STR KE
ISSUE II | GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA
STRIKE M Editor-in-Chief: Hanna Gibson Creative Director: Ashley West External Affairs Director: Annie Ortega
EIC Assistant
Art
Public Relations
Isabella Arjomand
Director: Martin Iragorri & Enzo Peltz Assistants: Nicki Barrow, Sofia Kalman, GiGi Novak, Shuer Zhuo
Director: Madison Emanuel Assistants: Olivia Andrews, Emma Barsky, Nana Gonzales, Noelle Loyello, Diana Wittich
Marketing
Advertising
Social Media
Directors: Savannah Halil & Summer Levinson Assistants: Mia Alfonsi, Kendal Owen, Emily Patton, Jamie Somerstein
Director: Madison Whalen Assistants: Grace Batts, Brooke Mucino, Nicole Perez, Marina Wendel
Directors: Hannah Burkhart & Alex Gagliano Assistants: Spencer Kane, Carolyn Lok
Bookings
Castings
Business
Director: Hannah Kesterson Assistants: Caroline Webb
Team: Michelle Virgilio & Megan Welsh
Director: Noah Jankel Assistants: Luke Gidus, Weston Willingham
Writers
Blog
Copy Editor
Isabella Arjomand, Hannah Burkhart, Isabelle Crevier, Aynsley Fanizzi, Hanna Gibson, Lily Frost, Kara Kennedy, Annie, Ortega, Hallie Wright
Director: Juzanne Martin & Rachel Porter Assistants: Lily Girton, Jacqueline Saguin
Sabrina Stantzyk-Guzek
MAGAZINE Strike Magazine Staff Spring ‘19 Issue 02
Finance
Men’s Content
Men’s Styling
Director: Ben Hursh Assistants: Rochelle Crevier, Gabriela Harmon, Monica Pacheco
Director: Matt Hamburg Assistants: Dean Page, Martin Soto
Head: Ashley Novello Assistant: Subhash Patcha
Women’s Content
Women’s Styling
Makeup
Director: Isabelle Crevier & Andreanna Hardy Assistants: Casana Fink, Ashley Powers
Director: Sydney Stencil Assistants: Sabrina Chang, Alexa Hayes, Luli Hays, Chase Wise
Directors: Emma Heese & Tiffany Silva Assistants: Sophia Guerra, Elena Moore, Palak Patel, Kaiya-rai Sarmenta
Photographers
Videographers
Merchandise
Andreanna Hardy, David Chan, Alaina DiGiacomo, Brittany Lewis, Carly Mackler, Max Sibner, Jessie White, Shuer Zhuo
Gianfranco Bello & Megan Osorio
Director: Kaureen Randhawa Assistants: Kyra Agustin
Brand Ambassadors Lexie Becker, Hannah Bobek, Olivia deMontmorency, Alexa Fannon, Gabrielle Gangler, Tori Grossman, Sofia Harmon, Sullivan Henry, Skylar Kasarjian, Alexis Lagana, Frances Landrum, Kylie Margolesky, Mikayla Menkes, Paige Mucci, Annie Murrah, Nicole Poplewko, Maya Prater, Lily Rucci, Hannah Shelton, Kate Smith
CONTEMPLATION
INNOCENCE
moving meditation
a letter from virigins
34
11
sweet like sugar
14
my first time...
where’s the line?
25
doing it all
28
ABLE OF
17
TEMPTATION
#SYFI
29
gainesville influencers
36
gains ville
39
REVELATION green is the new black
INFATUATION one love
58
STRIFE
47
our future, our fight
50
broken relationship
passion vs purpose
79
CONTENTS
freedom & identity
75
63
my dear swamp
67
by Hanna Gibson
Strike Magazine embodies the idea that we all are striking in our own way. Gainesville is formed by a student body of individuals who are immensely striking in their own ways, and Strike Magazine highlights these unique qualities. Through our diversity, varied life experiences and interests, we each bring refreshing perspectives and visions to the world and to each other. Strike Magazine values the human experience, and we aim to create a magazine that embodies the defining attributes of all people and yields a deep appreciation for fashion, art, health and pop culture. We believe in the beauty of realizing: 1. What is striking Striking: adjective: attracting attention by reason of being unusual, extreme, or prominent. 2. What strikes us as individuals Strikes: verb: to affect with a mental or emotional state or a strong emotion 3. What strikes us together ​Strikes: verb: to come into contact or collision with Strike Magazine has grown to a team of over 100 students who collaborated to create our second issue. We take pride in striking Gainesville as the first and only student-led publication of our kind. We, the editors, would like to thank our team for their fiery passion, drive and support. We are endlessly inspired by distinct beauty of each Strike member and Gainesville community as a whole. Strike looks forward to continuing to empower our readers to think beyond the norm.
strike out, Photo By Alaina DiGiacomo
Issue 02
ANNIE, HANNA & ASHLEY
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
by Hanna Gibson
As human beings, we are all connected by shared experiences. We all face markers of time and growth that similarly influence the human experience.
things. Coming-of-age can be seen through the progression of emotions. To
These shared experiences are similar. But they come in unique forms and
us, these are innocence, temptation, strife, contemplation, infatuation and
impact each of us differently. These differences shape us into the people we
revelation. Issue II is oriented around the progression of these emotions.
are, and these differences are what make us striking as individuals.
With our second issue and the end of the school year, we hope to take
Strike Magazine’s Issue II is inspired by the concept of coming-of-age.
you on a journey through what it means to be human. We hope to bring
Coming-of-age means different things to different people. It varies
the student body together to reflect on our individual experiences. We hope
between cultures and individuals. But we all experience coming-of-age in some
to remind you that despite our differences, we are all united by our shared
form.
experiences as we come of age.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, coming-of-age is defined as “the attainment of prominence, respectability, recognition or maturity.” This notion is especially prominent for us as college students. College represents the transition into our adult lives – when we are seeking all of these
Through the ups and downs of life, we chose to celebrate. Issue II celebrates the striking nature of the human experience as it unites us. As we come of age, we are ultimately left to celebrate what we have learned and where we are going.
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Photo by Max Sibner Art by Ashley West
INNOCENCE
Photo by Carly Mackler
Photo by Andreanna Hardy
Issue 02
L E T T E R S B Y &
F R O M
I S A B E L L E A N N I E
V I R G I N S
C R E V I E R
O R T E G A
Chances are you’ve come across a virgin.
form of intimacy, and I just haven’t found the one worthy of that with me.
You might have asked out loud why that is, or maybe you just silently questioned it to yourself. You probably received some cop-
To everyone in high school thinks I’m asexual because my
out answer just vague enough to drop the conversation, but you
boyfriend and I never had sex:
still have a hard time understanding the actual reason why.
I think you may be right? I’m not really interested in having sex with the first boy to tell me I’m pretty.
Luckily for you, we’ve asked a lot of virgins this personal, and arguably invasive, question. Here’s a compilation of letters to those
To my roommate who thinks I’m sheltered:
who ever have questions.
I want my first time to be meaningful, not just a quickie. Hooking up just doesn’t interest me.
Sincerely, Your average virgins
To the guys in my hometown who think I’m a loser: I still have my virginity because I don’t trust anyone enough to take
Once people find out you’re a virgin, you’re either left with a stare,
it. You don’t know what I’ve been through.
a crinkle in the nose, a built up wall, or the question “why?” To the girl I grew up with who thinks I’m torturing my boyfriend: Here are some of our answers:
It’s not easy saying no every time. I want to share my body with my future husband only.
To the girls who feel judged or threatened by my virginity: I’m a virgin, but I crave intimacy too. I just haven’t found the
To the guy from my Physics lab who think I’m being a p*ssy:
person I want to be vulnerable with in that way.
I’m still a virgin because no one finds me attractive. So now I just pleasure myself.
To my ex-boyfriend who thinks I’m asexual: I have sexual desires too; I just choose not to act on them. I’m
To my aunt that thinks I have to be gay:
waiting to give that piece of myself to the right person.
No one wants me.
To the guy I met Friday night who thinks I’m a prude: I’m a virgin because I’m afraid of becoming too attached and getting addicted to sex. I don’t want to lose control. To the guy I’m talking to who thinks I’m naive: I’m just not ready to risk that 0.1 percent chance of pregnancy — it would be just my luck. To my best friends who think I’m too religious: Just because I’m a virgin doesn’t mean I think sex is bad. We both want joy and satisfaction, but we find it in different ways. To my sister who thinks it’s just because I’m not in love: I have been in love, but I’m still a virgin because I’ve never felt ready for someone to physically enter me. For me, sex is the closest 10
Photo by Max Sibner
Issue 02
Art by Martin Iragorri
Photo by Andreanna Hardy
Photo by Andreanna Hardy
12
S W E E T B Y
L I K E
H A L L I E
S U G A R W R I G H T
In the era of Tinder, Grindr and Bumble, modern dating apps have redefined what it means to pursue a relationship in the 21st century. Courting is replaced with “swiping right,” love letters are transformed into casual DMs
daddies
met him in person, I realized that it was legit and I felt a lot more comfortable about the whole thing.” There is the constant fear of being scammed by not getting paid, being
and unconventional relationships are increasingly taking over mainstream
taken advantage of or facing a dangerous situation when pursuing an online
romance.
relationship that can be this vulnerable.
This has paved the way for an especially unique type of partnership: a
“You need to know before you enter this type of relationship that someone
Sugar relationship. A Sugar relationship is typically defined as a Sugar daddy
isn’t just trying to trick you. It was definitely a safety concern at first,” Liam
providing financial assistance or mentorship to a Sugar baby in exchange for
said, describing his initial skepticism of his Sugar daddy, especially when they
company, attention or companionship.
first met in person.
To learn more about the dynamics of a Sugar relationship, Strike talked
“We met up before I went back to school in January. Before I met him I
to Liam McDow*, a current freshman at the University of Florida — and a
got really nervous, thinking things like, ‘I hope this is the right person’ or ‘this
Sugar baby.
better not be some scam.’ Once we met, he bought me lunch, and things just
“I first met my Sugar daddy on Grindr. He was 35 years old, and when we first started talking it was pretty smooth and casual, I guess kind of like an actual relationship,” Liam said. “One day he casually mentioned that he could give me money for certain things.” The exchange of Sugar baby services for money depends on the consensual
started to feel a lot more comfortable from that point. I realized this guy just truly wanted to spoil someone, and I [could be] that person,” he said. “If I were to give any advice to someone interested in a Sugar relationship, I would tell them to think over this decision carefully to make sure they are going to be okay after this. Of course, I would tell them to make sure no one
agreement between the two parties. Some Sugar daddies are purely looking for
is trying to trick them or scam them into [sexual favors], and start out slow
a companion: someone to talk to, take out to dinner or simply hang out with.
through conversation,” Liam said. “But overall, I would say I had a great
Other Sugar relationships may be more involved, including intimate services.
experience. While my past Sugar relationship ended, I would definitely do it
“At first, I never really wanted to do it. I never wanted to be the one that
again.”
could send nudes [to some stranger], but eventually I realized I could make
Courtship may be a thing of the past, but unconventional romance
some pretty good cash,” Liam recalls. “I could use the money from my job
has risen from its ashes. This allows for taboo relationships that focus on
for basic financial needs and save the money [from my Sugar daddy] to
individual wants and desires in a partnership as well as financial needs and
start investing in a rainy day fund. So basically, it ended up not only being a
companionship. Some may say romance is dead and that social media killed it,
pleasure thing but also a financial deal.”
but it may have simply adapted from fitting one version of a mainstream love
“It was very intimidating at first because I never really thought about
story to instead stand for all types of relationship.
pursuing this type of relationship myself. There were times when I thought, ‘I really don’t want to do this,’ but then as we kept talking and I eventually
*name has been changed for privacy
Photo by Carly Mackler
Issue 02
Photo by Carly Mackler
Photo by Andreanna Hardy
Photo by Max Sibner
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Photo by Max Sibner
Photo by Carly Mackler
Art by Ashley West
Issue 02
F I R S T S B Y
O F
H A L L I E
C O L L E G E W R I G H T
Going to college for the first time can be… well, terrifying. From wearing your shirt backwards to going to your first lecture to throwing up on your RA after a particularly rough gameday, everyone has those college firsts that mark the awkward transition into this new chapter of life. Strike talked to University of Florida students to hear more about these firsts. “Okay so I’ve had many embarrassing firsts at college, but I think my first interview was the worst. The day of the interview finally came, and I had been preparing for it like crazy and chose to wear a maroon jumper that I’ve worn a dozen times before. So I walked in and realized I was being interviewed by five people, which immediately made me nervous. They asked me some basic questions and it seemed like it was going well so far until I took a deep breath and the front of my jumper popped open and my boobs literally flew out. I was just completely mortified and tried to lighten the mood by saying, ‘Haha that’s not the right way to get a volunteer position!’ I wasn’t surprised when I got my rejection letter.” - Gabi, freshman “My first time going out, I blacked out and opened my eyes to both of my parents staring at me in the hospital. Not my finest moment.” - Jessica, junior “I fell into a garbage can on campus during syllabus week because I was reading a One Direction fanfiction while walking.” Hannah, sophomore “The first time I went to go study in Marston was a nightmare. Photo by Max Sibner
When I opened my computer, the porn I had been watching earlier that day started playing on full blast when it was silent on the third floor. I immediately closed my computer mortified, but it didn’t stop playing. It went on for a full minute before I got the idea to put my earphones in the jack. I left straight after.” - Chris,
Photo by Max Sibner
freshman “Um, well I thought ‘SYAF’ stood for say yes as f*ck. Took me two whole semesters to realize it actually meant ‘see you at Fats.’” - Julian, junior “The first time I learned to double-check my assignment submissions was when I took my first online class. I unknowingly submitted a horrible double-chin selfie that was meant for a friend. It wasn’t until I saw my teacher during office hours weeks later when he told me that I not only submitted the wrong file but also when he opened the picture, he was connected to the projector and his entire class saw it.” - Lauren, senior “The first time I got drunk I voluntarily threw myself down a flight of stairs. I totally had a huge bruise on my ass the next day, but it was a great crowd pleaser.” - David, senior
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Photo by Max Sibner Photo by Carly Mackler
Photo by Carly Mackler
Issue 02
Photo by Max Sibner
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temptation Art by Nicki Barrow
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo & Art by Enzo Peltz
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
Issue 02
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
tempt 22
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
Photo by David Chan & Art by Enzo Peltz
Issue 02
College Culture versus Alcoholism: Where’s the line? by Aynsley Fanizzi
It’s Thursday night, and you somehow got wrangled into going out, again. You’re exhausted, stressed out about school and have job applications you
“You’ll hear it from some people that it’s a choice — ‘oh just stop drinking.’ But really, it’s considered a disease because it really does require your
need to be finishing. But the idea of going sake bombing with friends seems a
brain,” Daniels said. “We have a reward pathway system in the brain, and the
little more intriguing than finishing that midterm paper. Convincing yourself
more you provide something to that, the stronger it gets. It’s like a muscle; if
that you’ll “wake up early and grind tomorrow” sounds doable, but you know
you work it out, the stronger it gets.”
it’s not realistic. Alcohol culture in college seems to be more active than what would be socially acceptable outside of the college bubble. Drinking in excessive amounts
In the case of college alcohol culture, binge drinking is equivalent to hitting a two-a-day at Southwest for those malleable brain muscles. People often overlook the negative consequences to enjoy the “benefits” of
may be overlooked during your college years, but where is the line between
drinking, which can later increase their risk of abuse and eventual addiction or
college binge drinking and alcoholism?
dependency.
Once you leave the world of frat parties and all-you-can-drink specials at
Daniels said that it is difficult for students to understand the long-term
Grog, you enter the real world, and in the real world, binge drinking is a social
consequences alcohol can have on people because some health effects may not
“no” that could cost you a lot more than your professional career.
be noticed immediately other than obvious alcohol overdose, and there are
How do college students go from one lifestyle to another, and where does alcoholism come into the mix?
behavioral effects that can come into effect. The American Addiction Center calls the link between binge drinking and depression/anxiety “undeniable.”
According to Philip F. Daniels, a doctoral candidate in Counseling and
Being aware of your relationships with alcohol and the effects it has on
Counselor Education and an instructor for Drug and Alcohol Abuse at the
you can be a huge help in assessing where the line may be when the college
University of Florida, binge drinking and alcoholism are more in-depth than
days are over and a “casual blackout” isn’t so casual anymore.
many may think.
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light Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
Issue 02
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
Photo by David Chan
26
The Temptation Of Doing It All by Kara Kennedy
Unpopular opinion: Stress is a choice.
campus and somehow holds a leadership role in all of them. Maybe they don’t
You didn’t have to apply for a position in your organization. You didn’t
sleep or maybe they spread themselves too thin. Maybe that’s you and it’s
have to offer to help paint coolers. You didn’t have to volunteer this week.
recognizing your own limits that is important. We all have our own goals, and
But you did. There is nothing wrong with that, but the fact is that as humans
we are all taking the steps we think it takes to get there.
we like to have stress, we like to keep busy, and more than that, we like to be busier than others around us. This is especially true as college students. How often are you in a conversation comparing your to-do list to someone
There is a lot of value in joining a variety of campus organizations when it comes to job applications and internships, but our own sanity must also be taken into account. We can only do so much; there reaches a point when
else’s? Probably more often than you would like to admit. Somehow it has
participating in that next club isn’t going to get you the job offer. What holds a
become the social norm for our self-value to directly coincide with what we
higher value is taking the time to find what you are really passionate about on
are involved with, how many organizations we are a part of and how we
campus. This definitely takes time and energy, but it is worth it to find where
still manage to go out every Thursday. It’s the balance of school, a social life
you belong.
and involvement that truly has a high value not only in college but in life in general.
Make your choices consciously, and it will point you toward the things that matter and away from the cycle of stress.
We all know that person who seems to be involved in everything on Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo & Art by Enzo Peltz
Issue 02
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
#SYFI by Rachel Porter
Senior Year, F*ck it — or SYFI. We’ve all heard it, and we all say it. Senior year in college is a weird time. We’re faced with the pressure of
to do, and ball out over the weekend. 3. Take risks and learn from failure. This is the time to do whatever you
beginning our real lives and deciding who we want to be. But we’re also just
want, and go for things that scare you. Do it all. Apply for the job. Take the
trying to have a good time before we start that grueling 9-to-5 job that makes
leap of faith. Sure, things don’t always work out. But there’s always something
us wonder why we were in such a rush. Half of your friends are on LinkedIn
that can be learned and taken away from every experience. There is something
every day trying to find a job, a quarter are staring more school in the face and
that you can take out of every failure. Do it differently next time, or figure out
the rest are likely “finding themselves” aka travelling the world or moving back
what’s the next step in achieving your goals.
home. Being at UF doesn’t make this any easier, because we’ve all succumbed
4. Choose your friends wisely and cherish your friendships: This is the last year you have with the friends you’ve made throughout these past four
to the fact that going out more than twice a week isn’t feasible (#top10
years. This is the last year you guys will all be living in the same city and can
#It’sGreatUF). However, in the whirlwind that is senior year, this is my top 5
walk over in the morning to grab a cup of coffee or hit Lib West for a day of
list on how to have a killer year:
studying. Forget all the drama and don’t let petty drama get in between you
1. Dedicate time to what you care about, and stop making excuses. It’s so
and a close friend. Sort out your issues and move on, life is way too short.
easy to make an excuse for when we don’t “have time” for something or can’t
Make these days count and take advantage of the opportunities you guys have.
do something, but it’s true that people will make time for what’s important to
Go on a trip or even back to your hometown for a weekend while you still have
them. If you care about something, it shows, and you’ll make time for it. If
ample free time.
not, just accept it, and move on. If you have to wake up a little earlier to study
5. Last, but not least: HAVE FUN. Do something crazy! This is probably
or go to the gym, it’s worth it in the end — and it saves others from hearing
the last time in your life you can act completely degenerate and still blend in
another lame excuse.
with freshman. I’m not saying do something illegal, but do something that
2. Stop caring so much about what people think. I think at this point,
will give you a good story to tell your kids one day. The memories of going
most of us are confident in ourselves and know who we are. But seriously,
out with your friends to your favorite college bars and dancing on the Fats bar
stop caring what people think. When you start doing what you want and
while Dan pours lemon drops and “All I Do Is Win” plays in the background
wearing what you like, you’ll be so much happier and have inner peace. It’s
could be some of your best nights. Or maybe Backyard is more your style
a lot less stressful to just be the real you. Nobody cares if you want to wear
with Malibu Nights DJing every Friday. Try new things and go with the flow;
glitter eyeshadow to Fat’s on a Wednesday, and nobody cares if you show up
maybe you’ll meet someone new or discover a new favorite spot.
barefaced. No one cares if you skip a ladies’ night to study. Do what you need
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
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Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo & Art by Enzo Peltz
Issue 02
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
30
CONTEMPLATION
Photo by Shuer Zhuo and Art by Enzo Peltz & Nicki Barrow
to fall into that category, so she thought she would
MEDITATING ALLOWS YOU TO GO BACK TO THE BASICS AND JUST BE.
give it a try.
many different styles of yoga everybody can benefit
Julia Izquierdo was in high school when she tried yoga for the first time. Sports were never her thing. However, she was always active and had a knack for acro. Yoga seemed
She immediately fell in love with mind-body connection of yoga. Julia refers to yoga as a moving meditation,
from it and find their center no matter their level of flexibility or athleticism. Meditation is like a Marie Kondo for your mind.
binding the body with the mind. She saw
Unfortunately, Marie Kondo can’t literally declutter
improvements in her mental health, as she was able
our mind. But the same idea is still there: simplify.
to release her anxiety through her practice. Yoga
Meditating allows you to go back to the basics and
helped her find her place, and she wanted others
just be. Whether it is 2 minutes or 20 minutes, just
to find theirs as well. After seeing the instrumental
set aside a little time to get started, because you are
impact yoga had on herself, Julia knew others could
worth it.
benefit from it too. So she decided to help them find their flow. When she came to the University of Florida, the opportunity to become a certified yoga instructor arose. But achieving this level of certification is no easy task. It takes 200 hours of training to become a certified yoga teacher. This meant every other weekend from 7:30 a.mm to 7:30 p.m., Julia rolled out her yoga mat and took a break from being a student to become a teacher. She’s found teaching to be an incredibly humbling experience. When she is helping others, she’s conscious of them and their movements rather than her own. It is totally different from her practice because it isn’t about her.
_
MOVING MEDITATION
_
DECLUTTER YOUR MIND by Lily Frost
Yoga is absolutely for everyone, she said. With so Photo by Shuer Zhuo and Art by Nicki Barrow
Issue 02
Photos by Andreanna Hardy
35
The term Instagram influencer can be defined as — yes it has its own definition — a user who has established credibility and an audience and has formed a trust with their audience through their authenticity. Well, here we are in the 21st century where everyone has an opinion about everything and you either love or hate someone. Influencers tend to be judged and misjudged because, well, that’s what happens when you post your whole life on social media (or so people think). But we shouldn’t be so quick to judge without knowing what really goes into this role. University of Florida students and Instagram influencers Taylor Peterson and Kate Daly shared what it truly means to be an influencer. Peterson, who has 38.7K followers, said she never really sought out being an influencer or thought it was something she wanted to do. It just stumbled upon her. Many influencers get paid to post brands’ products. According to vox.com, the average micro influencer can make anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 in a year, not to mention how much megastars can earn. Peterson has about three long term partnerships at the moment but said she mainly gets paid for a single post or earns the product itself. She partners with brands she stands behind to make sure she remains authentic to herself. “I love taking pictures and think it’s so fun to have a creative outlet through my everyday life,” Peterson said. “I try to post content that is more showing my actual life and not staging a persona.” Influencers are constantly in the public eye, and Peterson is no different. “The biggest challenge I’ve faced is criticism from people who I don’t know well,” Peterson said. “The more followers I have means more negative comments a lot of the time, but I try hard to stay true to myself and not take partnerships with brands I don’t believe in.” Compared to Peterson, Kate Daly doesn’t have as many followers, but she still has reach. Daly, who has 3.5K followers, also said that influencer marketing found her. Companies DM her and then she responds to the ones she’s into. Daly works with brands like TinderU and Lulu’s, spending between 30 minutes to 2 hours daily dedicated to taking photos, editing and posting, emailing for approval and sending in reports. The hardest part is being transparent with your audience, Daly said. “You want to make sure to stay true to yourself and post content that you would post on your own, whether or not a paycheck was on the line,” she said. Instead of getting paid for every post, Daly receives store credit and gifted
INFLUENCERS OF GAINESVILLE- IS IT HARD WORK TO HAVE 38.7K?
products in exchange. Influencer marketing is increasingly powerful and has the ability to completely change people’s opinions. This places an immense responsibility on Instagram influencers, whose roles are based around trust with their audience. These two women strive to stay true to themselves and represent brands they believe in.
by Isabella Arjomand
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
Issue 02
Photos by Alaina DiGiacomo and Art by Enzo Peltz
36
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
Photo by Andreanna Hardy and Art by Nicki Barrow
Issue 02
GAINS VILLE: LIFTING SPIRITS IN OUR COMMUNITY Starting your own business only a few days into
by Rachel Porter
Those who wear GAINS VILLETM Apparel are
beginning your college career sounds like a crazy
all on their own personal journeys working towards
dream to most people, but not Will Smyrk, a 22-year-
better versions of themselves. What they may not
old finance senior at UF. In 2015, he had an idea to
realize, is that by wearing GAINS VILLETM
start a T-shirt line with the phrase “GAINS VILLE”
Apparel they are also helping others overcome some
and sell them around campus.
of life’s toughest obstacles.”
But he didn’t know where to start. He watched YouTube videos and did research to figure out what this dream plan would take. Now, only four years later, this dream is his reality.
Q: Why pediatric oncology for donation of the funds? A: “Cancer took the lives of 3 of my grandparents, Don Smyrk Sr., Joan Smyrk and Bill
The company is non-profit and proceeds are donated
Pratt who passed away before I was born. These
support pediatric oncology research at UF Health
events over the course of my life strengthened my
Hospitals via The Smyrk Pratt Pediatric Oncology
desire to support cancer research.”
Foundation. Q: What inspired you? A: “My sophomore year, starting GAINS VILLE
Q: Who will help continue the GAINS VILLE mission once you graduate? A: “A major goal of mine this year was to begin
was on my mind a lot. I realized that I wanted to
to pass the GAINS VILLE torch and mission on
make it a volunteer-operated non-profit effort. I felt
to younger UF students. By doing so, they could
a strong urge to operate this way in recognition and
continue to better the community while also gaining
appreciation of the blessings and good health God
valuable experience and building their resumes for
has given my family and me. In the spring of 2017,
future career opportunities. This year I took three
something happened that pushed me to finally act upon
students onto the GAINS VILLE team, Chris
my idea for a non-profit apparel company. A fraternity
O’Meara, Will Fitzgerald and Coby Hancock. With
brother and friend of mine had a very tragic accident
their help this year, GAINS VILLE has reached new
that left him paralyzed. I struggled with the idea that
heights in regard to brand image, awareness of our
something like that could happen so suddenly, and that
mission and sales. They have done a great job helping
something like that could happen to anyone, including
with various initiatives and spreading awareness
one of my friends. That following summer, while
of our brand around campus. I believe they have
working my full-time internship in Atlanta, I worked
learned a lot about how to manage a business and
nights and weekends to finally get GAINS VILLE
about the many strategies and considerations that
off the ground in time for Fall of my Junior year. As
go into running a company through this experience.
sales of GAINS VILLETM shirts began to come in,
I am confident that GAINS VILLE will be in good
I started the non-profit effort by donating to support
hands these next few years and I’m happy that
my friend’s physical rehabilitation. Soon after, I started
Florida Gators will be the ones “Lifting Spirits” as
donating to charities supporting various causes in/
they continue to help with this not-for-profit-concept
around the Gainesville, FL community.”
company.”
Q: Why are you so passionate about this/fitness? A: “Pushing myself to new limits has always been important to me, be it athletically, academically or
Q: What would you tell someone who wants to start their own company? A: “I hope that the GAINS VILLE effort shows
in a business setting. What I try to express is that the
that any idea, big or small, can make a positive
“GAINS” in “GAINS VILLE” represents more than
impact if it is acted upon with the belief that it will
just fitness. That additional aspect of it is what I’m
make a difference. Everyone can use their passions to
most passionate about. To me, it represents the positive
stand for something that will benefit many, not just
strides that can be made when we support one another.
themselves.” 38
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STRIFE Issue 02
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ENVIROUR FUTURE, OUR FIGHT by Lily Frost
In October 2018, the United Nations’
so hot in here. And if Nelly taught us anything, it’s
dropped a report giving a global warning to the
that if it’s gettin’ hot in here, (so hot), we’re taking
global warming. The report details the harrowing
off all our clothes. Just kidding; why streak when you
effects that life at 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius of
can strike.
warming would cause. As a result of our human
That’s where Greta Thunberg comes in.
activity, the planet has already warmed by 1 degree
She’s a 16-year-old Swedish student leading
Celsius and will continue to warm unless something
the student strike against climate change. She was
is done — and done fast. The report outlines that
fed up with lawmakers failing to take responsibility
to limit the warming to 1.5 degrees and dodge the
and stop climate change, so she took to the Swedish
detrimental effects of climate change, it will require
parliament with the words “Skolstrjek for limatet”
global reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from
painted on a sign, which means “School Strike for
human sources of 40 to 60 percent from 2010 levels
the climate.” But she didn’t stop there; she decided
by 2030; and net-zero global emissions by 2050.
until change comes, she will strike every Friday. Her
Furthermore, it described that a half degree increase
movement began the #FridaysForFuture movement,
in warming is a glass-half-full scenario. In reality,
inspiring students across the globe to join the strike
reaching 2 degrees of warming is more likely.
for climate.
Mother Earth does not seem like the type to
With 2030 right around the corner, leaving just
point fingers. But if she were, they would be aimed
11 years to stop the catastrophic effects of climate,
at us: humans. Rewind to the Industrial Revolution
the days of denial are over. We’re sorry we didn’t
— the start of when humans began to significantly
listen sooner, Al Gore, but after the IPCC hit the
add carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into
world with a terrifying wake-up call, it’s clear pressing
the atmosphere. Quickly, burning fossil fuels turned
snooze on the problem isn’t an option anymore, at
us into fossil fools. We ignored the consequences of
least for some of us. Many young people understand
our actions because ignorance is bliss, right? Well, not
that this is no longer an issue for the future, but an
exactly.
issue affecting our future. We are the ones left to deal
With the current administration’s refusal to
with the consequences of inaction, Young activists
acknowledge the climate crisis and the reality of its
around the world are choosing to fight because
harrowing effects, there is some good news and a lot
complacency does not lead to change — activism
of bad news.
does.
Good news House Stark: Winter may not be so
Issue 02
bad. Bad news everyone else: It’s about to get, hot in,
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC,
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P.S I
you
infatuation : an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something.
ONE LOVE
healthy vs unhealthy relationships by Aynsley Fanizzi
Being in a relationship is no easy task. It takes work, compromise, and communication. But when the relationship is faltering and things start to get overwhelming, what do you do? That’s where the One Love Foundation comes in to play. The One Love Foundation is a nonprofit that
there is a problem. The One Love Foundation hopes that by teaching these signs, they can help prevent what happened to Yeardley Love from happening to someone else. Social media and expectations of a perfect
was founded nine years ago. It aims to promote
relationship surrounding everyone 24/7 make
healthy relationships and bring awareness to
differentiating between what’s unhealthy and healthy
relationship abuse. The One Love Foundation was
more complicated. Mills explained that social media
started in honor of Yeardley Love after she died in
definitely plays a role in college students relationships,
2010 to relationship abuse, three weeks before her
creating even more obstacles for relationships.
graduation from the University of Virginia. Ryan Mills, a University of Florida One Love campus ambassador, said that relationship abuse is more common than people think. One in
“Social media has a scary role in that both the people in the relationship and the friends are commenting on the posts,” he said. Social media makes it hard to see what’s actually
three women and one in four men are affected by
happening because people form this perfect image
relationship abuse every day. About 50 percent of
that they want to believe and try to maintain. even if
these women and nearly 40 percent of these men
it’s not real.
experience relationship violence for the first time between ages 18 and 24. This is why it is so important for college-age students to be vocal and get help when necessary.
“If someone’s going through an abusive or unhealthy relationship, they’re not going to want to post about it. You only see posts about them going and getting dinner together, going on dates, traveling,
It is often hard to recognize when things are
things like that,” he said. “What that does is create a
going awry, but knowing boundaries and being vocal
false representation of the relationship. So you have
about them can be vital in making sure a relationship
people saying, ‘relationship goals,’ ‘you guys are so
stays healthy.
perfect,’ ‘I want to be you guys’.”
There are different ways to determine if the
Mills said that if you think you know someone
relationship is progressing in the right direction.
who is in an unhealthy relationship, it’s important to
Mills explained that there are 10 signs of a
offer a helping hand. Simply say, “Hey, I’m here if
healthy relationship and 10 signs of an unhealthy
you need me.” It could help save someone’s life.
relationship. Indicators of an unhealthy relationship include
Since social media can be used as a veil over reality, it can be hard to identify unhealthy
belittling, betrayal, manipulation, guilt, deflecting
circumstances and even harder to get out of those
responsibility, isolation, intensity, volatility, sabotage
circumstances. Every relationship is different,
and jealousy.
and different stimuli can put additional strain on
Indicators of a healthy relationship include
relationships. But One Love stresses that everyone
comfortable pace, trust, honesty, independence,
deserves a healthy relationship and knowing the signs
respect, equality, compassion, taking responsibility,
of one is vital in preventing unhealthy relationships
loyalty, and communication.
from forming. It’s important for everybody to be
All relationship may have components that Issue 02
signs start to override the healthy ones, that’s when
could be both good and bad. But if the unhealthy
vocal in their wants and needs so that they can determine what they deem right for themselves.
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mending
a broken relationship
by Kara Kennedy
It is difficult to have a healthy relationship with social media. With more of our Instagram feeds populated with influencers, it can be hard to have a
what to expect when scrolling through our feeds. For many, social media is the first thing we check in the morning and
clear head in such an artificial space. It is possible to find the balance, but just
the last thing we look at before we go to bed. It can be something we check to
like any relationship, boundaries are a good thing.
keep ourselves busy during downtime or something to distract us from the real
Many models and influencers edit their photos on social media — but
world. Most of us don’t even realize the hours we spend on our phones every
transparency is not common. This toxic culture of unspoken falsity creates im-
day. So how can you have a healthy relationship with social media when delet-
possible body goals and expectations. People feel tempted to alter their bodies
ing your account seems out of the question? A new iPhone feature allows you
in efforts to meet this criterion.
to track your time spent on social media and set a timer to alert you when you
In an effort to deconstruct the beauty standards created by Instagram,
have reached your max time. Be mindful of your phone usage. If you unlock
accounts like @beauty.false post real-life photos of popular models, influencers
your phone for a purpose, stick to that purpose. It can be so easy to fall into a
and celebrities in contrast to their edited posts. They do this not as a way to
tunnel, but when you are aware of that, you remain in control.
create hate but as their bio says, to “show what celebrities really look like.”
Another reminder: You aren’t obligated to follow anyone. It is easy to for-
With almost 400,000 followers, their message is being seen. We forget how
get that you don’t owe anyone your follow, especially if their posts don’t make
much lighting and angles can truly impact a photo and that people make a liv-
you feel good. Think about how you feel after you see someone’s post; if it isn’t
ing out of knowing their angles and spotting good lighting when they see it.
encouraging or positive, then there is no need to stick around.
Micro-influencers, which are accounts with anywhere from 1,000 fol-
Social media wasn’t made to be a negative thing, and it really cannot be
lowers to 100,000 followers, are gaining popularity. This may be why we see
taken too seriously. With boundaries and a sense of mindfulness, you can re-
so many of our friends and people we know posting ads and sponsored posts.
pair your broken relationship with social media.
Brands are drawn to these accounts because of their higher engagement rates among their followers. Now it’s not just celebrities telling us to buy certain things, but our friends too. A lot of the control of what we were seeing and being sold is taken away. Especially with sponsored posts, we really don’t know
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my DEAR swamp by Isabelle Crevier
Swamp Restaurant. A staple of Gainesville. A
heart can take more loss.
staple of Gator Pride. A staple of my heart. There’s a great identity in Swamp and now an even greater loss. After four years of emotionally
Swamp Restaurant, my dear Swamp Restaurant. I commemorate you. Hear my words & let them not
investing in this relationship, Swamp’s being ripped
escape your mind.
out of my life all because I “have to graduate.” Try
It will always be you,
and kick me out, why don’t you. Just know, I won’t go down without a fight. How can I let this place go? How can you sit here and tell me that I’ll find another similar place? Are you now going to tell me gone with Rowdy’s and the
Your $3.75 drafts batting their eyes back at mine, that only turned into an empty wallet and a dizzy head full of shear youthful stupidity and pride. It will always be you, During my highest highs and my lowest lows. Those
drunken basketball games? Gone with Salty and their
moments spent stumbling in from a sweet sweaty
zipper heads? Gone with Balls and their sad soaken
Gator victory and the other moments crawling in
signatures? Dare I say gone with Fats and their liquor-filled slushies and syringes? These places and their je ne sais quoi cannot
from having my future destroyed by CHM2210. But it’s OK because... It will always be you.
be replicated or replaced. They are more than just
I loved you, from the start of my alcoholic career at
a place to buy cheap drafts or wells while you’re
the ripe age of 18. I waited 2 hours behind a herd
standing in an inch deep of PBR beer. These
of girls for you. I trampled over 15 people just to try
places are where I go to socialize with friends, to
your sweet, sweet nectar. I threw dollars and dollars
connect with new Gainesvillians, to make and forget
and a heck of a lot of loose change — any form of
memories, to learn lessons, to escape reality for a brief moment. They are way more than just bars to me.
payment my poor self could give to you. It will always be you. And now you’re trying to say goodbye. How dare
Sure, I don’t always have the best memories at these bars. Sure, I may regret going the next
you? How dare you leave me with this gaping hole to fill. What’s even more tragic is that you know it can’t
morning, but that’s any good relationship. I mean,
be filled because...
how boring of a relationship would it be if I didn’t
It will always be you.
have something worth fighting for? I can’t let this one go. I already let Cantina 101
All the drama aside, this is my Gainesville college experience — that dump in midtown.
slip between my fingertips and I’m not too sure my
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YOU’VE GOT MAIL
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you’re invited to a
revelation 68
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Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
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By Hannah Burkhart
green is the new Modern sustainability sparks thoughts of metal straws and canvas bags. But the eco-friendly movement has also established a strong presence in the fashion industry. @Showerthoughtsnyc, an Instagram creative who turns dramatic and humorous tragedy into art, is wearing an organic white suit for one month to promote fashion sustainability. The project was inspired by Marina Testino and her movements #onedresstoimpress and #yellowlikealemon. The acoount’s creator, Araceli Segura, decided to call this project “sinner thoughts.” She shared, “Just like we all have shower thoughts, we also have sinner thoughts: thoughts and actions that are destroying the planet and slowing down our evolution as a more conscious society.” The project was created to promote awareness in fashion sustainability, but also to show the reality of a young millennial who is dealing with the issue in the most transparent and honest way. “I wanted to use my art and my influence on those who follow me to make a positive change through humor,” Segura Photo by Alaina DiGiacomo
shared. But with sustainability often comes a high price — literally. Brands such as Reformation, Mara Hoffman, Satta and Boyish Jeans have transformed into platforms to address environmental issues and create a change. Though most have
b l a c k
high price points, hopefully more accessible brands will adopt the same eco-friendly mentality and sustainable brand voice in the future. “I think we still need some time to start changing our mentality and perspective on sustainable fashion—maybe we need more education on it, but it’s definitely not in everyone’s priority to be eco-friendly,” Segura added. Making a conscious effort to be sustainable will help to do less damage to the planet and to ourselves. “I am not the best example of a sustainable woman, but I wanted to share how I struggle to be one through this challenge,” Segura shared. She hopes her account will remain a sustainable icon even after the white suit project because she believes sustainability is incorporated into her personal life. Segura hopes she could share this passion with her followers, as @Showerthoughtsnyc is a reflection of who she is and who she wants to be.
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Photo series by Alaina DiGiacomo
Photo by David Chan
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Passion Versus Purpose: An Internal War by John Nguyen
How often have you wanted to do something, but a voice in your head held you back? A voice telling you that you cannot do something. It may have been because what you wanted to do was morally wrong or practically useless.
that allowed for a lucrative career — and to the desire to follow our newfound or age-old passions and do what we enjoyed. Not to mention that students who have chosen majors that aren’t regarded
But for many students, this voice is linked to the conflict of passion versus
as highly as STEM majors are often met with questions such as, “how will
purpose — what you want to do versus what you must do.
you make money?” and, “what do you plan to do with that major?” It turns
Students are told time and time again that the purpose of college is to
something as simple as answering, “what’s your major” into a sullen moment
obtain a career — preferably one that makes quite a bit of money. And so, in
as students await the eventual disappointment or skepticism that people will
college, our purpose starts as simply, “work hard, get good grades and get a
dish out after hearing of a major like “English” or “theater.”
good job.” This doesn’t apply to every student, but for many, including myself, college is taught as a simple means to an end. But the college environment is so much more than a method to obtain money and a good career. Within these four years, there are so many
Although the war between passion and purpose isn’t limited to just decisions between majors, that decision acts as an important lesson to anyone who must decide between what they want to do and what they must do. What I’ve learned is that sometimes it’s OK to defy the way things are
opportunities to explore and grow in new, diverse ways. The University of
traditionally done and to not succeed in the way that everyone deems you
Florida especially has the ability to expose its students to so many cultures,
should succeed. It’s OK to make less money, to be lower down the ladder or
activities and opportunities to grow and learn from. As a result, passion comes
to not be a traditional success story. We have the opportunity to change the
into play.
perception of college from a simple means to an end to a new path of finding
Some passions are found before a student ever sets foot on campus. But
what makes us truly passionate in this world. Let no one determine your
for me and many other students, we found our passions thanks to UF’s broad
purpose in what you do, and let no one determine whether your passion is a
horizons and limitless opportunities. And so, a conflict arose for all of us, one
foolhardy thing to follow.
between adhering to the traditional purpose of college — to earn the pedigree Photo by David Chan
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use code A2strike a2swimwear@gmail.com
strike
out 80
THANK YOU HANNAH KEALY
FOUNDER OF STRIKE MAGAZINE
Thank you for trusting us to spread your vision in Gainesville.
MODELS INNOCENCE ROCHELLE CREVIER ANNA GALLAGHER MARTIN SOTO
CONTEMPLATION SHADAY ROBITAILLE NICK ROWE ALEX SILITCH
TEMPTATION NICOLE FIGUEROA KYLE LINDEY
STRIFE HASAN JHAVERI SELIN KILINC ESTEFANIA PINEDA RILEY RUSSELL JONATHAN TRIYONO TERRENCE VIALA
INFATUATION ISABELLE CREVIER MATTHEW HAMBURG
REVELATION NICHOLAS BRIDGEWATER AUDREY MCNAMARA ISABELLA MONTOYA CHLOE NEWTON PALAK PATEL SAMUEL RUIZ JESSE SCHMIDT KATELYN STAHL
RENT THE RUNWAY, TWENTY, THE SWAMP, CURIA ON THE DRAG, THE AGENCY, BENTO & BLAZE