Garnet & Black Spring 2015

HEADLINERS

19

MOMS ON CAMPUS

A student parent reveals how she juggles it all.

24

THE NEW GIRL POWER MOVEMENT

A feminism infographic.

26

CROWNED

Carolina’s new pageant queens break the mold.

SPOTLIGHT

8

MAN IN THE MIRROR : RYAN STEVENS

Just call him a modern-day Shakespeare.

9

WOMAN’S WORLD : ELLE ANDERSEN Click, click!

12FISH OUT OF WATER : FASHION BOARD AND SAVVY

A style-phobe hit up Fashion Board and a feminist newbie attended SAVVY. Their experiences were eye-opening.

SCENE

14

SWEAT & TELL : RAISE THE BARRE “Black Swan” is kid stuff compared to this.

15

THRIFT OR GIFT : FURNITURE

A recliner for $20? Is this Narnia?

16

FOOD FIGHT : SPECIALTY COCKTAILS

Yes, I’ll take a chocolate martini. Or seven.

18

SUITE STYLE : SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE

Turn a cheese grater into a jewelry holder.

STYLE

30

THE LAST RESORT

Colorful patterns and relaxed fits for your spring break plans.

PERFORMANCE

36POP... : HOW “TURNT” ARE YOUR FAVORITE VACATION MOVIES?

The “Spring Breakers” girls need to calm the hell down.

37

...ART : THE INFRINGEMENT FESTIVAL Free expression comes to campus.

38

HEY, MS. DJ(S)! : KAYLYN MIDDLETON AND ARI ROBBINS

Inside their all-girl radio lineup.

39WORKSHOP HITS 701 “Stick Fly” is the play to see.

40

SCENE & HEARD : GIRLS ROCK COLUMBIA

Young women get a self-esteem boost through music.

ENCORE

42inVENT

Stop watching Netflix in class, you slacker.

43

HOW TO : SHARE THE PANTS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Guys, just enjoy your free meal and shut up.

45

QUIZ : WHAT IS YOUR ANIMAL SOULMATE?

I’m a USC squirrel at heart.

46

OVERHEARD AT... : FIVE POINTS

“Guys, I think I’m allergic to alcohol. I can’t feel my eyes.”

STUDENT MAGAZINE of the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANAGING EDITOR ARTICLES EDITOR

COPY CHIEF STAFF WRITER EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christopher Rosa

Lisa Ashworth

Thom Bell

Kalyn Oyer

Amanda Coyne

Andrea Wurzburger

Caitlin Edahl, Grace Stewart

Katherine Finney, Connor Hazelton, Afton Hills, Anna Hirshfield, Hope Johnson, Taylor Kane, Jackie Male, John Manigo, Jacob Margle, Fiona McMahon, R. Kyle Norris, Alex Peeples, Emily Rhodes, Nicole Smith, Brooke Strozdas, Olivia Waller

ART DIRECTOR PHOTO EDITORS SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER STAFF DESIGNERS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

WEB EDITOR WEB ASSISTANTS

Ashley Crompton

Hannah Cleaveland, Ida Garland

Morgan Epperson

Nicholas Johnston

Lina LeGare, Savannah Taylor

Alex Herstik, Morgan E. Lee, Josh Thompson, Sierra Zaner

Elizabeth Dukes, Kellen Lagroon, Najwa Martin

Erin Spencer

Katherine Finney, Taylor Halle, Lizzie Steimer

PUBLIC RELATIONS

PUBLIC RELATIONS & EVENTS DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANTS

Anna Mathias

Hannah Ashmore, Sarah Barreca, Tyson Blanton, Rachel Braun, Brooke Butler, Angela Cooper, Devyn Doyle, Raven Ellis, Caitlin Fretz, Jessica Gorman, Rachel Holyfield, Parker King, Claire Kudata, Juliette LaFerlita, Brandon Lohnes, Victoria Majoros, Courtney Moyers, Courtney Mras, Kerry O’Connor, Anna Shull, Kelsey Spencer

STYLE

STYLE EDITOR STYLE ASSISTANTS

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA CREATIVE MANAGER

PRODUCTION MANAGER BUSINESS MANAGER FACULTY ADVISER STUDENT ADVERTISING MANAGER

Alana Fuscardo

Dominic Bellotti, Sydney Priore, LIndsay Riggins

Sarah Scarborough

Edgar Santana

Degan Cheek

Krisitine Capps

Scott Farrand

Amber Grant

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Advertising: (803) 777-3018

David Cheetham, Josh Davison, Michele Dressler, Cole Haltom, Lowman Harley, Drew Hart, Holly Heaton, Erin O’Connell, Ian Peacock, Maryan Tehranie, Nick Vogt

CREATIVE SERVICES Ashley Crompton, Rannah Derrick, Lina LeGare, Kody Kratzer

To contact G&B, email sagandbe@mailbox.sc.edu or visit www.gandbmagazine.com.

Garnet & Black magazine is produced four times a year by students of the University of South Carolina and is distributed free to members of the university community. All editors and staff members can be contacted at (803) 777-1149. The office is located in Russell House room 339. Email letters to the editor to sagandbe@mailbox.sc.edu or to Garnet & Black magazine, Student Media, 1400 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Letters should be 250-400 words and must include name, address, phone number and academic information (if applicable). Garnet & Black reserves the right to edit for libel, style and space. Anonymous letters will not be published.

DOMINIC BELLOTTI JACOB MARGLE NAJWA MARTIN SIERRA ZANER

Visual communications senior Najwa Martin has been designing for the past three years, creating infographics, logos, promotional posters and, most recently, page layouts. Her dream job would be to work for Marie Claire’s design team, structuring magazine layouts. For now, however, you can see her layout design for Thrift or Gift on page 15.

Public relations freshman Dominic Bellotti is a style assistant for Garnet & Black. “I wanted to work for Garnet & Black because I thought it would be a great way to meet new people and get involved at USC in a way that could allow me to explore more creative ideas,” he says. Check out his handiwork on pages 30-35.

Fashion merchandising sophomore Sierra Zaner provided the art for Suite Style on page 18 and enjoys photography because it gives her control of the way people see things. “I like being able to capture any moment and thing that I find beautiful,” she says.

ST. PAT’S IN FIVE POINTS

Journalism sophomore Jacob Margle has contributed to the editorial side of Garnet & Black for the past two issues. He was drawn to Garnet & Black because of its artistic approach to stories, and his dream job would be to work for a big automotive publication like Car & Driver, Motor Trend or Road & Track. Check out Margle’s Thrift or Gift piece on page 15.

BY JOHN MANIGO // PHOTOS BY HANNAH CLEAVELAND

9 A.M. - 7 P.M.

Kick off spring with the annual St. Pat’s celebration. An array of artists, musicians and vendors will be mixed in throughout Five Points with 40,000 other fellow leprechauns. Bring a water bottle, friends and something green (seriously, strangers will pinch you). $15

BURRITO DASH 5K

Sign up now to participate in Moe’s Fourth Annual Burrito Dash. All funds will go to Epworth Children’s Home. First place wins $1,000, second wins $500 and third will win $200—not to mention the free burrito at the halfway point. Eating it is completely optional. $35

SWEET & SAVORY CHEF’S COMPETITION

Come to EdVenture Children’s Museum to try samples from the best chefs in Columbia, all of whom are competing for a People’s Choice Award. Dress in your spiffiest black tie attire and bring your tastebuds. All funds will go to Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter. Pre-order: $35 each or $60 per couple

FASHION BOARD AT USC’S FASHION WEEK

The week begins Monday on Davis Field with a kick-off event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a Doggy Fashion Show with The Humane Society at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday is the Symposium at 7 p.m. in the School of Public Health with USC alumna and current Lucky Magazine editor Melissa Karl. Wednesday is the Student Designer Showcase at 701 Whaley at 6 p.m. Thursday is the Finale Show at 701 Whaley at 7 p.m. Free

BY ANNA HIRSHFIELD

I’m a guy. And I’m also a feminist. This isn’t a new concept with my circle of friends; however, I’m surprised to realize how many people think men can’t be feminists. The word conjures up a lot of stereotypical, grossly inaccurate images—angry women burning their bras, “I Hate Men” parties and forcible conversions to lesbianism (no joke, this is what someone told me once). Our spring issue is dedicated to debunking those misconceptions and exposing what feminism really is.

It’s the student mom who manages to juggle her studies, a job and taking care of her young daughter. I have difficulty keeping up with my freelance writing assignments from the comfort of my own bed! Check out Madison Bourne’s inspiring story on page 19.

It’s USC’s newest beauty queens—one is a recent grad, the other is a freshman. Both are breaking negative pageant stereotypes with their strong opinions on healthy living, embracing confidence and gender equality. Read all about Sarah Weishuhn and Wesley Mitchell on page 26.

It’s girls not being afraid to use their voices and express themselves through music. Girls Rock Columbia is an amazing organization that might be beneficial to your little sister or cousin struggling with self-esteem issues. (It accepts college-aged volunteers, too, if that’s your jam.) Give it a read on page 40.

It’s also a cultural photographer who loves seeing the world from different perspectives (page 9), female DJs who choose to showcase all-girl acts (page 38) and splitting the check at dinner every once in a while (page 43). In a nutshell, feminism is simply women doing what they want, how they want it and on their own terms. And—for God’s sake—getting paid equally to men for the same job!

Web Editor Erin Spencer hits on all of this and more in this year’s first infographic, aptly titled “The New Girl Power Movement” (page 24). And yes, Beyoncé is involved.

Sadly, however, she didn’t include Supreme Queen of the Universe Madonna, who I consider to be a feminist pioneer— especially in the late ‘80s. Her pop anthem “Express Yourself” has some pretty fantastic lyrics in it: “Don’t settle for second best, baby;” “Long stem roses are the way to your heart, but he needs to start with your head;” and, of course, “Express yourself.” The song echoes a lot of the themes we’re hitting on in this issue. Women can be smart and sexy; powerful, but not a b—ch; opinionated, but not “too emotional.” As Cosmopolitan Editorin-Chief Joanna Coles said, “women are interested in mascara and the Middle East.” Damn straight.

So put on some classic Spice Girls music (you know you’re thinking it) and kick back with this issue. We promise it doesn’t bite.

Until next time!

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

ORIGINAL PLAYWRIGHT MAN IN THE MIRROR RYAN STEVENS

BY CONNOR HAZELTON // PHOTO BY ADAM COLLINS

or most college seniors, the last semester is a wild ride of living it up with friends and enjoying the final months of justifying reckless behavior. Ryan Stevens, instead, decided to write a play.

The fourth-year English student from Belton, S.C. wrote and is directing his original work, “Player King,” which revolves around the cast and crew of a “Hamlet” production at the Electric City Playhouse. One of the actors gets snubbed for the title role and then sets out to reclaim the part by charming one of the actresses.

“I was drawn to this idea because I knew I wanted to do a play here at the university, and I knew I needed to make it a big one… because, I mean, if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing,” Stevens says. “Nothing is harder than writing verse. Nothing. But once I had the idea, I knew I couldn’t wimp out and not do it.”

Even in high school, Stevens knew that he wanted to become a writer. The passion began by him coming up with, as he

describes it, “stories, characters and plots and kooky events to build a narrative around.”

“I’ve tried my hand at writing through all kinds of mediums. You know, short stories, screenplays, poetry and plays,” Stevens says. Mostly short plays, little 10-minute things, but I’m roommates and friends with a lot of theatre majors and actors here at USC, so I figured I’d try fulllength plays and maybe something would happen. Turns out playwriting is a lot of fun.”

Although Stevens has written other plays, which have covered topics like bad marriages, stand-up comedians and even Ancient Greece, this is his first-ever fully produced play.

During the writing process, Stevens says that he tries to start out by developing two things: concept and character.

“For concept, I thought ‘what do I want this to be about, or where is this going to be? What’s the main focus thematically?’” says Stevens. “From there, I start develop-

ing characters, thinking about who they are, where they’re from, what they talk like, what they do or don’t talk about, so that by the time I write the first word, the people involved in my head are already semi-fully-formed.”

Stevens has listed William Shakespeare, Sarah Ruhl, David Mamet, and Edward Albee as the influences that inspired him to become a playwright.

After he graduates from USC this May, Stevens plans to attend graduate school in California, Iowa or the New England area for a Masters of Fine Arts in either creative writing or playwriting. When his schooling is completed, Stevens says he hopes to write for television or have some of his ideas taken from the stage to the big screen.

Make sure you check out “Player King” on April 23-26 in the Booker T. Washington Lab Theatre.

WOMAN’S WORLD ELLE ANDERSEN

CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHER

BY TAYLOR KANE // PHOTO BY JOSH THOMPSON

kind of break the rules sometimes,” says Elle Olivia Andersen as she passionately explains her photographic technique. Whether she’s making acquaintances out of perfect strangers or developing an in-depth cultural spectacle for her next project, Andersen pushes boundaries in order to produce a depiction of culture unobserved by the casual eye.

Andersen is a senior at USC with a substantial background in photography, but her curiosity regarding social interaction, paired with a deeply altruistic nature, led her to pursue a degree in sociology. As for her innate photographic talent, Andersen got her start in 2010 as an assistant on photo shoots. Her passion for cultural photography, however, began at a young age as she read National Geographic magazines cover to cover. “The stories that stuck out to me were the stories about people and cultures I had never heard of,”says Andersen.

At this point in her career, Andersen

intertwines her love of photography with her background in human cultures. She takes vivid photographs of people in their natural environment to evoke emotion within her audience. “I like being out of my comfort zone,” Andersen says. When beginning a new project, she approaches the unknown community without a camera. She gains their trust and the beginnings of their stories, only to return with her camera after a bond is established.

Andersen has just finished a project in which she ventured to the Appalachian region of South Carolina in order to befriend a man who has built a miniature town upon his land. The microcosm includes a barbershop, saloon and sheriff’s office, among many more buildings at which the tiny townspeople gather.

She hopes an upcoming project will take her to Africa. Andersen’s main goal is to portray people of cultures outside the modern scope of the world in hopes that her audience will crave more information. She believes knowledge is

beautiful and discovery is inspiring. “I do want to make great work, but I want to make work that has great impact,” she says.

With her photography displayed in galleries around the country, Andersen has accomplished many things at such a young age. Yet, even with various claims to fame, Andersen has remained grounded and is passionate about spreading the joy that photography brings her. She works at a summer camp that partners with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in order to bring cameras to the children and introduce them to the vast world that has brought her so much exhilaration. “Kids are like sponges. They are so creative, and I want to fuel that creativity,” says Andersen.

Andersen’s ultimate aspiration is to work for a nonprofit organization, gain more experience and become an educator so she might share every ounce of wisdom with as many people as possible. You can see Andersen’s latest projects at elleolivia.com.

fishOUT OF WATER

Ever wanted to step outside your comfort zone and attend a random student organization meeting? These students did – and their experiences were worthwhile.

A GUY WITH NO STYLE ATTENDS FASHION BOARD

BY R. KYLE NORRIS // PHOTO BY MORGAN EPPERSON // DESIGN BY LINA LEGARE

Ihave about an hour until the Fashion Board meeting starts. I’ve already showered, shaved—even combed my hair—and now I’m standing in front of my closet without the slightest clue what to wear. I should note that I’m a nearly 24-year-old guy who doesn’t give clothes much thought—until I’m supposed to go to a club meeting specifically about such things and begin to think that perhaps an old black Ramones T-shirt is not the best choice. After agonizing over it for 20 minutes or so, I pick a pair of jeans and a nicer shirt.

When I get to the meeting place at the Coliseum, I find that the room has been changed last minute to one tucked into the corner of an offshoot hallway, and I’m lucky to have Fashion Board President Jessica Kiraly show me the way. I learn that tonight they’re having a raffle and fashion swap. They have a rack at the front of the room for members to hang the items they brought for the swap – things that I’m sure have more specific names, but in my mind register as only shirts, shorts and similarly generic terms. Also, at the front, a table with a foil-looking cover holds the raffle prizes and their respective bags for placing one’s name in, along with a swath of Teen Vogue’s most recent issues and containers of brightly colored blue and purple candies. The prizes include hair products, a wallet, what I think is a coin purse, a scarf, something by Vera Bradley (whoever that is) and a movie night bundle that includes a “Just Friends” DVD.

The room isn’t quite full when I get there, and people continue to stream in after I find my seat. I’m a little surprised that I don’t get the strange looks I expected for being a guy at this meeting, but as it turns out the Y-chromosome isn’t without representation. Stephen Reaves, the other male present besides me, says that he’s there to learn more

about something he’s always found interesting.

Before they get to the raffle and style swap, the announcements are made, listing the organization’s meetings and events for the semester. These include Fashion Week, for which they have to decide on a T-shirt design. They finally pick a wonderfully funny pun: “Open Minded, Clothes Minded.”

When the group is asked to choose between crew neck and V-neck, they answer in unison: “V-neck!”

Before going to this meeting, the only image of a fashion aficionado in my mind came from the five minutes of “The Devil Wears Prada” I’d seen, but I now know they’re as funny and interesting as the next person—just a bit better dressed.

A FEMINIST NEWBIE ATTENDS SAVVY

BY OLIVIA WALLER // PHOTO BY HANNAH CLEAVELAND // DESIGN BY LINA LEGARE

When I hear “women’s empowerment,” I think feminism. That’s natural, right? However, I do not consider myself a feminist. I mean, I think women are awesome (because, duh, I am one), but I’ve never been interested in the whole “feminism” movement. However, despite my somewhat indifferent views on feminism, I agreed to go to a “Sex Sells” meeting for SAVVY, a group for minority women working to improve their place at USC.

As I sat in the meeting room in Russell House and watched a bunch of strangers flow into the room, I started to get nervous. Let’s be honest: I had no idea what I was getting myself into. What do you do at a feminist meeting? Bash men? Tell war stories? Protest the plight of women?

Nope.

I learned that the SAVVY group was there to discuss problems for women and present possible solutions. And how did they do this? By

a lecture? A PowerPoint? By pounding the pulpit?

Nope.

We just talked.

Actually, the talk was about things I’ve already discussed with friends, with adults and in classes. Mostly, we talked about how media is selling sex to the public and how the public has become increasingly blasé about sex—especially in younger generations. We discussed cell phones, Instagram, television, clothing and how to talk to friends. I found I was able to relate to the group because I understood what they were talking about. Actually, it was a normal, intelligent conversation.

And it was fun. These girls (and, surprisingly, a couple of guys) were funny and real. While they made their points, they kept the conversation entertaining. I found myself laughing a lot—something I wasn’t expecting.

I was also amazed at how the meeting was well-organized and thoughtful—not that I expected it to

be chaotic and thrown together or anything. But, these girls really cared about what they were talking about. The leaders had researched the topics, prepared discussion questions and were willing to hear everybody’s opinion.

The only thing that I regret about the meeting is that I didn’t speak up. I was so interested in what everybody else had to say (and, honestly, kind of nervous about talking to a new group), that I just kind of sat there and soaked everything in.

I’m not claiming to be a feminist or anything after just the one meeting, and I’m not even really sure “feminist” is the right word for this group. Really, it was just women (and some guys) who were talking about issues everybody deals with. And maybe that’s partly what feminism is really about after all. It was relatable, current, entertaining and a great experience for this “non-feminist” (if that’s even the right word). It was SAVVY.

BARRE RAISE THE

BY CAITLIN EDAHL // PHOTOS BY MORGAN EPPERSON // DESIGN BY SAVANNAH TAYLOR

I’ve always admired the grace and glamour of ballerinas, so taking a barre class sounded like the ideal way to live out my unfulfilled dreams of pirouetting across stage in a leotard. Cut to 15 minutes before class starts: I think of myself as being in mildly good shape, but I’ve already worked up a sweat on the walk to Strom, and class hasn’t even started yet.

Girls who look straight out of a Netflix ballet documentary are sitting or standing in the hallway, all wearing colorful Nike sneakers and stretching casually Finally, class begins. I stand on my mat (there weren’t enough portable barres to go around) and fan myself; a dozen fans are spinning above me, but the room is still warm. The cheerful instructor has us step from side to side in time with peppy music. Okay, this isn’t so bad.

Suddenly, she throws in some side-to-side arm movements, and I remember why I never took up dance. My arms and legs are flailing hopelessly out of sync with everyone else. By the time I catch up, we’re moving on to the next movement. Our instructor shows us how to do pliés: heels together and bending slightly from her turned out knees, arms curved gracefully. As I attempt to imitate her, I realize those floor-to-ceiling mirrors are more useful for seeing how awkward I look than anything else.

What feels like 10 minutes later, we’re still doing mini-squats, my legs are burning and I’m completely over wanting to do ballet. I have no idea what to do with my arms, since there’s no barre to rest them on. I try clasping them in front of me as if I’m praying for strength to keep doing this class (which isn’t too far from the truth), but I see myself in the mirrors and quickly abandon that. Instead, I try holding my arms down and curved in, like I’ve seen ballerinas do in movies, but it looks more like I’m carrying a huge, invisible trash bag full of my dancing dreams.

Suddenly, I realize we’ve moved on to floor exercises on our mats. Thank goodness, I can sit down. My elation is short-lived as we begin Pilates-inspired ab crunches. After about 10 seconds, I’m wiped out. If this is what it takes to get dancer’s abs, I’m resigned to having a one-pack forever.

We move on to arm exercises, using small medicine balls, and I realize that one of my weights is heavier than the other, so I give up on them. However, it turns out that it looks even more ridiculous doing arm circles without weights than it does doing pliés. As the class ends with stretching, I decide that it’s difficult to maintain any sort of ego in a group exercise class. And as I carefully navigate the stairs on knees that feel like Jell-O, I decide that for now, at least, I’m content to leave ballet to the experts.

“IF THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES TO GET DANCER’S ABS, I’M RESIGNED TO HAVING A ONE-PACK FOREVER.”

Thrift Gift or FURNITURE

Well, it’s almost spring, and you know what that means. Actually, chances are if you live in a dorm or apartment on a college budget, you don’t know what that means. It’s time for spring cleaning, people! Open up your windows and let the stale smell of winter be gone. Afternoon strolls through campus are no longer a race to save your favorite extremities! As Mother Nature turns over a few new leaves, you should too. To match the changes outdoors, liven up your space indoors with some new furniture. This season is all about furniture that looks high-quality but won’t break the bank.

BY JACOB MARGLE // PHOTOS BY HANNAH CLEAVELAND // DESIGN BY NAJWA MARTIN

GIFT : LA Z BOY

These days, they’re making more than your grandpa’s favorite napping chair. The Aria chair should fit easily into almost any space, and with La-ZBoy’s pedigree, it’s bound to be comfortable. Not so comfortable? The prices, which range from $749 to $850.

THRIFT : HIS HOUSE MINISTRIES

This is a more heavily used piece, but they can’t all be diamonds. It is leather and also reclines. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it’s available for a mere $20.

GIFT : RESTORATION HARDWARE

A coffee table is utilitarian enough to have its style put on the back burner, but when done right, it can be the focal point of a room. This flawless specimen, made of 100 percent salvaged wood, has a regal yet slightly understated look about it. Too bad the asking price is between $1,595 and $2,095. Tuition or a place to set my drink?

THRIFT : STEPPING STONES THRIFT SHOP

This $20 coffee table may look like it was carved from an old wooden ship by a blind man, but you could always re-stain it.

GIFT

: POTTERY BARN

Ah, the leather sectional: the very pinnacle of interior décor. Nothing says you’ve made it (or are in crippling debt) quite like a mock chaise and faux leather. This shining example is quite the showpiece, but at $4,295, it’s far from affordable.

THRIFT : GOODWILL (HARDSCRABBLE ROAD)

Yes, it’s a little rough around the edges, but so is that favorite T-shirt of yours, and you know how comfy that is. A quick wipe down, maybe a little leather conditioner, and you’ve got a serious winner on your hands for the cool price of $50.

SIGNATURE COCKTAILS SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

BY ANDREA WURZBURGER // PHOTOS BY IDA GARLAND // DESIGN BY ASHLEY CROMPTON

Listen up, foodies. It’s time for a special edition of Food Fight that—you guessed it—isn’t about food at all. When called upon for this mission, I gladly accepted the challenge ahead of me. How would I find signature cocktails to rival the likes of a Nerds Pitcher at Group Therapy or a Fishbowl at (RIP Kildare’s) The Horseshoe? I would put on my classiest game face and hit up a few of the more sophisticated bars in town, that’s how .

Ya-Ya Hurricane

For The Nights You Want to Make Bad Decisions

Bourbon is one of those bars you look at from the outside and say, “I’m not sure I’m classy enough for this.” Upon entering, Bourbon was busy for a Wednesday and converted into a Tiki bar. Having never been in Bourbon before, I was quite sure that the bar was undergoing some kind of identity crisis, but it was actually just a temporary change. The crowd was a bit older—mostly guys coming from work—but the atmosphere was fun. I ordered a Ya-Ya Hurricane, apparently the concoction of the owner himself, which consisted of Breakout Eight-Year Rye, Dark Corner Peach, white whiskey, passion fruit and pomegranate. It is the grown man’s fishbowl, coming in at $13.50 with a limit of two per customer. It is ultra-sweet—the kind of drink that will give you the best kind of sugar rush and the worst kind of hangover if it wasn’t for the quality liquor. I’m not sure these are available all of the time because of the bar’s tendency to—oh, I don’t know— turn into an all-out Tiki bar, but I would return to Bourbon if only for the cool atmosphere.

For When You’re Going Through a Bad Break-Up

Speakeasy is easily (see what I did there?) one of the swankier bars in Five Points. Its dim lighting and sophisticated jazz music made me want to talk like an old Hollywood film star, but I tried to resist the urge. When I asked the bartender, Charlie, for Speakeasy’s signature drink, he first suggested a martini. It specializes in traditional, old-fashioned cocktails, he explained. I asked if he could jazz up a martini in a way that wouldn’t make me regret tasting the gin, and he obliged. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you The Speakeasy Chocolate Martini. If I could rename it, I would call it First Chocolate, Then Alcohol. Charlie made this bad boy with vanilla vodka, Godiva chocolate liquor, milk, half and half, plus about a pound of chocolate syrup for garnish. Oh, and he also added in a whole lot of love. Clocking in at $9, this is the perfect cocktail for the sweetest of teeth.

For the Nights When You Just Want to Relax

“It’s like a spa for your mouth”— an actual thing that I actually said while drinking this drink. I am not a huge fan of mojitos, so I was wary when the bartender at Liberty Tap Room told me that this was one of its signature drinks. I decided that, for research purposes, I probably shouldn’t just drink the things that I liked. Enter the Mint Cucumber Martini ($9.50). It’s made with Hendrick’s gin, lime juice, sour mix, muddled mint leaves and chopped cucumbers. Then, it’s topped with Sprite. The cucumbers and mint make the drink crisp, while the Sprite gives it a sweet, bubbly kick. It is extremely refreshing and one of those drinks you could order after a long day at the office. Considering the bar was technically functioning as my office that night, I’d say it would be fine to order another...

For When You’re Craving Tequila

Let’s get one thing straight: I love tequila more than anyone in this whole entire world. It’s a great choice for going out and getting a little bit crazy. I also hate tequila more than anyone in this entire world. It creates the perfect cocktail for the “Hangover from Hell.” Do you see my dilemma? Walking into a Mexican restaurant to get drinks, at least for me, is like entering the great unknown. I discovered that not only is Cantina 76 an awesome spot for Mexican, but its drink menu is also pretty great as well and is totally doable on a college student’s budget. I settled on The 76 because it was quite literally named after the restaurant, and I was not disappointed. Essentially a Tequila Sunrise, The 76 is made with tequila, orange juice, grenadine, served on the rocks with an orange slice and will only cost you $5.25.

The Mint Cucumber Martini

The Speakeasy Martini

SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE

BY EMILY RHODES // PHOTO BY HANNAH CLEAVELAND // DESIGN BY BARRE DUKES

Being confined to a small space and an even smaller budget is a bit of a challenge when it comes to having a creatively decorated space. You may not realize it, but you actually have a lot of potential sitting around and waiting to be put to use. Using everything from a rock to a cheese grater, these are some ways to easily create your own Anthropologie-meets-Ikea, Pinterest-worthy space.

A “GRATE” WAY TO HOLD YOUR JEWELRY

It can be hard to keep track of all of your earrings, not to mention how once you lay a pair of earrings down, you know that’s the last time you are going to see them together. To fix that, paint an old metal cheese grater and hang the earrings from the holes.

SCRAPBOOK SHUTTERS

2

Have a box of memorabilia you brought to school with you but no way to display it all? Use an old shutter from home or a thrift store, paint it your favorite color or leave it rustically paint-peeled and mount it on the wall. It becomes a hanging scrapbook where you can collect your photos, mementos or even random mail in the slots.

AN END TO THE BOOK CLUTTER

It’s important to keep up with all of your textbooks from class. To do so, they need to sit upright and not tossed underneath your bed. Find a funky-looking rock or brick, rinse it off and decorate with spray paint or by mod-podging pictures, newspaper and postcards on the surface.

PUT A CORK IN IT

1 3 4 5

If you’ve gone through a few wine or beer bottles, you’ve probably wanted to save the corks and caps but have no idea what to do with them. Your solution: use them for a corkboard. Cut the wine corks in half so they are flat and glue to a cheap picture frame. Then, use a hot glue gun to attach the beer bottle caps onto pushpins. Use your new pins to hold up pictures, tickets and more.

THE BEST NIGHTSTAND, BAR NONE

Let’s be honest, no one likes that awkward distance between your bed and the outlet in the corner that’s too small for a nightstand but too big to leave empty. An old barstool is the ideal height and width that you need to sit a clock or lamp and some knick-knacks if you’re feeling spunky. If it has a footrest, you can wrap wire or rope across the ledge to make an additional shelf.

BY

in August 2011, months after she dropped out of classes at the University of South Carolina, at the urging of her then-boyfriend. She registered for general education classes at Midlands Technical College with the intention of eventually getting back to USC. But two weeks before her first class, a little pink plus sign changed everything.

MADISON BOURNE WAS GETTING READY TO GET BACK IN THE CLASSROOM

ON CAMPUS

AMANDA COYNE // PHOTOS BY IDA GARLAND // DESIGN BY SAVANNAH TAYLOR

ourne was pregnant at 19 years old, but she didn’t put her plans on hold. She took classes at Midlands Tech during the fall semester and moved to online classes during the spring, finishing a few weeks early, just in time for a 22-hour natural birth. Her daughter Rowan, now almost 3, was born in April 2012.

Bourne balanced motherhood with online classes for the first year of Rowan’s life, with support from her family but not Rowan’s father.

“I broke up with him as soon as I found out I was pregnant,” Bourne says. “I figured if he was a terrible boyfriend, he would be a terrible father. He’s the one who wanted me to drop out of school in the first place.”

After a year of balancing books and baby at home, Bourne felt ready to return to USC.

But Bourne’s story is not typical of young mothers. Unplanned pregnancy among teenagers and young women is often a barrier to pursuing or continuing education; 61 percent of community college students who have children after they enroll do not complete their education, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Unplanned births cause nearly one in 10 dropouts by community college students and 7 percent of all community college dropouts. It’s difficult to find similar research on four-year college students.

While teen pregnancy may elicit the image of a 16-year-old girl preparing for motherhood, two thirds of South Carolina’s teen pregnancies occur among women aged 18 and 19, like Bourne. The highest percentage of unplanned pregnancies occur among women aged 18 to

24, the ages many women are in college. Colleges are not designed to cater to young parents. USC has some resources, including daycare available at its Child Development Center and nursing mother’s lounges around campus, but the only information specifically applicable to students in the university’s “Healthy Baby and You” pamphlet is about health insurance. Student parents pay the same weekly or daily fees at the Child Development Center that any other parent would, ranging from $98 per child for multiple children over the age of 5 to $211 for each child under 2 years old. If Rowan attended day care at the Child Development Center, Bourne would pay between $188 and $194 per week, instead of around $130 per week, which she pays at an off-campus facility.

The pressures of unplanned pregnancy and parenthood can become major obstacles in the pursuit of a degree. Studies show that many young mothers lack even a high school diploma and attribute their pregnancy and parenthood as the reason. Young mothers who stay in school share their peers’ worries about exams and campus parking, but on top of the financial and personal responsibilities of parenthood.

Those stressors were no different for Bourne. Faced with motherhood, she had to learn to strike a balance between school and her daughter, and it wasn’t easy.

“I was very unhappy when I had her. I didn’t think I could go back to school, but she was my little inspiration,” Bourne says. “Everything I do, I’m doing for her.”

A big help was easing back into education while at home with Rowan for

18 months, Bourne says. They lived with Bourne’s mother and stepfather as Bourne completed general education classes online. Support from her family is “the only reason I’m still sane,” she says.

“A lot of people are not as lucky as I’ve been,” Bourne says. “I have an amazing support system.”

But when she returned to campus, bringing 18-month-old Rowan with her, Bourne had to deal with others who were not as supportive. She felt stares and strange looks from passersby when she played with Rowan on campus, and felt silent judgment from classmates when her first day of class “fun fact” was that she had a daughter.

“I feel the most judgment from other non-parents,” Bourne says. “People wonder, ‘Why do you have a bookbag and a baby?’”

Now that Rowan attends daycare when Bourne is in class, one would not likely guess Bourne is a mother upon meeting her. She seems like an average 22-year-old college student, going to class and work. Her time on campus is her time to do the “normal” stuff: study in the library, work in the University Housing office and maybe even get a few minutes to relax. Once she gets home, she’s in mom mode.

“When I go home, I don’t study. I don’t have time,” Bourne says. “The moment I want to sit down and do something is the moment she wants to play.”

Now, after dropping out, dropping back in and having a baby, Bourne is in her final semester of school. In May, she’ll graduate with a degree in women’s and gender studies and business, and she hopes to work at a bank. Rowan is growing up, too; she’s a little blonde-haired, blue-eyed lightning strike of a personality who “likes to sing along with Anna and Elsa from ‘Frozen,’ and then make Anna and Elsa fight in the dirt.”

Bourne says although she expected it to get harder, it’s become easier as Rowan has gotten older. The two have gotten into their own routine, and Rowan has gotten a little more independent — she even sometimes commandeers her mother’s phone to watch her favorite music videos — and Bourne sees their future as bright.

“I think I’m doing awesome. We have encouraged her to be the best toddler she can be,” Bourne says. “But she’s taught me more than I’ve taught her.”

*Models portrayed in this spread are not Bourne and her daughter, or an actual mother-daughter pair.

GARNET RIVER WALK

THE NEW GIRL POWER movement

BY ERIN SPENCER // DESIGN BY LISA ASHWORTH

Recently, there has been a lot of buzz about feminism, but there are still a lot of questions out there about what it actually means. Some of the people talking about feminism in the media aren’t always sure themselves (*cough cough* Katy Perry). Here’s a handy infographic to break down what feminism really is, which celebs have got it right (get ready to make Mindy Kaling, Beyoncé and Emma Watson your favorites) and clear out the myths so that we can all be fabulously informed.

SURF’S UP: third wave feminism is here

1 3 2

Us feminists like to think of feminism existing in waves. In America, the first one came in 1848, focusing on legal issues, particularly suffrage (the right to vote).

The second wave peaked in the ‘60s and ‘70s driven by issues such as reproductive rights, sexuality and passing the Equal Rights Amendment to the constitution.

Today, we say we’re riding that third wave, which began in the ‘90s. Historians differ on what the exact principles guiding this period are (because it’s still happening), but most agree that the hot button topics are reproductive rights (sound familiar?) and closing the gender gap in pay. In addition, third-wavers concentrate on intersectional feminism—how the oppression minority and underrepresented individuals experience in other aspects of their life (race, class, sexuality, gender expression and ability) shape their feminist experience.

CELEBS THAT HAVE DROPPED THE F-BOMB

Natalie Portman

Amy Poehler

Laverne Cox

Joseph Gordon Levitt

Tina Fey

Mindy Kaling

Barack Obama

Aziz Ansari (from SC!)

Equal pay

Reproductive rights

Social equality

End to violence against women

Better media representation

WHAT (FEMINIST)

WOMEN WANT

FEM·I·NIST(noun)

a person who believes in the social, economic and political equality of the sexes

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Feminism in the Media

MAY 2014: #YESALLWOMEN

In May, tweeters opened up and hashtagged #YesAllWomen, sharing their own sexist encounters. Within just four days, this grassroots awareness campaign reached 1.2 million tweets.

AUGUST 24, 2014: BEYONCÉ’S MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS PERFORMANCE

SEPTEMBER 20, 2014: #HEFORSHE

In September, Emma Watson, set aside her wand to address the United Nations and launch #HeForShe, a campaign aimed at engaging men with the feminist movement. The conference was watched over 11 million times, while the hashtag sparked 1.2 billion social media conversations.

DECEMBER 10, 2014: MALALA YOUSAFZAI NOBEL LECTURE

Queen Bey brought feminism center stage—literally—during the VMAs. The singer closed the show with a medley of her songs, including the hit “***Flawless,” which samples an audio track of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s call to feminism. While the newest girl power anthem played, the word “Feminism” shone from behind the pop diva in bright stage lights.

mic drop

“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.”

- Virginia Woolf

Seventeen-year-old Malala, writer and certified badass (she was shot in the face three times simply for getting an education), became the youngest Nobel Prize Winner at the end of last year. When she accepted her prize, it became clear how much of an impact a young woman could have on the world.

fiercely feminist quotes

"The idea of being a feminist—so many women have come to this idea of it being anti-male and not able to connect with the opposite sex—but what feminism is about is equality and human rights. For me that is just an essential part of my identity.”

- Lena Dunham

"I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do was to fulfill my profession, which I entered before my husband was in public life."

- Hillary Clinton

“I’m a feminist. I’ve been female for a long time now. It’d be stupid not to be on my own side.”

– Maya Angelou

Journalist: Why do you write strong female characters? “Because you’re still asking me that question.”

– Joss Whedon

“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”

- Malala Yousafzai

WHO RUN THE WORLD? (SPOILER: IT’S NOT GIRLS.)

Only 1/3 of the Supreme Court justices are women.

Women currently only make up of the Senate. 20%

Currently, only 5 women are serving as governors of U.S. states. (That means 45 are men.)

In countries with proportional electoral systems, women hold 25.2% of the seats. This compares with 19.6% using the plurality-majority electoral system and 22.7% percent using a mixed system.

sources: nga.org & unwomen.org

Can’t get enough? Head to FemCo, USC’s own feminist club! They meet every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Russell House room 304.

CROWNED

“WHAT COULD WOMEN LEARN FROM MEN?”

BY GRACE STEWART // PHOTOS BY MORGAN EPPERSON // DESIGN BY ASHLEY CROMPTON

During the interview portion of the most recent Miss Universe pageant, judge Rob Dyrdek posed this seemingly innocuous question to then-Miss Colombia. Though she went on to win the pageant, Colombia’s answer was decidedly evasive, and many viewers around the globe found themselves wondering how they would have chosen to answer Dyrdek’s question. Sarah Weishuhn knew immediately what she would have answered, but then again, she’s Miss South Carolina USA 2015.

Weishuhn arrived early to campus for our interview, jingling with an armful of bracelets. The 23-year-old queen is right at home at USC; she only just left campus in December after finishing a B.A. in public health and still works in Columbia between her obliga-

tions as a titleholder. Truthfully, it’s easier to imagine her here than it is on stage, a thought that she echoes, saying, “Wesley and I would both rather just hang out in our sweats and watch Netflix.”

That’s Wesley Mitchell, Miss South Carolina Teen USA and Weishuhn’s “Sister Queen” (a

term they affectionately call each other). Mitchell, a current freshman at USC, is so similar to Weishuhn that it’s hard to believe they had never met before being crowned. Not only are they both wildly hilarious and down-to-earth, but also neither of them had been involved

in pageants in their early years. In fact, winning Miss SC Teen was Mitchell’s first jump into the world of competitive pageants.

Weishuhn, though, had competed at Miss SC USA twice before, and at the 2014 pageant, she placed first-runner-up, a position of high stress in this state.

HEADLINERS

“They call it the curse, the first-runnerup curse,” Weishuhn says with a gentle eye roll, “and I’m the first one to come back and win in almost ten years.” She and Mitchell both do this a lot, at least in our brief conversations: downplaying their accomplishments like anyone could have won the crown.

Maybe it’s because of the stigma that comes with competing in pageants. Shows like TLC’s “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” or Lifetime’s “Kim of Queens”—not to mention the dozens of articles spouting off “facts” about the damaging effects of pageants on the self-esteem of young women—force a negative opinion from the public. Sure, I could argue all day my opinion on “Toddlers and Tiaras”—it’s not a favorable one—but shouldn’t we agree that women can make their own choices? This unfavorable attitude can even carry over into the competitions themselves. Weishuhn remembers, “One of the judges this year asked me why I would want to be a part of something that was derogatory to women [where] we flaunt around in our swimsuits and just seem to be pretty… and I just said well, ‘that’s not how it is.’”

If a woman, on her own accord, chooses to walk on stage wearing only a swimsuit, should she be victimized? The Miss USA pageants in particular get a bad reputation because, unlike their competitor Miss America, there is no talent portion or scholarships awarded to winners. The common misconception is that Miss USA is beautiful and Miss America is smart. It’s true that the Miss America organization claims they provide the most scholarships for women nationwide, and yes, Miss USA did originate as a swimsuit competition—but it’s not quite so categorical. To start with, Miss USA and Miss USA Teen are salaried positions, and the women are given an apartment in New York City, not to mention the wealth of opportunities that are afforded when your boss is Donald Trump. National winners are offered modeling contracts, jobs in entertainment and fashion and the opportunity to meet all types of people in high-level careers. They travel around the country doing philanthropic work and promoting their platforms, which often advocate for young women. Former Miss USA titleholders have been accountants (Erin Brady), two-time All-American athletes (Nana Meriwether) and entrepreneurs (Crystle Stewart). Weishuhn is working toward getting her master’s in dietetics, and Mitchell plans on graduating with a business degree.

All of this, and yet there are still critics who say that pageants are for girls with no brains, no talent and no motivation. Weishuhn says, “Usually I don’t tell people I’m

a pageant girl—I’m Miss South Carolina—because I just want them to know me. That’s not my whole life. There’s me, and then there’s my pageant life.” Mitchell agrees, echoing the desire not to be seen as just one part of a whole person. Let’s be clear though: neither would trade her crown in for anything, and each is deep in preparations for their respective national pageants in June and August. This means looking for the perfect evening gown, working on answers to sample questions for the interview and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for—yes—the swimsuit competition.

As a future dietician and advocate for living a healthy life, Weishuhn is too aware that she has to take special care with how she

looks. “My whole platform is being healthy,” she says. “My goal is to be in the best shape for my body for Miss USA – not to be too skinny, underweight or anything. I’m not going to risk putting myself in an unhealthy position, even for my dream.” She and Mitchell both know the impression that they have on young girls across South Carolina, and that winning at any cost isn’t worth their positions as role models. Mitchell wants to inspire confidence in all young girls, saying, “When you’re confident and embrace yourself, you have power.”

So what could women learn from men? Weishuhn smiles. “I don’t think there is anything I could learn from a man that I couldn’t also learn from a woman.” Well said.

SARAH WEISHUHN

RESORT THE

SPRING BREAK IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, AND WITH IT COMES THE NEED FOR A NEW VACATION WARDROBE. BOLD COLORS AND RELAXED FITS ARE JUST WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR BEACHWEAR POP.

STYLE BY ALANA FUSCARDO // PHOTO BY MORGAN EPPERSON // DESIGN BY ASHLEY CROMPTON STYLE ASSISTANTS: DOMINIC BELLOTTI, SYDNEY PRIORE, LINDSAY RIGGINS MODELS: NICOLE SMITH, BROOKE BEVANS, CAROLINE BLANTON MAKEUP BY NICOLE PHILLIPS

SUNGLASSES STEEL GARDEN, DRESS BOHEMIAN

BROOKE: WHITE CROP NECKLACE AND BLUE PANTS COPPER PENNY, BAG VESTIQUE

CAROLINE: DRESS STEEL GARDEN, HAT STYLIST’S OWN

FRINGE COAT STEEL GARDEN, PANTS BOHEMIAN, HEAD PIECE STYLIST’S OWN

HEAD SCARF COPPER PENNY, TOP AND NECKLACE STYLIST’S OWN

HOW ARE YOUR FAVORITE

VACATION MOVIES?

“SPRING BREAKERS” (2013)

Turnt Factor: 10

If you have a spring break like Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and the gang in this cult classic, we suggest greatly altering your life choices. In this 94-minute film, the four scantily-clad protagonists manage to do cocaine, casually rob a chicken store and—oh yeah!—shoot people. Calm the hell down, girls.

“HOLIDAY IN THE SUN” (2001)

Turnt Factor: 0

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen head to the Atlantis Resort—get that promo!—in the Bahamas for winter vacation and manage to do absolutely nothing titillating. (Unless you count—gasp!—night swimming at the hotel pool after hours as scandalous.) However, they do manage to get involved with artifact smuggling (?), which is both random and iconic.

“PIRANHA 3D” (2010)

Turnt Factor: 8

Don’t you just hate it when fleshhungry, prehistoric piranhas ruin your lakeside binge drinking? Before millions of razor-toothed mini-fish crashed these college kids’ spring break, they were actually having a pretty fantastic time. So many random wet T-shirt contests!

BY CHRISTOPHER

It’s finally upon us, folks: the glorious weeklong stretch of beer, bikinis and bad decisions known as spring break. For seven days, we can forget about our moral compasses and, for lack of better phrasing, f—k s—t up. Right?

Well, if you watch some of these vacation movies, you might think so. Many films like to play up the “girls gone wild” factor of college kids on holiday. (“Spring Breakers,” anyone?) On the other hand, some depict youngins’ doing wholesome activities on vacation like aquarium-hopping and horseback riding (i.e.: the flawless, Oscar-worthy classic “Holiday in the Sun”).

Below, we’ve selected seven classic vacation films—we admit they’re not all about spring break per se, but please don’t kill us—and gave them “turnt” factors from a scale of one to 10. And don’t think we forgot about “From Justin to Kelly.”

“FROM

JUSTIN TO KELLY” (2003)

Turnt Factor: 3

Ah, the holy grail of spring break movies. When Justin (Guarini) meets Kelly (Clarkson) on vacation, they begin a “Grease”-style affair for the ages…but with a terrible soundtrack. This is good wholesome fun, people. However, we amped up the film’s score on account of Justin’s out-of-control hair.

“SPRING BREAKDOWN” (2009)

Turnt Factor: 5

Amy Poehler and Rachel Dratch star in this film about a group of 30-something women who follow a politician’s daughter to a spring break hotspot and make sure no shenanigans occur. The flick is full of run-of-the-mill bikini fare, but Poehler’s antics up the ante.

“SPRING BREAK SHARK ATTACK” (2005)

Turnt Factor: 6

Like “Piranha,” these poor college kids just wanted some debauchery but got pesky killer sharks instead. If anything, the sharks seem to be living it up with their smorgasbord of human flesh.

“SHE’S ALL THAT” (1999)

Turnt Factor: 9

This movie only has one spring break scene, but it’s too good not to discuss. When Taylor Vaughan (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe) almost falls while dancing on a pool party platform, has-been reality star Brock Hudson (Matthew Lillard) saves her and they begin an affair. This is enough for Taylor to dump her all-star high school boyfriend Zach Siler (Freddie Prinze, Jr.). It must’ve been one hell of a spring break for that to happen.

ROSA // PHOTO IN FAIR USE FROM A24/MUSE PRODUCTIONS

BY ALEX PEEPLES // PHOTO BY SIERRA ZANER

In 1952, composer John Cage wrote a piece of music entitled “4’33” that is intended to be played on any instrument, by any number of people, for four minutes and 33 seconds. What stands out about the piece is that for those four minutes and 33 seconds, it consists of complete silence. Some called it a lazy waste of time; others hesitate to refer to it as art. Art has become rigid and overly defined. If only there was a way that any form of art could be expressed openly to the public at no charge whatsoever.

Well, thanks to public relations senior Emily Olyarchuk, the city of Columbia is going to have that opportunity. For the weekend of March 20-22, Columbians will be able to attend and take part in the first Columbia Infringement Arts Festival at various locations throughout the city, including Conundrum Music Hall, Five Points, Martin Luther King Park and many others.

Olyarchuk, a theatre minor and honors college student, proposed the idea of an Infringement Festival as her senior thesis. Holding one of these festivals is a great opportunity to combine her love of public relations and theatre. Also, it helps bring the city a concept that she is truly passionate about. “The art scene of Columbia has really grown in the past few years,” Olyarchuk says excitedly, “and support for putting on one of these festivals has been really positive.”

The Infringement Festival concept was created by Canadian theatre activist Donovan King, who put on the

first festival in Montreal as a statement against high-cost art exhibitions. It was focused on nonprofit, grassroots local art. That same reasoning is reflected in Olyarchuk’s own drive to put this festival together. “I’ve been to the big music fests like Bonnaroo, and while they’re great, they’ve just gotten too big and overly commercial,” she says.

She first experienced an Infringement Festival in her parents’ hometown of Buffalo, N.Y. and fell in love with the liberated environment. “There was somebody making a giant papier mâché elephant head,” she recalls. “I remember I felt like I was seeing true, free expression.” The Buffalo festival includes everything from musicals and poetry to fire and physics. This kind of absolute freedom and diversity is exactly what Olyarchuk is striving to accomplish and inspire at USC and in the community. “While we’re going to have music, it’s about much more than that,” she says. “We want everything that people think is art. You could bang two spoons together if you want; there is no incorrect art.”

The festival has plans to include everything from USC student art shows to film screenings at Conundrum and acoustic musical performances. Whatever your major or social circle, there is an art lover—and even an artist—in all of us.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Columbia Infringement Arts Festival, visit INFRINGEMENTCOLUMBIA.ORG.

BY JACKIE MALE // PHOTO BY ALEX HERSTIK // DESIGN BY SAVANNAH TAYLOR

WHAT INSPIRED YOU LADIES TO JOIN FORCES AND CREATE “DRESS UP?”

AR: I was like, ‘Well, I really want to branch out and do something I’m really interested in.’ Most of the music I enjoyed listening to is female-fronted music. So, my second semester as a DJ, I started “Dress Up.” It really just grew out of the music I enjoyed listening to growing up, like Faith Hill, Shania Twain and Dixie Chicks. There was a lot of female music I wanted to highlight, especially after I noticed the lack of female artists WUSC had in their rotation at the time.

KM: There are so many different female voices from R&B to pop to classical, alt-rock, punk— everywhere. I realized I wanted to try and do a show based off that, but Ari had already started one so I was just like, ‘Please accept me as your co-host. I am super passionate about this.’

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN THE GIRL BANDS YOU CHOOSE TO PLAY ON YOUR SHOW?

AR: I choose people that I listen to on my own time. I do a lot of R&B, soul, folk and J-pop, and I incorporate them all into “Dress Up.”

KM: I would say I like a lot of crazy spastic pop and electronic. I’m trying to find more women who are playing an active role in the creation of their electronic music than just recording a couple vocal samples and having it chopped up.

HOW DO YOU PERCEIVE MUSIC AS BEING AN EMPOWERING OUTLET FOR GIRLS?

AR: The fact that you are totally in control is really empowering in itself because you have a voice, and you’re expressing it in a certain way.

KM: It used to be that a lot of female singers were only picked up by male industry and record executives and then had an image created for them. Music can be empowering for anyone, but I think it’s particularly important for female voices to be highlighted without being totally controlled.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE GIRL BAND AND WHY? DO THEY EMBODY FEMINISM?

AR: I’m going to have to say Katzenjammer right now. They’re not ‘of all time,’ but we played them on our last show of the fall semester. They’re Norwegian alt-country and they’re fantastic. It goes back to my love of Dixie Chicks. Katzenjammer is like that mixed with gypsy punk, and it’s amazing.

KM: Tune-Yards’ Merrill Garbus. I like that she is boldly unafraid to experiment. That kind of fearlessness as an artist—as a woman—is just as important to me as showcasing other sides that people like about femininity like tenderness, softness. And I don’t think you should have to choose. I think you can be all and both.

WORKSHOP HITS 701

BY HOPE JOHNSON// DESIGN BY KELLEN LAGROON

FromMarch 27 to April 4, Workshop Theatre will be presenting “Stick Fly”, a comedy-drama directed by USC alumnus Bakari Lebby. The production will run at 701 Whaley.

In the production, The LeVays, an affluent African American family, are gathering at their home in Martha’s Vineyard for the weekend, and the youngest brother Kent brings his fiancée Taylor, a woman who grew up in relative poverty and is made uneasy by the LeVay’s wealthy lifestyle. Also joining them for the weekend is the elder brother Flip and his “melanin-challenged” girlfriend, who fits in much more easily with the family’s privileged world. Hosting these two couples is the formidable patriarch Joe, who becomes evasive when his sons question where their mother is. Along for the ride is Cheryl, daughter of the LeVays’ housekeeper, helping to serve the family for the weekend. As the characters confront issues of race, sibling rivalry, class and parental expectations, tensions rise as opinions and lifestyle clash and secrets are revealed.

Though many themes are brought up throughout the drama, Lebby says that a main idea involves confronting realities about one’s self versus outside opinions. He highlights honesty and the importance of finding a middle ground as a theme in the show and

an important tool in life. Lebby wants the audience “to walk out and question what they think when they look at someone.” With racial tensions in the media, Lebby cites the need for honesty and hopes the show can “bring things to light that people don’t really want to talk about.”

BY KALYN OYER

CLEAVELAND

Empowerment stems first and foremost from embracing and loving oneself, a quality that Girls Rock Columbia instills in the form of music. This local branch of the national Girls Rock organization works year-round to plan a summer camp and various events that help boost confidence in young girls and transgender youth in the Columbia community.

With the motto, “Your voice is your most powerful instrument,” Girls Rock seeks to not only grow confidence in young girls by enabling them to learn new instruments and perform a rock show debut at the end of camp, but also by making sure they know it is okay to speak up. “The ultimate goal is to foster a new generation of young women who are

girls

COLUMBIA ROCK

ASHWORTH

thoughtfully able to engage in community advocacy and who are able to identify their own power and then use that power to promote positive social change,” says Executive Director Mollie Williamson.

Williamson, a USC social work graduate student, has been working hard this year to make sure 2015’s camp is the best one yet. The Columbia branch took root in 2013 after seeing an influx of Columbia-based volunteers at the Charleston camp. Williamson was one of the founding members of the Cola division and has a deep love not only for grassroots, nonprofit efforts but the feminism movement. Her love for these two aspects of the camp has then formed into a love for music and what it offers.

“Music is important because it is one of the few times someone has a microphone and a platform to speak and is able to really show that what you have to say matters. That’s what we should be teaching girls— it’s important for them to be heard and it’s okay for them to be loud and it’s okay for them to be angry. And there is no predetermined idea of girlhood that they have to fit into,” says Williamson.

While most campers are in the 8-12 age range, youth up through the age of 17 are invited to apply for camp. However, the weeklong program brings up ideas that apply to all age ranges, from bullying and peer pressure to social justice, body image and alternative aggression. “Some of those are teen-specific, but we believe

// PHOTO BY HANNAH

// DESIGN BY LISA

it is so important to instill these ideas, because adolescent girls’ self-esteem plummets compared to male peers,” says Williamson.

While the main agenda of Girls Rock is to teach girls new instruments (specifically rock and roll classics: drums, bass, guitar and keyboard) and form weeklong rock groups, the camp also offers workshops in screen-printing, zine-making and self-defense.

“It’s really powerful to see 8-year-olds saying in unison, ‘My voice is a powerful instrument’ or ‘I am worth defending,’” says Williamson. “It’s also crazy how fast you see changes. There will be a girl who doesn’t sing the first day, and by the end of the week, she is all over the microphone.”

Girls Rock Columbia will be sponsoring an event at Tapp’s on Main Street on March 6 geared toward kids and family members. There will be an instrument “petting zoo,” where girls can come learn the basics of how to play instruments and engage in mini-workshops of what is offered during the summer camp experience. Since camp applications open March 1, this will be a way to draw interest and explain what Girls Rock is about to potential campers and parents.

There is also a volunteer showcase that will feature 10 bands consisting of Girls Rock volunteers who are new to the whole “playing an instrument” thing. The showcase will be held at New Brookland Tavern on March 28.

“We have all these instruments that we don’t use in the winter, plus the women who volunteer will say, ‘I wish there was Girls Rock when I was a kid,’ so this is our way of trying to implement that,” says Williamson. “Also, it lets people kind of understand what camp is about. It’s about music, but more importantly about music as a means of social justice. It’s not important that you play all the chords right. It’s like, ‘Hey, this is scary and it’s important to be brave and it’s okay if you fall on your face, but there is a community of women that is going to back you up.’”

In its initial year, Girls Rock Columbia had 17 campers. However, last year, camp tripled in size. This year, the organization is planning for a similar growth and working to offer a second session of camp in 2016 to accommodate more interested individuals. Girls Rock Columbia is also working on developing an afterschool program, something that is already available at other branches around the country.

Williamson herself has taken up an instrument since first working with Girls Rock. She now plays the bass, encouraged by all the campers around her to find confidence through music. “Once you spend a week with an 8-year-old, telling them ‘You can do this,’ then, well, you start thinking, ‘I should do it too if I’m promoting this,’” says Williamson. In fact, the director played bass with a group formed through Girls Rock in an opening show for Indie Grits last year. She hopes by going outside of her own comfort zone, she will inspire young girls to do the same.

“People like to tell kids and girls in particular, ‘You have the potential to be a leader or strong or an ally,’ but it’s like kid’s aren’t pre-people. They don’t have the potential to be leaders- they are leaders, and that needs to be recognized,” says Williamson.

You don’t have to play an instrument to volunteer for Girls Rock, however. You can do anything from be a counselor to host a workshop to simply move heavy equipment. You can also donate money toward scholarships for low-income girls. The organization is currently trying to get more USC students involved in volunteering. “It’s the perfect demographic,” says Williamson. “I mean, it’s women who are finding their own leadership roles and figuring out their own identity.”

Girls Rock will take place this summer during the week of July 20. You can visit girlsrockcolumbia.org if you want to get involved and rock on.

“

” IT’S ABOUT MUSIC, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY ABOUT MUSIC AS A MEANS OF SOCIAL JUSTICE.

THAT’S WHAT WE SHOULD BE TEACHING GIRLS — IT’S IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO BE HEARD AND IT’S OKAY FOR THEM TO BE LOUD AND IT’S OKAY FOR THEM TO BE ANGRY.

inVENT

THESE STUDENTS HAVE SOME BONES TO PICK WITH EVERYTHING

BY BROOKE STROZDAS, KATHERINE FINNEY & AFTON HILLS // DESIGN BY KELLEN LAGROON

LOFTED BEDS NETFLIX IN CLASSSMALL TALK

Lofted beds are not made for the faint of heart. Kids these days think they’re adventurous and hardcore with their Enos and elaborate Pinterest boards delightfully entitled “Oh The Places I Will Go!” and “--adventure is out there--.” Suddenly, you’re legally an “adult,” but you live in a dorm, and every day your very life depends on if you accidentally left last night’s outfit carelessly slung over your ‘ladder,’ which is already made solely of slippery wood and . 002-inch rails. You know what’s really hardcore, kids? Living approximately eight hours (let’s be honest, five hours) of every day 6.5 feet off the ground without a railing. I mean, I expected the standard dangers of college: jaywalking, slightly romantic encounters with squirrels and brain death via Netflix. This, though, this is too much; I sleep in a constant state of fear. Cherish your Eno, kids; it’s closer to the ground than my damn bed.

I love Netflix, and I’m a pro in the art of binge-watching shows to the point of exhaustion. I recently watched all of “House of Cards” in a weekend, so I know that obsessive need to know what happens next. But could we all agree to stop watching Netflix during class? I understand that financial planning doesn’t compare to “Dance Moms” on mute, but seeing a melodrama unfold out of the corner of my eye makes it difficult to concentrate on an already-painful class. My mind can barely process being awake during an 8 a.m.— let alone focus on the value of money when subtitles for “The Princess Diaries: A Royal Engagement” are unfolding right next to me. I’m not calling for us all to turn off our Wi-Fi and actually pay attention during class. I’ll settle for browsing Facebook and Twitter.

To the guy sitting next to me trying to make small talk during lectures, do you not understand this is not the time and place? Pardon me for barely looking at you, but I really don’t want to chat about the weather or my major while our professor keeps glaring at us. This isn’t a 400-person lecture hall – we’re in the third row and you aren’t even whispering! I’m not the only one you are bothering based on the dirty looks people keep giving us. At 9:40 on a Monday morning, no one cares about how cool your weekend was. I thought you would get the hint by my one-word answers, but I seem to have given you too much credit. Do us all a favor and leave the small talk for after class when we can easily make up an excuse to walk in the other direction.

SHARE THE PANTS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

BY ANDREA WURZBURGER //PHOTOS BY HANNAH CLEAVELAND // DESIGN BY LINA LEGARE

Just because you’re a feminist doesn’t mean you have to swear off all men! The best way to spread awareness about gender equality is by practicing it yourself. You don’t need an XXXXL pair of pants to share them in your relationship.

1. Share your expenses. This seems pretty obvious, especially as poor college students, but ladies, don’t always expect your man to pay for dinner. It’s a cultural norm for the man to pay for the date, but it’s totally alright to reach for your wallet. If he doesn’t let you pay, try explaining that you want to treat him for once. If that doesn’t work, try settling the tip or buying him a drink. Guys, bask in the glory that is a free meal and ask no more questions.

2. Don’t always expect him to buy you flowers. Sure, you’ll say you don’t ever expect your significant other to buy you something “just because,” but we all know that if he doesn’t buy you flowers once in a while, God help him. It’s really easy for you to expect your man to prove his love with the little things, but is that totally fair? Why don’t you both try and treat each other? See a sweater that would look great on your man? Grab it for him!

3. Communicate.

You can’t share responsibilities unless you’re both in the loop. Girls, stop telling him “it’s fine,” and start saying what is really going on. Sometimes, we lock ourselves into our gender roles and play the parts we assume create a healthy relationship. Women worry about coming off too needy or emotional, so we

try to bottle it up. Guys, also, are afraid of looking too emotional, so they’ll avoid confrontation at all costs. We’ve all been there, but a little communication goes a long way in creating a healthy space for discussion.

4. Work together to make decisions (big and small). From where you should eat tonight to what the next step is in your relationship, it’s really important that you are both a part of making decisions. Ladies, it’s nice to want your man to plan a date for you, but why not think of something that you’ll both enjoy? If you’re both invested in a decision, the chances are you’ll both be happier in the long run, and it won’t lead to any resentment in the relationship.

5. Think before you speak. A lot of problems stem from little micro-aggressions that come from not really understanding what it means to treat one another as equals. We brush off the sexist comments to avoid having to deal with them or starting a confrontation. Instead of letting them slide, try having a conversation about why you think they’re unfair. While it’s really important for everyone to be educated, it’s also not just onesided. You’ve both got to work against the traditional gender roles that can be the source of these aggressions.

QUIZ

BY NICOLE SMITH // DESIGN BY LISA ASHWORTH

Pick from these extreme options. (We know they’re weird, but keep an open mind.)

Strutting around the city in your weekend glam

What are you most likely to be doing on a Friday night?

Sharing Insomnia with a homeless woman downtown

What would you wear on a first date?

I’d keep it super casual Designer everything!

Chinese takeout

Where would you go on a first date?

I don’t go on dates

My friends say I am...

Cocky Sassy

Just happy to be here

Falling asleep at my desk

Terrifying

Sketchy, but interesting

FIVE POINTS

BY FIONA MCMAHON // PHOTO BY JOSH THOMPSON

I want to hook up with, like, a golf dad.

He was pretty hot, even though he was wearing a turtleneck.

Do all of these guys share the same khakis?

The only people I trust are my mom and the Insomnia delivery guy.

When people say I have a great personality, does that mean I’m ugly?

So I walked up to this hot guy who kinda looked like a leprechaun, and I panicked and asked to see his lucky charms. Dude, I just drunk texted my mom.

Alcohol Edu didn’t prepare me for my mom drunk calling me.

Guys, I think I’m allergic to alcohol. I can’t feel my eyes.

Check out these boozy blurbs from one crazy night. I would cut off my left nipple for some Panda Express right now.

- Ta-ta, b—ches!