Not only do I engage, I speak up. I believe in myself,” said Voskuil. “There was a time when I did not know if I would make it to 2015. Well, it is 2017. I am here. I am thriving. That is the biggest blessing in disguise.” We never look forward to facing heartbreak or disappointment. It is easy to get swallowed in these emotions and feel that things will never get better. However, the reality is that things will always get better and our situations will always change. As humans, we are resilient creatures that move forward even in the most difficult of times. Whether you are reflecting on a past challenge, in the heat of a painful situation currently or anticipate making a difficult change in the future, know that although the experience may not be perfect, it is clearing the path for learning, growth and new opportunities. Do not get caught up in sulking over what could have been. Instead, look forward and imagine the numerous possibilities for your life because the pain is worth pushing through.
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LANDING THE
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JOB:
? N G DESI
IS IT LUCK OR BY
BY CAITLIN GRONSKI, ARTS WRITER Don’t let yourself be fooled: first impressions are everything. A recent study by TheLadders discovered that recruiters spend just six seconds glancing over any given resume before placing it in the “yes” or “no” pile, especially in the evercompetitive arts industry.1 While well-composed and convincing bullet points are sure to sway recruiters, it’s equally important to package your resume in a design that is clear, yet alluring. In competitive industries in which recruiters are faced with a sea of resumes, getting invited for an interview can seem next to impossible. Swim out of that murky water and move into the fast lanes by following these resume design tips.
TEXT
Instead of going for boring and overused Times New Roman, try something a little more modern like Cambria, Georgia, or Calibri. Nestle’s Head of HR Peter Vogt recommends only sticking to two different fonts. If you’re looking to add a little flair like the resume above, play with fancier fonts on your name and headings, while sticking with more classic fonts for body text. Using bold is helpful for making content stand out, but in order for it to be used effectively, it should also be used sparingly, according to Vogt.2
STRUCTURE/ORGANIZATION
Another key towards designing a good resume is using white space effectively.3 The resume above makes use of thin line dividers to separate different sections of their resume. Not only is this approach easier on the eye, but it allows recruiters to more easily skim through your resume.
GRAPHICS
Resume experts warn against playing with graphics unless you’re applying for a graphic or web design position. For other creatives, if you want to add a little bit of pop, consider designing a logo with your initials. Social media icons are also a great way to draw the recruiter towards your contact information, as shown in the resume above.4 http://fortune.com/2016/05/15/resume-advice-tips/ Vaas, Lisa. “When to Use a Resume Template.” The Ladders. 10. Nov. 2009. Web. 04 March, 2017. 3 Vaas 4 Bortz, Daniel. “What Your Resume Should Look Like in 2016.” Time. 11 Jan. 2016. Web. 04 Mar. 2017. 1
2
COLORS & BORDERS
A great way to add some subtle color to your resume is in your name. Some opt for a thick colored stripe on the side of their resume to make their it pop as well. Borders with a thin single or double line adds a hint of sophistication, while not distracting from the content on your resume.5
RESOURCES AND TEMPLATE OPTIONS
Microsoft Word and Google Docs offers a multitude of free resume templates. However, if you’re looking to invest in something slightly more elegant, Etsy offers a wide range of resume templates in the $10-$15 range. A lot of times these resume packages, such as the one above, include cover letter templates, resume writing tips, resume power words, and other resources. However, depending on your field, some recruiters may be turned off by a one-size-fits-all resume. Oftentimes, it’s a safer bet to use templates as a framework and mix and match different parts of the templates to add onto your own.
ALTERNATIVES
If you’re really looking to stand out from the crowd, try creating an infographic resume. Infographics allow you to inject a little more personality than a standard resume, but they still keep information organized and professional.
CRAFT YOUR BRAND
For those in the design and arts fields, it’s important to craft your personal brand on your resume. Once you’ve chosen a design layout, you can replicate it across your cover letter, portfolio, business cards, etc. The biggest takeaway? Think about what recruiters from your field will be looking for and shape your resume based on their expectations. In much of the arts industry, your resume is a platform to showcase your visual and design skills. And above all else, don’t take away from your resume by adding unnecessary frills and distractions. While it takes a careful eye and a lot of hard work, refreshing your resume can lead to an inbox full of promising follow-ups instead of “thanks-but-no-thanks.” Bortz IMAGE SOURCES: etsy.com (Skylarking Designs, Modern Resume Co, Landed Design Studio), businesspunk.com 5
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PERMANENTLY
LUCKY BY ANNA SNELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Most of us are familiar with the hesitations of our elders to accept the rise in millennials’ tattoos, but even among younger generations the purpose of getting a tattoo continues to be debated. Some ink their bodies solely for aesthetic appeal, whereas others wait for a deeper reason to take the plunge. Tattoos can depict stories, commemorate a time in one’s life or just be a simple sentiment. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but more often than not they hold great meaning to the bearer. Breanna Grady, a freshman at UW-Madison, is an example of someone with a significant tattoo. Grady decided to get her tattoo on a trip to Ireland, where she was accompanied by her sisters. Together, they chose a design that scrawls “Just follow your feet,” trailed by the coordinates of their family cottage. This quote from A Knight’s Tale reminds the sisters how easy it is to return home. “Since both of my sisters are out of college and we don’t know where we will all end up,
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the cottage... represents how close our sisterhood is,” Grady recollects. It serves a great purpose as an everyday reminder of her family’s bond. Beyond pure sentimental meaning, some tattoos act as lucky charms to their wearers. Wisconsin native Olivia Olson recently marked herself with something that she will always see as lucky. Olson’s father passed away last November after a long, painful battle with alcoholism, when she was just eighteen and he was 12 days away from celebrating his fiftieth birthday. Olson’s tattoo is a tribute to her father. “My dad always called me sunshine so it’s a constant reminder that I’ll always be his sunshine and now he will always be my angel.” When Olson is missing her dad or is just overloaded by the rigorous workload of a pre-nursing student she begins to feel hopeless, but this is her constant reminder to keep working hard for her father. “My dad always encouraged me to be a nurse, and through his struggles, it has made me really
want to help people. My tattoo will always remind me that he is looking down on me.” Olson’s lucky tattoo and the father figure it represents are what continue to pull her through tough days. Taking the concept of a lucky tattoo even further, Heather Hagen, a UW-Madison alumna, has exactly what comes to mind when you think of luck: a shamrock tattoo. Heather chose this tattoo at eighteen years old to represent her Irish heritage. A shamrock is lucky in its own right, but she considers herself especially blessed that her mother was there to shoot down her original plan--a leprechaun with a bottle of booze. Regardless of the meaning, tattoos are almost always met with a need for explanation. Getting a tattoo is a big decision; being permanently marked with something that’ll be part of you for the rest of your life is anything but trivial. As for the women mentioned, may their ink bring them a little extra luck today.
HOW HOOKUPS BECAME
T H E N E W CO L L E G E N O R M BY LAUREN CHUNG, LIFESTYLE WRITER PHOTOGRAPHED BY SERENA STEINFELD
From Gossip Girl to Greek, and numerous college-centered media works in between, it is no wonder why older generations frown upon millennials, labeling us as promiscuous and wild. Despite the overdone quality of most movies, the college hookup culture is present and more prevalent than ever. By prevalent, I do not necessarily imply an increase in the amount of hookups occurring across campus, but rather the buzz surrounding the notion and its loose definition. When it comes to college hookup culture, the rules of the relationship can be a blur. Casual sex and no-strings-attached relationships are not revolutionary, but the trouble is in defining what happens during, and sometimes after, a hookup amongst students. I asked a few campus collegiates how they defined hooking up. The answers varied from simply making out, hitting all the bases and strictly sex. When you start a night out hoping to hook up with someone but have a different definition from a potential partner, it is not unlikely that controversy and potential complications could occur. On one hand, a student argues that the casual encounters are “a great way to meet people with [UW-Madison] being such a large campus.” Such casual relationships
can offer an advantage for those who never had serious relationships prior to college or are just beginning to enter the dating scene. “It is a way to put yourself out there and experience new things.” On the other hand, some students find that multiple flings each weekend are only entertaining when they are produced for television. “Usually, one of the two people involved ends up developing feelings for the other, and a one-sided relationship that is built off of a casual encounter rather than real feelings and emotions is unhealthy. It always leads to someone getting hurt.” Yet, if the majority of us already recognize that there seems to lack common ground surrounding hookups, why does it seem as if it is becoming the entirety of college social lives? When asked why they thought the college hookup culture has become such a massive notion on campuses, many students felt that “[casual hookups] are a normal college thing to do” and that it is “just part of the social atmosphere.” Is this truly the core way to meet people on campus? Is dating now a hopeless cause? The majority of responses lean towards no. However, with these notions in the back of students’ minds, it is no wonder that conversations about each
others’ weekends are geared towards telling tales about inebriation and walks of shame, followed by giggles and fist bumps. It is also not surprising that students often feel slightly disappointed at the end of a night when they are not going home with someone and do not have stories to tell. If you try to avoid the possible lack of text messages the next day, that is okay. Likewise, it is okay if you want to meet new people each weekend. Whichever opinion you possess is completely valid because of the exact looseness that surrounds the college hookup culture. Still, there are a few things to remember regardless of your actions. Keep in mind that communication is the best way to ensure both partners end the night on a high note, so be open about what you want from each other and what you are comfortable with. On a social level, remember that the reality is that the contrasting opinions will always exist around this part of college culture. Even more relevant is the fact that college students have some of the most undecided minds ever. Your perceptions on hooking up may change in time or they may stay as they are, but that is the catch: no one has everything figured out, and no one has to.
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&
THE INTERSECTION OF
Luck Hard Work
BY CASSIE HURWITZ, LIFESTYLE WRITER PLAYLIST COMPILED BY CLAUDIA PREVETE, LIFESTYLE WRITER ILLUSTRATION BY ANNA SNELL
Have you ever found yourself wildly preparing for an upcoming test or playing the role of both yourself and the interviewer in order to practice for an upcoming meeting? Now, ask yourself this: what if, instead, you relaxed and let luck take its course? Rather than working hard, you wait and see what the day has to offer. Maybe the sun is shining, you have a perfect hair day and, in turn, you nail your interview, or maybe a rainstorm hits while you walk to class, you spill coffee on your shirt and the person sitting next to you in lecture loudly crunches on a bag of chips. All of those external factors can have a say in how your day goes and, implicitly, on your performance. Therefore, does it really matter whether you worked hard to prepare for an exam, interview or project? The answer is not cut and dry. Researchers constantly contradict one another, with some claiming luck is a fabricated concept 30 | MARCH 2017
and others arguing we should rely more on luck. How, then, do we navigate this confusing concept? As it is when studying many profound questions, the answer lies somewhere in between. Success is neither based solely on luck nor completely reliant on hard work. In order to find the best method to succeed, you must find the best of both worlds. It is first important to realize what qualities make someone lucky or unlucky. An article published by Richard Wiseman1 discussing the nature of luck found that people’s good or bad fortunes are generally due to their own agency. In other words, the more willing people are to believe they will be given lucky chances and opportunities, the more they receive that luck. On the other hand, the more someone believes they are unlucky or cursed, the more they will be hit Richard Wiseman, “The Luck Factor,” Skeptical Inquirer, May/June 2003. 1
by bad fortune. Wiseman questioned 400 participants on their lucky and unlucky experiences and concluded that there are four principles of luck. First, lucky people successfully seek out and find positive opportunities. They are also able to make instinctually lucky decisions, as well as keep a positive outlook to employ selffulfilling prophecies. Lastly, lucky people use an optimistic attitude to turn bad luck to good. Essentially, lucky people find their opportunities by staying positive. Wiseman’s study shows how to become a luckier person, but how does this transfer to success? Primarily, having a more positive outlook on your opportunities can improve the extent to which you actually go out and try to be successful. If you constantly sit around and think that good opportunities will never come your way, they likely will not. However, if you change your outlook and realize that opportunities are everywhere,
you will eventually find success. Wiseman’s study proves that looking for opportunities will lead to lucky finds. Success will only begin when you start claiming it. Once you open yourself up to opportunities, luck steps back, and both skill and hard work take the stage. Actually, using an opportunity to your benefit, such as getting the job or acing a test, will rely primarily on your ability. Even if you experience lucky or unlucky circumstances on the day of a test or interview, the extent to which they will affect the outcome is marginal. Having a complete understanding of Athenian democracy or igneous rocks will help you answer test questions correctly, whereas tripping on the sidewalk while walking to class will only make you slightly frazzled. Simply put, luck will only take you so far, just as bad fortune will only hinder you to a small extent. The rest of the battle is fought by studying, preparing and being knowledgeable. The combination of luck and skill is a theory that has been echoed by many psychologists. In an interview for Wired magazine, Michael Mauboussin, author of The Success Equation: Untangling Luck in Business, Sports, and Investing, notes the important equation “observed outcome = skill + luck.”2 He claims that both factors are necessary to create a desired outcome. While his model focuses on business and investing, it can be an important takeaway for every aspect of life. Whatever you hope to accomplish, finding the best model of success is important. However, success is not always black and white. It will also not perfectly follow Mauboussin’s formula. Studying and reflecting on how to best find success may help you move towards a more perfect model of accomplishment but, realistically, each person will find different results for their own attempts at success. Yes, the intersection of luck and hard work is success, but the model should lie on a spectrum. Some people are going to find luck easier than others, and some will naturally work as hard as they can. Each way is beneficial for different people, as long as the road leads to success. Therefore, before you peg yourself as an unlucky person or decide that it is not worth it to work hard, remember that luck gives you opportunity, and hard work gives you success. Accomplishing your goals is not only a matter of being in the right place at the right time, but working hard as well. In order to truly succeed, you must find your personal junction of Lucky Avenue and Hard Work Boulevard. Samuel Arbesman, “Luck and Skill Untangled: The Science of Success,” Wired, November 16, 2012, accessed February 20, 2017, https://www.wired. com/2012/11/luck-and-skill-untangled-qa-withmichael-mauboussin/ 2
CREATE YOUR OWN LUCK:
The Playlist
Here are some songs for when you need a reminder that bad luck is an illusion. It isn’t about being lucky; it’s about being a boss. “NO LUCK” BY TYGA The title pretty much says it all. Tyga does not “need no luck” and spends two minutes and 56 seconds reminding you of that. Words cannot explain the feeling of plugging in your headphones and listening to some bumping music to remind yourself that you can be the best, without “[needing] no luck.” “CAN’T TELL ME NOTHING” BY KANYE WEST If you can “buy your way to heaven,” it’s safe to assume you’ve made it. One of Kanye’s most popular, timeless tunes serves as the ultimate background music for your hustle, whatever that may be. Remembering that the line “this is my life homie, you decide yours,” underscores what it means to combat bad luck: your destiny is up to you. “STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM” BY DRAKE When you feel like your bad luck has you at your lowest, you may be tempted to throw in the towel. However, the wise philosopher Drake will inspire you to persevere and remind you that he “started from the bottom.” Wherever rock bottom may be, it’s possible to keep going so that you, too, can proclaim that you and your “whole team” are finally on top. “WORK B**CH” BY BRITNEY SPEARS Well, no one ever said Britney Spears was subtle, and this track is pretty emblematic of that. Do you want a hot body? A Buggati? A Maserati? Britney lets you know that it is not up to luck, highlighting the true path to success: “You better work, b**ch!” “BACKSEAT FREESTYLE” BY KENDRICK LAMAR Kendrick Lamar’s “Backseat Freestyle” is the ultimate success anthem. You have a dream? You want “money and power?” Plug in and listen to this, somewhat aggressive, nevertheless inspiring tale of what it means to “have a dream.”
“PRETTY GIRL ROCK” BY KERI HILSON Relationships gone wrong and breakups can definitely be a source of unlucky feelings. If that is the case, play Keri Hilson’s “Pretty Girl Rock,” the ultimate girl power anthem. Nothing is more synonymous with feeling empowered, fierce and capable than a song that says, “I know that I’m pretty, and if you know it too, then, ladies sing it with me.” “SO AMBITIOUS” BY JAY Z FEAT. PHARRELL WILLIAMS If you have haters to prove wrong, look no further than Jay Z’s “So Ambitious.” Pharrell hops on the track to proclaim that “motivation, for me, was them telling me what I could not be.” This song, reminding you that ambition is all you need, is perfect for offsetting whatever unlucky hand you have been dealt. “FEELIN’ MYSELF” BY NICKI MINAJ FEAT. BEYONCE Nicki and Beyonce, an iconic female duo, come together on “Feeling Myself” to give you another reminder of what being a boss is all about. Do not feel unlucky, feel yourself! Even if you did not “stop the world with that digital drop,” you, too, can be as much of a “flawless dope girl” as Nicki and B. “CAN’T PIN ME DOWN” BY MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS Got the weight of the world on your shoulders? Feeling held back or pinned down? Marina and the Diamonds’ “Can’t Pin Me Down” is exactly what you need: a song to remind you that you do not have to be what others expect of you. “TOUCH THE SKY” BY KANYE WEST If the infectiously, happy beat of this song is not enough to turn your frown upside-down, listen to Kanye preach that sulking will not get you anywhere. He proclaims “any pessimists, I ain’t talk to them” and reminds you that “‘till the day you die, you gon’ touch the sky.” Honestly, what is more optimistic and inspiring than that? Feeling unlucky is nothing more than just that -- a feeling, a negative mindset that can most definitely be crushed. Plug in your headphones and adjust your attitude; you’ve got this, lucky or not. MARCH 2017 | 31
DRESS WELL. TEST WELL. WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY ASHLEY NG, FASHION EDITORIAL ASSISTANT LILLY MIOSSI AND MORGAN SUHRE PHOTOGRAPHED BY MORGAN JAMESON
BELT | ANTHROPOLOGIE 32 | MARCH 2017
We’ve all been in college long enough to realize that doing well in school has everything to do with luck. There’s no telling what trick questions your professor will throw on an exam or how detailed the prompts will be. All you can do is memorize the notes in front of you and pray that the curve will act in your favor. It’s no surprise that we’ve been conditioned to adhere to our individual study habits and testing rituals. On the day of an exam, you eat your favorite cereal for breakfast, check (and re-check) your exam time and try desperately to distract your mind with a pump-up playlist. When it comes to clothes, you throw on the first pair of sweats you find (better yet, you wore them to bed so you don’t even have to change!). Sure, you’re probably comfy AF and no, you didn’t have to exert any extra effort before your exam, but after staring at your half-awake, half-asleep and maybe even half-dead, disheveled self in the mirror, do you actually feel ready to conquer this exam? How you feel about your appearance can truly have an effect your performance. You’ve heard the saying “dress for success.” Well, it’s not just a thoughtless expression. Last year, the Wall Street Journal posted an article on a study done by Professor Michael Kraus at Yale showing that the men who dressed in suits tended to make more profitable deals than men who wore sweats in fake business negotiations. Researchers explained that it all has to do with perceived power and the simple science of mind over matter. Those who wear formal attire and clothes associated with high-status often gain a sense of authority. This can really boost one’s self-esteem when it comes to making decisi1ons, regardless of the activity. So the next time you’re dressing for an exam, consider the logic behind “dress well, test well.” Think about that satisfying feeling of knowing you crushed an exam and enter the exam looking exactly how you want to leave it. Wear the fur that’s as confident as you are, the sweater as put-together and the jewelry, just as impressive. Go for the heels a half-inch higher just to prove to yourself you can and you will. But don’t take it from me, take it from fashion icon Coco Chanel. Smith, Ray A. “Why dressing for success leads to success.” The Wall Street Journal. February 21, 2016. 1
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DRESS | EXPRESS SHOES | FERGILICIOUS
FUR COAT | BETSY JOHNSON TOP | H&M BRALETTE | VICTORIA’S SECRET JEANS | PAIGE NECKLACE | EXPRESS
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JACKET, TOP & CHOKER | FOREVER 21
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TOP | STYLIST’S OWN VEST | STYLIST’S OWN SKIRT | STYLIST’S OWN SHOES | DOLCE VITA NECKLACE | FOREVER 21
“DRESS LIKE YOU’RE GOING TO MEET YOUR WORST ENEMY TODAY.”
- C O C O C H A N E L
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VOGUERUNWAY.COM
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U. S . I M M I G RAT I HARD LUCK OF THE DRAW ILLUSTRATED AND WRITTEN BY HAIDEE CHU, CULTURE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
So you’re a U.S. citizen? Congratulations, you’ve won the lottery. Of course, I’m not oblivious to the brewing political turbulence that may be pushing your buttons at times, but you’re still a part of the lucky bunch. After all, the United States is not only a world superpower, but it is also among the top five hardest countries from which one may obtain citizenship.1 None of us get to decide into which citizenship we’re born. However, while some have been helplessly born into regimes where oppression and despotism reign supreme, many U.S. citizens have been fortunate enough to have born into a system in which liberty and equality are not only core values but also rights. That’s not to say that U.S. citizens should settle for complacency when it comes to social issues and politics, but ultimately, the U.S. is, in theory, the land of the free. So, while there are many discrepancies as to how fairly these rights are afforded to U.S. citizens of different backgrounds—especially amid the current administration, under which many Americans feel their rights infringed upon and their livelihood Fivecoat-Campbell, Kerri. “5 Hardest Countries to Gain Citizenship.” Investopedia. 2017. www. investopedia.com 1
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endangered—being an American is a privilege many are denied every year. If I’m being completely frank, as a nonresident alien, trying to pursue a career in the American-dominated industry of journalism hasn’t exactly been the easiest thing I’ve done in my life. And, as if my title didn’t already give it away, the process of applying to become a permanent resident (more commonly known as a “green card holder”) can often be quite ostracizing. Never have I ever, in my past six years of residing in the U.S. as student visa holder, self-identified as an alien— last time I checked I’m most definitely from earth. This legal classification by the IRS and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) applies not only to visa holders— or as they call it, non-resident aliens—like myself, but also to green card holders, who are considered permanent resident aliens. And among those permanent resident aliens seeking citizenship, they can only do so by way of “naturalization.” Sounds slightly alienating, don’t you think? My point is, it’s just not that easy to become a resident of the United States.
There are five major paths through which one may become eligible for a green card2: 1. FAMILY: This applies if you are an immediate relative (i.e. spouse, unmarried children under the age of 21 and parents) of a U.S. citizen, a family member of a U.S. citizen fitting in the preference category (i.e. married children of any age, children to U.S. citizen parents over the age of 21, siblings) or a family member of a green card holder. 2. EMPLOYMENT: You may be eligible to apply for a green card via employment if you are a high-achieving individual with a permanent job offer. You may also opt for applying for a work visa if you are not interested in immigrating. But even then, your employer must agree to petition for your visa so you can enter a lottery. Otherwise, you may also immigrate by proving yourself as an “Alien of Extraordinary Ability” (e.g. if you are a Nobel Prize winner, an Olympic athlete, etc.). 2
USCIS (https://www.uscis.gov/greencard)
ION:
3. INVESTMENT: Up to ten thousand investors and/or entrepreneurs are granted conditional permanent residency every fiscal year under this program. They must either invest at least $1 million in the U.S. economy or $500 thousand in targeted employment areas in order to qualify. This program, initiated in 1990, was intended to stimulate economic growth by way of proliferating employment opportunities3; but such programs also extend immigration benefits exclusively to privileged individuals. 4. MARRIAGE: This category is perhaps one of the more straightforward ones. You qualify for green card eligibility through family once you become a legal spouse. This is one of the few ways in which one may also retain their existing citizenship if they decide to become naturalized as a U.S. citizen. That is, unlike other immigration categories, people who naturalize via marriage may qualify for dual-citizenship. “Preference Immigrant Visas Issued (by Foreign State of Chargeability): Fiscal Year 2016.” U.S. Department of State. https://travel.state.gov/ content/visas/en/law-and-policy/statistics/annualreports/report-of-the-visa-office-2016.html. 3
5. A REFUGEE OR ASYLEE STATUS: This has to deal with individuals that the Department of Homeland Security considers refugee and asylees, a contingent definition that will inevitably be impacted by President Donald Trump’s recent executive order enforcing a travel ban on Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia. But even then, each category comes with its fair share of fine print, hierarchy and quotas. There is not only a strict set of qualifications that each eligible category follows, but also a set limit to the amount of people allowed to immigrate each year. Those who are admitted, in other words, are likely to have done so by meeting the qualifications for a “high-achieving” strata. Take immigrating through family, for example; priority goes to those who are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, then those who fit into the aforementioned “preference category,” then finally to family members of green card holders. So, just because you are eligible doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a permanent resident status.
Like most students on a F-1 visas, my only (somewhat) viable option would be an employment-based green card petition. Easy enough, right? However, because of the strong preference for the “Extraordinary Ability” qualification, you will have a hard time if you are not a world-renowned singer, professional athlete, a pioneer of some sort in your field of profession or a Pulitzer Prize Winner. Professionals with bachelor degrees, “who must be performing work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States,” are eligible for only a “third-preference employment-based petition.”4 That is, those who qualify for higher achieving strata (i.e. Nobel Prize Winners, professional athletes, etc.) will take priority. In case you need a better illustration of the rarity of obtaining a permanent residency through “third-preference employment-based petition,” only six people from my country obtained a green card under this qualification in 2016.5 If you exhaust all of those avenues, there is a last resort: the Diversity Immigrant Ibid. United States of America. U.S. Department of State. Bureau of Consular Affairs. Instructions for the 2017 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2017). 4 5
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Visa Program. This is a literal lottery system in which 50 thousand immigrant visas are granted annually to people from countries with low rates of immigration. But again, you’re only eligible if you’re not from most of Latin America, most of Asia, etc.,6 and this will only get you a green card. Once you obtain permanent residency, you have to wait at least another five years to become eligible to apply for naturalization. This, of course, does not account for the plethora of restrictions and paperwork— including but not limited to, biometric tests, tests in English and U.S. civics— in the years between. Now, can you really blame me for joking about competing on The Bachelor so that I can get that green card— ahem, I mean ring on my finger?
So, I plead here that you hear me out. What’s important is that you recognize the gifts with which this country has blessed you—to find hope in what seems like a place laden with fear, despair and desolation. That is a silver lining many nonAmericans may never see in their lives. Some may never see light because of the conditions into which they are born, so hold on to it because you can— however faint it may be. And if your heart allows, let that light illuminate you, so to allow a beam of light to also permeate into the darkness in which those who struggle dwell.
“
All jokes aside, I do realize how extremely fortunate and privileged I am to have so freely explored my potential in a country that is loaded with opportunities. Of course, my story remains mostly unwritten, and I am reminded daily of my doubts regarding my future in this country. One day I’ll hear heart-wrenching stories about hardworking immigrants who had been brought over as infants being deported7; a different day I’ll come to find green card holders denied citizenship after years of fighting for this country’s liberty and security in the armed forces8; and on an especially gloomy day I’ll wake up to find that people from seven majority Muslim nations, whose seek safe haven and opportunity in the U.S., have been denied access to the United States via an executive order. How can I not feel blessed when my limitations and challenges are so miniscule and insignificant in comparison?
CAN YOU REALLY BLAME ME FOR JOKING ABOUT COMPETING ON THE BACHELOR SO THAT I CAN GET THAT GREEN CARD— AHEM, I MEAN RING ON MY FINGER?
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“Preference Immigrant Visas Issued (by Foreign State of Chargeability): Fiscal Year 2016.” 7 Leanos, Reynaldo, Jr. “A 19-year-old undocumented student - authorized to be in the US - was detained and then let go by federal agents.” Public Radio International. 2017. www.pri.org 8 Tobia, P. J. (n.d.). They served their country. Now they can’t live in it. From www.pbs.org 6
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If you are ever in doubt of your power to incite positive change, allow me to share a little something Jonathan Foer wrote in one of my favorite novels, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. It goes something like this: you may feel insignificant if you were to find yourself in the middle of the Sahara Desert, but if you decide to move just one grain of sand, you are altering a wonder of nature— a testimony of human history— that has taken millions of years to form.9 Many of us have at one point fantasized making grand gestures pivotal to human history, but we may also fail to realize that even by just altering the mindset through which we make sense of our world, even if we are spreading just a little more love and kindness to those who live in fear, we are changing the world.
So, the next time “moving to Canada” comes to mind, I ask humbly that you remind yourself of the blessings and opportunities you have for winning the nationality lottery at birth. It is important that you stay and fight, both for what is rightfully yours and for what could turn someone’s darkness into a silver lining. Have faith in your power to help change conditions for those who lack opportunities to enact changes on their own—even if that means just moving one grain of sand at a time. Foer, Jonathan Safran. Extremely loud & incredibly close. London: Pengiun books, 2012. Pg. 86. 9
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