Strike Magazine Boca Issue 08

Shot by Issue 08 Caitlyn Cano

The Imprints Issue Starring Emily Uribe

Issue 08

The Imprints Issue is about how we came to be the shape we are, how we are still being shaped, and how we shape life around us.

We see imprints from our ancestors, our lovers, our traumas, our past, our environment, and ourselves. Whether it’s a tattoo, something your grandparent made, a song that haunts you, a smell that lingers, a lesson that taught you, a heartbreak that shaped you, or muscle memory in your fingers. We all have imprints. And we all make them.

We’re all a reflection of others, a projection of others, and a connection to others.

Fall 2023

This magazine belongs to

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ontent 0 8

FASHION

Trend Watch 10 Copy and Paste 12 Creative Directors The Careful Curators Behind the Runway 18

CULTURE

Oh My God, Am I Becoming My Mother? 20 First Impressions Aren’t Sh*t... It’s Everything That Comes After That Matters 26 Interview with Emily Uribe 28 Sentimental Obsessions 34 First Love Theory 36 Embracing Impermanence Finding Beauty In Life’s Constant Changes 45 Interview with Sebas y Lenni 48

BEAUTY + WELLNESS

Achilles Heel 52

SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY

We’re Burning 64 Imprints from the Womb The First Nine Months 70 The Senses 72

STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sage Holaway CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alexa Belcuore EXTERNAL DIRECTOR Summer Stillufsen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSISTANT Ava Davison

Fashion & Beauty

FASHION DIRECTOR Ali Tarnowsky ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Antonia Mazza STYLING DIRECTOR Kennedy Carbert ASSISTANT STYLING DIRECTOR Dante Centofanti STYLISTS Alexa Michel, Ally Voshelle, Jordan Landreneau, Leah Goldstein, Emily Diaz, India Marshall, Amalia Lauricella, Corinthian King, Patrick Calmet BEAUTY DIRECTOR Ava Zimny KEY MAKEUP ARTISTS Donika Gayle, Sonnet Jacobs, Claire Coffey, Juanita Arango MERCHANDISE ASSISTANT Nicole Espinosa

Production

PRODUCTIONS DIRECTOR Caitlyn Cano PHOTOGRAPHERS Max Williams, John Acello, Caitlyn Cano, Sage Holaway, Nicole Bailey, Paul Leachman VIDEOGRAPHERS Harry Mussotte, Brennan Carmichael, Leandra Fisher, Nicole Bailey

Editorial

EDITORIAL DIRECTORS Bella Kubach CONTENT WRITERS Morgan Harms, Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret, Julia Melo, Gael Lynn Laguerre, Haley Dockendorff, Morgann Rhule, Anjali Kamath, Rameen Naviwala

Art And Design

ART DIRECTOR Sabrina Sylvester

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Patrick Calmet, Ava Davison, Yasmina Lowther, Bennie Haywood, Kaitlin Padron SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHIC DESIGNER Haley Dockendorff

Digital

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Alexa Belcuore DIGITAL ASSISTANTS Ally Voshelle, Courtney Erskine WEB DIRECTOR Morgann Rhule

External

MARKETING & FINANCE DIRECTOR Summer Stillufsen MERKETING ASSISTANTS Nicole Espinosa, Promise Mitchell, Isabella Mohammed, Elise Fuerter Levana Amador, Allison Todd SPOTIFY PLAYLIST CURATOR Sarah Snider

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elcome back to #STRIKETRENDWATCH Winter 2023, your #1 source for all things fashion. Here, we have curated a number of trends that are

single one of these, and now we’re sharing them with our readers. Here are

Strike-approved. Our members have participated and loved every

this Winter’s trends to keep you looking hot in the cold.

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Blokecore It’s time to beg your brothers, dads, and boyfriends for their soccer jerseys. The fútbol fan look is one that’s been prominent for several months now. However, it’s not just the jerseys that are the statement pieces. Trainers that are commonly used as “indoors” for soccer players when playing on turf are popular too. Time to buy yourselves a pair of Sambas or Onitsuka Tigers!

Mary Janes

Rosalía started the ‘Motomami’ trend in March of 2022, but we’re still feeling like Motomamis ourselves. The more beat-up they look, the better. Moto boots are usually knee-high boots with some sort of metallic element to them. Worn and torn leather has always been hot, and the grungier the boot, the better!

Queen Bey’s Chrome

We’re literally all just girls, and this trend proves it! Mary Janes are like platformed ballet flats with a strap across your foot. They look great with frilly socks and allow us to embrace our girlhood.

Mary Janes go perfectly with ribbons in your hair, stockings, a mini skirt, and a cardigan.

We can thank Queen Beyoncé for this one. The Virgo prompted fans to wear their most extravagant silver fashions to attend the “House of Renaissance,” an ode to drag houses in ball culture.

While it may have started as a trend for Renaissance concertgoers, chrome pieces of clothing have stayed as the essential look for date nights and club scenes.

Cherry Red Leather

All the Accessories

Cherry red leather has been super hot on the runways as of late, appearing in several brands. Paired best with a matching cherry red lippie, we hope this trend stays awhile. The vintage-inspired look had its spotlight on the runway many years ago and came back to dominate our handbags, dresses, and trench coats.

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Moto-boots

Combining multiple pieces of jewelry all at once is the new wave. We’re talking about wearing rings on all of our fingers, doubling up on belts, and a wrist full of arm candy. Almost taking a playful approach, chunky jewelry makes any basic outfit stand out from the rest.

The Year of the Maximalist Layering, bold colors, and funky prints are reminiscent of the ‘80s but without all of the perms.

As we mentioned last Trend Watch, colored stockings are still hot and probably led to the increase in bolder accessories in a once-minimalist society. These trends confirm the overall trend this year is maximalism. Even with the cleaner aesthetics, outfits are more exaggerated than ever.

Cobalt Blue Also known as an electric blue, this shade has been quite literally everywhere in the fashion world.

From tops, cargo pants, sneakers, and eyeshadow, this striking color demands everyone’s attention.

The probable reasoning? The shade looks flattering on every skin tone.

This is the shade of blue for winter 2023.

Ruffles & Tulle For the coquette girls out there, we’re looking at you. Layering your

favorite dress with a tulle petticoat is genius. Even threading some ribbon and lace through some tulle elevates you to be the prettiest ballerina in the coffee shop. It adds an extra flare to outfits, giving you the perfect doll look.

Cowboy Boots Country music fans were on this trend before any of us, and we all hopped on the bandwagon.

Cowboy boots go with almost everything, making them a staple for Gen-Z wardrobes. Dresses, low-rise jeans, and vests pair well with these. Whether you’re mechanical bull riding or having a picnic, cowboy boots are essential.

Embracing Your Wild Side In 2023, we didn’t ditch the animal prints just yet.

Flashy patterns are all the rage, and the bolder, the better! Ditch your black-and-white basics and get in touch with your wild side. Break out your cheetah fur coat the minute the temp drops 5 degrees, and sport a patterned mini purse to be even more extra— just credit Roberto Cavalli as you do it!

Trench Coats Want to be mysterious but can’t find a way to stop oversharing? Look no further. They say fake it until you make it, and what better way to look mysterious than wearing a trench coat? It’s not limited to the Burberry khaki trench, though.

They come in all shapes and colors, giving you the potential to look like the chicest spy out there.

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ritten By Emily

Fiorini-Casamayouret

ayout By Sabrina Sylvester

COPY & COPY & COPY 12

PASTE & PASTE & PASTE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN ACELLO, NICOLE BAILEY STYLING BY CORINTHIAN KING, DANTE CENToFaNTi, PATRICK CALMET ART & LAYOUT BY Bennie Haywood

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ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME. ITS ME.

Creative Directors The Careful Curator Behind the Runway

In the dazzling world of haute couture, the fashion industry often places glamorous models, stunning designs, and influential trendsetters in the spotlight. However, behind every successful fashion house is a creative genius, working to define the brand’s identity, setting its course, and giving the brand a distinct personality. The heart and soul of fashion is none other than its creative directors.

Creative directors’ passion and commitment keep the fashion industry alive and thriving. In charge of a brand’s fundamental concepts, they provide the resources that uphold a house’s aesthetic and traditions while being modern, innovative, and fresh. They translate original ideas into visually appealing designs, color palettes, and themes, setting the tone and atmosphere for each season, using clothing to construct a narrative, and connecting a vision to its audience.

Superstar creative directors have become synonymous with the brands they represent. For instance, J.W. Anderson, known for his eccentric and unexpected designs, has injected a sense of playfulness into Loewe. Matthieu Blazy has redefined modern luxury with his clean lines, moveable pieces, and commitment to sustainability at Bottega Veneta. MeanNevertheless, a wave of notable exits has lately passed through the while, at Schiaparelli, fashion industry. Prominent figures like Jeremy Scott bidding adieu Daniel Roseberry’s fusion to Moschino, Sarah Burton parting ways with Alexander McQueen, of contemporary art and and Ricardo Tisci exiting Burberry, to name just a few, have led to a surrealism has given birth surprisingly high turnover of creative directors within the industry. to whimsical designs and daring aesthetics. Their As an industry, fashion thrives on newness and originality, but designers ofvisionary approaches to ten experience burnout from the constant pressure to be consistently innodesign, tireless pursuit of vative. This fast-paced environment may be daunting, with several lines and innovation, and unwavevents each year. Fashion is highly competitive and prone to quickly shifting ering commitment to recustomer trends and expectations. The demand for creative directors to keep shaping their respective their companies lucrative and relevant is frequently enormous. The pursuit fashion houses have left of ever-increasing sales figures can lead to a challenging work environment. an indelible mark on the world of haute couture.

One spectacular directorleft a lasting impression on a powerful house in such a short time with the brand. Gucci’s Alessandro Michele’s time as the brand’s creative director has forever changed the fashion world. He was appointed in 2015 and helped the brand enter a new era, blending maximalist aesthetics with gender fluidity. His embrace of minimalist designs, characterized by bold colors, intricate patterns, and abundant accessories, has revived the aesthetic, making it a Gucci signature. He’s recruited celebrities like Harry Styles, Dakota Johnson, and Jared Leto to be the faces of the brand. However, in November 2022, Much speculation surrounds Michele’s departure from he released a statement announcing Gucci, a seemingly perfect match. Behind the glitterhis departure from the brand, which ing facade of a fashion house are complicated relahas since been taken over by Sabato tionships. The creative director orchestrates a symDe Sarno, who took Gucci in a comphony of originality, working with a diverse cast of pletely new direction. Debuting in the professionals, from buyers to CEOs and executives.

Fall/Winter ‘24 season in Milan, the show was rampant with minimalist designs, a new simplicity the brand had not seen in years. Unfortunately, Alessandro Michele’s maximalist presence on Gucci has been eliminated as minimalism has taken over the runway.

In the mix of a fashion house, brand executives play an indispensable role, their duties as diverse as they are essential to the brand’s evolution and prosperity. Their chief mission is to ensure that the clothing produced is marketable and attuned to the ever-changing tides of fashion. This, however, can often clash with the fervent desires of a creative director.

The clash between a fashion house’s creative director and brand executives emerges in these heated battles of creativity versus commerciality. While both roles are essential to the brand’s prosperity, they carry differing priorities and vantage points. Creative directors are driven by their artistic zeal and unwavering commitment to the Written by Morgann Rhule brand’s aesthetic. Meanwhile, brand executives are focused on the Layout by Antonia Mazza pursuit of profitability. The opposition of interests becomes especially apparent when the artistic vision of the creative director conflicts with the executives’ unwavering emphasis on financial success. On May 26, 2023, designer Rhuigi Villaseñor echoed a similar sentiment when he tweeted, “Always concentrate on what you possess and construct the world you aspire to create; never sacrifice your values or culture for anything.” Intriguingly, this tweet coincided with the announcement of his departure from the role of creative director at Bally. Harmonizing these divergent perspectives is an art form in Fashion doesn’t mirror culture; it shapes it. Brands itself, a delicate dance that demands a nuthat boldly embrace cultural shifts, inclusivity, and anced approach to achieve a balance between timely issues can attract and engage a broader, more innovation and financial viability, and balancdiverse consumer base. A powerful brand identity can ing these perspectives can be challenging. transcend mere fashion, ensuring the brand’s relevance for years, and is of the utmost importance for a fashion house. It ensures that consumers can easily recognize and remember the brand, whether by a signature logo, a particular color scheme, or a distinctive In the realm of high fashion, Miuccia Prada has design aesthetic. From product design to marketing masterfully cultivated two brands, Miu Miu and strategies and the customer experience, a brand with Prada, each boasting a distinct and unwavera resounding identity speaks with a single voice. This ing brand identity. Prada is renowned for its simple designs with clear lines and subtle elunified message resonates deeply with its audience. egance, but each piece still includes surprising and quirky details that give them a unique spin.

Sarah Burton demonstrated a profound admiration for Alexander McQueen’s design philosophy and legacy when she was named head of the brand. She understood McQueen’s unique style, dramatic aesthetics, and unconventional approach to fashion. She didn’t stray from these ideals but embraced and improved them, preserving the brand’s consistency.

Emerging designers have the remarkable ability to revitalize fashion houses, reshaping their identities and setting new ones. A prime example of this transformation occurred when a struggling fashion brand faced its demise and found a savior in a young designer.

Diesel, once synonymous with denim culture and rebellion, had difficulties maintaining relevance in the rapidly changing fashion landscape. Finding a way to resurge required an ambitious leader with a clear vision. Enter Glenn Martens, whose appointment as Creative Director at Diesel in 2021 marked a turning point for the brand. He demonstrated a solid understanding of the brand and brought sustainable, innovative ideas while combining streetwear and high fashion, steering Diesel toward a new era of relevance and originality.

Talented creative directors articulate a brand’s distinctive personality and establish a devoted following. Customers don’t only purchase clothing; they also buy into the narrative, aspiration, and way of life that the brand stands for. The capacity of a creative director to make this concept a reality might be the difference between a successful and a failing fashion company.

A creative director’s prowess is what propels the fashion industry forward. They are the guardians of a brand’s soul, the driving forces of its success, and the visionaries who continue to shape the world of fashion, season after season. The next time you admire a stunning fashion collection, remember to nod to the unsung heroes behind the scenes – the creative directors who make it all possible.

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? r e h t Mo

O h My G

od, Am I Becoming My

Dedicated to my beautiful mother, Amelia Hunt, who is my inspiration for this piece. Thank you

for everything you’ve done for me; I only wish to make you proud.

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hen I was a child, my mother would pile me and my siblings into our beaten-up Ford Expedition, dragging us all over town doing various errands. She always carried this big leather purse, which she would tuck conveniently behind the center console within arm’s length. As she drove around the big car, she would keep her eyes on the road and one hand on the wheel while reaching back with the other hand, flailing desperately to find the large leather purse. When she got it, she would rummage through the bag, digging and clattering around, until she found the lipstick, lighter, or the pair of sunglasses she was looking for.

Written by Haley Dockendorff Layout by Yasmina Lowther

Photography by Paul Leachman, Max Williams Styling by Alexa Michel, Corinthian King Makeup by Claire Coffey

I hated it.

It was one of those things my mother did that just got under my skin. I never understood why she didn’t ask one of us to get the item she was looking for or even pull the bag up to her lap so she could see it better.

Until one day, I caught myself doing the same exact thing. I was driving, eyes on the road and one hand on the wheel, frantically digging through the purse for something with the other hand. It was the same purse, too; I had taken it from her when I moved out, and it was still being used despite it being as old as myself. The realization hit me like a train–I was doing the same exact thing I had spent so much time hating.

As I glared at myself in the rear-

viewmirror, all the times I heard people tell me, “Gosh, you look just like your mother,” was ringing in my ears.

Of the three of my mother’s kids, I definitely resemble her most. I was granted the gift of her soft, round face, fair skin, and big “pond muck green” eyes. It was almost like all my DNA was hers; I looked nothing like my father’s daughter. He is tall with a long face, blue-gray eyes, and a thick, brown, curly head of hair. My mother had made her mark on me.

Everybody noticed my striking similarity to my mother: her friends we would run into at the grocery store, the locals that came into the restaurant I worked at and recognized my face, my family, and even my own friends. I’ll admit

it myself: I do look a lot like her.

Digging through old pictures of her as a young adult is uncanny.

Always hearing I looked like my mother put some pressure on me.

As much as I did look like her, I wanted people to recognize me as my own person. I love my mother; she is hardworking and caring and has sacrificed everything for us, but I don’t want to be my mother.I think this is something a lot of young adult girls struggle with. We love our mothers and mother figures, yet we see their mistakes and shortcomings and try our hardest not to repeat them. The tricky thing is that your mother (or mother figure) is the one who raises you. You will inevitably pick up some of her habits or behaviors unconsciously.

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As you grow, your mother is the one you learn everything from. You copy her moves and do what she tells you because

“mother knows best.”

But sometimes, mothers don’t know what’s best. I remember expressing my frustrations with some of my mother’s behaviors to my grandmother.

She told me something I will never forget: adults can be good examples, but sometimes, adults are examples of

what not to do.

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To this day, I carry her words around with me because what she said is wholeheartedly true. Experiencing a strained mother-daughter or parent-child relationship can put a lot of doubts and negative thoughts about yourself in your head. The fact that you see these negative actions as a bad thing and you want to break that cycle is a great start. Use their bad examples as motivation to be better. The generational trauma mothers and parents are likely experiencing and projecting onto their children can

end with you.

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“... you are your mother’s daughter, after all” Each generation has different sets of social rules, norms, and values.

Your grandmother experienced different standards than your mother, who had different standards than you. This ranges from how women are expected to act, work, dress, look, eat…anything goes.

For example, when my mom was a teenager, it was “the thing to have a tiny butt and skinny thighs, but when I was a teenager, it was desirable to have a big butt and thick thighs.

All the mothers of her generation couldn’t help but hold back their comments of “Are you sure you want to eat that? It’ll go straight to your thighs…” because that is what they grew up experiencing.

Your mom is likely going to pass on passive comments that your grandmother put in her head that your great-grandmother passed on, and the cycle continues. It takes strength to be the one to break down the toxic habits that have been passed on from each generation, and it can undoubted-

ly create tensions in your relationship with your parents.

When you’ve tried to work hard to break these habits, the words, “You sound like your mother,” is one of the scariest phrases a young woman can hear. And it’s not because we don’t love our mothers–but there are a lot of strained mother-daughter relationships out there. If you associate your mother’s behavior with aggression, hostility, or insecurity, having someone tell you that’s what you sound like is not taken lightly. You will likely hear someone tell you those words at some point down the road; you are your mother’s daughter, after all.

Our mothers provide us with things to admire in addition to the things we fear. They are our caregivers, our nurturers, the ones who literally give us life. Being a mother is a full-time job. Raising you took most of their lives, and many have come to accept that being a mother is a thankless job.

My mother is strong, beautiful, and

selfless. I can only hope to be as hardworking and thoughtful as her one day, despite the things she is that I don’t want to become. She has provided me with an excellent example of perseverance and independence, and I am so grateful she raised me to be the woman I am today. Even her mistakes and bad habits helped to shape me into the woman I am because now I can recognize it when I see myself making the same ones.

Many daughters out there can’t say the same thing about their mothers. I hope these girls realize the same thing I did when my grandmother gave me that advice: your future is up to you. Nothing can control it–not the way you were raised, not who raised you, not where–except for yourself. If you want things to change from how generations of mothers have raised your family, it is up to you.

Stay strong and keep the love in your heart. You will find your own way.

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First I Impressions

t is a truth universally acknowledged that any person in possession of high expectations desires to give forth a good first impression. That’s what Jane Austen said, right?

Aren’t Sh*t ...

It’s Everything That Comes After That Matters Written by Rameen Naviwala Layout by Kaitlin Padron

Since you were small and took in everything from the world like a sponge, your folks probably repeated over and over again, “Always make a good first impression.” After all, a good impression says everything about your character. If you show up late that first day, you are lazy and eternally leaning towards terrible time management, even if you show up ten minutes early every time after. Or if you act the slightest bit grumpy and catty, then clearly you are rude and spoiled, even if you are America’s sweetheart deep inside. And it goes both ways, too. If that first date you had is a bit quiet, clearly, they will be an emotionally distant partner. Or if that one professor was a little disheveled that first day of class, that evidently means the entire semester will be rough sailing.

Therefore, that initial encounter says everything about you. Our parents loved to instill in us the importance of a first impression. And we took it to heart. We are the generation that took the young and impressionable concept of social media and curated it to how we would like to present ourselves to the world. Suddenly, leaving a good first impression has taken on an even more significant meaning. We filter who we are online so anyone who looks us up sees the very tailored image that we made to give the best version of ourselves. Even colleges and jobs look at your social media nowadays to gain some concept of who you are. Now more than ever, it’s become a point of anxiety and stress as we obsess over how we appear to people, especially during that pivotal first time.

Despite that, the overlooked truth is this: first impressions do not mean absolute sh*t. Sorry folks, your parents severely overestimated the importance of giving a good first impression. They also underestimated another fact: while first impressions aren’t sh*t, it’s how you hold yourself every time after that matters.

Once upon a time, I met this girl.

The first time we talked, we immediately hit it off. Something just clicked between us, and we were talking for hours. But every time afterward, it started to get tense. She was less and less friendly each time and edging dangerously close to judgmental territory. But I still hung out with her because of that fantastic first impression. Looking back, how dumb was that? Despite the initial interaction, I didn’t enjoy her company or had any wish to be her friend. I suddenly came to a startling realization– could my parents be wrong? That a first impression doesn’t say who you are as a person?

During the same year, I met a different girl. Now, the first time I spoke to this girl, she barely replied. After a mutual friend bailed on us, we hung out again. If I had to give a grade on that initial interaction, I would give her a solid D. She barely spoke or replied to any questions I had and often moved on to something else while I was talking. I didn’t leave much of an impression either; I kept talking too fast and looking for a quick exit in front of her. I don’t know how it happened, but we kept hanging out through mutual friends and quickly became close. I even learned what went wrong that first day: she was feeling unwell, and since English was her second language, my quickpaced American accent left her confused whenever I asked a question. Combined with my eas-

ily spooked nerves, it made for an awkward first encounter. But every time after, it was smooth sailing as we became more comfortable. That girl is still one of my favorite people in the world.

I realized two things: I am terrible at reading people, and an awkward first encounter doesn’t say anything about who you are.

I have plenty more examples — dates that started amazingly and went terribly the next few times we met; professors who gave a great first lesson but are kind of terrible teachers when syllabus week is over; friends, who I thought were a godsend the first time I met them, and later realized they’re closer to toxic waste. And it’s the same for terrible first impressions, too.

Consequently, you can be late that first day, but if you arrive ten minutes early every day after, that’s what matters. One instance doesn’t say what kind of person you are, just like the first glance of someone else doesn’t define their true self. How you hold yourself every time afterward, that’s the real test of character. Focus on how someone treated you every time after, not only during that initial encounter, because that shows who they are. First impressions – they’re worth as much as those flattened pennies you get at zoos.

With that being the case, why the hell do we put ourselves through the anxiety of making the best first impression possible? Does one lousy day really destroy us for eternity? But it’s not just how we portray ourselves face-toface. We all work so hard to show the best possible version of ourselves on social media—the vision of ourselves that is carefully curated and as accurate as using a book to measure salt. A good chunk of my

time on social media is spent fixated on how I look in a picture, looking for approval from all of my friends, and hesitantly posting it– followed by deleting it a week later after I spent an hour day looking at it, deciding my hair looks like a bird’s nest, and my eyes seem to be going crosseyed.

So much of our time goes towards analyzing how we appear to other people, putting all that energy into giving the perfect first impression. And all that anxiety that comes with it, well, it just follows us everywhere. But it just makes no sense! As much as we, and every generation before us, love to emphasize the notion of portraying the best version of ourselves during that pivotal first encounter, it means nothing in the long run. So why should we kill ourselves trying to make ourselves seem perfect on that first day? Why are we devastated when we give a less-than-perfect first impression? Why do we automatically believe how someone portrays themselves that first meeting says everything about their character? People are complicated; they have good and bad days, and neither one day ultimately defines them, just like one first impression doesn’t define you.

Despite all of that, I’m not saying that you should go around acting like you’re having your worst day ever. Merely take a step back; don’t go into a full-on panic mode if you mess up. And you can’t rely on a first impression to understand who someone is. An initial encounter cannot describe anyone’s true character, so a bad or good one isn’t worth much. A first impression doesn’t mean sh*t, but how someone acts every time afterward, that says everything.

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Emily Uribe Written by Sage Holaway and Bella Kubach Art and Layout by Sabrina Sylvester

S

trike was eager to connect with the talented and creative Emily Uribe who’s been lighting up the entertainment industry. Uribe is much more than an actress; she’s a symbol of empowerment and representation. A daughter to two Mexican immigrants, she’s making big strides to show everyone that no matter where you come from, you can make a name for yourself. Follow along as we delve into the life and mindset of Emily Uribe, a refreshing face in entertainment and social media who not only captivates audiences with her talent but also uses her platform to make a positive impact on society.

Tell us about what you have coming up – we know you’ve been working on a lot. What can we expect?

I’m working on a lot both personally and career-wise. I’m really excited to dip my foot into television and streaming with my involvement in the NBCUniversal Creator Accelerator program.

That has been something I’ve shared with my audience and it is so exciting to see people be excited for the program to grow. In my personal life, I’m experiencing a lot of reflection and positive self-talk, and as a first-generation daughter to immigrant parents, that’s something I’ve always strived to continually work on.

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When not working on that, we notice you’re popular on social media and creating content - how did you first become interested in social media and content creation?

I decided to start posting on social media more during the pandemic.

But before that, I ran a short-lived makeup page on Instagram that helped me get clientele in my hometown. I used to do quinceañera, weddings, proms, etc. It was so much fun, but I was also in college so I had to balance my time. However, during the pandemic I was posting mainly for fun and to share my favorite things in pop culture at the time. As I transitioned my style of content-creating, I leaned more into comedy, and that was the way I started growing my page. When my following first started growing, I was working two retail jobs and also going to LA every weekend for any opportunity.

I noticed people really started to root for me going to events and being Mexican-American; it was so awesome to see.

What is the primary message or theme you aim to convey through your work in the film industry and in creating content?

I want to show

people that this can happen to anyone and show that through hard work it can be done. It’s been so eye-opening to meet new people, and tell them about my experiences as a first-generation Mexican-American, and have them relate. But, I also want to express that I want to do several things in my career and many involve flip-flopping between business and entertainment. As I grow into what I want to become, which is a working actress, I have to show respect, and give flowers to those who came before me.

As someone with a multifaceted career, what is your favorite area to work in?

Acting. It’s the best feeling ever to not be yourself for a couple of hours.

No matter the budget of a project, whether it’s a student film, or a union project, it’s wonderful to be a part of something outside of your personal life.

As a student-run magazine, our readers are often interested in pursuing a career in fashion and lifestyle. What tips would you offer to someone looking to enter the world of social media influencing?

My first tip would be to take a business course, so that way you can jump into other areas without being clueless over the business aspects.

You also have to love what you do, and if you find yourself start-

ing to feel like it’s work to do your job, it’s not for you. Entertainment is an incredible business but also incredibly hard on the spirit and mind.

What are your goals and aspirations for the future, both in terms of your creative endeavors and influencing?

I would really love to give back to the community in my hometown of Salinas, California. It is so important now for me to show people that this career can be achieved, even from a small town like Salinas. I also have goals of starring in movies and TV shows, all in due time of course.

With social media, it’s both a deterrent and a motivator. And, it can be a whirlwind, but if you have the right support system, it can feel like another day on the job.

Lastly, our Issue 08 theme and title is “Imprints”. What imprints you? What is an “imprint” you wish to leave on others?

I hope to leave the imprint that no matter where you’re from, you can achieve anything you dream of. Anything you say can manifest and become true, so watch your mouth!

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PHOTOGRAPHY by Caitlyn Cano STYLING by Antonia Mazza, Dante Centofanti, Kennedy Carbert HAIR & MAKEUP by Ava Zimny, Juanita Arango

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Sentimental

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Obsessions Written by Anjali Kamath Layout by Yasmina Lowther

n a world where diamonds are forever, and smartphones are short-lived, there exists a distinct phenomenon: the sentimental attachment to objects. It’s that inexplicable fondness we have for the chipped coffee mug that’s seen us through countless early mornings or the worn-out childhood toy that’s weathered more adventures than most of us. Women wear necklaces that were once their grandmothers’; mothers carry around their sons’ Lego toys when they travel for work; boyfriends carry around notes written by their girlfriends. But what makes all these items so special? Why do we attach so much sentiment to these things? These objects, seemingly ordinary to everyone else, hold a secret power: they’re vessels of memories, keepers of emotions, and witnesses to the chapters of our lives.

I have been accused of being a sentimental hoarder. To me, little things like birthday cards, movie ticket stubs, and dried flowers are not just random objects; they’re love letters sealed with memories and good vibes. They serve as my very own scrapbook of life’s greatest moments. They’re like time-traveling tokens, taking me back to moments of pure, unfiltered joy.

Jewelry carries diverse symbolic connotations across various cultures. Within a given culture, fine jewelry can symbolize wealth and status, or it may hold profound religious and spiritual significance. Throughout history, jewelry has stood as an emblem of social standing and prosperity, a tradition that endures in contemporary times. In Indian culture, jewelry holds significant symbolic importance, particularly in the context of weddings. These jewelry pieces carry ethnic and spiritual meanings. When a bride wears these pieces, it symbolizes her integration into her husband’s extended family. Indian culture places great emphasis on the intricacies of bridal jewelry. The greater the intricacy of these ornaments, the more prominent their role in the family’s heritage and the jewelry’s significance. Because of this, you will often see Indian brides with heavy and intricate jewelry sets.

Every piece of jewelry I own carries a story, a connection, or a piece of someone’s heart. Each pendant, ring, and bracelet is a tangible reminder of the love and thoughtfulness that has been given to me. I wear a ring on my index finger, which was given to my mom by my grandfather, and a necklace with an angel pendant that was given to me in my childhood by my uncle.

My earrings of choice have always been a pair of pearls that were given to me by my aunt for Christmas. These pieces aren’t just accessories; they’re precious keepsakes, each telling a unique tale of the relationships that have shaped my life. They’re a daily reminder that I am surrounded by a network of people who care deeply for me, and that, in itself, is a priceless treasure.

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I first received my ring in March 2019 from my mother. In Indian culture, astrology recommends gemstones to wear that can benefit your life. When my mother was 19, an astrologer told her to wear a yellow sapphire on a gold band around her right index finger. Upon hearing this news, my grandfather took my mom to the store and helped her pick out a ring that was to her liking. As my mother grew older, she opted to get another ring, this time with a more intricate design

and a bigger gem. The ring that she once wore was now kept in a safe at the bank. Thirty years later, when I turned 18, I became curious about this ring. When I asked my mother if I could wear it, she turned to an astrologer, who then told her it was safe for me to wear. Once assured, my mother and I sought guidance from a priest to determine the auspicious day for me to officially start wearing the ring.

I know this may sound crazy to some people, but ever since I started wearing this ring, my life has taken a turn for the better. I became more focused on bettering myself in every aspect of life. My academics and career started to soar, my self-confidence catapulted, and my dedication and commitment to myself skyrocketed. This drastic change in myself led me to develop a strong attachment to this ring; it is no longer considered an embellishment to me. Instead, I view it as a part of who I am. I tend to look at the ring and think of my grandfather, someone who I am very close with. Although my grandfather is on the other side of the world, I believe that a piece of him was kept in this piece of jewelry when he bought it for my mother.

I have other jewelry pieces that I hold dear to my heart as well. In my childhood, my uncle gifted me an angel pendant that I still wear on my neck to this day. Although this may seem like any ordinary gift, it means so much to me. Every time I touch or look at the pendant, I think about how my uncle sent a guardian angel over to look after me. The necklace symbolizes protection and shielding.

Every time I look at these pieces, I think about all the people who love me, and it makes me feel less alone. This jewelry has impacted my daily life, and oftentimes, keeps me going. It brings me a sense of comfort as the pieces serve as anchors in my life. When I wear these treasures, I feel an immediate connection to my loved ones, a tangible link to those who have shaped and impacted my life.

These sentimental obsessions are unique because they simply cannot be replaced. If a friend were to borrow my ring (not that I would ever let them) and lose it, my world would be crushed. Even if my friend offered to replace it with a more beautiful ring, it would never be on par with my previous ring. The sentiment was more than a material offering; it was a whisper from the past, a reminder that love and support transcended the boundaries of time and space. We gather these items not because we’re hoarders but because each item is a ticket to a memory, a capsule to a moment that touched our hearts. They’re the tangible proof that life is a series of beautiful snapshots.

Isn’t it amazing that inanimate objects like jewelry can have a more thrilling backstory than most of us? That objects/jewelry had a history and a life before it fell into your lap? These objects conceal their pasts until you uncover their hidden secrets. It’s precisely this element of surprise, this unearthing of history, that makes them so special. They’re like time travelers who keep stories hidden beneath them.

The overarching reason as to why we hold onto these things is ultimately because of nostalgia. Nostalgia often stems from emotionally significant experiences. Memories associated with positive emotions, such as joy, comfort, or love, are more likely to be recalled and cherished. Nostalgia helps individuals construct a sense of identity and continuity across time. Reflecting on past experiences and the people we used to be provides a framework for understanding who we are today.

Sentimental obsessions aren’t mere possessions; they’re windows into our pasts and glimpses into the hearts of our dear ones. For instance, my ring not only serves as a keepsake of my grandfather and mother but also stands as a testament to my commitment to myself. Let us embrace these items, these catalysts of nostalgia, and these historic artifacts of our journey called life. Because in the end, it’s not just about the objects themselves; it’s about how they make us who we are – complex, emotional, and absolutely fabulous.

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FIRST LOVE THEORY Written by Morgan Harms Art and Layout by Kaitlin Padr0n

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You simply can’t get enough, and they feel the same way.

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his is a story about the first time you fell in love. A tale of the habits, lessons, and feelings that were learned and the marks you were left with when it came to an end. These marks, whether good or bad, are inescapable. They will follow you through friendships, relationships, and for the rest of your life.

Maybe you saw them in the hallway back in high school, and their smile was love at first sight.

They could’ve been a friend, and one day, it turned into something more. Maybe it was a work flirt, even the person sitting across from you at the bar. It doesn’t matter how you met them, either way you fell. And you fell hard. The chemistry was undeniable; it was like getting in a car with no brakes, racing toward an unknown destination, praying you wouldn’t crash.

When Kesha said, “Your love is my drug,” she wasn’t kidding. The hormones released by initial attraction can literally give you a high, a sense of euphoria that really any drug fails to match. Chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline are released into the brain, a feeling that causes you to become addicted to the person making you feel this way. You simply can’t get enough, and they feel the same way. You can’t leave each other alone, and soon enough, you spend a lot of time with them.

The more time spent together, the more the chemicals released in your brain start to shift. This is when oxytocin floods in, otherwise known as the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin is associated with building trust and relationships. It’s not as much of a high anymore, it’s an attachment. With them, you feel safe and comfortable, all warm and fuzzy inside.Your crush turned into feelings, and those feelings became love. But you’ve never felt this way before. This is all new, which makes it that much more exciting, that much more addicting.

This feeling you’ve discovered consumes you;

it drowns you completely. You start to crave their presence, their laugh, their voice, the energy they radiate. You find yourself smiling so much more around them; their existence excites you. You start to notice the small things about them that no one else would. The way they tie their shoes or talk when they’re happy. The way they sing that one song or the way they touch their hair when they’re nervous.

You liked how they watched the sunset and waited for the stars. These tiny pieces of their personality start to fit together like a puzzle that is them, and each of these tiny pieces makes you fall in love even more.

It’s been a little while now. You found yourself acquiring their habits, and they were picking up yours.

Soon, you couldn’t even remember doing those things another way. You started speaking in their language; words, and phrases only they used. You had your own way of communicating; you didn’t even need to speak to understand what the other was saying. For some reason, now you couldn’t watch TV without the captions, and every time you pumped your gas, you had to shake it to get the extra couple of drops. You have to have dessert right after dinner because they did too. You picked up hobbies together, and you absolutely sucked at some of them. You started listening to the same music, some of them artists and genres you’d never even liked before. You rolled the windows down in your car because they made you appreciate the fresh air.

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t was more than acquired habits and new feelings; you learned lessons too. After the first couple of fights, you learned when to back down and when to hold your ground. You learned the things that made them angry, sad, and happy. You started to sense when to listen and when to speak. You not only learned your own feelings, but you learned theirs too. You soon understood them almost as much or maybe even more than you understood yourself.

You learned fun little stuff with them too. You got way too drunk together and learned how to slow down. You got scammed by that one Airbnb when you tried to take a trip together, and when you ended up at a sh*tty motel, you laughed about it for hours. They gave you advice on how to quit that horrible minimum-wage job and helped you find another. The day you got your new puppy, it was like you became parents, it was their child as much as it was yours. You started talking about a future, how you’d travel the world, and where you would get married. Where you would raise your children, how many you’d have, and what their names would be. You talked about growing old together.

You were young, and you could say you were just talking about it for fun, but you secretly meant every word of it.

You were growing up and becoming the people you are now, but you were doing it together.

One bitter day, your time together came to an end.

Whether it was the distance, dishonesty, lack of communication, or a split in your paths, you felt shattered, like a piece of you was missing. At first, you refused to believe that your reality had shifted so vastly in the wake of the two words “It's over.”

But then came a pain that was so unfathomable: a gunshot to the heart that wouldn’t heal, wouldn’t stop oozing blood. Your eyes were swollen from the tears, and trying to get a breath in between sobs felt like an Olympic sport. You thought a drink or two would take your mind off things; maybe being surrounded by the loud crowd at the bar would keep your sorrows down, but instead, you found yourself hunched over the toilet, weeping in the dirty bathroom stall. You felt so low, a bottom that was rock to the touch. And when you got out of that Uber and walked through your door, you felt no further comfort because that was not your home; it was just where you slept. Your home was in a person who you could no longer call, a door that was locked shut and your key was missing. You were empty; you were lost. Homeless, you may say.

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Your brain and your heart were in constant quarrel because one day, the words “I hate you” and “f*ck you” never seemed so fitting, and you meant them with every piece of your being. You wanted to leave them the nastiest, most hurtful message you could imagine. You wanted them to understand your hurt, to feel it exactly the way you did. But the next day, you loved them so desperately, and all you wanted to do was tell them how much you missed them, how you knew you could make this work, how much you needed them back. You truly never got over it, and maybe you never will. But your hatred came to a simmer; the stabbing pain slowly became a dull ache. An open wound that one day scabbed over, healing eventually, yet leaving a forever scar.

On a rare occasion, you found yourself genuinely hoping they were happy. You started to find fulfillment in other things, but it still felt like something was missing. You began to move on, at least somewhat. But still, every now and then, a yearning for them would take over. You wanted to call and tell them about your day, and you wanted to hear all about theirs. Your desire to drive to their house, walk inside and squeeze the sh*t out of them was loud, like a scream. But you didn’t, you couldn’t.

Although you were able to move past it, you still just couldn’t fully shake this person. Maybe they’re not physically involved in your life, but somehow, their shadow is still there, stalking what seems to be your every move. You can sense them in the things you do, say, and feel. This is the theory of your first love. A theory that explains why, even though you have no contact with them, they don’t leave you alone. An answer as to why the mere thought of them is so consuming and why you keep finding ways to fit them into your conversations, associate them with every love song you hear, and compare them to every potential partner thereafter.

You can’t forget them because your first love leaves a physical imprint on your brain. Most people fall in love for the first time at a young age, many in their teenage years. Your brain is different in adolescence; your memory is enhanced, making the experience of falling in love lucid in your mind. Memories during your younger years leave emotional marks on your brain while it’s still developing, thus literally imprinting it with the feelings you had while being in love for the first time. And when you hear that one song that was yours, get a whiff of that scent they wore, stop into that one bagel shop you used to frequent, or take a sip of that drink they liked, these vivid memories are provoked, catapulting you into the intense feelings you had.

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Because you felt so strongly about this person, you will likely search for something similar in your following relationships. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it doesn’t mean you’re still in love with them or that you’ll never accept someone else. While being in a relationship with your first love, a road map is created for future relationships.

You learn what you do and don’t like. Because of this relationship, you learned a lot about what you are looking for in a partner and how you want to be treated. This can make you hold higher standards for other relationships and lead you to hold even deeper and more meaningful connections.

The connection you share will never truly be lost. You will always love them. It may no longer be an infatuation, but they will forever have a home in the back of your mind.

Although they hold this place, it does not mean there is no room for someone else to find asylum within you.

Photography by Max Williams Styling by Emily Diaz, Jordan Landreneau Hair & Makeup by Ava Zimny, Sonnet Jacobs

You are capable of having these feelings once more. You may find something greater, a spark that ignites between you and another. You may never find anything like it ever again. That spark may suffocate in the ocean that is you and them. Although it sounds pessimistic, you could very well continue to desire for the rest of your life that you find your way back to where you feel your heart belongs. For this, there is no better answer than to believe that what is meant to be will be, and if your souls belong together, they will one day find their way back to one another. If it’s destined, old flames can warm each other once again.

Your first love is a passion-fueled, gut-wrenching, spiritually-firing, life-changing experience brimming with the most extraordinary emotions a human can feel. Don’t hate it for the pain it may have caused you and the marks it has left you; be grateful for the privilege to have feelings so deep, so complex, so intense, and so raw.

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EMBRACING IMPERMANENCE: Finding Beauty in Life’s Constant Changes

Written by Julia Melo Art & Layout by Patrick Calmet

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e carry the scars of our past wherever we go. Our shadows are always behind us, serving as a reminder of our evolution. In the wise words of Marty Rubin, “Impermanence is the only permanent thing in the universe.” These words capture the essence of a fundamental truth—permanence is a fading concept. Making and losing friends, moving, experiencing breakups, and regretting past decisions are all normal in life. They show us that nothing is truly permanent, not even your sh*tty tattoo that was once cool in 2016. Besides, what does permanence even mean, and how long does it last?

The concept of permanence vs. impermanence is directly reflected in how society sees tattoos. Body art has a diverse history that spans thousands of years. From the times of the ancient Egyptians to our modern-day beauty standards, they represent lasting commitment. In the past, people mused over the significance of their chosen tattoos, including how they might age over time and how they would be perceived in the context of future life events, such as marriage. Now, our culture's demand for instant gratification often leads us to make hasty decisions about our tattoo choices. A Friday the 13th flash sale results in a crowd of 30 folks all sporting the same moon tattoos. And the reason for it? Boredom.

Advancements in tattoo removal technology have blurred the line between permanence and change. What was once considered “forever” can now be modified or reversed with the swipe of a laser. This has become vastly more accessible and a safe backup plan for many tattoo owners. The one thing our elders warned us we would be stuck with forever no longer holds the same permanence. This is excellent news for those of you who may have impulsively, and maybe drunkenly, ended up with your ex’s name tattooed on you.

The idea of permanence in relationships, such as marriages, has also experienced a major shift.

In the past, marriage was considered an unbreakable, lifelong commitment. It was not just a legal contract but a sacred vow that bound two individuals for life. Divorce was often stigmatized, and only extreme circumstances could justify it. The idea was that marriage should last no matter what.

Fast forward to today, divorce is no longer seen as taboo. It appears society’s focus is on individual happiness and well-being rather than protecting tradition. Divorce has become more acceptable when things don't go as planned. This shift in how we view relationships, much like our changing attitudes toward tattoos, reflects the evolving values of our generation. While the past consisted of unwavering traditions, today, we navigate a world where impermanence is recognized and celebrated.

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This acceptance of change has brought about substantial evolutions in today’s society. It’s not just a matter of what’s etched on our skin or the status of our relationships; the very notion of permanence and stability has shifted. The desire to move around and explore one’s options has gained popularity over the years. With the help of social media and remote working—it has become more common for people, in all stages, to intentionally uproot their lives in search of new experiences. To think, all it took was a worldwide pandemic for this to happen.

Whether you’re in college or just starting out in the real world, the concept of impermanence is prevalent. Many of us often find ourselves leaving the familiar comfort of home, adapting to new surroundings, and facing the uncertainties of adulthood. As someone who spent her formative years moving around, I’ve come to appreciate the complexities of change firsthand. Permanence hasn’t been a reality for me as far as location goes, and I’ll be the first to admit that transitions can be incredibly lonely and uncomfortable. You try to grasp onto a sense of control and stability, but it often feels like sand slipping through your fingers. Nothing seems to bend to your will.

Our society’s response to life changes is often wrapped in anxiety. However, these moments of uncertainty have the power to teach us invaluable lessons about duality and personal growth. They remind us that life’s journey is as much about

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embracing impermanence as it is about seeking steadiness.

There is a sweetness that comes from the idea of forever, but it’s just as important to remember that impermanence can be exciting. It’s a time of transformation; possibilities and unforeseen adventures await you if you choose to look for it.

Whether you thrive on constant change or have a special attachment to your comfort zone— you know progression is the natural way of life. We aren’t made to stay still, and nothing is meant to last forever. Winter will come, but so will summer. The leaves will dry up in the fall, but they will grow and be reborn again in the spring. You might grow up hating sushi, declaring you will never eat such a disgusting food.

Until one day, you’re in your twenties, and sushi is all that you crave on a weekly basis. Animals and people alike will grow up, grow old, and one day come to pass. A new generation will take over, and this cycle will repeat again and again.

While the idea of permanence is important, so is the acceptance of change. Whether it’s altering a tattoo, rethinking life choices, a worldwide pandemic, or packing up and moving, change is a testament to human nature and our ability to evolve. Thanks to impermanence, anything is possible, and if viewed in a positive light, this can bring us hope when life feels stagnant, repetitive, or dull. And as Billy Joel once sang, “Slow down, you’re doing fine.” You won’t be in this stage forever, so enjoy the present moment and thank the lucky stars above for impermanence!

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AN INTERVIEW w/

SEBAS (20) Y LENNI (19) WRITTEN BY EMILY FIORINI-CASAMAYOURET LAYOUT BY BENNIE HAYWOOD

As I waited to join the Zoom meeting (we opted for virtual to accommodate our busy schedules), I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve never interviewed artists before, especially Latino artists. When I was let into the meeting room, warm smiles from both Sebas and Lenni greeted me. Despite all of us only seeing each other through computer screens, they were emitting good vibes the entire interview.

Sebas, 20, and Lenni, 19, are two passionate musicians on the road to obtaining international success while still maintaining their humility. Born in Venezuela and raised in South Florida, I got to know your new favorite Latin music duo. Meet the effortlessly cool Sebas & Lenni.

1. How did you two meet?

Lenni: One day in 2020, I moved from Miami to Boca Raton and I had to take the SAT, we both did.

When I entered the empty test room, the teacher told me I could sit in front of Sebas before we knew each other. I had my headphones on, listening to music when Sebas asked me if I make music. I told him yes, and that I was listening to my first single. I found out that he made music too, and we had a whole conversation about it. After that, we got each other’s numbers and went to the gym together, and that’s how our friendship started.

2. What made you two decide to pursue a music career?

Sebas: At the time, I was making music by myself. I played soccer for like 11 years, but in 2019, I broke my ankle. I’ve always loved music, so I started doing music engineering using Pro Tools to make my songs. When we met in 2020, I had 3 songs, but I didn’t know anyone in the industry except for one engineer. Only this year did I drop another song by myself. But Lenni has years of experience in music. The only thing that we do besides singing and songwriting is engineering. I’ve been doing that for three years now. I go to La Jardin, a studio in Miami. I get to work alongside big producers in Latin music.

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A 3. What are some things that inspire you to write?

Sebas: Our lifestyle, everything that has happened, everything that’s going on at the moment. Past relationships, current friendships, it all inspires us. I think that for us, it’s important to write about true events, so it’s something people can relate to.

Lenni: We never rush our creativity process. We ask ourselves questions like “Do we like the rhythm,” or “Do we feel the music?” And if we both feel the music, that’s when we’re like “Okay, let’s do it, let’s make something happen.”

4. How would you describe your music?

Sebas: We don’t have a specific genre that we stick to. We want to be as versatile as possible. However, we do want a lot more of a techno/ house sound in the majority of our songs. I say the majority because I know that sometimes we want to do trap or reggaeton. Queremos tener un sonido unico (We want to have a unique sound.) We also want to mix genres, like reggaton, trap, house, and R&B into each other to create a brand new sound.

5. What are some of the hardships youve faced in the music industry?

Sebas: Nothing necessarily bad has happened to us in the music industry as of right now, but I have to agree with Lenni. Not seeing our family to us is our hardship. Since both of us are always so busy, it’s hard to make the time to see our loved ones. We would see them one day every couple months sometimes. We don’t feel like we’re a part of the family like we were before. For example. Lenni is in Miami, and when we work on music, I’m also there four or five days out of the week. I don’t see my parents or my sibling as often anymore. When we refer to family, we’re talking about those in Venezuela too. I’ve been here for years now, and I don’t have the opportunity to visit Venezuela just yet. It’s sad, but I had to get used to not seeing my family that lives in Venezuela. For Venezuelan’s we have to work twice as hard to overcome a hardship that might be easier for people who’ve come from a different country.

We’ve been through so much being there, and we came here with nothing. To do that and succeed as a Venuezuelan is something that, unless your from there, you won’t really understand. It’s because of their economic and humanitarian crisises that we came here. There was lots of corruption and poverty, and it still continues today. We contniue to put in twice the amount of effort so we can be able to send funds over to our families there. Especially since Venezuelans are seen in a bad light, but all we want to do is to be a good representation of who Venezuelans really are.

6. What are some of the ways youve overcome these hardships?

Sebas: We’ve been dealing with the hardships of Venezuela and coming here since we were about 13 or 14 years old, we were kids. We had to deal with moving away from our home, learning a new language, and adjusting to a new culture, we basically started from zero. It was very difficult to learn English for me. I would be in the bathroom crying because I just wanted to understand, but it didn’t come easy to me. Thankfully, I did learn English, and I adapted to life here in Miami. I think that as time passes, you’re going to face hardships, but you have to find your way to overcome them. We’re just trying to be better versions of ourselves than we were yesterday.

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7. What are your strengths & weaknesses as artists?

Lenni: Our biggest strength has to be our creativity and our potential to be great. We are both also very consistent with our craft, and I think that’s why we’re here today. For example, in December of 2022, we got together every single day to work on a new song. A song per day almost. We ended up making approximately 47 songs without stopping during that period of time. We’d stay up until like three a.m. every day. There came a moment where we would split the songs up evenly, 20 for me, and 20 for Sebas. We would rate the songs from 1 to 10, and then we realized that the songs couldn’t be split between us to be solo songs. Sebas is a nice compliment. Since we realized that, and the fact that there aren’t enough young duos. So we decided to stick together to make music.

8. What do you think about the growing popularity of Latin music among non-Spanish speakers?

Sebas: Our time finally arrived. There’s no better time to be a Latino artist than right now. I’ve always known how vast the industry is, but I didn’t realize how many doors it could open. In the age of Bad Bunny, Peso Pluma, and Rauw Alejandro making such big waves in the industry and for it to captivate a multicultural audience is crazy. What makes Latin music different than others is that you don’t have to understand everything the artist is saying; as long as you feel the rhythm.

9. What "imprints" you two?

Sebas: My family. While they aren’t musicians, I learned a lot about music. I took a lot of inspiration from the music they used to listen to, such as rock Latino, or salsa. Because of them, I feel the way I do about music. And of course, where we came from.

Lenni: What imprints me is the both of us, honestly. We both have supported each other through thick and thin. We don’t only make music for others, but for ourselves as well. Without our hard work, we wouldn’t be here, getting our first interview for this magazine. This is a nice moment for the story of Sebas & Lenni.

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10. What else can we expect from you guys in the future?

Sebas: I think that in the future when we’ve had more success, we don’t want people to see us as “big,” but as equals. I don’t think it matters where we are in our career to start showing humility and to show love to our fans who have supported us. We just want to leave behind good vibes after people have interacted with us. Being down to earth is the most important of all.

11. What else can we expect from you guys in the future?

Sebas: We have a lot of exciting stuff coming in the following months, we have planned a rollout until next summer. We have an EP coming out early next year, so you can stay tuned for that.

Sebas and Lenni’s story is one that inspires, demonstrates the work ethic of Latinos, and emphasizes the importance of family and friends. You never know which one could be your business partner after all. Sebas & Lenni will be on Strike’s radar, and in your playlists soon.

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ACHI

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e have all undoubtedly heard of the term “Achilles Heel.” It is constantly used to describe an accomplished person’s weakness, a direct link to the fable of the Greek war hero Achilles, who was described as “semi-divine” or “invincible.”

His arrogance and stature led him to believe he was invulnerable, only to find out later he, in fact, was.

It was nothing but a small weak spot upon the back of his ankle, which had been struck with an arrow, that led to his untimely demise.

The story has countless versions, yet all share the same single lesson. Even those we believe to be the closest to the definition

of perfection have a weakness.

Perfectionism is an ideology paraded by society yet never successfully achieved;

it is simply an enigma.

It is only a myth that leads its believers to self-destruction; we are so accustomed to the idea of being viewed as “perfect,” even if it’s impossible. Could it be why sayings like “practice makes perfect” are so common? This phrase is nothing but loose word-of-mouth for some, yet for others, it is everything.

I am guilty of being a perfectionist myself, especially when it comes to academic performance. Being a “good” student and not a “great” one was never enough.

LLIES

EL Written by Gael Lynn Laguerre Art & Layout by Sabrina Sylvester

When Good Becomes Bad

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With parents who migrated to the United States and made a life for my brother and me, the least I could do was perform exceptionally well in school.

Growing up as the daughter of two college-educated immigrants, I learned the importance of work ethic from a young age. My mother moved to the United States alone at only 19 years old and went on to get a Ph.D. in pharmacy. While my father, who already had completed accounting degrees in two different countries, returned to university in the States to provide for our family.

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It takes incomprehensible strength to leave everything you know and move to a brand-new country, especially as an adult or if you already have an established career in your homeland.

The drive that fueled my parents with the courage to take these risks is one that I am eternally grateful for. But it also has caused me to become much more hyper-critical of my achievements. I always felt indebted to their sacrifices and felt like the only way to repay them was through becoming flawless. This is a standard internal struggle for most first-generation kids. We all feel obligated to compensate for our parents' sacrifices to give us a better life. I did the sports, joined the clubs, and became the high school vice president, but I still didn’t feel good enough.

Fast forward to college, and the feelings of perfectionism continued to linger to the point where self-doubt completely consumed me.

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It was clearly my own Achilles Heel.

Being diagnosed with generalized anxiety, I struggle with living in the moment. My mind is always focused on the future and what I should do to close the gap between it and me. I have accomplished monumental goals in the past three years that I felt no emotion towards when receiving them. My family and friends celebrated, but I felt empty; nothing excited me anymore. My mind immediately went to: How can I get more? What can I do better? The higher I set my goals, the more difficult it was to process when I didn't get the desired outcome. I became depressed and compared myself to others, which intensified my insecurities as a student and a person.

At one point, nothing could compete with my dedication to feel, appear, and be perfect.

Yes, any activity we do in our lives must be done wholeheartedly to our best efforts. But praising an “anti-mistake” rhetoric would make life miserable for anyone. We all have our weaknesses, especially if you are like me and are dissatisfied with everything you do. Stop yourself from trying to be the one to know it all; it only leads to a potential breakdown. Frequently, we associate the perfection attribute positively with work ethic, but it usually manifests into a person’s fatal flaw. Even high achievers can be plagued with an infamous Achilles Heel.

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But there is a stark difference between being a high achiever and wanting to be perfect. Perfectionists are more critical of themselves rather than just wanting to do well. It’s as if you lock yourself in a cage and blame others for not getting you out.

Why project your unrealistic standards onto others? How can we all expect to flourish when we praise insecurity under the guise of excellence?

That is a battle we all face: rejecting the idea of ego and the nature of mistakes. Our egos project how we want outsiders to perceive us. They can sometimes be beneficial and help us set goals for ourselves. But it can produce feelings of negativity that hold us back from self-acceptance.

An overload of self-criticism leads to imbalance.

Caring too much about the accuracy of all work will cause you to resent yourself for being human. It is essential to recognize that messing up will not lead to the end of the world. Whether you’re a student, a writer, an artist, or completing tasks that can be measured accurately, give yourself room for errors.

Honing the ability to recognize fault as usual and actively working towards self-improvement truly matters. Becoming egoless allows us to pinpoint the actual source of our discontent. Life will never be fair; it is time we all recognize that we can’t control everything, but one thing we can do is learn and grow from our experiences.

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One of the greatest gifts we are given is the ability to learn. We had to learn to walk on our own and how to speak; none of these things we remember, but they were the first obstacles we overcame. These triumphs seem like nothing, but they were challenging. Many of us had the innate curiosity to try again, failing until we achieved these abilities subconsciously.

We were born with the grit to persevere through life’s obstacles regardless of whether they feel impossible.

So before you put yourself or others down for not reaching unattainable standards, recognize you are pushing fear of failure—something we have and will experience countless times more.

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Our mere existence alone is built on imperfection, down to our design. We are all born with different experiences that help us form our core identity. We have different languages, bodies, and cultures; how could you fit only one of each into the mold of perfection? It is impossible to abide by the countless definitions of perfection seen throughout the world.

If we are stuck on the little things in life, how can we rejoice for the big goals we achieve? It’s our first time on this Earth; be soft on yourselves and make waves while we are still here.

To exist on this planet is to know struggle.

The fruits of humanity are illustrated through our combined flaws, pain, and adversity. Our most prolific artists and writers have made global impacts based on personal hardships. Vincent Van Gough, Sylvia Plath, and Frida Kahlo all created treasures out of life’s trauma, regardless of whether they had consciously recognized it while still alive.

A hard truth for many to accept is that the feeling of failure is inevitable. However, the lessons learned from it can be powerful. It is these moments of weakness that are key to individual development. Life is hard enough. Why overwhelm yourself with trying to be perfect? In survival and courage, we find the strength to evolve and reach our highest potential in this lifetime.

PHOTOGRAPHY by Caitlyn Cano, Nicole Bailey STYLING by Alexa Michel, Ally Voshelle, Antonia Mazza HAIR & MAKEUP Jaunita Arango

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WE ARE

BURN I NG

WRITTEN BY BELLA KUBACH LAYOUT BY AVA DAVISON

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n America, we’re all about aesthetics. We try to dress things up in any way we can. That’s likely why when it comes to discussing global warming, it’s easier to post cute infographics on our Instagram stories than make actual change. NASA announced that 2023 had the hottest summer ever recorded on Earth– not just in Florida, Arizona, Ethiopia, or Sudan– we’re talking about the entire Earth. But instead of being absolutely petrified, we got our tan on. It’s easier to tell everyone the floating rock we live on is dying if we look pretty.

They always say: “No one cares unless you’re pretty or you’re dying.” But in the present, we’re both. It’s easier to listen to our impending doom from the lip-injected mouth of our favorite influencer. What’s wrong with wanting to look pretty before we die?

It’s clear that the general consensus amongst most of the population is that there’s nothing wrong with it.

That’s why we buy countless beauty products made in single-use plastic containers that end up in our overflowing landfills. But we give them cute names to normalize our overconsumption. The landfill in Bro-

ward County, Florida is best known as “Mount Trashmore.”

Again, it’s easier to dress up how we see our man-made trash mountain instead of dwelling on our potential death. I mean, how could I post about climate change while keeping up with my “coquette” Instagram presence?

The truth is, I can’t. It’s impossible to be both trendy and environmentally conscious– and many of us are in denial.

Using a Stanley cup instead of a plastic water bottle isn’t saving the polar bears, Jenny. And I can promise you– by buying clothes second-hand at Goodwill, you’re not single-handedly saving the Earth, you eco-warrior, you. While both of these actions are steps in the right direction, they still contribute to the false narrative that you can be trendy while combating climate change.

Think about it this way: you bought your Stanley cup after your favorite TikTok influencer raved about it– but they got it sent to them as a PR package. I hate to break it to you, but the very act of it traveling from the Stanley warehouse to this influencer’s home contributes to climate change because of carbon emissions.

Not to mention, once you stop liking it, or the trend is over, it ends up in your city’s very own Mount Trashmore with millions of other pounds of garbage.

However, it isn’t fair to single out the Stanley cup. This goes for nearly every product on the market right now that “we can’t live without.” All of our 10-product skincare routines?

We might have glass skin, but the ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, and weather is becoming more extreme.

Your favorite influencer might warn you about what’s going on with our Earth, but they still want you to buy their latest product so they can cash in on that PR check. So basically, priorities: get pretty, get rich– until the Earth implodes and we blow up in flames.

While I disagree with how I think the media has “greenwashed” certain products and profited off of sustainability, I don’t think it’s a lost cause. I refuse to jump on the bandwagon that it’s “too late” and that we can’t reverse the damage that’s been done.

While both may be true, why give up on our optimism now?

Flying cars are in our near future. We already have chatbots who write our essays. I think we can all agree that the Earth is worth saving. So that being said, don’t stop using reusable water bottles and shopping second-hand– just don’t do it because your favorite influencer told you to and is profiting off of your naivety.

Instead, demand action from the government. To make a real difference, we need to see a change in policy and discourse surrounding global warming. I know we have some older folks in office, but wake up, babe! We’re burning! And as Katniss Everdeen said in the Hunger Games,

“If we burn, you burn with us.”

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I’m not sure if Suzanne Collins sat down with her crystal ball before writing The Hunger Games series, but she knew what was coming. As the hurricanes strengthen, causing our roofs to cave in and our homes to flood, politicians get to sit behind the steel walls of the White House, laughing at this “hoax.”

In today’s world, the rich get richer, and the poor get more screwed by global warming. As inflation rises and more people end up on the streets, there needs to be more concern about the current state of the Earth’s climate.

But we live in a world where snap scores and story likes dominate our minds, and silly little things like the future implosion of Earth take the back seat.

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STYLING BY AMALIA LUCIA, INDIA MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAGE HOLAWAY MAKEUP BY CLAIRE COFFEY All I’m saying is climate change isn’t trendy. Reusing waste and limiting consumption doesn’t make you a tree hugger or a hippie– it makes you part of a group of people who give a sh*t about the state of the world.

And while most of you will still buy whatever hair wand Alix Earle is using these days, just try to imagine what you’ll do with it when she decides to shave all of her hair off– and you follow suit.

Oh, and please, for the love of God, stop posting swimsuit thirst traps on Earth Day. A picture of you, with the ocean merely as a backdrop, is not stopping climate change. While you might have gotten Brad’s attention, Mother Earth doesn’t care about your tan lines or your Frankie’s bikini.

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Layout by Patrick Calmet Photgraphy by John Acello, Paul Leachman Styling by Leah Goldstein, Ally Voshelle, Patrick Calmet Makeup by Donika Gayle

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IMPRINTS FROM THE WOMB

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the t nine firs s th n o m

rom the second of conception to the moment of birth, we are shaped in the womb. We are tumbed, fed, read to, sang to, danced with, injured, nurtured, loved, and rejected. Birth to five are the most vital years of education and shaping who a person becomes. But what about the first 9 months? The womb is a home, a feeling, a reset, the beginning. Think about how we naturally roll back to the fetal position in our sleep for comfort. The womb is the blueprint for who we are and who we become.

never made to conform to. Women have been shaped to internalize the societal myth that pregnancy and childbirth are painful and normalize the idea that pregnant women are to be treated like they are sick.

A mother is a vessel. Her intuition quickly pushes aside what used to be her favorite activities, foods, smells, and temperatures. It suddenly only aligns with what the growing human inside her is dictating.

Intimidation and fear are instilled in young women’s minds when it comes to pregnancy. There are foods you should and should not eat and activities you should and should not take part in. Everyone on social media has a voice to tell you what they think about your choices. It is easy for a young new mother to get lost in doing what social media shares endlessly about pregnancy and tune out your intuition. But your mother did it. Look at her; take notes.

With prescriptions, alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana use at an all-time high, it is worth asking, what happens in the womb? Am I still being affected by it? Will I jeopardize my child’s development because of it?

Your mother’s DNA is your native soil. So ask yourself, where do you feel most grounded? Is it eating the foods your mother ate when she was pregnant with you? Is it listening to the music she listened to? The fast-paced environment she lived in? The lavender baths she rested in?

Society puts immense guilt on how mothers eat, exercise, stress, and live during their pregnancy. Social media has created the “bounce back” culture of postpartum, a phenomenon that women’s bodies and mental health were

There seems to be little a mother can do without being criticized for how they raise their baby, even from the womb.

This article is by no means written in remarks to tear at how mothers raise their children in the womb but to understand better how the womb affects us all down the road.

When my mother was pregnant with me, she swam in the pool daily, read to me, had my dad play guitar and sing to me, and hated grapes. Today, my 21-year-old self feels most at home underwater, finds comfort in my parents’ soft voices, my favorite genre is singer-songwriter acoustic music, and I hate grapes. It makes me think that our mothers’ experiences while pregnant have more influence on aspects of our adult lives than we thought.

Studies by the Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal found that often, mothers who are very sick and have a difficult

time eating during pregnancy have children with many food sensitivities. A similar study by the Red Cross Memorial Children’s Hospital shows that exposure to peanuts in utero helps lessen the development of peanut allergy sensitization in a child’s life as they grow older. This might just be where the “exposure therapy” tactic began.

From talking with mothers of different experiences, one thing remains constant in their nine-month journeys: the universal reflection was to follow your intuition and let your body do the work rather than allow your mind to try to fight it.

Talking with 48-year-old mother of three, Jesyca, who had one hospital birth and two at-home water births, one quality was overwhelming in all of the varying experiences–intuition.

She explained to me how much of a “Type A” person she is and how she could not relax to let her body do the work during contractions. This was until she talked with a mother and author of a book on hypnosis for pregnant women who taught her how to get out of her head. Settling into your intuition and letting go of control is not an easy task by any means. It takes time and reflection to fight against what society has imprinted into women’s minds. There is ultimately no real way to prepare your mind for pregnancy until it happens. Women who share their own stories can help ease the minds of other soon-to-be mothers and excite them for what is to come. However, this conversation can be hard for many mothers to have, as pregnancy and birth are extremely intimate and powerful portals.

Pregnancy and birth stories can hide a lot of shame, trauma, and secrecy in untold history our parents do not always want to share. Have you ever heard your birth story? Is it something your mom is open to talking about? How was

Written by Sage Holaway

how you were born reflect who you are today? Were you born in the early morning, squealing with energy? Or the late evening, quiet and content? What song was playing on the hospital television? What were the first unmuffled notes to a song you heard as a newborn?

I was born wide-eyed and curious 15 minutes past midnight on a Friday morning. If I had been born in a different time zone, I would have been born on the 6th of June, not the 7th. I don’t think I would be myself if I wasn’t born on the 7th. I tie so much of my identity to that number, and that day, it just feels right. I knew when my time was. That was after 6 hours of labor. My mom’s water broke in the heat of the summer after swimming in our condo pool. I was ready to see the world. Willie Nelson and Lee Ann Womack’s “Mendocino County Line” music video played. The thought of the words “the sun sank west of the Mendocino County line” being the first lyrics I heard out of the womb reassures my 9-month intuition. I was ready.

The womb knows what it needs. The mother just has to listen. Through speaking with multiple mothers of children of all ages in different generations who had at-home or hospital births, one constant in their story remains–trust yourself.

As a woman, we are made to make others. Our intuition sometimes becomes blocked by society’s screams of “normalization” of the fear and pain behind birth. But when the time comes, even if no one is around to walk you through it, your body knows what it needs to do.

Soon enough, we are born.

Layout by Ava Davison

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mEET tHE

DIRECTORS

Art Director Sabrina Sylvester

Editorial Director Bella Kubach

External Director Summer Stillufsen

Digital Director Alexa Belcuore

Web Director Morgann Rhule

Production Director Caitlyn Cano

Beauty Director Ava Zimny

Styling Director Kennedy Carbert

Fashion Director Ali Tarnowsky

Editor-In-Chief Assistant

Ava Davison

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