HOW TO LIVE A SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE Ways college students can decrease wastefulness
BEST BOSTON BREAKFASTS A guide to the city’s most beloved breakfast spots
UP & COMING MUSIC ARTISTS OF 2018
Recommendations for the top 7 artists this year
ACTIVE MINDS
Changing the dialogue around mental health
06 PRESIDENT
Adriana Yozzi
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Leila Habib & Cayley Ross
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Xochitl Lozano
MARKETING DIRECTOR Cheyenne Tang
ONLINE EDITOR Julia Horneck
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jasmine Chan
SECTION EDITORS
Kaline Langley, Lucy Murrey, Alex Pickering, Candace Reyes
WRITERS
08
Grace Bettinson, Sophia Ciprian, Soule Coram, Rylie Ellam, Sophia Harris, Fernanda Hurtado, Joey Kramer, Yazmine Lomax, Delfina Mcnaught-Davis, Wanja Njama, David Spinrad
DESIGNERS
Kate Coiro, Rachel Eng, Cynthia Mei, Cayley Ross, Anna Rychlik, Diana Steelman, Emily Tan, Nate Young
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shrreya Aagarwal, Dominique Catanzaro, Maeve Kelley-Portillo, Justine Newman, Afam Nwokolo Cover Photography by Justine Newman
18
14
10
CONTENTS FRONT
04 SGA Presidential Campaign 06 Yelling About Yawkey 07 Dorm Cleanup Simplified
LIFESTYLE
08 Best Boston Breakfasts 09 Make the Most of
COVER STORY 10 The Path to Sustainability
Your Summer
WE’RE NORTHEASTERN’S STUDENT-RUN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE. LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? EMAIL US • NUWOOF@GMAIL.COM VISIT OUR SITE • WOOF-MAG.COM
MEDIA & CULTURE
12 Up & Coming Music Artists of 2018 13 Comparing Music Festivals 14 Reading Recommendations for Non-Readers
FOCUS
16 Active Minds 18 Find a Cure
4 • Front
Students Running for Change Written by Rylie Ellam // Photos by Afam Nwokolo Last month, students elected the new Student Body President and Executive Vice President of Northeastern’s Student Government Association for the 2018-2019 academic year. You probably remember election week when both campaigns promoted their goals, and the following week when the winning candidates - Nathan Hostert, second-year Political Science major and yourNortheastern’s Student Body President, and Dylan Balcom, second-year Behavioral Neuroscience major and yourNortheastern’s Executive Vice President - were announced. But you may still be curious about the strategies used by the two campaigns: their similarities to the prior year’s Presidency, their shared goals, and their main differences. You may also be interested in what the future looks like for the student body, and possibly more importantly, how you yourself can contribute to SGA’s initiatives. Before you read on about these initiatives, though, you might be secretly wondering to yourself: What exactly is SGA? You’ve probably heard about it on campus and you might even have friends involved, but you’re still unsure about the organization’s purpose. According to its website, SGA serves as a “liaison between the students and University Faculty and Administration” to give the student body a voice. By transforming student concerns into feasible actions through petitions or referenda, SGA essentially strives to advocate for all undergraduate students. SGA’s prior Student Body President, Suchira Sharma, and Executive Vice President, Paulina Ruiz, took on this task for the 2017-2018 school year. They began by pushing for the five R’s during their “Believe in More” campaign: Reasonable pricing, Rights, Representation, Resources on Campus, and Relationships. After winning the election, Sharma and Ruiz instated a campus Budget Priorities Survey to identify how students want their tuition money to be spent, finding that students demanded for change in four key areas related to their campaign goals: support for campus centers, access of UHCS, affordability of meal plans, and college-specific resources. Over the course of the year, Sharma and Ruiz, with the help of SGA and many other organizations, were able to reform WOOF MAGAZINE • summer 2018
Northeastern’s Title IX Policy, promote art groups on campus by hosting the first annual block pARTy, and institute trayless dining as a part of SGA’s sustainability initiative. While many changes were made, this year’s leadership candidates recognized the need to improve upon many of the same objectives. Both the “uniteNU” and “yourNortheastern” campaigns emphasized the urgency to implement changes to UHCS (University’s Health and Counseling Services), and expand accessibility to the ViSION (Violence, Support, Intervention, and Outreach Network) resource center, which provides response resources for survivors of interpersonal violence. Along with these common goals, both campaigns also advocated for better representation in SGA’s Senate as a continuation of Sharma’s and Ruiz’s efforts to make diversity a necessity. “We can’t be experts on everything,” stated Balcom, commenting on yourNortheastern’s aim to be more inclusive. The candidates have planned SGA’s Reaching Out program, which encourages club representatives to participate in the Senate. Similarly, uniteNU “want[s] to ensure that the cabinet is empowering students of different backgrounds,” stated Collin Walter, third year
-Walter Biochemistry major and uniteNU’s Student Body President candidate. After analyzing the several similarities between Believe in More and this year’s campaigns, it is evident that uniteNU and yourNortheastern shared many of the same intentions--greater UHCS funding, more affordable housing and dining, improving the ViSION resource center and Title
Front • 5
If many of their main objectives were the same, what, then, set the two campaigns apart?
IX policy, and fostering better representation within SGA. Walter even admitted the similarities by mentioning, “It would be factually incorrect if I said that I disagree with their platform.” If many of their main objectives were the same, then what set the two campaigns apart? “I think we can attain most of our goals,” Hostert voiced, claiming that the biggest distinguishing factor is that many of the issues on yourNortheastern’s platform are ones that he and Balcom have already worked on. The candidates have already collaborated with O.P.E.N. (Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern), for example, to expand the Husky to Husky peer mental health education program. Aside from these in-progress changes, Hostert emphasized yourNortheastern’s aim to “balance out bigger overarching changes ... with smaller
Photo Courtesy of yourNortheastern
University handles Title IX cases, uniteNU planned to work with students and campus representatives to implement new ways of making these analyses more transparent and holding the university accountable. Along with this, Walter emphasized the need to examine the Budget Priority Survey in order to collect more data on how students think their tuition should be spent. Aside from improving SGA’s internal and external structure through togetherness, uniteNU advocated for implementing novel ideas. To enforce more transparent dialogue between students and NUPD, uniteNU urged to increase marketing for the Campus Safety Dialogue event, which allows students to address concerns they may have with NUPD. The uniteNU campaign also planned to introduce two new SGA committees: one that solely concentrates on collecting data that students truly
Photo Courtesy of uniteNU
Dylan Balcom (left) and Nathan Hostert (right), yourNortheastern’s VP and Presidential candidates.
Nina Kalantar (left) and Collin Walter (right), uniteNU’s VP and Presidential candidates.
picture changes.” He elaborated that he already started a significant change by meeting with MBTA representatives to discuss negotiating a better student discount, but also that he intends to improve the reliability of on-campus WiFi, a much smaller but equally necessary change. Walter argued that uniteNU’s approach is what differentiated the two campaigns. In order “to decrease this you vs. me dichotomy that has existed in SGA for a while,” as Walter said, uniteNU focused on the necessity of consistent collaboration with the student body. “We don’t want to be working for students but fighting with students,” Walter asserted. By studying the annual Campus Climate Survey, which consists of student data regarding their experiences with how the
care about, and a Government Relations Committee that further connects SGA to local, state, and federal levels of government. While both campaigns demonstrated enthusiasm for the student body, yourNortheastern took the majority vote. Hostert and Balcom are eager to begin addressing the four referenda questions on composting, Northeastern’s investment information, gender-neutral housing, and accreditation for UHCS. In the upcoming weeks and throughout their -Hoster 2018-2019 term, the new Student Body President and Executive Vice President will be open to student suggestions via their ‘Give Feedback’ button on the yourNortheastern website. As Hostert says, SGA is ready “to enact more tangible change for students.”
summer 2018 • WOOF MAGAZINE
6 •Front
Written by Joey Kramer // Photos by Maeve Kelley-Portillo
As the 2018 Boston Red Sox season gets underway this April, attendees from longtime fans to casual spectators may be in for a big surprise. A big change may be coming to Yawkey Way, one that not many were expecting. Yawkey Way is one of the most iconic streets in Boston, and it has been for decades. The street that borders the main entrance of Fenway Park is named after former Red Sox owner and president Tom Yawkey, who owned the team for over forty years. The discussion around changing the street’s name has been unfolding for years, though it took a more serious turn this February when Red Sox owner John Henry put in a formal request to the City of Boston for the street to be named Jersey Street, its original name. Henry said his goal is to provide an environment that is “inclusive and welcome to all.” This comes after many have spoken out against Yawkey’s controversial past in Boston. WOOF MAGAZINE • summer 2018
The Red Sox were the last team in professional baseball to allow black players on their roster. It took 12 years from when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 for Yawkey to allow an African-American player to play for his team. Many of those close to Yawkey during his time as the Red Sox owner have come out to testify against his legacy, including Walter Carrington, who led an investigative hearing into allegations of racial discrimination in the Red Sox organization in 1958. He testified at a meeting in early March of this year that Yawkey’s leadership was a key reason why the organization was unwilling to integrate. However, Yawkey was vital in creating lasting partnerships between the Red Sox and organizations such as the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, whose impacts on the city are still felt profoundly to this day. The Yawkey Foundations have provided hundreds millions of dollars to undeniably positive programs for the underserved communities of Boston, which many argue is a reason to keep his name. Yawkey’s legacy in Boston has many layers, and many consider his inability and unwillingness to integrate African-American players into professional baseball a reason to remove his name from the iconic street— regardless of his philanthropic contributions. The Boston Public Improvement Commission decided on March 29 to hold a vote on
the issue on April 12, giving the city more time to consider the passionate opinions that have been pouring in from both sides. A recent letter from the Jackie Robinson Foundation highlighted the importance of the Yawkey Foundation’s impact in Boston and hopes that its legacy isn’t tainted by the name change—though they didn’t specify whether they support the change. Regardless of how the street is named, Fenway Park will certainly remain an open and welcome place for all fans and its controversial past should not deter anyone from enjoying a game. Northeastern students can sign up for the Student 9s program for access to discounted tickets to all home games.
Front • 7
simplified
Written by Sophie Harris // Photos by Shrreya Aagarwal
Getting ready for summer is an exciting time: spending time
outside on Centennial, finishing up with finals, and putting away your long-sleeved shirts and jackets. Nevertheless, with getting ready to enjoy a couple months off comes the inevitable and slightly frightful task of packing up your dorm room. Having to find storage spaces, getting rid of junk items, and just making time to do it all can seem pretty daunting. Yet, there is no need to fret, this is your ultimate guide to dorm clean up!
a storage option Finding storage options for over the summer doesn’t have to be that tough. Ideally, you would probably want to store your belongings at a family friend’s house or take them home with you, but for most of us that is not an option. One great storage option is the UPS store on Huntington Ave, which is next to Five Guys and Panera. The storage is low cost and reliable, and on top of that, free curbside pickup and delivery is included. Simply buy and pack up a storage box (they have various sizes with the price going from $24 to $64) and then UPS takes the storage box and stores it in a storage unit for you over the summer. Extremely easy, and the largest storage box size is 6 cubic feet. Furthermore, if you worry that your items won’t fit in a box, UPS also stores miscellaneous items such as skis and snowboards.
Along with making sure you are organized, ensure that you are getting all your clutter and old items out before so that you don’t have to deal with them when the time to pack comes. For example, start selling textbooks as soon as you are done with them and throw away any food items that you know you will not be eating.
trash to treasure It is a known fact that with move-out comes an immense amount of waste. NU Trash2Treasure’s aim is to try and minimize this. It is possible to donate anything from shoes to kitchen supplies, and there are bins all over campus where you can drop the items off. The items are then sold in the indoor quad of Curry Student Center to other students. It is comparable to a swap meet. The first time Trash2Treasure took place they raised over $3,000 and donated some of their earnings to the Trinity Church in the form of food. Hopefully this article has helped you to start thinking about how to make your packing experience the most stress-free it can be. Remember to stay organized, leave yourself a lot of time, and donate to a good cause if you won’t need something next semester!
packing strategies Organization is key to keep move out day easy and hassle free. Having all of your clothes, books and miscellaneous items already arranged will pay off. When it comes to packing them away and deciding what stays at school or not, you don’t have to deal with a huge mess and try to scramble and find things. summer 2018 • WOOF MAGAZINE
8 • Lifestyle
Best Boston Breakfasts Written by David Spinrad // Photos by Dominique Catanzaro
When the sun finally ascends from the depths of the Boston Harbor, Bostonians catapult from their beds. The coffee pot is powered on before the brain and, as such, early morning food in the city of Boston is imperative. But, which breakfast is the best? Is it the fast and cheap 24-hour breakfast joint or the traditional, full breakfast at a sit-down establishment? Or maybe it’s a pleasant café mix? To narrow down the overwhelming choices for Northeastern students, I have identified some of the top contenders for satisfying any morning craving.
Mike’s City Diner Mike’s City Diner, down at 1714 Washington Street in the South End, certainly packs a punch. Guy Fieri himself, the Mayor of Flavortown, gives Mike’s his O.K. as the diner was featured on Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” Food Network program. The open kitchen means there’s no wall between kitchen and customer, so the sizzling breakfast smells are prevalent. Ordering is the hardest part; huge plates of grits, potatoes, and pancakes cover the surrounding tables, all complemented by a continuous lifeline of coffee. Everything on the menu, specials included, is reasonably priced, considering Mike’s doesn’t skimp on portions. The big plates seem insurmountable, but the equally big flavors are just too compelling to let sit idle. By the end of your meal, Mike’s City Diner’s fist of flavor leaves you satisfied and stunned.
Flour Bakery and Cafe Flour produces contagious smiles with its confected delicacies. It has locations in Back Bay, the South End, and Dalton Street. It’s a peppy little bakery where the surprisingly varied array of options—from sandwiches to scones—surround you, written on the wall in a warm, curly font. Pastries behind the glass counter look clean and polished, ready for their close-up. The story behind Flour is sweet and sincere and, needless to say, everything asked for is delivered. It’s the perfect spot to pop-in for a morning coffee and muffin, welcomed with a smile to start your day with a shot of happiness.
The Friendly Toast The first thing that grabs your attention in the Friendly Toast are the colors. Located on Stanhope Street in Back Bay Knickknacks and kitsch wallpapers fill the restaurant and give it a peculiar but friendly atmosphere. Any apprehensions about this place will subside when you get a glimpse of the AMAZING plate of chicken and waffles. The arrangement of chicken, waffles, bacon, and sweet potatoes (yes!) is simply mesmerizing. The Friendly Toast is as much an individual experience as it is an allround breakfast powerhouse.
“What’s the best breakfast in Boston” is ultimately a rigid question that yields a fluid answer. Sit-down places definitely have bigger dishes with flavor to match, but that kind of meal isn’t always what you’re looking for. The smaller, quaint cafes with sweet, freshly-made pastries are ideal for the early morning pick-me-up, yet they may lack in heartiness. Though the city’s best breakfast may vary from day-to-day, one thing that holds constant is that Boston has the hotspots on standby.
WOOF MAGAZINE • summer 2018
Lifestyle • 9
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR
SUMMER
Written by Delfina McNaught-Davis // Illustrations by Diana Steelman You know those little things you tell yourself you want to do, but somehow never end up doing because life gets in the way? Well, that’s what the long days of summer are for. As students, we have the luxury of more time than we know what to do with over the summer. Why not make a list of all the things you never did during this semester, last semester, or even from the start of your freshman year—whether it be practicing self-care, going on a little trip, volunteering, or baking a cake? Write it down, and go for it! Making the most of your summer doesn’t have to mean something as drastic as writing a novel or starting a company. Remember the saying, “It’s the little things that count”? You can spend your summer doing little things to give back to your community. Whether you’re helping the homeless, promoting sustainable resources, teaching children in underdeveloped areas, or working at an animal rescue shelter, I guarantee you will end your summer feeling accomplished knowing that you bettered a small part of the world. Find a cause you are passionate about, and let your positive, young energy benefit it!
cup of tea? We’ve likely all heard the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” so why not make this saying a challenge by walking into a library, browsing for a while, and picking out a book without judging its cover? Get off your screen this summer and take a small risk in the world of literature. If volunteering doesn’t fit into your summer schedule or Oscar Wilde is a bit too intimidating, think of other little goals you could try to achieve. For example, why not try camping? Or, if camping doesn’t strike your fancy, go for something a bit less ‘wild,’ like baking. Baking is easy, as long as you follow the steps and have a little bit of patience. Try it out this summer and reap the tasty benefits! If you don’t take advantage of your luxurious freetime now, you will always have that list of things you wanted to do, stashed away in the back of your mind. Take advantage of the fact you don’t have homework
If volunteering to a charity doesn’t seem appealing, then why not commit to a book? The written word has become lost in the social network bubble of the 21st century ... It seems we’re always scrolling through Instagram, posting on Snapchat, or laughing at memes on Facebook, but what happened to sitting down and reading a book cover-to-cover with a hot
summer 2018 • WOOF MAGAZINE
10 • Cover Story
Written by Grace Bettinson // Photos by Justine Newman
A sustainable lifestyle is one that attempts to reduce an individual or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources. Everyone’s lifestyle choices have implications for the Earth, but everyone has the ability to choose how drastic their impact will be. Northeastern has consistently shown its commitment to promoting a more sustainable lifestyle, notably by becoming the first university in Boston to join the Real Food Challenge, a national campaign to purchase at least 20% of food supplies from local, sustainable sources by 2020. In 2016, Northeastern removed dining hall trays in order to prevent food waste and installed more than 190 refillable water bottle stations on campus. Additionally, Northeastern has five different environmentally conscious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings on campus. However, the student lifestyle regularly consists of allnight study sessions, caffeine, and boxed macaroni and cheese. This lifestyle can lead to wasteful behaviors such as taking extra-long showers, constantly buying take-out food, using plastic utensils and throwing them out, and never using a reusable coffee cup. But, despite a busy schedule, there are a multitude of ways college students can live more sustainable lifestyles.
WOOF MAGAZINE • summer 2018
Turn off the lights when you’re not in the room. Keeping the lights on when you don’t need them is unnecessary, and turning them off will help lower the electric bill!
Recycle absolutely everything. Plastic (bottles, salad containers, utensils), cardboard (those macaroni and cheese boxes), and aluminum items can all be recycled. To help simplify this process, find a resource online such as Recycle Across America that shows what common, everyday items are recyclable, and put it on your fridge to reference before you reach toward the trash can. Also, the next time you decide to host a party, throw plastic cups in the dishwasher instead of the trash so you can reuse them for the next event you throw!
Cover Story • 11
I am a caffeine addict, I admit! But one way I’ve become less wasteful when feeding this addiction is by bringing my own reusable coffee cup instead of using the provided disposable ones. Next time you’re sitting at a coffee shop such as a local Starbucks to do homework, ask for a mug instead of a to-go cup—if you’re going to drink it there anyway, this choice is much less wasteful!
When it comes to diet, the meat industry is one of the worst for the environment. Avoid eating meat a couple of days a week to lessen your impact. This doesn’t have to feel restricting as there are so many delicious vegetarian options nowadays. Plus, going meatless can make grocery shopping a lot cheaper!
Don’t buy new textbooks. Save paper by renting them from Northeastern or online, downloading e-textbooks, or borrowing your friends’.
Although we live in a world where fashion trends turn over fast, try buying timeless items from thrift stores, second-hand stores, or consignment shops. Look for things made from organic fabrics such as hemp or cotton. When you’re cleaning out your closet, donate items instead of just throwing them away. Put clothes in the giveaway bins Northeastern provides in some dorms, or bring them to one of the many Goodwills all over the city.
Luckily at Northeastern, all our dining halls compost pre- and post-consumer waste to reduce risk, a choice enacted by students in 2007 through the Be Green program. As for composting in your dorms or apartments, you can pay less than $24 a month to have a compost company, such as Bootstraps Compost, pick up your waste every two weeks. I personally use the service; it’s so simple and absolutely worth the money. Plus, you won’t have to take out the trash as often, and you get a five-pound bag of soil at the end of the season!
Bring a couple of reusable bags with you when you go grocery shopping to avoid contributing to the huge plastic waste generated by grocery bags or ending up with a million c bags lying around your house. You also don’t need to use the offered plastic liners to carry your produce. Instead, put produce in your reusable bag until checkout and thoroughly wash it when you get home. Furthermore, consider when and if you will actually eat the food you are purchasing. When you buy more than you will eat, you are literally just throwing away money and resources.
Making a few changes in your daily life here and there isn’t impossible, and the world is asking for these changes now more than ever! Recycling your empties and your clothing, as well as using reusable bags, don’t take time or money, just consideration and action. The world gives you air, sunshine, snow, and water—the least you can do is thank the earth by giving back. summer 2018 • WOOF MAGAZINE
12 • Media & Culture
Up-and-Coming MUSIC Artists of Written by Wanja Njama // Illustration by Anna Rychlik The season of surf, sun, sand, and “sun’s out, buns out” is gracefully approaching us faster and quicker than ever before, bringing with it a new vibe, new experiences, and new music from the world’s up-andcoming artists of 2018. With these artists we experience possibilities we’ve only dreamed about and look back at moments that shaped us, made us grow, or simply provided us with a new tune to bop to as the snow melts and pushes us into sunnier, happier days. With more musicians emerging from under the musical carpet, here are some recommendations for the top 7 artists to check out this year. 1. Daniel Caesar Recommendations: “Best Part”, “Get You”, “We Found Love”, “Blessed” Toronto-based artist Daniel Caesar hit the charts with his wistful R&B/ Soul love songs “Best Part” (feat. H.E.R), and “Get You” (feat. Kali Uchis), that really commemorate the magical first feelings of being in love, and spending time with your partner, exploring them, and exploring each other in the new space of your relationship. Beautiful songs with beautiful lyrics and beautiful melodies, Daniel Caesar’s music really gets you in your feels. 2. Lauv Recommendations: “I Like Me Better”, “A Different Way” Ari Staprans Leff, popularly known as Lauv, is an American dance/ electronic artist who made his claim to fame with two of his singles, “I Like Me Better” and “The Other”. While the light and airy sound of his music is similar to the style of popular EDM tracks on the market, Lauv’s music exudes an energy unlike any other and while he hasn’t necessarily hit the mainstream masses yet, he is definitely an artist to listen to — particularly on summery, sunny days. 3. Billie Eilish Recommendations: “watch” Sixteen year-old Billie Eilish is taking the world by storm with her strong, indie, electronic pop sound, and she is one of the rising artists we should look out for in 2018. The Californian alternative singer-songwriter become famous when her first song “Ocean Eyes”, produced and co-written by her brother Finneas O’Connell, was released by Interscope Records. She has since released an album called “don’t smile at me”, and many other singles, including an exceptional track called “watch”, which is perfect to blast all year.
2018 Did I Go?”, leading her to feature on Drake’s 2017 playlist “More Life”, and the soundtrack for Marvel’s highly acclaimed film, “Black Panther”. Alongside her collaborated August 2017 single with Preditah, “On My Mind”, her latest single, “Let Me Down” featuring English grime and hiphop artist Stormzy should swim their way into your ears this year. 5. Magana Ngaiza Recommendations: “Keep it Going” An exuberant eighteen-year old from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, Magana Ngaiza is the phenomenal songstress behind the Soundcloud hit, “Keep it Going”, a summerful, beat-filled bop that describes being in a relationship that you know isn’t good for you, but both parties decide to keep it going. Whilst discussing young love, this song manages to be a vibe, and its varied tunes and excellent vocals hook you from the very first moment. 6. Lil Dicky Recommendations: “Freaky Friday” (feat. Chris Brown) and “Pillow Talking” (feat. Brain) Whenever you hear about Lil Dicky, you almost always think about his song with the unconventional music video, “Pillow Talking” (feat. Brain). Quite comical in content, the video put Lil Dicky on the map as a rapper, leading to the recent release of his latest extremely catchy single, “Freaky Friday” featuring singer Chris Brown. 7. Ravyn Lenae Recommendation: “Sticky”, “Closer (Ode 2 U)”, and “The Night Song” American R&B and neo-soul artist Ravyn Lenae has truly been making a splash in 2018 with her very different, chill, soul-style music. With the release of three EPs to date, she has been signed by Atlantic Records and the Three Twenty Three Music Group — evident that whilst she is quite a new artist on the charts, she is making her moves and garnering the interest of crowds all over the United States and the world.
4. Jorja Smith Recommendations: “On My Mind” (with Preditah) and “Let Me Down” (feat. Stormzy) Jorja Smith captivates all with her cool, retro-modernist aesthetic and wholesome, soulful, rich voice beautifully conveyed in her tracks. An English R&B/Soul artist, she began turning heads and garnering attention with the 2016 release of her second single entitled “Where Illustration of Billie Eilish WOOF MAGAZINE • summer 2018
Media & Culture • 13
Written by Sofia Ciprian With the summer quickly approaching, a big concern is what you’re going to do with all your free time, aside from internships, summer jobs, online classes and so on. However, if there is one thing you should do this summer, go to a music festival. Luckily, there are lots of music festivals going on all summer so you can definitely find a free weekend to enjoy one of them.
For the one who wants more than just music. Boston Calling not only has music, but also comedy, art and film performances, so you can have it all. WHEN: May 25-27 (during Summer 1 session!) WHERE: Harvard Athletic Complex- Allston, Massachusetts PRICE: $105 per day (general admission) WHAT TO EXPECT: A full sensory experience. The visual arts performances will be scattered throughout the complex for you to go watch throughout the day and the comedy/film performances will be at the Arena. One film in particular to look out for is curated by Natalie Portman. It will be showcasing women in the film industry and will be played at all 3 nights of Boston Calling. WHO TO EXPECT: Some of the main artists to look out for are Eminem, Khalid, and Bryson Tiller. A few smaller artists to look out for are Noname, Taylor Bennett, and Daniel Caesar. All three of these artists are on the rise so be sure to catch them before they blow up.
For the foodie. Gov Ball has an incredible music lineup and a very elaborate food lineup every year. Be prepared for all the best food NYC has to offer while you listen to your favorite artists. WHEN: June 1-3 WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, NYC PRICE: $115 per day WHAT TO EXPECT: Gov Ball not only has music and great food but also has a ton of activities to take part in during the day held by different sponsors. In the past they have had silent discos, mini golf, interactive photo booths, and lots of free candy and drinks handed out as well. Expect a day full of non-stop activity and dancing. WHO TO EXPECT: Headliners are Jack White, Travis Scott, and Eminem. A few other artists to look out for are Amine, Lany, and Mikky Ekko.
For the nature lover. Firefly Festival is different from other festivals because it offers overnight camping accommodations. Not only do you get 3 days of music, but you can also get three nights of camping...or glamping. WHEN: June 14-17 WHERE: Dover, Delaware PRICE: $329 for the whole weekend (no single day passes). Pricing for camping begins at around $49 and goes up depending on what kind of camping option you pick. WHAT TO EXPECT: A full on camping experience that allows you to keep the vibes of the festival alive for all four days straight. Where else can you find the combination of music and camping all in one? The venues at Firefly all pertain to camping or nature in some way. You can hang out in “The Nook,” where you can set up a hammock in the woods to sleep or you can go to the “Treehouse Sessions” and hear acoustic performances from new bands who will be performing in a literal tree house. WHO TO EXPECT: The headliners are Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, The Killers, and Arctic Monkeys. A few other artists to check out are The Aces and Flor, who are two lesser-known bands that both just came out with new music you definitely should not miss. Also be sure to check out Pussy Riot, the Russian feminist rock band known for its controversial and daring lyrics and performances. Based on the artists and prices, most of the festivals tend to have a lot of overlap especially when it comes to headliners. Each festival has a pretty diverse range of genres and artists, so you will get similar musical performances at each one. So the decision of which festival you want to go to ultimately comes down to the special additions that each festival adds to make the weekend even more special. Whether you want a vibe that focuses on nature, food, or diverse performances, you’re bound to find a festival that suits you for the summer.
summer 2018 • WOOF MAGAZINE
14 • Media & Culture
Reading Recommendations for Non-Readers
Written by Yazmine Lomax // Photos by Shrreya Aargarwal If you’re the type to make New Year’s resolutions, “read more” has probably been on your list since about 2010, right alongside “go to the gym three times a week” and “win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.” And if you’re like me, none of these have transpired. While I can’t force you to sweat it out at Marino or wrestle a gold statue from Jordan Peele’s hands, I can recommend some books based on other interests to make reading slightly more accessible. Plus, these books are all easy reads.You can finish them in a few days or dip in and out of them, which is why they’re A+ picks for the busy college student.
WOOF MAGAZINE • summer 2018
Media & Culture • 15
Love a TV Binge?
Try “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny, biting, and passionate; she remembers everything and forgives no one. Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare but she is paying a price for the illusion of perfection. New to town, single mom Jane is so young that another mother mistakes her for a nanny. She comes with a mysterious past and a sadness beyond her years. These three women are at different crossroads but they will all wind up in the same shocking place. If you binged the HBO series starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley in two days (*cough* guilty *cough*), you’ll likely speed through the novel just as quickly. It’s chunky, sure, but “Big Little Lies” will hook you with raw and relatable observations. The book gives a more in-depth look into the beloved characters’ lives and hairpin twists and turns. And if you’re a fan of Steve Irwin and fairy bread (Google it and prepare to have your mind blown), you’ll be pleased to know that instead of Monterey, California, Moriarty’s book is set in Sydney, Australia. This makes for a brand-new reading experience, even for those who’ve watched the series three times (*cough* guilty *cough*).
Celebrity Gossip Enthusiast?
Try “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” by Mindy Kaling
Instagram Addict?
Try “Am I There Yet? The Loop-de-loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood” by Mari Andrew This on-point guide to growing up by Instagram sensation Mari Andrew captures the feelings and comical complexities of millennials and adulthood with essays and illustrations. In the journey toward adulthood, it is easy to find yourself treading the path of those who came before you; the path often appears straight and narrow with a few bumps in the road and a little scenery to keep you inspired. But what if you don’t want to walk a worn path? What if you want to wander? What if there is no map to guide you through the detours life throws your way? If you’re one of Mari Andrew’s 765,000 Instagram followers, you’ll be familiar with her hilariously, and sometimes painfully, accurate illustrations about everything from heartbreak and friendship to the range of restaurant anxieties and why ‘committing to your own yoga mat’ is a synonym for ‘optimism’. Fresh off the press, “Am I There Yet?” gathers Andrew’s best doodles in one place, catalogued in the categories we use to define what is means to be a grown-up. Her whimsical and authentic illustrations will be confirmation for every senior terrified of graduation that it’s OK to tread your own zigzagging path into the future armed with a few nuggets of wisdom from a woman who’s lived all over the country, overcome disease, and built a loyal following from doing what she loves.
In “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?”, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Boston’s own Mindy Kaling is killing it right now. Since The Office ended in 2013, Kaling’s found time to star in blockbuster “A Wrinkle In Time” as well as create two television shows, including NBC newbie “Champions”. Oh, and she’s also found time to write a book or two. Feeling a little inadequate yet? Don’t worry; in “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?”, her first memoir, Kaling delivers disparagingly honest and hilarious accounts of being body-shamed in high school by a ‘tyrannical asshole’, her stint as a terrible intern on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien”, and impersonating Ben Affleck in her award-winning, offBroadway play. If you’re super short on time, download the audiobook to listen to on the T—you’ll feel like you’re chatting to a friend with genius comedic delivery.
Bitten by the Travel Bug?
Try “The Lonely Planet Travel Anthology” edited by Don George The 35 impassioned stories included in this collection - of fortune tellers, tribal baboon hunters, a friendly Japanese family, and other notable characters - span a worldwide spectrum of themes, styles and settings, but all show how travel in its unexpected turns tests and teaches us, making us aware that we are resilient, that we are not alone, and that there is so much love and connection to be had if we open ourselves up. If you’re itching to hop on a plane as soon as the semester ends, this anthology of travel stories is the perfect way to satisfy your wanderlust. Written by the best and brightest travel writers out there, the stories in “The Lonely Planet Travel Anthology” are so vividly described you’ll feel like you really are navigating the chaotic markets of Bangkok on a whirlwind stopover, sipping Guinness in an Irish pub, and sweating on a school trip in the Australian outback. The tales are short enough that you can easily dip in and out between classes or as a reward for writing another hundred words on that essay you’ve been procrastinating. Winner winner, chicken dinner!
summer 2018 • WOOF MAGAZINE
16 • Focus
About 1 in 4 Americans ages 18 and older live with a diagnosable mental health disorder.
Half of all serious adult psychiatric illnesses, including major depression and more, start by
14
years of age
The 18–24 year old age group shows the lowest rate of
HELP-SEEKING
With college’s balancing act between good grades, making friends, staying healthy, and having time for yourself, mental health can easily be left behind. An estimated 26 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — or about one in four adults — live with a diagnosable mental health disorder, according to Active Minds, a non-profit organization striving to reduce the stigmas associated with mental health disorders and foster dialogue among students about mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that stigma prevents people from seeking the help they need. Active Minds was founded in 2003 by University of Pennsylvania student Alison Malmon after her brother, who had been dealing with mental health issues, died by suicide. The organization has now spread to over 500 college campuses including a Northeastern chapter that was founded five years ago. It works with clubs like Student Government Association, Behind the SMILE, and Northeastern’s many A cappella groups to create events aimed toward advocacy and awareness in order to normalize the conversation about mental health. On Feb. 21, Active Minds at NU took over
1/3 of all college students report having felt so depressed that they had trouble functioning.
Over 80 percent of college students felt overwhelmed by all they had to do in the past year.
45 percent have felt things were hopeless.
it up to the audience in case anyone who is moved wants to speak. It has been very successful, and we always get people come thank us after the event.” Jenna Malley, a graduate chemistry major, mental health advocate, and public speaker, was the last speaker of the night at Break the Silence. Malley chose to share her story in order to emphasize the importance of seeking help and early education of mental health. “I am currently going through a professional public speaking training program to discuss mental health and mental health resources by sharing my own story and using my story to de-stigmatize mental illness and also encourage people, specifically middle and high school students, to ask for help,” Malley said. Malley was diagnosed with anxiety at an early age and decided to co-found the Amazing Campaign in memory of her best friend Kennedy who died by suicide the summer before entering her sophomore year. It’s now raised over $4,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by selling t-shirts that say ‘amazing’ backwards so it can be read in the mirror. “We don’t think someone seeing a T-shirt is going to change their entire day and outlook on themselves and life, but if it keeps one person from canceling a psychiatrist appointment or canceling plans with friends, or if it helps start a conversation about mental illness by asking ‘why is your shirt backwards?’ it means something to us,” Malley said. For Malley, it is important to have mental health advocacy groups on campus such as Behind the SMILE and Active Minds to hold public events like Break the Silence in order to empower students and generate a healthy dialogue surrounding mental health. “It starts to tell students that there is a safe place you can go to for information,
“Having groups and big events to raise awareness point outs that [stigma] is a problem, and this is something we can actively try to fight as a community.” Afterhours for their annual Break the Silence event, primarily planned by college liaison Nicole Dill, a fourth-year criminal justice and psychology major. With Starbucks closed down for the night, the usual coffee lounge was transformed into an intimate setting for students who have personal experience with mental illness to share their story on stage. “Typically we have about 30 people at the event ... either just speaking from the heart or reading poetry,” Dill said. “We then also open WOOF MAGAZINE • summer 2018
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of
death among college students, claiming the lives of 1,100 students each year.
More than half of college students have had suicidal thoughts. Half of those students never seek counseling or treatment. and you are not alone in your plight,” Malley said. “Having groups and big events to raise awareness point outs that [stigma] is a problem, and this is something we can actively try to fight as a community.” Part of Dill’s role at Active Minds is to collaborate with campus organizations like Student Government Association to work with University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) in order to make sure students feel comfortable seeking help on campus. “We recognize that it would be great for there to be more counselors at UHCS, better representation so that people can go there and meet with someone who they can relate to and feel comfortable with,” Dill said. “We want to make sure that there is a strong referral service because currently UHCS doesn’t have the capacity to provide long-term therapy for students.” Throughout their five years on campus, Active Minds has collaborated with sororities and fraternities to bring guest speakers such as Colleen Coffey and organized events such as Break the Silence and One Voice, an event in collaboration with the various A cappella groups on campus. The hope is that the events and general meetings will serve to open up the dialogue regarding mental health and spread awareness. “You don’t have to attend Active Minds meetings, but we want people to know that [mental illness] is not uncommon and to recognize the signs like changes in behavior, feeling something’s not quite right, no longer participating in activities, [and] sleep and appetite changes,” Dill said. “One of our previous presidents used to say something along the lines of ‘not everyone has mental illness but everyone has mental health.’” For more information visit ActiveMinds.org or @ActiveMindsNU Facebook page. If you or anyone you know may need help, reach out the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Focus • 17
Changing the Mental Health Dialogue Written by Fernanda Hurtado Ortiz // Photos by Justine Newman
Active Minds members: (left to right) front row: Rose McDermott, Nicole Dill, Cullen Bober, and Anthony Formicola; back row: Annie Khamhoung, Sarah Williams, Shamile Aldossary, and Maris McGuinness
summer 2018 • WOOF MAGAZINE
18 • Focus
WOOF MAGAZINE • summer 2018
Focus • 19
Written by Soule Coram // Photos by Xochitl Lozano What would you do if you wanted to fundraise and bring awareness to a personal battle? Dr. Gordon Klatt decided to walk. Relay for Life unofficially began in May of 1985 when Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt decided to spend 24 consecutive hours walking, jogging, and running around a track to raise money for the American Cancer Society. His experience battling stomach cancer fueled his desire to finish his 24-hour goal, and though some would consider these hours grueling and nearly impossible, Gordy saw this as an opportunity to challenge cancer; he decided to never stop moving. Just as cancer doesn’t stop for a break or time-out, Gordy decided he wouldn’t either. Little did he know that his countless laps would evoke such a large response from others around the nation and around the world. Dr. Klatt finished his own Relay for Life raising $27,000. The following year, in 1986, the first official Relay for Life was established where nineteen teams gathered at the Stadium Bowl in Washington state to relay in the hopes of finding a cure for cancer. They raised $33,000, and that number has only continued to increase throughout the years. According to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, regardless of what city or country hosts the event, always revolves around the same goal: to “remember loved ones lost, honor survivors of all cancers, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society make a global impact on cancer.” Today, Relay for Life spans across the nation and throughout 27 countries. Dr. Klatt died in August 2014 from heart failure. However, he will continue to be honored as each Relay for Life occurs, living through his work and goal to inspire change in others and the medical field with the symbolic event held across the world. Northeastern University hosted its ninth annual Relay for Life event in Matthews Arena from 6 p.m. on March 23 to 6 a.m. on March 24. Karen Smyers, professional triathlete, 18-wheeler accident survivor, hamstring injury survivor, and thyroid cancer survivor spoke to start off the night of laps, activities, food, and support for all of those affected by any form of cancer. Afterwards, survivors and those still fighting their cancer battle were asked to take the first lap on the track. As each person’s name was called, applause roared in the arena. Once the first lap was finished, everyone else was invited to begin walking. As the music started and the laps continued, feelings of immense support and hope filled the arena. As the event continued and the night hours prevailed, the natural darkness symbolized the feeling of fear people diagnosed and their families feel. At midnight, volunteers lit Luminaria bags (paper bags weighted with sand and a lit candle), which were previously decorated in honor of someone who has died, currently battling, or overcome their battle with cancer. Participants walked the Luminaria Lap in silence to honor those lost and to promise that no one is alone in their battle with cancer. The change in emotion offered space to mourn, to release any frustration, to reflect, and to acknowledge the all-encompassing, cruel nature of cancer. Relay for Life is designed so each person can walk as much, or as little, as they please, with the intention of forming a team so one member of the team is always present on the floor. This teamwork exemplified Gordy’s motto and dream for everyone to support each other in the active fight against cancer.
This year, our campus had a total of 111 teams, 2,651 individually registered participants, and six companies involved, raising over $243,000. The event’s Monopoly theme added a fun twist and encouraged people to donate a few dollars in exchange for “Relay Bucks” to play “Hope-opoly” games. There were also sponsored activities from Power Crunch, 5-Hour Energy, and Hippeas, as well as a dance performance from Northeastern’s Revolve team. The representation from on-campus clubs and organizations was prominent, but it was more inspiring that the event spanned beyond the Northeastern student body to include Boston community members as participants as well. “Relay For Life provides a space for students, survivors, and local companies around Boston to come together as a community to fight cancer,” fourth-year behavioral neuroscience major and president of Colleges Against Cancer at Northeastern Anusha Din said. “In particular, we launched a campaign last year to raise $37k in 37k seconds along with BU and BC because that is approximately the number of people that will be diagnosed with cancer in MA in a year.” It couldn’t be more clear at this event that everyone was standing in solidarity, standing against cancer, and standing in the hope to eradicate this horrific disease. People walked for a multitude of reasons: in support of family and friends, in support of themselves, in honor of someone they knew that has passed, and in support for the cause. Third-year biochemistry major Jes Stelluto shared, “Cancer influences me really personally. My aunt has battled cancer throughout her life,.” third-year biochemistry major Jes Stelluto shared. Second-year pharmacy major Samantha Carleton attended the event as part of her extracurricular organizations. “My pharmacy fraternity is tabling a slot, and I also dance with the Revolve group and we’re going to perform,” Carleton said. Regardless of the reason, people came to make their presence known that cancer will not win the battle. Sadness, determination, hope, and many other emotions naturally revealed themselves during the event. It was a place participants could be raw and vulnerable, knowing they would be met with endless support and hope from others. Third-year political science and economics major Hridayam Agarwal volunteered for her second time for Relay for Life to support the American Cancer Society. “American Cancer Society does more than funds cancer research — they help cancer patients with daily life,” Agarwal said. The recurring theme of ongoing encouragement and belief in a victory over cancer has expanded from the American Cancer Society to millions of people through the event of Relay for Life, and it does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. As cancer continues to be an incurable force in the world, people are ready to rally behind the fight. As Smyers said at the beginning of the night, “You gotta want it,” and the want and drive within the Northeastern and greater Boston community is a powerful force to go up against. Cancer, you should be scared.
summer 2018 • WOOF MAGAZINE
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