Slope Magazine Spring 2021 by slopetech

CONTRIBUTORS Editor-in-Chief

Writers & Editors

Mary Gaffney

Zoe Basulto* Liam Butler

Creative Director

Amelia Robinson*

Kaylee Zhong

Sophia Mathews Shannon O’Shea

Photography Director

Lia Chandra

Ben Parker

Amaris Janel Henderson* Paige Barlow

President

Aliza Schub*

Kendall Lieberman

Katie Fehrenbaker Victoria Correa

V.P. of Operations

Ona Carranza

Fraya Salzman

Emily Choi Jordan Crayton

Designers

Amanda Kaplowitz*

Ally Mark

Samantha Krevolin*

Morgan Marcus

Niko Nguyen*

Ben Parker (* for editors)

Photographer Emily Choi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Entertainment

Questioning Justin Bieber’s New Album

How Gilmore Girls Has Gotten me Through Life So Far

Rediscovering Taylor Swift in College

Embracing Ambiguity: Why We Should Stop Trying to Understand

“Confusing” Films In Defense of 90 Minute Movies

An Exploration of the Girl Boss Movie

Academic Nostalgia on Campus: A Reflection on Where Students Feel They’ve

Grown Saying Goodbye to Cornell

Stages of Independence in College

How Cornell Impacted My Feminist Identity

Lifestyle What Cornell Has Taught Me

An Ode to Souvlaki House

Activism in the 2020s: A Reflection on Social Justice

An Ode to my College Friends

COVID-19 Things I’m Totally Looking Forward to Post-Pandemic

How COVID-19 Has Changed the Music Industry

How Bowling Club Survived the Pandemic

Finding the Positives in a Pandemic

56 3

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Mary Gaffney

own sources of comfort and hope through it

To our dearest readers,

all, which we hope our readers will appreciate. We find ourselves at the end of another I’m

I am honored to be at the helm of the incredibly

tired of that word. And yet, in our case,

talented magazine team for my first semester,

every Sloper and reader involved have

which I’ve hoped for since I was just an eager

made the first half of 2021 a period of

freshman writing articles about my undying

imminent growth for Slope Media Group.

love for One Direction. Thanks to everyone

unprecedented

semester

geesh,

involved with the Mag team. I admire your After many years in the making, we are

unwavering motivation to continue creating

finally expanding our reach across Cornell’s

hilarious, relatable, insightful content during

campus and beyond with the help of a new

a semester that seemed like it would never

app called Volume (DOWNLOAD NOW!).

end, just like my GroupMe spams. Thanks

The platform compiles content from several

to Kaylee Zhong and the design team - y’all

campus

grind, I’m impressed - and THE photographer

eyes on our wonderfully unique content

Ben Parker, plus everyone who he loaned out

and hopefully inspiring others to join our

a camera to this semester. This iteration of

SMG family. We’ve also built upon existing

our “print” magazine would not be possible

partnerships with organizations like Big

without your talent and expertise. Thanks to

Red Sports Network by collaborating on

the most dedicated 2021 Eboard as a whole.

articles and writing features for our website.

I’m thrilled to be working alongside each of

publications,

earning

you, most being veterans. You’ve taught me As we continue to grow as an organization

to not be afraid to take chances to make sure

and as individuals, it is also essential to

that SMG remains a place where students

reflect on where we’ve been. As you’ll see

can create content that matters to them.

throughout this semester’s magazine, many writers have taken a step back to appreciate

Well, enough of the mushy gushy stuff.

various aspects of their life. We have

Fingers crossed we will all meet again at Loco

everything from parts of Cornell they cherish,

next fall! For now, the beautifully “printed”

to music, movies, and TV shows they love, to

pages of Slope Magazine’s Spring 2021 issue

their optimism for a post-pandemic future.

are not going to read themselves; let’s get to it!

After a long, uncertain year, I’m glad to know that students have been able to find their

Questioning Justin Bieber’s New Album Zoe Basulto

Twitter

Like any other Belieber, I was looking

This first song, “2 Much,” continues

forward to the release of Justin Bieber’s Justice

with Bieber singing lyrics such as “when you

album. Personally, I’m a supporter of listening

let down your hair, dancin’ like no one’s there”

to any new album in order from beginning to

and “your head’s layin’ right on my chest;”

end, so I eagerly applied that approach to this

just a wild guess, but pretty sure that Justin

album. When I pressed play, though, I was

is not referring to MLK here. In fact, it seems

confused not to hear Bieber’s voice, but rather

as though the entire album is an ode to Hailey

Martin Luther King Jr. quoting his 1963 essay

Bieber, his wife. Don’t get me wrong, there

“Letter from Birmingham Jail” stating “injustice

is nothing wrong with a nice love album,

anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

but the juxtaposition of the album’s title

and references to MLK against the inclusion

movement grew in 2020, many celebrities

of love songs made me pause and reflect.

have made an effort to use their voice to bring awareness to injustices, yet sometimes

Most unsettling to me is the seventh

this manifests as just checking a box. In one

track “MLK Interlude.” This almost two-

respect, Justin Bieber is a very spiritual person

minute long interlude is not a song, but rather

and an advocate over social media promoting

a recording of a speech MLK made in 1967,

love and peace, yet on the other hand naming

ending with the powerful repetition of “You

the album “Justice” and throwing in some

died when you refused to stand up for right,

MLK references can come off as very surface

You died when you refused to stand up for

level. The difference between performative

truth, You died when you refused to stand up

and real activism requires a delicate balance.

for justice.” To be perfectly honest, my first

I won’t pretend that it is easy, but rather

time even listening to this entire interlude

that Bieber could’ve used his voice in other

was right before writing this article. Every

ways. He could’ve released the album under

single time I have listened to this album

a different name, without the interlude or “2

with friends, if “MLK Interlude” comes on

Much” intro, and nobody would’ve thought

I’d be surprised if it played for more than 5

twice about it. Or rather, he could’ve donated

seconds before being skipped. Although

some of the profits from this album to various

Bieber may have intended to use his platform

charities supporting justice for minorities.

amplify

social

MLK’s justice,

voice sticking

and

messages

this

between

love songs makes it easily overlooked.

All of that said, I will not pretend

that I haven’t had this album on repeat for the past couple of weeks. Likewise, I will not

Even

questionable

the

argue that “I got my peaches out in Georgia,

decision to place the track “Die for You”

I get my weed from California” are not super

immediately after the interlude. While MLK

catchy lyrics, but rather just question the

discusses his sacrifices for standing up for

merits of associating this with social justice.

basic human rights, Justin Bieber expresses his willingness to die for his love, singing “I would walk through burning fire even if your kiss could kill me-You know I would die for you.” Although his love for Hailey is admirable, the juxtaposition of the two songs, at least in my mind, equates dying for “right,” “truth,” or “justice” to dying for a kiss.

After

the

Black

Lives

Matter

How Gilmore Girls Has Gotten me Through Life So Far Mary Gaffney

When Lorelai yelled to Rory, “If you’re

Lorelai’s daughter, was also navigating her

going to throw your life away, he better have

high school experience as an overachieving,

a motorcycle,” in the first episode, I knew

Ivy-League-bound student. Sound familiar?

I was in for some life-changing content.

Yes, that was me (at least I hoped). In the first episode, Rory is accepted into Chilton

Everyone has their show. Mine is

Preparatory

School.

This

prestigious

Gilmore Girls: a comedy-drama that ran for

private school promised acceptance into

seven seasons in the early 2000s. It is set in

the nation’s top universities. So, of course,

a small, storybook Connecticut town full of

I thought that the only way I could get into

the most eclectic collection of characters

Cornell - my dream school - would be if I

you’ve ever encountered. For those of you

transferred to the private, all-girls Catholic

disappointing

never

school in my town. Yeah, I know... #nerdalert.

felt inclined to watch, you’re missing out

Thankfully, I came to my senses and realized

on Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother-

that Rory Gilmore was not my Netflix academic

daughter best-friend duo, whose storyline

advisor, and that move was not necessary.

individuals

who’ve

will make you laugh and cry (happy and sad tears) and teach you everything you need

to know about life (tell me that opening

all of the same high school experiences:

quote isn’t a winner?). After watching, you’ll

SATs, prom, first boyfriend (first break-up),

undoubtedly wonder, How many times is

college applications, friendships, graduation.

too many to rewatch the series? If you’re

By the time I was rewatching the show for

curious, I’ve been through all seven seasons

maybe the third or fourth time, we were

at least 15 times, and I’m still not sick of it.

both able to graduate together! (By the way,

Nevertheless, I followed Rory through

you’re lying if you say you didn’t cry during

It all started in my freshman year of

the graduation episode... Rory’s ode to her

high school. As I thought about what college

mother is priceless.) One of the reasons I

I would attend in the future, Rory Gilmore,

love Gilmore Girls so much is because of the

Netflix Netflix

relationship that Lorelai and Rory have. My mom is, without a doubt, my best friend and biggest fan, and that is precisely what Lorelai is to Rory. I see so many similarities between our relationships, which warms my heart and keeps me coming back to watch again.

Four years later, I’m accepted to

Cornell, and Rory is off to (*SPOILER*) Yale.

Eventually

came

the

internship

stress and self-questioning: “Am I good

The show (maybe my fifth time around?) was

enough?” Everyone goes through this at

really comforting when I started my freshman

various points throughout their lives. For

year and became really homesick. On Rory’s

both me and Rory, it came during our first

first night at school, she paged her mom,

ever internship. The constant awkwardness

“Come back,” and Lorelai drove straight to New

of not knowing where to go and when and

Haven to spend the night and order take-out

not being entirely sure whether we were

from every restaurant in town. Just the same, I

doing a good job. Eventually, we both

knew that if I really needed my parents to come,

became more comfortable. Fortunately, my

they would be here in a heartbeat (still to this

job did not have the same disastrous end

day). While our freshman experiences were

as Rory’s, which included stealing a boat,

not entirely the same socially, Rory and I both

spending the night in jail, and eventually

struggled to adjust to the college workload.

(*SPOILER*) dropping out of Yale and joining

While my academic stress was not remedied

Netflix

the Daughters of the American Revolution.

by simply finding my own personal “study

Nevertheless, I feel like we were *sort of*

tree,” I was able to find my own ways to cope.

on the same page at this part of our lives.

After some time off, Rory finally

gets back to Yale. Unfortunately, this time our shared path has to do with making longdistance relationships work. Not sure if this

is an unpopular opinion, but Logan is by far the #1 BEST boyfriend for Rory, and I won’t hear any arguments otherwise. One of the most important lessons the show has taught me is this (another *SPOILER*): If Logan Huntzberger ever proposes to you, DON’T SAY NO! Anyway, whenever I’m sad about my long-distance relationship, I watch the later episodes of Gilmore Girls, where Logan moves to London and Rory is left to finish Yale. The episodes remind me that even when you’re an ocean apart, it’s worth making it work.

While we didn’t have exactly the

same family dynamic or amount of drama

As a junior in college, these life

(thankfully), Gilmore Girls has been more than

experiences are as far as the show has gotten

just my favorite show for the last seven years.

me. I assume that next year when I’m a senior

I’ve always felt this deep connection to the

and getting ready to graduate, I’ll have to

storyline and a love for the characters, almost

rewatch again so that we can experience

like I’m part of their Stars Hollow family. More

job applications and say goodbye to college

importantly, I’ve never known people like

together. And, of course, balling my eyes out

Lorelai and Rory with the same strong affinity

during the final episode for the millionth time.

for coffee as me - we like it with our oxygen.

I’m not really sure what I will do after that -

As I get older, I suppose every time I rewatch,

maybe I’ll have to start basing my life on the

I will reminisce on being a student who had

four-episode revival? Or progress along with

my whole life in front of me. I will relive all of

Lorelai’s life? Eh, maybe not - I should probably

the experiences that I’ve had in my life that the

switch to watching it like a normal person.

show brings back. Will I ever stop watching? As Rory’s friend Paris once said, “I want to live my life so I can read an in-depth biography about myself in later years.” A life full of streaming

Gilmore Girls seems pretty thrilling to me!

Rediscovering Taylor Swift in College Amelia Robinson

Beth Garrabrant - Instagram

I’m a strong believer in the idea that

really prompted me to take a deep dive into

different periods of my life can be defined by

her discography or become a die-hard fan.

the music I listened to most at that time. For my sophomore spring at Cornell, the soundtrack

of my life, through the highs and lows, the

gap between 2014’s 1989 and Taylor’s next

good and the bad, has been Taylor Swift.

release, Reputation, in 2017, my interest in

This might not seem too surprising at first,

her music naturally waned. I never listened

considering Taylor is one of the most popular

to any of her subsequent albums all the

artists in the world, with millions of records

way through. The extent of my knowledge

sold and a plethora of awards, including

of her work was from passively listening

Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammys. But,

to whichever singles were currently in the

my recent love for Taylor’s music has been a

Top 40 while driving to and from school or

process of unexpected rediscovery that I’ve

dance class. At least, that was until this year.

During the unusually long three-year

cherished more than I ever thought possible.

I owe my reintroduction to Taylor

Let me start by saying that I’ve never

to a few of my close friends who identify

really considered myself a Swiftie, though I

as passionate Swifties. During our many

was generally a fan in my tween and early teen

study sessions, late-night talks, and car

years. I attended one Taylor Swift concert, the

rides this semester, they would always play

1989 World Tour at Soldier Field in Chicago,

their favorite Taylor songs. I was gradually

during the summer of 2015. More than an

introduced to a wider variety of her music

expression of my undying love for Taylor and

than just the most well-known Netflix hits, from

her music, my attendance was a product of

the old gems on Fearless and Speak Now

just wanting to see a concert and thinking that

to Taylor’s latest releases on Folklore and

Taylor’s would be a fun spectacle with music

Evermore. I began adding them to my Spotify

that I liked. In preparation, I purchased 1989

“Liked Songs,” listening to them on my own,

on iTunes so that I’d be able to sing along

and growing to love the music more and more.

and felt excited to hear all of the hits I’d heard on the radio a million times performed live.

The show was an incredible performance,

journey as a reborn fan was in February

full of light displays, costume changes, and

when I finally listened to Folklore all the

of course, stunning vocals. But, even that

way through for the first time. The aspect

experience, as amazing as it was, never

of the album that impressed me most was

I think the true breakthrough in my

the complexity of the storytelling, with each

and skill as an artist, which has only grown

song its own piece of art. Every time I listen,

in the fifteen years since her first album.

I pick up on some previously unnoticed creative wordplay, beautiful musical note, or

I’m proud to admit that I’ve listened

relatable wisdom. That listening experience

to “Mr. Perfectly Fine,” the new, never-

gave me a much greater appreciation for

before-heard bonus track from Fearless’s

Taylor’s range and evolution as an artist,

rerelease, too many times to count. Other

from her early country days to her pop

favorites include “Cruel Summer” and “Death

superstardom and now to this new chapter

By 1000 Cuts’’ from Lover, “mirrorball” from

in Indie music. I can equally enjoy bubbly,

Folklore, and the classic “Love Story (Taylor’s

fun songs like “We are Never Ever Getting

Version)” from Fearless’ rerelease. All of

Back Together” from Red and stunningly

these songs, and more, can be accessed on

emotional ones like “Exile” from Folklore.

the Spotify playlist “Taylor Swift: Then and Now,” linked via QR code below. I hope you

As Taylor’s sound has developed and

take my favorites as your own reintroduction

matured, so have I. My generation of young

to Taylor and then discover your own from

women has had the privilege of listening and

her extensive collection of absolute bops.

relating to an incredible performer. I realized

After all, Taylor’s songs do what music

that I often took Taylor’s work for granted

should: bring people together, help us feel

when it was really an intrinsic part of the

understood, and serve as an escape. I don’t

pop culture landscape all along. Further, I

see my newfound Taylor Swift obsession

think I may have unconsciously internalized

dying down anytime soon, and one of my

some of the derisive, misogynistic rhetoric

first post-pandemic priorities will be to look

surrounding Taylor throughout her career.

for tickets to her next tour with my friends. I

This may have turned me off from investing

guarantee I’ll be singing along to the songs

too deeply in her work or thinking of it as

even louder at twenty than I did at fourteen.

Netflix

“cool.” More than a naive young girl singing about her exes, Taylor is a master storyteller, vocal powerhouse, savvy businesswoman, and songs

expert are

performer. lyrically

Her

complex,

nearly

200

emotionally

insightful, and catchy as hell. In the face of an ownership dispute with her former record label, Taylor’s decision to re-record her entire musical catalogue demonstrates this power

Netflix

Embracing Ambiguity: Why We Should Stop Trying to Understand “Confusing” Films

Netflix

Shannon O’Shea Primer. Inception. I’m Thinking of

the protagonists are unreliable narrators.

Ending Things. What’s one thing all these

Qualities like these are what seem to define,

films have in common? Sure, they’re all

for lack of a better term, the “confusing film.”

critically

inventive,

Obviously, a convoluted plot will lead many

they’re widely known, and they’re visually

viewers to confusion. But the type of film I

striking. But, perhaps more discussed than

want to discuss has an added layer. It’s not

anything else is the fact that they’re all, well…

just that they don’t make sense. They don’t

confusing. The plots are difficult to follow, the

want to make sense. Not immediately, anyway.

themes are ambiguous, and in some cases,

They seem to have a clear idea of their own

acclaimed.

They’re

intentions, but they aren’t interested in

plot. I was watching it late at night, and I felt

allowing the viewer that same clarity from the

myself getting more tired as I sat through it.

beginning. Some of these films may feel like

But around three-quarters of the way through

an invitation for cognitive work—if you’re like

the film, something changed for me. I began

me, you’ve spent hours scrolling through the

to ask myself why it even mattered whether

depths of YouTube intently watching videos

I understood what was happening or not. I

with titles like “The Time Travel in Primer

decided that the answer was “it doesn’t” and

Explained in 20 minutes.” But over the last year

that changed everything. I allowed myself to

or so, I’ve come to embrace a different style

just appreciate the film at face value, rather

of film viewership: embracing the confusion.

than trying to piece together a coherent narrative or searching for the deeper meaning.

I’ll track this journey through the use

I admired the shots, the colors, and the

of two primary texts: Charlie Kaufman’s 2020

boldness of the film to make such unusual

auteur hit I’m Thinking of Ending Things and a

choices. And I found that when I wasn’t

somewhat lesser-known release from the same

expending all my mental energy as a viewer

year, Lawrence Michael Levine’s Black Bear.

in an effort to decode the film’s secrets, I

actually enjoyed the film more. By the end, I

I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a

was still pretty lost, but I at least felt like I had

genre-bending trip into oblivion. Things start

experienced something, rather than just sitting

out pretty normal: a woman is traveling with

through something. I made a decision that

her boyfriend to visit his parents. But the film

night to allow confusing films to wash over me

quickly becomes stranger and stranger, and

like running water, appreciating every ripple

by the end, it’s more or less indecipherable

in the current, instead of trying to pick apart

(especially if, like me, you did not read the

each individual wave. A film is a completed

book first). There’s an unexplained dance

project, with innumerable different elements—

number, momentary casting changes, and

perhaps sometimes it’s okay to see the forest

an animated pig. Much of the film just takes

for the trees. Maybe instead of trying to fully

place in a car in the middle of the snowstorm,

grasp every element of a film’s timeline, plot,

yet it’s still incredibly hard to follow. By

or thematic undercurrent, it’s okay to just take

around the halfway point, I wasn’t enjoying

away from it what speaks to you the most.

watching it anymore. I had no idea what was My viewing of Black Bear pushed me

happening, and things seemed to be getting

a little dull in the absence of a discernible

further into this mode of spectatorship. This

movie depicts a filmmaker, played by Aubrey

a medium. Maybe we don’t need to be able

Plaza, who is searching for a new story idea,

to follow a linear story to appreciate a film,

at times with breathtaking intensity. The

or even to reach an understanding of it. I’m

film offers fascinating commentary on art

starting to believe that there can be multiple

and the ethics associated with it, but I also

ways to understand a film, and that even if no

appreciate it for its unusual and confusing

understanding is reached at all, we can still

approach to narrative storytelling. Black Bear

enjoy and appreciate what we’ve watched.

is best experienced with as little background knowledge as possible, so I won’t get into the

specifics of what make it difficult to follow—it’s

wants to pose more questions than answers,

a film I’d recommend checking out, so the last

and I think we should embrace that. Let’s

thing I want to do is ruin the viewing experience

accept a lack of closure and understanding.

for anyone. But suffice it to say that the second

Surrender to the questions, and instead of

half of the film is very different from the first,

trying to answer them directly, just see where

to the extent that it’s difficult to know what to

the questions themselves take you. After all,

make of the film as a complete unit. As soon

it’s about the journey, not the destination.

Perhaps the confusing film is a film that

as I finished watching it, I began searching for articles explaining what it all meant—I can’t help myself!—and rewinding my way through the film in an attempt to piece things together. But reading critics’ explanations of the film and its actors’ comments on the production

Netflix

(see Mary Solossi’s article/cast interview with Entertainment Weekly) actually steered me even further away from trying to understand it. The consensus seems to be that the best way to digest the film’s different elements might be to forgo any attempt at narrative explanation and instead consider the ways the elements relate to each other in service of larger themes. I’m fascinated by this approach to storytelling, and it has made me rethink my own conceptualization of the narrative film as

In Defense of 90 Minute Movies Liam Butler

The pandemic has had a massive

I’ll just come out and say it: the recently

impact on all of our lives. While some have

released “Snyder Cut” of the much-maligned

chosen to take certain….risks with social

Justice League is no less than a war crime.

distancing, many of us have bunkered down in our homes, sheltered from the public eye.

My brother and I decided to take

This, naturally, led to an increase in binge-

the plunge and watch it a couple weeks

watching, whether it be 9 seasons of a TV

ago. The first 30 minutes or so had our

show you’ve seen before, or 8 movies of that

attention, but I think we were just being

film series you’ve been dying to see. While

polite. As soon as the action slowed down

home, we’ve had so much more time than we

and the conversations began to drag on,

thought possible to consume all of these series

we were out. I’m pretty sure he took about

we had put on the backburner for months.

3 separate naps during the entire film (that has to be a record!). As another sibling of

You’d think that this would be the

mine put it, “this should have been the first

perfect time to try and tackle that 2 ½ hour

scene of the movie,” …. at the 1 ½ hour mark.

movie everyone has been raving about. Except, that shouldn’t be the case at all. In

I know many baby boomers see

fact, I would like to suggest a complete ban on

complaints

any movie longer than 2 hours. Crazy, I know,

blame

but I think I can make a pretty good case.

an attention span. Have you seen my

like on

this

our

and

immediately

generation’s

lack

TikTok screen time? I challenge you to

focus on one app for 4 hours every day.

First off, let’s take a look at some

infamously long movies. I think a few benefit from the runtime: Lord of the Rings, Jeanne

Dielman, even that last Avengers movie was

beautiful, 90 minute films. Might I suggest

somewhat bearable! However, these lonely

A Quiet Place? This movie clocks in at one

few can’t absolve the crimes of their peers.

hour and forty minutes -- and that’s with

Now

let’s

focus

some

nice,

Hulu

the credits included! Even if you don’t

finish this movie as a new person, and for

like horror, is having your eyes closed for

the better. Do you know how many bathroom

an hour and a half so bad? You do it even

breaks

longer when you sleep! Set aside 90 minutes

ZERO. The “Snyder Cut”? You might as

with your friends, and you’ll be tucked in

well just bring your TV into the bathroom.

you’ll

need

during

Paddington?

for your 10 PM bedtime. It’s a win-win.

Basically, I was tired of finishing my

Next up: Before Sunset. This might

snack 1/4th of the way through a film, so I

as well be a short film with how fast it blows

decided long films shouldn’t exist at all. And

by. While the film itself doesn’t linger, the

I’m confident you’ll feel the same now that

emotional turmoil and agony you’ll feel

I’ve made my case. Next time you leave the

after watching it is eternal. I love romance!

movie theater and it’s still as light out as it

was when you went in, just remember the evil

Finally, the cream of the crop, the

directors who want you to pull all-nighters for

golden child, the holy grail of 90-minute

their movies, and curse them silently as you

movies: Paddington. I can’t believe how

fight with your parents about the political

much this movie is slept on: an hour and

message of the movie during the ride home.

thirty-five minutes of pure ecstasy. You’ll

An Exploration of the Girl Boss Movie Sophia Mathews

the

than performing the action. Also, something

journalistic endeavor of exploring the genre

I want to make clear is that girlboss movies

of girlboss movies. I have not invented the

can center around girlbosses who use their

term “girlboss,” nor have I been the first to

powers for good or evil. While “girlboss”

use it to describe movie characters, but I am

can be thought of as a negative term, there

attempting to do what no one else has done.

are some instances where the girlboss is

In this article, I will systematically define

a good person. What can I say, the world

the conceptual genre of

of girlboss cinema is extremely complex.

Today

undergoing

“girlboss movies.”

Girlboss movies

A girlboss is a powerful, assertive,

employed woman. Specifically, girlbosses

work within and add power to a system,

of right away are Legally Blonde and Erin

rather than dismantling it. They are She-

Brockovich. These movies are about bad

E-O’s who may exploit their workers, but

bitch girlboss lawyers who do good, despite

they broke the glass ceiling, so they are

people doubting them because of their

#feminist #icons. Girlbosses are commercial,

femininity. Legally Blonde is about Elle Woods

as they brand feminism to sell a product

(Reese Witherspoon), a bubbly sorority girl

and cover up their potential mistreatment

who gets into Harvard Law School and tries

to win back her ex-boyfriend and prove that

those

less

privileged

than

The first girlboss movies I think

Netflix

them.

she’s serious. Erin Brochovich came out a A girlboss movie is a movie in which

year earlier, in 2000, and stars Julia Roberts

the protagonist is a girlboss doing girlboss

as the title character. This movie is infinitely

things. There are some movies with girlboss

less girlboss-y than Legally Blonde because,

characters, but don’t make the cut if the

unlike Elle, Erin starts from nothing and does

girlboss is not prominent in the movie. This

everything she can to get a job at a law firm,

may also happen if the movie is too reliant on

where she works on a major environmental

the girlboss as a reactionary character, rather

case

against

massive

corporation.

Official Release Poster

Because her goals are to help impoverished

Hathaway), becomes a personal assistant

communities and stick it to corporations,

to the editor in chief of a major fashion

she’s not fully a corporate #girlboss. However,

magazine. Her boss, Miranda (Meryl Streep)

I would still call this a girlboss movie, as it

is the ultimate girlboss because she is

centers around a woman’s ascent in the legal

demanding to the point of ruining her

world, but you may feel free to disagree.

assistants’ lives, but she manages to get away with it because of her power in the industry.

Care

Lot

the

Andy works her way to girlbossery as well,

girlbossiest of the girlboss movies. The

pushing away her friends and boyfriend in the

girlboss in question is Marla, a legal guardian

process. Simply an incredible girlboss movie.

who

exploits

the

arguably

healthcare

system

take advantage of old people, and she’s

Now, time for a girlboss movie speed

good at it too. She has lots of money by

round. Gone Girl is a fantastic girlboss movie

virtue of screwing over senior citizens. I

that I will not spoil, but you must watch (or

personally didn’t love this movie, but for a

read) it if you haven’t yet. Then, there’s

complete girlboss education, it’s a must-see.

Emma––and you can take your pick with the Gwyneth Paltrow or Anya Taylor-Joy version,

The fourth girlboss movie is A Simple

but I love the latter. I can’t mention Emma

Favor, which features Anna Kendrick and

without its sister-movie: Clueless. “Ugh, as

Blake Lively, and has more twists and turns

if” is a great girlboss mantra. Finally, there is

than a rollercoaster. Kendrick plays a mommy

the movie Revenge of the Bridesmaids, where

vlogger and Lively is a public relations director

childhood best friends act as double agents, Netflix

at a fashion company. Lively’s character has a

being bridesmaids for a frenemy whose

glamorous, lavish lifestyle, which makes it s all

marriage they are actually trying to tear apart.

the more mysterious when she goes missing. Where a non-girlboss movie might be about

What’s not a girlboss movie?

a missing woman, this movie qualifies as a

girlboss movie because it’s about women

Burgess Is A Loser is a girlboss movie. Sierra

with agency over themselves and the plot

catfishes a bro, played by Noah Centineo,

(just wait until the end to find out why!).

which is girlboss behavior for sure. However,

At first glance, one may think Sierra

Sierra is at the bottom of her high school’s Next up is The Devil Wears Prada,

food chain and is hiding her real identity. This

in which a wannabe journalist, Andy (Anne

is not a girlboss movie because girlbosses

are proud of who they are.You can’t be an

or at least well-intentioned. Also, Cassandra

entrepreneuHER if you’re hiding your true self.

is a medical school dropout and cares little about her reputation, as she puts it on the

Another

non-girlboss

movie

that

line many times as she fights to vindicate

might deceive you is Booksmart. Molly and

her friend. She is extremely unconcerned

Amy are two best friends who realize they

with her career, so she is not the corporate

spent all of high school studying, so they

#girlboss

girlboss

movie

requires.

want to prove to themselves and their peers that they can have fun. Molly is certainly a

Conclusions

girlboss: she is the school president, listens

to morning meditations about how she is

girlbosses, I always love a girlboss movie.

better than those who doubt her, and has an

These

RBG photo in her room. However, Amy is not

compassionate

a girlboss, as she is not as career-minded or

but nevertheless, watching someone rise

assertive. Since Molly and Amy have equal

to the top can be satisfying. Whether she’s

screen time in the movie, and a girlboss movie

murdering people or climbing a corporate

needs to be predominantly about girlbossery,

ladder, a girlboss is always intriguing to

it is not a girlboss movie. Furthermore,

watch in film. While it can be a challenge

Molly and Amy are not powerful enough.

to discern what fits into the category of a

Their adventures take them on a journey to

girlboss movie, allow the mantra “girlboss,

get to a party, but they’re not the ones who

gaslight, gatekeep” to guide you in the right

are in charge of what’s going to happen.

direction, and maybe you’ll be inspired to start

Although

boss

babes

don’t

are

characters

always

not we

love

always

the

relate

to,

an MLM or underpay your employees too.

Another

movie

absolutely love

is Promising Young Woman. While it has some characteristics of a girlboss movie, it does not make the cut. Cassandra, played by Carey Mulligan, takes vengeance on men by pretending to be drunk up until the moment when they try to take advantage of her. Playing men is girlboss behavior, but she’s dealing with actual painful issues and her actions are arguably net-positive,

Nostalgia on Campus: A Reflection on Where Students Feel They’ve Grown Lia Chandra and

number of times I’ve stayed in PSB until 2

Saturday this semester, I’d walk past the

am,” Emily says, reflecting on the role the

Wendy Purcell Lounge on the top floor of

Physical Sciences Building has played in her

RPCC to get my surveillance test. I’d look in

Cornell experience. Emily continues to tell me

and see the distinct rug pattern and purple

about her growth as a dancer that took place

couches that fill this lounge, and instantly

in this spot: “I remember auditioning for the

be transported to August 19th, 2019: the

dance troupe Break Free for the first time in

first day of my freshman pre-orientation trip.

PSB’s atrium. Although I didn’t make it onto

Even now, when I walk by, I can picture the

the team the first time I auditioned, I tried

trip leaders standing on the tables, screaming

again the next semester and was accepted. I

the instructions for ice breakers for us to do.

go there for practice every week now, so it’s

Or sometimes, I’ll think about the late nights

crazy to think about how the first time I danced

I spent studying in that room freshman year,

here I hadn’t made it onto the team.” Emily

along with the friends I had made that rainy

Netflix also spoke fondly about how she befriended

August day during my pre-orientation trip.

the janitor in PSB this past December, when

Every

Tuesday,

Thursday

she was one of the few students on campus college

after Thanksgiving who would go there.

knowing nobody, we grow during our four

For Emily, PSB is a place that has seen her

years to make the closest of friends right

through both the memorable and mundane

here, in the same environment. The spaces

moments of college — from late nights spent

surrounding us remain physically the same,

studying for Human Development prelims to

but the ways in which we experience them

learning new routines for her dance team.

students

who

enter

change as we grow. Four of my friends have shared their experiences of the places on

“Every time I walk through Rockefeller

campus where they feel they’ve grown up.

Hall, I like to pass by room 110 to see what’s going on in there these days,” Eliza says as

she explains why this spot feels so nostalgic

“I don’t think I could ever count the

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to her. “When I was rushing APO (Alpha Phi

she went to Rockefeller 110 in March 2020,

Omega, a community service fraternity),

merely minutes after finding out that we were

I always went to Rockefeller 110 for rush

all getting sent home for the semester due to

events. I spent so many hours in that room

the onset of the pandemic. “Even though it

decorating coffee sleeves and writing letters

felt like the world was ending, it was weirdly

to people in homes for the elderly,” Eliza

comforting to be in Rockefeller 110, because

notes. “By the next semester, I was on the

I had spent so many hours there before.”

pledge team and went from sitting in one of the chairs in that room, listening to the former

pledge team, to being the person at the front

one day, realizing that I wasn’t even remotely

of the room and looking at the exact chairs

interested in Biometry and Statistics,” Nina says

I used to sit in,” Eliza continues. For Eliza,

as she tells me about how the ILR courtyard is

Rockefeller 110 saw her grow from a first year

the place where she feels like she has grown

student joining new organizations to learn

up on campus. Nina was talking on the phone

more about the Ithaca community, to being

with her mom while walking through campus

a leader among her peers for a cause she is

sometime in November of her first semester

passionate about. Eliza also talked about how

at Cornell. It was right after taking a difficult

“I remember sitting in that courtyard

prelim for one of her statistics classes. “I was telling my mom about how I never enjoyed going to class, as I was walking through the courtyard, and that was when I decided that I wanted to switch majors. I didn’t know what I was going to switch to just yet, but I felt so

Duffield during your first year could end up

liberated by my decision. After that, I got to

becoming one of your closest friends a few

experiment in my coursework and follow my

months later. The places you walked through

interests for the first time” Nina says. For

on your first day at Cornell, when your only

Nina, that courtyard was where she realized

friend may have been your roommate, could

what it means to go to Cornell — she was not

be the same place you walk through with

locked into one narrow field of study, and

eight of your best friends (who have come to

instead could take classes in disciplines that

feel like family) a few years later. When I left

she didn’t even know existed a few months

Ithaca last March for the pandemic, I didn’t

ago. “I like to go back to that courtyard to take

know when we were going to be able to be

some of my online classes now. Sometimes I

back on Cornell’s campus. Coming back in

think it’s funny that I go there to take classes

the fall, it felt surreal to walk through the

for Global Public Health Sciences, my new

buildings I had classes in and pass by the

major that I am actually passionate about,

benches I would sit on before the pandemic

Netflix

in the same place where I originally went

started. Now, I love to go back to these spots

to vent about my first major,” Nina says.

to reflect on how much has changed from the first memories I made there. Before the

Everyday, we walk through the same

semester ends, I’d encourage everyone to

campus, along with so many other people who

find the place on campus where you feel like

live different lives and have different stories

you grew up. Revisit that spot and reflect

to tell. A complete stranger you pass by in

on how much has changed from your first memory there — and regardless of whether this was your first or last semester at Cornell —congratulate yourself for how much you’ve grown since your first day on this campus.

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Saying Goodbye to Cornell Amaris Janel Henderson

On March 15, 2017, I scrolled through

It was an invitation to participate in

my emails one last time after learning I was

diversity hosting. Not fully understanding

waitlisted by Bates and Colby – the only two

the email, as I only read the centered

private colleges I applied to with slightly higher

portion typed in bold font, I rolled my

acceptance rates – searching for a glimmer of

eyes. Why would I visit Cornell in April?

hope. I thought if I wasn’t good enough to make

Who wants to visit after getting rejected?

it through a 20% admit rate (both Bates and

My mom was struck by my disappointed

Colby have since become even more selective),

face. She asked what I was looking at,

I may as well let my Ivy League dreams die.

and I passed her my phone. She quickly turned to me after scanning the digital flyer.

As a woman of color from the U.S.

“Did you even read it?” She said.

limited resources. I made family history when

“Yeah,” I sighed. She shook her head

I graduated high school as valedictorian.

and pointed to the tiny print at the top of the

Very few people in my family had gone to

email: This special invitation is extended to

college. As for those who did, no one had

you because of your strong academic and

ever left my hometown of El Paso for higher

personal record and because you will be

education. I dreamed of beginning a legacy of

admitted to Cornell University’s Class of 2021.

academic excellence for my family. I applied

Official letters were still two weeks away. I

to several prestigious institutions knowing

froze at the realization that not only did I get in,

the odds were against me but encouraged

but I was being notified early and would have

myself to stay faithful. That afternoon, my

the chance to visit campus free of charge. I

hope was dwindling. I was ready to accept

later received a physical letter, congratulating

defeat until I found an email from Cornell

me on this early notice and confirming that

hidden in the promotions section of my inbox.

it was indeed not a hoax. Soon after, my

Mexico border, I was determined to reach my fullest potential as a scholar despite my

Family Cornell National Scholar, in recognition

official acceptance letter arrived as well.

of my leadership accomplishments in high

school. The hype was at an all-time high.

Once April came, I visited Cornell and

felt honored to be welcomed into the Big Red community. Even though Ithaca was cold and

When I arrived in August 2017,

rainy, unlike sunny El Paso, I was in awe of the

however, things. got. real. And fast. Cornell

campus’ beauty. The program coordinators

can be a cold place and a real source of

for diversity hosting made sure to leave

agony. My first semester of college, I suffered

every student feeling empowered - it worked.

from an undiagnosed chronic illness. My

When I returned home, I kept my acceptance

academic advisors told me that I should go

letter on my dresser as a holy grail of sorts.

home and come back once I was fixed. I had

Having it there kept me excited for what was

to withdraw from a course when everything

to come. Then June rolled around, and even

in life seemed to only get worse. After getting

more wonderful news arrived in my mailbox.

a proper diagnosis, I finally gained access to

I learned I was one of 66 students out of the

student disability services, yet quickly realized

entire class of 2021 selected as a Meinig

that not all instructors care to accommodate

Ben Parker

their students’ needs. When my financial

my final year from my Texas home, my five

circumstances underwent a drastic change,

semesters on campus feel like a lifetime ago.

I had to sell my shoes and clothes to buy

I am now a married woman, eager to focus

groceries until negotiating better financial

on my post-undergrad adult priorities. But,

aid. And of course, I’ve experienced the more

I am still a Cornellian who sings the Alma

common woes of Cornell, from staying up for

mater in the shower every now and then.

a full 48 hours to complete my assignments, to not knowing how to ask for help, and

When I fly out to Ithaca to attend

crying about finals. Boy, have we all shed

graduation,

tears over academic frustrations. My Big Red

around campus once again. I look forward

journey has surely been colorful with as many

to standing with my peers in our caps and

setbacks as there have been stepping stones.

gowns as we accept in real-time how grateful

look

forward

walking

we are that we got to be here. Our minds will

Through being a Meinig Scholar, I’ve

playback memories like cinematic montages

had the privilege of being mentored by the

against the soundtrack of our highs and

Director of Admissions for 3 years and serving

lows. We’ll think to ourselves something we

on one of the best executive boards. Through

may have never thought we’d say when all

my time as a communications assistant for the

we wanted was to leave so bad – Cornell,

College of Arts & Sciences, I have experienced

it was a pleasure and glorious to view.

the joys and challenges that come with a paid writing opportunity. I’ve gotten to write many articles I am proud of, including one cited under the ‘educational verge’ tab on the Office of the President’s website. If it weren’t for joining Slope Media my freshman year, I would have never improved my writing and editing skills, leading me to my current role. Whenever I wanted to surrender to my burdens, I looked to Cornell’s unique opportunities as a reminder that I belonged here. I will always belong here. We will always belong here - no matter what any professor, student, or staff member has said.

With graduation only weeks away,

I am saddened that this chapter of my life, one of great passion and strife, will finally be over. Having studied abroad in New Zealand in Spring 2020 and choosing to complete

Stages of Independence in College Paige Barlow

It’s crazy how quickly the people,

but easy to understand. Moving from a

places, and experiences in your life can

comfortable, small environment to a large

change. After living the same life with the

campus with thousands of people can be

same friends in the same town for eighteen

a shock, even for someone who went to a

years, all of a sudden, you receive a piece of

relatively large high school. The first day of

paper that serves as the ticket to an entirely

classes in college was one of the most confusing

new world: the college world. This new world

EVER. I got my class schedule and was ready

has none of the same things that your old

to go to class. Little did I know when planning

world had. It is full of older students (people

my schedule that I would need to consider

who actually know what they want to do

the distance between the classes’ buildings.

with their lives), it is without any of your old

Walking to my first class (using Google Maps,

friends or teachers, and for the first time

of course) was a success. This might not be so

in your life, it is entirely malleable to your

hard. I spoke way too soon. My next class was

own interests and has infinite paths to take.

at least a twenty-minute walk away, yet I only

It’s hard to picture just how much your way

had fifteen minutes to get there. Five minutes

of life will change when you go to college.

into my brisk walk, I realized I was losing time

and started speed walking. This speed walk was

then turned into a slight jog. Oh no, did I

When I was in high school, there certainty

and

repetition.

just turn on the wrong street? Full-on sprint.

went

to the same school for four years, so I walked the same halls, went to the same

extracurriculars, sat in the same lunch spot,

finding out the best routes to get to classes

gravitated toward the same library table,

is just one of the many new experiences

saw the same familiar faces in the halls, and

every college student has to face. One of the

knew the places to go during free periods.

more influential transitions is meeting new

Everything was so simple. High school was

people. College is a community of completely

comfortable, and it was easy to understand.

new faces. After going to school with the

same people my whole life and having the

Transitioning to college is everything

Getting to know the campus and

same friends for all of high school, finding

a playdate with a student in your first-grade

new friends, especially those from various

class who ends up becoming your best friend.

places and backgrounds, can be extremely challenging. Think about it - when was the

last time you had to make friends? It is hard

classes and deciding what it is you want to

to put yourself out there, and on top of that,

study—what path it is you want to take and

determine who you mesh with, who is genuine,

who you want to be when you grow up—is

who shares your similar interests, who will be

one of the most important yet challenging

your study buddy, and who will really be there

journeys of them all. Becoming familiar

for you when you need them. This could not

with college classes and getting used to the

be more different from your parents planning

course load is difficult. In high school, I had

Finally,

getting

used

college

discover what it is you are most interested in and what topics excite you. It didn’t take long for me to realize, for example, that science was not going to be in my foreseeable future.

With college comes independence.

It comes with making new experiences, navigating your way around campus, finding your own path, choosing your major, making new friends, and creating a new home for yourself away from home. Making Cornell my home was not a simple task. It took a while to find my best friends, to understand how to study for college classes, and to understand what it means to be in a 200 person lecture and not be able to ask questions. It also took me a while to learn to plan all my own meals, to seek out clubs and activities to do in my spare time, to choose what it is I want to study. Ultimately, all of that time and learning helped me discover what my place is on this large, beautiful campus.

Change

overwhelming,

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weird.

confusing,

It and

can

hard

navigate, but it allows us to grow and develop. However, no matter how much change causes us to develop into new forms of ourselves, we

six pages of textbook reading in my history

will not lose our old selves in the process. That

textbook a night; however, in college, I have

girl you met in first grade who became your

thirty (for each class). Being able to come up

best friend will still be your best friend. And

with ways to get work done on time and get

the memories that were made in the familiar

your course work under control is essential

halls of your high school will never fade.

when transitioning to college. Procrastination

Remember that change is okay, it’s normal,

in college is simply not always possible, and

and it’s necessary. For just as much as change

it’s crucial to stay on top of your work and

will bring you discomfort, it will also bring

find the school-life balance that is right for

you new friends, happiness, growth. Benand Parker

you. While there is definitely more work in college, it is through this hard work that you

How Cornell Impacted My Feminist Identity Aliza Schub

I am a feminist. While I am very

comfortable sharing this now, that wasn’t always the case for me. Growing up as the youngest of two older brothers, the label “feminist” was not always a compliment. My brothers would play basketball or hockey and I’d whine “Why can’t I play?” When it was time for my bat mitzvah, I wanted to

lain (read) a Torah portion just like they did, although women in my community were not obligated or expected to do so. Throughout my childhood, feminism found its roots in my search for equal participation.

As I grew up and went to high school,

my feminist tendencies - that’s all they were at that point - continued to garner not the most positive reactions. If someone in PE said “You throw like a girl” I’d get upset and say “What is that supposed to mean?” or when people said “Don’t be a p*ssy” when they were trying to insult a peer, I would always pick a fight. I was met with eye rolls, shrugged shoulders, and annoyed facial expressions in each of these situations, from both guys and girls. As a result, I wouldn’t outwardly describe myself as a feminst. I was too scared

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of the labels and negative connotations that

to those in need each and every week.

I’d be stuck with in high school if I was too public about activism. Instead, my feminism

Finally, my new space as a feminist

manifested itself through my little comments

has given me the ultimate motivation to

here and there in which I’d push back.

pursue a career in Women’s Health. It is so impactful to have empathetic and strong

This all changed for me when I got to

doctors who are women. Not only will I

Cornell. Suddenly, I had friends talking about

know the science behind whatever my

their feminist clubs in high school, the marches

patient is dealing with, but more so I will

and rallies they attended, and feminism was

have appreciation and respect for other

a celebrated idea rather than a shunned

women’s lived experiences. So as I apply

one. Inspired by the movements around me,

to medical school in the hopes of being a

I started enrolling in FGSS (Feminist Gender

doctor in the realm of Women’s Health, I am

and Sexuality Studies) courses. The courses

grateful to Cornell for helping me get here.

in the English, American Studies, and FGSS departments (to name a few) provided me

If not for Cornell’s class roster, clubs,

with an academic toolkit to read, understand,

or environment, I might still be spending

and reflect on feminist theory and history. This

my time making “sassy,” AKA confident and

helped improve my own understanding of the

assertive, replies to sexist comments (which

movement. And, as a nice bonus, I have tons of

let’s face it, I still do) instead of spending

scholarly journals that I text my brothers every

that time doing meaningful work, educating

few weeks when I feel like starting a dialogue.

myself even more, and connecting with others

Outside of the classroom, I have also

around

with

shared

values.

Cornell has introduced me to a powerful

learned to embrace and be proud of my identity

network

as a feminist. Taking and facilitating Intergroup

backgrounds, each working towards the

Dialogue Project (EDUC 2610, a must-take)

same equitable goals. I am excited for what

gave me space to evaluate structures of gender

comes next in leading the life of a proud and

oppression along with others. It provided me

avid feminist beyond my time at Cornell.

with the strength to give testimonials about

my personal experiences with sexism in contexts such as my childhood, as well as in the pre-med track here at Cornell. My work on campus also inspired me to join Girls Helping Girls. Period which is a menstrual equity organization. I am now a campus ambassador, working

donate

menstrual

products

feminists

from

all

different

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What Cornell Has Taught Me Katie Fehrenbaker

I’ve always had a strong sense of self,

person at heart since I was a 4’10” third grader.

even from a young age. An extrovert and an

introvert; a nerd that’s always down for a good

time; athletically-coordinated enough to hold

exciting new era in my life. Having had the

my own, yet by no means an athlete; “wise

same friends and classmates since I was five,

beyond my years,” according to my grandma,

I was eager to discover new things about

but still sleeps with a Snoopy stuffed animal

myself, pursue different fields of study,

each night-- the people closest to me can

make new friends and establish Ithaca as

attest to the fact that I have been the same

my home away from home. Four years later,

Yet coming to Cornell marked an

I’ve made some of the best friends I could ever ask for, took courses in different fields from Psychology to Statistics, honed in on my passions for education and creative writing, fell in love, ate chicken and broccoli nothing like the Finger Lakes foliage. The

from Asia Cuisine twice a week, and even

gorges never get old, equally as breathtaking

studied abroad in another country. While

every time I walk by them. Cayuga Lake has

my core attributes are the same as they’ve

been there for me when I want to laugh with

been forever, I have grown exponentially

friends, burn off steam, or simply sit with

as a person during my time at Cornell.

my thoughts. And the most quintessentially

Cornell experience will always be sitting on

Cornell has taught me to care less

the Slope for the sunset or people-watching

about what others think, and to be truly

from the roof of my Collegetown home (to

independent. I am no stranger to the fatal

be honest, not sure if that last one counts as

flaw of “people-pleasing.” Growing up, I

“being one with nature,” but you get my point).

successfully dodged conflict at every corner, even at the expense of my own wants and

needs. Over the last four years, I have

Cornell has taught me to ride the

turbulence of a stressful week while keeping

learned to advocate for myself in all senses

my sanity. Academically, Cornell is what

of the word; in classes, in friendships, and in

you make of it. As the nerdy, overachiever

clubs and jobs. I am now unafraid to speak

I’ve always been, I aimed to make Cornell

up for my needs, even when that means

as challenging for myself as possible (sans

creating conflict. More so, I have learned

becoming an engineer or pre-med). I secretly

here that conflict isn’t always a bad thing.

love a heavy workload and nothing gets me

excited on a Monday night like having to do

Cornell has taught me to love nature.

100 pages of reading by the next morning (I’m

As menial as that may sound, nature has

half-kidding). However, there have been more

become a huge part of my life (but no, I still

times than I can count where I have found

would not like to go camping). Anyone who’s

myself panic-stricken over my work, most

been in Ithaca in the fall knows that there is

notably over the last year as I completed my senior honors thesis. But a loved one is always just a call away and friends will be there waiting with a bottle of rosé for when you’re done.

Ben Parker

thing that will ever happen to you. I have

persevere through the bad times and find

discovered things that truly make me happy

silver linings. Over the last four years, I

and raise me up when the world is looking

persisted through some hard times. I’ve

extra dark. And as hard as times may get, I’ve

learned to advocate for my mental health

learned at Cornell that it always gets better.

and

Cornell

worked

has

taught

destigmatize

how

depression

and anxiety through my work with Slope

But most importantly, Cornell has

Media and in conversations with friends.

taught me to be me, truly and unconditionally.

Cornell has taught me to rely on the family

For that, I will always be grateful. While I will

I’ve made here. I’ve found that if a friend

miss this place more than words express, I

sees you cry, it’s not the most embarrassing

will take all it has given me everywhere I go.

Ben Parker

An Ode to Souvlaki House Fraya Salzman & Kendall Lieberman /Souv • laki House/ (noun): “Ithaca’s finest casual destination for hefty portions of Italian and Greek classics.” Located at 315 Eddy Street. Only our favorite restaurant in Collegetown, of course.

There are very few restaurants in

To begin, you open the door to Souv,

Ithaca that we feel are appropriate for almost

and immediately you’re hit with a slight (but

any occasion. A place we could bring family, we

lovely) wave of garlic and butter. With an

could celebrate birthdays and special events,

open-counter kitchen and conversational,

but we could also visit to cure a hangover.

friendly staff, it almost feels like you’re

It’s the place we’re always in the mood for.

sitting in a room with a bunch of old friends. As Chris Rabavilas, the owner, likes to

Souvlaki

House

(“Souv”)

has

say, “We put a lot of love into the food we

particularly special place in our hearts, given it’s

make.” We can certainly attest to this; you

where we first became friends. It was August

can feel the love from the moment you step

2018, and it was both of our last family dinners

foot inside until the moment you leave.

before being dropped off at school for our freshman year. Our families sat a few booths down from one another. We anxiously picked at our food, nervous for our parents’ departure. We finished dinner around the same time, made awkward eye contact, and introduced ourselves. Three years later, we joke about the funny beginnings of our friendship, which trace back to our all-time favorite restaurant.

Now you might be asking, what

makes Souv so great? While that’s a loaded question, we’ve narrowed it down to three distinct

reasons:

the

comfortable

and

homey atmosphere, the longtime, dedicated

Fraya Salzman & Kendall Lieberman

staff, and of course, their extensive menu.

to cheese, to crisp ratio is perfect every time. It makes sense that this is endorsed as their “most popular dish!” on the menu.

In second place, we love the pasta with

“mix sauce” (think of mix sauce as a more mag-

ical version of vodka sauce). We recommend either the penne or, if you’re feeling fancy, the ravioli, which comes straight out of the oven.

plate.

Fraya Salzman & Kendall Lieberman

Thirdly

How

comes

Chicken, could

things

and

tzatziki.

possibly

One

our Souv

wrong?

favor-

ite

our supertaster friend can find a myriad

friend’s birthday and celebrating over a

of options that she loves. And better yet,

slice

their

coming

inspired menu can please any crowd. Even

souvlaki

pita,

you

Desserts:

The extensive Greek and Italian-

the

mouth-watering

for

baklava.

the portions redefine the term “generous.” You sit down, and a plate of warm, buttery,

While the food at Souvlaki House

seasoned hotdog buns soon greets you (don’t

is something that will forever hold a place

knock them ‘till you try them). Most entrees

in our hearts (and our stomachs), it’s more

come with a sizable bowl of Greek salad for

than just the food that makes this restaurant

the table, which you definitely cannot miss

the backbone of our Cornell experience.

out on. It’s clear the food is homemade.

There’s something special about Souv; it’s filled with love, Cornell spirit, and tradition.

With to

this

round

mind,

our

all-time

decidfavorite

Souv dishes and share them with you:

Appetizers: We recommend starting with hummus and mozzarella sticks (because combing

there’s both

nothing

cuisines

better one

than

sitting).

Entrées: This is where the real fun begins. Our all-time number one favorite is the Souvlaki House chicken or eggplant

Fraya Salzman & Kendall Lieberman

parm (*chef’s kiss*). The breading to sauce,

Activism in the 2020s: A Reflection on Social Justice Victoria Correa

2020 and 2021 have marked a distinct

you have most likely seen slideshows of

shift in social justice awareness. The deaths

information on a specific issue circulating

of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other

around. People then easily repost these

Black Americans and people of color have

to their Instagram stories to spread the

spurred protests and other forms of advocacy

message.

for marginalized communities. People not

include links to donate or to read more. In

only in the U.S., but worldwide, marched in

June 2020, I appreciated those who took

major cities, supported speakers and made

the time to dedicate their social media to

their voices heard. These deaths should never

amplifying Black voices. Nearly a year later,

have happened in the first place. Hence,

my Instagram feed has returned to a pre-

people called for accountability and police

Black Lives Matter state - with a slew of

reform, or the abolition of the police system

personal posts, making content in support of

as a whole. Others worked to crowdfund

the Black community few and far between.

support

Black

Americans,

These

slideshows

sometimes

increase

accessibility for Black Americans to vote in the

A main reason for the social media

2020 election, and countless other efforts.

activism boom in 2020 was the pandemic’s limitations on physical gatherings. You could

One of the key forms of advocacy this

share posts to capture people’s attention to

year is social media based activism. Some of

donate or call certain government officials

it seems effective, but in many instances, it

without

is very performative. If you’re on Instagram,

COVID-19.

worrying

about

Unfortunately,

the

threat

Instagram

of and

BenBen Parker Parker

other social media platforms used the public’s

LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized

newfound commitment to social justice to

communities

their advantage to keep people on these

more, it can be hard to have faith in social

apps rather than pushing users to go out and

media based activism. Some brands have

take action. I found myself scrolling through

marketed themselves as progressive, but still

Instagram more than I should have. While I did

continue to pay their workers sub-par wages

learn some important things along the way

while failing to address microaggressions

through informative graphics people shared,

and

for

harassment

the

sake

the

profiting

workplace.

at the core of it all, I believe these social media platforms cared more about keeping me on

the screen. Furthermore, when businesses

so performative to me is when people post

brand themselves as supporters of the

graphics raising awareness on an issue, but

Black community, the AAPI community, the

then go on to commit microaggressions

What makes online activism feel

towards the group they claim to uplift. For example, during the movement in early 2021 to stop AAPI hate, I witnessed Asian people on Twitter comment on how the same people who were posting “Stop AAPI Hate”

graphics

were

actually

the

same

individuals they saw make fun of Asian school lunches or Asian sounding names.

sometimes

question

whether

am being performative too. We all need marginalized

were. True, they raised awareness, but did

voices, not talk over them, and to change

they actually try to solve the problems? Not

our

future.

unless there was a call to donate or a call

I also can’t help but think about how

to contact representatives about the issue.

unhelpful my social media posts/reposts

Looking back, me ranting on my Instagram

remember

actions/

listen

mentalities

for

the

story

did

nothing

solve

anything.

Besides donating and voting, emailing your representatives seems like the most viable way to make change at the political level if you are not in a position of power yourself.

After reflecting on my own social

media activism, I was inspired by the wave of encouragement online to go out and vote in the 2020 election. 53% of registered Gen Z voters voted. Yet, tens of millions of eligible

voters in America did not vote in this election. There are many factors explaining why, but a significant one is the fact that some people are under the impression that their vote doesn’t matter. I also had that misconception because I thought the electoral college had all the power, regardless of how people voted. It was not until this past year that I learned that entire states’ stances could be flipped if enough voters went out and voiced their opinion on the ballot. Some change beyond resharing a social media post.

government officials have won elections by a margin of <3,000 votes, which just goes to show that if you inform yourself and vote

Advocating for social justice has

for who is going to advocate for issues you

taken on new forms in the 2020s. Although

care about, you can create real change -

we still have a long way to go when it comes to achieving equity for all people in America, I’m glad more people are aware of what needs to be done by taking the steps to inform themselves. Keep using your voice, your vote, positions of power, and your social media pages to uplift people in need.

An Ode to my College Friends Ona Carranza

When I came to college, I expected to

values and defined my childhood, these new

be done with “high school” drama, have some

people were different. I choose to spend

wild nights, try new things, and find a few

more than 24 hours at a time with some of

good friends. But, what I did not anticipate

them, and we do not get sick of each other.

was how good those friends would be. A few

Together, we stress about prelims, run to

weeks into my first semester, I knew I made

Nasty’s late at night, explore Ithaca, tan

friends for a lifetime. The people I met made

on quads, and pull all-nighters. I spend so

it feel like we had known each other for years.

much time with some of them that we have

While my home friends helped shape my

an ongoing joke about “separation anxiety”.

Ben Parker

With Andrea, one of my closest friends, we

music, napped at the gorges, and participated

took turns sleeping in each other’s twin beds

in our Sunday debriefs. I remember on my

in our dorm rooms for two weeks straight.

birthday, October 6, a few girls took me to Louies’. I got cheese fries and a flurry and then

small.

we drove to Sunset Park, a cute spot right by

fashion

our house, where we looked out over Ithaca.

program, I have met vibrant and brilliant

It was a beautiful view at night, with all the

personalities. Despite how competitive the

houses lit up and Cayuga Lake in the distance.

industry is, the girls in my program have

Soon it was 12:00am and they sang Happy

provided support and encouragement with

Birthday - it was such a wholesome moment.

applications and projects. It is refreshing

When we got home, my room was covered in

to have a strong support system, when

pink, my favorite color, with balloons, insomnia

it could have just as easily been toxic.

cookies, and a birthday sign! I was so happy.

However,

major within

is the

extremely 30-person

Second semester at Cornell, through

There is one thing for sure that I

my sorority, I met Amanda. We clicked

have found at Cornell University: genuine,

immediately. It was strange because I had

down-to-earth people. They are people I can

never gelled so quickly with someone. Our

facetime to share the smallest details of my

humor is exactly the same, and we cannot

life, have ongoing pranks with (even when

not stop cracking up whenever we are

they are states away), countdown the days

around each other. Over the few months

until we can see each other next, and talk

before we were sent home last spring, we

with about an assignment that they have no

became a dynamic duo. You can find us

connection to. Even when I am stressed or

getting into trouble together, running around

upset, I can recall multiple times being sent

campus, and making way too many Tik

cookies, or snuggling with people I have only

Toks. Finally, we decided to room together

known for a few months. I know that whether

when we got back to campus this year.

it be someone yelling goodnight from across the floor, a friend jumping into bed with me

This past fall semester I moved in

first thing in the morning, a spontaneous ski

with her and 35 other girls. I quickly became

trip, a 5-hour road trip, or a shower concert,

close to them. With Covid, things were tough.

these memories will define my adulthood.

No classes in-person means many hours in

It is all about the small gestures, like a text

our house with the same 35 people - it was a

reminding me to do an assignment or get

make or break situation. But, I can confidently

my COVID test. Within months, these people

say I have found yet another group of amazing

I met have become ingrained in my life

people. Together, we plotted surprise birthday

and continue to shape my understanding

celebrations at the house, watched sunsets on

the slope, went on late night drives blasting

what

being

Ben Parker

friend

truly

means.

Things I’m Totally Looking Forward to Post-Pandemic Jordan Crayton

COVID-19 has had such a huge impact on everything we have done for the past year. It

has restricted who we see, what we wear, where we go, and what work we do everyday. March 13th, the day when we were sent home with no clue about what our future held for us, feels like a lifetime ago. But, as the vaccine rollout gets underway, and the pandemic looks like it’s nearing its end, I am hopeful that we are approaching our new version of normal, and getting back to some of the things we all miss doing. I’ve come up with a list of activities I’m totally looking forward to doing once we are in the post-pandemic world that aren’t at all terrifying.

1. Having parties and in-person events

2. Family gatherings

Because of the pandemic I have

I haven’t seen my large, extended

missed out on hundreds of parties and social

family in over a year, and I miss having family

events that I would have been invited to

gatherings. I miss the macaroni and cheese,

throughout my freshman year. Honestly, I can’t

the board games, and the weird comments Netflix

wait for all of my extroverted friends to get

about my outfits. Or honestly, any random

back out onto the social scene, so I can have

comments about things that definitely should

some quiet alone time when I inevitably reject

not be said out loud. This year, all of the drama

their invitations. It’ll be great to keep having

and backhandedness has taken place over

my own solo dance parties, clad in pajamas,

text messages, which isn’t as fun. My family

while everyone else is having their version

humbles me, and makes sure that I don’t get

of a good time. Even though I’d rather be

too cocky, going to this impressive ivy league

watching Rupaul’s Drag Race, I know that I’ll

institution and all. Even though I’m 19, I’m

be dragged to some event to make awkward

not grown yet, so my dress is just a little too

small talk with partygoers. The pandemic

short for this function. Without them, I’ve

showed me just how important quiet time

been missing a bit of flavor in my life, and

is, and with all the extroverts finally getting

they never let me get too ahead of myself.

back to their roots, I can go back to mine.

Ben Parker

5. In-person classes

3. Traveling

Traveling

one

my favorite

One

the

major

changes

the

hobbies, so I can’t wait to get out my passport,

pandemic brought us were online Zoom

frequent flier miles, and headphones for my

lessons, which shifted the way we look at

next destination. I’ve had serious withdrawal

education as a whole. With things going

thinking about the little kid kicking the back of

back to normal, in-person classes are coming

my seat on the plane, the interesting tasting

back, which I think is for the better. Having

airline food, and using the bathroom while the

in-person instruction will force me to get up

plane feels like it’s headed towards its demise.

and get dressed everyday (remember when

I can’t wait to be crammed next to someone in

we did that?) and pay attention without Tik

the middle seat on a sold out flight, because

Tok or my phone distracting me. I won’t have

six feet apart has just been way too isolating.

Zoom recordings to rely on, or asynchronous

Going to community areas like beaches and

lectures I’ll say I’m going to watch later but

pools with all of their bacteria, definitely

never, ever do. We’ll be back in crowded,

doesn’t scare me now. I can’t imagine how

sweaty lecture halls, taking prelims on actual

much fun traveling will be, despite how

paper, pretending like we understand anything

conscious of germs COVID has made me.

that has been taught the whole semester.

4. No more Masks

6. Feeling Normal

Masks

and

have

love-hate

In all seriousness, I just can’t wait to

relationship, but to be very frank, I am ready

feel normal again. This pandemic has really

for them to go. As much as I am going to

changed everything, and it’s hard to feel

miss the trendiest fashion statement of 2020,

secure in life while things are so unpredictable.

which has kept all of my secret lip syncs

No one knew how long this pandemic would

under wraps, I’ll finally be able to get rid of

last, and these extreme measures made it

my maskne. The amount of face washes

hard to feel like everything was okay. Now that

and moisturizers I have tried throughout

we are nearing the end, or at least something

this pandemic in order to get rid of these

close to it, I know that things will never be

permanent pimples is insane. I’m ready to

the same as they were over a year ago. But,

stop irritating my skin. Also, I am extremely

our sacrifices in order to make the world a

tired of not being able to see a person’s entire

safer and healthier place will make everything

face upon meeting them. I never know what

seem that much better in the long run.

Netflix

they look like, and they could very well be mask-fishing me. Without masks, these two banes of my existence will finally be gone.

Don Emmert via Getty Images

How COVID-19 Has Changed the Music Industry Samantha Krevolin

I have a vivid memory of the first time

Ever since that day, I have mastered a

my mom introduced me to her love for music

secret talent of memorizing every, and I mean

and it changed my life forever. We drove to

every, lyric to my favorite songs. I have also

our local park and as we parked in the lot, Kelly

made the ultimate playlists for every mood,

Clarkson’s iconic song “Since You’ve Been

and have spent countless hours watching

Gone” came on the radio. My mom instructed

musicals. However, after spending the past

me to sit in the car until the song was over,

20 years of my life listening to different types

and as she blasted the music I watched her

of music, I noticed that something changed

sing at the top of her lungs. I aspired to be

this past year. The pandemic has changed the

passionate about a song like this in the future.

music industry for good, in ways many people

have not realized. I believe it’s important that

these

changes

are

acknowledged,

as this industry impacts all of our lives.

Along with the rest of the workforce

around the world, those who are part of the music industry were sent to work from home this past year. Recordings started to be done

the world. Zoom has become the ultimate tool

Billie Eilish style: right from the comfort of

for online meetings, and other online music

one’s bedroom. Business trips were a thing

applications like GarageBand can provide an

of the past and music videos were creatively

at home studio from a tiny laptop. New artists

filmed over zoom. The Jonas Brothers, for

have gained recognition from YouTube over

example, filmed a music video for the song

the past few years, and TikTok has established

“X” while being across the country from each

itself as a new platform in which people can

other, spanning all the way from California

display their musical talents. These technology

to New Jersey. Impressively, viewers would

platforms are allowing the industry to make

never know the truth unless they watched

strides in discovering new artists, along with

an interview about the process afterwards.

permitting people to work together across the globe from the comfort of their homes.

In retrospect, people both within and

outside of the music industry expected these

changes to only last until the pandemic came

Now more than ever, artists are

producing music like it’s going out of style. In

to a close. However, it seems that the success

the past, an artist would drop an album every

of this past year has allowed producers,

two years or so. Now, some of the top award

songwriters, and musicians alike to realize

winning artists are coming out with more than

this industry can be run from homes around

one album a year. For example, Justin Bieber has released Changes, Justice, and Freedom-

EP (an extended play) within the past year. He has definitely succeeded in releasing catchy songs

“Yummy,” “Holy,”

and

“Anyone” throughout the year to keep his fans wanting more, and faster than ever before.

Similarly, many Swifties have been

thrilled to see Taylor Swift release so many award winning albums this year. Evermore and Folklore were released within seven months from one another. Swift has been known for only releasing new albums after two years had gone by, so this was unheard of. Fans were especially thrilled to have the

surprise of Folklore during peak quarantine.

As someone who loves to listen to

“Today’s Top Hits” on Spotify and discover

Swift took this exciting new music process

new music as much as possible, I am thrilled

further after the great feedback she got

to now have new albums come out at a

from the albums and announced she would

more frequent rate than ever. However, it

be releasing re-recorded albums within the

is disappointing that the music industry

upcoming year. The classic, Fearless, was

will not have the same glitz and glamour of

recently released, and fans are anticipating

going to a recording studio and experiencing

Speak Now to follow soon. This instance

recordings from a professional setting. The

proves that the music industry is not only

Grammy’s was even virtual this year for the

changing in regard to the speed at which

first time ever. I am curious to see how the

albums are released, but phenomenal singers

music industry will continue to change as

like Taylor Swift can run away to a cabin

this pandemic continues. With the new world

in the woods and create an entire album

we live in and no need for travel, the music

without actually being in a recording studio.

industry will continue to develop for better or worse in the near future. Likewise, the future of concerts is also unclear at this time, but with the announcement of Rolling Loud being held this summer, it may return to normal sooner than we anticipate. Given these fast paced changes and expectations of more to come, who knows where I will be when I introduce my favorite song to my future child one day. Let’s see where the music takes us!

How Bowling Club Survived the Pandemic Emily Choi

Emily Choi 54

most

When I came to Cornell, one of the home:

to bowl together. While it wasn’t the same as

Helen Newman Lanes. Like countless others

being able to spend time together in person,

who mindlessly sign up, I took the bowling

it was still something. And that something

PE course freshman year. However, I didn’t

was enough to keep each other in the loop.

expect

unexpected

that

the

places

became

It’s not like we could get active and go to a lane

instructor,

Jon

LaRock,

would convince me to attend a bowling club

To combat the problem of physical

meeting. I thought it couldn’t hurt to chuck a

distance, we used our e-board meetings

few balls down the lane and meet new people,

so I went. Much to my surprise, I ended

in hopes of offering everyone a place of

up meeting the community that became

rest. We held midnight Friday specials,

an integral part of my college experience.

which included gaming, trivia, paint by

brainstorm

numbers,

numerous

baking,

and

virtual

movie

events

nights.

Jared Martin, the president of bowling

club, says that the most rewarding part of

The coolest thing that this experience

his job is ensuring that the club is a source

entailed was Striking Convos with Bowling

of relaxation and social connection for the

Pros. This series, started by our vice president

stressed out Cornell student. I can attest to the

Logan Leeds, gave us the opportunity to talk

fact that anyone is welcomed to join regardless

with panels of the world’s top televised pro

of skill level. The club members taught me

bowlers. I got to meet the sports idols that

everything I now know, from the four-step

I look up to, including Daria Pajak, Diana

approach to curving the ball down the lane in

Zavjalova, Diandra Asbaty, Chris and Lynda

that cool c-shape. They were very patient with

Barnes, Verity Crawley, and Rocio Restrepo.

my mistakes and were willing to help me fall in

It was absolutely mindblowing to be sitting

love with the process of growing with a sport.

in the same Zoom space with these modern

I had never liked sports before college, but the

legends as they talked about competing

social aspect of the club helped me to work

and winning both on and off the lanes.

hard and take it seriously. My new bowling mates understood my clumsy and vibed with

All of these experiences would not have

my silly. Best of all, they became friends who

happened without the pandemic. I think we all

I spend time with off the lanes to this day.

tried harder to stay connected and it made me more excited about spending any kind of time

Surprisingly, the social aspect of our

with this community. The “blessing in disguise”

club did not die down when the pandemic hit.

aphorism truly applies to the unexpected

Just like Cornell did with classes, we carried on

joy I experienced as a bowling club member

with our festivities online. It was awkward at

throughout the pandemic and online world.

first to see each other over Zoom, constricted to our tiny rectangular cells. I was doubtful that a sports club would survive this online world.

Finding the Positives in a Pandemic Amanda Kaplowitz

Ben Parker

It’s probably no shocker that the first

to the COVID restrictions, that it forced me to

line that comes to my mind when starting this

develop even stronger bonds. I feel so close

piece is: COVID-19 turned my world upside

to the friends I’ve made during this whirlwind

down. It’s pretty apparent that this past year

of a year since we went through this journey

has been anything but normal, and everyone’s

together and always leaned on one another.

lives did a complete 180° when the pandemic hit. Times were definitely tough, and my

Not having classes in person and

freshman and sophomore years of college

getting the opportunity to make “school

were not at all what I thought they would be.

friends” was also a change. Sitting next to someone in a Bailey Hall class, working on

But, being the positive person I am,

group projects in Mann, or even running into

I saw the Coronavirus as a challenge for me

acquaintances in Zeus, all became things

to find the good in the crazy, turbulent, mask-

of the past. Online classes meant finding

wearing world that I was thrown into. While

new ways to foster social interactions, and

it was certainly difficult having to let go of

despite partaking in my fair share of awkward

my routine and alter my usual way of life, I

breakout rooms, making friends virtually

ultimately was able to pinpoint some really

was a unique and rewarding experience.

valuable takeaways from this hectic year. believe

For

one

that

thing,

Corona

wholeheartedly

strengthened

Another positive is all of the time I had

alone to reflect. At first this was admittedly

scary. Going from being constantly surrounded

relationships and allowed me to find who truly

by people and living with a roommate to

mattered in my life. Since physical connection

quarantine and essentially isolation was a

was limited during quarantine, I was forced to

shock to the system. But, having the time

make the extra effort to keep in touch virtually,

to sit with my thoughts and take things at a

which further cemented my friendships.

slower pace was something I never really

Then, this school year, I was spending so

knew I needed. Even returning to campus in

much time with the people around me due

August provided me with an opportunity to

Ben Parker

continue to take a lot more time to myself given the scaled-back nature of this year.

I know this sounds cheesy, but I do

think that the pandemic changed me as a person. I used to be

week, multiple dining hall closures, and Cornell

very routine-oriented

life as we once knew it entirely transformed.

and had to always plan out my days; I love structure. When my life became a lot less busy and everything went virtual, I had to

adapt. I learned that it’s okay to not have

Yet, when I reflect on this unusual

journey

everything planned out because– as the

finally

outbreak of Coronavirus made abundantly

of see

college-during-corona, the

light.

With

can

vaccinations

and re-openings, I now realize how much

clear– you really never know what life will

throw at you. This may seem obvious to

have

learned

and

grown

during

this

past year. To say I wouldn’t change a

some, but I think the pandemic taught me

thing is certainly an overstatement, but

how to slow down and live in the moment.

everything definitely happens for a reason

and

So, was this how I thought the first two

I’m

grateful

for

what

I’ve

gained.

years of my time at Cornell would be? 100% not. Hardly anyone could have predicted that a global pandemic would lead to completely virtual instruction, COVID testing three times a

Ben Parker