DEVOUR
IN THIS ISSUE
photographed by Aric Engel
stylists by Kelli Amburgey
hair + makeuo by Katelyn Phan + Scout Tincher
videography by Sophie Masi
modeled by Kyla Mackenzie + Mackensie Long
back cover illustrations by Caitlin Curran
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Rhese Voisard
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jack Kerstetter
PUBLISHER
Mia Brillhart
DIRECTORS OF FASHION
Kelli Amburgey + Natalie Luci
DIRECTOR OF HAIR & MAKEUP
Katelyn Phan
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Ellen Long
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Tia Benson + Madeline Buecker
COPY EDITORS
Allison Lee + Charlotte Hudson
DIRECTORS OF EVENT PLANNING
Abbie Lyons + Sylvia Eastman
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Elizabeth Maher
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Lacey Walker
DIRECTORS OF VIDEOGRAPHY
Zach Lawson
BLOG EDITOR
Marissa Rotolo
LAYOUT DESIGNERS
Olivia Michelsen
Abby Griffin
Teagan Farmer
Taylor Morgan
Kaylee Miklautsch
Kayla McNab
Hannah Hemmerlein
Kennedy Stackowicz
Caitlin Curran
Lucy Hiller
Madeline Buecker
WRITERS
Julia Jacobs
Evan Sefanik
Julia Moore
Nisso Sacha
Abby Borcoman
Julia Quigley
Thea Postalakis
Georgia Lokey
Marissa Rotolo
Natalie Luci
HAIR + MAKEUP ARTISTS
Scout Tincher
Sophia Hoerdemann
Teagan Farmer
Katharine Jessop
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Justin Dinh
Elaina Calisi
Libby deStefano
Lily Sydell
Maggie Fallon
Emily Clements
Hayley Beardsley
Sophia Hoerdemann
Mackenzie Bajorek
ADVISORS
Kerry Hegarty
Sacha Bellman
STYLISTS
Eden Brush Lucy Smothers
Kate Stevens
Mary Eisenhart
Liz Karipides
Abby Thompson
Annie Ambrose
Lexie Newman
Nicole Gonzalez
Brooklyn Lee
EVENT PLANNERS
Elaina Calisi
Anna Kate Mereness
Kyler Phillips
Emma Mertes
Evelyn Dugan
Jenna Hartman
Madison Gilbert
Jack Dobson
Davie Avis
Olivia Smith
BLOGGERS
Kaitlin McDowell
Emily Bame
Taylor Morgan
Sophia Masi
Kerigan Moore
Thea Postalakis
Hailey Tessman
Addison Ellis
Bridget Conron
Molly Smith
Caroline Albert
Emerson Driscoll
Taylor Nowak
VIDEOGRAPHERS
Rachel Whary
Maria Adamo
Ian Do
Sophia Masi
Aric Engel
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ryan Singh
Olivia Smallcombe
Paige Senkiw
Sarah Frosch
Celena Karra
Lauren Turk
Jordan James
Gabrielle Wehrman
Sophia Myers
Aric Engel
SOCIAL MEDIA
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jordan James
Olivia Smallcombe
Sophia Masi
Ian Do
Celena Karra
Sophia Myers
Emily Levine
Natalie Luci
Greg Engler
STYLISTS
Paulina Adams
Riley McGee
Liz Karipides
Teagan Farmer
Evelyn Dugan
Mercedes Thompson
Lilly Hempfling
Abby Thompson
COMMUNICATIONS
Alyse Fisher
Sophia Myers
Justin Dinh
Elaina Calisi
Larissa Shoemake
Kate Morrow
Anna Pyrce
Sara Mueller
Kate Overend
Chloe Dickson
Genevieve Arzberger
Molly Smith
Letter from The Editor
I’ve always adored the movie La La Land , especially the famous quote:
“Here’s to the fools who dream.”
It reminds me to celebrate the ruthless pursuit of ambition, even when the road ahead is veiled in a fog of uncertainty. Choosing to chase after one’s dreams often leads to a complex journey: it’s light, it’s love, it’s darkness, it’s heartbreak.
To be a dreamer is to venture through the unknown, eyes open to every possibility that might present itself.
It takes immense courage to pursue one’s passions and turn dreams into reality. Passion is at the very root of this issue, threaded through the stories and photos our team has captured.
Sometimes passion takes us to new places, as discussed in Abby Borcoman’s “Out of Office,” which explores the new age of remote work. Thea Postalakis’ “Perfect Harmony” speaks to the joining of voices as showcased by Miami’s a cappella groups, emphasizing the importance of unity.
Georgia Lokey’s fashion-focused “Elevate” and “The Color Red Theory” tap into the emotions associated with specific elements of clothing and self-expression, while Marissa Rotolo’s “The Art of Playing the Game” dives into the complexities of college dating.
Charlotte Hudson’s “In the Eye of the Beholder” dives into the complexity of beauty, and Julia Jacobs’ “Flowers In Bloom” highlights the importance of being truly known in the context of relationships.
Natalie Luci’s “Starving for Success” captures the essence of chasing after goals and harnessing ambition, while “Protect Your Peace,” written by Julia Quigley, sheds light on the importance of self-care.
It’s been such an honor to work alongside Jack and Mia and I’m so grateful for our incredibly talented team and all of their hard work.
As you flip through the pages of Devour , I hope you feel a sense of empowerment. I hope you recognize moments of your own life experiences woven through these stories while catching glimmers of new possibilities and hope for the future. More than anything, I hope you see the vibrancy of life illuminated through these pages, encouraging you to chase after the visions you aspire to make your reality.
Limitless potential lives within us all, especially in those who are brave enough to believe it .
Rhese Voisard EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
“Life’s too short to not take everything you want, the options are endless, you can be anything and do everything you can possibly imagine. Live each day to the fullest, have courage, and don’t waste the chance to DEVOUR life and all it has to offer.”
DEVOUR
(v.) To totally absorb and consume every chance presented by life, hungry for growth and success
Flowers in BLOOM
photographed by Paige Senkiw styled by Abby Thompson hair + makeup by Sophia Hoerdemann
layout by Olivia Michelsen modeled by Cole Pittman & Vittorio
Salotto
Written by Julia Jacobs
It’s the little things. The act of giving flowers to a loved one has been customary for centuries, and is certainly still prevalent today. Flowers come in many shapes, sizes and colors; exchanging them is an act of intimacy that looks different for everyone.
Miami University faculty members Dr. Emily Legg and Dr. Adam Strantz have been married for 11 years. The first time Legg received flowers from Strantz, it wasn't because she’d ever asked for them; it was because he noticed her collection of empty vases.
“Somebody who has empty vases sitting around is somebody who wants flowers,” Strantz said. “So I knew she’d like it if I got her some.”
To this day, Strantz likes surprising Legg with flowers when she isn’t expecting them. He says that flowers are brief moments of highlighting your love and bringing beauty to it.
Aside from keeping flowers in vases, Legg also enjoys planting them in her garden. “Adam always waters them for me because I forget,” Legg said. “We live by a forest, and deer come out in the evening and try to eat all of my beloved flowers. So Adam goes out there with one of our kids’ lightsabers and chases them away pretty much every evening!”
Flowers have always been an important part of their relationship, because they actually named their daughter
'exchanging them is an act of intimacy that looks different for everyone.'
Iris. Legg loved the name because it’s been her favorite flower since her mother grew irises in the backyard of her childhood home.
Giving and receiving flowers isn't only for married couples. Senior Kendall Eagle has been in a relationship with a fellow Miami student for two and a half years, and exchanging flowers has been a constant for them. When asked why flowers meant so much to her, Eagle said, “I view flowers in the ‘old-fashioned love’ kind of way. Growing up, my dad would always get my mom flowers. Every anniversary, her birthday, or for no reason at all. It was always something I looked up to.”
Some would make the argument that flowers are only temporary; eventually, they wilt. To Eagle, that’s not a problem. “I keep a few petals from every bouquet I’ve ever received and dry them,” Eagle said. “I have them displayed in my room in a mason jar, so even when I don’t have the flowers anymore, I have a reminder of them, and all the love they’ve represented.”
For college students, flowers can get expensive quickly. What’s important to realize is that it’s the intention, not the extravagance, that conveys meaning. “I’ve always said, it doesn’t have to be an elaborate bouquet of flowers. It could literally be one singular flower that is found on the side of the road, and if someone brings that to me, I’ll keep it forever,” Eagle said.
Flowers are a simple symbol of love. They don’t need to be from a romantic partner. No matter who flowers come from, giving them is a way to show care, thought, effort and appreciation. It can mean so many different things to people.
When words can’t explain how you’re feeling, flowers are enough. Sometimes a simple gesture can convey more emotion than we can find the words for. Legg’s advice is this: “If you want to fall in love, you have to be open to love. You have to have your empty vase out there, and someone will fill it with flowers.”
photographed by Ellen Long styled by Abby Thompson hair + makeup by Katelyn Phan + Scout Tincher
layout by Lucy Hiller videography by Maria Adamo
modeled by Emma Kinion, Mmesoma Ejikeme + Hal Loomis
Written by Georgia Lokey
No matter the gender, or the height, heels are for everyone. Not only do they raise a person physically off the ground, they elevate a person’s confidence and any outfit in a way no sneaker could dream of.
Senior student, Amelia Matousek, is a tall girl who loves to express herself with heels. She likes to wear them as often as possible whether that be for a business presentation or for a fun night out. She describes feeling empowered and feminine when wearing heels.
“[Wearing them] makes me feel more polished and sophisticated and just more put together in general,” Matousek said.
The high heel effect is a psychological phenomenon that states wearing high heels promots self-confidence. In “Unraveling the High Heel,” scientific scholar Fernanda de Araújo Ferreira describes that when putting on heels, her body straightens itself and she begins to feel and look more assured. That classic heel click also contributes to the already pivotal status of the shoe. Whether the sound makes someone feel more confident or the added height, the high heel effect is prominent in every case.
According to “Unraveling the High Heel,” heels have been around since before the 17th century. They were worn in ancient Egypt to show status, in the Persian military, and in Greek Theatre. In Europe, men wanted to be able to show their status by being physically elevated. Thin heels were worn by women and traditional modernday heels were beginning to come into shape by the 18th century. After World War I, photography and film helped the rise of heels all over the world. Stilettos were introduced in the late 1940s and had their reprise in the late 1990s and early 2000s, mostly thanks to Carrie Bradshaw’s portrayal of flitty girly fashion in the TV show “Sex and the City.”
Today, very few people wear heels if they aren’t required. The people that do however, wear to express themselves and add to their already eccentric outfits.
“Growing up, I saw a lot of women that I admire wear[ing heels], and now that I have my own money, I end up buying heels,” Matousek said. “I get to break the stereotype that tall people shouldn’t wear heels.”
Throughout history and into the future, heels will present themselves in limitless ways. First, they were a status symbol and now, they are worn for selfexpression and confidence. This evolution highlights the dynamic between fashion and personal identity.
OUT OFOffice
Written by Abby Borcoman
When envisioning a full-time job, what picture appears? Is it full of suits, cubicles, desks and multi-story buildings towering over a bustling city? Sometimes what is expected is what occurs, but in this case, that could be untrue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work experienced a massive spike, and since then, the work environment has been different from what younger generations grew up picturing. Jobs now offer completely in-person positions, hybrid (only working inperson certain days of the week) or entirely remote. Amongst this ever-changing employment scene, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to expect when moving into the workforce.
Miami students are certainly opinionated about which modality they’d prefer. The majority of students say that they would prefer an in-office work environment. However, some young adults thrive in the freedom of remote work.
Madeline “Maddie Eliz” Beemer is a traveling photographer from Dayton, OH, whose “office” is never an actual office. Her personal experience offers some explanation as to why students might be nervous about remote jobs.
“Working out of office can feel daunting because it requires a lot of self-motivation and personal responsibility,” Beemer
said. “It’s easy to fall behind if you’re not disciplined.” This might sound familiar to any student who has experienced remote learning before. Individuals in remote jobs can face the same lack of motivation as students in asynchronous courses. It takes a certain level of practiced organization to build a work schedule, in school and employment. “Students might worry about feeling isolated or having to build their own professional community from scratch,” Beemer said. These are valid worries, but there are also plenty of positives to focus on.
Flexibility is a huge benefit of working remotely. There is extra free time to accomplish household chores and make homecooked meals, and the time it would take to commute to and from an office is eliminated! Beemer adds, “I absolutely love the flexibility of working outside of an office. I can get things done wherever I am.” Of course, if desired, a designated work space can still be set up by organizing a desk or home office area.
Setting up an environment that promotes healthy work-life balance is important in remote work, but the freedom to work from anywhere is always a perk. A Stanford journal titled “The Evolution of Work from Home” found that remote work has real benefits for employees and businesses. The three studies they conducted all found that working from home a couple of days a week improves happiness and productivity in employees.
Working outside of the office can also allow for freedoms that don’t fit typical office jobs. Beemer describes this freedom as “refreshing.” “The biggest freedom I enjoy is the ability to create the work environment I want. Whether it’s choosing who I collaborate with, where I work, or how much work I take on, it’s all in my hands.” Beemer said.
Beemer also advises those who might find themselves in similar situations: “Give yourself grace and time to adjust! It took me a couple of years to find my rhythm and feel organized.” The opportunities are endless when working out of the office. As is any change in life, it can't be expected to be perfect immediately. It will take some trial and error followed by continuous adaptation.“Building structure and systems that fit your style takes time, so don’t rush the process.” Beemer said.
So, don’t be afraid to reframe those previous visions of a work environment. You never know what the future has in store. There are tangible benefits to spending workdays outside of the office such as; freedom, opportunity and flexibility. Be open to the endless possibilities and devour the opportunities that life presents.
photographed by Tia Benson
styled by Liz Karipides
hair + makeup by Sophia Hoerdemann
layout by Kaylee Miklautsch
videography by Ian Do
modeled by Mackenzie Bajorek, Justin Dinh
+ Cierra Ladesich
PERFEC T Harmon
y
photographed by Jordan James styled by Annie Ambrose hair + makeup by Sophia Hoerdemann layout by Madeline Buecker modeled by Allie Lindblad, Kathryn Berry + Meara Green
PWritten by Thea Postalakis
icture a crowded auditorium. Spectators murmur, and the lights slowly dim as the curtain rises on some of Miami University’s most recognized a cappella groups. A single white spotlight shines on the performers, and suddenly all is quiet as these groups perform what they have been devotedly working on for the past couple of months.
They have the power to create and hold a unified voice in a world of chaos. In a heavily polarized culture like today, it has become hard to rise above the noise and speak up. The necessity of having a voice and finding others to connect with are some of the most important things in life that these groups strive to promote.
The Treblemakers and the Miami Misfitz are Miami’s two allfemale a cappella groups. The Misfitz were founded in 2001, and the Treblemakers were established in 2010. Both groups work to achieve a single voice through dedication and practice. They both put a lot of time into their craft, practicing a vast three times a week, each rehearsal totaling around two hours.
At Miami University’s Mega Fair, a bustling hub for every club, the Misfitz and the Treblemakers were two out of the over 600 groups there, ready to recruit. Junior, social media manager for the Treblemakers, Kathryn Berry, shared her experience scouting at Mega Fair.
“We have an open audition for anyone in any grade who wants to come out and see us. We were kind of promoting it all summer on Instagram, and then once Mega Fair happened we were really present. We were like ‘Do you sing? Do you sing?’ and stopping people,” Berry said.
Both groups have around the same number of members: the Treblemakers have 17 this year and took seven new girls, and the Misfitz have 16 and accepted three new members. The art of creating music can be an incredibly inspiring activity for some, especially Music Director of the Treblemakers, senior Ava Natasi.
“I’m a music education major, so that’s kind of what I eat, sleep and breathe,” Natasi said. “I loved Pitch Perfect and I just thought the girls looked so nice. It looked like a really fun thing to be a part of.”
As a music director, Natasi is in charge of leading rehearsals, communicating with music arrangers for the songs and helping facilitate proper music-making.
The Misfitz's music director, senior Samantha Mumper, has similar duties: coming up with the rehearsal plan for the team, fine-tuning sound for dynamics and arranging music to make each song a capella.
Each group has its own specific sound; the Misfitz leaning more towards a pop genre, and the Treblemakers with an eclectic mix of music. The Treblemakers have ranged from Aerosmith, to Miley Cyrus, to Christina Aguilera, to Florence & The Machine.
“We love Renee Rapp and Ariana Grande, and we also have been really into Noah Kahan and Hozier recently, so we’re kind of all over the place, but definitely more pop,” Mumper said.
Representation is very important in these groups. Each member should have their own say in the music they choose to perform. Both groups have a system in place where the members get to vote on the songs they will sing. Typically, the group members will come up with a list of songs and then listen and discuss them in their later rehearsals.
As of right now, the Treblemakers are focusing on their International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) set, which showcases student a cappella groups from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Each ICCA
set contains a specific theme that each group centers its music around.
“The whole theme around this [one] is about chasing and accomplishing your dreams. It’s a very spirited set for us,” Natasi said.
In relation to these influential themes the Treblemakers have based their music on, they have made it clear that leadership and trust are some of the club’s founding ideals. After all, how can unity be established without those ideals?
Senior, president of the Treblemakers, Allie Lindblad, underlined how their group efficiently comes together to create a blended sound.
"I think our leadership is really strong [within the group.] Ava, our music director, runs the rehearsals, and I think her positivity and energy is just really good,” Lindblad said.
It’s impossible to have a strong sense of leadership without other elements supporting it, such as encouragement and lifting each other up.
“We all know that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that’s how we learn,” Lindblad said.
Senior, president of the Misfitz, Rowan Creps, also emphasized the importance of communication in a team like this.
“Whether it's over text or in person, just kind of making sure everyone is on the same page. It's super easy to communicate amongst us because we are so close and that’s definitely a plus because if there's anything we need to work on, we can just talk about it,” Creps said.
Not only is music a tremendous focus in these clubs, but creating and keeping long-lasting friendships are an incredibly important part too. In college, it can be hard to find a groove and to find people who someone may feel truly connected to. However, in both the Misfitz and the Treblemakers, that doesn’t seem to be a problem.
“My friendships that I’ve made with girls that have graduated I know will last me a lifetime,” Berry said.
The environment of both of these clubs is welcoming, spotlights the importance of kindness and how it motivates them to be better singers. Natasi says that even though it takes
TM
a lot of work and long hours of rehearsal, it is all worth it in the end.
“What makes it all worth it is the fact that we’re genuinely a group of great friends and that we’re able to come together and share this,” Natasi said. “We can goof off and hang out and be besties, but when it comes time to really make the music, we’re able to turn it on and take it seriously because we all love it so much.”
A new member of the Misfitz, freshman Avery Travis, echoed these sentiments.
“I feel really comfortable to just be myself and sing,” Travis said.
Both groups not only practice together in a large setting but in sectionals with smaller, more intimate groups as well, which creates a closer bond.
Freshman, Paige Easterly, joined the Treblemakers after seeing the group at Mega Fair. She described how these sectionals appeal to her much more, as it is a more intimate setting that incites belonging.
“You kind of get to know everyone on a closer level, versus waiting in high school with someone teaching, here you’re learning your own music and you get to work together with everyone to create something really cool,” Easterly said.
Belonging in a supportive community just like this is a vital part of the college experience, and of growing up as well. These groups highlight the essential needs for life: friendship, understanding and connection. Music is often described as the language of emotions, and it does just that: makes you feel something. So, sing out Miami! Find a place to let off steam and feel comfortable dancing to the beat of your own drum.
tRY the FRONt DOOR
photographed by Tia Benson
layout by Lucy Hiller
videography by Sophie Masi
modeled by Uptown Girls
Written by Allison Lee
What’s the vibe for tonight? Jeans and a going-out top or a matching set?
Should I slick my hair back or blow it out?
Where should we go first? Side or Brick?
Transitioning from high school to college is an exciting experience for most students: the media often dangles the promise of never-ending parties and nights to remember in front of starry, hope-filled eyes, selling a version of adulthood that’s wrapped in a sparkly bow to uncover.
Taking that first step into a quintessentially grungy college bar the first weekend back to school– floors sticky with spilled liquor and sugary sweet grenadine and bass thumping so hard it can be felt being coaxed into every vessel of the body – is an experience that many Miami University students find petrifying yet liberating.
A group of ten seniors, the Uptown Girls, as deemed by the name of their house, in the heart of Oxford right on High Street, where the thrill of a night out is just a few steps away.
Kasey Cesarini remembers her time as a freshman in a similar light. “You go out as a freshman and see everybody already knowing everyone, so it makes it hard to not care what people think because you want to have that same closeness that everyone else has,” Cesarini said.
That sense of community seeming insurmountable, so out of reach, is a shared experience, noted by Claire Feltner. “As a freshman, you don’t have the same support system that you once had,” Feltner said. “Even trying to seek out friendships can be nerve wracking.”
The nerves that once had the power to shake the mind to the core warp and liquify over time. Oxford has a unique aura to it – ‘a drinking town with a college problem,’ as some say. Yet, there’s a duplicity about it: the community that was once daunting swells into a found family that empowers.
“We don’t limit ourselves to just each other,” Ava Pieczonka said. “We all have our own separate friend groups that we can run to, and we all work together to collectively make memories.”
That’s what a night out is really about, isn’t it?
When reflecting back on the time spent in college, what is it that’s thought about? Is it the insufferably early classes and fitful nights before exams, or is it the array of memories painted with the laughter of friends? Even the seemingly simple acts of enjoying each other’s company can make a night out in Oxford just that much more special.
Girlhood, more prevalent now than ever, plays a huge role in this. There’s something magical about sitting around a big mirror with friends while beauty tips and words of affirmation are shared like the most sacred of prayers.
A big part of the going out experience is the confidence to dress like a model for a night, crack jokes that would typically go unsaid on any other day and let loose a little. After a particularly treacherous week of classes and daily hardships, the mere thought of confidence can seem unachievable.
This is where female friendships thrive.
“If you have true friends, they will always make you feel good, no matter what,” Annie Buquo said. “I always get so frustrated getting ready because I hate my outfit or my hair, for example… but all of my friends will make me feel confident. Having good girl friends and people who support you makes all the difference.”
It is more than just making each other feel good; it is about making each other feel valued and looked out for. Girls supporting girls has been at the forefront of the social scene now more than ever. A drunken pep talk from a complete stranger in the bar bathroom can feel just as refreshing as one of the girls de-escalating situations that are sure to boil over with another drink.
The difference between senior year and freshman year can seem polarizing. A lot can change in four years, but to some, the bookends of college reveal more similarities than what is on the surface.
“Going out as a freshman versus as a senior is similar to me in a way because as a freshman you’re worried about making new friends, but senior year I find myself doing that too because I’m never going to talk to them again or be in the same area as them again,” Ellie Morgan said. “As a freshman, you’re trying to seek people out because you’re so excited about the future, but as a senior it’s the same, it’s just a different kind of future.”
The future may sound far out there, but the four years spent here will fly by fast. It’s a bittersweet feeling, one that seniors know better than anyone.
One for the road?
thIS IS wheRe FemALe FRIeNDShIPS
the uptOwn G RlS
WHAT IF
photographed by Ryan Singh
styled by Mary Eisenhart
hair + makeup by Katelyn Phan
layout by Kennedy Stackowicz
videography by Ian Do
modeled by Hannah Jones Beyene + Elizabeth Shaffer
I FALL...
OH, BUT WHAT
IF YOU FLY?
photographed by Gabby Wherman styled by Natalie Luci hair + makeup by Scout Tincher layout by Kayla McNab videography by Zach Lawson modeled by Teddy Johnson, Campbell Masys + Abbie Lyons
VOICES VITAL
Written by Julia Moore
What does it look like to devour opportunities and make voices heard? To insatiably chase the chance to make a difference not only for oneself but for a community, a country and a future? According to the United States Constitution, the answer is voting.
The right to vote is one of the most revered and celebrated aspects in the United States of America. Every adult American citizen has the freedom to influence decisions that directly affect their livelihoods and futures by casting their vote.
According to an article from Tufts University, eight million young people became eligible to vote for the first time in the 2024 election, bringing the total number of eligible Gen-Z voters to 41 million. The majority of Miami University’s current student population fell under this first-time eligibility for voting in a presidential election.
Miami University senior, Mollie Duffy, who has participated in every local election since becoming eligible and devotes her time to advocating for civic engagement, felt optimistic about voting in her first presidential election. “Voting is how we keep our democracy alive and healthy. Our vote actively supports our democracy and the changes we want to see,” Duffy said. “Voting is a historical process that has held up and it is our duty to exercise our right to vote.”
Recent polls show that young people are becoming increasingly passionate about democracy and more actively involved in driving political change. Tufts University’s research shows that voter turnout among 18- to 29-year-olds increased by 11% between the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. In 2016, 39% of this group voted. By 2020, this number rose to 50%.
Senior, Ellis French feels that his vote as a young person is vital to impacting his future and the future of others. “I feel
encouraged [to vote] because I know the decisions I make will affect myself and future generations for a very long time… those lasting effects motivate me,” French said.
Hayley Stepek, a recent Miami University graduate and current advisor of the Civic Engagement SEAL Ambassadors, additionally credits increasing voter turnout to the rise of social media. “With [political] issues being top of mind on people's feeds, people can't help but decide if they care or not. It helps keep people our age aware and engaged,” Stepek said.
It is not just the people’s right to vote—it is the right and responsibility to be educated voters. This can happen by using the many platforms available to decipher what issues elicit passion and how a vote can support what the people think is best for the country.
In the present political climate, social media users have the opportunity to consume information regarding civic issues. Celebrities use their platform to educate, endorse, and encourage. Prominent celebrities like Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber and Billie Eilish have all spoken publicly and passionately about the importance of casting a vote. Friends, family, and online mutuals often share and reshare information on their personal pages. Civic engagement groups use social media to inform citizens how to exercise their rights. Even politicians have begun using social media to expand the reach of their campaigns.
Tag Arens, a junior at Miami University, chose to vote absentee for issues in his home state in the 2024 election. “I’ve voted in every annual election I’ve been eligible for, but this is my first Presidential election and possibly the most important election of my lifetime [because] the stakes seem higher,” Arens said. “I’m excited to vote because this is a new generation of leadership, and the amount of joy and passion feels higher than it was in 2020.”
While many Gen-Z individuals are excited about voting, there
are others who are hesitant to cast their vote. Stepek admitted that she is trying to figure out the cause of this. “The Civic Engagement SEALs have heard students say they don't want to because their vote doesn't matter,” Stepek said “Voters need to see that what they vote for in the community is as impactful as what happens in the State.”
Arens shared his own concerns regarding the weight of his vote, weighing a pessimistic versus an optimistic option. “I feel like my individual vote will not always matter in high-level elections,” Arens said. “Local elections, however, absolutely matter. I will still vote because I want my country and community to be better.”
Duffy shares this sentiment. “I vote because I want to directly impact my community for the better. Issues are on the ballot because citizens wanted them in legislation and acted to put them there,” Duffy said. “It is a representation of the power of voting. Your vote can accomplish systemic change in your community.”
JS Bragg, Director of Student Organizations and Oxford resident of over 20 years, has directly seen how young voters can shape their communities. In 2008, he saw a local bond issue to build a new Tallawanda High School building because
the current one no longer met the appropriate standards for any educational facility. The state said this would be the last time money for the bond would be offered, and it was still looking like many of the residents would vote it down.
15,000 people voted on that issue, including many students. It was the largest student turnout for voting in a long time. In the end, the bond issue passed by 603 votes. “It was Miami students who gave local high school students a better building for their education and development,” Bragg said. The number of students in a single dorm room has the power to change a community.”
As Gen-Z citizens continue to step into the voting booth, it becomes clear that the act of voting isn't just a right—it's a collective force. Through her civic engagement involvement, Duffy implores her peers to find their duty to uphold democracy through their vote. “When young people show up to vote, the things we care about will become more prevalent on a politician’s agenda,” Duffy said. “I vote so our issues are prioritized [and because] our vote actively supports changes we want to see.”
The vote of America’s growing youth symbolizes an unrelenting demand to be heard and recognized. French encourages all young people to cast their vote to secure a better future. “You can't possibly expect your interests to be reflected in government if you don’t vote; you need to advocate for your interests,” French said. With the political landscape rapidly evolving, the decisions made today will echo far into the future. By casting their votes, young Americans not only ensure that their voices are heard but also take control of shaping the policies and leaders that will influence their lives for years to come.
“Vote because people down the road will ask how you impacted their present,” Arens said. “We are living in a historic time. It’s important you are being active, taking your agency and running with it. Be an agent of change, and don’t regret not casting your vote.”
The power of a single vote extends far beyond the individual; it is the foundation upon which a thriving democracy is built. It’s a duty, an opportunity, and a commitment to a better tomorrow for everyone. With every ballot cast, the enduring American spirit is honored—a collective commitment to progress, unity, and the promise of a brighter future for all.
A Shoeb ox Open s W hen One D oorCloses
Written by Nisso Sacha
In today’s fashion landscape, trends come and go at a rapid speed, especially with the rise of microtrends that seem to dominate social media for an ephemeral moment. The mindset of embracing bold choices, whether inspired by fleeting trends or timeless staples, can be empowering. Personal style remains an art form, one that transcends fleeting fashion fads.
Resisting trends is not a statement of defiance but rather a pursuit of authenticity and showing one’s true self. In the spirit of devouring life and its many opportunities, fashion can be a tool to express individuality and confidence. Taking control of wardrobe choices allows individuals to craft a look that tells their story.
Microtrends may encourage rapid consumption but also offer a chance for experimentation. Incorporating elements of what’s popular doesn’t mean sacrificing individuality. It can simply serve as an avenue to explore new aesthetics while maintaining a strong sense of self.
"As cliché or cheesy as it sounds, it's just a feeling. You know when something speaks to you—like, this is me in a bag or a shirt," said Natalie Luci, Fashion Director for UP Magazine. "My friends always tell me, 'That's so Natalie,' and it's my favorite compliment. I love that people associate certain pieces with me because my style is different, and I embrace that."
Luci believes that true confidence comes from owning one’s
own style, no matter how unconventional it may seem to others.
"The most confident I feel is when I love my outfit. It totally expresses who I am, and I know it represents me," Luci said. Fashion isn’t about keeping up with trends for the sake of it, but rather about curating a wardrobe that reflects her identity. "It’s not about wearing what everyone else is wearing—it's about choosing pieces that resonate with me and make me feel empowered," Luci said.
By blending popular trends with personal style, Luci exemplifies how fashion can be both experimental and deeply personal, showing that you don’t need to conform to feel connected to what's in Vogue.
Fashion, at its core, is about taking risks. These risks reflect the courage it takes to live boldly, to defy the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. Personal style is a living, evolving canvas, ever-changing, mirroring the shifts in personality, lifestyle, and preferences over time.
Abby Thompson, a stylist for UP Magazine, shares her journey, revealing how her style developed over time, influenced by her upbringing and evolving tastes. “For a really long time, my mom and I kind of wore the same clothes. Think about a 14-year-old dressing like a 35-year-old,” Thompson said.
Wearing blazers to class and being mistaken for a teacher was common for her in high school, but over time, she learned to adapt her look, still keeping those classic elements that felt like home. “I kept some of those fundamentals, like a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes—simple pieces that look good on anyone,” Thompson said.
Clothing becomes an extension of personal identity—a visual representation of one’s values, experiences, and aspirations. With each outfit, there is the possibility to embrace the new or honor the classic, to craft a look that tells a unique and evolving story.
Even if a piece feels out of one’s comfort zone, it ultimately ties back to the central theme of risk-taking in fashion - pushing boundaries to discover what’s possible in styling.
“Why buy something if you’re not going to wear it?” Thompson said. “You spent the money, so own it, wherever you are.”
photographed by Sarah Frosch styled by Lexie Newman hair + makeup by Katharine Jessop layout by Abby Griffin videography by Zach Lawson modeled by Grace Milton + Isabella Chacon
THE COLOR THEORY
Red
photographed by Olivia Smallcombe styled by Lucy Smothers hair + makeup by Katelyn Phan layout by Hannah Hemmerlein
videography by Rachel Whary modeled by Hayley Beardsley
+ Sean Gross
Written by Georgia Lokey
Red roses are associated with love and beauty in cultures worldwide while companies use red to represent confidence and power in relation to their brand. In a sea of colors, someone wearing red will undoubtedly be noticed more than others. This boldness makes red a powerful statement in fashion and pop culture to convey emotion, attract attention and project power.
Fashion professor, Marcia Cumberledge, was a buyer for 25 years in the fashion industry for Mercantile Stores, now owned by Dillard’s, and other companies, until she came to teach at Miami University.
“When I worked I always had a red blazer in my closet… it was a color of confidence,” Cumberledge said.
According to an article in Forbes written by Maria Minor, red sends messages of confidence to the public. Princess Diana often wore the color red and Taylor Swift can often be spotted with her signature red lip.
Freshman, Brenna Lett wears red because she likes to represent Miami’s color around campus.
“Red is such an outgoing color,” Lett said. “You feel more confident in your own skin." The wavelength of red is longer than any other color making it one of the most visible colors on the spectrum. According to Vision Center, bold primary colors, specifically red, are the first colors babies can see at eight-weeks-old. Red is the most emotional color, therefore allowing humans to have more intense feelings when seeing that color.
“I think deeper reds, like cherry reds or even going into the maroon family [are] going to be a big trend,” Cumberledge said.
Red is considered the warmest and most contradictory color; it is eye-catching. Fashion designers with red as their signature color, such as Christian Louboutin and Cristobàl Balenciaga, must have known that this color would knock every other color out of the water. Since red is the first color our brain is programmed to spot, the red under every Louboutin shoe or the red patch on every pair of Levi’s is destined to stand out.
Whether you wear red to attract attention, to fit in with the Miami crowd, or channel the power and confidence it represents, it always makes a statement. Red has become a trendless and timeless symbol throughout history and fashion.
From James Dean’s famous red jacket to Queen Elizabeth’s royal robes, the color will continue to hold its high place in fashion and culture, constantly reinventing itself.
In the Eye of the Beholder
Written by Charlotte Hudson
According to Merriam-Webster, the word “beauty” is defined as “a person (especially a woman) who is beautiful.” In the various other definitions, words like “appealing” or “physically attractive” are emphasized and almost every example for each definition is related to looks or uses the word to describe a tangible object.
Various Miami University students, however, defined beauty as more than just surface-level. When asked what beauty is to them, physical attractiveness was rarely mentioned.
"Beauty is finding things in people that you really appreciate that makes them, them."
“Anything that sparks joy. It’s different for everyone.”
“There’s beauty in physical forms, but I think what makes something more beautiful is being able to appreciate the little things about it.”
Whose definition of beauty is correct? Why does Merriam-Webster so heavily accentuate a beauty standard based on feminine appeal? How is one able to find their own definition of beauty in a world that is solely focused on the perceptions of others?
It is no secret that the fashion industry and the dominating media force have contributed to society’s definition of beauty, holding its members to a high standard. With the world online at all hours of the day, constantly scrolling, posting and comparing, it is easy for someone to find themselves wondering if the things they cannot control will ever be
enough to keep up with the people they see on their social media feeds. Body types, hair and skin color and a person’s personal fashion choices are constantly criticized and drawn more attention to rather than a person’s character.
In recent years, there has been an attempted breakthrough to combat these seemingly unrealistic beauty standards. In a rapidly changing and evolving world, it is unacceptable to ask people to look or act a certain way, and while the media has tried to reverse these effects, the haunting pressure of these aesthetic values still lingers. It is time to turn towards uniqueness, a quality that defies beauty stereotypes and ultimately devours them, understanding that true beauty cannot be defined by just one thing, but by each individual
The word “beauty” is such a powerful word. How can its definition be limited to just one meaning? How can the original definition of beauty be changed? To dive deeper into the concept of beauty and uniqueness, a question was posed to select Miami University students in different settings and at different times of the day: what is the most beautiful
In their raw, emotional responses, it was found that memories, qualities, and connection with nature were more beautiful than anything superficial. Not once was the physical attractiveness of a person mentioned, and instead, students chose to elaborate
Out of all of the answers that were given, the three most striking responses had to do with relating
"I think the most beautiful think in the world is love because ti makes life worth
“Love. I think that love comes in many forms and there are a lot of different ways to show it, and when it is shown it is
“I think having such deep connections with people who can really understand you is a beautiful thing. I think being seen is also one of the most beautiful things in the world, so the two go hand in hand.”
Beauty has the power to evoke powerful universal emotions. Love is beautiful because it encourages human connection and experience, giving life a sense of purpose.
As well as emotions, students also chose to define beauty by focusing on inner beauty, meaning the specific character and qualities of a person rather than just their features:
"I think the most beautiful thing in the world is my mom. I love her and the way she is able to help me with anything. She always has the right thing to say so I appreciate our relationship and I think our relationship is very beautiful."
“[The most beautiful thing in the world is] my friends.
Nature seemed to have a significant impact on students, encapsulating the beauty that lies within the world they’re surrounded by.
“I think the most beautiful thing in the world would be the sky because it is so peaceful to look at, especially in this one park in Cincinnati. I love watching the sunset there and it is the most in touch I have felt with nature.”
“The most beautiful thing in the world is the mountains I saw in Hawaii when we were on a boat ride.”
“Sunsets. There is so much you can see in sunsets, and they are just a calming factor.
“Nature. Seeing everything from the Earth, from Mother Nature come together and be one beautiful work of art is really amazing to me.”
“When you are on a lake camping, and looking up at the stars and you see the Milky Way.”
“The morning sunrise. It shows God’s beauty and his creation.”
What all of these definitions of beauty have in common is that beauty can be found by observing what is authentic and learning to appreciate life away from shallow perspectives. The world is made up of beholders, or observers, who have the power to understand how the world works.
Beauty, a word society may never be able to clearly define, is not in the eye of the things or people that are beautiful but is in the eye of the beholder.
photographed by Paige Senkiw styled by Eden Brush hair + makeup by Katelyn Phan + Charlotte Hudson layout by Teagan Farmer + Jack Kerstetter modeled by Macy Lubbers, SJ Weidner, Nathan Born + Alayna Banks
photographed by Ellen Long styled by Kate Stevens hair + makeup by Scout Tincher + Katharine Jessop layout by Madeline Buecker videography by Aric Engel modeled by Jocelyn Taylor
Three friends stand huddled in a dark corner, solo cups in hand, leaning in to speak to each other over the blaring music. One of them seems zoned out, aloof from the conversation. The other two excitedly propose they ditch the party and head
The quiet friend snaps back into focus and nods yes, though the real answer is obvious. With the interlocking of hands, they approach the exit of the room.
the friends thinks.
Going out in college can be as much of a part of the student schedule as going to classes. But how do students protect their peace when things become too much? How can the pressure to lead a flourishing social life, on top of school, contribute to stress and burnout? What things can students do to take care of themselves, even if it means minimizing going out on the
Some students have made the decision not to go out at all. Olivia Parker, junior at Miami, discusses her choice to avoid the party scene completely in order to maintain her mental
“I knew, coming here, [the party scene] was kind of crazy,” Parker said. “And I was anxious about that because I was thinking ‘Oh, am I going to fit in? Am I going to find friends if I don’t go out? Are people going to not want to hang out with me? But I think I’ve just accepted that the people I do want to be friends with will care, and won’t solely think friendship is based on if you go out every weekend.”
One of the biggest factors involved in partying is drinking. Parker speaks on her choice to abstain from alcohol, and how her morals keep her decision sound.
“I’m so confident in how I am and who I want to be, I think that’s kind of helped me stay grounded.”
Going out excessively can contribute to a number of physical and mental health issues, including lack of sleep, illness, and burnout. All of these are common contributors to greater problems such as stress, anxiety and depression. Dr. Jennifer Young, psychologist at Miami, speaks about ways students can
prevent and mitigate these problems.
“Have a support system, at least one person,” Dr. Young said. “Even the most socially anxious person can have at least one person in their life that they have some comfort and peace around. Having a strong social support system, getting enough sleep, exercising a little bit, eating right– those are all the keys to resiliency and decreasing anxiety and depression.”
But what about the fear of missing out? How does one overcome the subsequent feelings of restlessness that can come with taking the night in? Mariza Dennis, Miami senior, combats FOMO by standing firm in the decision to honor her downtime.
“It is okay to say no. Don’t let your friends make you feel bad about saying no to going out. Staying in is fine. I feel like a lot of people aren’t okay with just staying in,” Dennis said.
Healthy habits are a personal practice. Abby Zimmerman, junior at Miami, reveals one surprising thing that helps her stay centered in a chaotic college atmosphere.
“I honestly find a lot of peace in doing my homework, staying organized and productive,” Zimmerman said. “It makes me feel like I’m doing something with my life, and it kind of keeps me grounded because I know it’s something I can always come back to. I also read a lot, and I listen to podcasts and go on walks, that’s another way that I kind of stay in tune with myself and keep my priorities in check.”
Zimmerman explains the importance of setting boundaries, and not letting others sway you into doing something you don’t want to do.
“Do what’s good for you, and surround yourself with people that respect what you think is good for you,” she said.
Whether it’s having a movie night with friends, catching up on sleep or even going out to the bars, there are endless things to devour in life. Peace is allowed to be one of them.
when it rains we dance
photographed by Celena Karra styled by Mary Eisnehart hair + makeup by Scout Katelyn Phan layout by Jack Kerstetter videography by Maria Adamo modeled by Katelyn Phan + Adia Johnson
when you dance in the rain, you show the world that your spirit isn't limited by circumstances;
you are determined to reach for the stars regardless of the storm
Written by Marissa Rotolo
The first sip of wine. Smooth, bold, refined. The flavors warm her throat, traveling down her whole body. Hands tingling, heart pounding, legs losing feeling. Everything about this moment is intoxicating. Just as she’s thinking she could savor that sip forever, the rug is pulled out from beneath her feet. The bottle has run dry. Her teeth are stained and just like that she’s crying to her best friend about how much she just loves this song (it’s Linger by the Cranberries). It’s like dating in college: a paradox of all the best things in life, and the worst.
The art of playing the game—college dating—is mastering the balance between showing interest and indifference. It's about keeping a poker face, playing cards close, and pretending the stakes aren't as high as they feel. Play for the gold, but some would be hard-pressed before ever daring to say the
“D’ Word.” Dating. Miami University senior, Molly Smith, has cashed all her chips. “I realized I was giving my all to a finite situation,” Smith said.
Sophomore, Jack Dobson, recalls his golden rule: “Three month rule. If it’s been three months and nothing has come out of it, then nothing ever will,” Dobson said.
Dobson has expressed the cardinal rule of college dating. But how is he supposed to communicate when he risks looking overbearing? Dobson adds, “Oversimplifying labels is too complicated. Labels set goals.”
The game is a million different things to everyone: no rules, no referee. A constant all or nothing bet.
Social Psychology Professor Alison Farrell discusses how intimacy can affect each individual differently. “Physical intimacy releases bonding hormones, so it can help develop feelings, but it doesn't always bond you together in the same way,” Farrell said. “The meaning can be interpreted differently. When you get physical before emotional, it can make it harder to talk about things because the emotional intimacy is not progressing at the same rate as the physical.” The sound of intimacy is a symphony until it's clear only one person is hearing the melody.
Lust rushes; love waits. So what is a situationship? Smith ventures to say, "Situationships can be the foundation for a relationship, but honestly I've only seen that happen once." As a 21-year-old, she has mastered the art. “I played the game because his game was driving me crazy.” Through subjective experiences, the line can get blurry redefining the rules of the game, as they are ever changing.
“There tends to be two kinds of love in psychology: passionate love, and companionate love,” Farrell said."Passionate love is the feeling of butterflies and a sense of passion and desire, companionate love is the enjoyment of the intimacy of being together." A question looms over these words: What does it mean to be in love beyond early stages?
Dobson knows he is a seasoned game player. He comes to the conclusion that his sense of self is strong. “I realized that nobody is perfect, and I can play around with that,” Dobson said. He concludes that he unknowingly has put stock into himself rather than his circumstances. He plays the game because he knows it doesn’t dominate his character.
So why does it feel like everything is so insincere? Why is it a game? What would happen if everyone stopped playing?
‘You’ll find love when you stop looking’: the death sentence to any single person.
Stop Looking.
Okay, she stopped looking and ended up in a three month dead-end situationship. ‘Stop looking’ tends to end up with a trip and a fall, landing in a 10:05 lecture thinking too hard about what he said- or didn’t say- at the bar last weekend.
It can feel impossible to stop looking for something that feels like it’s everywhere. Dobson expresses, “You actually have to put yourself in the game. I haven’t been looking for a long time and nothing has found me.” Dobson responds to the single death sentence. College dating imposes insanity through flimsy reassurance: We are fine. We’re chill. We’re so cool it’s freezing in here.
“I wanted to be the chill girl. I wanted to let him ditch me to play poker with his friends, but he was playing two games: poker with his friends, and with my emotions,” Smith said.
But then, there’s that heart-stopping realization that the fun is feeling like an unconquerable game. It’s called a “situationship” like a badge of honor, but it's an unsolvable riddle. And the price? Morals, sanity, time. "When you think you need to define every stage of a relationship, it gives you an idea that you're going through steps," Smith said, "You've won the 'prize of dating' because you have followed rules you think you are told." It gets laughed off as someone finds a new distraction to take home, but deep down one can wonder: when did ‘fun’ turn into waiting for a text back?
The phrase “What are we?” is a loaded gun. Point it wrong, hold it too tight, and the trigger explodes. At night, loose words are held on to like gems, polishing and flaunting, holding them close to chests. Just don’t ask what kind of diamond it is because honestly, no one really knows, and it might be counterfeit.
photographed by Lauren Turk styling by Natalie Luci hair + makeup by Scout Tincher
layout by Caitlin Curran
videography by Rachel Whary
modeled by Jack Kerstetter + Natalie Luci
T HINGS inside stuffing
Written by Evan Stefanik
People wear their emotions on their sleeves.
But at certain points in life, like in college, they tend to stuff those feelings down. The mind becomes a closet where worndown sweaters are exchanged for the hot party outfit or an academic suit.
The act of stuffing things inside happens for lots of secret reasons, from personal to social. Jennifer Young, a licensed psychologist at Miami University’s Student Counseling Service (SCS), works with students who deal with their mental health in private.
She said some of the challenges her patients face include decreased academic performance, a weakened immune system, relationship problems and trouble with their job. If somebody’s friends or family find them struggling, they can reach out and get involved in a few ways.
“If you’re not comfortable talking directly to them, find somebody very close to them to tell them, and do it privately,” Young said. “Use lots of ‘I’ statements and make it about their behaviors, not about the actual person and their nature.”
Emma Halcomb, the president of a mental health-oriented student organization, Miami Hope, used to be like these students. She floated around friend groups, hoping to earn a sense of belonging, until she learned a more valuable lesson.
People need to dress themselves up and look in the mirror.
“In college, you’re on 24/7 with no chance for yourself in terms of social and academic life,” Halcomb said. “You should take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Spending time with oneself means more than being alone. Kathryn Aldstadt, a graduate assistant in the psychology department, suggests journaling, exercising and other creative hobbies as positive coping methods for students that can also involve others in their community if they choose.
“Being with like-minded people allows you to feel what other people are feeling,” Aldstadt said. “It shows you normative behavior and you can process your emotions in the same way as them.”
The unique effect of peer pressure on mental health in college settings often singles out male students the most. Young runs her office with an awareness of the negative stigma around men expressing their emotions. Support groups specifically for men exist on campus and she strives to be openly accepting of men who come to SCS.
Some students handle their mental health unhealthily, such as lashing out at others, engaging in substance abuse or avoiding therapy. Aldstadt recommends they safely acknowledge and communicate the root cause of their trouble.
“If they know that they’re engaging in some detrimental behavior, they should recognize that what they’re doing isn’t working,” Aldstadt said. “It’s very healthy for them to show their emotions, but it’s about how to best express them without losing their cool.”
To express emotion visually, students can try exploring their style. Halcomb likes to wear mental health-forward clothing, featuring warm affirmations for students to read when passing her by. She sees fashion as a vulnerable component students can utilize to make them feel better no matter if they dress up or down.
“It’s very freeing to do what you want and be unapologetic,” Halcomb said. “It lets you adapt to what you can control when everything else is out of control.”
When students neglect any of these strategies and continue to suppress their authentic selves, their mental health impacts their future.
“These same feelings will continue after graduation if you don’t get help now,” Young said. “You might try not to make new connections and will feel very distant and isolated.”
Escaping this slope could entail small changes, like attending Campus Care on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in King Library, visiting Miami’s Wellness Website and scheduling an appointment at SCS.
People have closets full of emotions that all look different–why not wear them all?
photographed by Ryan Singh styled by Nicole Gonzalez hair + makeup by Katelyn Phan layout by Taylor Morgan modeled by Molly Blue, Brayden Gotsky + Lauren Turk
STARVING FOR SUCCESS
Written by Natalie Luci
“You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
A classic line said far too many times by those who doubt the dreamers. Yet, Marie Antoinette once said, “Let them eat cake!” And isn’t success so much sweeter when proving someone wrong?
Go-getters are often told their dreams are too big, ambitions too eager, and futures too overzealous. But in history, when one causes disruption and turns a few heads, then they’re doing something right.
Remember the sweetness of childhood when nothing felt out of reach and the stars were right at your fingertips? When days were long, the earth was wide, and fear had not yet consumed ambition. To say it’s a shame that the dismay of failure prevents people from turning dreams into reality would be the biggest understatement.
We’ve seen those before us continue to fall to mediocrity, being satisfied with good enough or average. Falling prey to the judgment of others like a restrictive diet. The new wave of believers doesn’t follow those rules. The only terror they succumb to is the fear of being ordinary. Bland. Flavorless. Who wants saltine crackers when one could have a chocolate cake?
Miami senior finance student, Connor Gallagher, knows what it’s like to be extraordinary. Less than 1% of the general population ever finish an Ironman race. Gallagher has completed one full Ironman, three half races and he’s not done counting. His fuel to succeed? Fearlessness.
“Courage! I have shown it for years; you think I shall lose it at the moment when my sufferings are to end?” Marie Antoinette uttered these words while staring death in the face.
Dreamers and overachievers know that courage and perseverance are truly the only way to make it out of this world alive. For one to accomplish their dreams, one must always be bold. As life unfolds, however, that childlike ambition that once was there seems to fade and is replaced with the thoughts and opinions of others.
“I think it’s sad that people are scared to fail because in everything
that I’ve done in my life, failing was required… but that’s always the stuff I’m most proud of,” Gallagher says, “If you look at every single successful person, there is not one who hasn’t failed multiple times.”
Sitting next to him is senior marketing student, Maya Crooks, who is currently training for a half marathon next month on top of balancing a heavy course load, Bridges Scholars, sorority activities and job searching.
“I think there’s a lot more pressure on us nowadays to achieve all that… there are so many more ambitious personalities from what I’ve seen, especially at Miami,” Crooks said.
Students are conquering this complex world at every corner of college campuses across the country, and Oxford is at the apex of it. Junior, Tyreke Farquharson, is studying diplomacy and global politics at Miami, followed by his leadership roles in the social fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, and Student Government. Farquharson exhibits not only an impressive resume but an inspiring grasp on his future and a noble outlook on politics for the incoming generation.
“They were okay being in the same place, we’re not. We’re searching for that spark. You have to try around and look for it.
They never had that opportunity,” Farquharson said, offering commentary about the old guard of political contributors. “Our voices matter. We have power as a collective… We can make a lot of changes. It’s not easy. And it’s hard for the older generation to see that change happening and they struggle with seeing it happen, especially when it’s coming from us. We just have to prove them wrong and show them that things can be done in a better way than they did when they were our age.”
Every success has a history behind it, filled with efforts and mistakes. Every accomplished individual needed someone to believe in them, even if that one person was themself. Like a recipe in a cookbook, there are certain ingredients in life that allow all of us to rise above and conquer our dreams.
“Things happen, but you can’t sit there and be paralyzed. Of course, feel the emotions that come, but eventually, you just have to get back up and realize what you learned from that. And if you look at life through that lens, you won’t ever feel like you’re losing,” Farquharson said.
Miami University entrepreneurship professor, Brenda Homan, details that in her life, she needed pain in order to feel prosperity.
“It’s like you can’t experience joy until you’ve had grief… I now know what success is, because I had the failure that goes with it,” Homan says.
Homan never planned to be a university professor. She was an accounting and finance manager when she wrote down a few dreams she had, one far-fetched one being her current job. But she doesn’t measure her life by these big accomplishments, she focuses on the little things. The small ingredients that make up the final dish.
“What I’ve realized is that I have more enjoyment not from the accomplishing but the smaller steps that happen in the journey,” Homan says.
Society today struggles with patience. They stare at the oven waiting for the timer to set off, often taking the dessert out too early when the center is still raw. Dreams take time
“Sometimes I think that if we don’t accomplish it the next day it’s not valuable. Sometimes our dreams are so big that they need time to be created,” Homan explains, “Allow yourself permission to dream, but don’t expect it to happen tomorrow.”
Not only is time needed for dreams to come to fruition but to acquire those dreams one must need the space for them as well.
Homan practices a 24-hour sabbath where she promises herself not to work each week for those 24 hours. She shared how it was always the last two hours where she thought to herself she should begin her work already, yet those last 120 minutes were where her mind opened and her dreams ran free.
“This light comes in and all the big ideas I've had always come when I don’t have access to all the other things that contain me. And now I don’t know what else to do except think,” Homan says, “Now I can just think of what could be and then that dreaming starts to happen. But it’s giving yourself permission to do that and the space for it.”
Inspiration fuels dreams, and dreams fuel success as long as one has the courage and tenacity to follow them.
Dreams should be so powerful they cause discomfort in small-minded people, like a stomachache from eating too much.
So take the cake and devour it.
SOTAKETHE CAKEAND DEVOURIT
photographed by Sophia Myers styled by Brooklyn Lee + Mia Brillhart hair +makeup by Mia Brillhart layout by Jack Kerstetter modeled by Audrey Gerdts
Rhese Voisard
EDITOR IN CHEIF
The moment I saw an issue of UP Magazine, I knew I wanted to be a part of this incredible team of creatives. I began my journey with UP as a staff writer during my freshman year and then went on to serve as Co-Copy Editor during my sophomore year, and now, Editorin-Chief. To me, UP has always been a safe space to create and showcase the stories of Miami and its community members. Working alongside Jack and Mia has been such a privilege–they are both so dedicated to their work, and it shines through in everything they do. Creating Devour and watching our incredibly talented team breathe life into the concept was incredible to see throughout the production process. I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to serve in this position and am so proud of the exceptional work our team has put into this issue. To me, Devour is about embracing all that life has to offer, being open to challenges and seeing every opportunity as a moment to grow.
Much UP Love, Rhese Voisard
LAST WORDS
Jack Kerstetter
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
To me, Devour encaptures everything I want in life. Taking all it has to offer, having my cake and eating it too, and finding happiness in the storm, living in the moment, & dancing in the rain. Serving as the Creative Director for this issue has been an incredible journey of growth and collaboration. Each page reflects not only our hard work but also our collective passion for creativity and expression. I'm deeply thankful for the talented team who poured their hearts into this issue, transforming our vision into a reality. Devour isn’t just a theme; it’s a reminder to savor every experience and embrace the chaos of life. Together, we’ve captured moments of joy, resilience, and discovery, weaving stories that resonate with each reader. I hope you enjoy each story, photo, and page as much as we enjoyed creating them. As I continue in this role for one more semester alsongside Rhese & Mia, I can’t wait for you all to see what UP chooses to devour next.
Mia Brillhart
PUBLISHER
It has been the utmost privilege and joy to serve as Publisher of UP Magazine. When I was accepted freshman year to join as a marketing member, I never realized the lasting impact this organization would have on my life. Each year, seeing the impressive work put forth through each issue and holding two director positions, I have dreamed of becoming Publisher. I have never been surrounded by such a dedicated, impressive and creative group of people. To Rhese and Jack it has already been such an honor to serve alongside you, we work wonderfully as a team. I am so pleased with how our concept of Devour has developed. I want to extend my thanks to every member, this issue could not have been created without everyone’s hard work. Devour encapsulates what it means to take life into your hands and live to the fullest. Although there might be ups and downs, it is what you make of these moments that allow you to devour life!
Much UP Love, Jack Kerstetter
Much UP Love, Mia Brillhart
BLOG
Marissa Rotolo HAIR + MAKEUP
Katelyn Phan EVENT PLANNING
Sylvia Eastman EVENT PLANNING
Abbie Lyons
SOCIAL MEDIA
Madeline Buecker SOCIAL MEDIA
Tia Benson COPY EDITOR
Allison Lee COPY EDITOR
Charlotte Hudson FASHION
Natalie Luci FASHION
Kelli Amburgey COMMUNICATIONS
Elizabeth Maher PHOTOGRAPHY
Ellen Long
VIDEOGRAPHY
Zach Lawson
Lacey Walker
" take your cake and devour it."
YOU CAN'T HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO.