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Features March 11, 2020 The Signal page 9 Career / Say ‘sayonara’ to senior scaries

Graduating students may feel anxious about adulthood.

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include sleeplessness, irritability, feeling unable to control life and avoidance of everyday activities, such as spending time with friends.

Despite the mixed emotions that adulthood brings, these feelings can be managed. Here are a few ways to navigate the anxiety that life after graduation brings.

Normalize Feelings of Anxiety

Ask a senior how they’re doing during their last semester of college, and chances are they’ll jump through hoops just to dodge the topic altogether.

Instead of avoiding feelings of anxiety, Murakami said students who are graduating should embrace their feelings, even if they’re negative, and normalize what they are going through. This means thinking, “This is hard, and it’s okay that I am having a hard time with this. It does not mean I’m weak,” rather than “Everyone else feels this way, so just suck it up.”

“Openness and acceptance towards a feeling, even a negative one, can help seniors manage their negative feelings,” Murakami said. “This helps them decrease negative judgments towards the emotion or towards themselves for even having negative feelings in the first place.”

Find an Outlet

Whether a person is in the midst of overwhelming anxiety or looking to manage their feelings before they arise, finding an outlet can benefit their mental health. This can mean exercising, practicing creative hobbies and talking about their emotions to a friend, family member or therapist.

Allyson Vilanova (’19) said that after graduation, it’s important for people to continue their self-care routine in order to avoid burnout. “As someone who is new at a job, you want to be putting all of your time and effort into it, but at a certain point, you have to realize that you need to make time for yourself as well,” Vilanova said.

The months, and even years, following graduation often involve a lot of change, so developing a solid, go-to routine can help alleviate that feeling of lost control.

Make a Plan

For many students, most of their postgraduation anxiety stems from fear of the unknown. Do I want to go to graduate school? Where am I going to work? What am I going to do if I don’t find a job? People’s minds tend to overthink when their futures aren’t totally set in stone.

To stop the cycle of overthinking, Murakami suggests planning ahead. Whether it be going to the College’s Career Center to discuss options after graduation or scheduling a therapy appointment before feelings of anxiety arise, the sooner a person plans ahead, the easier it may be to handle the transition from student to working adult.

“Planning ahead can begin by just asking oneself what has been important to them during their time at TCNJ, like friends, learning, staying active and being involved in the community,” Murakami said. “(They can) identify small steps they can take to include these elements in their post-graduate life.”

Appreciate Where You Are

From the last time they get their student ID scanned in Eickhoff Dining Hall to dancing at their final Thursday-night Rho, a student who’s graduating might feel pressured to take advantage of every opportunity in order to make the most of their time left at the College. This can heighten feelings of anxiety and F.O.M.O. (fear of missing out).

To minimize that overwhelming pressure, students should remind themselves to embrace moments as they happen, be thankful of the memories they’ve made and appreciate the people who surround them.

Justin Cook (‘19) shared that seniors should encourage themselves to participate in experiences that can only be found at college.

“The key is to make sure you’re always doing something you can’t do away from school — taking initiative, meeting new people, creating or learning,” Cook said. Maximilian Burgos (‘19) agreed, adding that having a limited amount of time at college can encourage a person to step outside of their comfort zone.

“Get out there and do something that creates good memories and builds you as a person,” Burgos said. “Be bold. Take charge of your life. Find meaning in the smallest of moments, and you’ll be happier.”

Drop the Comparisons

Regardless of what stage of life a person is in, comparison is inevitable, especially during the months following graduation. With social media feeds full of peers sharing that they just landed their dream jobs or are getting engaged to their long-time sweethearts, it’s difficult to avoid feeling insecure and hopeless.

However, it’s normal for a graduate to struggle at finding a job, or even a job that they love.

“You have the rest of your life as a working adult, so there is no need to worry if your dream job doesn’t happen right after college,” Vilanova said. “I was way too set in finding a job I wanted to work at forever, but really all I needed to figure out was what I was doing right now.”

From students and graduates alike, Burgos said being happy doesn’t depend on a degree, job or annual salary — it starts with treating oneself with kindness.

“Just treat yourself like the kid you’d hope to raise,” Burgos said. “You’re not perfect, not even close. You won’t always do things on time, but that’s okay. Even if you’re 10 percent better each week, that adds up.”

Ink / Students use body art to promote self-love

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the quote “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise” on her ribs is borrowed from her favorite book, “Les Miserables,” and the flowers on the side of her stomach represent beauty and growth.

“My tattoos remind me that I’m here, I’m human and I’m worthy of happiness,” Soucy said.

Another popular trend for students at the College is getting a tattoo that honors a family member or fond childhood memories.

When Samantha Allen was a sophomore in college, she got her first tattoo on her left wrist of a small beach scene and the word “shine” in her mother’s handwriting. The tattoo reminds her of the time she spent as a child at Island Beach State Park with her family.

Since then, the senior marketing major has added two more tattoos: an edelweiss flower on her ribs and an Aries constellation on her right wrist.

John Brezina, a senior clinical psychology and counseling major, also has a tattoo that relates to his family. Located on his chest, Brezina’s tattoo is a self-designed family crest that resembles the Porsche logo, as his passion for cars is shared by his father and brother. Inside of the logo are the colors of his family’s birthstones, music notes and the word “Believe.”

“I wanted a tattoo that I would be in love with aesthetically, but also one that was laden with meaning, so I spent a lot of time working with it,” Brezina said. “I decided to put it right over my heart, so that if I ever hang my head, I am immediately reminded of why I always push on.”

While many young people are quick to join the ink trend, others refrain from having tattoos altogether due to its permanency, a lack of design ideas or the fear of disapproval from their parents.

Although many worry about this negative reaction, Zane Thompson-Bradley, a junior interactive multimedia major, said his family loves his tattoo of the words “Forever Love Grandma Doreen,” which he got in honor of his grandmother who died in 2013.

“It represents how I will never forget her, what she taught me and that I will always love her,” Thompson-Bradley said.

Although tattoos have been traditionally viewed as unprofessional, many employers are becoming open to the concept of hiring workers with tattoos. According to a 2018 study by the University of Miami Business School, 40 percent of young people with at least one tattoo are not at a disadvantage when it comes to employment.

Tait Algayer, a junior biology major, has a tattoo of an endangered species of bird at a beach she grew up near and worked at as a lifeguard for five years. Today, she works at that beach as a biology technician and said that tattoos are more tolerable in the workplace than she expected, as one of her colleagues is covered with them.

As society becomes more accepting of tattoos, people seem to express more freedom and autonomy when it comes to decisions about their bodies.

“I was so close to chickening out when I was sitting in the waiting room before getting my first tattoo, but the second I got

it, I have spent every day thinking about my next one,” Brezina said. “It is an absolute obsession I cannot escape, and I can’t wait to get more and continue to turn my body into my new canvas.”

: Jan. ‘01 Students obsess over reality TV

Photo courtesy of TCNJ Digital Archives

This genre of entertainment is popular around campus.

Every week, Features Editor Liya Davidov hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.

Between the rising popularity of Netflix, Hulu and DisneyPlus, do students even watch television anymore? Even though the College provides access to cable through Philo TV, students may not necessarily need it. Every online platform offers a range of movies and shows for its viewers, from comedy to drama to romance.

In a January 2001 issue of The Signal, staff writer Stephanie Loh reviewed reality TV and questioned whether its popularity would last. A little less than two decades later, it is safe to say that this genre is here to stay.

Ever wanted to be a television star, but never thought you had a chance?

Well, with more and more reality shows being put in the television lineup you may still be a star. The major networks of CBS, FOX, and ABC all have primetime shows vying to give Americans a new angle on the reality mania.

And some say “get used to it,” because reality television will be a permanent fixture.

“These shows are clearly here to stay,” said Gary Woodward, communication studies professor at the college.

“In a sense they have always been around. Game shows were enormously popular about 35 years ago, as were shows featuring odd accomplishments,” he added. While these shows may have always been around, they now spread like wildfire. Krystyne Kendrick, a junior deaf and hard of hearing education ma jor said, “It seems like everyone is jumping on the reality television bandwagon.”

Left: Embroidery gives your clothes a personalized look. Right: Make your favorite clothes stand out this spring.

By Kerry Rushnak Columnist

Students are constantly looking to dress stylish, cool and trendy, whether they are walking to class, meeting up with friends or venturing off-campus. If you’re looking to impress your peers, just look to the back of your closet for clothes that you normally ignore — they are begging to be upcycled. Not only will you look amazing and save money, but the environment will also be catching a break, as the production of fast fashion harms our planet. Utilizing the clothes you already have will prove to be beneficial for all.

Crop tops

Vintage cropped t-shirts are one of today’s biggest trends. Whether you own your own oversized tee or have to steal one from your dad, almost everyone has a cozy t-shirt on hand. Start by trying the shirt on and marking where you are most comfortable cropping it. From here, lay the shirt flat on the ground and cut straight across at the marking you made. Viola! Pair it with high waisted jeans or leggings and you have a trendy new outfit. Embroidery

Do you want to put a distinctive twist on your clothes? Give embroidery a try. Grab a pair of old jeans to start and focus on a specific section, such as the front thigh or back pockets. Embroidery has been around for centuries, so there are plenty of resources to learn the trade. YouTube has tutorials on specific designs and can equip you with the skills to make your own creation. Consider trying flowers, butterflies and bumblebees for the upcoming spring season. Tie dye

Tie-dyed sweatshirts and sweatpants are all the hype right now. Instead of buying a brand new set, take out your favorite plain sweatshirt or sweatpants. If your clothing is black or a dark color, you can use bleach to create a white tie dye look. If you are using light clothing, pick your favorite color dye, and you’re ready to start. You’ll want to work in a shower or tub to avoid creating a mess. First, wrap the garment around itself, creating a spiral effect. Then, use six rubber bands to keep this shape in place. Grab your bleach or dye and add color, alternating in the sections created by the rubber bands. Leave it to dry for six to eight hours and give it a wash, then enjoy your brand new sweatshirt or sweatpants.

Lions’ P late

unconventional hummus

Left: This northern bean dip will satisfy your taste buds. Right: The easy recipe is a great source of protein.

By Elizabeth Casalnova Columnist

Typically hummus is made from chickpeas, but this recipe is made from northern beans instead. It only has four ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to make, so it is a simple alternative to chickpeas. Depending on the serving sizes you choose, you can have leftover hummus to keep in the fridge as a delicious protein option for your next meal. This is a great recipe for anyone who follows a plant-based diet, too.

It’s important to note the different ways this hummus can be used, as it’s much more than just a dip for your baby carrots. I use it when making wraps with spinach, mushrooms, carrots, cucumbers and feta cheese. It is a great source of protein, and fills you up for your longest days. If wraps aren’t your thing, make a Greek salad and add a handful of the hummus on top. Everyone knows about avocado toast, so next time try using hummus instead. Even add a fried egg on top and some arugula for a full meal. Whatever way you want to eat it, it will work.

Directions: 1.) In a small saucepan, heat the garlic and olive oil over low heat for about 5-7 minutes. 2.) In the meantime, drain the can of beans and hand mash with a fork until smooth. If you have a food processor, use that to save some time. 3.) Drizzle in the olive oil and garlic and continue to mix it until combined. Then, add the cumin. 4.) Store it in an airtight container in the fridge or serve it immediately, and enjoy!

The State of the World’s Antibiotics in 2020

Monday, 3/23/2020

5:30 p.m.

Education Building 212

Light refreshments will be served.

Ramanan Laxminarayan is the founder and director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy in Washington, D.C., and a senior research scholar at Princeton University. This event is free and open to both the TCNJ community and the public. More information: academicaffairs.tcnj.edu

Arts & Entertainment CUB Alt energizes audience with trap music

Right: Fanatsy Camp opens the show with his original rap music. Right: Wicca Phase Springs Enternal performers his hit ‘Secret Boy.’ Jhon Beltran / Staff Photographer

By Julia Landi Correspondent

The dim, blue lights and powerful sound of the music from the speakers turned BSC 100 into an intimate venue for CUB Alt’s Wicca Phase Springs Eternal concert on March 3.

Wicca Phase Springs Eternal is a popular emo-trap artist also known for his collaboration with Lil Peep in GothBoiClique and being a former member of the group. With nearly 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Wicca Phase’s moody style appeals to a large crowd.

The audience could be seen dancing and singing along to the music, especially when he performed more popular songs like “Secret Boy.”

“It was really exciting to see Wicca Phase at such an intimate venue,” said Liz Osekavage, a freshman psychology major. “I really enjoyed it.”

Wicca Phase made his performance feel more personal to the audience, taking breaks in between songs to talk to the crowd. He shared his excitement about this being his first college show as a solo artist and gratitude for the unexpected turn out.

“I thought there would be 10 people here,” Wicca Phase said. “But there was obviously more than that, so that was comforting.”

After his performance, he stayed to talk to fans and take pictures with them, adding to the intimate experience of the concert.

Fantasy Camp, one of the opening acts, has worked with Wicca Phase in the group Misery Club. He has a similar sound with moody, autotuned vocals and simple beats.

The soft sound of the music drew the audience’s attention to Fantasy Camp’s melodramatic vocals. The audience seemed relaxed, getting swept up in the mellow performance.

Audrey Nuna was the first artist to go on. She is a 20-year-old pop artist who incorporates rap and other genres into her sound. She is also from New Jersey, as she shared trying to get the crowd hyped up for her performance.

She was the only performer with a full band and gave a very lively performance. The band helped her performance stand out from the other two in the evening with the groovy bass lines and enthusiastic drumming. She also danced on stage, getting the audience to sing along with her and bringing up the energy of the venue.

“Audrey had a really strong, soulful performance,” said Zach Rich, a sophomore computer science major. “I think she’s good for a commercial break out.”

CUB Alt’s shows have been popular on campus for years. Typically, they’re known for bringing in indie and alternative rock bands, but students seem to enjoy the difference in style.

“It was very cool,” said Jonah Malvey, a senior interactive multimedia major. “I’m really happy that they’re expanding the genres that they’re bringing here.”

Student band Ornamental brings indie sound with debut album

By Alex Baldino Correspondent

It’s easy to lose your rockstar dreams in the droning hallways and classrooms of adolescence, but it’s also possible to make them reality. Ornamental has done just that.

The band released its first album,“Heirloom,” on February 28, which mixes soft vocals with a soft guitar twang, creating an intimate and introspective atmosphere.

Ornamental describes itself as an alternative folk/indie rock band. The group is led by frontwoman Lucia Gardiner, a junior fine arts major who is on vocals and guitar. Gardiner is joined by guitarist Evan Whitenack, a senior communication studies major, bass player Luis Vera, a senior music technology major, keyboardist John Carone, a student at Rider University and drummer Jarrett Wenzel. Ornamental’s music com

I would definitely recomoperated by Jack Sofka, a senior you can clearly hear the care the

bines Gardiner’s touchingly personal and nostalgic lyricism with the ambience, sampling and flare of her band. Its major influences include Brooklynbased indie-pop group Florist, ambient indie-pop musician Grouper and South African indie-folk and blues singer Alice Phoebe Lou.

The album has a steady pace that coincides with the themes of its songs. In the song “Blur,” Gardiner recounts the conflicting feelings of a past relationship and the raw emotions a person feels for their first love.

While the band’s music presents an alternative folk and indie rock feel, the twang to its rhythm is sometimes reminiscent of beach rock, which makes a listener feel as if they are floating. This sensation also adds to the overall feel of the album — it feels like sleeping on a waterbed. mend checking out track nine, “Hushed.” Like the rest of the album, it starts off with some simple guitar riffs and Gardiner’s head voice. But after about a minute, the entire band joins into the song, becoming the musical equivalent to floating around a lazy river at night.

Ornamental, according to Gardiner, started as a solo project. Gardiner did not start writing music and playing the guitar until right before she graduated high school, after a childhood of singing in her school choir. “(It turned into) something much more than I ever had imagined,” Gardiner said. “I am so glad some simple songs I wrote in my bedroom have become a fully-nuanced reflection of my life.”

Ornamental’s debut LP, “Heirloom,” was recorded throughout this past winter by Wenzel and is available through Spotify and Good Authority, a label owned and communication studies major.

Simple but well performed, Ornamental’s debut album is a solid listen, as the vocals are pleasing and band put into it. Next time you’re feeling like you want to explore yourself and your inner thoughts, try turning “Heirloom” on.