March 2015 by Tote Media

ALI VON PARIS Creator of Route One Apparel

Issue No. 12 March 2015

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FEAT URES

THE LOOKS 08 12

B E AU T Y BAR HEATLESS HAIRSTYLES FOR SPRING SP R I N G ESSE N T IALS

18 22 26

RU N N I N G FOR A P U RP OSE ROAM WH E RE YOU WAN T TO MARYL AN D MAD E

CONTENTS LI FE & ENT ERTAI N MENT 34 36 42

F RESH MAN F I L ES A DREAM SHATTERED BY REALITY D IY PERSONALIZED PLATES E N T E RTAI N M E N T COMING UP

EDITOR’S NOTE

WE'RE ALMOST HOME! And that’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot recently: being home and what that means. Right now, you’re halfway through the semester and then you’ll be home for three glorious months of summer vacay. Some of you may even be home now on Spring Break (green eyes to anyone who’s going to the beach for break!). As I continue my journey with Tote and other endeavors, I’m constantly haunted by the idea that if I stay in my hometown I’ll be settling. Am I just too comfortable? And do I need a new location to push me out of my comfort zone? Scroll through Pinterest and you’ll find a myriad of quotes telling you that you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone to really grow and flourish and experience life. So is staying in your hometown considered being in your comfort zone? It wasn’t until more recently that I figured out the answer. Yes and no. Is finally feeling like I have an amazing support system of friends cowering me into feeling comfortable? No! If anything they have pushed me out of my comfort zone more than I would have cared to if I hadn’t met them. The point is you can feel comfortable but it doesn’t mean that you are forever trapped in your comfort zone. You can be home in the familiar but still push yourself to be a better, stronger, smarter person. Your geographic location has no effect on how far you will go in life. Yes, feeling comfortable can be limiting but only if you make it. Because those Pinterest quotes are abundant for a reason: they hold a truth to them. When we decide to step out of our comfort zones we grow and experience life in ways we haven’t ever before. But being in a familiar town doesn’t make it impossible for you to step out of your comfort zone.

Shelby Newsome

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

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Take the Marylanders we featured in this issue (shout out to my home state!). Cover girl Ali von Paris (page 26) created Route One Apparel while going to UMD and their headquarters is now in Phoenix, Maryland. Towson University freshman Caitlin Adams will be running 305 miles across Maryland to support Limbs for Life this May (page 18). And we can’t forget about All Time Low (page 43) who has a new album coming out this April (bet you didn’t know they were Maryland natives!). So yeah, maybe I do feel pretty comfortable right now. But that hasn’t stopped me from seeking out new opportunities to push me. And that shouldn’t stop you either!

Would you like to contribute to Tote? Contact Shelby at shelby@totemag.com

OUR TEAM CONTR I BUTORS Caro Romero

Graphic Designer

Devorah Roberts

Managing Editor

Katherine Roberts

Graphic Design Intern

Sarah Hugel Photo Intern

Rachel Parker Photographer

Kayla Anderson Writer

Katie Lemon Writer

Amy Yoelin Writer

Eva Niessner Writer

Jessica Delves Writer

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HIRING! Looking for a flexible, part-time job? Love being on a team? Become a stylist for Stella & Dot! Contact Christie Moag for more info.

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THE LOOKS Heatlesss Hairstyles for Spring Spring Essentials

HE ATLESS HAIRST YLES

FOR SPRING T EX T: K AY L A A N D E R S O N Spring break is here and while there are probably a billion and one things running through your mind right about now, it is time to sit back and relax! Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re headed to your hometown, the beach, or abroad for the week, having a few simple and cute hairstyles that you can do in a matter of minutes will help make this week that much more enjoyable. Leave your flat iron and curling wand behind- this spring break we are going heatless!

Messy French Side Braid Messy hairstyles have been super trendy lately, and we could not be happier about it! To achieve this messy French side braid, start by creating a deep part on either side of your head. Taking the smaller side, start a normal French braid, but only grab hair from the bottom, not the top. Once you get to the other side of your head, continue the braid all the way to the end and secure with an elastic. Gently pull the braid apart to create the messy look. Finish with some hairspray and you are all set.

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BEAUTY BAR

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Half Up Half Down Bun This half up half down bun hairstyle is absolutely perfect for those times when you have spent all day at the ocean but need to look presentable and are working with a messy head of beach hair! Gathering the top section of your hair, pull your hair to your crown and secure with an elastic, creating a ponytail. Start twisting the ponytail in the same direction until the ponytail wraps around itself. Use bobby pins to secure the bun in place.

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Half Up Half Down Fishtail Try putting a new twist on a summertime classic with this half up half down fishtail hairstyle. No matter if you have naturally straight, wavy, or super curly hair, this hairstyle is a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still adding a fun detail. To start, separate your hair into a top and a bottom section. Taking the top section, begin a regular fishtail braid. Once you secure the braid with an elastic, pull it apart to make it look fuller. Add some sea salt spray to your hair for some added texture and you are good to go!

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SPRING AWAKENING As spring finally arrives, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing better than whites, pretty pinks and floral everything to get us in the spirit!

Shelby Newsome, Founder and Editor-in-Chief 3

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SPRING ESSENTIALS

1 8

1. Floral Print Peplum Shell Top, $70, Topshop 2. Rebecca Minkoff ‘Medium MAB’ Tote, $265, Nordstrom 3. Kate Spade New York ‘Wit and Wonder’ Wall Art, $40, Nordstrom 4. Holla Doormat, $50, Biscuit 5. Euphoria Flats, $70, Steve Madden 6. Lip Glaze, $22, Stila 7. Deluxe Women’s 26” Classic Cruiser, $155, All Modern 8. Early Bird Mug, $6, Crate&Barrel

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GROWING SEASON Get ready for gardening season with some fruit-themed accessories!

CA RO ROMERO, GRA P HIC DESIGNER 4

1 14

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SPRING ESSENTIALS

1. Citrus Floral Recipe Box, TBA, Rifle Paper Co 2. Silky knit tee in Picturesque Pink, $55, J. Crew 3. Gourd Fruit Planter in Gold Metallic, $30, Need Supply Co 4. Cantaloupe Ceramic Bowl, $24, Etsy 5. Orange Tree Branch Vintage Botanical Print, $22, Shoppe 6. Peach Studs, $44, Talia Sari 7. Clementine Floral Greeting Card, $4.50, Rifle Paper Co

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LET'S STAY

CONNECTED Join us on all of our social adventures.

FEATURES Running for a Purpose Roam Where You Want To Maryland Made

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RUNNING FOR

a purpose T EX T: devora h roberts P HOTO G RA P HS : sa ra h hugel

Running has always helped Caitlin Adams overcome the hardest times in her life. Now, she’s using it to help others. On May 23, 2015, Caitlin, a freshman at Towson University, will be running 305 miles across Maryland to raise money for Limbs for Life, a non-profit that aims to provide prosthetic limbs to those who cannot afford them. Limbs for Life helps anyone who they can — whether it’s someone who was in the military, someone who got into an accident, or someone who was born without a limb. If their name is on the waiting list, Limbs for Life tries to find a prosthetic for them. So far, Caitlin has raised $6,850 for Limbs for Life. Every $2,500 provides a leg to someone new. “… Two people have gotten theirs and I’m less than $1,000 away from

getting a third person one. And there are 234 people on the waiting list,” she says. Caitlin’s idea started in high school. “I was a junior in high school, and the word ‘prosthetics’ popped in my brain and I swear I had no idea what it meant. And it just kept going through my brain for three days straight. And, it sounds crazy, so I actually got the dictionary app on my phone to look up what it meant and I found out it was an artificial limb,” she says. However, it wasn’t until this year that Caitlin began to fundraise. “I wasn’t getting out of running exactly what I used to get out of it and exactly what I wanted to,” Caitlin says. “I felt like I needed to run for a purpose, or something bigger. And so that’s why I decided I’m

going to do this now and I’m going to take the steps I need to do this.” Caitlin couldn’t imagine not being able to walk around, and wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives. Because running has gotten her through the ups and downs, she was certain it could help others as well. “When I started running track in high school, I learned that anything is possible, because you get out of anything what you put into it. And I never had any doubts, and I still don’t have any doubts that this isn’t possible,” she says. “Like I know if I train up to it, I’ll be fine. And yes, so as soon as I decided I was going to do it, I was just like, this is it. Let’s take the steps.” Now, Caitlin feels like she’s running for a purpose again.

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“Running is a very painful sport. You need either self-reward to keep doing it, or something to keep you going, because it’s very painful to just run, and run fast. Last year when I ran on the team in high school, I ran for my coaches, I ran for my teammates, because I know they counted on me, I ran for myself as well because it made me feel good. But this year I was kinda lacking that because, just a few things changed,” she explains. Of course, it hasn’t all been easy for Caitlin. Caitlin’s training has included running every day, weightlifting, and swimming. “And then of course I eat right, because that’s good for your joints and everything,” she laughs. Caitlin admits that it has been stressful sometimes, especially when she has to balance workouts, schoolwork, and a social life. “It’s really crazy because it feels like when you put out 1,000 percent, you get one percent back. So if you want 100 percent, you’ve got to put out even more,” she says. And though Caitlin does have others helping out and spreading the word, she has undertaken most of the work herself.

“I’ve definitely taken the initiative, I’ve done all the leg-work and everything. But it’s kinda cool. I’m not complaining that nobody’s really helped me a lot… because I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m figuring everything out as I go and I love it,” she says. Due to this, Caitlin believes that the experience has taught her a lot. “It puts me out of my comfort zone a lot, which I think is the best possible way to grow,” she says. “There’s no better way to do it, you know, than just put yourself out there and get experience anyway that you can. So it’s been awesome.” Knowing that two people have already received limbs and that their lives will be changed has also been extremely rewarding. Caitlin describes it as the “best feeling in the world” to know that she had a part in changing their lives. After the run, she hopes that she’ll be able to meet the people who received limbs. “It’s kinda difficult, because I’m not allowed to get their contact information… but Limbs for Life is telling me that they’re going to give them mine and [tell] them what I’ve done and that I want to meet them.

And hopefully they’ll want to meet me, or at least somebody will,” she says. Caitlin thinks that anyone in the world can make a difference, including college students. “You can make anybody’s life better. My favorite quote is Will Smith’s quote, ‘If you’re not making somebody’s life better than you’re wasting your time,’” she says. “Because so many people are just bored, sitting around on their phones, and there are people out there that are suffering, and you could be doing something about that.” She says the first step is to find a passion, and go with it. “… No matter how old you are, or how big or small you are, there’s always something you can do. And you know, once you believe that you can do it, people will start listening to you and they’ll help out.” To donate to the cause, you can go to runacrossmaryland.com. If you want to join Caitlin in her run, you can find her on Facebook or email her at caity7171996@yahoo.com.

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ROAM WHERE

YOU WANT TO T EX T: S HEL BY NEWS OME P HOTO G RA P HS C ourt esy of A l ex a C urtis

At 17-years-old, our biggest stress was writing college essays and taking the SATs. For Connecticut native Alexa Curtis, considering college is one of the many things on her plate. If it weren’t for her blog, A Life in the Fashion Lane, which she started at 12-years-old, her path may have looked very different. But leave it to feelings of not fitting in to spark something life changing. “I was definitely the girl that was eating lunch in the bathroom, eating lunch in the library, too scared to go in the lunchroom because I would be wearing an outfit and the girls would wanna make fun of me and all of that type of ridiculous stuff that teenagers deal with,” Alexa says. Her blog became an outlet for her to escape from the realities of the

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high school hallways. So she continued posting pics of her outfits and soon realized that she wanted fashion to be a serious part of her life. “I think when I was 14 I pitched a bunch of PR people in New York and was like, ‘I think fashion week obviously has to be the way for me to get in. I want to actually make this into something. Can you let me into your show?’” Alexa says. Her spunk paid off when she got an invite to attend BCBG’s show. Attending shows and blogging about them got her foot in the door. She started writing for Parade magazine and at 16 was approached by the producer of the Rachel Ray Show to do a TV segment. “That was the moment I was kind of like, ‘Oh my gosh. This is actually happening,’” Alexa says.

While creating a thriving fashion blog and brand for herself in the fashion industry, Alexa concurrently started a PR company. At age 14, Alexa was contacted via LinkedIn to do PR for a company. “Then the message just kind of spread and I was being approached at so many different angles by start-ups and small business owners that needed somebody who was affordable to do all their PR and all their social media,” Alexa says. “Because I already had the contacts obviously from working with designers and stuff in the industry from my blog it was really easy for me to begin that.” Thus, starting her business. Now, as Alexa is looking more than ever towards her future, she’s faced with big changes. For one, she took the leap and moved from Connecticut to NYC.

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“So far it’s been incredible. It’s the most amazing city in the entire world so there’s no other place that I would rather be living than New York,” Alexa says.

But besides the whirlwind of change and strides of growth Alexa has been making, there’s one thing she’s particularly excited about: the potential to do a reality TV show.

And then there’s applying for college. Alexa has her eye set on NYU but if she doesn’t get in, she’s not worried. She says that a gap year wouldn’t be out of the question and she could use that time to grow her business. She wants to dispel the idea that if you don’t go to college you won’t make it.

“One of my biggest moments was when I was recently approached by a reality TV show so I’m in talks right now with a few different companies,” Alexa says. “So that’s kind of something I can’t really talk too much about but hopefully within the next few months you guys will be seeing me on the TV.”

“That’s something that I also try and tell young girls is, you know, even if you don’t excel at school that doesn’t mean I think that you’re stupid or that you won’t be able to succeed,” Alexa says. “Because I’m trying to show that that’s completely wrong.”

As Alexa looks towards the future the TV show and her PR company are her two biggest goals. She even nods to the idea of a potential book in her future, based off of her life, of course.

Throughout her journey there have been challenging times, but she’s always persevered through it all. “There were so many times when I first started my blog that I almost stopped it solely because I was so uncomfortable with these girls at school and what they were thinking and how mean they were to me,” Alexa says. “But if I hadn’t kept blogging I wouldn’t be where I was now.” And the now is pretty amazing, especially when NYFW and LFW are on your calendar.

“A lot of people have this idea that I’m this rich girl with all this money that came from Connecticut and that’s so wrong and everything that I worked for I really truly worked for,” Alexa says. For all the hard workers and dreamers out there just like Alexa, she says, “…there’s so many people out there going for the same goal and they all want to do the same thing. And that’s true. But I think that’s why you have to find something about yourself that makes you different and really just own the idea.” Being our own, unique self is definitely something we can get on board with.

“So British Air is sending me to London to cover all the shows there so I’m super excited about that,” Alexa says.

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MARYLAND MADE Text: EVA NIESSNER PhotographS Courtesy of Ali von Paris

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Not everyone gets the chance to interview their boss—but when I had the chance to question Ali von Paris, the founder and head of Maryland's local clothing company Route One Apparel, I jumped on it. I've been writing for her company's website for about a year, but now, I got to find out just how much work has gone into this business. At just 25, Ali has created an empire from all things Maryland-flag patterned, selling everything from neckties to flip-flops. If you can wear it, Ali's got it, and with a Maryland spin on it to boot. "I will be completely honest— there are a lot of places that may be as good or better than Maryland," Ali says. "But I am a homegrown Marylander. I come from a long generation of hard working, entrepreneurial Marylanders who would never imagine living anywhere else. I do travel a lot, but I am always so happy to come home. This is where my story began and where I see it ending (or making a difference, for that matter)." Now, Ali's using that love of Maryland—as well as her business savvy—to grow her business even further.

Maybe too much fun, she says. The Thirsty Turtle bar was shut down in 2010, and Ali was suddenly faced with the prospect of being unable to pay her bills. As she and her former coworkers and friends shared memories of the Turtle on Facebook, she took notice of a girl, Janna Skinner, who was trying to sell jerseys with a Turtle theme. "I saw the design and immediately thought—this could be something," Ali says. "I reached out to her via Facebook message, and told her that there was so much potential with the design, but she needed to change it up a bit and market it better. I explained I worked at the bar, and I knew I would be able to sell it to all of the staff to say the least." And so it began. They re-adjusted the design, made a Facebook event, and ended up with more requests than they ever imagined. An acquaintance offered to build them a website to sell their product for 10% of the revenue, and mentioned that if they turned him down, he'd build a website for the copycats who were imitating their designs instead.

"So that was when I reached out to Janna, a girl I barely knew, and "So…back then, before the Route said we had an emergency," Ali One Apparel days, I was a junior in said. "Keep in mind both of us college," she says. "I'm a first genwere college students, who had eration college student, and my projects and homework due, but largest focus while in school was we were faced with a serious being able to afford my education. dilemma. We had the opportuThe best-paying job on campus nity to act on this product but was working at the Thirsty Turtle, our window of opportunity was and it also was a ton of fun." closing fast. We decided to stay up

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all night to figure out how to build our own website and payment processor. "We sat that whole night setting up a bank account, website, PayPal, everything. We finished probably around 3 or 4 AM. I launched the website on the Facebook event, which we decided to name "Route One Apparel" because of UMD being located on Route One (where the bar was located as well). Overnight, just from advertising on Facebook, we made well over $10,000 in sales." Now, Ali spends her time managing the company that started with a single jersey, but has expanded to hundreds of Maryland-themed products. But she's very clear that it's not just her getting things done. "Most of the design ideas are a team effort," she says. "We focus on styles that are trending, but also what our customers are requesting. From there, we doodle and do some mock ups on Photoshop, and do a few runs until we find out the design goes beyond a "want" and has a "crave" factor. We post teasers on our social media to get initial feedback. Depending on the type of product, it can take anywhere from one day to two or three months." But it's worth the compliments that the company gets, she says. "I think the best compliments we hear is how our clothing makes our customers feel—they are constantly getting compliments wearing our product, or building

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connections around the world," Ali says. "One time, a friend of mine sent me a photo of someone he met in the Bahamas wearing our board shorts. They had a good conversation and didn't even know each other before that. I also love the compliments we get from "just married" couples who used our products at their weddings, and all the positive feedback from that." She hopes to see Route One Apparel become a national brand, with a hub in each state, promoting products and state pride in the other 49 states as well as Maryland. "I see us having deep rooted partners with local charities and organizations to help give back to the communities," she says. "I see ourselves expanding our brand to licensed organizations (MLB, NFL, CLC, etc.) and partnering with more local celebrities. I see ourselves expanding our brand and our line, and becoming more embedded in community culture." And there's no reason to think that won't happen. The Facebook likes keep coming, the products keep selling, and Ali has no quit in her. She recently attended the 10,000 Small Businesses Program at Babson College, which was sponsored by Goldman Sachs— this is on top of managing six email accounts, a staff at Route One's headquarters in Phoenix, MD, interns, constant inquiries and requests for community involvement.

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But don't expect her to get a big head over her business—or the state where she lives. "I think it is important to not necessarily have an ‘ego’ per se about the place we come from, but always remember how that place makes you feel," Ali says. "And in a way, that's what Route One Apparel is trying to accomplish, first in the state of Maryland— but soon expanding to many places across this wonderful nation. That we can all sit down and really value the communities that have made us who we are, no matter where the road may take you."

Check out Route One Apparel!

Wanna win a Route One Apparel tee? Check out our Facebook page for details!

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TEAM

TOTE Looking to expand your resume and gain invaluable experiences to help propel your career? Join Team Tote!

INTERN

Interested in learning about the inner workings of an online publication? Join Tote’s team and have the opportunity to work on various aspects of the magazine. We currently have internships available for editorial, graphic design, web design, and social media. Related majors are preferred. Contact Shelby at shelby@totemag.com with a resume.

CONTRIBUTE

Do you love to write? Submit a sample writing along with feature ideas to Shelby at shelby@totemag.com to be considered. You’ll gain opportunities to write for upcoming issues and posts on the website.

BECOME A BRAND AMBASSADOR

We’re kicking off our Brand Ambassador program! If you’re a marketing major or super outgoing and social, we want you! Gain experience in promotions and networking and become a vital role within our team. Interested in applying? Submit a resume to Shelby at shelby@totemag.com to learn more about the program.

LI FE & ENTERTAINMENT A Dream Shattered By Reality DIY: Personalized Plates Coming Up

A DRE AM SHAT TERED

BY REALITY T EX T: A M Y YOELIN

From the age of thirteen, ever since I watched the classic sorority-depicting film The House Bunny, I knew that I wanted to be a part of Greek life. Constant binge watching marathons, endless amounts of cookie dough on tap, and belonging to a sisterhood— what sounds better than that? Little did I know my ideal version of sorority life did not mirror those presented by actual, real life sororities at my university. I want to clarify one thing before I begin: I am not anti-sorority. This article simply states that I did not mesh with the five chapters I was exposed to on my campus. Originally, my mother encouraged me to rush. Although I had wanted to rush, I did not feel confident enough to do so. I was clouded by stereotypes of the idealized sorority girl because I felt like it did not match the perception I had of myself. My roommate, however, agreed to rush with me. Having her by my side alleviated some nerves I was experiencing. Unsure of what to expect, we 34

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both walked into the introduction meeting, heads held high, backs up straight.

or not too much? How about their hair? Did we pick all the broccoli from our teeth?

All around us, girls were buzzing with excitement. Most had probably spent hours on their makeup, hair, and clothing selection, whereas we wore outfits that did not leave our comfort zone. Nevertheless, bright-eyed and high-heeled females welcomed us. After all of us girls were separated into groups, we had a mini-introductory meeting explaining what will happen during the rest of the week.

Why would girls behave like this? What did it matter what we looked like? What could I have possibly fixed about myself in the two minutes prior to entering each house? How about our personalities? Isn’t that the most important feature? Where did that fit in the equation?

The next day, house tours began. Dozens of girls were gathered at a time, each making the trek to all five of the sorority houses on my campus. Of course, my roommate and I were nervous! What was going to happen? Would girls from the sororities like us? Before entering each house, our mentors brought us mints and gave us a small mirror so that we could inspect and perfect ourselves. Girls in our group fretted about their appearance—too much clothing

After that incident, my eyes flew open. I was frazzled and truly shocked. Yet, I tried to push it out of my mind, and focus on meeting the girls from the sororities. The tours of the homes were spectacular—decorated professionally. Furthermore, each member walked us around, seeming comfortable in the crowded space. One house had a one-on-one interview style where each PNM (potential new member) was introduced to an existing member. I actually enjoyed this set up, as opposed to being ushered from room to room like tourists.

FRESHMAN FILES

“

BEING IN A SORORITY AT MY SCHOOL WAS NOT FOR ME. HOWEVER, WITH AS MANY NATIONWIDE GREEK ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE ESTABLISHED, MAYBE THERE IS ONE FOR ME. I’D LIKE TO THINK THAT ONE DAY I WILL FIND MY OWN SISTERHOOD.

”

Yes, the house is an important aspect, but my overall intention was to learn more about the sorority itself (values, traditions, and philanthropies). When the chaotic day (over four hours of walking, talking, etc.) was nearing an end, my roommate and I debriefed the experience with each other. We both agreed that when our mentors gave us mints and mirrors it threw us off. The next day, we were given our bids. The night of the house tours, we were told to rank our favorite sororities, only choosing four out of five. Simultaneously, the sororities were ranking us. Here’s my personal problem with this system: How am I supposed to choose my “favorite” sorority when I was only with them for less than fourty-five minutes? In turn, how can the chapters decide whether they like me when they haven’t even had time to taste my personality? Only two sororities placed a bid on me. My roommate received four. Before telling anyone I was

dropping out, I simply walked away, visibly upset. I felt like an object—no one had found any use for me. My confidence started to shrink. Tears came pouring out of my eyes. And what happened to my roommate, you ask? After spending more time with the four sororities, she dropped out as well. When she sought solace from one of our mentors about my termination from the rushing process, they told her, “You have to stop thinking about her. Focus on yourself. She doesn’t matter. These are going to be your sisters. What is she to you? She is just your roommate.” After my roommate was given this “advice,” she left. But I had an epiphany: Being in a sorority at my school was not for me. However, with as many nation-wide Greek organizations that are established, maybe there is one for me. I’d like to think that one day I will find my own sisterhood.

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DIY

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PERSONALIZED

PLATES T EX T & P HOTOGRA P HS : JES SICA DELV ES

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DIY

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES: Blue Sharpie ($4.99/pack) • Plates and Mugs • Eraser Papers • Pencil • Oven

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STEP

Draw your pictures and doodles on the blank pieces of paper. Find some inspirations around you. Pinterest will do wonders.

STEP

Transfer your ideas on the plates and mugs using the blue sharpie.

STEP

Bake your plates and mugs in the oven for 30 mins at 350 degrees. After, let them cool down in the oven. Recommended not to wash them after 72 hours. HANDWASH ONLY!

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DESIGN IDEAS : 1. Quotes or letters. 2. Doodles

DESIGN IDEAS : 3. Animals. 4. Hipster man.

DESIGN IDEAS : 5. Traveling essentials. 6. Constellations. Et Voila!

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DIY

For more DIYs check out Jessica's blog, L'anatomie de l'art! tote

CARRIE & LOWELL Sufjan Stevens March 31 The varied and talented Stevens is at it again, releasing his newest album through the label he co-founded with his stepfather. Sufjan Stevens has been releasing music since the late ‘90’s, so it’s no surprise that his style has developed over time. From the electronica of his early days to the experimental folk of his recent tunes, the American singer-songwriter is sure to deliver some major hits this spring.

FROOT Marina and the Diamonds April 3 The synthpop queen from Wales is blessing our ears with some fierce new tracks and we couldn’t be more ready. Marina Diamandis has been penning material since July 2012, so it’s certain to be a massive collection of emotion and undeniably catchy beats. We fell in love with her assertive “Primadonna,” and we just know that “Froot” will have even more incredible girl-power lyrics for us to belt at the top of our lungs.

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MUSIC

COMING UP

TEXT: KATIE LEMON

ENTERTAINMENT

FUTURE HEARTS All Time Low April 7

MOVIES

The whopping sixth album from the Baltimore, MD natives is set to be quite the project. The pop punk boys of All Time Low have recruited musicians Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte to contribute to “Future Hearts.” Check out their new single “Something’s Gotta Give” if you want to hear their latest stuff, or if you’re just looking for a fun new song to dance to.

The Divergent Series: Insurgent March 20 Everyone’s favorite dystopian book series is back with the second installment to the series: “Insurgent.” Now that Tris and Four are fugitives on the run, their trouble has multiplied by quite a bit. Tris grapples with the sacrifice her family made, as the Erudite leaders elite hunt her and Four down. Though haunted by her past, Tris must push forward to save the future of her world and the lives of those she loves.

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THE LONGEST RIDE April 10 Nicholas Sparks has done it again with the weep-worthy “The Longest Ride.” This film follows two intertwining love stories, one old and one new. When Sophie and Luke’s vastly different paths cross, they find it impossible to resist their desire for each other. But as each of them is pulled in opposite directions, they meet Ira and are greatly inspired by his decades-long love story with his wife. It’s a toss and a turn through past and present as Sophie and Luke struggle to choose what they will do.

THE MOON AND THE SUN April 10 Based on Vonda N. McIntyre of the same name, this fantasy flick is historical fiction with a twist. It follows the tale of King Louis XIV as he tries to gain immortality by stealing the life force from a beautiful mermaid. None other than the dashing Pierce Brosnan plays the French monarch, and Sean McNamara, the man behind “Raise Your Voice” and “Bring It On: Fight to the Finish,” directs the film.

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BOOKS

GOD HELP THE CHILD Toni Morrison TBA And she’s at it again! As the recipient of the Nobel, the Pulitzer Prize, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Toni Morrison is one of the most celebrated authors of our time. Her newest book, set to release in April, will center around the influence and impact adults have on children both their own and otherwise. The ethereal characters Bride, Booker, Rain, and Sweetness all work to convey the effects of different upbringings, and eventually deliver the point that how you raise a child matters, and they may never forget it.

THe DREAM LOVER Elizabeth Berg April 14 “The Dream Lover” tells the wild and inspiring story of 19th century Parisian writer George Sands, who began life as Aurore Dupin. The novel opens just when Aurore is leaving her husband and family in the countryside to move to the bustling Paris, where she reinvents herself and befriends the likes of Victor Hugo and Marie Dorval. Known as one of the great minds of the century, George Sands lived a life full of sensuality, mystery, and intrigue. Elizabeth Berg works to pull back the curtain and peer inside Sands’ great literary mind, making this a book we can’t wait to read.

Hausfrau Jill Alexander Essbaum March 17 Enjoy love stories but think they're just a bit too picture-perfect? Jill Essbaum is here to prove you wrong with the truth-seeking and gut-wrenching story of Anna Benz, an American wife and mother who can't help but stray from her unsatisfying marriage to her Swiss husband, Bruno. With affair after affair occupying Anna's love life, things start to slip out of our heroine's control. It's a story of love, marriage, morals, and mostly, self, as Anna strives to navigate the fine lines of her suddenly wayward life. Gripping and intimate, you're sure to keep reading until you're all the way through.

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ENDNOTE

What is your favorite way to spend

Spring Break? Reading, coffee dates, and, if weather permits, enjoying nature. Shelby Newsome, Founder and Editor-in-Chief

My favorite way to Lost in a city finding my spend Spring Break is to new favorite spot. travel, to relax with EMILY KONG, writer friends, or to watch Ghost Adventures marathons. I'm all about adventure. If Eva Niessner, writer I can meet new people, go somewhere I've never been, or On a beach with try something I've never done, a good book. I'm all about it. Katherine Roberts, Graphic Design Intern

Katie Lemon, entertainment writer