Spring 2024

letter from

Written by Analise Bruno & Rachel Dirksen

Designed by Tamar Ponte

Photographed by William Chapman

Analise

In the first grade, I was the last one in my class to learn how to read chapter books. I bounced from reading teachers to writing teachers to the laps of my parents every night, trying to sound out and perfect my vocabulary using magazines of all things to help me out.

So when, at 19 years old, I was offered the position of editor-inchief of the magazine I had worked with as an editor and writer for over a year, I finally got my full circle moment. As I now reflect on my relationship with writing, I realize what finally got me to not just understand words but actually appreciate them was when I recognized their power to create change.

Undaunted is the word I would use to summarize the culmination of this semester’s work. From enticing weekly articles to photoshoots that have crossed the lines of what The Buzz has done before, one thing we were not afraid to do was be bold with our impact. As they say, those who are well behaved seldom make history, and The Buzz was ready to make waves this time around.

Anyone can take a pen to paper, or, in this case, fingers to a keyboard. What makes the difference is the passion and intensity behind the person writing the story, and as I looked into the eyes of our members at each meeting and event, there was no doubt in my mind that these were the kind of people who had that exact fervor and dedication towards their craft.

Now putting the final touches on this edition, I am finding myself continuously in awe of the sheer ability of a bunch of college students to create an entire lifestyle magazine from scratch—and believe me, it’s a process that truly takes a village.

I hate that people say print is going the way of the dinosaurs, because I think that’s far from the truth. Those who think that have probably never held their own work in their hands or seen first-hand the impact their words can have on people. As my favorite author, Mark Zusack, once said, those who can understand the true power of words are the ones who will climb the highest. So to my fellow Buzz members who have played a role in making this magazine what it is, know that you are already on your way there.

The brainstorming session for this print shoot happened after a team meeting in an empty classroom. A small group of us wound up staying for hours and time flew by. We shared ideas for the shoot such as location and character ideas, or something as niche as movie characters we wanted to reference, or a fluffy pen we absolutely needed to have as a prop. You cannot replicate moments like those, where you are finishing each other’s sentences, and you give yourself the freedom to share any idea, no matter how silly it may seem in your head. There is something electric in the air when creatives come together, it’s palpable.

Those magical moments The Buzz has provided me are the motivation I have to chase my dreams. I never felt like I truly belonged anywhere before this magazine. I never played sports, or found a hobby I truly enjoyed. After writing my first article for The Buzz, I had one of those moments where you realize you’re doing what you should have been all along. Creatives are special, we see the world in ways many do not. We notice the little details and see the beauty in everyday life. We are sensitive people who care deeply. We can be crushed by the weight of criticism, but can be inspired in ways that exceed the rules of logic. Our ideas are sacred, and sharing them with one another is the purest form of vulnerability. That vulnerability leads to magic, such as a writer’s words and a photographer’s picture placed together side by side on a magazine spread.

Rachel

The Buzz has defined my college experience in ways I can’t even begin to explain. The people I have met the past three years have changed the visions I have for my future and how I view myself. I’m so grateful for the time I have spent at The Buzz, particularly as Co-Editor-in-Chief. I could have never imagined myself feeling this sense of belonging and purpose alongside people who make me feel understood and inspired. Now that I know what those electric moments feel like, I hope everyone gets to experience them in some way. Wherever I go next, all I can hope for is a little bit of magic following along the way.

XO

TheBuzz

Boston University’s

Location Bay

How the university’s nearly twomile-long campus bridges the city

Boston University encompasses buildings from Back Bay’s Danielson Hall all the way to Allston’s Gardner Street Apartments and beyond. But why? How are these zip-codes ten minutes apart, yet so different?

To Allston Back

For a brief history, Boston University was established in 1869, with its original buildings in Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Various exogenous factors have affected the campus space throughout the years, such as World War II (WWII), The Great Depression, and protests during the Civil Rights era. These events caused flight from Back Bay to more suburban areas surrounding the city.

“Boston University played a significant role in the city’s urban development,” Nancy Lurie Salzman writes in “Buildings and Builders: An Architectural History of Boston University.”

Back Bay’s significant location during these times attracted the likes of many luxury homes, hotels, and businesses following WWII. The large increase in enrollment forced the university to expand into Brookline, where many of the school’s leaders and professors were housed.

South Campus and Allston bring us to where we are today.

Currently, Back Bay homes have a median price range of $3.23M. This hefty price tag places the neighborhood as one of the most expensive areas in Boston, and not a reasonable budget for a college student. The Back Bay lifestyle is picturesque, sophisticated, and expensive. As a result, Boston University’s Danielsen Hall and Bay State apartments are attractive to students.

On the flip side, Allston offers a range of affordable housing options, from shared apartments to larger houses. Many students enjoy this area for its convenient living and reasonable pricing. Gardner Street Apartments are a popular spot for students, with rent starting at around $2,600. This plays a crucial role in providing viable housing solutions for residents of all backgrounds, adding to the constant innovation of new ideas. Allston is also home to a lively mix of shops and restaurants, catering to the diverse tastes of its residents.

For example, Coreanos Allston is a hot spot for students. The restaurant offers quality Korean food with a Mexican fusion, earning it’s devoted following among food enthusiasts and students alike. The creativity of this shop is unique to Allston and is hard to find on the other side of campus. The prices are student-friendly and fresh options are available.

Across campus lies Back Bay, not only known for its beauty but also in its vibrant life and convenient location. Home to upscale boutiques and

Written by Bethany Hartman | Designed by Sarah Tocci | Photographed by Ria Huang

trendy cafes, Café Sauvage stands out as a city favorite. Café Sauvage is a French restaurant on Massachusetts Avenue offering fresh food and beverages. Every dish at Café Sauvage reflects its rich French roots, yet with a modern twist. The café provides a welcoming atmosphere perfect for both intimate dinners and casual gatherings. It even offers outdoor seating during the warmer months. However, the menu can be a bit more expensive for students.

Despite the high cost of living, Back Bay continues to attract residents and visitors alike with its unparalleled beauty and vibrant atmosphere. The shops and restaurants along Newbury Street offer a lifestyle that is sophisticated and cosmopolitan. Reformation stands as one of these stores, offering sustainable clothing although at a pretty price. While these businesses do attract student workers, the customer base is mostly made of high-income folks.

The Designers Circus Corporation in Allston encapsulates the community and independence Allston supports. This warehouse is a discounted

fashion harbor for people in and around the city. Designers Circus offers something for everyone, regardless of style preference or budget. The store is a hub of community engagement and sustainable fashion practices. Businesses such as these fuel the life of Allston by actively engaging with the local community through events, workshops, and collaborations with local organizations. The store serves not only as a retail space, but also as a cultural hub with its focus on affordability, sustainability, and community engagement.

The streets and sidewalks of Back Bay are well-maintained and prioritize pedestrian safety and convenience. Dogs, children, and greenspace fill the Back Bay streets creating a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure throughout the neighborhood. The city of Boston puts effort into maintaining these sidewalks to ensure they are safe and free from debris. Most areas are accessible to everyone. In addition, Back Bay’s sidewalks include mature trees lining many streets. This adds to the preservation of these neighborhoods and green spaces.

Sidewalks in Allston, however, are a different story. Pedestrian space here can vary in condition from street to street. Some sidewalks are wellmaintained, wide, and smooth, while others may be narrower and in need of repair. With high pedestrian traffic, particularly along major streets like Commonwealth Avenue, sidewalks can get crowded, especially during peak times, as residents and students move about the area. Efforts have been made to improve accessibility in Allston. Curb ramps and crosswalks designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities are waiting to be implemented and like many older urban neighborhoods, accessibility is still a challenge. Pockets of greenery and trees similarly line sidewalks, providing greenspace as well as shade to the open region. The sidewalk in Allston serves as a connector from business to business and social ground.

According to Niche, Allstons’ demographics include many collegeeducated residents between the ages of 18-34. There is a strong presence of the LGBTQIA+ community in Allston. The racial demographic consists of predominantly white and Asian individuals. One of the defining characteristics of Allston is its open-mindedness to new ideas and infrastructure. Allston reflects a dynamic blend of backgrounds and perspectives, contributing to the overall prosperousness of the area.

Back Bay similarly seems to include mostly college-educated individuals aged 25-years-old and up, Niche reports. This demographic is majority white, consisting of households making well over the national median income. Back Bay remains predominantly white, raising questions about equity and inclusivity within the community. Social justice issues and economic inequalities hold this gap where it is for many years. Many call for more efforts to be made to address systemic barriers and promote diversity within the community.

Connecting these two polar neighborhoods is the Charles River Esplanade. This natural green space stretches three miles along the Charles River with activities ranging from concerts, yoga, sailing, running, biking, and picnics, there is an appeal to residents of Allston and Back Bay alike. This tranquil park provides a respite from the chaos of city life. It’s a place where people from all areas can come to relax and connect with nature. However, for many, the Esplanade represents more than just a scenic park: it embodies the spirit of Boston. Whether it’s runners training for the Boston Marathon, friends gathering for a picnic, or a businesswoman taking her puppy for a walk at the end of the day, the Esplanade is a shared space. This communal parkway brings together residents from both ends of the urban spectrum.

In passing, Allston and Back Bay may seem like worlds apart. Although they encapsulate different elements, their diversity reflects the dynamic nature of Boston University. The urban landscape highlights the city’s varied experiences from student activity in Allston to upscale amenities in Back Bay. Cities have the special ability to connect people and ideas to create something unique. Despite their differences, the Esplanade unifies each neighborhood, standing as a testament to the power of green spaces to create a sense of community. As BU continues to grow, it is important to celebrate these differences while also striving to address systemic barriers and equity in the city.

The hidden street

art of Boston

Seeking it out may not be as difficult as you think

Boston is known for a lot of things: its historical monuments and buildings, iconic sports teams, and lush public gardens, to name a few. What people often overlook, however, is the vibrant street art of Boston, tucked away between busy streets and tall buildings.

Chinatown

Known as one of Boston’s most culturally rich neighborhoods, Chinatown is home to Asian eateries, bakeries, markets, and shops. In addition, murals that pay homage to China’s history and culture can be spotted if you look hard enough.

One mural, thought to have been finished in the late 1990s, sits behind 76 Harrison Avenue. Despite being slightly faded from decades of weathering, its intricate details still remain prominent. While it may seem like a mural of some people gathered around, upon closer look you can see classic Chinese symbolisms, such as the dragon and yin yang. If you turn around, you’ll see another mural, this one featuring a Chinese porcelain piece of pottery, called qinghua.

Written

by Amanda Brucculeri

Designed by Valerie Dreyfuss

Photographed by Sarah Cruz

Cambridge

Just across the river from BU is Cambridge, one of Boston’s most underrated neighborhoods. Many people just think of it as Harvard and MIT, but if you wander the streets a bit, you’ll uncover its lesser known artistic side.

On Columbia Street, you’ll find a huge, multi-colored mural created by Californiabased artist Hueman. In the same parking lot, you’ll find two other murals created by local artists, both with a psychedelic, magical vibe.

Roxbury

Just 20 minutes from BU’s campus, Roxbury is the geographic center of Boston. Yet, it’s often forgotten, despite its rich history. It’s where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ministered and where Malcom X grew up. Thus, it is a center of Black culture and artists.

Rob Gibbs, known by his artist name of Probl, created the “Breathe Life” series, which can be found on buildings in Roxbury. On the outside of Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, you can find his “Breathe Life 2” piece, which features the pieces of a plethora of Black artists.

Off The Beaten Path Food Tours Diving to the Heart of Boston Through Food

Written by Mia Overbo |

Designed by Madeline Michalowski | Photographed by Miranda Ceron

One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its food—and not just any food, but meals prepared by localfavorite restaurants. Local businesses and the people who run them are what weave a community together.

Last fall, I moved from California to Boston. Since arriving, I’ve loved getting to know my new home. I wanted a way to explore new places, so I applied to be a food tour guide for Off the Beaten Path Food Tours. I knew by their name that this experience would offer me a more authentic glimpse of what it means to be a Boston local. I was surprised to get the job; I had never been to the places I would be touring, let alone even point them out on a map. Yet, I was so eager to learn.

That was last October. Now, I have been on a handful of tours for training and have just recently co-led my first one: The Food and Mural Arts Tour in Cambridge.

When I first spoke with Lizzie Bell, the co-founder of Off the Beaten Path Food Tours, she radiated a love for the local neighborhoods in the Boston Area: Cambridge, Harvard Square, Union

Square, Somerville, and Davis Square being her favorites. These “off the beaten path” neighborhoods are where she runs her tours. Bell and her partner, Sam, founded the company wanting to offer visitors a way to discover the local staples, ensuring visitors discover the best hidden gems in just one afternoon, rather than sifting through countless restaurant reviews and dodging tourist traps. After asking all of her friends about their favorite spots and interviewing over 30 local restaurants to find the best fits, she began creating her first tour routes.

Now, the company offers five different tours, running on both weekends and weeknights year-round. Our most popular is the Harvard Square Chocolate Tour. We visit four different stops trying different chocolate desserts: hazelnut chocolate-filled greek donuts, cacao shots, and chocolatedrizzled waffles topped with ice cream, among others. At each stop, we talk about the history of the area and meet the owners of the restaurants to learn about their stories.

On the Food and Mural Arts tour, we visit over four different murals, each with a backstory about the artists and their creative vision. At graffiti alley (the first place in the U.S. to legalize graffiti), we even supply our

tour groups with spray paint so they can leave their mark.

However, the company does more than just run tours. Bell is always bubbling with new ideas and finding ways to support the local community. She creates blog posts which list local recommendations. I help her create TikToks that promote the tours and restaurants we visit. These destinations help us give back to the community.

One of our stops on the Cambridge tours is Daily Table, a nonprofit grocery store offering discounted food prices for everyone in the community. The restaurants, too, radiate generosity. Although us food tour guides do not expect to be served food with the guests, the restaurants often provide us with their creations. I’ve watched the other longterm tour guides befriend the owners of the restaurants and catch up on their lives. This closeness goes to show that Off the Beaten Path is inextricable from the local community.

The menu items of these local restaurants are now my new comfort foods. I am so grateful for what Off the Beaten Path Food Tours has given me: a taste of Boston and an understanding of what feels to be part of it.

The path to rediscovering social justice

Written by Allyn Tucker | Designed by Ebony Nkrumah | Photographed by Anna Wojeck

Many students who actively participate in social justice throughout their youth lose their connection to it in their transition to college. How can students rediscover activism on campus?

February 14, 2018 and the days that followed were perhaps the most pivotal moments of my personal growth, transition to adulthood, and journey into activism. Looking back, upwards of six years later, I cringe at my lack of active involvement in social justice as a college student compared to the kid I used to be.

Back then, I was just a mere eighth grader taking on far more than I could handle: a mourning community pained by incomprehensible loss, an immeasurable amount of anger directed towards events that were unchangeable, and a newfound responsibility to make sure nobody else experienced what I just had.

Activism, a broad word referring to all kinds of social justice work, took over my life and identity. My efforts spanned beyond preventing gun violence–which plagued me and so many others–into the concerns of addressing racism, homophobia, homelessness, and more. Something switched on in my 13-year-old brain that day in February, and suddenly everyone’s fight was mine to join.

“"Everybody had a story. Everybody had a reason to be there."

For four and a half years later, that identity never ceased to exist in my daily life–it didn’t disappear after I graduated high school. However, the transition to college didn’t leave me much mental room to actively focus on other people. As a college sophomore, I question how I still haven’t re-sparked my engagement in a community I was so immersed in just a couple of years ago.

To those who feel the same, I have a couple things to say; first of all, actively working towards social justice is not easy. To feel so strongly about a change you want to see in the community you live in is incredibly overwhelming, and the ratio of work you do compared to the change that actually occurs is disheartening, to say the least.

With that being said, BU has resources that I’ve realized make actively participating in social justice feel much more achievable.

BU’s activism and social justice community has widened in recent years, with multiple new clubs and centers opening since the turn of the decade. The Boston University chapter of Students Demand Action, a subset of one of the nation’s largest gun safety organizations, Everytown for Gun Safety, joined BU’s campus this past fall.

Students Demand Action is a gun safety organization that focuses not only on mass shootings, but any situation in which a student has experienced gun violence. To bring the organization to BU, a school that lacked the presence of gun safety activism, two members of the BU community decided to take things into their own hands. Maxine Slattery, the chapter’s current Vice President and a BU Masters student, teamed up with Shana Weitzen (Pardee ‘25) to gauge student interest. It turned out that the pair were not the only students wanting a gun safety community, the BU SDA chapter forming shortly thereafter.

“BU is such a passionate community about everything under the sun,” Slattery said. “During our first general meeting, everybody had a story. Everybody had a reason to be there.”

Through access to the national organization Everytown, help from the SDA regional organizer, and partnership with Moms Demand Action, there are plenty of easy opportunities created by SDA to get students involved.

As Slattery emphasized, fighting gun violence is key to the lives of people everywhere: “the sooner we can attack it, the more productive and peaceful our future is going to be.”

Student and member of SDA, Nina Cairo (COM ‘27), believes SDA has allowed her to safely transition her activism from her Texas upbringing to her new life in Boston.

“I’ve always been really outspoken and really eager to stand up for what I believe in, but I’ve become aware now as a college student about how to stay true to what I believe in and be cautious about how other people’s outspokenness has caused them success or failure,” Cairo said.

Her experience with SDA has allowed her to get involved in a cause she aligns strongly with through an organization which operates fairly and factually; her experience has upheld not only her personal beliefs but also the goals which brought the chapter to BU.

BU’s SDA chapter was not the only addition to campus this year. At the beginning of BU’s Spring 2024 semester, the school announced the official opening of the LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center. The center provides a safe environment for students who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community and was spearheaded by student activists looking for an inclusive space to call their own.

Located at 808 Commonwealth Avenue, the center came as a result of a report written by the LGBTQIA+ Student Taskforce, which had been asking for a physical space to house and support the community in an effort to make BU a more

inclusive school for LGBTQIA+ students. The taskforce, led by current students and alums, has been actively working since February 2022 to improve the school’s dedication to LGBTQIA+ causes. The student center joins the preexisting LGBTQIA+ Center for Faculty & Staff, which provides resources, events, and a safe space for BU employees.

A committee of faculty members, staff, and students are working together in the search for a director of the LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center, who has not yet been announced. In the absence of the director, Katy Collins, Director of Student Outreach and Engagement, is filling the interim role.

The introduction of the center widens students’ horizons, allowing members of the community and

allies to work towards creating safer, comfortable, and inclusive spaces for BU’s LGBTQIA+ population. Getting involved in the center in its beginning days is a rewarding way to reenter the world of social justice; the Student Resource Center’s website has easily accessible tabs to contact the community and get involved.

Also located at 808 Commonwealth Avenue, and the namesake of the building, BU’s Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground provides students with a plethora of events and resources to engage in social justice

The Center for Common Ground is named after Howard Thurman, a Civil Rights leader, author, and pastor committed to the understanding and equality of all. Thurman came to BU after growing up in Florida and attending Morehouse College, a Historically Black College in Atlanta. After leading a life of social justice activism, including helping to establish the first integrated and interfaith church in the country, Thurman became the first African American Dean at a predominately white institution in the United States by accepting the job of BU’s Dean of Marsh Chapel.

The center is responsible for publishing articles, hosting programs and art exhibits, and leading other special events—all targeting a better understanding of diverse cultures. Students interested in becoming involved can find both staff and student ambassador applications at the center’s website. Additionally, students are encouraged to drop into the space for education conversations to learn more about the center and the work they do.

Beyond the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, BU’s Student Activities houses organizations committed to furthering activism for diverse and underrepresented communities. Clubs including, but not limited to, the BU Prison Outreach Initiative and the Environmental Student Association are available to research on Terrier Central, as well as dozens of other clubs found by searching the keywords “social justice” and “activism.”

Although BU’s large population may make continuing social justice work daunting to students still adjusting to college life, I hope this guide has shown that there are many options available. Depending on one’s specific interests, level of commitment, and time for exploration, there is certainly an introduction to social justice for everyone on campus, and students like Cairo have found theirs.

“We’re in a very specific part of our lives where we have to start thinking: who do we want to be in this world, and how do we do it in a way that’s going to be safe.”

“"We're in a very specific part of our lives where we have to start thinking: who do we want to be in this world, and how do we do it in a way that is going to be safe?"

Written by Layne Sheplee

Designed by Niki Taradash

Graphics by Tamar Ponte

BU-ING THROUGH

THE SEASONS

Students Share their Seasonal Favorites at BU

Summer Summer

From the sweltering heat of summer to the frigid cold of winter, and every temperature in between, the Boston climate has it all. Throughout a year at Boston University, students watch campus go through drastic changes: trees along Comm. Ave. lose and regain their leaves, the Charles River freezes over and defrosts, and daylight hours ebb and flow.

Though BU is ever changing, there is always something to love on campus. Terriers reflect on their seasonal favorites on campus:

When students arrive on campus in late August, the sun’s rays are in full effect. Students brave the heat to socialize outside or find ways to cool off inside.

“When there’s no air conditioning and you’re sweating in the summer, I like to go to FitRec and go in the pool and lazy river,” said Gillian McMahon (QST ‘24).

Fall Fall

As classes begin and students find their rhythm, autumn foliage engulfs campus. Beautiful views of fall colors can be found all over BU.

“I love the view from the fourth floor of the law library. I can see the Charles and all the fall leaves while I’m studying,” said Sara Frankel (CAS ‘27).

Winter Winter

Though Boston winters are dark and cold, students find ways to stay warm and embrace the winter spirit on campus.

“My favorite location in the winter time is Agganis Arena because it’s open for ice skating on the weekends. It makes me feel like I have my own little pocket of winter on campus,” said Elijah Chacko (COM ‘27).

Spring Spring

When the sun returns in the springtime, students venture outside again to enjoy the weather and scenery.

“Along the Esplanade there’s cherry blossoms in the spring. I have so many pictures from freshman year when I had picnics and did photoshoots there,” said Claudia Dorian (CFA ‘24).

The next time the seasons are impeding on your plans, try out some of these recommendations!

Finding common ground

Finding common ground

TERRIER ALUMS TALK PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Written by Sammy Seabury | Graphics and Design by Sarah Tocci

Catherine Arnst (BU ‘74) and Jennifer Yee (BU ‘08)

are proud of what it means to be a Terrier.

Catherine Arnst, a 1974 graduate from the Boston University School of Public Communication (SPC) – now known as the College of Communication (COM) – recently visited her alma mater to speak to a communications class. Eager to absorb all the knowledge they could, students jotted down notes as she spoke. “What could they be writing?” she wondered. Yet, she saw herself inside each of them. She understood the simultaneous sense of passion and uncertainty felt by each young person facing her as she stood at the front of the classroom—and she knew that these senses were still as much in her as they were in them.

Arnst, an award-winning journalist and communications expert, graduated from BU with a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from SPC. Proud to tell people she went to BU, she reflected on her time as a student with gratitude.

“The other students were the best part about being at BU; being with other students who also cared about news, and the truth, and wanted to change the world,” said Arnst. She found it inspiring to be surrounded by so many peers who were “bright, inquisitive, and interested in the news.”

As the first person in her family to graduate from college, Arnst knew she had to leave her quaint and rural hometown of Portville, NY in order to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. However, transitioning to adulthood while living in a new city can be overwhelming.

“One thing that freaked me out when I got to BU was that my entire hometown could live in [Warren Towers]—I think it houses about 2,000 students. And when I learned that, I thought, ‘My god, all of Portville could live in that building!’” said Arnst.

Since Arnst attended BU in the 1970s, the uniquely urban lifestyle of students has continued to provide them with the

opportunity to be independent and redefine themselves— one of the factors that makes BU special. Alumni, regardless of their career field, relate to the coexisting feelings of community and independence felt as a BU student.

“You’re surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, but you can also keep to yourself,” said Jennifer Yee, Associate Director of Clinical Data Management at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. “At BU, you really have to take ownership of your experience.”

Yee graduated from BU’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Human Physiology. Similar to Arnst, she grew up in the small town of Lyme, CT and sought out Boston’s exciting urban environment when making her college decision.

“I really liked how BU integrates with the city landscape itself,” said Yee. “You would walk down the street and feel like you were living this city lifestyle. I felt so different and independent.”

BU has expanded over time, both in terms of landscape and prestige. Yee said that she occasionally runs through campus to check in on the growing university.

“It’s fun to see all the new buildings. There’s that new crazy building that looks like a geometric shape—the Data Science

building. I’m like ‘Oh, that used to be a parking lot!’ It’s always fun to see how the campus evolves,” said Yee.

In addition to new infrastructure, BU’s increased selectivity and climbing national rank has contributed to a boost in reputation. Last year, the university was named to the US News and World Report’s list of Top 20 Most Innovative Schools nationwide.

“Its profile has really risen since I was there,” said Arnst.

Despite massive developments, the overarching impact that life at BU has on students remains the same. BU’s atmosphere cultivates personal growth for students. This growth goes further than priming students for the professional world.

Arnst attended BU during the political turmoil of the 1970s. She spoke of student involvement during this revolutionary point in history. “The Vietnam War was still going on, and I was involved in a lot of protests. That was very exciting. There was sort of this awakening of political awareness and fighting for rights,” said Arnst.

“It was a really exciting time to be a student in Boston. I think that I learned more from what was going on around me, even than in the classroom,” voiced Arnst. “Which is possibly as it should be.”

Arnst has experience covering technology and health-related stories for renowned companies such as Edelman, Businessweek, and Reuters. After over 30 years in the industry, she officially retired from her position as Director of Public Information at the United Hospital Foundation in New York last July.

Upon reflecting on her experiences at BU and beyond, Arnst said that one regret she still holds on to is not writing for a student newspaper while in college. She is most fond of the learning she did outside of the classroom, and joining a BU publication could have been another opportunity to do just that.

Both Arnst and Yee excelled in the professional world after leaving BU. Exploring clinical research and finding her niche in data management, Yee now serves as Associate Director of Clinical Data Management at Takeda, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Arnst and Yee’s shared sense of independence – a facet of their character that was strengthened during their time at BU – is a cornerstone of the university experience.

No matter what the future holds for BU, students will continue to share a common bond forged by an embrace of knowledge and diversity. As the 2024 graduating class leaves its mark on the university, they will become a part of the rich tapestry of stories that define what it means to be a BU Terrier.

How the food scenes in LA and

NYC are influencing Boston

Written

Thea Hecht |

The food scenes of major cities have influenced Boston for centuries – and it won’t stop now.

It’s no secret that LA and NYC are the hubs of this country’s culinary world. The food scenes of NYC and LA are known to create, innovate, and influence. Having spent significant time in these cities over the years, I can see their influence on Boston, and even predict what’s next.

by

Designed by Ava Memarzadeh | Photographed by Mirabel Chin

Bagels

Every foodie knows the importance of a New York bagel. It is a city staple and something that locals will complain about not finding in other cities. I grew up getting Russ&Daughters for any big holiday. It was our go-to celebration food; nothing could mimic the taste of that New York bagel and shmear.

So, what’s so special? The rumors are that the minerals in the New York water make the bagel bread unique.

Maybe I’d believe that it had to do with the water if you said the water came from a special lake in Austria. However, I can say with confidence that New York water does not have any minerals that enhance the taste or texture—it is a polluted city, after all. My take? It’s all about the way it’s cooked. Bruegger’s Bagels taught me that.

Boba

I remember the first time I tried boba. I was in LA, and my boba-experienced friend had a detailed order ready to go. I honestly found it disgusting and disturbing—how could I enjoy my Thai tea with squishy balls flooding into my mouth?

Because boba has Asian roots, it was introduced to Los Angeles in the 1990s, two decades after the big influx of Asian immigration. Now, California is the US’ most boba-filled state.

The boba we see today has definitely been Americanized and moved away from traditionalist boba. In the past few years, the boba in LA has become more complicated with more options. It has become overwhelming—who the hell even knows what cheese foam is?

Boba has become a cultural trend. Having a boba in hand completes any look. This is why the boba scene in LA has spread to other prominent

“The food scenes of major cities have influenced Boston for centuries – and it won’t stop now.”

I found out about Bruegger’s Bagels on TikTok. It was getting rave reviews with lines around the block, so naturally I had to see what the hype was about. When I sunk my teeth into that bagel, I tasted a New York City bagel. The secret is that they kettle-cook the bagels before baking them in an authentic stone hearth oven.

Bruegger’s Bagels have been around since 1983. They started in New York City to ensure they were the best quality bagels. Since then, they have expanded to other food locations around the country, Boston being one of the first.

Bruegger’s Bagels is bridging the gap by bringing our city authentic New York bagels while keeping up with the cutting edge culture of Boston.

cities across the country. As an avid boba-goer, I have noticed a shift in the past year. Although boba shops have been increasing in Boston, it is a very recent addition that you can customize your sweetness level, ice level, boba pearl texture, and finishing foam.

Seven years after my first sip of boba, I am a boba-lover. Whether it’s the feeling of style when I have one in hand or my genuine love for the

The Americanized version of sushi became popular in LA in the early 1900s. The more colors, flavors, and varieties, the better. This quickly became a delicacy and a fan favorite around the country. It wasn’t until mid-century that traditional Asian sushi was introduced to LA via a small restaurant called Kawafuku.

This sushi, although lacking in the vibrant colors and explosion of flavors, had simple tastes and presentations that drew in customers. The raw fish was the star of the dish. This almost felt like a new cuisine despite it being the origins of sushi.

Sushi Delivery Apps

It was simple, elegant, and extremely tasty.

Within just a few years, similar restaurants opened up around the big cities in the country. NYC and LA saw the biggest influx as they were two of the major food cities. In the 1990s, NYC was introduced to Blue Ribbon Sushi.

Blue Ribbon Sushi followed this traditional model and was a beloved staple for true sushi-goers. Throughout the years of Blue Ribbon Sushi, multiple locations have opened around the country. In the last two years, Boston opened a Blue Ribbon Sushi. With this direct influence from the evolving sushi scenes in LA and NYC, Boston is growing and maturing as a sushi hub in the US.

So, what’s next? It seems like the food scenes are always trying to be the first, and if they can’t be the first, they are just trying to keep up.

The last time I was in LA, I saw something that all cities will be trying to keep up with. This is the future of food. The food delivery systems in LA are brand new and unlike anything Boston has seen. Restaurant quality food is delivered right to your doorstep, but here’s the catch: it doesn’t come in typical to-go boxes and doesn’t need to be additionally prepared. It is made to eat at home. It is prepared in a way that is not only convenient or tasty but an experience in and of itself.

Let’s take a look at Sugarfish sushi. Sugarfish is a sushi chain with eleven locations in LA and five locations in NYC. There are in-person dining options, but the real treat is eating it at home. When it gets delivered, it comes in a single bento box—already a game changer without the use of multiple plastic containers which create mess and waste. The box has a detailed eating guide outlining the recommended sauces, style, and condiments for each piece of fish. The best part is it’s also organized and clean enough to eat in bed (if you are like me and like your food better in bed)! It is easy

to understand with pictures and the consumer will never feel like they are wasting money on a less-than dining experience.

Another example of fine dining at home is shaved ice. I would’ve never thought this was an option before seeing it with my own eyes. You are able to order toppings that come on the side and your preferred flavor of shaved ice. The shaved ice comes in an insulated container so that it is ready to enjoy at restaurant quality without melting.

I know this trend will get mixed reviews. It is not ideal to do everything from home as there will always be joy in the little interactions people have when ordering dessert or eating ice cream on the street. I am confident, however, that because LA can do it with their in-person and remote options, Boston will adapt. This is an age of convenience and restaurants that at least offer an elevated dining experience at home will have a leg up.

To Bottom Line

From sushi to bagels and boba, Boston is a city that keeps up. Although it doesn’t consistently innovate in the way that New York City and LA do, it is not a city that is lacking in the food department. In the next year

or so, we can expect to see these incredible creations done in other cities, such as elevated delivery services. Boston is attentive and smart and these opportunities will be available to us in no time!

Written by John Salloum

Photographed by James Roberts

Designed by Sasha Zatler

It was a calm summer night, my family and I had come back from a day at the pool and wanted to unwind by watching a DVD we had recently picked up. The movie in question was “Ratatouille”, and what 6-year-old me wouldn’t realize is watching this movie would be the driving force that inspired one of his passions in life. The symbolism, colors, and of course food from the film left lasting impressions that would blossom into my experience in culinary arts.

“ANYONE – Ratatouille can cook ”

Fast forward to the present, my thoughts of the movie remain the same: it is filled with wonderful symbolism that moments of greatness can come from anyone, surrounded by some of the best uses of food imagery to date. What we are here to talk about is the dish that made me want to cook in the first place, the title of the film itself, “Ratatouille”. The dish goes by another name, confit byaldi, but both recipes are practically identical. The movie portrays it to be a culinary phenomenon, the ultimate conclusion to all the work done by the main characters. However, the dish in real life is far from that. Ratatouille was considered a peasant dish (which they remark in the movie) as it consists of a few “rough cut” vegetables that hardly looked like anything they showed on screen, designed to be eaten with cheap rice or bread. However, cooking a dish with such importance to my own life was a necessity, even if the dish was not what I first imagined it to be.

To make the ratatouille that is shown in the movie, we have to prepare our vegetables in a certain way. Squash, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes are cut using a mandolin slicer to create thin, circular cuts of vegetables. In fact, the tomatoes are prepared beforehand using a technique called blanching, where you make small cuts into the tomatoes and boil them for about a minute before putting them into an ice bath. This allows the tomatoes to keep their shape. The second part of the dish is the sauce, a fiery roasted pepper and tomato sauce that adds a much-needed spice. This can either be store-bought, but as with all recipes making it homemade is always better. The sauce consists of char roasted bell peppers, garlic, onions, tomatoes, parsley, thyme, and chicken stock combined in a high-power blender (fun fact, using a high-power blender cooks the sauce if left on high speed long enough). Once you have your pieces, using a large pan you spoon a bit of the sauce at the bottom and lay your vegetables delicately on top of it, creating a circular pattern of sorts. Time is the name of the game, and for the flavors to be released you need to cook on low heat for about two hours. Once done, you can use a circular ring mold to recreate the eye-catching plating from the film, garnishing with a little leftover pepper sauce and a singular chive on top.

Ratatouille itself is not an extraordinary dish by any means, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. But, looking back, having made the dish, the importance of it in the film is even more clear. The dish itself was never meant to act as this cultivation of the skills learned by the main characters but as a symbol of how integrity and love should be the center of cooking itself. Ratatouille serves as a reminder that most of the beauty that comes with cooking often stems from the love and care we put into it as well as who we share it with.

INTO THE RISE OF EREWHON

Written by Charley Schwartz | Designed by Valerie Dreyfuss | Graphic by

A California-based grocery store chain has captured the attention of people all around the country. Their healthy, overpriced items keep customers coming back—oftentimes forcing them to spend their entire paycheck. This cult fan base might seem ridiculous, but there is an “Erewhon science” behind it all that explains their undeniable success.

GT Nguyen

How many of you have either heard about the Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie or ran to an Erewhon to try it for yourself?

Chances are, many of you answered yes, which comes as no surprise. Erewhon has been popular among local Californians for years, but after they launched their celebrity smoothie collaborations, their following skyrocketed beyond California customers, and on a national level. Erewhon has collaborated with A-list celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian, Bella Hadid, Miranda Kerr, Emma Chamberlain, and other widely-known influencers. However, their smoothie collaborations are just one ingredient to their success.

Some might argue that Erewhon has created its own grocery store tier. There are the budgetfriendly chains (Ex. Aldi, Walmart, Kroger), the “middle-class” chains (Ex. Trader Joes, Stop & Shop, Publix), the high-end markets (Ex. Whole Foods, The Fresh Market, Sprouts), and then there’s Erewhon. From a non-monetary or product perspective, Erehwon offers a completely different customer experience compared to other grocery stores. Walking into their stores makes customers feel they’ve achieved a “superior” status, similar to the way they might view their favorite celebrities. In a way, Erewhon feels like an exclusive club that is open to the public, but really only marketed towards a specific class of people. While other stores can try to compete with them, it is almost impossible to replicate the Erewhon experience.

Even though almost everything at Erewhon is marked up in price, many choose to buy from

them due to the trust they’ve established with their customers. A core part of their business model revolves around providing delicious foods that don’t sacrifice nutrition or quality. They are passionate about serving the healthiest ingredients and sourcing from sustainable vendors, which is evident in their simple ingredient lists and fresh produce. They have a massive selection of brands to choose from, most of which include some sort of healing property such as adaptogens, ACV, or sea moss to name a few. With that being said, from a nutrition

“In a way, Erewhon feels like an exclusive club that is open to the public, but really only marketed towards a specific class of people.”

perspective, Erewhon is one of the cleanest places to enjoy your favorite foods without any guilt.

Now, let’s talk about what might arguably be the best-tasting vegetable dish I’ve ever tried: Erewhon’s Buffalo Cauliflower. As this dish is a fan-favorite among most Erewhon customers, I knew I needed to try it when I visited. It certainly exceeded my expectations and is something I think about on a weekly basis. The cauliflower was bursting with flavor

and had the perfect combination of spice and crisp. Now that I’ve declared Erewhon’s Buffalo Cauliflower my Roman empire, let’s dive into how Erewhon actually became a known name around the country.

It’s no surprise that social media catapulted Erewhon’s fame, but I don’t think the chain was prepared for how influential TikTok would be in its growth. If you have fallen victim to “Erewhon TikTok,” you know how viral the store became, especially during the pandemic. People scrolling on TikTok from different states became fascinated by the hype, and either flew to California to visit or tried to recreate popular items from their homes. The endless Erewhon hauls made people intrigued by this “elitist” grocery store chain, which was essentially free marketing for them. Even today, it is still trendy to see how much people can spend at Erewhon when only buying a few items (shoutout Chef Bae).

There are many variables that have contributed to Erewhon’s seemingly overnight success. Their celebrity collaborations, trustworthy ingredients, delicious selection of hot bar items, and social media fame are some of the few reasons why Erewhon has become the name it is today. From what I remember, the food was amazing, and the excitement of a potential celebrity spotting added to the experience. The Erewhon aisles have become the new Hollywood Boulevard, so next time you’re in California, grab a smoothie there and you might just have a celebrity meet and greet.

IS GEN Z REALLY THAT LAZY?

Written by Natalie Hickey | Graphics by Mia Overbo | Designed by Anvitha Nekkanti

We’re all familiar with Millennials receiving a negative reputation, however, recently it appears that Gen Z has also fallen under scrutiny. What’s the reason behind it?

I’ll admit I first learned about this debate on TikTok. Whether it was a member of the Millennial generation, or a Baby Boomer labeling Generation Z as lazy, or a Gen Z individual feeling the need to respond and provide reasons for their perceived work ethic, etc., my TikTok feed has been inundated with this ongoing discourse.

Seeing these videos frequently prompted me to delve into the topic online, questioning whether it was a widely recognized debate or merely a TikTok trend. Much to my surprise, it appears to be a legitimate debate supported by numerous articles across various news outlets (and, of course, has multiple Reddit threads discussing it as well).

So, what is being said about Gen Z? I pulled some article headlines for you:

“Gen Z’s nonchalance infiltrates the workplace.”

“Gen

Z workers are lazy, some bosses say. They don’t do anything unless every second of their day is managed.”

“Gen

Zers are shutting down accusations that they’re ‘lazy’ by listing all

the reasons why they don’t want to work.”

“Is Gen Z unprepared for the workforce?”

“Is Gen Z Lazy?”

“Gen Z’s nonchalance infiltrates the workplace.” “Gen Z workers are lazy, some bosses say. They don’t do anything unless every second of their day is managed.” “Gen Zers are shutting down accusations that they’re ‘lazy’ by listing all the reasons why they don’t want to work.” “Is Gen Z unprepared for the workforce?” “Is Gen Z Lazy?”

To sum up, the main arguments and beliefs are that Gen Z is lazy, entitled, and too sensitive. Sprinkled within other articles, Reddit threads, Facebook posts, and TikTok videos, you can also find “inability to focus” and “lack of respect for elders” showing up. Moreover (often within other articles, Reddit threads, Facebook posts, and TikTok videos), critiques of Gen Z highlight their purported inability to focus, attributed to their constant exposure to digital distractions and the (or their) instant gratification culture. Additionally, accusations of a lack of respect for elders stem from observations of shifting cultural norms and generational differences in communication and societal values. These criticisms, fueled by various media platforms, contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding the perceived characteristics of Generation Z.

My first reaction to these statements was to immediately disagree. However, I am most certainly a bit biased as a Gen Z member myself, so to get a better understanding of the debate, I conducted some research to try to understand both sides of the story.

The first argument that I researched was the “lazy” argument, which has been backed by managers stating that these new younger workers need a lot of “hand holding,” meaning they spend a lot of time “making sure that they [Gen Z] are on task.” Further, managers have even gone as far to say that Gen Z workers “are not looking to be productive.” This standpoint appears to stem from the idea that Gen Z workers often don’t want to work past the typical 9-5 workday. The older generations feel as though they put in more effort and hours during their workdays, and especially put in more hours during the beginning of their careers in order to prove themselves; they are confused as to why this doesn’t seem to be the case for the next generation.

This idea that Gen Z doesn’t “seem to care all that much” has even granted them a nickname— rather than boomers, earning the name “zoomers” (look it up, there’s even a

Wikipedia page for the term!). In a survey of 1,344 managers by Resume Builders, three out of every four agreed that Gen Z is harder to work with than other generations. Even further, “65% say they more commonly need to fire Gen Zers than employees of other generations.”

The next view I looked into was the idea of entitlement within Gen Z. According to the same survey by Resume Builders mentioned above, around 21% of the managers surveyed stated that entitlement was also a common trait among Gen Z hires. It seems that managers associate this most commonly with that idea that Gen Z doesn’t want to work a 9-5. They feel entitled to more work-fromhome days and less office days.

For Gen Z, their response to this idea of “entitlement” was fairly simple. They agree completely with the idea that they don’t want to work past the typical 9-5 work schedule. They don’t agree with the term “entitled,” of course, but they do agree with setting work boundaries. Kim Kelly, for Insider, stood up for the Gen Zers on this topic, stating that “Young workers are not lazy, entitled, or keen on slacking off, they’re simply choosing to reject some of the practices that previous generations were forced to accept.” They were given a different start to their careers than past generations, and it shows in what they prioritize. My takeaway from this statement is that Gen Z started their careers at home, meaning the faster they got work done, the faster their work day was done. This has destroyed their idea of a 9-5 as it doesn’t seem a necessary work constraint. Why stay at an office all day if your work is completed?

This idea of an overall different start to one’s career seems to tie into the “laziness” claim. Some believe the true reason behind this perception is actually based on the beginning of many Gen Zers careers being on Zoom (and I feel like this would also apply to anyone who took any classes or held any internship on Zoom). It seems to be less of a true laziness and more of a lack of understanding/ability to do tasks in a different manner than previous generations. Further, some argue this laziness is really just a lack of fulfillment. TikToker Kevin White explained in a video that “If you have no fulfillment at work, you’re not being compensated correctly, and your work/life balance is s**t, people are not going to work hard. It’s really not that hard.”

To see what those directly surrounding me think, I asked some friends their thoughts on the debate.

One of my friends stated: “No, we’re innovative. We get things done more efficiently so that we can be lazy.” She further explained that she did see Covid as a setback for our generation, but that overall “our generation pivoted and adapted to the circumstances, making the most out of what we had.” The only area she described as being dangerous for our generation was AI, specifically ChatGPT.

My other friend was a little harsher on Gen Z. She explained, “Yes, I think we’re lazy compared to other generations. Covid was a major setback, we’re used to working from home and relaxing all day. For previous generations the norm was five days a week in person. Technology has made us innovative, but it’s also made us lazier.”

Pivoting from the “us versus them” view, in an interview with Fox News Digital, author and culture expert Jessica Kriegel stated that she believes our generations are a lot more similar than we think, and that social media is really the culprit creating these perceptions. She stated her belief that baby boomers are assuming “Gen Z are a certain way because of what they’re seeing on social media, that they’re not seeing from baby boomers.”

With all of this said, maybe Gen Z isn’t really that different from previous generations, maybe Gen Z just has a different perspective on what work should look like and how to execute it. With technology Gen Z got time and space, where Boomers had cubicles.

My takeaway? Gen Z is doing just fine, and maybe we’re just clever. But then again, I am biased…

Dating after a

bad date

Written

SA Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

National Sexual Violence Resource Center: https://www.nsvrc.org/

Sexual Assault Kit Initiative: https://www.sakitta.org/survivors/

uncomfortable with what’s going on is an awful feeling. It leaves a lot of people in limbo about what to do after the fact. Without taking some time to reflect, absorb and talk (or just think!) about what happened, you force your brain to suppress traumatic feelings. While you may think you can just go on another date immediately, these traumatic memories may unexpectedly pop up any time you date. Granted, this will happen no matter what.

Trauma doesn’t just go away, especially without being addressed first. However, if you take the time with yourself, a therapist, or a trusted friend to come to terms with what happened and your feelings about it, you’re at least a bit better off.

When you’re ready to get back out there and go on a date with someone after a bad experience, it’s imperative to set some personal boundaries—take baby steps. Meet in a public place for the first date and work your way up to going to a private place with your date after you trust them more. These are easy ways to start the process of moving on after a bad experience, but by no means is it a guidebook to how you should process your own trauma. Just remember that while your feelings may never fully go away, they will get easier to manage. You won’t always feel the way you feel today, and there are always resources out there to help you.

by Emily Wohl | Designed by Ebony Nkrumah Graphics by GT Nguyen

Applying ancient wisdom to a modern lifestyle

Written by Richa Jindal | Design and Graphics by Valerie Dreyfuss

Your lifestyle is arguably the most telling thing about you. Without saying a word, it reveals your values, self-love, life’s philosophy, and, eventually, how you choose to spend every day of your life. Does your lifestyle align with who you want to be?

I have spent nineteen years of my life being a victim of my surroundings, with little to no thought on how I want to spend my days and how I want to feel about myself. Taking control of my today is the most empowering change I have made, and my lifestyle is about just that: what I choose to eat for lunch today, or if I choose to prioritize calling my friend over studying for my exam tomorrow, or skipping the last bite of my favorite dessert to save myself from feeling bloated. It’s about how I’m loving myself and what I’m choosing for myself every single day.

The modern lifestyle has emerging values across the globe:

hustle, have some protein, do a workout, and finish it off with an eleven-step skin-care routine. It can feel great and there’s nothing wrong with this approach to life. Trends such as yoga, eating cleaner, and meditating, are in a way circling back to the way of life of our ancient ancestors. However, there exists this tug of war between the trend-shifts in modern lifestyles and the true value of ancient wisdom and living. While the modern lifestyle appreciates multitasking, a fast-paced life, flexibility, and short-cuts, the ancient lifestyle values a slower-paced life, routine, endurance, and deep attention. With these conflicting values, how can the modern lifestyle integrate ancient wisdom sustainably?

Body

“We become what we eat.” Food is one of the most important factors that influence how we feel in a day. Think about it: how do we grow? How do our cells receive energy for basic organ functions? Ayurveda, an Indian method of traditional medicine, uses Earth’s five elements to inspire health and treatment. According to Ayurveda, there are foods that are sattvic (virtuous, pure) and tamasik (sedative, static) in nature whose properties determine how our minds and bodies feel. Sattvic foods include fresh fruits, green vegetables, nuts, fresh milk, and more, while the latter includes stale food, sugary foods, and excessive intake of fats and oils. While it can be helpful to consume these foods in a proper balance, one way to incorporate ancient wisdom is by following the principle of eating mindfully in the context of our unique selves. A food that may feel good to you may not feel good to another, regardless of its benefits. The modern lifestyle surely has begun to value eating mindfully, helping to tap into your body to understand what foods make you feel energized and happy. This level of awareness has immense power in changing the way you feel, making better decisions, and finding ways to integrate it into your current lifestyle. So, be aware and eat like you love yourself!

Food doesn’t end at what we eat; how we eat our food matters as much. Eating a slice of cake with guilt has the same effect as eating a strawberry with anger. It is so important to eat whatever it is we are – good or bad – with acceptance, love, and zero-guilt. In the ancient world, and yet practiced by some around the world, one way to improve the effect of our food or tap into a higher emotion is by practicing gratitude before taking the first bite. Saying a few things that we’re grateful for, or just being grateful to be able to eat is extremely beneficial. Apply the Thanksgiving tradition all-year round!

Mind

We spend almost every minute with thoughts zooming past our minds and dictating how we view the world and ourselves. So, make your mind the best place to live in. Cultivating a positive mindset in every way comes from a source of self-love and awareness. Being aware and attentive of our thoughts is crucial to understanding who we are and what we want to change about ourselves. In the ancient world, there were many methods of calming the mind, which mostly boils down to paying deep attention to a given task. Whether it was the simple form of meditation by observing one’s breath, dance, or even hunting, each task was practiced with complete attention. Ditching multitasking and immersing oneself in the present is essential to cultivating a happier mindset (A quick tip is focusing on three breaths when you’re feeling distracted). Furthermore, movement is as essential to the mind as it is to the body and this can be in any form—dance, walking, cleaning, standing, cooking etc. Especially during emotionally charged phases, movement releases stuck energy as emotions are e-motions i.e., energy in motion. So, get up and shake it out because when you’re in bed, you’re dead.

Soul

While the modern lifestyle still accommodates the mind and body, it sometimes neglects the soul. Caring for one’s soul is going beyond the material realm and connecting to things that makes one truly happy and fulfilled. In the ancient world, there was a great emphasis on relationships and living in harmony. The fault of the modern lifestyle and thinking lies in its time-constrained mentality of living and occasional negligence of relationships. Going back to the section on the mind, even if you speak to a friend or stranger for five minutes in the day, give it your all. People pick up on energy subconsciously and the way to care for one’s soul is to commit attention to it. Furthermore, detaching yourself from judgment and yourself creates space to build soulful connections with yourself and those around you. In a fast-paced world, sometimes all you need in a day is to go home to yourself and spend five minutes doing something that is solely for you.

Written by Lily Smokler

Designed by Tamar Ponte

Photographed by William Chapman, Mia Anderson, James Roberts

Whether your high school years were some of the best or worst years of your life, there is a reason it is one of the most popular scenes for television and film—its iconic characters. While there are new roles evolving with diverse characteristics and unique styles emerging, all schools consist of a few major stereotypes.

The spirited group consists of the popular characters with loud and powerful personalities, including: The Jock, The Popular Mean Girl and her Best Friend/ Side-Chick, and the Class President. These characters adhere to some of their stereotypes such as the jock and popular mean girl being romantically involved, the class president being a rule-follower and reminding everyone else of that, and more. However, we chose to play around with and challenge these stereotypes by creating a love triangle between the jock, popular mean girl, and her gay best friend. These provocative characters and their exploration of sexuality work to both enhance and challenge character stereotypes.

THeJOCK

With stereotypes and societal standards comes rulebreakers and those who stray away from the norm. Whether it’s through dark clothing and expression, smoking in the school bathroom, or making out in the janitor’s closet, every school has their rebels. Although The Bad Boy, The Goth, The Stoner/Skater, and the Nerd exist within different social circles, their struggle to fit in brings them together. Rather than only spending time with her nose in her books, The Nerd breaks out of her shell and follows The Bad Boy on a journey to the dark side. These rebels learn to let one another in and discover the power of forming genuine relationships. In addition, they accept and embrace their roles within the classroom and learn to share it with one another.

THE BAD BOY

Similarly to most people and their high school experiences, none of these characters leave the same as they entered. The characters’ stories intertwine, allowing them to learn from one another and each other’s experiences. Think of movies like “Mean Girls” and “The Breakfast Club”, where there are various portrayals of adolescence and different cliques clash, yet all the characters learn from one another. This further causes everyone to accept and embrace their differences while also sharing them with one another—such as The Bad Boy guiding and welcoming The Nerd, or The Goth and Stoner/Skater bonding over their shared interests. This photoshoot conveys how each character has their own style and expression but co-exist within the same community and make the most of that matter.

Underrecognized throughout history fashion pioneers

Written by Madison Lamacchia | Designed by Grace Pham Graphics by Ellie McCarron

Exploring

the untold stories of fashion pioneers who broke racial barriers and reshaped the industry landscape. Their journeys inspire a renewed commitment to amplifying diverse voices and championing equity in

the fashion world.

When reflecting on pivotal moments within the history of fashion, you may recall notable occurrences such as Coco Chanel’s iconic “Little Black Dress” or Calvin Klein’s introduction of jeans on the runway.

The rationale behind your greater familiarity with names like Coco Chanel or Christian Dior compared to the equally brilliant and talented designers Zelda Wynn Valdes and Ruby Bailey can be traced back to a singular factor: privilege.

White designers were able to access more resources, opportunities, and platforms compared to fashion designers from minority groups. Therefore, they received more widespread press and recognition, often overshadowing the great talents of designers from marginalized communities.

Even in the present day, these underrepresented designers encounter obstacles in gaining acknowledgment within the industry. This disparity in recognition highlights systematic inequalities within the fashion world, where privilege and access often determine success in the eyes of the industry and public.

Zelda Wynn Valdes was an African American fashion designer, born in Pennsylvania in 1901. She grew up studying her grandmother’s work as a seamstress and continued to further her craft throughout her early years working in her uncle’s tailoring shop. She continued learning from her family until she graduated high school in the early 1920s, when she moved

to White Plains, New York, where she got a job as a stockroom worker at a high-end boutique.

The 1920s were part of the peak years of Jim Crow segregation, relegating Black seamstresses to the status of low-wage service laborers. Prestigious titles such as “designer” were predominantly reserved for white individuals, and more specifically, esteemed white men. The position kept Valdes in the back room every day where she was hidden from white clientele, due to prevailing racial biases.

However, Valdes possessed remarkable intelligence and determination; she only accepted this role with the foresight that she would ultimately demonstrate her capabilities and ascend to the forefront of the boutique as a seamstress. Valdes accomplished precisely that, working her way up to becoming the boutique’s first Black salesclerk and tailor. Once Valdes engaged with clients and showcased her undeniable talents, she swiftly earned recognition as a seamstress celebrated for her artistic vision, distinctive style, and precise technical skills.

In 1948 Valdes established her own boutique, Chez Zelda. This marked a historic milestone as the premier Black-owned boutique in Manhattan and the first Black-owned establishment on Broadway. The boutique owner quickly garnered attention from celebrities and affluent women, solidifying Chez Zelda’s status as a fashionable hotspot in Manhattan.

Chez Zelda served as a creative outlet for Valdes to refine her distinctive style, blending the timeless elegance of effortless glamor inspired by her grandmother’s handmade dresses and the opulent preferences of the boutique’s discerning clientele. She utilized premium textiles and crafted garments that exuded shameless femininity. Applying fabrics such as silk, Italian knit jersey, hammered satin, and crepe, she created sleek, formfitting evening gowns adored with detailed embellishments such as beads and sequins. Additionally, Valdes designed bridal gowns and crafted versatile dresses tailored for seamless transitions between the demands of

the workday to the sophistication of cocktail hours.

Valdes gained renown for her keen eye for design and exceptional craftsmanship. Merely by looking at a client, she possessed an innate ability to discern the precise fit required. In a 1994 interview with The New York Times, Valdes recounted her long-standing relationship with the renowned jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald: “I only fit her once in 12 years,” Valdes told the New York Times.

She further explained, “I had to do everything by imagination for her,” Valdes meticulously studied Fitzgerald’s appearances in recent publications for any changes in her figure. Valdes would then create elaborate custom gowns embellished with appliques, sequins, and beads, all carefully crafted to cater to Fitzgerald’s preferences.

At Chez Zelda, Valdes showcased her iconic low-cut and boldly formfitting gowns, which promptly became highly sought after. Renowned personalities such as Dorothy Dandridge, Eartha Kitt, and Josephine Baker were among the prominent women who adorned themselves in Valdes’ designs.

Valdes coordinated fashion shows for numerous Black social clubs and fundraising events in the area, where her unique pieces became the focal point of the shows and captivated audiences.

One year following the establishment of Chez Zelda, Valdes was elected president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers (NAFAD), an organization consisting of black designers and other inspiring Black women. The organization aims to provide professional opportunities for Black women, who encountered

significant obstacles in their careers.

NAFAD was founded by educators and political activists, Mary McCleod Bethune-Cookman and Jeanetta Welch Brown: two impressive women who were both deeply committed to inspiring professional opportunities for Black women.

The efforts of NAFD established vital connections between professionals in the black fashion industry and influential figures in the mainstream industry. These mainstream entities, including Vogue magazine, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, and prominent designers on Seventh Avenue, held considerable influence. NAFD’s pioneering work marked a notable departure by addressing nepotism prevalent among these predominantly white gatekeepers.

While a member of the NAFD, Valdes forged a connection with another remarkably talented Black woman, Ruby Bailey, whose contributions may have been less publicized but no less impactful. Bailey’s activism extended across a spectrum of artistic endeavors, from fashion shows and art exhibits to theatrical productions, all of which served to unify New York’s vibrant Black community.

Beyond her role as a dedicated advocate for racial inequality, Bailey showcased her multifaceted talents as an actress, painter, master beader, and fashion designer. Her artistic expression transcended conventional boundaries, infusing her work with a distinctive blend of vibrancy and cultural resonance.

Bailey’s creative design was characterized by its boldness, vibrancy, and distinct Afro-centric perspective. Her designs served as a testament to her celebration of African heritage, employing a rich palette of colors and patterns that were traditional to African heritage. Bailey used her fashion design and artistic craft to honor African culture.

Through her artistry, Bailey not only left an inerasable mark on the fashion landscape but also contributed to the broader cultural tapestry of her time.

The underappreciation of both Valdes and Bailey can be attributed to the pervasive influence of racism and sexism, not just within the fashion industry but also in broader societal contexts.

The remarkable achievements of Valdes and Bailey are evident through their exceptional craftsmanship. However, acknowledging the hurdles imposed by racism and sexism sheds light on the magnitude of the accomplishments of Valdes and Bailey—they forged paths for aspiring Black women in the fashion industry to pursue their dreams.

While names of white designers have been engraved into the collective memory of fashion history, the brilliance and contributions of Black designers including Valdes and Bailey have often been overlooked.

Valdes and Bailey demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends beyond the fashion industry. As we honor their exceptional accomplishments, it remains crucial to advocate for the voices and talents of marginalized designers, guaranteeing that their contributions receive the support, acknowledgment, and celebration they deserve.

The Global Fashion Industry:

HOW TRENDS AROUND THE WORLD INFLUENCE AMERICAN FASHION

From cultural clothing trends to global streetwear, every country has an influence on each other. Let’s explore some international trends that impact American fashion!

Starting with my favorite summer styles, let’s look at Italian fashion! Linen pants and maxi skirts are huge summer trends lately. These classy pieces are influenced by the clothes at Italian markets, specifically many of the patterns used. Heading into nighttime attire, leather jackets and pants have been taking over going out looks in America. The Italian leather market is one of the biggest in the world; in Florence, there is a leather shop on almost every block. Lately, red leather jackets have been rising in popularity, which can be found all over these shops.

Next, let’s look at France and England. American business casual year is fur lined leather jackets— this jacket emphasizes the “French It Girl” look that has become huge with young adults.

Known for their extravagant outfits with patterns and embellishments, let’s explore Indian styles that have influenced American clothes. Sequins and rhinestones have become huge in American going out clothes, especially seen with the rise of sequined mini skirts. My favorite trend, especially for summer, has been two-piece sets. One article of traditional Indian clothing is a sari, which often features a long skirt with a crop top or a long shawl. Saris and Indian patterns have influenced two-piece set and crop top styles in America for years.

Fashion all around the world is so unique! It’s so important to recognize and appreciate the various influences other countries have on our daily styles and national trends!

Written by Riya Mahtani

Designed by Niki Taradash

Graphics by Sarah Tocci

Tech Couture

fashion in the digital age

Written by Grace Pisciotta | Designed by Madeline Michalowski | Photographed by Julian X

Whether it be on the catwalk or on the sidewalk, we’re seeing more and more groundbreaking innovations at the intersection of fashion and technology. Explore how these advancements have contributed to how we perceive, create, and wear clothing in an ever-evolving digital world.

In a time where fashion and technology stand as two of the most influential forces shaping our contemporary world, their elements converge, paving the way for a new era of Tech Couture. From early wearable technology to modern advancements, including technological displays and showcases at fashion shows, the blending of these elements has sparked a revolution in how we express ourselves through clothing, pushing innovation and style to new levels.

Early Innovations

One of the earliest examples of wearable technology is the wristwatch. Created in the early 19th century, the wristwatch continues to evolve in both design and functionality. From delicate vintage gold pieces to the more recent advancements exemplified by the Apple Watch, wristwatches have continuously evolved, showcasing advancements in both form and function.

Inspired by the simplicity and utility of the wristwatch, contemporary wearable technology has expanded beyond mere timekeeping. These innovations extend far beyond conventional boundaries, embracing elements of high-fashion and cutting-edge materials.

Modern Smart Fabrics

Designers are beginning to utilize smart fabrics that react to changes in light or temperature. These innovative materials represent a fusion of technology and fashion, offering exciting possibilities for garments that adapt to their surroundings.

Thermal fabrics, in particular, stand out as a prime illustration of this innovation. PH5, a knitwear brand based in New York and China, has introduced an entire ‘UV Reactive Line,’ featuring garments such as dresses, tops, and cardigans that undergo color transformations when exposed to sunlight. The magic lies within the fabric’s pigment, which contains molecules known as

photochromic or fluorescent compounds. Upon exposure to UV light, such as sunlight, these compounds undergo a chemical reaction, altering their molecular structure and resulting in a change in color. By merging knitwear with technology, PH5 serves as a trailblazer in the realm of fashiontech integration.

Similarly, heat-reactive clothing, also known as thermochromism, has garnered significant attention for its ability to transform color based on temperature fluctuations. These garments feature a thermochromic dye integrated into the fabric. When exposed to temperatures exceeding 75 degrees Fahrenheit (or 23.8 degrees Celsius), the color magically transforms. Streetwear and high-fashion designers such as Chaos Gone Global, Stone Island, and Fendi are leveraging this technique to push the boundaries of creativity and functionality in clothing design. This trend extends beyond apparel, to accessories like bags and shoes, where the dynamic color-changing feature adds a captivating dimension to everyday essentials.

On the Runway

Beyond the innovation of smart fabrics, we’re seeing more and more immersive experiences that involve technology on the runway. From holograms to realtime presentations, fashion shows are becoming multimedia showcases that merge technology with haute

couture, captivating audiences and pushing the boundaries of creativity in the fashion industry. At Amsterdam Fashion Week 2023, FUTURE FRONT ROW made history as the first-ever fully digital fashion show. The event showcased a collection of designers from around the world, maintaining the traditional setting of a catwalk while presenting all models and garments as 3D holograms, marking a groundbreaking moment in fashion.

Going back to late 2022, you may recall the viral video of Bella Hadid and the Coperini spray-on dress. In real time, designers carefully applied the spray-canned material onto Hadid’s body, as if they were spray painting a statue. Once dried, the material took on a latex-like texture, complete with straps and a precisely cut slit down the side, clinging to Hadid’s skin as she strutted down the runway. Powered by Fabrican, aptly dubbed ‘fabric from a can’ by founder Dr. Mandel Torres, this spray-on fabric not only revolutionized the concept of clothing creation with its innovative application process and versatility, but it also addresses sustainability concerns, as it can be washed, re-worn, and dissolved for repurpose.

“From early wearable technology to modern advancements...the blending of these elements has sparked a revolution in how we express ourselves through clothing, pushing innovation and style to new levels.”

2024. The accessory, which consists of 99% air and 1% glass, was created with a material that NASA uses to catch stardust—aerogel. Aerogel originates from a gel that undergoes freeze-drying, where the liquid component is replaced with gas, resulting in a solid material with extremely low density. Visually, the bag appears almost cloud-like with a slight glow-in-the-dark effect. The bag epitomizes Coperinis continuous drive to push the limits of fashion.

In the dynamic intersection of fashion and technology, a renaissance is unfolding. From the historic wristwatch to modern advancements, including smart fabrics and catwalk showcases, the innovations of fashion designers are fueling a new era of Tech Couture, pushing boundaries both on and off the runway.

Coperini debuted their most recent marvel, the ‘Air Swipe Bag’ at Paris Fashion Week

Dealing with TRAVELANXIETY

An Overthinker’s

Written by Kiera Dunlevy

Designed by Sasha Zatler

Photographed by Haley Krawczyk

Guide to Embracing Spontaneity

Among the countless potential futures I’ve drawn up for myself over the years and continue to reimagine every day, the one constant that has always held strong is my longing to travel and see the world. There’s never been a doubt in my mind, since I was first able to conceptualize the idea of travel, that it was something I wanted to integrate prominently into my life. It’s something that became a part of my identity: I would include mentions of travel in every “About Me” project in school, fill up an ever-evolving notes-app-page with the endless places I want to visit, and have spent an embarrassing amount of time perfecting my overcrowded “places” board on Pinterest.

And yet, even with this lifelong urge to see the world, travel anxiety continuously holds me back from turning these aspirations into reality. The combination of concerns surrounding planning, costs, and safety that travel poses can often be overwhelming—especially when you’re an incredibly indecisive overthinker like myself.

It’s often overlooked just how influential of a role anxiety can play in dictating your day to day life, often preventing many of us from discovering or embracing our passions. As someone who has struggled with various forms of anxiety throughout my life, I understand how frustrating it is to feel restrained by your own mind and how much this constant sense of self-sabotage weighs on you.

Something I’ve become more aware of as I’ve gotten older is my consistent hesitance towards putting my ambitions into motion. While it’s easy to daydream about petting alpacas in Peruvian mountain ranges, diving through waves along the Australian coast, or art-museum-hopping through Paris, the prospect of actually getting to these places and rationalizing the many moving parts of travel is where I often hold myself back.

So, how can we combat travel anxiety and take those first steps towards living out our dreams of adventure?

I’m certainly no expert, and still have a lot of learning to do myself, but there are some changes - both in behavior and mindset - that I’ve made in my life over the past couple of years to live more spontaneously and take over the wheel from anxiety in navigating my life.

Ultimately, one of the most important things to remember when facing travel anxiety is that the hardest part is often booking the trip.

With an endless stream of tabs to airline websites, travel blogs, and accommodation options lining the top of your computer screen, the travel planning process becomes incredibly overwhelming, incredibly fast. And, as if that’s not enough, there follows a flood of hypotheticals to intrude on your excitement: What if I can’t make my connecting flight? What if the weather doesn’t pan out right for my plans? What if it doesn’t live up to my expectations and I regret spending the money?

While it’s difficult to avoid those worrisome voices in your had, you can’t allow the flow of anxiety-driven what-ifs to dictate the risks you take—or lack thereof. You have no idea how well any plan you make will pan out until you give it a try, but that’s the exciting part!

Arguably the most effective change that I have made is my newfound embrace of one simple word: yes

I used to be terrified to try new things, particularly when it meant doing something alone. From my longtime goal to learn how to surf (still working on this one) to joining a school club I had little experience in, I have always been keen on finding excuses to either get out of or endlessly push off many opportunities I have come across.

However, once I shifted my mindset – from fearing the embarrassment of failure or disappointment of not meeting my expectations to focusing on what I may be missing out on by waving opportunities away – I slowly found myself becoming more confident in taking chances.

Start by slowly saying yes to things you’d typically make excuses for in your everyday life. While it’s far easier said than done, challenging yourself even in the smallest ways will help you become the person you have always wanted to be. Eventually, this shift from pessimism to opportunism will translate into the accomplishment of your more significant goals in life—including booking that trip to the place you’ve been talking about since you found out it existed.

Now, this isn’t to say that booking a trip is something to take lightly. Research and rationale are exceptionally important ingredients in planning a worthwhile trip, but your sense of responsibility should not have to take away from the excitement of a new experience. One worry of mine that has interfered with my attitude towards travel in the past is my discomfort with the unknown.

One example I always like to use from my own life is the trip my family and I took to Yosemite National Park when I was 13 years old. When my older brother suggested we add the destination to our California road trip, I was confused as to why he even brought it up. I had never really been hiking before and couldn’t envision a national park having much fun to offer. To be completely honest, I was dreading the three days we planned to spend there.

I thought there was no way I would be able to keep up on the trails, no way I would be able to navigate through some overwhelming world of nature, and to top it off, I was positive everyone would know that I didn’t belong there.

If you couldn’t guess already, I ended up being just fine. After convincing myself I would absolutely loathe spending time in a place so unfamiliar to me, I now tell everyone about how Yosemite is my favorite place I have ever been.

So, it’s totally normal; if you’re someone who frequently worries about the unknown, the idea of venturing to a foreign place may sound far more daunting than compelling. However, sufficient planning and the advice of more experienced travelers can be useful in settling your anxieties.

I recommend reaching out to travel agents, reputable travel bloggers, or even locals from wherever you are looking to visit so that you can get a better picture of what your trip will look like before you even leave the comfort of your home. Hearing from others who have already experienced being in a place may help you navigate what locations best suit your comfort level, how safe tourists often feel there, and give you ideas for your own itinerary.

As cliche as it may sound, we really do have so much access to information and opportunity at our fingertips—take advantage of it!

Moreover, one of the most universal stressors associated with travel is cost. When discussing this subject, I think it’s super important to acknowledge that in reality, travel often isn’t cheap, and it’s a privilege to be able to take time off from school or work to go see the world. With that being said, if you’re someone who’s aching to get out there, don’t count yourself out simply because you don’t have a massive budget. There are lots of options to lessen the cost of travel, it’s just a matter of seeking them out.

Although the terms are often associated together, traveling doesn’t necessarily have to equate to “vacationing.” Whether it be through volunteer-based programs, exchange programs like Workaway, study abroad, or navigating the world of hostels and local transit, with an adequate amount of research and planning, it is totally possible to travel on a budget.

For those more serious about prioritizing travel, I would also recommend setting aside a spot in your savings particularly for travel expenses. I started putting portions of my earnings into an account like this when I was 16, so over time I’ve been able to gradually build up a budget intended to be spent on travel and experiences. Although it’s not a perfect solution, it does help minimize the guilt and anxiety you may feel spending your savings on travel.

All in all, travel can be tricky. Don’t let the uncertainty of it all hold you back from exploring the diverse pockets of this wide world we live in.

Laos

Underrated travel destinations

Written by Clare Ong | Designed by Ebony Nkrumah | Graphics by Valerie Dreyfuss

The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos is often overlooked as travelers flock to tourist hotspots like Bangkok, Hanoi, and Bali.

Visit the quaint, French-influenced town of Luang Prabang and explore night markets, waterfalls, and Buddhist temples. Head to Vang Vieng for rolling mountains, limestone caves, and blue lagoons. Or, volunteer at an ethical elephant sanctuary for the experience of a lifetime.

Cyprus

While everyone else crowds the beaches in Greece, Italy, and Croatia, enjoy Cyprus.

With crystal-clear waters and pristine sand beaches, this Mediterranean island doesn’t get enough hype. Though small, it’s more affordable and offers pleasant weather year-round.

Beyond the beaches, explore ancient Greek ruins like the Tombs of the Kings, the island’s stunning hiking trails, and picturesque medieval towns.

– popular destinations are losing their charm. Here are five places that have not fallen victim. Overhyped and Overpriced

Liechtenstein

Nestled between Switzerland and Austria is Liechtenstein—the sixth smallest country in the world.

With over 400 km of trails through breathtaking alpine mountains, Liechtenstein is a hiker’s paradise. Witness medieval castles against the backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges: a real-life fairytale setting.

Liechtenstein is perfect for those who have already been to popular European destinations and are seeking something off the beaten path.

Often overshadowed by its neighbor Costa Rica, Panama is a far less crowded destination.

According to the Climate & Clean Air Coalition, Panama is one of the only three carbon-negative countries in the world. Teeming with wildlife and biodiversity, it offers amazing snorkeling, diving, and bird watching.

Admire Panama City’s skyscrapers, surf, try adventure sports, and visit the idyllic islands of Bocas Del Toro and San Blas.

Panama Alaska

As the link between Central and South America, Panama has a rich cultural mix. Attend a vibrant cultural festival in the towns of Pedasi and Tonosi—the center of Panamanian culture.

The least visited U.S. state is the stuff of dreams and bucket lists. In Alaska, rolling tundra, glacial wonderlands, and staggering mountain ranges await!

Skip the cruises and explore Alaska by car for the full experience. Hike in Denali National Park, take a scenic road trip to Valdez, and experience Anchorage’s culture.

Witness the midnight sun, northern lights and diverse wildlife—from bears to orca whales. If you love the great outdoors, Alaska is the perfect destination.

Museums (Boston Version)

galore

Written by Angelica Vivas

Designed by Lauren Mann

Photographed by Oscar Fang

Being a student in a major city like Boston, it’s easy to get lost among the blurred faces of people on the street and the speeding cars in traffic. One way I like to change the pace of my busy schedule is by spending an afternoon at a museum. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are two of my favorites.

Just a short walk from the Fenway Campus, the Gardner Museum is on the way to the MFA. Students at Boston University get free admission to both museums, valid with an ID for the MFA and an online ticket purchase with the school’s promo code for the Gardner Museum.

When entering the Gardner Museum, you’re first greeted by a courtyard that embodies the essence of the entire museum. Roman sculptures are surrounded by luscious greenery with a rotating assortment of flowers depending on the season. While it’s enclosed, the courtyard brings in natural light that illuminates each room in the museum.

As you step into each room, you are surrounded by intricately painted artwork and handcarved sculptures. Each room is catered to the artwork that is displayed with subtle and bold wallpaper designs. Many paintings are put into gold frames and surrounded by antique furniture and objects.

One of my favorite rooms is the Blue Room, a room filled with beautiful pieces from various artists. A lot of the paintings are placed to blend well with the softly lit room, with beiges and pastels used in the paintings complementing the atmosphere. One of the pieces that caught my eye was an impressionist painting by Ralph Curtis depicting a dusk landscape in Venice, Italy, with a man and woman riding in a gondola. The piece is so captivating because of the intricate details from every brushstroke—from the boat’s reflection to the smoke escaping from a chimney in the distance. All together, Curtis’ “Return from the Lido” is a piece that encapsulates the essence of the Blue Room.

More recently, I visited the exhibit that is being displayed until May 12—Raqib Shaw: Ballads of East and West. These paintings, though relatively large, have so much detail. One of them, named “The Retrospective,” is a painting that depicts many other paintings hung up and laid on the floor in a lavish room. Each miniature painting is a detailed landscape that draws the viewer a step closer and invites them to study, not just the overall painting, but the smaller creations embedded within it as well. I even noticed that one of the other three paintings in the exhibit was depicted on the ground of this painting, a playful eye of detail that Shaw illustrates.

This room and exhibit are just two of my recommendations to pay a visit when coming to the Gardner Museum, but there is much more to explore.

About a 10-minute walk from the Gardner Museum, you’ll find the MFA—a much larger museum where I often get lost. Through each hallway, you’ll see displays of oil paintings, antique furniture, or sculptures. There are also temporary exhibits, some with contemporary art, displayed near the cafe. There are about 16 exhibits currently, ranging from indigenous prints to portrait photography.

The one I recently visited - Dinora Justice: The Lay of the Land - is on display until April 14. At first glance, you see vibrant patterns on large and small canvases. Originally, I was sure that the patterns were textiles, exhibiting a use of different mediums. However, I took a step closer and saw that each pattern was hand-painted to create elaborate backgrounds and faceless female figures. Many of the paintings with the female figures included trees of florals and more greenery, providing elements of a landscape. The patterns that Justice creates give each figure so much movement, yet it’s as if each figure was actively posing for the painting. This exhibit struck my eye, filled with so much life and vibrant color.

Other than this exhibit, I enjoy the extensive Claude Monet gallery. Despite being known for his water lilies, the MFA displays a wide range of Monet’s landscapes. Sometimes I forget how versatile some of the great painters were, mastering the art with different techniques and subjects. I usually spend a while in this gallery, astounded that each brushstroke has a purpose.

The MFA is one of those museums that you can spend all day in, looking at art from centuries ago to a few years ago.

Next time you take a stroll near the Fenway area, I hope you can find some time to connect with some art like I have.

Written by Meron Nephtalem

Why we more Black Doctors need

The healthcare system is broken. While we cannot reverse history, we can determine our future.

In 1951, doctors diagnosed Henrietta Lacks with an aggressive form of cervical cancer. When receiving treatment, doctors harvested her stem cells without her knowledge or consent. Researchers found that her cells were not ordinary: they had an unusual durability and ability to divide without limits. Essentially, they were immortal . These cells, known as “HeLa” cells, became widely used by scientists worldwide, resulting in scientific breakthroughs in medicine. However, Henrietta Lacks’ family received no monetary profit from the use of HeLa cells whatsoever. But this wasn’t the first time that Black people were exploited by the American healthcare system, with similar actions dating back to slavery.

During the Civil War, tuberculosis (TB) was common among Black soldiers as a result of their conditions in the war. However, their disease was left untreated and attributed to Black bodies being “inferior.” Around a similar time, James Sims, the father of modern gynecology, conducted experiments on enslaved Black women without anesthesia. He operated under the racist stereotype that Black people do not feel pain. He eventually used his findings with fistula research to invent surgical techniques and tools, such as the vaginal speculum, which is still used in vaginal examinations today. These developments related to women’s reproductive health were not a success of Dr. Sims, but a tragedy of the exploitation of the many Black women he operated on. If it hadn’t been for the unethical procedures and treatment of African Americans throughout history, scientific and medical research would not have advanced as far as they have.

Similar ideologies still exist today. Many doctors do not address or consider pre-existing health conditions in patients that are a result of various factors such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, or food security, all of which affect one’s health. Additionally, many doctors still believe and practice under the misconception that Black people do not feel pain. This is due to several reasons, but mainly a lack of historical knowledge and awareness.

Medicine has even been used as a method of regularly oppressing Black

Designed by Niki Taradash

Graphics by Florence Wang

Photographed by Sarah Cruz, Amanda Hess

people. In the South, many poor Black women have received hysterectomies without their knowledge or consent. This was a method of decreasing the rate of population growth in the Black community.

This is just the beginning of a long list of injustices and exploitations against African Americans in the medical field. This generational trauma of maltreatment has led African American patients feeling more anxious or uncomfortable receiving healthcare.

Poor care, as a result of lack of education, is detrimental to health outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women have the highest maternal mortality rate, nearly three times higher than the rate of white women. This is a direct result of Black pain being dismissed as normal and doctors providing inadequate care. Furthermore, this dismissal of pain puts Black babies at risk of death, due to complications during birth. Black newborns are three times more likely to die in comparison to white newborns, according to AP News.

The healthcare system is killing Black patients.

creating a cycle that causes and results in fewer Black doctors. When Black children don’t see a lot of doctors that look like them, they will naturally be less inclined to pursue a career in medicine. This lack of representation in the medical field will only further reduce the Black community’s comfortability seeking care.

killing

“The healthcare system is black patients”

An expecting mother should not have to worry about the level of care they receive because of the color of their skin.

However, this is a harsh reality for many Black patients. Healthcare discrepancy is not only prevalent in obstetrics: in 2020, Black people were found more likely to die from COVID-19 than white people—and the list of disparities goes on. The gap in life expectancy due to various conditions and diseases are one of the main consequences of inequitable treatment, which further solidifies the historical barrier between the Black community and the healthcare system.

This history of abuse has led to a mistrust of African Americans towards the healthcare system, exacerbated by the low representation of Black doctors,

Among many doctors today, poor education is evident. Recently, a video on TikTok showed a white ER doctor asking why many African American patients are always on the phone or FaceTime while he’s examining them. His question received a lot of backlash after going viral. African American patients being on their phone in an emergency room is like a line of safety, in which they feel more comfortable having someone listening to how their doctor is treating them. For example, since Black patients often experience dismissal of their pain and don’t receive adequate pain medication, they are more anxious when receiving care. This feeling of mistrust and anxiety might result in them feeling more comfortable with a family member or friend on the phone. Whether this doctor’s question was one of ignorance or improper education, it demonstrates the

implicit bias that many doctors have towards Black patients. These biases can be fatal to Black patients experiencing a medical emergency.

“But, I don’t see color.”

I’ve heard this ignorant phrase too many times. In an ideal world where everyone is historically equal, this would be okay to say. However, since Black people have been previously mistreated in the medical field because of the color of their skin, and currently don’t feel comfortable receiving care, it is a problem of inequity, not inequality. This is why we must strive for an equitable healthcare system, not an equal one. This means doctors must take into account apatient’s race or ethnicity when treating them, because healthcare is not one method that fits all.

While the generational

trauma imposed upon African Americans cannot be reversed, there are steps we can take moving forward to improve the quality of care they receive. We must increase representation and awareness in medicine if we want to see any progress. There is currently a lack of Black doctors, medical students, and general Black representation in medical literature, likely detering Black students from entering the field. In medical literature, there is a scarcity of illustrations depicting Black skin conditions, making it harder for medical students to make an accurate diagnosis. Medical students are not being sufficiently educated on these topics, therefore they are going to be less informed when treating patients of color.

Representation among healthcare providers is the most impactful component in creating change. A Stanford University study paired Black men with either Black or non-Black doctors. The men paired with Black physicians were more likely to engage with them, and even consent to preventative services such as cardiovascular screenings and immunizations. Representation has a direct and strong impact on patient outcomes. Patients are more likely to have better medical experiences and greater compliance with a doctor that looks like and understands them. From a larger scope, increased representation can diminish the prevalent health gaps between Black and non-Black communities.

Implicit biases also affect treatment and care adversely. Whether non-Black doctors are directly racist or not, they may still hold implicit biases based on false narratives or cultural misconceptions, which affects the quality of care provided to Black patients. Studies find that implicit biases are conveyed through infrequency of eye contact and distant body language. This causes a patient to feel more isolated from their doctor, which can cause lower levels of comfort and trust in their doctor. Subsequently, the ability of their doctor to provide them with quality care is hindered. Underrepresentation and implicit biases towards Black patients results in decreased quality of treatment and care, further contributing to ongoing disparities in healthcare.

It is imperative that we design a concrete plan of action to fix the broken healthcare system. Implementing mentorship programs in high schools and colleges can help guide and motivate Black students pursuing/ interested in medicine. Reducing implicit biases among current doctors through empathy training in medical schools, specifically educating future providers to be culturally and historically aware, is critical. Expanding the medical school curriculum to learn cultural differences will help patients of all races and ethnicity. This will ultimately create a better doctor-patient relationship, which will positively affect treatment outcomes. Furthermore, teaching current doctors to approach care holistically will lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved quality of care.

Discrimination in healthcare is one of the most challenging, yet important issues in the medical field. No patient should have to worry about the possibility of needing medical attention but avoiding it because they feel undervalued. The medical community has to work together in order to achieve equal care for all patients. Encouraging children of color to pursue careers in healthcare through mentorship is pivotal, so that the next generation of doctors and nurses closely represents the increasingly diverse U.S. population.

Additionally, medical students need to receive empathy training and increased education on historical injustices and exploitation, so that they are more culturally and ethnically aware.

Most importantly, patient care should always be the first priority. Each patient innately deserves to be supported and treated with empathy and quality care, no matter their skin color. They are placing their lives in the hands of doctors, and racial biases should play no role whatsoever in the quality of care that they receive. Injustices

Written by Amanda Healy

Why are concerts so There is Nothing Quite Like Live Music

ADDICTING?

Two people boarding the T headed toward TD Garden may think they have nothing in common, yet they are both going to the same concert. Music transcends boundaries and can lead to unexpected interactions. When you attend a concert, everyone shares a common interest in loving the music of the artist performing in front of them.

When I was four, I went to my first concert: the “Hannah Montana Best of Both Worlds tour with the Jonas Brothers.” I like to blame this iconic performance for putting me on the addictive path of being a concert enthusiast. Coincidentally, as I am writing this, I went to my 85th concert last night: Reneé Rapp at Eventim Apollo in London. I have listened to Reneé for a while, and she exceeds expectations by having one of the most powerful voices I have ever heard live.

I may take it to an extreme by saying yes to

almost any live show; however, even if you don’t like going to venues full of people, hearing your favorite song live is indescribable. The first time I heard “Friend” by Gracie Abrams live at The Sinclair, it felt like an out-of-body experience. It was my first time seeing her live, and I was up against the barricade. Hearing the song that introduced me to Gracie years prior was a fullcircle moment.

There is more to concerts than just the headlining artist—it’s also about discovering new talent. I can’t tell you how many artists have been added to my regular rotation after I saw them as openers, not knowing them going

into the show.

I have also gained so much independence from attending shows alone; however, you are not really alone because of the fans around you. From the people I waited in line with for 6 hours before the show to those I randomly sat next to in a stadium, I have met so many fascinating people I probably would have never talked to if not for our mutual concert.

Music is powerful. Lyrics capture different feelings and emotions, often articulating thoughts you can’t formulate on your own. When the lights turn off, every person in the building can feel the energy heighten and the buzz of excitement underneath their skin. Collective effervescence fills the room as the person they have been waiting months to see is now on the stage. Nothing beats that first round of screams as the audience realizes this moment is real, and for the next couple of hours, lyrics are shouted in unison. Put simply, people are happy at shows, which is why concerts are so addicting, and I, for one, am glad they are.

Designed by Sasha Zatler

Photographed by Mirabel Chen, James Roberts

Make your choice:

Written by Chanel Thorpe | Designed by Yasmine Chang | Graphics by Alicia Chiang

We’ve all had those friendships with that one person who ditched us for their partner. You would plan to hang out, go to lunch, or go shopping, but as soon as their partner texted them, they had plans. As soon as they break up with their partner, they think they can come running back as if they didn’t ditch you on every occasion. It sucks! The biggest problem is that they don’t see a problem and think it’s perfectly normal for you, as their friend, to be there to collect the pieces. You can’t compromise your friendships for a potential relationship.

“When one of my best friends was in a toxic relationship…it was the rockiest moments of our friendship,” said CeCe Valentine, a student at Harford Community College. “Our friendship was low after that because I barely saw her because she was with him.”

The debate over friends or partners being more important usually concerns a debate between the present and the future. Many people who say that your partner should come first generally come from a mindset that assumes your partner will be the person you marry, the person you have kids with, or the person you grow old with and who loves you the most. But, the argument for why friendship is more important is that friends are supposed to be permanent. Nothing is guaranteed except for your friends if you establish a good relationship with them. If your partner ends up breaking your heart, your friends will be there to pick the pieces up and comfort you when you need it the most.

While typically temporary, friendships should be the first relationship you invest in. They’re the kind of relationship where you learn to trust, be vulnerable, communicate, and more about yourself—the same qualities you need for a romantic relationship. Friendships are something you slowly build over time and grow with; often, friendships are more profound than relationships. Friendships between girls, between guys, between girls and guys, and queer friendships all have their different variations of emotions, issues, and gratifications.

A Boston University student, Nicole Hahn, notes that female X female friendships are much more

nuanced and hold a particular value that cannot be found in a relationship.

“Female friendships provide certain advice or feminine bonding that may not be able to be fulfilled in a relationship,” said Hahn. “However, I think it is also important that the friend supports the person in the relationship and recognizes that some dynamics may change.”

In high school, this was something I still hadn’t learned yet. My previous best friend from preschool seemed to have issues with each boyfriend constantly. If it wasn’t communication, it was a lack of trust. If it wasn’t that, there were external factors, like the boyfriend being a “momma’s boy”—and we all know how that goes. Being her friend, I felt it was my responsibility to be there for her every step of the way, even if she didn’t take my advice to break up with the boyfriend (amicably). Every free period, she and our other friend would find an empty classroom, listen to her vent, and cry about a guy we knew wasn’t suitable for her. I felt terrible for her because she was struggling, but I failed to realize our friendship was slowly breaking apart, which was partly my fault. I was compromising my feelings and stressing about what she was putting herself through, focusing only on how she was doing.

As a college student, I am still learning a lot about myself and how to communicate appropriately with others. It’s

Friends or Your Partner.

Ending the Debate on Which is More Important: Friends vs. Partners

hard to fathom dating someone when I still have many other lessons to experience first. And college is weird; it is one of the few periods in life where you can meet and interact with so many different personalities that it can be hard to understand what/who you connect with, relationship or friendship-wise. Proximity on campus and seeing people daily can often be problematic when someone wants space. College is already hard enough—balancing friendships and relationships is another factor that comes with this phase of growing up.

A friendship ending or the dynamics of a friendship changing should not stop anyone from pursuing other bonds with new people or communicating with their friends. Making friends as you only gets more challenging, which is difficult to hear. But there is also the argument that because you are growing up, trying new things, going to new places, you have all these chances to meet new people. Take it. Be aware of who you are and your needs in a friendship and communicate that. Some conversations can be hard, but you’ll look back years from now and know that you needed it to happen.

The topic of whether or not friendship is more important than a relationship has been debated ad nauseam. The answer? Both are important and deserve time commitment to make them work. To say that one

is more important than the other isn’t necessarily true. But what is true is that a friendship is usually much more profound; there is a deeper bond, and typically, in girl friendships, there is no filter, no secrets, and proper care for one another. It’s one of the reasons why ending a friendship with another girl (as a girl) is one of the hardest things.

Friendships and relationships are invaluable experiences in our lives that benefit us differently. Friendships provide support, care, and room for personal growth, while relationships provide deeper emotions, partnership, and shared life goals. Ultimately, the importance of friendships and relationships lies in their ability to enrich our lives and each other, so

The reissue:

rediscovering obscurities in the present

Written

How archival record labels are unearthing obscurities and long-forgotten artists into a new generation’s music rotation

Google is my best friend. To me, it’s the equivalent to digging through a crate of random records, especially if you’re trudging through result after result in search of new music; there’s always something rewarding waiting at the end of the rabbit hole. You may discover a compilation of Persian pop from the ‘60s and ‘70s, an outsider low-fidelity gospel record, or other eclectic finds just from a simple search.

A special find I discovered four years ago was Dadawah’s 1974 album,

Peace and Love, a life-affirming and healing record I revisit time and time again. The sounds are expansive, haunting and radiant—so much so, it warranted a 2010 reissue under Dug Out, a label specializing in reissued reggae records. There are many reasons why founders Mark Ernestus and Mark Ainley decide to repress long-forgotten records.

By highlighting artists overshadowed in the past and actively archiving their work in the goal of reaching new audiences, the reissue has become

by Miguel Gonzales | Designed by Yasmine Chang | Graphics by Florence Wang

more accessible, welcomed, and appreciated by hardcore music lovers around the globe.

Dug Out is not the only reissue-focused record label bringing light to these obscurities. There is a whole world of reissue labels dedicated to the craft, either archiving a specific genre or simply doing it all.

The Chicago-based archival record label, Numero Group, is easily the most prevalent of the existing labels. Founded in 2003, Numero Group has archived approximately 20,000 songs in its catalog, preserving them through streaming and physical media.

The physical Numero release stands out from the norm, being full of purpose and meaning.

Similarly to The Criterion Collection, the label offers its own take on pampering up a release. From the assigned catalog number embedded in the spine to liner notes to the graphic design treatment, Numero Group cares deeply about how its audience interacts with music.

As Numero Group puts it, “There is no Numero sound, rather, Numero is an aesthetic.”

Numero’s strength is variety. From its long-running and iconic Soul series, reissues of 1990s emo and hardcore-adjacent cult classics, to obscured international and new age releases, Numero Group has been curating archival works in multiple genres coexisting with one another.

Numero’s reach has gone beyond music fanatics, however. Being nominated eight times by the Grammys for best historical album and best liner notes is impressive. Having the power to revitalize music careers of artists under the limelight for its time through a simple reissue is impactful.

Additionally, Numero has helped spread the gospel of artists who have gone overlooked for so long, captivating new audiences to give them a listen.

The label helped reissue the discography and plan reunion tours for Olympia-based post-hardcore band, Unwound. Numero also contributed to slowcore band Duster’s rising success through a sold-out box set of the band’s complete works.

Another example of Numero’s work is reviving New York preacher’s Pastor T.L. Barrett’s music career. His career took new light after I Shall Wear A Crown compilation, resulting in a wondrous NPR Tiny Desk and eventual praise

In contrast to the Numero Group, Light In The Attic takes a different approach. Part-archival and part-record label, Seattle’s Light In The Attic dabbles in uncovering the obscure

Founder Matt Sullivan had the idea to start his label after getting involved in a car accident in Madrid—the totaled car in question had stacks of records inside. Coincidentally, Iñigo Pastor, founder of Munster Records, was also involved in the accident; both Sullivan and Pastor bonding under the love of music that would change the trajectory of Sullivan’s life.

Officially launching in 2001, Sullivan’s label has curated a “put out great music, wherever it may be found” philosophy.

The independent record label has rekindled the adoration for Oklahoma folk musician, Karen Dalton, as well as the brotherly, blue-eyed soul duo, Donnie and Joe Emerson, via its reissues. Light In The Attic have also found themselves reissuing modern classics, regardless of their obscurity. From

Light In The Attic and Numero Group still are going strong, consistently putting out a range of reissues without any regard for

genre or global region. However, it isn’t uncommon for archival record labels to find success in focusing on niche genres or reissuing music from specific continents.

Take for instance, Awesome Tapes from Africa, the independent blog turned archival record label founded in 2006 by Brian Shimkovitz. The label has been dedicated to reissuing cassette tapes from Africa for more than a decade.

When Shimkovitz was a Fulbright scholar studying the Ghanaian genre, Hiplife, for his grant project in Ghana, he collected cassette tapes in the local area. Posting snippets or full rips of the tapes on his blog, Shimkovitz’s project slowly turned into a larger deal. Officially establishing Awesome Tapes from Africa as a record label in 2011, Shimkovitz has persisted in his mission to bring visibility to African artists who have gone unnoticed.

The core inspiration for Awesome Tapes from Africa is Ata Kak’s Obaa Sima , a fuzzy, joyous hiplife record filled with fun. It slowly became a cult-classic on the internet when Shimkovitz uploaded it on his blog. On the cassette itself, the title track and “Daa Nyinaa” are highlights that establish Ata Kak’s quirked-up style—high-pitched shrieks and fastpaced rapping over hip-house beats that make for a magical time.

Ethiopian musician and keyboardist Hailu Mergia, now based in Washington D.C., was subject to a career revival because of Shimkovitz’s discovery of Mergia’s cassettes. Mergia’s albums from the late ‘70s were reissued with 2013’s Hailu Mergia & His Classical Instrument and 2016’s Wede Harer Guzo. Mergia’s albums are beautiful—jazz recordings that feel warm, sublime, and dream-like for a luscious sunny day.

These are just three major examples of successful archival record label ventures. There is still a whole world of archivalbased labels yet to be discovered.

Amsterdam’s Music from Memory consistently releases compilations of club music, ambient, and new age gems. Fat Possum Records, once an archival record label uncovering unknown Mississippi blues musicians slowly morphed into an all-purpose label, signing contemporary musicians on their roster. London-based archival label Finders Keepers Records seek out the unconventional, referring to themselves as “an accidental world music label with a punk attitude.” The list goes on.

The archival record label serves such an important purpose, more than just consumability. To me, they are the good samaritans of the music industry, ensuring that the preservation and integrity of artists are being championed even after going unrecognized for so long.

Thanks to archival record labels, you can rely on Google’s help to find a sample you liked from that one Travis Scott song.

Written by Kiana Golchin | Designed by Madeline

Serving up

Dining at Warren Towers is nothing if not a unique experience.

The dining hall is always bustling with students in a frantic hurry, one of the coffee machines is often broken, and something always seems to be going wrong with the utensils.

Dining Hall DJs

sounds: a breakdown of Warren Towers Dining Hall’s aux choices

The one constant positive, though, is the ever-enthusiastic staff; in my seven months living in Warren, I have never had a bad experience with the dining hall employees. Their high spirits and lightheartedness is exemplified through the lively music playing as backdrop in the dining hall, with the loudest and most dynamic tunes on blast at dinnertime.

According to one of our beloved personnel, Jay, the music that plays in the dining hall is all from student-picked songs on a playlist. Sometimes, the staff is able to pick and choose songs from the playlist to queue at certain times, which is what gives the dining hall its vibrant musical personality.

I, however, think the dining hall staff should have more control of the music playing. Considering the staff members are the people who are in the dining hall for 15 hours some days, why shouldn’t they have the freedom to choose what they’re listening to? Plus, if the employees are happy and having a good time, their positive energy will naturally radiate and uplift the

students. Whenever a song comes on from the playlist that the staff enjoys, it is immediately felt, as they start singing to one another and dancing while serving the food. If Jay had full control of the music, he says he would definitely play trap and R&B songs.

“I like Jay Z, I like Nas… I definitely like 112, Dru Hill,” he says.

There are some select songs from the student playlist that match Jay’s tastes, though. A mixture of student-chosen songs and staff-chosen songs would create the perfect balanced playlist for the dining hall speaker.

“I guess Taylor Swift, and maybe some Justin Bieber. What’s that kid’s name that dances like this? Lil Uzi! Yes, Lil Uzi, I like Lil Uzi,” says Jay.

Whether it’s “I Just Wanna Rock” by Lil Uzi Vert or a slow indie song, the music in the dining hall always makes for a good atmosphere. While we wait until the staff is handed the aux, head to the BU Dining Services website to add your favorite songs to the playlist and sprinkle a bit of your personality into the mix.

Michalowski | Photographed by Andrew Burke-Stevenson

How Music Can Make a Movie

(orbreak)

Written by Addison Schmit

Designed by Ava Memarzadeh Graphics by Madeline Michalowski

“Dazed and Confused” was named just right.

Richard Linklater’s 1993 film, set on the last day of school for a group of fictional Texan teenagers, gives you a similar sensation that occurs when you’ve sat in the sun for too long—disoriented and listless. The pace of the movie mirrors what it feels like to be a teenager on the brink of an unknown future with endless possibilities.

As much as this mission is accomplished through Linklater’s filmmaking, it’s also done through the music. Set in 1976, “Dazed and Confused” boasts a soundtrack of rock all-stars directly on the pulse of the 70’s teenage heartbeat: Ted Nugent, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more.

Linklater went to great lengths that demonstrated the value he put on the music for “Dazed and Confused”, which took up a whopping 10% of the film’s budget. He made mixtapes for cast members, wrote letters on which albums they should listen to to get in character, and infamously begged Jimmy Page for the rights to use Led Zeppelin’s song, “Rock and Roll,” in the film’s end credits.

Linklater’s efforts are a testament to what good music can add to a movie. When chosen with care, soundtracks can be works of art within themselves.

Though Linklater himself was the director, he also took on the pseudorole of the music supervisor—those who scrounge through record bins and playlists and mixtapes to select songs to provide a soundtrack for the final feature.

Music supervisors are the people behind the scenes, the creators with their fingers on the pulse of television, film, and music all at the same time. It’s a job that requires not only an understanding of the productions they

are a part of, but also the ins and outs of music.

Take, for example, the new and wildly popular Netflix show, “W” , based on David Nicholls’ best-selling 2009 novel. Upon watching, the selected music - 80’s synth hits, – reflected and emphasized each moment shared in the love story between Emma and Dexter, the main characters.

The music, according to Netflix Queue, was a combination effort: bits-and-pieces of playlists Life,” by Kathy McCarty, is a carefully crafted choice, a continuation of the uncertain future that lies ahead for the main characters.

Movies like “Almost Famous”, “High Fidelity”, and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” are more examples of how – when done correctly –soundtracks can stand on their own.

The next time you’re looking for something new to listen to, look not to albums but to soundtracks. In all of their mixed-and-matched glory, they might just hold the key to discovery of artists and genres—and a story worth being

Written by Anna Mcclean

Every time new technology gets introduced to the world, everybody flips out—but we always adapt and generally end up appreciating its integration into our lives. Regardless, it’s worth exploring the pros and cons of the latest program which has syllabus-creators everywhere scrambling, and myself too scared to even google it: Chat GPT. And while I’m at it, the impacts of advanced screen time at progressively earlier ages.

Most of the explanations that I have read regarding the need for research into artificial intelligence (AI) and usage policy development reference the academic dishonesty and plagiarism aspects of the issue. While those are important matters, I am more interested in its implications on academic development, critical thinking, and how we view and approach our responsibilities. This boomer-esque worry of mine also extends to young kids with their own Apple tech and continuously decreasing attention spans.

I have been informed by a clinical assistant professor of early childhood at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development that researchers are only just beginning to study the long term classroom implications of AI, and it will take years before we know whether it inspires a differing developmental track. However, we can still learn a thing or two about current observable effects by talking to active teachers.

“We definitely have to work harder for kids to grasp new topics because they are so used to the gratification of instant answers that the internet offers,” says Courtney

Designed by Lauren Mann

&AI KI DS

Dubois, a learning skills specialist of 23 years with a BS in elementary and special education, and a master’s in literacy. “But where I see [the impacts] most are socially, and in the increased difficulty with problem-solving.”

As she explains it, the implications of increased and more advanced technology access are not necessarily coming from the curriculum design, as, at least in the independent school where she works, there is a relatively strong effort to ensure that classroom technology is purposeful and enhances the lesson plan. Rather, the differences predominantly stem from homelife structure.

“Even stuff as simple as writing out the grocery list with a pen and paper kids aren’t able to observe and mimic anymore because we use things like the Alexa app,” says Courtney. “And audiobooks do not allow for the same learning opportunities as reading aloud to a child does.”

Essentially, it seems that technology is taking over in a less obvious way than previously imagined. It’s not so much the consecutive hours on an iPad that

Graphics by Alicia Chiang

are causing “problems,” but rather the small casual teaching moments that are being replaced with a quick screen swipe.

Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean that prolonged time staring at pixels is exactly fantastic. Kids are spending far less time outside and instead are being plopped in front of a device. When I was growing up, at any given time there was likely at least one classmate with a signature-covered arm or leg cast due to a playground mishap. While I’m not advocating for child endangerment, getting a little scraped up from using your imagination and moving your body is a part of life—one that I’m sad to see slowly disappearing.

How can we expect these younger generations to save us from the climate mistakes of the past ones if they are robbed of the opportunity to form a relationship with nature? Who is going to be passionate about saving something they’ve never been taught to love?

As a matter of fact, who is going to be breaking medical ground, writing original stories, or even engineering new technology if people stop genuinely learning how to do so because a robot is doing the assignments that were designed to educate us?

In order to properly discuss these concerns about Chat GPT, it’s important to address a driving force in the equation; contrary to what many adults (or I guess more “adult” adults than myself) may believe, it is my perception that students turn to AI to complete their work not out of laziness, but rather due to overwhelming anxiety and stress.

We might have it “easier” in a number of ways compared to ‘ancient times’ when you had to go to the library in order to complete a book report, and for that I try to be grateful. However, this constant and ever-expanding access to information is more of a curse wrapped in a pretty package, especially when you’re still trying to figure out who you are and the teachers and parents that you’re meant to look to for guidance are quite literally from

another century—one where it would have been unfathomable to complete two years of school entirely on the computer.

Of course, we all know by now that instagram promotes negative self image and how lightning-quick communication puts extra pressure on us not to screw up, but what about the crushing weight of all emails in our school inboxes alone?

As put by Boston University’s Director of Undergraduate Advising, Katie Steele, “At a place like BU where you have so much to choose from, there becomes this decision overload and people end up doing nothing because it’s overwhelming.”

The stress that Katie refers to is very real; balancing endless opportunity announcements with the reality that it is impossible to chase them all comes this ultimate feeling that you are doing next to nothing with your life, regardless of what your schedule looks like—and that’s the reality of just one small aspect of a current student’s experience. All of it piles into one heavy toll-taking heep of anxious exhaustion, so none of it feels small. Not even a Tuesday night homework assignment.

So I can see how it might feel like a relieving, and even smart, idea to delegate a task or two to

Chat GPT. But then suddenly and all at once, you’ve begun to approach obligations as the unmotivated and incapable person you were afraid of feeling like in the first place.

All in all, the technology may be ahead but the kids are falling behind. Young students don’t have enough unplanned learning opportunities or outlets for their energy, and the older ones are suffering from too many.

Modern technology still has plenty of positives. It made it possible for education to continue in the face of a global pandemic, allows parents and teachers to find answers for curious kiddos at the touch of a button, and can generate ideas to help orient a starting point for large academic papers. However, I believe its use should remain to fill in these gaps and not to pave the way, especially for young minds who are charged with leading our society in the right direction. So where do we go from here?

Written by Lauren Jordanich

Designed by Tamar Ponte

by Eva Zheng

l o ve isn’temba rrassing

Let’s

ditch our generationalwide fear of vulnerability and falling in

love

Do you remember when, in middle school, you had a crush on someone in your class and the idea of them finding out was the most terrifying thing you could imagine? Anytime their name was brought up, you would try to hide the fact that you were blushing, and when they walked by you would make an effort to make it look like you weren’t looking at them.

Lately, I have found that I haven’t changed much when it comes to crushes, relationships, and love from my 13-year-old self. I still hate the idea of someone knowing I like them and try to hide it as best I can. I still hold off from telling most of my friends I like someone unless I’m sure they like me too. During the 10ish years in which I’ve transitioned from having silly little crushes to really liking someone and navigating the world of relationships, situationships, and one-night stands, I’m still terrified of being vulnerable.

I still find love to be embarrassing.

I often think I was not meant to live in the 21st century. I mean, I love lots of aspects about life in 2024; I don’t know how I would survive without my Nespresso machine or the ability to unwind at the end of a long day with some really shitty reality TV. However, I find myself wishing I lived in a world in which relationships and dating looked more like they did 30+ years ago.

Photographed

Don’t get me wrong – I am a huge feminist – I don’t want some guy calling up my dad to ask if it’s okay to ask me on a date. On the other hand, I wouldn’t mind going on an actual date rather than just “hanging out.” I want to meet someone “organically” rather than on a dating app or through an Instagram DM.

I think there used to be less of an emphasis on hookup culture. More people were like me and wanted a real relationship or were at least open to the idea of one. My personal issue with dating, however, goes beyond just hating the way things are done nowadays. I’m terrified of vulnerability, which has been a personal obstacle for years. It’s only very recently that I have started to make an effort to try to find out what is truly driving this fear.

First off, I think it’s a generational thing. All of us struggle more than our parents and grandparents did when it comes to socializing and emotional vulnerability. Smartphones and social media have truly changed every thing, making it way more difficult to form a connection with somebody, and without a real connection, it’s much harder to be vulnerable with somebody.

Another factor is, of course, a fear of rejection—this is a big one for me. As a huge perfectionist and people pleaser, the idea of someone not liking me is terrifying, and the idea of them rejecting me when I show interest first is even more terrifying. Looking back at the relationships (or even relationship-adjacent situations) I’ve had over the years, everything that has ever been anything started because they showed interest first. I only felt comfortable pursuing something if I had that security blanket.

I love the idea of love and intimacy. It’s not super popular to be a hopeless romantic in this day and age. But, I’m slowly learning that love really isn’t

I mean, how amazing is it that I get to feel this deeply? It’s truly something I should be grateful and appreciative of. It’s something that makes me happy and excited to be alive. The ability and capacity to be vulnerable is a gift. It’s a skill that allows us to form a different-level connection with another human being.

Obviously my fear of vulnerability isn’t going to just go away, but I’m slowly learning to see the ability to be vulnerable as an asset that benefits me, rather than a flaw. I’m excited for what life throws my way when it comes to love, and I’m excited to start having an active part in determining my love life and my future.

Written by Rachael Dionisio | Designed by Grace Pham

by Emma Almaraz & Adriana Rivera

Women are supposed to be feminine, right? Gender is a societal construct and femininity is supposed to support womanhood—but to what extent?

Femininity is not a fixed set of traits or one-size-fits-all. What it means to be and feel feminine looks different for every woman. The definition can have many interpretations, regardless of any external factors that may make women feel otherwise.

A common external factor that causes misinterpreting one’s own femininity is hormonal balance. Conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause physical symptoms such as hair loss, thinning hair, excess facial hair, loss of libido, and more. Although these symptoms present themselves on the outside, they impact women mentally just as much. Not being able to fully feel like a woman, despite wanting to, takes an indescribable toll. Moreover, the externalities that have the power to define a woman’s meaning of femininity do not stop medically.

Negative life experiences such as sexual assault, infertility, perinatal loss, discrimination, domestic violence, and socioeconomic factors all affect the way a woman sees and knows herself. Women deserve to outweigh these circumstances and understand themselves for who they are, regardless of societal constructs or unfortunate situations out of their control. Nothing from the past should have even an ounce of power to define self-esteem, especially if the past was shaped by uncontrolled societal pressures.

“Act like a lady, sit like a lady, talk like a lady,” are all demands that many girls have heard. For centuries, women have been told they have to fit the mold of society’s standards for femininity and womanhood. There has always been pressure on physical appearance and mannerisms to match how a woman feels on the inside; society is not entitled to dictate how a woman should feel. We have been socialized on what leadership should look like: big, strong, men with the prime role of supporting women. Womanhood has built a stigma. Women have been stereotyped as “crazy” for demonstrating emotion and natural sensitivity—this is a tale as old as time. They internalize the way they are told they should feel, making it extremely difficult to un-attach to any perpetuated stereotype surrounding femininity.

Photographed

Women’s suffrage began in 1948. It took blood, sweat, and tears for women to achieve what we now consider a basic human right—the right to vote. Decades later, women’s empowerment is still one of the most prevalent and progressive movements, and the fight is not even close to over. It took until 2022 to legalize abortion on a federal level, and there are still restrictions from state to state. Case in point, women have always had to put up a fight. How are they expected to fully understand themselves from the inside out if society still struggles to misunderstand them to this day?

The reality? They can’t, and they shouldn’t be expected to. How a woman chooses to present herself does not have to correlate with how feminine they feel. Women deserve to feel as womanly as they desire. Even then, being womanly is ambiguous. Any preconceived notion of what womanhood encapsulates is all made up. Just like how we are conditioned to believe that the color blue is associated with boys and pink is associated with girls, any perception of femininity is manmade. There is no standard when it comes to femininity as we know it in 2024. There is no box to fit into. Femininity can be whatever we want it to be.

It is possible and ‘normal’ for a woman to express herself as masculine on the outside and feel feminine on the inside. It is also just as valid for a woman to express herself in a hyper-feminine way and not completely feel that way on the inside. Femininity and masculinity are not mutually exclusive. How a woman presents herself physically and how she feels about herself are also not mutually exclusive.

The fight is nowhere near over. Women still struggle every day to feel comfortable in their own skin due to decades’ worth of built-up damage surrounding womanhood. Women still fight every day to maintain and progress the rebuilding of the damage. The fight will never fully be over, as it is nearly impossible to be a woman correctly. However, one of the first steps is fully and passionately believing that who they are is more than enough. We are all just souls attached to a body, learning more about ourselves every day.

True femininity is understanding that the term is transparent; women shouldn’t automatically think of one definition. True femininity accepts and embraces their gifts, passions, charisms, and dreams. True femininity is giving themselves grace for still figuring it all out. Femininity is not a one-size-fits-all.

they say falling in love is one of the best feelings a human can have but,

feeling heartbroken is probably one of the worst.

i have the overwhelming feeling as if i am going to explode from my emotions.

it feels as though my emotions suddenly grew arms and they’re all strangling me; they have their hands around my neck, slowly suffocating me and suppressing my numbness.

I AM MY OWN

but no one can hear me.

make it stop, make it stop, please.

i try to control them; to tell them it’ll be ok.

they all look at each other (with an evil sparkle in their eyes) and then at me.

that’s when Pain steps forward, pulling love with him by his nape.

he doesn’t want to be there, but he knows he cannot leave even if he so desperately wanted to.

Written by Tyler Davis

Designed by Tamar Ponte

Graphics by Madeline Michalowski

they’re simply followers.

Pain and love slowly lurch forward towards me.

what’s their next move?

i panic; my heart is racing and i try to back away but i can’t move my limbs.

i’m trapped and there’s no escaping.

Pain and love grab me by my arms and start dragging me away into the dark abyss of my soul.

it feels like i’m drowning in the deepest abyss of water: i swim as hard and as fast as i can but it’s not enough. i’m being pushed down by the confines of my mind.

i’m screaming for help

Anxiety and Depression smirk at the scene in front of them, while happiness and hope hide in the corner.

they’re afraid of what’s to come; they let all the other emotions take the lead.

i want to shout at them; to unleash all the things i have to say while it slowly eats away from the pit of my chest

but i’m helpless. i stop fighting and i let them drag me away.

BETRAYAL

careful there, those around us may put you in a gurney

Written by Catherine Knox

Designed by Tamar Ponte

Graphics by Madeline Michalowski

the bitter liquid runs dry yet death fails to knock at your door and yet, here he is. His gentle smirk wrapping around you convulsive eyes pave the way to your distaste

A fallen maiden, right into the devil’s arms

broken by the depths of betrayal

freedom imposed upon further

memories flood in at the stroke of his common gaze

running down the road, hands entwined, free strands of hair running against the wind

heart wrenching kisses on golden afternoons

smiles running rampant and late night dancing under the moonless sky that held the stars prisoner

as if it all were real once more a final kiss from the maiden may solve all that was lost

lips pressed against his a knife tearing into flesh hell freezes over and now they’ve separated, remaining closer than ever forgiveness? An imaginative fantasy

love lives here no longer on and on, we strive to once again live and laugh. To once again feel alive.

GROWINGUP

Written by Anna McClean Graphics and Design by Tamar Ponte

I spent my girlhood wishing I was older. I wore clothes that revealed the most skin my mother would allow and I showed off the cleavage I did not have but that I desperately wished for. I was catcalled, if you can even call it that, for the first time at eight years old by a group of boys a few grades above and I strutted past them as many times as I could that day. By the time I was twelve it was grown men who would shout things and I had more of an understanding that that was bad but it still didn’t feel bad. It felt like I was finally grown up. Because I understood womanhood to be synonymous with being desired. In my mind I was not a kid anymore because older, mature guys wanted me. But not even yet a teenager, I was too young to know what they wanted from me.