ALL IN ONE NOMAD IN TRANSIT IN MOTION
16
StrikeStaff
ISSUE 16
“IN MOTION”
A JOURNEY OF ACCELERATING INTO THE UNKNOWN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Isabel Choi, Lauren Vives*
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Ella Brigoni, Nicole Jaroscak*, Marcela Nieves*, Kassidy Saba, Julia Clifford, Sophia Beil, Shelby Grason, Lauren Vives, Ariel Lyden, Isabella Dabage, Leah Christie, Alex DiCastro, Isabella Sugar, Emma Stanfield, Jade Lichtenstein, Daniella Giron, Brooke Durney
DIGITAL
Kate D’Amario, Sophia Poole*, Katie Perdomo*, Zoe Silva Olivia Hill, Ava Battisti, Mallory Lumpkin, Jordan McAvin, Isabelle Ouellet, Chloe Harbin, Savanna Bourque , Isabella Aalto, Lauren Orie , Owen Hill, Maria Carolina Parra, Cameron O’Brien, Olivia Izquierdo, Sean Fuchs, Katie Hale
WRITING
Lindsey Limbach, Dani Hernandez*, Grace Groover*, Layne Schulte*, Emily Montarroyos*, Ellie Amos, Sarah Bourloukas, Isabella Santiago, Jacqueline Galvano, Gianna Spadafino, Dani Novas, Daniela Mendoza, Victoria De Notaris, Paige McGuinn, Samantha Getchell, Maria Carrillo, Isabelle Kim, Jade Chancis, Salette Cambra, Isabella Bowman, Jasmine Diaz
GRAPHICS
Mica Cortez, Matthew Baran*, Carly Collins, Cole Martucci, Sarah Paskiewicz, Alyssa Gonzalez, Emma Muersch, Kate LaPine
LAYOUT
Chloe Evers, Clara Celedon*, Cole Martucci, Angie Galletti Ashley de Cardena
Ariel Lyden, Mia Risolia, Lexee Baker, Mazzy Flint, Kyela Zinati Sophia Zenefski
TIKTOK
Victoria Cimino, Mia Lopez, Kelcy Cofield, Marin Houck, Sophia Kelbert, Emma Bereicua, Katiana Redchuk
PHOTO
Katrina Oro, Matthew Stember*, Josh Owens, Joey Harbour, Mina Dinh, RJ Bañez, Samuel Valenti, Collin Chen
VIDEO
RJ Bañez, Ella Denny*, Blake Boyar, Carmen Leggett, Tanner Hirten, Joelle Stressler, Lily Cosentino, Cindy Lam, Sidney Mazza, Carina Herrera, Elli Aristegui
SALES & ADVERTISING
Brynn Estberg, Rylee Greenstein, Bemnet Negash, Olivia Tveras Jewel Lopez, Adriana AlvarezQuintero, Chrissy Fontaine, Victoria Scriven, Brooke Culp, John Barahona, Sophia San Pedro
EVENTS
Maya Estremadoyro, Jasmine Hur*, Natalia Gomez*, Giovanna Key, Kendall Hannan, Armita Amiri, Gillian Brenner, Denise Bravo, Taylor Sparling, Maya Coan, Jasmine Limas, Alexandra Alvarez, Erin Nixon
RUNWAY
Aja Soleil, Brianna Heaney*, Celine Johnson*, Ariel Turner, Kaley Dunn, Alexa Swecker, Morgan Hooks, Stella Dauval, Skylar Edisis, Evangelina Villanustre
BEAUTY
Amanda Oliva, Giovanna Key*, Marisa Vercamen, Marlena Trudnak, Erinlyn Tirado, Riley Hatfield, Sarah Andrews, Em Ezerski, Finn R. Ramiló, Sophia Lazaro , Onyinye Onyia, Camille Holliday, Jazmin Ashley (Nails)
BRAND AMBASSADOR
Nicole Hyer, Mia Hammer*, Addison Walker, Sarah Lamiri, Sabrina Dagostino, Brianna Lapella, Carmin Kilpatrick, Adriana Nabong, Sophia Florias, Lorena Olivo, Brooke Boccuzzi, Ella Kavanagh, Brianna Cloutier
EXTERNAL
Lindsay Zifrony, Julia Ambrose
FINANCE
Camila Kassner, Jordan Kilday*, Anagrace Bennett, Daniela Astralaga
STYLING
Dalton Lain, Bella Puleo*, Asia Boyd, Daniella Acosta, Taylor Farscht, Camille Marshall, Clarence Lovett, Kat Davis, Angie Aumara, Shadaria Jackson , Eva Carbonara, Isabela Jahnes, Cassidy Millhouse
PRODUCTIONS
Ruby Billimoria, Samantha Tomasello*, Samaya Perez, Nina Valdes, Sam Montero, Tara Calambakkam
NATIONAL LIASION
Jayden Matheny, Bemnet Negash, Nina Rayman
MERCHANDISE
Nicole Jaroscak, Melissa Aguiar, Rachel Burke, Alyssa Gonzalez, Carolina Castro, Gabriella Martinez, Sydney DeCarlo
DIRECTORS / *ASSISTANTS
KATE D’AMARIO
DIGITAL
Joining Strike was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I made at FSU. The experiences and friendships I’ve gained through Strike are ones I’ll cherish forever. To my assistants, Sophia and Katie, and incredible team of creatives: thank you for being such an inspiration! I’ll always be proud to be part of Strike TLH <3
LINDSEY LIMBACH WRITING
I can confidently say that accepting the position of Writing Director for Strike this semester has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’d like to thank my wonderful team of editors and writers for breathing life into this publication with their endless creativity and hard work. I’m extremely grateful to have been allowed to work closely with so many gifted individuals during my four semesters with Strike, and I’m eager to see what lies ahead for this magazine and its talented staff in future semesters.
MICA CORTEZ GRAPHICS
This is my first season with Strike and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to work with such inspiring people. From execs, directors, my assistant, to my talented graphics team, it was such an honor to be part of such a passionate group of individuals. I admire how honest and charismatic everyone is with their work, and especially my team for their patience and drive to put their best work forward. I will forever be in awe of how everyone’s unique creativity shines through their own art form!
CHLOE EVERS LAYOUT
Year four on Strike has proven once again how grateful I am to be part of this. Seeing the hard work of every single talented member of this staff come together into one body of work is an experience like no other. I’m so honored to have been part of Issue 16, here’s to one more!
ARIEL LYDEN INSTAGRAM
This season of Strike, I want to thank the wonderful people of my team. Filled with such creative minds and extraordinary visions, we were able to present a new, insane season and a meaningful presentation of Strike, Tallahassee. Being the Instagram director is truly a gift and I am eternally grateful for being a director within the world of Strike Mag. To a new season and exciting future seasons, Ariel <3
VICTORIA CIMINO TIKTOK
I want to say thank you to my Strike team! They have made this semester so amazing. I also want to thank Strike for bringing so many amazingly creative people in my life. I love everything we do <3
KATRINA ORO PHOTO
Leading the photo team this semester has been an incredible experience. Working with such a talented group has made my role as director both exciting and rewarding! Thank you to my team for helping bring this issue to life, and thank you Strike for four years of some of my favorite memories <3!
RJ BAÑEZ VIDEO
After wrapping up my third semester as director of the videography team, I can confidently say we have accomplished so much more than I could have ever anticipated. To my team, which has grown to become my family, I appreciate everything you do; the hard work, the long hours, the extremely high expectations that I set that seem to always be met. I appreciate your dedication and commitment to this team, to me, and to this amazing magazine! To Strike, thank you for this creative outlet and all of the fantastic people I have been able to work with throughout this semester! Keep striving for more, preciate y’all!
MAYA ESTREMADOYRO EVENTS
This semester has truly been a success. I’m so grateful to my team and all the other teams involved—none of this would be possible without you brilliant, creative individuals. A special shout-out to my best friend, Isabel Choi - witnessing her hard work and dedication pay off has been an honor, and I couldn’t be prouder of her and this magazine.
AJA
SOLEIL RUNWAY
Forever indebted to the space to create and community that Strike has given me over the last 4 years. Immensely grateful to return as Runway Director, big thanks to Isabel Choi for trusting me with this role and inspiring me to think outside the box. Much love to my wonderful team, my stellar assistants, my fellow directors and staff, and especially my roommates. So much love and pride put into every season <3
AMANDA OLIVA BEAUTY
I am beyond grateful to be part of the Strike team, where I can channel my passion for art, fashion, and communication into a platform that celebrates individuality and empowers self-expression. I’m honored to contribute to a magazine that pushes the boundaries of beauty and inspires students. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible people who are a part of Strike and, of course, the beautiful
Beauty Team. Strike Magazine is a place where beauty is limitless, and I couldn’t be prouder to contribute to this incredible journey.
NICOLE HYER BRAND AMBASSADOR
It’s been an honor to work alongside such driven individuals here at Strike Magazine. This community inspires creativity and innovation in every person it touches and I could not be more grateful to be a part of such a supportive staff. Special thanks to my wonderful assistant and to my beautiful Brand Ambassador Team for all of your creative project ideas, making this semester truly memorable. I’m deeply grateful for this amazing team and the friendships that we’ve built.
LINDSAY ZIFRONY EXTERNAL
The past 2 years with strike have been so impactful and I am so grateful to be a part of this team. I’m so thankful for Julia, who has helped me so much on External. I can’t wait to see what everyone continues to accomplish. Thank you so much to everyone who has made this another great semester!
BRYNN ESTBERG SALES & ADVERTISING
Cheers to another incredible semester! I am so grateful to be surrounded by such talented people & beyond proud of everyone who made this issue the best one yet <3
CAMILA KASSNER FINANCE
Huge thank you to everyone who has made this magazine a possibility! Whether it’s coming out to events or being part of a team, you’ve helped bring this magazine to life and I can’t thank you all enough. I am so grateful to have had another great semester as finance director with the support of my wonderful team. I hope you all enjoy this magazine as much as I’ve loved being a part of it <3
DALTON LAIN STYLING
These past 3 years with Strike have made an everlasting mark on my creative journey as an individual, and I feel so lucky to share this experience with people I hold so close to my heart. Being in Tallahassee, we have very limited resources, and being surrounded by individuals who continuously push the boundaries of what can be done in such limited spaces is inspiring! I am eternally grateful for my hardworking team—I couldn’t have done it without you! A final thank you to both my sisters, Isa and Ella, for entrusting me with this position.
RUBY BILLIMORIA PRODUCTIONS
Strike is truly one of the most special communities in Tallahassee, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of it. Working alongside such talented and creative individuals has been an amazing experience. A huge thank you to the best team and friends I could have asked for—getting to know each of you has been the highlight of my semester! I can’t wait to see this issue come to life, and I’m so proud of everyone who poured their heart into making it happen.
JAYDEN MATHENY NATIONAL LIASON
Being part of Strike has been an incredible experience, and I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such inspiring, creative minds. This team has brought immense joy and meaning to my semester, and I couldn’t ask for better friends and collaborators. I’m eager to see all our hard work come together in this issue, and I’m deeply proud of everyone’s dedication and heart in making it happen.
LAUREN VIVES ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
This semester with Strike has been extraordinary. Stepping into my new role has been both deeply fulfilling and rewarding. I feel privileged to work directly with the talented directors, dedicated teams, and remarkable individuals who make Strike what it is. Thank you to everyone who contributes to our beautiful magazine. I could not be more proud. Love, Lauren
NICOLE JAROSCAK MERCHANDISE, ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Being a part of Strike Magazine has profoundly shaped my experience at Florida State, allowing me to grow creatively and personally in ways I never imagined. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by talented individuals who share the same passions and vision, constantly inspiring me to push boundaries. I am deeply grateful to everyone I’ve had the privilege of working with on this issue, especially the shoots, merchandise, and executive teams, whose dedication and hard work have made our production truly exceptional. I am beyond proud to be part of something so inspiring.
MARCELA NIEVES, ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Being involved with Strike has been one of the most fulfilling creative endeavors I have ever taken on. I have finally felt as if I have found the space in which I can not only fully express myself, but feel supported in doing so. That being said, I am incredibly proud of everyone who contributes to making Strike the sensational magazine and inviting community that it is. Every moving piece matters and none of this would be possible without the dedication and passion of all our team members, so thank you all!
DIRECTOR’S NOTES Director’s Notes
The Editor Letter from
As I step into my role as Editor-in-Chief, I can’t help but reflect on my journey with Strike. I joined this organization four years ago, and ending my final year as Editor-in-Chief has been a privilege.
Over the past few years in a small college town, I’ve witnessed first-hand how easy it is to fall into a routine and feel stagnant. I’ve always dreamed of pursuing my fashion career on a larger scale, and although it’s easy to lose sight of that, Strike has always motivated me. During my third year in Tallahassee, as Creative Director, I ate, slept, and breathed Strike. Every day was a dedication to putting my all into this magazine and learning invaluable lessons I carried into my new position as Editor-In-Chief.
As I adjusted, I felt this immense pressure to uphold the legacy of those who came before me and push this magazine to new heights of creativity and professionalism. Fortunately, my internships in New York City this past summer helped me do so.
Pursuing my dreams in the highly admired city wasn’t easy. I left behind people, places, and a version of myself that no longer fit. My choice to intern in New York elicited a transition that provided so much inspiration, accompanied by loneliness and confusion.
That sense of transition, moving from one chapter to the next, is something I believe many of us can relate to. Whether moving cities, switching jobs, or navigating new phases of life, these moments of change often bring a sense of chaos, allowing us to create space for growth and self-discovery.
This theme of being “In Motion” runs throughout this issue. Life is a series of movements—steady and predictable at times, filled with contemplation and uncertainty at others, and suddenly accelerating into the unknown. The internal struggle of leaving behind what’s familiar and setting your own pace for the first time. The world races us forward and we are left searching for balance in the whirlwind it created. This theme tells the story of finding comfort in discomfort, adjusting to new realities, and ultimately finding peace in the transitions that shape us.
As you flip through these pages, I hope you’ll see reflections of your journey—the moments of contemplating what’s next, the chaos of entering a new chapter, or the peace that comes with embracing a newly found familiar. Whatever your direction, I hope you’ll find that sense of belonging, even if it’s still a work in progress.
I’m deeply grateful for everyone at Strike who has helped me find that sense of belonging.
A special thank you to Lalo Ambris, our past Editor-in-Chief, and my dear friend, for trusting me with this role. Your leadership has been a guiding light, and I’m proud to have followed in your footsteps. I’ll forever cherish our Gemini minds and creative journey together.
Thank you to my assistant, Lauren Vives, for being the most hardworking and grounded person I know. You are the perfect embodiment of what a driven individual looks like. Shout out to your excellent Excel sheet-making skills.
Thank you to our incredible Creative Director assistants, Nicole Jarosack and Marcela Nieves. Your energy, creativity, and commitment to every shoot have been amazing. I’m so proud of how much you’ve grown, and I can’t wait to see where your talents take you.
Thank you to our directors, whose commitment to pushing boundaries and bringing every idea to life in the most unconventional way is unmatched. You’ve all gone above and beyond, from flash mobs to rooftop shoots to flying in airplanes, and I can’t thank you enough.
To our models, shoot team, and staff—thank you for trusting the vision and going the extra mile. This magazine wouldn’t exist without you.
Finally, thank you to my creative partner, Ella Brignoni. I never imagined we’d go from modeling for runway freshman year to creating a magazine together. You’ve transitioned seamlessly into your role as Creative Director, and I’m so proud to have you by my side, brainstorming our next big idea or hopping on a plane for a photoshoot. You’ve become my best friend, and I can’t wait to see where our twin takeover will take us.
Strike has become more than just a magazine to me—it’s become a family. You all have taught me the value of collaboration, creativity, and community. It’s hard to fathom that a college magazine could connect me with so many like-minded individuals, but I’m indebted for the bonds we’ve built. I’m looking forward to another semester of saying, “Sorry I can’t, I’m working on Strike right now!”
You all have made this journey unforgettable. Here’s to the next chapter—wherever it may take us.
Isabel Choi, Editor-in-Chief
Creative Director Letter from the
First memories of motion: my arrival at Florida State, lingering uncertainty of whether I made the right decision to enroll here – not quite convinced I’d find satisfaction elbow-deep in a comfortable routine. One afternoon, I received a text linking a casting call from my friend Kassidy Saba, who implored me to apply with her to model for a fashion magazine called Strike. We would soon find out we were both cast in the first-ever Strike Runway show, and I would later spend my evenings propping up a full-length mirror at the end of my hall, prancing in heels until I felt sure I could walk without stumbling over myself.
Shortly after, I’d be immersed in a realm I never knew existed at my school – my eyes widening at the scene, incognizant to the bobby pins pressing firmly into my scalp. All I could wonder was how to be on the other side of it all. It was at this event that I met my soon-to-be closest friend and cocreator, Isabel Choi, who (not to my knowledge at the time) was configuring the same plan.
I cannot imagine the last four years without Strike. It’s been a pathway defined by accelerated movement, and the ebbs and flows that come with it. It has proved who I am and who I want to be. A person who finds fulfillment in nurturing that spark of an idea. A person who considers no default, preferring to give my all to something seemingly uncertain, rather than attempt to fit in a risk-aversive mold coined by the fear of failing. Because when you trust that the motion is not steadily paced, and there will be times you feel like you’re losing your footing in the heap of pressure, you’ll find solace in letting the swift pace guide your arrival point.
To Isa, thank you for facing the movement with me head-on. You’re as innovative as you are dedicated, and your consistent pursuit of all that is new, encapsulating, and greater than the previous chapter will never fail to impress me. I feel fortunate to have poured all our collective efforts onto the pages of this issue, and proud to consider you my sister, twin rather, separated at birth. I’m eager to see how far you will go. Let’s do it again in New York?
To our committed assistants, Lauren, Nicole, and Marcela: thank you for always going miles above what was ever asked of you. It’s rare to encounter those who share your pursuit of creating something great, and even less frequently do we get to call those people our friends. I am sincerely lucky to have met each of you.
To my fellow directors and the rest of our unbelievably talented staff, this issue would not have been possible without you. Thank you to my family and friends, who have fostered me in a bubble of love and support. Thank you, readers, who have opened the cover agreeing to join the progression of In Motion along with us. I sincerely hope you enjoy and find yourself setting a blazed trail for your endeavors to follow, trusting therein lies beauty, not necessarily without struggle, but often there is something unexpected within reach, glimmering brilliantly and not too far away.
Strike Out,
Ella Brigoni, Creative Director
In One
SHOOT DIRECTOR Ella Brignoni SHOOT ASSISTANTS Lauren Vives, Marcela Nieves STYLISTS Isabel Choi, Dalton Lain
SHOOT STAFF Alex DiCastro, Isabella Dabage, Jade Lichtenstein, Lauren Vives, Julia Clifford STYLING TEAM Asia Boyd, Bella Puleo, Clarence Lovett, Shadaria Jackson BEAUTY Marlena Trudnak TALENT Allison Perez
The Struggle for Self
I remember what it was like before I changed. I couldn’t tell you how it happened - but I recall feeling an all-consuming, oozing sensation overtaking my body and mind. Not literally, of course. But each day my reflection in the mirror looked less familiar. A little less like me.
I assumed it was aging. That my youth was declining with each passing day. But as I grew, so did the surrounding world, introducing the small device glued to my fingertips. This World infiltrated quietly with an irresistible force that blinded my sight. I read, scrolled, and consumed. This World whispered to me as the sun rose and as it set. Its desires seeped into my being, calling it home. I became We. If This World wanted it, so did I. We were happy for some time but, it was a partnership built off chains.
Wherever I went, I felt lured to obey This World’s orders. I wanted to be accepted, yet I yearned to find myself. I thought following This World would lead me there because if I didn’t fit the right aesthetic, the sun surely wouldn’t rise.
The funny thing is that we’re repeatedly told to be ourselves and that our individuality is special. If that’s the case, why do I feel trapped? My younger self knew exactly who she was. Where did I go? What have I become?
A generic blueprint This World fabricated. A downloaded identity.
I did nothing to stop it and now it’s too late…
Self-discovery is more than understanding who we are; it’s about resisting what the world expects us to be. As we move forward from childhood comfort, the journey becomes entangled with influences that blur the line between individuality and conformity. These spaces act as mirrors and mazes, distorting self-expression.
We are under the impression that standing out is celebrated, but that distinctiveness is still measured, inspected, and held up to a lens that decides our worth. The process shifts, becoming less about knowing ourselves and more about fitting a vision that barely feels like ours. In trying so hard to be seen, we risk losing sight of who we are meant to become.
In this world of constant noise, staying true to yourself is a quiet rebellion. It’s about asking if our choices echo our voices or the weight of unspoken expectations. To cut through the endless motion to hear that voice requires resilience, the kind that dares to move beyond empty affirmations and passing trends.
Genuine self-discovery is about rejecting trends that don’t resonate and letting your identity unfold without constraints of timelines or aesthetics. It’s embracing chaos and uncertainty and knowing there’s no rush to figure it out. In a world handing out ready-made identities, the most daring act is to be yourself unapologetically—beyond filters and noise.
WRITERS Salette Cambra, Dani Hernandez EDITOR Lindsey Limbach
PHOTOGRAPHERS Mina Dinh, Katrina Oro, Kyle Johnson
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mina Dinh, Katrina Oro, Kyle Johnson
VIDEOGRAPHERS
Sidney Mazza, Elli Aristegui, Lily Cosentino, Kyle Johnson
TIKTOK Marin Houck
LAYOUT Cole Martucci
EXTRAS Adelaide Rodrigue, Andrea Jinestra, Ariel Turner, Ava Elpedes,Bailey Carson, Bri Cloutier, Daniella Giron, Dyonna Johnson, Ella Kavanagh, Emi DePeter, Emma Stanfield, Isabella Dabage, Isabelle Hagley, Jade Lichtenstein, Jamesha Turner, Josie Quick, Julia Clifford, Juliet Pagan, Kassidy Saba, Kate D’Amario, Lauren Vives, Lily Fraiser, Maddie Luzariaga, Marcela Nieves, Mckenzie Bing, Mia Hammer, Morgan Hooks, Nicole Hyer, Olivia Street, Samantha Dieuguse, Sarah Shim, Sophia Poole, Sydney Markey
Beyond the Frame
WRITER Daniella Garcia-Novas, Jade Chancis EDITORS Layne Schulte, Grace Groover, Lindsey Limbach
INT. MOVIE THEATRE - NIGHT
The room is dimly lit by thin trails of lights guiding the way to rows of seats. Inside, the atmosphere changes. Thick with stillness, a muted anticipation hanging in the air. It’s cold, but the people in the seats surrounding you provide a sense of warmth. Their faces are seen in flashes, caught in the soft flicker of the screen’s light. The murmur of people shifting in their seats and the faint popcorn crunches feel familiar. You find comfort in the stale cushion of your seat. The theater itself seems to cradle you. You are still now. The space feels solitary and intimate, as though everyone here is alone together, caught between their realities and the world about to unfold on the screen. The light flickers and fades, like the pulse of something alive, waiting. There’s tension in knowing that as you allow yourself to be engulfed by this suspension of time, you give the film access to the motion in your mind. You sign the unspoken agreement. In return, it gives you a moment of reflection.
The film begins.
As the lights dim, your mind shuts down. Faces and colors are reflected through words on the dark screen. Everything that once seemed troubling escapes your mind as you inhale the melody of the opening credits. As the scent of stale popcorn and leather seats depart, you take flight into the unfamiliar universe ahead. The shadows and figures before you all seem to intertwine and come to life. A hand reaches out, reeling you in and lifting you from your burdens. You are here, you are safe, you are known. You grasp and run with it, leaving everything else behind. The answers you seek come to fruition when you need them most. As you begin to see yourself as the figures projected ahead, you hear whispers next to you as you glance around the room and up at the display. You realize the world on the screen is a figment of your imagination. It’s simply a romanticized version of a life that ceases to exist. You immersed yourself in the movement of a new world that resonates and reflects perspectives that lie beyond the frame.
Nomad
TALENT
SHOOT DIRECTOR Ella Brignoni SHOOT ASSISTANTS Lauren Vives, Marcela Nieves SHOOT STAFF Ariel Lyden, Daniella Giron, Shelby Grason, Sophia Beil STYLIST Dalton Lain
STYLING TEAM Angie Aumara, Bella Puleo, Eva Carbonara, Taylor Farscht, Isabella Jahnes
BEAUTY Amanda Olivia, Giovanna Key NAILS Jazmin Ashley
PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Harbour, Mina Dinh
Natasha Turner
VIDEOGRAPHERS Lily Cosentino, Carmen Leggett, Tanner Hirten LAYOUT Cole Martucci
Neither Here Nor There
WRITERS Ellie Amos, Jasmine Diaz
EDITORS Emily Montarroyos, Grace Groover, Lindsey Limbach
They say when one door closes, another one opens, but in reality, dozens more open. Each door is a portal that allows glimpses into lives that could be ours, simultaneously transporting us to our destinies. The myriads of options make us question if we’re making the right choices for our present and future selves. It can feel overwhelming to see people walking the streets with purpose when you still feel lost, leaving you feeling like you’ll be left behind. You hope to find the answer someday, but it would be much easier if it found you. In the state of limbo, it can seem like our internal compasses have failed, sadness clouding our judgment and desires. Mindlessly passing each opportunity, we forget we have control over our lives. As we question our every move, it’s unknown if anything will satisfy what we truly long for. Time escapes us, and the pressure to decide grows, forcing us to believe that any decision will do. Each door that opens after one closed represents an opportunity not yet taken, possibilities of happiness not yet realized, yet the fear of stepping forward can paralyze us. As time continuously outruns us, we lose ourselves chasing it. Our relationship with ourselves is challenged during these times, making it even more complex and weakening our ability to select the “proper” path.
We can feel fear blossoming inside during this migration from possibility to possibility. We feel nameless, frozen in time by the decisions laid before us with no clear direction. We’re trapped in limbo, searching for our identity. Questioning the capacity we hold inside. Wondering how we can best foster our budding sense of self. We’re eager for stability and a place of belonging. But as easily as a door opens, it closes again; alleged opportunities disintegrating into dust. We are reduced to a nameless wanderer again. Will we always remain in this state of searching? Limbo is not our enemy, but rather a time to learn about ourselves in the in-between. This space allows us the freedom to decipher where we want to go in life. There will never be a guarantee that a door leads to opportunity; we may be rejected or tossed out, but the only certainty of failure is if we give up on our journey entirely. If we force ourselves to avoid discomfort, we will remain frozen. Unable to grow and discover. The state of limbo is a necessary step forward. Once we find another door propped open, we must take a deep breath and venture toward this potential disappointment or potential success, empowered to embrace a future outside of the in-between.
IN TRA
NSIT
SHOOT DIRECTOR Ella Brignoni SHOOT ASSISTANTS Lauren Vives, Nicole Jarosak SHOOT STAFF Alex DiCastro, Isabella Dabage, Jade Lichtenstein, Lauren Vives, Julia Clifford FASHION DESIGNER Travis Wilson BEAUTY Giovanna Key TALENT Reed Joseph, Kylo
HANDLE WITH CARE
Going Through
The Motions
WRITER Grace Groover EDITOR Lindsey Limbach
They say the days are long while the years are short, and everything in between becomes blurred. When life starts coming at you at the speed of light, it’s easy to get swept away and shift into autopilot. We forget how our moments are intertwined and get caught chasing the next ground-breaking event. When we lose touch with the significance of our everyday lives, the mundane becomes mundane. However, it truly is the little things in life that make the world go round. After all, a house would crumble without the screws.
In transitional periods of our lives, like moving away for college, it may seem impossible to carve out a path for ourselves, especially if we take everything on at once. There’s an internal nagging to have everything figured out the second we are on our own, but your life will manifest as an accumulation of what you choose to bring with you.
Every decision you make alters the trajectory of your life, drastically or gradually. Think of something as simple as choosing to walk to class every day – you are faced with building your schedule to accommodate that. You start doing your makeup thirty minutes earlier, meal prepping your breakfast, and accumulating clothing pieces you treasure dearly so you never have to worry about a last-minute outfit. Your whole life shifts as a result. Eventually, these small things become part of the routine known as your life. When you build upon your day-to-day habits, they work together like unique puzzle pieces completely tailored to you and what you envision for your life.
We must zoom in from time to time, crafting our days in a way that will shape our fate in our favor, to be completely hands-on with the things we can control. Whether it be tacos with friends every Tuesday, a new signature scent, or finding the song you know will always be associated with that one person, every aspect of your life deserves to be celebrated. While monumental moments may shake you to your core, often-overlooked miniature daily rituals compose a large portion of your time, making them all the more essential to a happy existence. In time, going through the motions provides you with deeper fulfillment and genuine passion for the life you have yet to create.
IN MOTION
SHOOT DIRECTORS Isabel Choi, Ella Brignoni SHOOT ASSISTANTS Lauren Vives, Nicole Jarosak, Marcela Nieves STYLIST Isabel Choi STYLING TEAM Ella Brignoni, Lauren Vives, Nicole Jarosack, Marcela Nieves, Isabella Jahnes BEAUTY Cameron O’Brien, Lauren Vives NAILS Jazmin Ashley TALENT Cameron O’Brien PHOTOGRAPHERS Katrina Oro, Josh Owens VIDEOGRAPHER RJ Bañez LAYOUT Chloe Evers
DRIVE-AWAYDolls
SHOOT DIRECTOR Ella Brignoni SHOOT ASSISTANTS Lauren Vives, Marcela Nieves SHOOT STAFF Ariel Lyden, Daniella Giron, Shelby Grason, Sophia Beil STYLIST Dalton Lain STYLING TEAM Isabel Choi, Bella Puleo, Isabella Jahnes, Taylor Farscht, Eva Carbonara
BEAUTY Erinlyn Tirado, Sophia Lazaro, Sarah Andrews NAILS Jazmin Ashley TALENT Dyonna Johnson, Samantha Martson
PHOTOGRAPHERS RJ Bañez, Katrina Oro, Kyle Johnson
VIDEOGRAPHERS Carina Herrera, Ella Denny, Blake Boyar, Kyle Johnson TIKTOK Sophia Kelbert LAYOUT Clara Celedon
Match Point
WRITERS Paige McGuinn, Jacqueline Galvano EDITORS Layne Schulte, Dani Hernandez, Lindsey Limbach
For many, the internal battle of juxtaposing feelings traverses big or small decisions throughout life — connection versus independence, past versus future, youth versus maturity, and good versus evil. However, the intersection of these traits arguably makes us most human. Facing uncertainty in our decisions is not only common but essential. This makes them all the more rewarding and transformative. Like a tennis match, we bounce back and forth in our decisions between sides of the court, symbolizing the pushand-pull of the contradictory seams that make up our essence.
Naturally, most of us warm up for the game of “real world” experience fueled by the dreams that carried us through childhood. As our views shift through new understanding, we return to the blanket of familiarity that always tucked us in at night. But when we are one day stripped from this comfort and thrust onto the court dressed in transparent vulnerability, how do we make the right move when our greatest opponent is ourselves?
In this phase of metamorphosis, we are caught in the ceaseless mind game of possibility, each move teasing us with where it might land. Faces in the crowd reflect the promises we made—who we swore we’d become, what we vowed we’d achieve. Yet, the projected outcome does not determine the game itself. We begin with a lullaby version of the persona we wish to emulate, but the instinctual steps made in realtime ultimately lead us to a life woven from the diverse effects of decisions. Purpose can shift from play to play. In stagnation, we forfeit the luxuries of being chosen to participate. Even if shooting from both angles, the payoff lies in gaining the perspective necessary to compete with the complexities of the match - win or lose.
Facing contradictions in our choices is not a sign of failure but proof of introspection and power in one’s life. Just as an athlete invests in putting forth their best performance and ultimately winning a match, we are investing in ourselves by emphasizing personal growth through conflicting, sometimes pivotal decisions. In doing so, we are choosing who we want to become, which is the ultimate goal in life, right? Beauty can exist in our struggles and clarity in the wake of uncertainty. By the end of the game, one side may “win” but the journey of exploring both leads to fulfillment.
CYCLONE
SHOOT DIRECTOR Ella Brignoni SHOOT ASSISTANTS Lauren Vives, Nicole Jarosak
SHOOT STAFF Brooke Durney, Emma Stanfield, Isabella Sugar, Leah Christie, Kassidy Saba
STYLING TEAM Isabel Choi, Dalton Lain, Bella Puleo, Camille Marshall, Cassidy Millhouse, Kat Davis, Daniella Acosta
BEAUTY Sarah Andrews, Sophia Lazaro
End of the Line
WRITERS Isabella Bowman, Emily Montarroyos, Maria Carillo
EDITORS Layne Schulte, Dani Hernandez, Lindsey Limbach
Is settling truly that unpleasant? The question pangs in my head as I look out the subway window at the dirty walls that I pretend are wide-ranging meadows. Awaiting the next stop, I sit debating in my mind what the right decision is. I achieved what I had believed to be true “success.” The ideal high-paying remote position is what I had planned my life around. What I’ve built for myself, all that time I spent breaking my neck to get through one more Excel sheet. Were the nights I spent glued to the computer, eyes bloodshot, worth it? I stare into the abyss, getting lost in the black of the grime that coats the walls we accelerate past; the lights flickering as we travel underneath roof lamps. On. Off. On. The lights become an alarm waiting for me to hit snooze or turn it off for good, continuing the pattern. Should I continue the same pattern? Should I remain stagnant in this comfortable success that no longer aligns with my newfound consciousness? I face the truth that… I was wrong. I feel overwhelmed and suffocated as my thoughts screech to a halt. I peer around and meet the gazes of the passengers. I stare at the exit; this is my stop.
Rising from the soiled, yellow-stained subway seat, I look around. I notice people of all kinds, from successful businesswomen to bearded men who look like they haven’t showered in weeks. Gazing at my counterparts, I know I must finally decide my fate. Do I stay on the subway or get off? To stay would be to accept my choice. Although the overwhelming chaos feels like more than I can grasp, it’s a chance to continue my path uninterrupted, to never change and trudge through life as I have been. I could end up like the others around me— allowing myself to be consumed
by the constant stress that comes with the road I have chosen. I could also get off at an entirely different stop and start over. This is a risk. A huge, undeniable risk. It could be the biggest mistake of my life or the best decision I’ll ever make. The train rattles again, signifying its departure. I glance around once more; I notice one woman with a sparkle in her eye, a glimmer of motivation and unquestionable satisfaction. Witnessing the possibility of my future, I sit back down, and the subway continues.
As the subway advances, my mind becomes absorbed with my decision. This subway mirrors my life — to stay on, lulled by the rhythm of the tracks, or to disembark into the unknown. The familiar hum of the wheels offers a sense of security, and I begin to realize there might be tranquility in staying.
Envisioning my future, I see a gateway to a fresh start. Only change can come from this decision. Whether that change is good or bad is uncertain, but what I do know is staying on this train will take me somewhere. Sometimes that is what the journey is about, resetting and embracing the unknown. Relationships ending, whether platonic or romantic, act as stations.They offer a chance to pick up the pieces to refocus and strengthen our independence.
There will always be stations ahead waiting for us to step off the train. Sometimes, we board a different subway altogether, shifting toward new possibilities. No matter when or if we decide to get off, these opportunities won’t go away. So, as the subway slows and doors open, I open a book and relax in my seat.
Josh Owens, Joey Harbour
Tanner
Hirten, RJ
Banez, Cindy
Lam, Joelle
Stressler LAYOUT
Ashley de Cardenas, Chloe Evers
Phases of Us
WRITER Isabelle Kim
EDITORS Emily Montarroyos, Lindsey Limbach
In you, I find peace that transcends understanding. We walk hand in hand, safe under the illumination of a full moon. Every loving embrace and each shared laugh have harmoniously intertwined our souls and written this lunar love story. Savoring these moments in the warmth of a full moon, we are mindful of the forecasts foretelling the coming frigid phases.
Like the waning moon, you grow distant and cold. Our emotions are consumed by the burdens of reality, racing at a million miles per hour. Your facade betrays you, reflecting utter indifference while an all-consuming soul excavation unfolds within you. The once-radiant moon grows melancholic, and we retreat into the shadows of our insecurities, confronting lingering regrets. I cry out to you in desperation, yet my voice is muted. I reach for your hand, but it isn’t there, and I realize we are together yet alone in this solitary reflection. Each pulse of joy and sorrow is in constant motion, a restless current of emotional flux leading us to embrace the exhilaration of existence. The moon’s light slightly dissipates each night, reminding us even the brightest of lights must reflect in silence, deeming each moon phase equally vital.
As the waning crescent almost fades away, the delicate wisp of light hangs low in the sky, portraying closure and radical acceptance. Through our independent journeys, we become new vessels electrified by a newfound capacity for love found in the clarity of silence. Once the moon disappears, a soft glow creeps into the dead of night as a gentle reminder of our withstanding love and commencement of the waxing moon.
With each passing moment, the darkness gives way to light, and I run into your arms, reigniting our love and illuminating the path forward. In the quiet moments, our fragility is no longer a burden but a thread that weaves us closer together. Our solitary reflections have deepened our selfunderstandings, enabling us to share our growth with the world like the moon shares its light. Under the gleam of the waxing moon, our love blossoms enveloping our world in a beautiful celestial dance.
Love and the human experience are an intricate blend of individual and shared emotions since inconsistency is inevitable. Like the moon phases, our love ebbs and flows, with each phase playing a crucial role in our journey of growth and connection.
SHOOT DIRECTORS Isabel Choi, Ella Brignoni SHOOT ASSISTANTS
Lauren Vives, Nicole Jarosak, Marcela Nieves STYLIST Isabel Choi STYLING TEAM Ella Brignoni, Lauren Vives, Nicole Jarosack, Marcela Nieves
an interview with
Mimi Van Zanten
by Ella Brignoni
Earned, Not Given
We tend to believe that the only explanation for the existence of extraordinary things is the woven cloth of destiny’s design. It’s an assumption we attach to some of our favorite wonders: Heroes emerge from radioactive spider bites, and our favorite singers are born to take center stage. Inherently suited and destined for greatness.
It’s an absurd paradox – one that I found myself considering when I spectated the FSU women’s soccer team inflict a merciless defeat upon Clemson. This thought resurfaced during a conversation with the Sophomore soccer star Mimi Van Zanten when she jokingly told me she took her first steps on a soccer field, trailing behind a ball.
There is nothing more absurd than maintaining this belief, on a granular level, that the idea that extraordinary abilities come from the hands of fate. To successfully enter the champion’s universe, merit abilities result from the personal pursuit of excellence. En route, there are daily practices, gnarly wear and tear injuries, interminable travel days, and going cold from the goal line. Of course, there’s also the mind-boggling thunderous kicks, elusive trophies, and the rare yet glorious sound of an arena screaming “GOOOAAAALLLL!”
The 19-year-old defender harbors the spirit of self-discipline and an inexplicable love for the sport. Harnessing the power from the feeling of being made for something, she earned self-assurance through the countless hours invested toward becoming great.
Mimi and I caught up for some weeks between her practices to discuss her athletic come-up, the newly found spotlight on women’s sports, and her deserved faith in herself.
How did you first get into soccer?
I have two older sisters I look up to who play. I copied everything that they did. We would play soccer in my living room, which my mom hated, but that’s what we did in our free time. It was just soccer, soccer, soccer.
Since you’ve been playing your whole life, how has it been seeing the focus on women’s sports grow dramatically in recent years?
Honestly, it’s amazing. People are finally starting to recognize all the talent and hard work these women put in daily, giving up their lives for these sports. Then, being in the position I’m in right now, the future looks so much better every single day. The whole international and US teams are growing and getting stronger. I’m looking forward to that because I know I’m gonna grow so much as a person and player in the following years.
It’s going to open up so many more opportunities, especially in the US, for all these women who have dreamt of playing professional soccer, not having to worry about making sure that they make enough money playing the sport they love, and feeling the appreciation of everyone else around them for all the hard work they’ve done.
Do you have any pre-game regimes or superstitions?
I always make sure my hair and makeup are done and look good. I’m a firm believer in “look good, play good.” That’s my motto. I also always make a TikTok with this other girl on the team and it’s just, like, good vibes.
And how about once you’re on the field? What’s going through your head?
I think solely about what’s happening at that moment. If a player gets past me, I take it personally and ensure it won’t happen again. I’m like, “Yeah, I’m not letting this ball get in behind me,” or “I’m not letting this girl get in behind me.” I’m doing whatever I need to do. I don’t want to feel low when I’m playing. I want to be confident in myself and my abilities because I know I can perform at a high level. I’m ensuring my mentality is good and I’m ready for anything.
You’re deservingly very, very confident. How do you maintain that?
Relating your athletic progression to this issue’s theme, what does the concept of constantly being In Motion mean to you?
A lot of my identity is rooted in soccer. I’ve gotten where I am today because of my hard work and dedication. I know I’m capable, so I remind myself that nothing is too hard for me.
It means the future and what has led you to where you are today. For me, a lot of that has been hard work, dedication, and all the practices I didn’t want to go to. Just taking everything day by day, but knowing I have goals and I’m gonna do what I need to do to achieve them.
With two resplendent championship rings crystalizing Mimi’s success on her fingers, I anticipate this is only the beginning of the glimmering accomplishments that await her. Though we may falsely assume the fabric of greatness comes from destiny, the truest testament of triumph lies in the fable of threading the golden needle yourself.
FASHION DESIGNER Ericka Alvarado Ramos BEAUTY Erinlyn Tirado, Marisa Vercamen NAILS Jazmin Ashley TALENT Mimi Van Zanten PHOTOGRAPHERS Josh Owens, Ella Denny VIDEOGRAPHERS Cindy Lam, Ella Denny LAYOUT Clara Celedon
SHOOT DIRECTOR Ella Brignoni SHOOT ASSISTANTS Lauren Vives, Nicole Jarosak SHOOT STAFF
SOLACE
Brooke Durney, Emma Stanfield, Isabella Sugar, Leah Christie, Kassidy Saba
STYLISTS Isabel Choi, Dalton Lain STYLING TEAM Bella Puleo, Camille Marshall, Cassidy Millhouse, Kat Davis, Daniella Acosta BEAUTY Finn R. Ramilo, Marisa Vercamen NAILS Jazmin Ashley
Ripples of Resilience
WRITERS Daniela Mendoza, Victoria De Notaris
EDITORS Emily Montarroyos, Dani Hernandez, Lindsey Limbach
I once dreamt that I woke up being thrust into water. It was a sharp, frigid ocean that chilled me to my very core. I thrashed around in a panic, struggling to breathe, and every thought racing through my mind arrived at the same conclusion: this was the end of the line.
I drew in a breath, and rather than inhaling numbing blades, my lungs found air.
Young adulthood can feel similar to this plunge into unknown waters; you don’t feel prepared to embark on this ominous journey, and you may not even want to. Yet you must, as it’s the only way forward. When one finds themselves trapped in a current, one will never get anywhere until embracing it, allowing it to take you where you’re meant to go rather than struggling against these natural forces. Jealousies, fears, hopes, and pains of the past remain in the past as you unchain yourself from them to move forward.
Lord Byron discusses this in his poem, “On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year.” When faced with the desire to go into battle, he reflects on the love he received in his youth, and, during his thirtysixth and final year, it no longer feels like a necessity but like a fleeting memory that no longer serves him.
He relays his journey to maturity by embracing pain and solitude, emerging victorious.
Through this poem, Byron presents the idea of recognizing that our past shapes us into who we are, an integral concept for all of us amid young adulthood. Regardless of how difficult or painful it may be, letting go and facing your fears head-on is where true growth and serenity lie.
It’s tempting to cling to the safety of the past, to grasp at the familiar in hopes of feeling grounded again, but currents don’t flow backward. Moving forward requires acceptance—not of defeat, but of the unknown. Within that uncertainty is potential. You’re forced into something new, and as you learn to navigate these waters with intention, the panic subsides as your body remembers how to swim. Adulthood doesn’t signify loss of vitality or passion, but a shift in how we engage with life. Maturity isn’t about clinging to our past, it’s about embracing transformation. There’s comfort in knowing that you’ve found your place and those around you have too. You’re able to tackle demands that overwhelmed you once before. Through all the motion, you’ve finally reached a halt.
There’s a sense of serenity in this newfound solitude. You recall the journey that got you here, the people that have come and gone, the good days and the bad, and you use those experiences to move forward and shape who you want to be. As Byron said, if you regret your youth, why live? Being alone doesn’t equate to loneliness, and transformation doesn’t emerge from stagnation. Transformation is born from giving into the motion, surrendering to the current, and discovering your sense of self on the other side.
TALENT Brelan Ferrell, Brysen Bryant, Nicole Nielson, Noah Han, Maya Dreyfus PHOTOGRAPHERS Collin Chen, Samuel Valenti, Katrina Oro VIDEOGRAPHERS Ella Denny, RJ Banez, Sidney Mazza, Elli Aristegui LAYOUT Ashley de Cardenas, Chloe Evers
DESIGNS BY
IN MOTION
From birth, we are thrust into the chaotic movement of life, accelerating along a journey characterized by fluctuation. With a taste for fulfillment, we move through the world seeking answers. A sense of uncertainty and discomfort linger at a distance, but that does not hinder the possibility of serenity, it makes it more possible. As we encounter the inner turmoil associated with change and a plethora of decisions, every day is an experience of crucial
metamorphosis that allows us to transform ourselves into a better version of the person we were the day before. We’re gifted the privilege of learning about ourselves — understanding what will satisfy us by constructing our paths from scratch. We rely on life’s daily motion as a tool for progression in these paths, relationships, careers, and achievements, avoiding dormancy in a beautiful, perpetual adventure suited for growth and acceptance.
WRITER Lindsey Limbach
