REFINE Magazine Fall/Winter 2022: The Rhythm Issue

The Rhythm Issue

behind the cover

Photographed by Jade Alderman, with Christina O’Brien, the cover photo for our Rhythm Issue was inspired by the fashion and imagery of 90s music videos. Models Garret Ricigliano and Hayley Pousson donned our favorite nostalgic patterns and posed with film cameras and dial-up phones to show the rhythm that raised us.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Samantha Roehl FOUNDER Sarah Madaus

MANAGING EDITOR Raven Lawson SENIOR EDITOR Jordan Manson

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EDITORIAL |

FEATURES EDITOR Nathaly Suquinagua FASHION EDITOR Rhiannon Rivas LOVE EDITOR Bryanna Santos HEALTH EDITOR Kendra Franklin CULTURE EDITOR Cassandra Jenkins FOB/BOB EDITOR Giovanna Cicalese DIGITAL EDITOR Laila Samphilipo COPY EDITOR Lydia Davidheiser

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VISUALS |

DESIGN EDITOR Julia King ASSISTANT DESIGN EDITOR Scarlett Catalfamo LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Jade Alderman ART DIRECTOR Christina O’Brien

| SOCIAL MEDIA |

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Clare Sykes ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Scarlett Catalfamo

A special thanks to our staff writers and editorial, digital, and visuals contributors.

who we are

Mission Statement

Just as diamonds are refined by intense pressure and extracurricular challenges, REFINE magazine will challenge Temple students to think outside the box. REFINE offers a fresh perspective on campus life: the fashion statements, culture, music trends, health habits, and love lives that the Temple community possesses, all in one beautifully packaged issue. Our goal is to provide great service to our readers, so that they can navigate through the trenches of college with confidence and grace.

REFINE mimics the voice of the reader’s BFF:

We love you, but we have no qualms about giving it to you straight.

the editor letterfrom

If you don’t mind, I’d like to tell you a story.

I started college in the dark days of fall 2020, when a supposed “two weeks” online once again turned into a fully-digital school year. (Fool me twice, I suppose.)

Temple was a ghost town. I’d go to the dining hall, bereft of tables and chairs, and get food to take back to my dorm. I zoomed into classes during the week and went home every weekend.

In all honesty, I sometimes feel that I still don’t know how to

be a college student—I missed out on all the little things I assume you’re supposed to figure out in your first semester.

Every story has a middle, though. Here’s mine: things are back to normal(ish). Campus is alive again: there are skateboarders on Cecil, students come and go from class, the streets are filled with the hustle-and-bustle of tens of thousands of students. And, I’m now tasked—we all are, really—with learning to move to the rhythm of this world we’ve found

ourselves in.

There’s a line from my favorite musical, Hadestown, that goes, “To the world we dream about—and the one we live in now.”

To me, that’s what this issue is. More grounded than some of our previous issues, more focused on the here-and-now, but still beautiful. In this issue, we talk about love languages, fashion trends, and the music that got us through the year.

I have a secret to tell you: I still don’t really feel like I know what I’m doing. And another: I don’t think

anyone does. But we keep going anyway, talking and laughing and dancing and singing. And that’s what matters.

The end (for now), Samantha Roehl,

EIC

Rhythm Acrossthe World

By Ryan Tian

While it’s not uncommon for students to come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away to study at Temple, only about 8 percent come from overseas. I met with Dongting Gao, a junior from China studying computer science, and Hibiki Tomizawa, a sophomore from Japan studying architecture. They sat down to talk with me about their time at Temple, both in and out of class.

Ryan Tian: What made you want to study at Temple?

Dongting Gao: I think that by studying abroad, I can not only learn some knowledge related to my major, but I can also broaden my horizons and get to know some friends from every country.

Hibiki Tomizawa: My family had a job in Taiwan, so I went with them. I stayed at an international school in Taiwan for two years, where I learned some English skills. Then I thought that I want to use English more often, so I came here to the U.S. to study.

RT: How is your experience at Temple so far?

DG: I had some culture shock. I think we have a very different culture between China and America, like how to make

friends and how to study. In China, I think our studying method is to know how to organize your studying time, but in America, I think in some spare time, you need to do your homework.

HT: My family has an international job, so we went to Brazil, also like Taiwan. I don’t feel homesick or any type of culture shock, but it’s completely different compared to my home country of Japan. It’s really hard to get used to. Japanese education is kind of like just sitting in a seat, taking the class, and listening to what the teacher is saying. In the U.S., we have a lot of group work, and I have to encourage myself to talk, so that’s really different.

RT: Have you faced any challenges during your time at Temple?

DG: Yeah, I faced a lot of challenges. For example, the first night when I came here, American food was not very comfortable for me, so I had to cook by myself. Sometimes I order food, like Chinese food, but it’s expensive.

HT: English is kind of my second language, so it’s really difficult to communicate with someone. If I want to say something, sometimes others don’t understand what I want to say.

RT: What do you want to do after college?

DG: I want to apply for my master’s degree because eventually, I will go back to my country. In my country, I think a master’s degree is very important for finding a good job. I will continue to study computer science, but I will do a new branch, like AI or data science.

HT: After I graduate, I will go back to Japan first and decide if I want to go to graduate school for architecture. I also want to experience some jobs related to design and learn more skills for the future.

RT: What do you like to do for fun?

DG: This semester, I have four classes. They are all major classes, so I feel very overwhelmed… [but] sometimes I visit museums like the Philadelphia Art Museum with my friends.

HT: I like going outside with my friends because they have cars. It’s usually easy to get somewhere, and I can experience different cultures. Also, people in town are really open-minded; they come to talk to me easily.

Ever been curious about how international students adjust to life at Temple? Writer Ryan Tian spoke with a couple to hear how life in America compares to life abroad.

MORNING ROUTINE

By Jeannette Wescott

Morning routines vary depending on the person, but they all begin the same way: waking up. Some are woken by the shrill sound of an alarm, the bark of a furry friend, or even a partner that doesn’t know where their side of the bed ends. Some of us might try to catch a few more minutes of sleep after snoozing an alarm or finish a lastminute assignment before class (we’ve all been there.)

For Jordan Manson, REFINE’s Senior Editor, mornings start around 9–10 AM. She enjoys the mornings, but finds it hard to wake up early, so you might catch her pressing snooze a few times before finally rolling out of bed.

The first thing on her mind in the morning are the things that need to be done that day. Dealing with anxiety and thinking about your agenda can be overwhelming for anyone, but having a mental picture of her to-do list has been extremely helpful. Manson’s mental planning is then followed by stretching, or as she calls it, “a shortened version of yoga.”

For many of us, checking our phones for messages and emails is integral to our morning routines, and Manson is no exception. She makes sure to text her parents every morning and calls when she can.

Music is a key factor in Manson’s morning routine. The RnB lover has a playlist titled “Relax” that sets the vibes each day.

When it comes to her wardrobe, Manson bases her outfit on the weather and activities for the day. She describes her goto style as a big T-shirt paired with ripped jeans or a romper, unless it’s cold, because then, all bets are off.

“I find that when I put energy into my outfit in the morning, it’s an action of self-love and it keeps me energized and motivated throughout the day,” said Manson.

The time it takes Manson to do her hair in the morning varies. If her hair is in a protective style, all she needs to do is lay her edges and she’s set. But when her natural hair is out, her go-to style is a neat slick bun (with edges laid, of course) and achieving the perfect bun can take anywhere from 10–20 minutes.

Her morning routine wouldn’t be complete without talking to God. As a Baptist, prayer is a significant part of Manson’s everyday lifestyle. Her go-to line is, “Hold my hand throughout the day, God.”

Lastly, Manson is a diehard Dunkin’ Girl. She can’t function without caffeine, so don’t bother talking to her before she’s had her iced coffee with 3 pumps of whole milk, 3 pumps of French Vanilla, and 6 pumps of caramel.

Morning routines are different for everyone. What does yours look like?

Senior editor Jordan Manson is busy cheerleading, going to class, and of course working for REFINE. Here is the routine that ensures her day gets off to a great start.

RHYTHM OF REFINE RHYTHM OF REFINE RHYTHM OF REFINE

1. “Looking Too Closely” by Fink

My favorite song is “Looking Too Closely”, by FINK. I haven’t listened to anything else by the band, but my friend recommended the song and I had it on repeat all summer. The song is melancholy, but I find it to be hopeful, too. Samantha Roehl, Editor-inChief

being depressed if I had a partner in life. Obviously, that’s not how it works, and it took a lot of healing and therapy to break out of that mindset. “Frankenstein” makes me feel less alone in my mental health journey. No one can make me better or worse, I am in charge of my own life and my own healing, which is a terrifying and lonely concept. Sawayama manages to turn that lesson into an addictive song. Rhiannon Rivas, Fashion Editor

4. “CUFF IT” by Beyonce

“CUFF IT” by Beyonce just brings me pure joy. Whenever it comes on, my mood gets lighter, and it makes me want to dance This song is also one that is generally loved by my friends, so it always brings us together. It represents just having a good time and celebrating life. Raven Lawson, Managing Editor

5. “Bejeweled” by Taylor Swift

REFINE’s team is full of diverse music taste. Check out some of their faves.

By Amna Faheem

2. “Gold” by MARINA

I’d say my favorite song is “Gold” by MARINA. I’ve been listening to Marina for a long time, and she continuously comes out with great music. However, this song has been on repeat for me lately because of the catchy beat, lyrics, and the meaning. I love the song’s message about staying true to yourself as you enter the world and decide what you want to do with your life and career, which I think is important for a lot of college students to hear. I recommend everyone take a listen to “Gold” and many other of Marina’s songs! Jade Alderman, Lead Photographer

3. “Frankenstein” by Rina Sawayama

Lately I’ve been obsessed with “Frankenstein” by Rina Sawayama. It’s pop that leans more alternative, with energizing drumming. Lyrically, I relate to the feeling of relying on my partner to “heal” me or make me feel whole. I spent my whole life thinking that I’ll stop

“Bejeweled” makes me feel confident and puts me in the best mood. I’ve had confidence issues, but music has been a powerful help; this song is perfect for hyping myself up. Giovanna Cicalese, Frontof-book/Back-of-book Editor

6.“PRETTY” by Evann McIntosh feat. person

Evann McIntosh has been my favorite artist since I was a freshman at Temple. I learned about them through a mutual childhood friend, and I’ve always felt so lucky to have stumbled across their music. I think their voice is so unique and that they deserve all of the love and support in the world. Their music helped me gain confidence at a time when my self-esteem was at its lowest. Just like many of their previous songs, “PRETTY” has reminded me that I shouldn’t be afraid to be myself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly seeking approval from others. However, as the song suggests, self-validation is much more important. Cassandra Jenkins, Culture Editor

7. “Me

and My Uncle” by Grateful Dead

I’ve been listening to “Me and My Uncle” by Grateful Dead non-stop, as it’s getting colder outside. This song has such a fall vibe, but it takes me back to all the concerts I traveled to see this summer. I am definitely in my cowboy era!

Clare Sykes, Social Media Director

8. “Hey Sunshine” by Rare Americans

“Hey Sunshine” by Rare Americans is one of the first songs my partner shared with me. It’s come to be something I can listen to whenever I’m down and know it will put a smile on my face. Scarlett Catalfamo, Assistant Social Media Director

9. “A Trop Courir” by GaEl Faye

“À Trop Courir” by Gaël Faye is a song that is chill and a de-stresser for me, but I usually play it when I’m about to jump into a project that I feel anxious about starting. Dakeilyn Kollie, Design Director

10. “Evian” by GoldLink

“Evian” by GoldLink is perfect for the busyness of the semester. It makes me feel energetic while working on assignments and walking around campus!

Laila Samphilipo, Digital Editor

WHAT Song ARE YOU LISTENING TO?

We’ve all seen countless “what are you listening to?” TikToks and gotten a glimpse into people’s music tastes. Writer Chelsie DeSouza took to Temple’s campus to discover what’s blasting through students’ headphones.

By Chelsie DeSouza

“M

usic was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.” -Maya Angelou

For many people, music is an extension of their emotions. Songs can represent our feelings of love, happiness, sadness, anger, and everything in between. Recently, videos of random people being asked what song they’re listening to have gone viral on social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, and you may be wondering why. It’s the same reason why musicians have tours for fans from all around the world: Music brings people together in an authentic way that transcends time and sets aside the things in life that typically push us apart.

“What song are you listening to?” I asked people walking around Temple University’s main campus.

“One Beer” by Doom. “Hellcats and Trackhawks” by Lil Durk and “OTF For the Crowd” by Lolo Zouai. “Bad Habit” by Steve Lacey. “Mean” by Madeline The Person.

If you’ve ever walked past someone on campus and wondered what they’re listening to, these are just a few of the songs that I discovered students like to bump as they walk to class. You may be asking yourself why you got excited reading a list of songs other people like listening to.

Gabrielle Culbreath, a senior psychology major at the University of Pennsylvania, says it’s psychological. “People like to feel included,” says Culbreath. “Social inclusion is important for one’s well-being, health, and overall life. When asked ‘what song you are listening to,’ people are given the opportunity to share and be heard, which is a part of social inclusion.”

In regards to the relationship between music and emotions, interactions with music can produce chemical changes in the brain that affect our emotions.

“Happy and upbeat music can lead to increased production of serotonin and dopamine, which contributes to positive affects and emotions like joy,” Culbreath says.

The “what song are you listening to” trend began in 2021. The concept is simple: content creators ask random people walking by wearing headphones what song they’re

listening to. Shan Rizwan, a 22-year-old YouTuber, created the first “what song are you listening to” video for YouTube. He later shortened it for a TikTok video, which now has over 10 million views. With these videos, he gave us a peek into the lives of complete strangers. He proved that you can learn a lot about someone based on the songs they listen to, including their current mood.

“It’s sort of a guessing game,” Rizwan told Mashable. “You look at them and before they answer you have a preconceived notion of what they are listening to and once you hear what they say, it’s interesting to compare. This guy was wearing this and I didn’t expect him to listen to this genre.”

According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, music is an enigmatic human behavior.

“Most common behaviors have a recognizable utility that can be plausibly traced to the practical motives of survival and procreation. Moreover, in the array of seemingly odd behaviors, few behaviors match music for commandeering so much time, energy, and money. Music listening is one of the most popular leisure activities. Music is a ubiquitous companion to people’s everyday lives” (The Psychological Functions of Music Listening).

When you’re going through a breakup, you listen to sad songs. When you need to get pumped up, you listen to Lizzo. When you’re anxious, you’ll probably listen to something mellow. The lyrics in songs make us not feel alone in whatever we’re going through.

This trend is a new way to not only get into the musical likings of strangers, but also discover new music in a more personal way. There’s nothing like hearing a song that gives you chills and makes you want to listen to it on repeat because you love it so much. There’s nothing like a song that perfectly captures your rainy day depression, makes you feel closer to someone you’ve lost, or brings back a memory. Avid music listeners i.e. almost everyone are constantly in search of their next favorite song, and the “what song are you listening to” trend allows us to go on that journey together.

neighborhood noise

neighborhood noise

Philly Stoop held their pay-what-youwish Psychedelic Renaissance Stoop Fair on Nov. 19th. Indie bands inlcuding Animal Insticts (pictured left) performed for eager Temple music fans on North Carlisle Street.

Over the Counter plays on the stoop to the crowd.

Photos by Jade Alderman

A variety of music styles and instruments were played by Eastern Function(pictured above) and Animal Instincts (pictured below).

The 2018 TV series Pose explores the world of 80s New York City ballroom culture.

The history and significance of ball culture.

By Hadiyah Muhammad

For over 40 years, queer Black and Latino individuals have immersed themselves in their community to gain security and acceptance for who they are. Ballroom culture has served as a stepping stone for the queer community and allowed queer Blacks and Latinos to display self-expression and competitive spirit through elegant pageantry. Their performances

are thoroughly rehearsed to perfection and topped off with elaborate props and dazzling costumes. Today, these balls are known for their charismatic orchestration; however, they weren’t always as they are now.

In the late 1800s, balls were considered distasteful spectacles. Decades later, during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, the Rockland Palace became the infamous host of the Hamilton

Lodge Ball, an extravagant event hosted specifically for the cross-dressing community in Harlem.

According to an article from the Black Youth Project, “The organizers of this ball ‘Hamilton Lodge No. 710 of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows’ called it the ‘Masquerade and Civic Ball’ officially. However, it was also known in Harlem as the ‘F*ggots Ball’ by the late 1920s.”

Despite the negative opinions toward the ball, it

maintained its popularity throughout the 1920s and ‘30s. In 1937, the ball recorded having up to 8,000 guests in attendance. An observer of the Hamilton Lodge Ball explained that the ball brought together “effeminate men, sissies, ‘wolves,’ ‘farries,’ ‘f*ggots,’ the third sex, ‘ladies of the night,’ and male prostitutes… for a grand jamboree of dancing, love making, display, rivalry, drinking, and advertisement.”

Balls were popular in big cities such as New York, Boston, and even Washington D.C., a place of strict political and social structure. However, despite the growing popularity of the balls, there was still a cloud of secrecy over the heads of the men who hid their feminine personalities behind briefcases and heterosexual relationships.

As time progressed, crimes against the queer community increased. By the early 1960s, racial tensions found their way into ball culture. Blacks and Latinos were competing against white drag performers. Tim Lawrence, a notable journalist and author, says that though the balls were “notably integrated,” Black performers were often seen using lighter makeup to appear “white.” This particular makeup technique was believed to increase their chances of winning, as they were often being judged by an all white panel.

By 1962, tired of the ashy makeup and white-washed competitions, a man named Marcel Christian went on to host what is now known as the first all-Black ball. It was then that Black and Latino performers started to bloom; their opulence and glamour were incomparable.

A decade later, the first ballroom house was born from the minds of drag queens Crystal and Lottie LaBeija. In response to the racially oppressive drag pageant

system of the 1960s, they established the House of LaBeija, with Crystal known as the “mother” presiding over the performers who were referred to as her “children.”

Houses, as they’re called, were a necessity in the early days of the Black ballroom scene. Queer youth were ostracized from their biological families and many were found beaten in the streets, turning to drugs and prostitution to sustain themselves. Black and Latino queer people found solace and security in these houses and attempted to reclaim a typical family dynamic with a father, mother, and children. The houses also provided a way to create performance teams to attend balls. The more balls attended and conquered, the more recognition for the house.

By the end of the 1970s, more than a dozen houses had formed after the House of LaBeija. These houses were introduced on camera to the mainstream world in the midto-late ‘80s in a documentary called Paris Is Burning, which debuted in 1990 at the Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco. The documentary was made over the course of six years, detailing the horrors and triumphs of living as a queer individual in New York. The film also detailed the breakdown of the ball performance categories and the origins of the popular dance style known as “voguing.” Interviews with prominent figures in the ballroom scene such as Pepper LaBeija, Willi Ninja, and Angie Xtravaganza were highlighted.

Through all the glitz, glamour, and trophies, a dose of unfortunate reality eventually struck the ballroom scene. Throughout the late 1970s and the 1980s, a heightened paranoia around drugs and HIV/AIDS threatened to dismantle ballroom culture as a whole. Many houses were losing their “parents” and “children” to the epidemics that were affecting the entire world at a rapid pace.

Jennie Livingston, the director of Paris Is Burning, stated in a 2020 interview for Refinery29, “There was an economic boom, but there was a lot of poverty and struggle. The AIDS crisis was ascendant in the gay community, and that certainly affected trans people too. It was a time in the community when people of a certain generation were dying en masse.”

Despite going through endless trials and tribulations, the ballroom scene has remained at the top of its game. Many houses, including the House of LaBeija, have catapulted themselves into international status, carrying on the legacy of their founders. Today, the House of LaBeija is an international ballroom house with 16 chapters across the world. A short documentary film titled The House of LaBeija premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival; the film paid homage to the House of LaBeija through a series of letters from its members.

Ballroom culture has even taken over social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, garnering attention from a younger generation of voguers and ballroom performers. Ballroom culture and the queer community have been, most notably, welcomed with open arms by none other than Beyoncé, whose most recent album Renaissance paid homage to various houses and legends who have laid the foundation for new generations to come. With its history in mind, it’s clear that ballroom culture will continue to evolve and serve as a way for queer Blacks and Latinos to be unapologetically themselves.

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GIVE ME LOVE

GIVE ME LOVE GIVE ME LOVE

Giving and receiving love looks different for everyone, with each of us having our own love language. But let’s break down what practicing those love languages actually looks like.

By Julianne Kotch

Most people have probably heard something about love languages. But do we actually know what to do with them?

Gary Chapman was the first to coin the term “love languages.” Chapman, an American author of “The Five Love Languages,” studied anthropology and the connections between different languages. He emphasized that “we must learn the language of those [with] whom we wish to communicate.”

In order to “speak” our partner’s love language, we must first learn about love languages. Oftentimes, our primary love language differs from our partner’s, so it is important for us to understand it to make our partners feel loved.

When you give people examples of love languages, “people can have a ‘light bulb moment,’ and more quickly understand how they give and receive love,” says Marcia Baruch, a mental health clinician from Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

There are five different love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Chapman breaks each love language down so we can know what we relate to specifically.

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

At the most basic level, these are verbal compliments. For example, you could say, “You look really nice today” to your partner, and, if their primary love language is words of affirmation, they will feel loved by you. Using words that build your partner up or encourage them is extremely important. The way we say things is also crucial. Words can have different meanings depending on how they’re said. So, speak to your partner kindly and be open to really listening to them. As long as you respond to them with kindness and sincerity, they will feel supported.

QUALITY TIME

Give your partner your complete, undivided attention. We can all easily spend time with our partners watching TV, but the focus isn’t on your partner, it’s on the television. Quality time could be spent simply taking a walk or playing a game together. The emphasis is on “quality” when we talk about this love language.

As someone in a longdistance relationship, Temple University senior Olivia Sormaz knows all about the importance of quality time. “It’s easy to get lost in our own lives, so facetiming and making sure that we respond to each other’s texts

is important when we can’t spend that in-person quality time together,” says Sormaz. Really taking the time to listen to your partner and reacting with questions or genuine comments about what they’re talking about will mean everything to them. Take the time to be fully present with your partner.

RECEIVING GIFTS

This love language can be expressed in a handful of different ways. Gifts are a way to remind your partner that you’re thinking about them. For example, if you’re on a trip without your partner, bring them a souvenir. It’s the thought and the physical showcase of love that really makes your partner feel cared for.

There is also the gift of your presence. If your partner is having a tough time, being physically there for them is so important. Give the gift of yourself. Be there to support your partner and show them you love them.

ACTS OF SERVICE

Do something for your partner that you know they would enjoy. Gabby Gecas, a Temple University junior, talks about the difference between her and her partner’s love languages. “I like to give rather than

receive,” says Gecas when talking about acts of service. Cooking for your partner or taking your dog on a walk are examples of service acts that you can perform to show your partner you love them. If they are stressed and have a list of tasks to do, take some of those on yourself. I promise, your partner will love you even more for it. For the person with this primary love language, actions speak louder than words.

PHYSICAL TOUCH

This has often been a way to show love and emotional connection. For people who have this as their primary love language, light touches and physical intimacy are ways to tell your person you love and care for them. For these people, touch is much more important than a compliment. Learn the ways in which your partner likes to be touched, and in turn, you will learn how they like to be loved.

“Relationships are tough at times, and anything that can clarify what people need out of a relationship, themselves, and others is always good,” says Baruch.

So, start reviewing the love languages and see how you and your partner give and receive love. It will make your bond with them grow even stronger than before.

THREE’S A PATTERN THREE’S A PATTERN THREE’S A PATTERN

Breakups can often leave us questioning how we missed the signs of dwindling connection. Well, here are three signs to look for to see if a breakup is on your horizon.

By Sarina Mam

Breakups, regardless of age, can be difficult to manage, especially when one person is blindsided by the breakup and the other could have been planning it for weeks, months, or even years. So, what are the signs that lead towards a breakup?

Although it is a vital part of human relationships, a 2017 study, published in Social Psychology and Personality Science, found that it is difficult to track the decision process of a breakup, though there are some signs that you can look out for prior to a breakup.

Changes in Personality

The most common reasons for people wanting to leave a relationship are “issues with a partner’s personality, breach of trust, and partner withdrawal,” according to University of Utah psychology professor Samantha Joel. These are common conceptions, as people grow as individuals and over time they may not grow together. Some even find themselves not liking their partner’s personality while still holding love for them.

It may be hard for people to leave each other when they’ve invested so much time together, although physical and emotional reciprocation may be so innate that you don’t even realize a relationship is falling apart. You might not find your partner attractive anymore or you might not want to spend time with them like you once did. Though, you still might hold onto them because you’re thinking “Why would I want to walk away from all the time invested?”

It’s quite important to consider other factors that go towards a relationship. If the relationship is lacking vital things, such as communication, physical attraction, emotional and physical intimacy, or whether or not future goals are aligned, then it might not be the right one for you.

Changes in Psychical and Physical Attraction

Physical attraction, and the idea of not wanting anyone else, is one key factor that leads towards a successful relationship. Alexis Martinez, a senior biology major at Temple University, noted that, “Your body, for example, will be the first to tell you if something’s okay or not.”

If you or your partner are thinking about another person while being intimate, that’s definitely a sign that your relationship is coming to an end. Aside from physical intimacy, “there’s a lack of intimacy when talking,” and “if [the relationship] is not a visceral, good feeling then why are you in it?”

Another sign of an impending breakup is if the little things are taken for granted. If you’re not talking about the inside jokes, the things that bother you, or the things you’re really excited about, then what really differentiates this person to that of an acquaintance? The person who once put you on a pedestal may be trying to “dull your sparkle,” and that’s definitely not a sign of a healthy relationship.

Aside from physical attraction, the way people communicate and act towards one another can show signs of whether or not the relationship will be successful. Eileen Brumbaugh, a therapist who specializes in life transitions, shared the importance of communication and reciprocation.

One immediate sign of an impending breakup, according to Brumbaugh, is “when people don’t look at each other when they’re talking to each other.” Eye contact is key when communicating with someone. It shows respect and allows a person to know that they’re really being heard. While a lack of eye contact isn’t a massive indicator of a failing relationship, it can indicate that there may be some larger issues at hand.

Changes in Language

The language that you and your partner use while being in a relationship can be extremely telling. A research article by Sarah Seraj, Kate G. Blackburn, and James W. Pennebaker tracked the nature of relationships and how language intertwines with whether or not a relationship will be successful.

An increase of first plural pronouns, or “we-words,” has revealed much about people’s commitment in a relationship and their intent in continuing the relationship. The use of “we-words between couples during conflict resolution and marital discussion highlight the interdependent nature of successful relationships.”

In other words, we-words can show how successful a relationship will be because they show that people are mutually dependent on each other. They almost see each other as one, instead of two separate beings. Of course it isn’t healthy to be too dependent on your partner, but being in a loving, healthy relationship means you mold into the best versions of yourselves, together.

In the end, there’s a million reasons why someone might want to leave a relationship. Although the signs might not immediately be present, taking a step back and analyzing the relationship can help you understand what went wrong. It could have simply been a mutual disinterest, or it could leave one person completely blindsided.

“Humans fall in love for a reason,” says Joel. People are all different and the signs might not all be there, but love is all about trial and error. While this person might not be the one for you, you’ll find someone that not only fits your desire, but loves you just as much as you love them.

PATTERN play

Chevron, and stripes and plaid… oh my! A bold blend of patterns has captivated this season’s stylists, mannequins and customers. Nathaly Suquinagua explores the significance of the decadence.

By Nathaly Suquinagua

As we get older, we start seeing clothing as not just items we put on, but as a way to express our fashion and style. Expressing ourselves through clothing is what most people find important about fashion. As you start looking for inspiration, you stumble across many designers such as Tom Ford, Gucci and really notice how different many brands and designers are.

Recently, a lot of wellknown designers have incorporated various bold prints and styles into their clothing line, which has brought more attraction to the younger generation.

“Heaven by Marc Jacobs I think is an interesting brand and I am really into it right now,” says Evie Lugo, a Freshman fashion enthusiast

and writer for Her Campus.

Lugo mentions how many designer brands can slowly incorporate clothing that caters to Gen Z. Especially with the use of social media, Tik Tok is one of the platforms where people share their love for fashion and design. As Lugo mentions, it is really able to cater to everyone’s liking and have styles that are great for anyone who is interested in fashion and clothing brands. Clothing brands not only create new pieces for the runway shows, but also for people such as Lugo to draw inspiration and start wearing similar styles.

Rylee Mahnesmith, a freshman student writing for the fashion and beauty column of Her-Campus Magazine, mentioned that brands such as Dilara Findikoglu’s SS23 collection were able to incorporate various patterns and materials to convey a message about rebirth and sexual liberation. The collection had mini pannier dresses that upcycled Victorian era materials.

Slowly, but surely, younger consumers will start seeing brands showing their outlook on fashion, and also have a chance to achieve these looks as well. Brands such as Heaven by Marc Jacobs have increased accessibility for younger generations who want to get more into the fashion industry, but don’t want to spend too much. Looking back into the 90s, brands such as Seventeen Magazine and how their aesthetics are really inspired Heaven by Marc Jacobs.

Heavily inspired by the 90s, Marc Jacobs incorporated plaid, art designs and graphic art, and lots of color into the collection. The designer has reimagined many items that people have forgotten about, but are making a comeback: baby tees, distressed hairy sweaters, lace camisoles, oversized hoodies, coresets, mini skirts and their signature teddy bears along with glitter and platform heels.

The most recent collection in Heaven incorporated pink tones and a lot of puffy material added to the clothing.

The brand has also included a lot of collaborations with other brands such as

Bladee, the swedish rapper, Harley Weir, Nong Rak and the most well-known being Doc Marten.

With the Bladee collection, Heaven by Marc Jacobs included old and original painted pieces for their clothing. One of the designs includes a puffer vest with vibrant and colorful designs that look like paint splatter. Looking from afar at the clothes in this collection, they are all connected by similar patterns across their shirts, sweaters, and beanies.

These unique patterns and colors incorporated in the new designs for clothing gravitate towards people who will actually wear these clothes and these brands are starting to make a shift in how they will be able to reach individuals who don’t want to always compromise on how they look and dress.

More and more clothing brands can spread their creativity to more of the average consumer and can change the way we dress and style every day.

Cecil B. Moore’s rich history is rooted in community activism, comfortable corner stores and now a community on wheels. The skate park at the corner of Broad St. and Cecil B. Moore Ave. is an accepting and bustling environment; with the strong communal bond being sustained by more than just a love of skateboarding.

By Ryan Tian

If you’ve ever taken a stroll near Broad St. and Cecil B. Moore Ave., more likely than not, you’ve heard a raspy, rhythmic, clickity-clack between pops, creaks, and smacks. The sounds emanate from Cecil B. Moore Station Plaza, effectively dubbed “Cecil” by the skating community.

“I just feel like you’re super free on a skateboard, you can do whatever you want. And just like the feeling of, like, landing a trick is just like different, you know? It keeps me coming back to it,” said Peter Knigge, a freshman majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation management.

It’s not just the satisfaction of landing a trick that keeps students coming back, though; rather, it’s the sense of community.

“I’ve met all my friends there so far this year. I also bring my friends there when I skate and they hang out on the steps. It’s a pretty good community to hang around and I’m very, very grateful for it. It’s given me a lot of connections,” said Keny Burke, a freshman majoring in journalism.

Going to Cecil almost daily has given Burke the opportunity to connect with people she usually wouldn’t and start little conversations with her fellow skaters.

“I would say they’re a pretty close-knit group of people. Even if you’re not hanging out with someone you know day by day, you still recognize most people there who say ‘what’s

up’ or something like that. So it’s a good community for sure,” Knigge said.

Convenience is also a big part of why student skaters congregate at Cecil.

“You don’t get bothered, you don’t get kicked out, and you don’t have to go very far,” said Gunner Spaeth, a sophomore film major. “So it’s just very convenient and really nice to be able to go there.”

Cecil has become the go-to spot for not just skaters, but also those looking to relax and have a good time by themselves or with friends. If Burke wants some free time to herself to skate, or sometimes just to sit and read, she will often head to Cecil to enjoy the vibe.

While there are many nice spaces to relax on campus, like the Founders Garden or the terrace between Mazur and Gladfelter hall, Cecil holds a special place in the hearts of students.

“Cecil doesn’t feel like it’s for any one purpose. There aren’t tables and chairs there. You can kind of make it whatever you want it to be, that’s what I really like about it,” Knigge said.

Like a microcosm of the University itself, Cecil is a melding pot for students to meet and bond. And, of course, skate.

in sync

By Raven Lawson

IIf you’ve ever been to a sleepaway camp, had female roommates, or even hung out with the same girls every day, chances are, at one point or another, you’ve been convinced that your periods are in sync.

Known as “the McClintock effect,” the notion that women’s menstrual cycles synchronize first appeared in an academic paper by Martha McClintock in 1971. In her study of college girls living together in a dorm, she found that social interaction impacted one’s menstrual cycle.

Suppose you start breaking out and getting similar abdominal cramps, cravings, or any other symptoms all around the same time. In that case, it’s only natural to think your cycles must be in sync. Some of you reading this right now might be thinking, “oh yeah, this totally happens with me and my friends.”

Well, you’d be wrong…because period syncing is a myth.

“There may be some similarities with people’s menstrual cycles; however, there’s no scientific evidence to support that [they sync],” says Dr. Lisa Nicholas, OBGYN and professor at UCLA School of Medicine.

Since McClintock’s original study, several other reports have denounced the period syncing idea. One such study conducted by period tracking app Clue in partnership with Oxford University (2017) found that women’s periods do not

sync over time and are actually more likely to diverge than come together.

One of Clue’s data scientists, Marija Vlajic, states in an article for The Guardian, “it’s very unlikely that cycle syncing is a real phenomenon.”

There’s a sense of unity and community in knowing you’re simultaneously on your period as a close friend. A shared struggle. But at the end of the day, any synchronization boils down to coincidence.

Our brains naturally look for patterns to make sense of things around us. So, when a friend or roommate expresses that they, too, are on their period, what we actually experience is a confirmation bias.

This feeling of collective menstruating “probably came from people sharing information with one another,” says Nicholas. “Communication regarding what their patterns are like likely causes people to make anecdotal assumptions.”

While period syncing might not be real, and you, unfortunately, do not have a super special bond with your bestie because you (coincidentally) menstruate at the same time, that bond of sisterhood is not entirely lost. There are plenty of other shared struggles to unite over like the outrageous prices of feminine hygiene products or the attack on women’s right to choose. Or you can ignore this article and continue to live in the delusion that “in-sync” periods signify true friendship.

The synchronization of periods might feel like a rite of passage for some friend groups. But is this proverbial proof of friendship fact or fiction?

rh yt hm

Photos by Jade Alderman Modeled by Garrett Ricigliano and Hayley Pousson

IF U SEEK AMY

Music is an integral part of our lives; we have playlists for driving, the shower, and walking to class. But playlists for sex? The verdict is still out on those.

By Jeannette Wescott

Many people look at sex as an intimate act that should be done between lovers, while others look at it as an activity that should be indulged in. Temple students have another point of contention when it comes to sex does music have a place in the bedroom?

Biology major, Maria, says that sex isn’t a big deal and shouldn’t be treated as a secret, as sex is something that many of us will eventually participate in.

“Just think about the most fun you’ve ever had, and tell me, was it planned? Probably not, because the moments we enjoy the most are the ones that aren’t planned out,” says Maria.

When we think of sex, we think of our favorite experiences, favorite positions, or favorite place, but we often give little thought to what got us in the mood. Whenever you think of your favorite movie scene,

whether it’s an action scene or a sex scene, it always has background music.

For Nevaeh, an education major, sex playlists are nonexistent, and she doesn’t really understand how they’re supposed to be set up without it being awkward.

“I mean, how does it work? Do you play the playlist beforehand? Or do you play in the middle of sex? In what way does it not appear awkward?” says Nevaeh. She thinks that sex playlists aren’t needed because they make a person appear as if they’re “trying too hard.”

But what is “trying too hard?” Zack, a visiting student from Rutgers University, believes that music is key to a good experience.

“I’m not really sexually active, so I’m no pro, but the sexual experiences that I do have all involve music. I personally don’t have a sex playlist, but the girls I’ve been with did, and I enjoyed

it because it shows effort,” says Zack.

Putting together any playlist takes effort because it has to be perfect. You can’t put “Happy” by Pharrell in a sex playlist and expect not to laugh. Sex is something to be enjoyed but what is the perfect type of music for a sex playlist?

Anna, a business graduate student, says there is no such thing as the perfect type of music; it just has to be something to get you in the mood.

“For me, I’m kinda old school, but I do like a lil’ playlist for everything! Road trips, shower sex, you name it! ‘Wet the Bed’ by Chris Brown is the song for me. And it’s different for so many others.”

Kendra, a dance major at Temple, feels the exact opposite.

“I feel like sex playlists are popular because of hookup culture and the reason why most people are

saying that it makes things less awkward is because they probably don’t know the person that they’re about to have sex with,” says Kendra.

A common ground has yet to be found among Temple students. It’s either sex playlists are too weird, or they help set the mood. Whether it’s a part of hookup culture or the new generation, far more people agreed that sex playlists are helpful in the bedroom than those that disagreed. Whether it’s music from Spotify or Youtube, buying a subscription is probably in your best interest. Wouldn’t want an ad to stop you! Talk about awkwardness.

If you’re interested in what songs Temple students have in their playlists, scan our QR code and let us know what you think.

Source names have been changed for privacy.

Image by Frank Boston via Adobe Stock

CHAINED TO CHAINED TO THE RH RHYTHM YTHM

How do routines affect us?

By Matthew Charles

The concept of setting up a routine is nothing new. The goal is to have control over what happens in your life, understand what to expect, and make sure there is no unknown.

But why is this important? How does it affect people’s day-to-day lives? Do we think routines are positive or negative?

Students across Temple’s campus have a lot to say about their routines.

“I get up, get ready, do work throughout my day such as a job or school work, then have some leisure time where I game or watch a show, and then get ready to end my day, and then it’s bedtime,” said sophomore Jose Mendez. “As school always started early, it took up a majority of my day, and the end of the day is where I had most of my free time.”

When asked if this was a positive experience for him, Mendez had this to say: “To be honest, it’s only slightly negative. I’m not really a morning person so getting up early really tires me out, and then since I have most of my free time at night, I might accidentally stay up really late, which affects my sleep. But it’s cool; I don’t care too much.”

Another student, junior Amelia Schneider, had a similar story behind her routine.

“[My routine] got started because I used to get burnt out having classes for several hours a day straight. This way, I get enough work done to have free time and still

make all my commitments, which allows me to practice what I need to.” When asked if she felt this was a positive for her, she laughed for a long time before simply replying, “No, I’m still stressed.”

The recurring theme with all of these stories is that their routines are mostly planned to accommodate their busy life as college students. However, there’s no true allegiance to this, as demonstrated by junior Elijah Bigham.

“I did my routine just out of convenience, as it’s the natural way to cover all my needs. There wasn’t much deliberateness to it.” Bigham also notes that he’s not a slave to his routine either. “I would like to add some more activities so that my routine is better for my mental health. For example, I’m thinking about going to the gym or taking guitar lessons.”

Mental health is a really important factor that can’t be denied. While these routines accommodate school life, they also give people a chance to decompress after stressful events. Routines are an important part of people’s lives, but they aren’t afraid to break them if it benefits them. Despite this, in general, having a to-do list and being able to check that off and know something is being accomplished feels fulfilling, and that’s why people have them.

A Guide to Staying Fit When the Gym Feels Too Far

A gym membership does not need to be your saving grace after the New Year. A workout from the comfort of your own home may prove to be more beneficial for your fitness goals than a hub of muscle men and sweaty machines.

By Dylan Bowman

Distance, motivation, anxiety. There are many valid reasons not to work out in a public gym, however, this should not prevent you from enjoying fitness and receiving all the health benefits that come with it. Many Temple students have taken it upon themselves to implement at-home workout routines into their busy schedules.

“My workouts take about 30 to 40 minutes to complete and I barely use any equipment, just a pair of adjustable dumbbells I got off amazon,” says Alex Harvey, a senior computer science major.

Here is Alex’s favorite dumbbell circuit to do at home:

• Bicep Curls: 15 reps (each arm)

• Lunges: 15 reps (each leg)

• Shoulder Press: 15 reps

• Goblet Squat: 15 reps

• Push-ups: 20 reps

Rest for one minute after each set and repeat every exercise three times.

“It was really hard at first to get the motivation, but as I continued and saw progress in myself it got easier and easier and I became more motivated,” added Harvey. “Everyone is different and has different fitness goals, but there is something for everyone.”

The hardest part about working out is starting, but there are countless workout routines that are easily accessible online for beginners that make use of body weight exercises. Websites such as healthline.com, self. com, and even Pinterest make for excellent resources when drafting up a routine.

“Once I am done with my at-home workouts I feel so, so much better and much more willing to do things!” says Carol De Souza, a sophomore architecture major. When

done regularly, exercise can boost dopamine production and lower anxiety in the short and long term.

De Souza loves that she can be herself during at-home workouts and does not have to worry about anyone else.

“It is so hard to choose my favorite at-home workout. Normally when I work out at home I like to do those HIIT dance workout videos from Youtube because at the gym I am definitely not brave enough to do that in front of a lot of people,” says De Souza.

Here is Carol’s favorite HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) circuit to do at home:

• Jump Squats: 20 seconds

• Mountain Climbers: 40 seconds

• High Knees: 30 seconds

• Alternating Side Lunges: 30 seconds

• Forearm Plank: 30 seconds

Take 40-second breaks between exercises and repeat the circuit as many times as you can!

Here is my favorite muscle-building, at-home workout that requires zero equipment:

• Push-Ups: 20 reps

• Diamond Push-Ups: 10 reps

• Air Squats: 20 reps

• lunges: 10 reps (each leg)

• Wall Sit: 45 seconds

• Side Plank: 20 seconds (each side)

Take 30-second breaks between each exercise and a two-minute break after completing a circuit. Repeat the circuit for four sets.

Working out at home is a lot more enjoyable and flexible than most people think, and is a great alternative for whenever the gym feels too far.

DIY-tok is making the For You Page just a little more colorful, averaging a running total of over 229.6 billion views. Whether it be home renovations, clothing upcycling or even charcuterie boards for the next girls night, the modern spin on DIY projects have provided more benefits outside of the final product.

By Carlton Wiggins

IY, or “do it yourself” projects, have been around for decades. In fact, they date back as far as the 1950s. Nowadays, you can find DIY projects for anything in almost any medium. Whether it’s a home improvement project that you read about in a magazine, a life hack that you stumble across on TikTok, or a cooking recipe that you see on television, there’s definitely a DIY project out there for you.

If you want to get creative, you can even make your own version. It’s your project and no one can tell you what to do.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, DIY projects have seen a boom in the digital and physical market. With many cities being placed under lockdowns, DIY projects were one of the many activities that kept people’s minds busy while cooped up in their homes.

According to a report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, nearly 80 percent of homeowners started a DIY project in May of 2020. If you were scrolling through TikTok during the pandemic, you probably saw at least one DIY video showing how to install a tile floor. If you wanted to learn how to build a shed, you could simply go on Google and research the products and steps.

With the power of the internet at our fingertips, we can utilize platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Google to find countless DIY projects. An article from Inc. Magazine stated that the DIY world was expected to be worth nearly $14 billion

dollars in 2021. It’s safe to say that the DIY era is back on the rise.

Committing to a DIY project comes with many different benefits. You can save a lot of money by taking out the middleman and doing the work yourself. You can learn a new skill that can be useful in other situations or inspire you to pursue a certain career. You can discover a new “happy place” that helps you better handle stress and anxiety. You can bond with friends over a newly discovered hobby. You may even meet new people!

In an article titled How Home DIY Jobs May Improve Your Mental Health, Robert Haynes, an author at news media company Psychreg, stated, “studies show that DIY home jobs help people forget about negativity in their lives. You will increase positive emotions and let them run freely. […] Doing some little things around your home will help you lower the amount of stress. Loneliness will go away if you choose to call your friends to help you with your DIY projects.”

The DIY era has made a huge comeback in the past couple of years, and for good reason. Doing DIY projects not only helps out your pockets, but it can bring you peace of mind. So, whether your first project is something big like remodeling your house or something as small as cooking a new meal, just hop online, do some research, and learn something new! Who knows? You might just end up discovering your new passion.

FIND YOUR FASHION

FIND YOUR FASHION TIME CAPSULE

TIME CAPSULE

What’s old is new again. If you were missing the era of unapologetic maximalism, bold colors, and chunky shoes, now is the time to dig into the back of your closet (or your parents) and unearth the items of fashion past.

By Jonaira South

The resurgence of Y2K fashion has made its way into modernday trends. From celebrities, influencers, and regular ole’ people revisiting past trends, they’ve repopularized. We’ve seen Uggs on Gigi Hadid, Rihanna in trucker hats, and Kendall Jenner in low-rise jeans. Whether or not you revisit these trends yourself, you can’t deny they are having a comeback.

Fashion can mean so many things, but one thing that’s for certain is that re-visiting trends can be nostalgic. During the pandemic, the need for nostalgia increased and we saw people leaning into the things that made them happy as children, from fashion to childhood movies.

In order to bring back that child within ourselves and make our younger selves happy, we try to re-create the

experiences we had as kids. But, with Y2K fashion you may be asking, “How can I truly heal my inner child with clothes or accessories?”

You can heal your inner child by taking pieces from your childhood wardrobe (I’m sure your mom has kept them) and wearing them now. Here is a list of items you should look for so you can turn them into something you can wear today:

1. t-shirts

As children, we wore cute little t-shirts that are now called baby tees. If you’re able to find them in your closet, try seeing if it fits today. If it doesn’t fit fully you can wear it as a crop top and rock it with a pair of baggy jeans and Nike air-force 1s to really lean into nostalgia.

baby tee

Photo by Alx via Adobe Stock

2. hair accesories

I’m sure our hair was all done up as children with scrunchies, butterfly clips, barrettes, and more. Try incorporating these accessories into your hairstyles today. You can wear pigtails and tie them with scrunchies and finish the look off with barrettes on either side of your head.

3. your parent’s wordrobe

If you want to recreate your parent’s outfits because they remind you of your childhood then go for it!

4. converse shoes and mary jane’s

mary jane’s

To really lean into nostalgia, bring back your converse and black mary jane shoes and wear them today. You can work converse into almost every outfit, especially casual ones. Take your black converse, pair them with bootcut or flare jeans and add an oversized sweatshirt. You’ll be feeling like you went back in time. As for black mary jane shoes, it’s time to pair them with the iconic ruffle-trim white socks. You know the ones I’m talking about, the socks your mom made you wear for every single fancy occasion. Pair these mary jane shoes with a mini skirt, some tights, and your choice of top and you’re ready to go!

Look through their closets and find a piece that you distinctly remember them wearing and recreate it as your own. From varsity jackets and sports jerseys to slip dresses, you can work about any piece of their clothing into your current wardrobe and style.

There are so many ways we can heal our inner child but it’s way more fun through fashion. Try these tips out with your next outfit and I promise you, your younger self will thank you.

barettes

slip dress

Photo by Yasuspade via Adobe Stock

Photo by Mosufoto via Adobe Stock

Photo by Homank76 via Adobe Stock

Photo by Lidya via Adobe Stock

MAIN CAMPUS

STEPS

TEMPLE UP

From India to the Caribbean to Ireland, Temple students take us to different cultures through rhythm and dance.

Photographed by Haiqiang Sun and Jade Alderman

Esencia Latina held a Dance Utopia Event on Nov. 12th that featured four dance teams performing cultural dances. Included were Temple Thaalam (pictured left), who specialize in Indian dance and Esencia Latina (pictured above), who practice various Latin dance styles.

Temple University’s Irish Dance team practice for an upcoming Irish dance competition at Villanova University.

The Cherry Bombs brought K-pop to Dance Utopia’s show of multicultural rhythm.

Ramajay, Temple’s Caribbean dance team perform at Dance Utopia.

The Esencia Latina dance team (pictured right) performed multiple styles of dance at Dance Utopia, showing of the rich cultural dance traditions of Latin America

on the sidelines

WITH SIMS

Experience an Eagles game from the lens of cheerleader Mya Sims.

By Jordan Manson

Seeing the Philadelphia Eagles’ record go from 10-1 to 11-1 live and in action is so much better than a simple Google search. But buying $150 tickets off the next hustler holding up their Cash-App QR code outside the Lincoln Financial Field is less than ideal. The solution? Through the eyes of Mya Sims, gain a VIP experience that allows you to skip out on the hard, plastic seats and instead bask in the thrill of midnight green and black from the sidelines. Just remember to smile and wave your pom poms when ESPN zooms in for a close-up.

Mya Sims has worn her wings as a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader for three years. Her love for dance was established at a young age. After learning proper ballet and jazz techniques at Ashbury Park Technical Academy of Dance, Sims doubled as a cheerleader throughout middle school. Pop Warner Cheerleading was the first team she danced with, and her love grew at every United Dance Association (UDA) camp and competition she traveled to.

Upon graduating high school, Sims experienced dance on a larger scale, with one year of her career dedicated to the Montclair State Dance Team and the other three to the Temple University Diamond Gems. Her tailored collection of experiences, lessons, and moments led her to make the announcement on June 17, 2022, that she was selected as a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader— one of the biggest accomplishments a dancer can earn.

The anticipation of gameday lures Sims out of bed early Sunday mornings, eight hours before kickoff. From there, a tiring, yet rewarding day begins. Focus is required upon arrival, as the athletes participate in

two different practices: one on the field to solidify timing and placing and another in the stadium to finetune their moves.

There is free time after both rounds of practice to finish getting ready for the big reveal. Sims prefers to do her makeup beforehand, as the art is one of her favorite pastimes. Waking up a couple minutes early gives her the creative freedom to try out a new look. For others, makeup after the run-throughs, coupled with a little setting spray, ensures its longevity. Regardless of either scenario, the adventures of the locker room culture are Sims’ favorite tradition.

“You get to be with your friends and the team that you love the most,” said Sims.

the team and their support system. Sims sees the fans as vibrant, both emulating and emphasizing the energy she represents on the field.

Closer to kickoff, the cheerleaders return to the locker room to go over any pregame reminders, chant, and pray as a team for a successful day. At this point, it is easy for the nerves to hit you… there are literally 69,000 people who bought a ticket to see you and your team. Yet, this is nothing new to Sims. In her list of long accolades throughout her dance career, she has found her rhythm on how to shuffleball-step through gameday.

“I love performances: the performance aspect of dance and being in front of crowds and showcasing your talent,” said Sims. “I don’t think I feel as nervous as I do excited to get out there and show what we’ve been working on.”

Aside from her professional growth and elevation as an NFL cheerleader, the experience has also guided her personally. These thirty-two men and women have grit and determination; all working simultaneously on outside ventures. They have inspired Sims to do the same and even off the field she never misses a beat.

After the chaotic energy of the locker room dies down and the flat irons are unplugged, it is time to take to the stage (or field). To connect with the Eagles community and fans, Sims and the rest of her teammates are assigned to different appearances ranging from on-field engagements to VIP experiences.

Her most touching experience was with a man engulfed in green and black. He had been hit hard by the effects of the pandemic and was motivated by the perseverance of

“I have been setting personal goals because of people around me… it’s a really good environment to be in especially if you’re looking to grow,” said Sims.

Outside of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleading, Sims works for a firm that conducts medical technology marketing research. She plans to strengthen her organization and reliability in order to put the best version of herself out on the field for herself and her team.

Before cheering for the Eagles, Sims was a dancer with the Temple University Diamond Gems for three years.

its a blur

by Jade Alderman

Modeled by Alexandra Schnoor

Photos