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the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
winter 2020
BUSHWACKED Bush or Brazilian?
BRAIDS FOR DAYS Don’t get it twisted
BRINGING DARK ACADEMIA TO LIGHT
WHO’S PICKING YOUR FRUIT? The real cost of your citrus
the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
winter 2020
PRIM & PROPER Bringing dark academia to light
BRAIDS FOR DAYS Don’t get it twisted
BUSH OR BRAZILIAN?
WHO’S PICKING YOUR FRUIT? The real cost of your citrus
the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
winter 2020
BUSHWACKED Bush or Brazilian?
BRAIDS DAYS DON’T GET IT TWISTED
PRIM & PROPER Bringing dark academia to light
WHO’S PICKING YOUR FRUIT? The real cost of your citrus
L ET T E R F R OM T H E E DI T OR It has been said that we are products of our environment. If that is the case, then my staff and I are 80% coffee and 20% our managing editor Lauren’s “healthy” pumpkin bread. As we rush to finish our winter issue before leaving for an early Thanksgiving break, we are pushed to reflect on the current state of our environment and the impact our choices make on its health (page 24). Whether it be our executive editor Emmalyse reprimanding me for forgetting to recycle or our efforts to carpool to the office, every small thing we do counts. Aside from commentaries on the environment, this issue is filled with stories ranging from bagel shops inspired by my home state of New York (page 18) to discussions on the state of the workplace in 2020 and beyond (page 75). We unearth the mystical world of crystals (page 8) and discuss society’s debate on baring the bush (page 48). And, if you’re in need of a pick me up (or in our art director Avani’s case, a laugh), turn to our editorial, Prim & Proper (page 57), and feast your eyes on the breathtaking models wearing our take on the Dark Academia aesthetic. Don’t worry, we won’t judge you if there is drool on the page when you’re done. In our last issue of the semester, we hope to once again provide a distraction (pun intended) from the dumpster fire that was the year 2020. With hopes of better days ahead, see you in 2021!
Cheers,
Distraction delves deeper into the history of braids with “Braids for Days,” focusing on their importance to the Black community and their reflection of power and beauty.
In our story, “Who’s Picking Your Fruit,” we address the issue of unideal working environments farmworkers in Florida face, and how those issues have been amplified by the pandemic.
art direction_nailah anderson. photo_nailah anderson.
design_olivia ginsberg.
Our fashion editorial, “Prim & Proper,” reflects the allure of literature through a dark academia lens. This aesthetic is characterized through narrow libraries and styled with vintage neutrals and plaid patterns.
“Bushwacked” sheds light on how individuals today choose to keep “down there” groomed. From the history behind pubes to current day trends, see how the topic of pubic hair has developed over the years.
art direction_staff. photo_teagan polizzi.
art direction_daniela pinzon. photo_daniela pinzon.
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El Bagel - pg. 18
Guide to Crystals - pg. 7
15. Bubble Tea 18. El Bagel 20. Fooq’s
Rescue a Reef- pg. 38
What the Fork
Take a deep dive into the cause of coral reef destruction and learn about UM’s RSMAS’s Rescue a Reef program.
Unearth the magic of crystals and learn how to align your mind, body and soul using this ancient healing art.
Special Section: Environment
The Guide 7. Your Guide to Crystals 10. Guide to Buying Art 12. Dine Out
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DISTRACTION
Introduction
Cure your hangover with the perfect New York style bagel sandwich at El Bagel in Miami’s MiMo neighborhood.
Drowning Invasive Species Picking your Fruit The COVID-19 Effect Guide to Everglades Rescue the Reefs 40. The Political Climate 25. 30. 32. 35. 36. 38.
Health & Wellness
69. 72. 75. 78. 80.
Prim & Proper - pg. 57
Health Cares Bushwacked Bittersweet Daydreams Miki Erez Work Your Ass Off
No Rest for the Weary Student Athletes for BLM Out of Office Family Values Last Distraction: Graduates
Student Atheltes for BLM - pg. 72
Work Your Ass Off - pg. 54
45. 48. 50. 52. 54.
Main Event
The smell of old books and the squeak of chalk accompany the “dark academia” aesthetic popularized on TikTok.
We can all agree that booties are nice to look at. Now, learn how to properly work out this crucial muscle group.
Fashion 57. 62. 64. 66.
Prim & Proper Braids for Days Custom Threads Soft Glam
UM student athletes are standing in solidarity with the BLM movement even in the face of push back.
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winter 2020
What animal are you and why? A giraffe because I’m always stretching to new heights.
The Team
Editor-in-Chief_Olivia Ginsberg Co-Executive Editors_Emmalyse Brownstein & Gabrielle Lord Managing Editor_Lauren Mokhtarzadeh Co-Creative Directors_Lauren Maingot & Gianna Sanchez Co-Art Directors_Giselle Spicer & Avani Choudhary Co-Photo Editors_Teagan Polizzi & Sydney Burnett Illustration Director_Rachel Rader Co-Assistant Art Directors_Giovanni Aprigliano & Jess Morgan Co-Assistant Photo Editors_Tiana Torkan & Nailah Anderson Co-Fashion Directors_Keagan Larkins & Abby Podolsky Co-Fashion Assistants_Roma Williams & Erika Pun Co-Video Editors_Travis Laub & Elinor Howells Co-Assistant Video Editors_Debra Baldwin & Molly Balsamides Co-PR Directors_Anika Bhavnani & Sabrina Snyder PR Assistants_Katelyn Gavin, Amy Welsey, Emily Marquez & Geethika Kataru Co-Social Media Directors_Lindsey Jayne & Emy Deeter Social Media Assistants_Isabel Bauer-Nathan & Emily Bergwall The Guide Editor_Alexis Masciarella What the Fork Editor_Cathelyna Suherman Special Section Editor_Kathryn Ford Health & Wellness Editor_Kylea Henseler Fashion Editor_Isabel Tragos Main Event Editor_Savannah Yates Human Resources Director_Amanda Fisher A dolphin because Faculty Adviser_Randy Stano I love to swim.
ABOUT US
The magazine is produced four times per year, twice a semester. City Graphics and Bellack Miami printed 2,000 copies of the magazine on 8.5 x 11 inch, 60-pound coated text paper 4/4. The entire magazine is printed four-color and perfect bound. Most text is nine-point Minion Pro with 9.8 points of leading set ragged with a combination of bold, medium and italic. All pages were designed using Adobe Creative Suite CC software InDesign with photographs and artwork handled in Photoshop and Illustrator. For additional information, visit distractionmagazine.com. Questions and comments can be sent to 1330 Miller Drive, Student Media Suite 202A, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, dropped into SSC Student Media Suite Suite 200 or emailed to oag27@miami.edu. All articles, photographs and illustrations are copyrighted by the University of Miami.
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DISTRACTION
Introduction
A rabbit because I’m always eating carrots.
distractionmagazine.com Digital Editor_Gianna Milan Web Designer_Megan Page Assistant Digital Editors_Lesile Dominique, Alexa Hirt & Scarlett Diaz
Contributors Anjuli Sharpley, writer Camila Munera, writer Cassandra Couri, writer Emme Watkins, writer Grier Calagione, writer Kathleen Valent, writer Mallory Garber, writer Nailah Edmead, writer Rachelle Barrett, writer Abby Pak, designer Andrea Martinez, designer Corina Azpurua, designer Katrina Schmidt, designer Mariana Echeverri, designer Rachel Bergeron, designer Ally Gaddy, photographer Daniella Pinzon, photographer Maggie Coughlin, photographer
WE LIKE YOU
A teacup poodle because I’m high maintaenance and I have curly hair and too much energy.
When it comes to contributors, we’re not picky. Whether you’ve found your niche in a biology book, you’re notorious for doing “nothing” at the comm or business school or you’re halfway into your college career and still wave that “undeclared major” flag, we want to hear what you have to say. Distraction is an extracurricular/volunteer operation made for students, by students, and covers the full spectrum of student life here at The U. If you want to get involved or have any questions, comments or concerns email our editor-inchief, Olivia Ginsberg, at oag27@miami.edu.
BEHIND THE SCENES Prim & Proper
Bushwacked Dine Out
On the day of the shoot, we all met in the Distraction suite and started to trek across campus with our rickety clothing rack breaking apart every five steps. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a lot of the locations we planned to shoot at were closed, so we ended up begging to use the Law Library. Although we were tired, sweaty and had probably disturbed the three law students that were there, we ended up with beautiful pictures thanks to our co-photo director Teagan Polizzi. I’ve always known my coochie had star power. Threading the imitation blossoms through my underwear was tricky, albeit empowering. While the plastic foliage concealed my actual bush from peaking out, I could not hold the counterfeit flowers accountable for my natural fragrance. If only Olivia had informed me that homegrown pubes were unnecessary, my wax appointment wouldn’t have been scheduled for the day after the shoot. Alexis Masciarella, The Guide Editor
Avani Choudhary, Co-Art Director Over three weeks, I traveled to five restaurants around Miami with our managing editor Lauren Mokhtarzadeh to create a curated guide to outdoor dining. From an elevated, plant-based experience at PLANTA South Beach to the Mediterranean-inspired rooftop of Astra Wynwood, it was delicious and satisfying to photograph Miami’s restaurant culture! Sydney Burnett, Co-Photo Director
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THE GUIDE Welcome to your roadmap—whether it’s best-of’s or what-to-do’s, The Guide has you covered. So ditch the Yelp reviews and dive into the latest and greatest happenings around Miami.
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DISTRACTION
The Guide
YOUR GUIDE TO
words_kathryn ford. design_lauren maingot. photo_teagan polizzi.
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I
n their raw form, crystals are believed to harness and transfer energy that balance one’s mind, body and soul. They are also advertised for their healing powers and energy, according to a Stanford News article written by Alex Shashkevich. Spanning across cultures, religions and walks of life, crystals have been used as a tool to absorb, focus and direct energy for centuries. Early Greeks and Romans utilized crystal armor for protection and health. Mayans charged crystals to diagnose and treat illnesses. It is believed that the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids in a crystalline structure topped with a giant crystal to ground cosmic forces. All according to Katrina Raphaell, at least. Raphaell is a trailblazer in contemporary crystal use and author of “Crystal Enlightenment: The Transforming Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones.” The book is meant to be a guide for first-time crystal users—it outlines everything from crystal history to their myriad types and uses. In the book, Raphaell said that the most common forms of crystal usage include jewelry, gifts, personal stones, programming (a form of projecting your thoughts into crystals) and group healing meditations. Every crystal has its own purpose, so choosing one really depends on what the
While scientifically unproven, amethyst is thought to be a crystal of power. The violet-hued stone doubles as a meditation enhancer, a window to our third eye and may even be used to combat addiction.
MIAMI Five Si s ter s
8
user is looking for. “If a crystal is yours, then it will speak to you. The stone may get hot in your hand, it can send tingles into your arm or you might feel a third-eye buzz,” said Colleen McCann, a certified shamanic energy medicine practitioner in an article for Goop, Gwenyth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand. “Trust your intuition when a stone is yours. If it doesn’t feel quite right, then go with your gut—it’s not meant for you.” Although there is no verifiable medical or scientific evidence behind their transformative powers, crystal users like University of Miami senior Camila Munera claim that just being in the presence of crystals is enough to feel their energies and healing powers. “I feel closer to nature through it,” said Munera, who has a large collection of crystals that she said she uses for meditation, anxiety relief and jewelry. Munera said that she is naturally gravitated toward aquamarine, her birthstone, for its “intuition and communication properties.” For her, the crystals can be very therapeutic. “Almost all of them help deal with stress and harvest good energy,” she said, “something every college student could surely use help with.” Many individuals swear by their powers, so keep and open mind and see what crystals can offer your mind, body and soul.
STORES Th e Golden Tr ian gle
The Harmony Store
Celes tial Treas ure s
8805 SW 132 St Miami, FL 33176
2308 Galiano St Coral Gables, FL 33134
7572 SW 117th Ave Miami, FL 33183
3444 Main Hwy Unit 3 Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Five Sisters carries all types of metaphysical supplies as well as services such as spiritual readings and energy healing via phone and Zoom calls.
This boutique offers a variety of products including incense, oils, furniture, singing bowls and jewelry intended for peace, love, health and prosperity.
The Harmony Store is a small shop that carries a wide assortment of crystals, stones and beads to satisfy all your metaphysical needs.
Products found at Celestial Treasures include crystals, incense, candles, tarot cards and more that can help you along your spiritual journey.
DISTRACTION
The Guide
Selenite: provides clarity of the mind and helps expand one’s awareness of self. It is a calming stone that instils deep peace and is excellent for meditation or spiritual work.
Opal: intensifies emotions and releases inhibitions. It may also act as an emotional stabilizer. Wearing opal is said to bring about loyalty and faithfulness.
Amethyst: a stone of
spiritual protection and purification. It can cleanse one’s energy field of negative influences act as a barrier against lower energies, psychic attack, geopathic stress and unhealthy environments.
Citrine: helps strengthen selfesteem and provides a positive, vibrant flow of energy in and around one’s body.
Malachite: an important
protection stone that absorbs negative energies and pollutants, picking them up from the atmosphere and from the body.
Clear Quartz: enhances psychic abilities, aids concentration and unlocks memories. Known to bring the body into balance.
Rose Quartz: a universal love stone that guides your heart chakra to open up to love—self love, romantic connections and family.
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guide to
Obtaining art doesn’t have to break the bank; buying from student creators is a great way to start your collection and support ‘Canes at the same time.
BUYING ART
The commas and zeros associated with buying art are enough to scare any aesthetes away from a purchase. However, social media has proven to be a perfect platform to find pieces from up-and-coming artists at reasonable prices. Here’s some guidance in narrowing the search for affordable art on the world wide web and some artists you can invest in. words_ nina phan. photo_sydney burnett & tatiana cardona. design_avani choudhary.
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WHERE DO I buying art may feel overwhelming at first, START? Although Carlos Gallostra, an art professor at University of Miami,
SUPPORT SMALL ARTISTS
Miami native Tatiana Cardona, creator of Female Alchemist, has utilized social media to create a following behind her fun, funky and femalecentric creations.
Jacqueline Dubois—Paintings @artofjqwellin
said to start by identifying what you love most. “Discover for yourself what makes art aesthetically compelling, pleasurable, appreciated with time and, in short, great,” said Gallostra. Exploring online art galleries, according to Gallostra, can also further expose you to emerging artists and help develop your taste. After establishing your budget and style preference, read up on artists’ trajectories and where their work is coming from. Putting time and effort in the process develops a deeper trust and connection to art. “Choosing art is a very personal experience—everyone has different styles and making a decision of buying art requires research and passion,” said Gio Henao, a representative for Bekanze, an expressive art gallery in Coconut Grove.
WHAT MAKES ART VALUABLE IN THE FIRST PLACE? Some may wonder why certain art is considered priceless while others of similar style are significantly less expensive. “One important thing to remember is that what makes art valuable isn’t only linked to the artist quality, but may sometimes be related to its past origins and historical significance,” said Henao. However, the price of a piece ultimately comes down to the negotiations set by the buyer. “The real value of art comes from the love and passion someone feels and is willing to invest in a piece of art,” said Henao. Buying art can be negotiable. Don’t be afraid to come to an agreement with the seller on a price that measures both your value for a piece and the seller’s value of their work. “Take the time to review an artist’s track record and general range of price estimates,” said Gallostra.
FROM SMALL ARTISTS THEMSELVES
You might not get that Insta-perfect pic at Art Basel this year (thanks, COVID!) but there’s still plenty of amazing virtual and in-person galleries to explore.
Emerging artists have found impressive success through social media, as is the case with Tatiana Cardona. Cardona is a Miami-based artist behind the ceramics brand Female Alchemy, which has racked up over 355,000 followers on TikTok. She describes her pieces as “lively, empowering, functional and meant to brighten up any space.” Cardona found that sharing product photography on social media has allowed her to continue gaining success. Besides finding clients for commissions and growing her business, Cardona’s creative network has grown internationally with Instagram and TikTok, giving her opportunities to meet people from all over the world. Jacqueline Dubois, a UM senior majoring in creative advertising, has also turned to social media to connect with other artists, buyers and friends. Dubois said when she first introduced her paintings on social media, she didn’t intend to develop an art business. “I got a few direct messages from people interested in purchasing. I just about died. And the rest is history,” Dubois said. “I never felt like I could be a ‘real’ artist.”
Emerging artists—especially students—are just as deserving of support as seasoned collectors. Gallostra encourages people to think of it as “an opportunity to become part of their support system—part of their human experience.” Here are a few you can check out on Instagram.
Tatiana Cardona—Ceramics @female.alchemy Manuela Escobar—Pop Art @me.artmiami Loginowski—Pop Art @loginowski_art Cj Priester—Paintings @priestterr Kit Agar—Prints @kitagar
DISCOVER YOUR STYLE IN-PERSON OR ONLINE If you’re feeling creative and want to get out of the house, check out these galleries that are just a short drive from campus. Bekanze 3094 Fuller St #13, Miami, FL 33133 Art Fusion Galleries 2085 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127 Flowerbox Projects 5708 NE 4th Ave, Miami, FL 33137 Virtual galleries are an innovative way to safely find inspiration and excitement in buying art. Return on Art—online art gallery www.returnonart.com Artsy—online art gallery www.tsy.net Saatchi Art—online art gallery www.saatchiart.com
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DINE IN OUT
Between reduced capacity policies and curfews, outdoor dining may be one of the only aspects of normalcy we have remaining in 2020. It’s a safe way to get out of the house, reconnect with friends and indulge our taste buds. Thanks to Miami’s year-round heat, we can enjoy these beautiful restaurants during any season. words_ & design_lauren mokhtarzadeh. photo_sydney burnett.
ASTRA
WYNWOOD 2121 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127 If you are looking for somewhere to be seen, Astra is the place to be. This Mediterranean restaurant is an international hotspot with a boujee ambiance and breathtaking views. From giant bottles of champagne to edgy artwork by Punk Me Tender to groups of welldressed individuals, Astra is here to host a good time. The rooftop bar offers large seating areas, lush greenery and a pink staircase perfect for snapping your next Instagram post. It’s a great place to end the week with drinks and take in a Miami sunset with a group of friends.
IRONSIDE PIZZA LITTLE HAITI
7580 NE 4th Ct, Miami, FL 33138 Tucked away in Little Haiti, Ironside Pizza provides seating in a rustic, outdoor courtyard as well as a charming indoor seating area. Its open-air outdoor dining is casual yet sophisticated, made up of wooden tables and other mismatched furniture. Known for their authentic pizza, their pies are made with Caputo flour from Napoli as well as ingredients from their garden, making for the most fresh and delicious pizzas in Miami. They allow you to BYOB, so bring a bottle of your favorite wine to enjoy with your cheesy delight. Hit up this off-thebeaten-path oasis to indulge in a night of Italian dining and great company.
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CASA FLORIDA LITTLE HAVANA
437 SW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33130 Perfect for Instagram and a bottomless brunch with friends, Casa Florida is truly a flashy Floridian’s paradise. It’s a tropical 80s-inspired playground complete with a converted GM 1965 bus, custom ping-pong table, mixology bar and DJ booth. While they do offer food, cocktails are the way to go. Think pink, flamingos, palm trees and Florida-themed cocktails like “Collins Ave” and “Alligator Alley.” Whether it’s the Florida-themed cocktails, vibrant prints or laid-back environment, Casa Florida offers a unique dining experience for all.
PLANTA
SOUTH BEACH 850 Commerce St, Miami Beach, FL 33139 PLANTA prides themselves in creating food that is both innovative and environmentally sustainable without the use of animal products. Its quaint outdoor patio is covered with greenery and candles for a sense of tranquility. You can easily hear what the people in your party are saying as you indulge in an upscale meal and maybe even sip on a fresh kombucha mojito. From ahi watermelon that constitutes as “spicy tuna” to truffle burgers, some might not even realize that all of the food is plant-based.
MANDOLIN AEGEAN BISTRO DESIGN DISTRICT
4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137 Just outside the busy center of Miami’s Design District stands a blue painted gate that leads to a gorgeous garden housing Mandolin Aegean Bistro. With falling trees, bright lights, long wooden tables and hints of nautical blue and white, the 1940s-converted bungalow offers an escape to the Greek Islands or perhaps the Turkish coast. Take a break from the vibrant and loud city of Miami and escape to a getaway accompanied by a glass of Mandolin’s refreshing cocktail karpouzi fresco made with watermelon, mint and Prosecco. The charming outdoor ambiance and marvelous food make for a perfect night out or even just an excuse to drink a glass of wine at 3 p.m.
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WHAT THE FORK Bursting with Boba and bagels, What the Fork keeps you on the up-and-up with the latest foodie trends in Miami. Ready your appetite and your wallet, because things are about to get spicy.
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BUBBLE TEA
Some people have coffee running through their veins and others have Bubble tea. The sweet beverage from Taiwan has made its mark in the United States. With an insane range of varieties and flavors, there is a combonation for just about anyone who craves these fruity and milky beverages. words_alexis masciarella. photo_tiana torkan. design_katrina schmidt.
Miu’s Tea, located about five minutes from the University of Miami’s campus in Coral Gables, is a popular and convenient choice for UM students. Anna Timmons gets her fix at least three times a week. “There’s this intense feeling of calm when I walk into Miu’s,” she said. “Maybe I’m addicted, but it brightens my day every time I go.” This particular spot is notably customizable from base to toppings. As a vegan, junior Caroline Whyte finds it difficult for most milk teas to meet her dietary preference. That’s why she goes to SpecialTEA Lounge & Café, located near Florida International University (FIU) in Miami. This spot flies under the radar of most University of Miami students, but offers an excellent study spot and diary alternatives such as coconut, almond and soymilk to top off your milk tea. Sophomore Damaris Rojas Lopez’s personal favorite bubble tea spot is located in Dadeland Station at Lan Pan-Asian Cafe. She said she usually gets the “taro” flavor. “I think it has the best tasting taro,” Lopez said, complimenting the slightly coconut-like flavor. Not only do bubble tea spots have their own cult following, but so do their flavors. Check out these yummy combinations you’re likely to find at your favorite bubble tea spot.
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TOP SIX BUBBLE TEA COMBINATIONS
01
CLASSIC MILK T EA Black tea is shaken with frothy milk, sugar, crushed ice and a few handfuls of marble-sized tapioca pearls. Tapioca comes from the starch of the cassava root. It gets rolled into balls, cooked and flavored with syrups and is most commonly known as “boba.” There are many versions of the drink with different milks and various teas, but this classic still satisfies the taste buds.
02
B ROW N S UG A R Brown sugar boba puts a unique spin on the classic boba drink. While bubble tea is made traditionally with simple syrup or white sugar, this beverage uses brown sugar that has been caramelized into a syrup.
03
TA RO MI L K TEA This flavor is known for its purple-tinged brown to nearly lilac color and coconut flavor. In typical taro boba, the taro root is not actually used—the flavor usually comes in a powder form.
04
FRUI T- FI L LED This might be the best option for someone who has never tried boba before, but wants to test the waters. Popular flavors include passion fruit, mango, kiwi, green apple and pineapple. If you want to be more courageous, you can try flavors like avocado, jackfruit and watermelon. They can come with boba pearls filled with fruit juice or other toppings like AIYU jelly, watermelon cubes and crunchy passionfruit seeds. This drink has a list of names. From bubble tea, boba, pearl tea, tapioca tea, pearl shake and more, it’s still the same adored gourmet bubbly concoction.
16 DISTRACTION What the Fork
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C H E E S E TEA
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I know what you’re thinking. Cheese tea?! This beverage is made by combining powdered cheese and salt with whipping cream and milk to form a foamy, tangy layer on the top of a cup of cold tea. The drink is popular in many parts of Asia and has gained a following in the U.S. as well. Cheese tea goes by other nicknames, such as “milk cap,” “cheese mouse” and “milk foam.”
MO U SSE B O BA T E A Macchiato boba is a bold flavor, especially popular among the more adventurous foodies out there. This two-layer drink contains different types of pure tea at the bottom, sweetened with sugar and topped with a whipped mousse. Mixing the two layers makes for a creamy, sweet and savory flavor combination.
HOW TO MAKE BUBBLE TEA AT HOME Yield: 4 drinks Prep Time: 2 hours Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
I NGREDI ENTS: • • • • •
3 tablespoons of loose-leaf black tea 4 cups of hot water 3/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca pearls Whole milk or milk alternative Simple syrup or sweetener alternative
I NSTRUCTI ONS:
1. Prepare tea by steeping leaves in boiled water until completely cooled. 2. Boil the four cups of water in a pot and add the tapioca pearls to cook them. 3. Stir the pearls and wait for them to float to the top of the pot. 4. Cook for another five minutes. 5. Test a pearl to see if it has reached the desired texture. Cook the pearls another two minutes, if soft. 6. Use a spoon to remove pearls from water. 7. Rinse pearls with water and transfer to a bowl to cool down. 8. Mix pearls with a few tablespoons of simple syrup or sweetner alternative. 9. Strain the tea into a pitcher. 10. Equally divide the cooked tapioca pearls into four glasses. 11. Add a few ice cubes to each glass and pour one cup of tea into each glass. 12. Add milk and simple syrup to each glass. Stir and add more milk or simple syrup to your preferred taste. Tip: For anyone looking for Asian ingredients, you can purchase many from Amazon. But if you don’t want to wait for delivery, PK Oriental Mart is a close alternative only a couple of miles from University of Miami’s campus and carries ingredients that are harder to find online.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but boba—while awesome on the taste buds—is not exactly nutritious. A 16-oz. serving of classic milk tea has 317.5 calories, says Healthline, so it’s best for “treat yo’ self ” occasions.
PK Oriental Mart 9501 SW 72nd St., Miami, FL 33173
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So divine, can’t decide? Go with the Avo Spesh, B.E.C. or Lido sandwich—UM students call this the holy trinity of El Bagel’s menu.
18 DISTRACTION What the Fork
Hangover cures, breakfast-on-the-go, a sick day solution—no matter what the occasion, bagels have got you covered. As any NJG (nice jewish girl) knows, a good bagel can turn a bad morning around in one bite. Enter El Bagel: Miami’s newest morning mood boost. words_scarlett diaz. photo_gianna sanchez. design_olivia ginsberg.
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sk almost any classmate where to get a good bagel in Miami and odds are they’ll have some strong opinions. Especially if they’re from the tri-state area. The general consensus for those students is probably nowhere—fly to the East Coast. But those people have clearly never visited El Bagel, the hipster bagel shop near Miami’s Design District that sells out daily before 11 a.m. “Bagels are a love language,” said Simon Caicedo, El Bagel’s general manager. El Bagel started as a pop-up shop after owner Matteson Koche, a self-described “bagel head,” got the idea to bring quality, authentic bagels to the city of Miami. Koche said he grew up eating bagels in Broward County, but as he got older, he realized Miami bagels just weren’t cutting it. After trying “real bagels with no bullshit, no preservatives” in Los Angeles, he realized Miami was missing out. What began as a delivery service out of Koche’s car turned into a food truck behind Boxelder Craft Beer Market in Wynwood. Word spread fast, according to Koche, and pretty soon there were massive lines for his bagels. “We were slammed every weekend and it got to the point where we were constantly looking for a new bakery, constantly maxing out production on that end,” he said. “We figured it was time to either move up or call it quits.” They signed a lease in February of 2019 and opened the Biscayne Boulevard shop on March 1, 2020. Then, the pandemic hit. The inside of the store was closed just 13 days after opening. El Bagel adapted by moving their orders online. To this day, they continue to sell out regularly and sometimes queue two-hour wait times. “It’s a weird fucking industry where everyone wants it at the same time,” Koche said. Their peak business hours tend to be Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
“It’s why you see all bagel shops have a line.” Each day of the weekend, El Bagel has over 200 orders. “It’s really fast paced! We run, run, run ‘till we’re done,” Koche said. So, what makes a good bagel? Many ‘Canes from the Northeast swear it has to do with the good old-fashioned New York water. Koche and Caicedo laughed that off. To them, a good bagel is one that’s “hand rolled, made in-house and doesn’t have anything in it.” Koche expressed that although other bagels contain different types of preservatives and conditioners, their bagels contain all-natural ingredients, are hand rolled and made fresh each morning. “They’re nice and soft,” Koche said. “They have a nice chew on them. They’re not going to just taste like white bread. Some people are like ‘What? It’s chewy?’ and I’m like, ‘That’s a bagel, man.’” According to Caicedo, “There hasn’t been a bagel culture in Miami. It’s rare to find a bagel shop where they put the emphasis on the bagel.” He said while other shops tend to offer a wide assortment of schmears, they remained focused on the bagel itself. That’s the El Bagel difference—and the fans keep coming back to enjoy the scrumptious bagels. “I think it’s a very nostalgic, soulful food for a lot of people,” Koche said. “It’s also a whimsical, fun thing to do with your friends. You go out partying and are trying to get your Saturday morning started or you’re on your way to work and you get a bagel because you know it’ll take care of you and it’s not going to cost $50.” Their quick blow up has set expectations for first-timers high. “Some people come in with fighting words, they’re like ‘this better be fucking good’ and we’re used to it,” said Koche. “Nine times out of ten they’re like ‘that was fucking amazing,’ but we come prepared with a thick skin.”
STUDENT REVIEWS When you’re deprived of a good old-fashioned bagel, your first trip to El Bagel might seem a little overwhelming with their sprawling menu. But have no fear, UM foodies are here to save the day! Justin Stevens Class of 2020 Rating Steven said he loves the Avo Spesh. “I may be basic and love avocado toast, but the Avo Spesh is too good! Add the sprouts and the roasted jalapeños and *chefs kiss*.”
Jenna Weiss Junior Rating Weiss said she opted for the Lido sandwhich. “It’s great because it’s spicy, which you usually don’t get with a cream cheese bagel,” she said.
Connor Shatz UM Med Student Rating Connor Shatz got the Lox Supreme. “It was incredible. The salmon was smoked perfectly, the capers and onions were strong in flavor but not overpowering and the cream cheese was soft.”
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Persian and French food may not be a culinary combination you’d expect to find at a Miami restaurant. But Fooq’s has raised the stakes for the rest of the Miami food scene and will show you just how delicious the pairing can be. words_lauren mokhtarzadeh. photo_fooq’s miami. design_cathelyna suherman.
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Fooq’s cuisine is a flavorful fusion that brings Foulquier’s Persian and French upbringing to life, like tahdig, a classic Perisan dish.
n 2015, an ode to both Iranian and French culture was born in a new restaurant: Fooq’s. Located a block from Miami’s infamous Club Space and E11EVEN, Fooq’s specializes in “Feel Good Food,” which includes great ingredients and a forward thinking wine program. The visionary behind Fooq’s is Miami-based David Foulquier, a two-time Michelin star and a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient from New York City, who has left his mark on Miami. Although he considers his upbringing to be “pretty French,” Persian culture definitely runs through his veins. There was a balance between French culture, where food and wine is important, and Persian culture, which puts an emphasis on hospitality and entertainment. “We were always the host family that would be cooking food and having people over,” he said. “All my grandmas and aunts would be hanging out, playing cards, drinking chai every night. It was a thing in my house.” This upbringing made Foulquier passionate about hosting and serving people along with special dishes and, as he likes to put it, “sharing my joie de vivre (joy of life) with other people.” Not only did Foulquier begin cooking for himself at a young age, but he also realized he wanted to cook for other people. “It’s very important in life that from as early as you can, you identify what it is you do well, what it is you enjoy doing and find the right balance of the two,” Foulquier said. He attended Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality, which put him on track for working and learning the ropes of hospitality at fine-dining restaurants. In
The interior setting of Fooq’s in Downtown Miami is warm and welcoming, adorned with wooden tables and striped cushioned benches.
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Enjoy a meal outside on Fooq’s beautifully decorated patio with special dishes like Kebab, Bucatini Amatriciana and Ghormeh Sabzi.
“People who are the most successful are really the people who just want it the most. There’s no secret—it’s hard work, constant committment to whatever is your greater good, and just make sure you stand by a certain set of values.” David Foulquier OWNER OF FOOQ’S
addition to his education and experience, Foulquier said he takes a lot of his inspiration from traveling. His parents instilled the importance of travel at a young age, and today he is always saving money to go on trips, dine at great restaurants and meet new people. Foulquier advises those who want to go into the food or hospitality industry to travel, try new things and keep an open mind. Opening up your own restaurant is “not rocket science,” he said, “people have done crazier things.” The goal behind Fooq’s is to give customers the experience that Foulquier grew up idolizing. He describes it as an “amalgamation of a lot of different things and places and people and dishes that I had along the way” and a “culmination of a long, strange trip.” As a self-described “burger slut,” Foulquier made sure to curate the perfect burger at his restaurant, among other favorites like the Bucatini Amatriciana and Kebab. He said that in general, many Persian restaurants do not represent the cuisine and culture well, so he has tried to do his best to emulate traditional dishes like Fooq’s Ghormeh Sabzi. But, he said, nothing compares to having Persian food at your Persian grandma’s home. He expressed that “[Fooq’s] for me was very from-the-heart” and is extremely thankful for all the support.
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Due to COVID-19, Fooq’s closed its doors in March 2020, but opened its arms to partnerships with other small independent businesses. Foulquier said he hopes that with all the bad COVID-19 has brought, he can do something good. “I’m lucky that I believe in the product, I believe in Miami and I believe in myself, so I think that this whole period will bring something great out of it,” he said. Fooq’s doors are back open for their new pasta and wine bar pop-up, Da Lida. It features traditional Italian dishes, an extensive wine collection and a laid-back environment. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m., with a rotating weekly menu using the freshest ingredients. Foulquier said he is looking forward to seeing Fooq’s expand. He was able to learn how to run a restaurant and build a team on a manageable scale, and now he’s ready to do more. His plans for the future include a Fooq’s 2.0 sometime in the next few years spread across Miami, New York City and Los Angeles. Foulquier wants people to remember Fooq’s as “a place where they felt extremely comfortable, safe and enjoyed a meal that was fairly priced, but that there was a lot of value.” There’s a reason Foulquier calls it “Feel Good Food”—“It’s just food that makes you feel an experience and makes you feel good all around,” Foulquier said.
Fooq’s menu has a juicy and delicious burger for the less adventurous foodie who still wants some feel good food.
www.distractionmagazine.com Distraction Magazine @Distractionmag @DistractionUM
LOUNGE. EAT. DRINK.
“UoM” Lounge at Il Giardino Crêperie Exclusive Offers to University of Miami Students, Friends & Family. Every Wednesday - Sunday from 7:00AM - 5:00PM at Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove Bring your ID. No reservations required.
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SPE IAL SECTION: ENVIRONMENT
The environment isn’t just a political talking point—it’s a major determinant of the quality of life on Earth. And now it’s in trouble. From toxic algae blooms in Biscayne Bay to dying coral reefs in Key Largo, Florida is home to ecological distress. We’re diving into the hottest environmental issues plaguing our back yard.
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OPENER TBD LOL
With our water ecosystems starting to look like a floating garbage dump from a vast increase in human waste, we decided to put people in a space where they face the consequences of their careless actions. photo_gianna sanchez. design_lauren maingot.
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According to the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency, paper is the largest component of municipal solid waste. It can take up to eight weeks to dissolve in the ocean.
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According to the World Wildlife Federation, about 100,000 marine mammals die every year as a result of plastic pollution.
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According to the Smithsonian Oceanic Institue, an estimated 12 billion metric tons of plastic are projected to accumulate globally by 2050.
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According to Conserve Energy Future, the average oil spill dumps more than 40 million gallons of oil into the ocean at one time.
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INVASIVE SPECIES
BUTTERFLY PEACOCK BASS
Burmese pythons. Lionfish. Brazilian peppertrees. You may have heard about the danger of these plants and animals, but what are these invasive species truly doing to our ecosystems and what does it mean? words_emme watkins. photo_charles gonzalez. design_keagan larkins.
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he National Wildlife Federation (NWF) defines invasive species as any living organism that is “not native to an ecosystem and causes harm” to “the environment, the economy, or even human health.” According to the NWF, these species characteristically “reproduce quickly and spread aggressively.” Throughout the planet, these species that get introduced to foreign lands often completely dominate the natives that once ruled these ecosystems. In South Florida alone, roughly 700,000 acres of land covered by native sawgrass and Muhly grass are now overtaken by swaths of Brazilian Peppers and Australian Paperbarks, two non-native tree species. Not only have the introduced species affected native plants and animals, but they have also affected human life by diminishing water quality and negatively impacting commercial fisheries. Based on research from Oxford University, approximately 25% of plant and animal groups are non-native and have been introduced in the past 300 years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration noted that these species can be imported
to foreign ecosystems through the ballast water of ships, premeditated or accidental release of aquaculture species, integrations of aquarium species and many other means. Non-native predators and herbivores can cause great ecological and monetary harm. “Their introduction disrupts delicate ecological balances and can have economic consequences when they impact commercially-important species,” said Maddie Kaufman, a research associate in the marine biology and ecology department at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric science at the University of Miami. According to biologist and ecologist Daniel Simberloff, economic loss in the United States due to invasive species averages billions of dollars per year. According to the Southeastern Naturalist Journal, Florida has witnessed over 2,600 non-native snake reports as of 2015. The most influential species in those was the Burmese Python, which threatens the region’s ecology and disrupts South Florida’s food chain. But the most prevalent of invasive species in South Florida can be
Saving animals is usually a good thing, but when it comes to invasive species, the less, the merrier. Invasive species don’t just harm our environment—some prey on the very species that are key to our local ecosystems and economy.
Some of the most destructive non-native species in Florida, according to Florida Today:
BURMESE PYTHON
1
Burmese Pythons
These reptiles are primarily found in the Everglades and prey on endangered birds and their eggs, frogs and native snakes. The species began as pets that were released into the wild when they grew too big for owners to take care of.
2
Lionfish
found just yards off the coast, where you may spend your beach days. The lionfish was first introduced to United States’ waters in the early 2000s, most likely by “aquarium releases,” according to a 2016 report in the Marine Ecology Progress Series. This carnivorous fish has led to a great decline in coral reef dwelling native fish and invertebrates. This is creating a deleterious effect on the foundational species of many important coral reef ecosystems. To mitigate the rule of lionfish, people can purchase them to eat from local markets or even spearfish them for sport. If you decide to take on this more adventurous method, Kaufman suggests that you “learn how to properly handle the lionfish” because they have venomous spines. If spearfishing and lionfish aren’t your thing, you can still help combat these invasive species problems by implementing native plants in your outdoor spaces. Kaufman recommended visiting Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens. They give visitors free native plants to add to their home landscapes in order to attract native birds and insects.
The poisonous, spiny lionfish traveled into the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico all the way from its native home in the Pacific Ocean. They prey on smaller fish along coral reefs and seagrass beds, upsetting the balances of these ecosystems.
3
Iguanas
As one of the most prevalent species found throughout Florida, the iguana has continued to migrate northward. The reptile is known for damaging structures by burrowing and feeding on plants, snails and even bird eggs.
According to National Geographic, the Burmese Python has “beautifully patterned skin, rapid growth rate, and generally docile disposition.”
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Feral Hogs
Although not as commonly seen throughout the urban areas of South Florida, Feral Hogs were transported here by European settlers in the 16th century. The species’ destructive nature of rooting underground causes damage to native ecosystems while also posing a threat to humans.
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or farm workers that may have come to the United States illegally, possible deportation weighs heavily on their shoulders. For some, otherwise unable to provide for their families without the compensation promised by cheap farm labor in South Florida’s fruit farms, it is a risk they are willing to take. In 2018, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimated that roughly half of hired farmworkers do not have legal immigration status and earned an average of $13.96 per hour in 2019. With the low wages earned from bringing handpicked produce to our tables, farm workers can often hardly afford to feed themselves and their families. Farm owners often take advantage of this unfortunate reality by immersing workers in environments leaking with toxic pesticide fumes and lacking basic amenities such as restrooms. Despite the efforts made by legislation to protect farm worker rights with labor laws such as The Fair Labor Standards Act and The National Labor Relations Act, a great majority of workers are still unable to make ends meet under atrocious conditions. These issues are “nothing new, this is an ongoing issue for farm workers made worse by the pandemic,” said Lucy Ortiz, a local activist and outreach manager at the Center for Abused Women and Children. Ortiz said she experienced years in the fields when she moved to the United States 55 years ago after marrying a migrant farmer. “Trucks would come by and spray for pesticides. They would send everyone out, then say ‘come back’ right after,” said Ortiz. “People would get very sick.”
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“You just walk into Whole Foods and grab whatever you want, you don’t really think about these issues.” Mia Clarke JUNIOR VOLUNTEER
The United States has since enforced measures such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (US EPA) 2015 Worker Protection Standard, which requires farms to educate workers on pesticide safety and minimize their exposure in order to protect worker’s rights. Yet, many still refer to farming practices as “modern day slavery” due to the exclusionary nature of labor laws that offer minimal protections workers. “Our organization hears stories every day of workers not having access to clean drinking water, shade, restrooms and exposure to pesticides because there are no regulations enforced,” said Silvia Perez of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a human-rights organization that protects rights in the workplace. In the wake of a pandemic, the Coronavirus has only made workers’ conditions worse with many suddenly being laid off and minimal protection from the virus. Farm workers have experienced “a sudden reduction in hours,” said Claudia Gonzalez, the Homestead organizer of the Farmworker Association
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of Florida (FWAF). Many farm owners are offering housing to employees, cramming workers together in tight quarters with “minimal privacy and space, causing many positive COVID cases,” Ortiz added. As farm owners take minimal measures to stop the spread, the safety of those responsible for the nation’s food supply are put at risk. Workers face great risks when they leave the farms as well, according to North Miami city clerk and immigration lawyer Vanessa Joseph. “There is the big issue of wage theft in the Homestead community,” said Joseph. Since most of the workers receive pay in cash, many encounter thieves who rob them as they depart on buses to go home. “It is a major issue, this group of people not getting paid, mistreated and abused,” Joseph said. Organizations like Florida’s Coalition of Immokalee Workers seek to protect worker rights by requiring major corporations such as Walmart and McDonald’s to participate in the Fair Food Program (FFP). This program forces farms who work with corporations to participate in mandatory workshops in which farmers learn about their rights, resources and what to do in instances of abuse. “If a worker comes forward for abuse, there will be consequences for the abuser because big food corporations committed to FFP will suspend purchases to farms that don’t comply,” Perez said. “Being in the position and working for food, you see from the ground up how much energy goes into harvesting,” said Mia Clarke, a junior at the University of Miami, who spent the beginning of the fall semester traveling to complete her volunteer service at two fruit farms in California. Learning about these issues and experiencing the efforts that go into cultivating crops inspired Clarke to purchase produce from small local farms. “You just walk into Whole Foods and grab whatever you want, you don’t really think about these issues,” said Clarke. You can support our local farms too; check out the Pinecrest or Coconut Grove farmers markets on Saturdays for fresh produce, eat at or grab takeout from a farm-to-table restaurant and shop at local grocers instead of chain supermarkets.
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FLORIDA’S FINEST ORANGE That iconic metal orange imprinted on Florida license plates highlights the fruit’s status as the state’s official fruit. The orange industry’s prosperity is evident in the neverending variety of orange juice found in every South Floridian grocery store.
TOMATO Drive through Homestead and you’ll find yourself in a maze of wooden posts encased with tomato plants. Floridian farms are responsible for distributing handpicked tomatoes to a slew of fast food companies nationwide.
CUCUMBER Cucumber plants dominate Florida farms with vines sprouting massive leaves, weaving extensively along posts. Cucumbers are one of the fastest growing vegetables and Florida ranks as one of the world’s top producers. Handpicked cucumbers serve as salad, spa and smoothie staples.
GRAPEFRUIT The longer these citruses remain on trees, the sweeter they grow. With varieties sporting interesting names like Ruby Red, Flame and Marsh, grapefruits thrive in our local agriculture industry.
AVOCADO The sweeter bigger and greener cousin of Haas Avacados, Florida’s Avacado’s are a staple in many Caribbean households.
COVID-19’S EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION
60%
words_emmalyse brownstein. design_corina azpurua.
GLOBAL CO2 EMISSIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ALMOST
DROP IN GLOBAL AIR TRAFFIC
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION
129* BILLION FACE MASKS Monthly global consumption and waste:
The coronavirus has affected every area of life, but what about the environment? Here are some benefits and drawbacks of the pandemic on the environment.
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BILLION GLOVES
1% 10
8%
LOWER THAN IN 2019
OF IMPROPER FACE MASK DISPOSAL
=
MILLION FACE MASKS WEIGHING 66,000 - 88,000 kg
WASTE
*If each global citizen adheres to an average of one disposable mask per day
WILDLIFE + HABITAT
Experts traced the pandemic’s origin to a Chinese market selling
WILD ANIMALS After the case outbreak in Wuhan, China, Chinese authorities implemented a ban on all farming and consumption of wild life.* *The ban is expected to become a law later this year.
Throughout 2020, the need for electricity will decrease by
5%
GLOBAL ENERGY DEMAND DECREASED BY
3.8%
ENERGY
(IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2020)
*Statistical Sources: IEA Global Energy Review, Science Magazine, Business Insider, ACS Publications, Forbes, UNGTAD
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EXPLORING THE
EVERGLADES Florida is home to the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States: The Everglades. But at this rate, this treasured World Heritage Site won’t last forever. Decades of development and abuse have mortally wounded this wetland, and it will cost billions to bring it back. But if we don’t, the consequences may be deadly. words_ kylea henseler. illustration & design_giselle spicer.
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The Great River of Grass The Everglades isn’t just a tourist destination—it’s a massive ecosystem that spans over two million acres, from Lake Okeechobee to the Keys. According to the National Wildlife Federation, the lake overflows during the rainy season and starts the movement of excess water down a shallow, sawgrass-dominated river that feeds into the Everglades National Park and, eventually, Florida Bay. Eve Samples, executive director of conservationist group Friends of the Everglades, said the expansive environment serves as home to thousands of species of birds, reptiles and mammals, “some of which are found nowhere else in the world.” One surprising example, she said, is not a bird or fish, but the Florida panther.
Water Everywhere? While the Everglades provide shelter to many animals, they are vital to one particular species of mammal: humans. In particular, Miamians. “The water supply for 8 million South Floridians depends on the Everglades,” Samples said. According to Kathleen Sullivan Sealey, a professor in University of Miami’s biology department, drinking water comes from an aquifer, which is “recharged” by the Everglades. Damage to the ecosystem, she continued, could be incredibly hazardous to human health. “Whatever happens to the Everglades affects everyone,” said Sealey. Cholera is just one ailment that can come from contaminated water.
A Fight For the Ages Samples said that right now the Everglades is facing threats from all directions—saltwater inundation from the South and a lack of freshwater flow from the North, to name a few. Saving the Everglades will be a tremendous fight, and Generation Z may not live to see the end of it. “It’s going to be something our grandchildren work on,” said Sealey. The destruction of the Everglades has taken decades, and the rebuilding will take at least as long. “To simplify,” Samples said, “It’s about how we handle water from Lake Okeechobee.” Sugar farms to the south of Okeechobee and manmade changes to river flows prevent fresh water from getting the to the Everglades, opening up the possibility for saltwater intrusion from the South. Additionally, an overflow of pollutants and nutrients combined with rising temperatures can contribute to increasing instances of toxic algae blooms. Scientists, scholars and policy makers know this, which is why the U.S. government has been fighting to save the Everglades for years, but not hard enough. The bipartisan Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan was signed in 2000—but the follow-up has fallen short, Samples explained. Creation of storm water treatment areas, land buybacks and more has already occurred to the tune of around $6 billion. But of the 68 different projects in the plan, she said, not one has been completed. The restoration will take at least another $7 billion in the next 10 years. “It’s a huge amount of money, but if we don’t do it, we lose even more,” said Samples.
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THE
RESCUING REEFS Imagine diving into the water off the South Florida coast. You glance at a school of minnows, spot a stingray and then look down to see a barren, gray and decaying ocean floor. The fact that this image could soon be reality is what inspires the mission of the Rescue a Reef program at the University of Miami. words_ grier calagione. photo_charles gonzalez. design_giselle spicer.
C
oral reefs are an essential part of underwater ecosystems—they protect coastlines from wave damage, provide habitats for underwater organisms and assist in carbon fixation. They are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “about 25% of all marine species are found in, on and around coral reefs.” But they’re in grave danger. Three coral species are listed as endangered on the Endangered Species Act, while 22 others are listed as threatened. The primary threats to coral reefs, according to the NOAA, are pollution, the effects of climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices. The most common results of
Coral reefs are home to an abundance of sea life, making their distruction a threat to an entire ecosystem.
these phenomena are what is known as coral bleaching. Coral reefs can become “stressed” when a change in water temperature or increased pollutant particles occur. This causes algae, an essential symbiotic organism for coral reefs, to leave the coral. Without the pigmentation, energy source and protective nature of the algae, corals are left fragile and susceptible to disease. The rising ocean temperatures also affect the health of coral species—as the water warms, its acidity levels
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increase. “Carbon dioxide is an acidic gas, so when it dissolves into the water, it lowers the pH,” said Chris Langdon, a marine biology professor at University of Miami. Acidification of the ocean makes it hard for coral to reproduce and more likely to die at a faster rate than it can grow. One of the worst diseases for a vulnerable coral to come into contact with is white band disease. It destroys coral tissues and creates a distinctive white band by melting away algae and exposing the coral’s underlying
skeleton. In the 1970s, it nearly wiped out the Staghorn and Elkhorn corals, two vital species in the Caribbean area. “Staghorn grows fast, and it creates 3D structures where tiny fish can hide. From an ecological standpoint and a habitat standpoint, the Staghorn coral is super important,” said Langdon. It is still unclear where this disease originated, but some experts believe human behavior is to blame. “It may be from sewage that got released into the water,” Langdon said. Focusing
Rescue a reef encourages the community to get involved in coral restoration by tabling, screening movies, offering community dives and partnering with UM’s own scuba club for special trips.
on Staghorn restoration in particular may be especially helpful in overall reef restoration. “If we replace it, it will produce a bigger change on the reefs in a shorter amount of time than boulder corals that grow extremely slowly,” Langdon said. “We are now taking actions to recover it. The numbers are still low, but increasing.” The University of Miami launched the Rescue a Reef program in 2015 with a purpose to propagate threatened coral species and help regrow the
dwindling population. According to their website, the organization has planted over 25,000 coral species since they began. “Rescue a Reef is our local effort,” Langdon said. “There are many throughout the Caribbean trying to do the same thing.” While Rescue A Reef does help raise and replant coral, they also focus on community outreach. By having people plant young coral from a nursery themselves, they’re educating community members about the importance of coral reefs
and the effect of their decline in underwater ecosystems. “Rescue a Reef is really the citizen science component of our lab, where we bring members of the public out on coral restoration trips to witness the problem hands-on, to be tangibly part of the solution and to learn from scientists in the process,” said Madeline Kaufman, a team member of Rescue a Reef. To re-propagate the Coral reef populations, Rescue a Reef typically uses a nail or cable tie to hold the corals in place. But
they’ve also been working on other ways to replant the coral. “There is pretty exciting stuff going on,” Kaufman said. “One of our master students has been experimenting with how to use cement to plant coral. It has gone really well and it’s way cheaper. You use piping bags, like to ice a cake, and fill them with cement to attach a coral to the reef. Then, it will grow onto the reef.” Those who can’t dive can still help their coral restoration effort. Rescue a Reef hosts many events on land to raise awareness of the endangered species they are trying to protect. “We do the trips, but we also reach out with tabling events and movie screenings,” said Kaufman. “We want the community to participate, but mostly we want them to learn about coral restoration.” People can also engage in individual actions such as wearing coral safe sunscreen, choosing seafood from sustainable fisheries and volunteering for costal protection organizations.
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THE
POLITICAL climate
Here’s something we can all agree on: there’s only one planet Earth. Every human being—no matter their culture, race, religion, or political beliefs—lives here. So how did we get to a point in American history where efforts to protect our planet for future generations insinuate a political agenda? words_emmalyse brownstein & mallory garber. illustration & design_giselle spicer.
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or many Americans, it is difficult to recall when science became linked to one side of the political spectrum. But today, we can’t deny that the two major political parties in the United States hold staunchly different views on what are scientific facts versus corporate agendas. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported in 2014 that there is a more than 95% probability that human activities over the past 50 years have warmed the planet. “In terms of the world around us right now, we see climate impacts happening just about everywhere we look,” said Katharine Mach, a lead author of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report and an associate professor at University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, higher average global temperatures have contributed to everything from ocean acidification, rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather
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patterns and human health. “The sad fact that climate change has become a political issue does us all a gross disservice,” said Larry Peterson, a professor in University of Miami’s department of marine geosciences. “Climate itself is apolitical. The changes occurring now are real and many are clearly linked to human activities. The current and future impacts of these changes will affect all of us regardless of party, nationality or belief system.” To have significant impact, many experts agree that change to things like carbon emission and waste management must be done on a large scale through governmentsupported regulation. “It will not suffice… simply to encourage people individually and voluntarily to build green and drive hybrid,” said environmental philosopher J. Baird Callicott in the book “Gaia in Turmoil: Climate Change, Biodepletion and Earth Ethics in an Age of Crisis.” “On the contrary, the only hope we have to temper global climate change is a collective sociocultural
“Climate itself is apolitical. The changes occurring now are real and many are clearly linked to human activities. The current and future impacts of these changes will affect all of us regardless of party, nationality or belief system.” Larry Peterson PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE GEOSCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
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response in the form of policy, regulation, treaty and law.” At its core, the nature of the Democratic Party is to favor more government regulation with a goal of protecting consumers, and in this case, their future. Republicans, on the other hand, value the idea that regulations hinder a free market economy, and therefore tend to back away from imposing on large corporations. The economic benefits of the natural gas and petroleum industries are undeniable—according to the American Petroleum Institute, 10.3 million jobs in the U.S. were supported by natural gas in 2015. But so are the long-term consequences—the International Energy Agency reported that oil and gas use made up 55% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere in 2017. Finding a balance to satisfy human society and ecological sustainability is the balancing act of a century. “It’s critical to recognize that our choices for reducing emission of heat trapping gases over the next five to 10 years are absolutely essential. If we plow ahead as we are, we may well set ourselves on a course for two to four times as much warming as has already occurred,” said Mach. “Limiting warming substantially will
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require ambitiously moving forward with those technologies that exist now that we know how to do, we just need to deploy it to scale.” In a 2016 Pew Research Center survey, 67% of U.S. adults said climate scientists should have a major role in enviromental policy decisions. But according to the same data, 71% of liberal Democrats said an international agreement to limit carbon emissions can make a big difference compared to 27% of conservative Republicans. The existence of an environmental crisis cannot be a topic of debate between any candidates or parties. That conversation is half a century old. The discussion now must be about how we can deal with it. “The kind of change we’ve seen in the planet over the last 100 years would normally take place over thousands of years. But even in terms of the planet, we cannot really look at the past for an effective guide for what’s going to happen in the future,” said George Gonzalez, a UM professor of political science specializing in U.S. environmental politics and policy. “We are in profound crisis. Everything we do here going forward has to be directed at saving civilization and saving humanity.”
RECYCLE SMARTER Overflowing green recycling bins filled with paper, plastic and other discarded materials line our campus sidewalks. Although some of the items in the bins will indeed be repurposed, a majority will still end up in landfills or oceans. This student-run business is tackling the issue. words_kylea henseler. illustration & design_giselle spicer.
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aking initiative to stop the endless pollution cycle, new student-run startup “Cycle” is revolutionizing the way students, faculty and guests recycle on campus. The company’s vision is to “reshape the way recyclables are disposed of in order to create a more sustainable future for our planet.” So, what does a sustainable future look like? Why is it necessary? The University of Miami currently practices single-stream recycling, which allows students to dispose of recyclable items in green bins. While perhaps convenient, single-stream recycling result in high levels of contamination. This occurs when soiled or non-recyclable items are mixed with true recyclables. Examples of contaminated items include used takeout trays, greasy pizza boxes and pretty much any container that still has food in it. Nonrecyclable plastic, such as bags or drinking cups, are also considered contaminated. To avoid contamination, the university must pay extra fees for those goods to find their way into the right recycling stream. Searching for a solution, UM junior Anwar Khan and the Cycle team worked with university officials to launch a new recycling system on campus. Students can now discard their recyclable plastics and aluminum in Cycle’s reverse vending machine—which is programmed to detect and discard contaminated material. The machine, located near the Herbert School of Business, is programmed to a free “Cycle” app that allows users to receive compensation in the form of “cycle points” for items they recycle. While the hardware-software pairing seems elaborate, utilizing its services is not. Once students download the free app, using the Cycle system is a simple three-step process: 1.Place recyclable item in the machine. 2.Use the app to scan a barcode that will pop up on the machine’s monitor. 3.Watch your Cycle Points add up in the app and donate them to a cause of your choice. Khan and his team have spent over two years fine tuning the system, and Cycle plans to deploy nine more machines across campus throughout the upcoming year. Eventually,
the Cycle model could replace traditional recycling programs on campus, operating as a subscription service paid for by the University to handle its recycling needs. Such a model could be scalable, having the potential to expand to other campuses and similar institutions for all those to interact with. In 2018, Cycle was just an idea that came to Khan as he threw away a plastic water bottle in the freshman dorms and thought to himself, “this isn’t great.” Khan was a member of the University of Miami’s TAMID program, which at the time was looking for a new start-up idea. He pitched his high-tech plan to the organization, which is a local chapter of a nationwide consulting group for college students that supports entrepreneurship and development of business skills. The idea took off, and Khan began building a team and travelling the country talking to investors and competing in business pitch competitions similar to “Shark Tank.” The Cycle team, which is now made up of eight University of Miami students, has achieved success in these competitions and garnered enough capital to turn their plan into reality. According to Khan, one highlight of his travels for Cycle was taking part in the Zero Waste East Summit in New Jersey, a new convention that focuses on bringing together businesspeople, NGOs, investors and climate and policy experts to further the discussion on sustainable business. His team won the University of Miami Business Plan Competition, the TAMID Tank Miami and Miami Founder’s Institute Competition. He credits his team’s professionalism for the success they’ve achieved thus far. While Khan is the CEO and founder of Cycle, the business also functions thanks to the efforts of CFO and co-founder Noah Barrows, Head of Strategy and co-founder Colin Hively, co-founder Conor Pohl, CTO Harrison Mount and VP of Marketing and Social Media Julie Young. Together, the team hopes their company will help the University to “utilize recycling to build a better future.” For Cycle, a huge part of this future involves giving back. To that end, “cycle points” students
earn through the app can’t simply be deposited at the moment, but will be converted into cash that is donated to charity. Although Cycle has its own charitable cause—the construction of a school in rural India—customers can select a charity to donate to with their “cycle points.” This project is personal for Khan, as a trip to his family’s village as a child inspired him to pledge some of his future earnings to improving education for his peers in India. He looks at the relationship between the causes of sustainability and scholarship as “turning recyclables into education.” Thus far, the University of Miami’s administration has been supportive of Cycle’s goal of turning recyclables into funding for education, or at the very least keeping them out of landfills. Khan’s business aims to solve a serious and well-documented issue here on campus. They’re working to usher in a new, innovative era of sustainability for the University of Miami.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS From butt workouts to pubic hair grooming, Health & Wellness enlightens you on everyday health hacks as well as social issues. Read more to explore issues on racial disparities in healthcare or about new innovations in disabled technology.
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H T L A HE S E R A C Systemic racism and inequality are at the forefront of a critical national discussion today, and when these issues intersect with health care, the stakes can be life and death. While there is still work to be done, issues of racial disparities in health care are beginning to be addressed in medical classrooms across Miami, including at University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. words_cassandra couri. illustration & design_ andrea martinez.
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first-year medical student at Howard University and a University of Miami class of 2020 graduate, Jabari-Ture G. Brooks said the United States refuses to truly provide equal care and access to people regardless of their cultural or socioeconomic background. According to him, African American communities are bombarded with more chronic diseases and health issues simply due to their lack of access to quality health care. “The COVID-19 outbreak makes this plainly clear. Now more than ever, we need an increase in diversity in the health sector. We also need a true commitment to providing equitable healthcare to all people and finding ways to understand the social and cultural influences on health,” Brooks said. A major problem in the health care system is a general lack of research on the effects of certain diseases and health risks in minority communities. Topics such as the effects of UV rays on melanated skin and how coronary heart disease impacts African Americans disproportionately in the United States, reflect studies whose findings are flawed in their range of application to the general population. Still, they continue to be taught to studetns in medical school courses. A Hispanic student at UM’s Miller School of Medicine, who asked to remain
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anonymous, pointed to the process of kidney dysfunction as an example. Kidney function tests include measuring the level of creatinine that the body produces and comparing it to the body mass typical of that person’s race. This is because African Americans are expected to have greater body mass than any other race, regardless of individual body masses, she explained, but this stereotype can have dangerous results. Although a white bodybuilder would likely have a greater body mass than a short Black person with a sedentary lifestyle, the latter would be held to a higher range of creatinine production to be considered healthy. Stigmas like these increase the risk of misdiagnosis and improper treatment for minorities. Implicit bias is a factor that can influence not only care in the moment, but the foundation of a doctor’s approach to medicine. Dr. Michael Touchton, a professor of political science and global health at the Miller School of Medicine, explained that he has witnessed minor incidents of implicit bias in his career, including some as fundamental as a course’s reference material. However, he said he believes these issues are beginning to be better addressed in the global health care community today. The anonymous Miller student agreed, saying Miller’s coursework addresses racial bias. “Miller does a great job of making us aware of racial disparities in different areas,” she explained. “We work on clinical skills and we also have discussions revolving around things that are wrong in our healthcare system.” She also discussed the impact lack of insurance has on one’s access to care, “Physicians,” she said, “have relinquished their power in terms of insurance, and insurance companies are run by business-minded people who do not have a healthcare provider’s point of view.”
A second-year medical student at Miller, Ibrahim Ali, said that the students at Miller have made a motion to include various races and ethnicities in lectures in an attempt to show how the same illness may physically present differently. “In fields such as dermatology, clinicians have been classically educated to identify pathologies in medical school using pictures of white males; these illnesses, however, have different presentations with people of African ancestry that can be missed on a physical examination,” he said. Ali said that this has prompted students at Miller “to make a concerted effort to include these different presentations in our standard education in order to better serve our communities when we practice medicine.” The anonymous Miller student also expressed enthusiasm for the various programs and services UM offers through its medical school. “One of the main reasons why I wanted to stay in Miami for medical school is because there is no end to the community outreach that UM does,” she said. “Even the location gives you such a diverse pool of people walking through your doors.” This diversity, she said, extends into the classroom as well. According to Miller’s website, the class of 2024 is 36.4% white, 29.2% Hispanic, 17.9% Asian and 16.5% Black. Florida International University’s (FIU) Herbert
Wertheim College of Medicine announced this year a new companion session to its secondyear curriculum titled, “Skin of Color.” The session, aligned with the college’s dermatology curriculum, is designed to help students “gain a fundamental understanding of racial and ethnic variations in clinical presentation and treatment of common skin and hair conditions.” Also available as a self-directed e-module, “Skin of Color” aims to reduce implicit bias in the health care of minority groups and increase awareness of disparities that have impacted themfor generations. As easy as it is to get swept up in the chaos of the current political climate, one area that we can take solace in is the quality of care our future physicians will provide us with. Increased awareness, class diversity and curriculums designed to combat implicit bias are molding a generation of caretakers prepared to serve their communities needs.
“The COVID-19 outbreak makes this plainly clear. Now more than ever, we need an increase in diversity in the health sector.” Jabari-Ture G. Brooks FIRST YEAR MEDICAL STUDENT AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY AND A UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATE
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Bush or Brazilian? It’s a question as old as time itself. From the early masters of “manscaping” to modern creams and waxing, humans have been removing hair down there for millennia. Believe it or not, the ancient art of pubic hair removal dates back thousands of years. words_kathleen valent. photo_daniella pinzon. design_olivia ginsberg.
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A Brief History of Pubes According to the Women’s Museum of California, pubic hair removal can be dated back as far as 3000 B.C., when the Egyptians used copper razors to remove unwanted hair. Ladies in sixth century ancient Rome would use tweezers, pumice stones and even creams to tame their hair down there. Hair regulates body temperature and protects the body from bacteria, so why remove it? According to “The History of Female Hair Removal,” an article from the Women’s Museum of California, the current era of hair removal may have been popularized by Charles Darwin’s 1871 book “Descent of Man.” It suggests that humans may be more sexually attracted to mates with less hair, making its removal a factor in the process of natural selection. Until the late 1900s, going bare was all the rage. In 1914, Harper’s Bazaar began publishing advertisements promoting hair removal products, sparking the hairless trend. Pubic hair removal was continuously encouraged by women’s fashion, men’s hair removal and the magazine industry, until the feminist movement of the 70s, which tied sexual liberation to freely grown body hair.
The Trim on Today In the early 2000s, waxing became increasingly popular after one infamous “Sex and the City” episode titled “Brazilian.” But today, women may be going back to the 70s mindset of letting it grow. This is largely attributed to the modern feminist movement, which emphasizes the importance of a woman’s choice, specifically women’s bodies. According to Professor Oueslati-Porter, senior lecturer and interim director of gender and sexuality studies at the University of Miami, women especially feel the need to adopt a certain “look.” She said, “Women
feel pressure to groom their pubic hair for more than just sexual partners; they are also pressured by our media culture, principally the pornography industry, to try to make their genital areas look like porn stars,” which is unattainable. One female freshman said that she “[feels] less feminine with pubic hair,” and unfortunately, this is a dilemma that many young women face. “Women are targets of advertisers who make a great deal of money off [their] insecurities,” said Oueslati-Porter. “Just take a walk in a local pharmacy, and you will notice virtually a whole aisle of products dedicated to getting women’s bodies hairless.”
‘Canes Culture According to a Distraction Instagram poll, nearly all students surveyed—34 out of 38 male-identifying students and 126 out of 130 female-identifying students—remove some or all of their pubic hair. Freshman Avery Tallman said he does both. “I prefer to have short hairs, so it’s not entirely bushy, but not completely smooth either,” he said. Sophomore Chris Nelson also said he likes to mix it up by shaving his legs but leaving some pubic hair up higher to avoid looking young. “Everyone grows pubic hair,” Tallman said. “It’s natural, so let’s not pretend it doesn’t exist.” When it comes to their sexual partner’s pubic region, students agreed that they don’t really care. “It’s just really not something that I give much importance to,” said freshman Aileen Flores. Tallman agreed. “Personally, I don’t have a preference for people I’m really into,” she said. “I’m alright with anything.” Whether it’s rocking the full bush or baring it all, it seems like anything goes and no one should feel obligated to conform.
PRUNING Waxing This method involves using hot wax to pull hair out. It lasts longer than other methods, but it’s also painful. Price: $12-$70
Laser Both the most expensive and longestlasting way to go, laser treatments target and destroy hair follicles over the course of multiple sessions. Price: $350-$900
Shaving Shaving is cheap, can be done at home and is virtually painless. However, you may need to do it a lot because hair can grow back quickly. Price: $5-$25
Depilatory Creams These creams contain chemicals that weaken the base of the hair. Although this method seems cheap and painless, many people have allergic reactions to the chemicals. Price: $5-$20
Males and females get to choose how they want to keep “down there” groomed, but society does have an effect on their decision.
While getting a Brazilian wax might be the most painful of hair removal options, you are guaranteed a hairless pubic area.
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BITTERSWEET DAYDREAMS
Imagine toggling between real life and a compelling virtual reality. For maladaptive day-dreamers, reality and fantasy is distorted, and a quick pinch simply won’t cut it. Zoning out isn’t just part of everyday life for these individuals—it’s an extraordinary disorder. words_ gianna milan. design_avani choudhary.
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D
aydreaming is a universal phenomenon that lets us “disconnect from thoughts, feelings, surroundings and perception of time,” said Joanne C. Ongsitco, a Miami-based trauma-informed psychotherapist. She continued to add that these dreams help us to briefly “escape” by “imagining or picturing scenarios when we’re experiencing significant stress, anxiety, depression or life challenges.” Dr. Amishi Jha, a neuroscientist and associate professor of psychology at the University of Miami, said that daydreaming can often be a constructive opportunity for reflection. “When it happens outside a task,” she explained, “[daydreaming] can be helpful.” Its benefits can include an uplifted mood and heightened creativity. But if the dreams become too persistent, she said, it can signal as a problem for individuals. Too much of anything is bad for you— or so the adage goes. Does this include intensive, indulgent over-daydreaming? Experts say yes. Dr. Eli Somer, professor emeritus of clinical psychology at the University of Haifa in Israel, was the first to address this psychiatric disorder termed maladaptive daydreaming (MD), which he explored in a 2002 paper for the Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. Initial patients, he discovered, were often survivors of childhood trauma who “developed the capacity to become absorbed in their minds to get away from the pains of their upbringings.” Somer and fellow scientists now co-direct Israel’s International Consortium for Maladaptive Daydreaming Research (ICMDR), dedicated to advancing awareness of the condition and collecting and publishing scholarly work to inform others. Maladaptive daydreams, Somer said in a YouTube video, are often so vivid that they include elaborate and fantastical storylines, often involving repetitive physical movement and exposure to evocative music. Somer further distinguished the contrast between immersive, or normal, and maladaptive daydreaming: “If [one’s
daydreaming] does not compromise reality [and is] not distressing,” he said, “then it’s not maladaptive—[it] is a gift to enjoy.” Immersive daydreaming, he continued, only becomes abnormal when it’s so enticing that patients prefer the daydreams over real life, often at the expense of their mental health— hence the adjective maladaptive. “Internal distraction” or mind-wandering, Jha explained in a 2017 TEDx talk, can harm attention spans like “external distractions” in the environment. Like alcohol and substance abuse, MD poses a threatening addictive quality. Excessive daydreamers uncontrollably crave reveries to the point that their emotional distress explodes and multiplies, damaging their productivity and interfering with their ability to function. Put simply, MD seriously harms one’s concentration and can disrupt their work, studies, social life and human interactions. Because it’s not officially deemed an illness according to the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Somer said in a YouTube video, MD is sometimes dismissed by doctors as a non-pathological habit or misdiagnosed as psychotic hallucinations. Psychologists have also correlated its symptoms with ADD, OCD, depression, dissociation and social anxiety. There’s currently no nailon-the-head cure for MD, but counseling for similar conditions may be applied to treat maladaptive daydreamers. “Utilizing grounding strategies can be a great start to bringing one’s self back into the current moment,” Ongsitco said. Somer suggested in a YouTube video avoiding triggering cues such as soothing music as well as being alone. These daydreamers are often struck with confusion, especially when—unconsciously— acting out their trances in public. And while this mental compulsion may sound fascinating on the surface, it’s no laughing matter for victims and their loved ones. Fortunately, this dreamy disorder is on its way to becoming normalized in academia thanks to the ICMDR, and victims may soon get the help they need and deserve.
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Turn Your
Frustration Into Motivation
M
iki’s eyes peeled open to the iridescent whiteness surrounding him. Sterile walls. Blinding artificial lights. Bleached floors. The sight felt familiar now. He hated that. Sitting up in the hospital bed, Miki grasped for the torn bicycle inner tube he had tied to the metal bed frame at the beginning of his stay. He began his exercises. One, two, three. Other side. One, two, three. He could now lift both of his arms without any back spasms. Miki Erez grew up near a military base in a small village east of Tel Aviv, Israel. His father served in the Israel Defense Forces, fought in six wars and rose through the ranks to be a general. But tanks weren’t Miki’s thing—as a boy he built gliders and was a regular at the aviation club. He dreamt of soaring through the clouds. Six years into his service in the Israeli Air Force, the Yom Kippur War of 1973 left Erez with a life-changing spinal cord injury at the words & design_emmalyse brownstein. age of 24. To this day, he doesn’t speak of the photos_courtesy miki erez. helicopter accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Eight months and three surgeries after that day, he would be discharged to a rehabilitation center. On his first visit home from the hospital, reminders of his limitations hid around every corner. Just walking up the stairs to his front door was an ordeal. The spices on his top shelf were out of reach. The narrow hallways were nearly impassable. Over the months in the hospital, Erez had a lot of time to feel sorry for himself. But he decided to focus on what he could do rather than what he couldn’t. Exercise became his outlet. “I began to understand that if I don’t do it, nobody else will do it for me,” Erez said. “Every single muscle that I could take advantage of and could support me, I start to work out.” Despite being unable to stand up or walk Miki Erez without leg braces and crutches, Miki refused to use a wheelchair. “I was sort of walking using his machine, on my ego,” he said. While in rehab, he spent Wheelchair most of his time at the only place he could Fitness shed his hardware. Every day, belly down on Solution, a wheeled stretcher, he maneuvered himself that he spent down street pavement and over sidewalk 20 years cracks to the center’s swimming pool. On designing especially for the ground, he moved inches in minutes. But the disabled in the water, he went miles. “It was the only community. place I could be free,” Miki said. “I didn’t
He swam the length of the Mediterranean Sea for sports, earned a sixthdegree black belt, opened a martial arts school in his first years in the United States, crafted and taught life-or-death Israeli combat fighting, dribbled his way to a national basketball championship and spent 20 years designing a custom exercise machine system. Miki Erez did it all even after most of his lower body was paralyzed.
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need any equipment to move around.” Miki didn’t give up his newfound freedom when he finished his physical therapy. He went on to out-lap competitors in Lake Tiberias, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean at the Israeli Veteran Disabled Games. Miki was mostly numb from the waist down, but he wouldn’t accept that his disability was completely unchangeable. To challenge his standing balance, he tagged along with a friend to a place not many disabled people would dare go—a karate dojo. “I couldn’t stand, so I used to lean my back on the wall and do the punches and kicks,” Miki said. “I started training there relentlessly.” Each jab got faster and more precise. For the next six years, he fought his way to a third-degree black belt. Erez grew used to underestimation and pitiful looks. He ignored them. In 1979, he made Israel’s national full contact karate team and competed across the globe. In every match, he was the only disabled person on the mat. Still, things a fully-abled person doesn’t think twice about in their daily lives were obstacles for Erez. A staircase without an elevator. A sidewalk with a ledge. A cramped bathroom stall. “I didn’t like that people were schlepping me,” Erez said. “I wanted to become strong enough to sit on the stairs and push myself up with my arms.” He set out to bulk up his upper body to do just that. But Erez didn’t want another physical therapist, so he went to a typical gym by himself. On the weight floor, it was risky to maneuver around heavy machinery in crutches. So Miki crawled from one machine to another. When he made it to each bench, he tied himself down with his black karate belt. Erez had fallen in love with the South Florida landscape while traveling with the Israeli karate team, and in 1980, he left Israel behind to open up his own martial arts school in Hollywood. For 15 years, he grew the Kyokushin Karate Dojo in Hollywood, FL from the ground up and met his wife, Lissette, when she was a leading student in his classes. He taught American fighter pilots and military personnel the Israeli combat fighting techniques of Krav Maga. He earned his Ph.D
in Asian martial arts from the International Council of Higher Arts Education and Applied Science. But Erez wasn’t going to stop at swimming, martial arts and pumping iron. A meeting with a spinal injury support group in 2008 brought him to his next physical challenge: wheelchair basketball. When Miki arrived at his first Miami Heat Wheels practice with his crutches, he began to see wheelchairs in a new light. “Everybody was playing basketball, running here and running there with the wheelchair,” Erez said. “I was sitting there like an idiot. I couldn’t participate in anything.” The team managed to scrounge up an extra wheelchair with some dings and cracks. Miki jumped right in. And he never stopped. Using a wheelchair, Miki didn’t need to sit every few minutes to relieve his joints. Lisette didn’t have to slow her walking to match his pace. Nothing was “too far” anymore. The constraints of his pride began to loosen with each practice. “This is really when my brain switched from walking to sitting,” Miki said. “I saw the capabilities.” Miki has spent the last 12 years on the team. In 2015, he and his teammates won the National Wheelchair Basketball Association championship in Louisville, Kentucky. Lissette, who never misses a practice or game, thinks of the players as bionic people. “You see part man, part machine being one,” Lissette said. “It’s very strange. But these guys are amazing when you see them moving. It’s even beautiful.” Ever since he’d crawled on the floors of gyms years ago, Miki knew the disabled community needed a safe and independent way to stay fit. He decided to do something about it on the way home from a Tony Robbins motivational convention in 2000. As inspirational quotes from the day lingered in his mind, memories of his first days living with a disability overcame him. For Miki, taking control of his fitness had been the most important aspect of mental and physical rehabilitation. It meant he was strong enough to be completely independent and selfreliant. But over his years of physical training Miki found that gyms were never built for
disabled people, no matter what “accessible” labels they flaunted. Wheelchair users had to be able to safely take control of their own bodies without depending on rehab centers and physical therapists who had never been disabled. For this community, fitness is about more than physique—it’s a matter of life and death. According to Miki, it’s very easy to gain weight when you spend your life sitting. This, he said, can lead to other medical problems on top of one’s condition. “When a person has been sitting in a chair for many years, a lot of people think ‘oh poor thing, he wants to walk.’” Lissette said. “But it’s no longer a desire to walk. It’s a desire to be as strong and fit as you can while sitting.” When Miki and Lissette arrived at their Palmetto Bay home that night, Lissette retreated to their bedroom. But Miki silently slipped away to his office. Loose sketches and cryptic notes piled up across his desk. By sunrise, he’d rendered the first blueprints of what would turn into a 20-year project: the first-ever exercise machine system built especially for wheelchair users. He began to bring those drawings to life by piecing together a crude prototype in his own garage. The entire machine design was a compilation of Miki’s own training experiences. He crafted a harness inspired by those inside Air Force helicopters to secure the wheelchair user in place. He engineered a weighted pulley system for upper body resistance training. He incorporated a punching bag, familiar from his karate training. He added a handcycle (like a bike for your hands) to keep up his endurance for swimming. He hung a climbing rope to practice self-lifting out of the wheelchair. He spent years in trial and error, tweaking weights here, moving cables there. His basketball teammates, neurologist friends and even his own wife were the first to test the machine. After several more years of paperwork, planning, patenting and FDA approval, Miki finally set out to find a manufacturer. But not one in the United States would take on the challenge. “They told me it’s not that difficult to build it, but it has a lot of parts and is very complex. And I said, ‘So? When you build the washing machine, you do what? You build all the parts!’”
“I had a lot of time to think, a lot of time to feel sorry for myself and a lot of time to understand that if I’m not going to do it, no one else will do it for me,” said Erez.
After a three-year domestic search proved fruitless, he decided to look south of the border. Months later, Miki and Lissette voyaged to Mexico to see the first built machine in-person. Miki looked over every nut, bolt and screw of his now real-life masterpiece. He quickly pointed out flaws while Lissette, a native Miamian, translated his critiques in Spanish. With a lengthy list of adjustments and a deadline to make them, Miki vowed he’d be back. A year later, they returned and finally gave the green light to manufacture the machine. They call it: Wheelchair Fitness Solution. As of 2018, one machine now lives in clubX, a gym in Coral Gables, Florida. It’s the first of its kind to exist, let alone be available for public use. Miki and Lissette plan to start a non-profit organization dedicated to donating more machines to rehabilitation centers and organizations across the country. “You cannot say ‘I’m disabled, I can’t move, I’m too heavy, I’m too weak,’” said Miki. “This doesn’t help you. You have to turn your frustration into motivation.”
There are about 2.7 million wheelchair users in the U.S.
December 3rd marks International Day of Disabled Persons.
Instead of Handicappped say Disabled instead
Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information
Source: United Nations
Source: National Disability Authority
About 15% of our global population is afflicted with disabilities.
Source: United Nations
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r u o Y k r o W
F F O S AS
Baseball pants. Leggings. Those pastel chubbies that were all the rage in 2016. No matter who you are or who you’re into, almost everyone loves to look at a good firm butt. But beyond aesthetics, there are plenty of reasons to tone this bootylicious body part of yours. words_kylea henseler. photo_ nailah anderson. design_jess morgan.
Anatomy of an Ass
It’s safe to say the 2010s were the decade of derriere, and the big booty madness isn’t going anywhere. Whether you have access to a gym or just a few feet of space, you can master moving this muscle and reap long term health and aesthetic benefits. According to professor Anthony Musto, University of Miami’s director of fitness programs, the glutes are one of the most important body parts to work for overall health. From performing heavy lifts to walking up stairs, humans need to engage these muscles for a variety of functions—but modern day life may be getting in the way. “People nowadays spend a lot of time sitting or driving or hunched over our phones,” said Andres Prescol, an exercise physiologist studying for his masters in applied physiology. “As a result, the glutes are a commonly weak muscle.” A serious consequence of this problem, he said, is that having weak glutes could lead to bad posture, muscle imbalances and general pain, discomfort and compromised quality of life later on. Individuals may not even notice these chronic conditions until it’s too late.
Working Your Butt Off
With the help of a heavy weighted kettlebell, sturdy legs and a strong thrust, those glutes will be working to create that firm butt.
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While some people think of butt workouts as “girly,” Prescol said, “Real men don’t skip leg day.” Musto agreed adding, “The glutes are a major force-producing muscle. Anybody who’s interested in performance can’t overlook them.” And some men, according to Prescol, may be inclined to focus on their arms and chest—but this is a mistake. For Mert Okyay, a junior at University of Miami, working out the entire body has brought many benefits—and compliments. “I get told by so many girls that I have a nice butt,” he said. “It’s true,” his girlfriend added, “It’s nicer than mine!” On the other hand (or cheek), Olivia Carbonero, a certified trainer and sophomore
at University of Miami, said that for many female clients, building the booty is a top priority. According to her, lifting heavy weights within your ability is a great way to grow the glutes. Carbonero encourages newbies not to be intimidated by the gym, and said lifting heavy weights is one of the best ways to promote glute gains. Females especially shouldn’t worry about getting too bulky, Carbonero said. Resistance training, ironically, may be the path of least resistance to getting that beautiful butt. Weighted compound movements like the squat and deadlift, Musto said, provide a good “bang for your buck” and work all the leg muscles together. Barbell hip thrusts, Prescol said, are also a good move for targeting the glutes. “Glutes are my favorite workout ever,” said senior fitness blogger and pilates instructor Callie Jardine. “I do it mainly for aesthetic reasons, but it’s also super important to have strong glutes for overall health.” While no movement is a waste, Musto said, trendy booty band exercises may not be the most productive, as they rarely put enough stress on the muscle to encourage true gains. However, these exercises are accessible and may allow individuals to work on complex movement patterns that can’t be performed with heavy weight. When the pandemic hit and gyms closed, those who didn’t have dumbbells sitting at home had to adjust. For Okyay, learning bodyweight exercises like pistol squats allowed him to keep building his butt over quarantine. For Jardine, and many other individuals like her with injuries, those heavy weights aren’t ever an option. To compensate, reformer pilates and bodyweight exercises are her go-tos. Whether you’re training for health and longevity or physical performance, there’s no question that doing butt exercises will help you reach your goals. And there is no doubt you’ll look good while doing it.
HOW WELLNESS & RECREATION DOES COVID-19 Use this chart as a guide to find the right program for you!
MY GOAL IS TO... VIRTUAL
Improve my physical fitness
Reduce stress and have fun
Are you just getting started?
Do you want to get active with sports?
YES
YES
NO
YES
Do you want to learn a new skill? YES
YES
BOTH VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON OFFERINGS
NO
Do you want to connect with a team?
Do you want to assess your fitness level?
IN-PERSON
NO
NO
cpr or cooking class
NO
intramurals Are you looking to evaluate or improve your diet?
Do you want personal instruction?
Club sports
YES
Do you want a physical workout?
NO
open rec YES
NO
nutrition counseling
tennis classes champ
Do you want...
Do you prefer to work out in a physically distanced atmosphere?
OR
NO
NO
Do you want personal instruction?
group exercise group exercise
yoga
Do you prefer to work out in a physically distanced atmosphere? YES
YES
NO
meditation
outdoor adventures climbing wall
Improved Cardio Health
Increased Strength
YES
Basketball Racquetball Tennis
YES
Super Sculpt Guts & Butts Mat Pilates
personal training
NO
weight machines
H.I.I.T Dance Cardio Outdoor Spin
Do you want personal instruction? YES
personal training
Visit miami.edu/wellness for more information.
NO
Cardio machines
@umiamiwellness
FASHION Fashion serves up historical, cultural and societal insight into the significance of today’s trends. Enter a world of Dark Academia, where nerd-chic is a trend, or learn how to master the perfect soft glam look for a minimalistic yet captivating beat.
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This issue’s shoot embraces the aesthetic of Dark Academia. Complete with tweed suit jackets, creamy cashmere and luxurious wools, the style is rooted in literature and the pursuit of knowledge. Set in the University of Miami Law Library, vintage neutrals meet with the height of intelligence. photo_teagan polizzi. design_avani choudhary. styling_keagan larkins & erika pun.
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DARK SHADOWS Myles Griffith lazes about the law library in a burgundy cable knit sweater with a cream collared shirt poking out from underneath. Earthy brown slacks complete the look.
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LEARNED LOOKS Juan Lopez indulges his inner erudite in a cable knit sweater. Brittney Mensah embraces her studious environment in a tweed blazer and wool jumper.
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STUDIOUS STARES Myles Griffith and Brittney Mensah embody gothic inspiration in their outfits and stares. Dark Academia is all about self-discovery.
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EXISTENTIAL AGE Allegra Rosa is in a cream colored wool Zara knit, Houndstooth ankle length pants and nude leather loafers. Griffith and Rosa lounge against volumes of classic literature.
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BRAIDS DAYS
From tribal lineage to class status and individual style, braids have been a fundamental aspect of Black culture for centuries. But the care and keeping of these luscious locks is no small feat. words_nailah edmead. photo_nailah anderson. design_rachel bergeron.
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For much of the 20th century, natural Black hairsytyles were viewed as “dirty” or “unprofessional.” However, these same looks are seen as “trendy” on the heads of white celebrities, creating an alarming double standard.
T
he maintenance of Black hair is a rewarding yet sacrificial ritual in the lives of Black people. Black hair not only exists in the shape it grows, but it also has the ability to mold into some of the most complex of hairstyles. Box braids, characterized by their rectangular shape, are a staple style for many Black girls during the summer months. The prevalence of braids is not by accident—the hairstyle has roots that date back 5,000 years. In “Respect Our Roots: A Brief History Of Our Braids,” an article from essence.com, the discovery of stone paintings dated thousands of years ago, depict women with cornrows in North Africa. This reflects more than just a hairstyle choice. Braids were a symbol of status; the hours-long process could only be afforded by the wealthiest women. Along with status, braids signified tribal roots. Specific braiding patterns were often associated with certain clans. The artistry that braids reflected was soon taken away by the bondage of slavery. Enslaved Black women could no longer afford the luxury of time needed for intricate braiding patterns. Instead, braids became an aspect of survival. They were often simple and installed to last at least a week to decrease maintenance time. The Washington Post reported that braiding patterns served as simple maps and to relay messages. “To signal that they wanted to escape, women would braid a hairstyle called departes.” This transition from creative expression to a means of survival deepened the cultural significance of braids. After the emancipation of slaves in 1863, braids became a reminder of an enslaved past. They soon developed a reputation of being unkempt or dirty, so Black woman opted to chemically straighten their hair in attempts to assimilate in the face of racist beauty standards. This look maintained its dominance until as late as the 1960s. However,
shifts in pop culture and an overall heightened embracement of Black hair allowed for the repopularization of braiding styles. In the early 2000s, white women began appropriating various braiding styles. The style that was oppressed for centuries was now being worn and praised by its oppressors. As cultural appropriation becomes a more prevalent topic of discussion, the cultural significance of Black hair as a whole is more understood. Box braids remain a generational favorite all over, but especially in Miami. Tropical climates require extra care for Black hair because of the increased humidity levels which causes hair to become more dry and frizzy. The humidity in Miami creates an eager audience inquiring about how to adjust to our campus’ brutal humidity. Hairology, an organization on UM’s campus since January of 2018, aims to answer their questions. Jonathan Emmanuel, vice president of Hairology, described box braids as “classic” and said they are especially beneficial in protecting natural hair from weather and retaining length. “Depending on how you
install your braids, you’ll be hiding your hair away from the elements and keeping your hair in a stretched, detangled state,” he said. Reina Mitchom, a junior at UM, runs a braiding business through her Instagram account @hon3y.hair. From box braids to locs to sew-in styles, Mitchom’s first-hand experience as a hairstylist provides a glimpse into the proper treatment of Black hair, while understanding the rich culture behind it. Like Emmanuel, she said box braids have a lasting effect on our hair. “Braids allow the hair to be untouched for long periods of time, decreasing the amount of potential heat and manipulation of the hair,” she said. These braids also serve as a cultural keystone that binds generations together. Mitchom said box braids are a “heartwarming experience between myself, my mom and my grandmas when I was younger.” This experience is often communal to young Black girls striving to protect their hair. Box braids, although arguably the centerpiece of protective styling, is just the beginning of the options for styling Black hair. In just this one style resides a cultural impact that lasts generations.
Braiding is truly a labor of love, and for many Black children serves as a time of bonding with their mothers, grandmothers and family over a shared heritage and experience.
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Threads
From funky jewelry to tie-dye fashion and bedazzled loungewear, these University of Miami students are creating customized looks and combating fast fashion trends with their small businesses. words_keagan larkins. photo_ tiana torkan. design_jess morgan
Kendall Nelson expresses her electricpersonality with one of her most popular designs, Collective Classic yellow resin statement earrings in the shape of a lightning bolt.
KENNI’S COLLECTIVE Launched by University of Miami senior Kendall Nelson, Kenni’s Collective is a shop specializing in handmade resin jewelry and crafts. Nelson said she got the idea after having trouble finding earrings her style. So she decided she would make her own. For Nelson, who said she doesn’t have the skill to mold clay earrings yet, using resin was an easy starting point. “Resin is kind of like baking. You add whatever you want and you can just make whatever you want,” said Nelson. She began making earrings with basic molds to start learning the material such as flowers, leaves and geometric shapes. “I just had to make do with what I had,” Nelson said. Taking on a
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new hobby, she said, also helped her cope while in quarantine due to COVID-19. “I needed to make something I could hold in my hand because I was going to lose my mind.” Eventually, people began asking for custom orders. Nelson’s online shop opened at end of August 2020, and she’s already had over 50 orders placed. In the future, Nelson said she plans to have more than just resin designs. “I named it ‘collective’ because I want to try other mediums and sell other things,” Nelson said. But one thing she won’t be changing is the store’s vibe: “funky-fun jewelry.” You can shop Kenni’s Collective on Instagram @kenniscollective.
Sisters Raquel and Alexandra Cueto shine in their one-of-a-kind, vintage college sweatshirts covered with shimmering Swarovski crystal designs.
Marisa Menist stands out in her pastel tie-die sweatsuit featuring unique details like lace strings and patterned patches.
SWEATSUITED
CRYSTAL RAGS Started by sisters Raquel Cueto and Alexandra Cueto, Crystal Rags specializes in one-of-a-kind custom and vintage pieces. “We came across sweatshirts that had plastic crystals with vinyl designs, which work, but the quality wasn’t there,” said Raquel. “We were looking for high quality, one-of-a-kind pieces. That’s when my sister and I said: ‘We can do this, let’s reawaken one-of-a-kind vintage college sweatshirts with crystals.’” The sisters decided they would specialize in Swarovski crystals to elevate their brand and products. “Once we have the item, we go through our proprietary process, in which we clean, recondition and add our crystal design,” said Alexandra. The brand launched in December 2019 and now, according to the Cueto sisters, most of the items on their site sell out in a day. “We’ve been so lucky with the response we’re getting, and it’s only just the beginning,” said Raquel. But, the sisters said, their success does not come without difficulties. “We had a huge set back when our Instagram account was hacked and stolen from us,” said Alexandra. “The hackers reached out to our followers falsely stating they had purchased our Instagram. We were forced to start a new page and are currently rebuilding our social media presence.” You can find the brand on Instagram @crystal.rags.
SweatSuited is a shop specializing in handmade tie-dye apparel, started by two childhood friends, Marisa Menist, a junior at University of Miami, and Jordyn Siegel, a junior at the University of Buffalo. During quarantine, the two decided to hop on the growing tie-dye trend. “After many compliments and people asking where we got our clothing from, we decided to start selling it,” Menist said. “We never even thought of tie-dye until we saw various influencers and people posting it. We were both super bored quarantining and wanted to put a smile on people’s faces with our bright and fun designs.” According to Menist, the two look at social media and analyze trends to decide on the designs of their new products. “This summer a big trend was beaded bracelets, therefore, we incorporated beads on the strings of our hoodies,” she said. SweatSuited began designing their pieces for teens and adult women, but have recently added men’s clothing to their line, using darker colors to attract the male audience. SweatSuited has gone from selling via Instagram direct message to having their own website and space in 10 retail stores across the country. “We honestly did not expect to still be working while at school this semester,” Menist said. “But because business was so good, we had to keep going.” The two have been using Zoom to continue collaborating now that they are hundreds of miles apart. “The most important thing that we have learned from starting up SweatSuited is that there are a lot of different components to running and starting a business, and you really can’t take any short cuts around the little stuff,” Menist said. “Dealing with negative comments or a customer who complains, even making a sweatshirt that comes out horrible. It only makes you stronger in the end. I think just keeping our chins up and staying inspired is most important.” You can browse their latest collection on Instagram @Sweatsuited.
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SOF T GLAM 1. Prep your skin—always. At minimum, use a
cleanser and your favorite moisturizer. Having a skincare routine helps your makeup look better and gives you a healthy glow.
2. While some may find this step unnecessary,
using a primer as a base will extend the wear of your makeup tremendously. Soft glam is a natural look, but that doesn’t mean it can’t last all day.
3. Start with a small amount of glowy
foundation and build it up as needed. It’s always easier to add more on than to take it away. Use a foundation brush in swirling motions—and don’t forget to blend into neck!
4. Use concealer under the
eyes and over any blemishes that the foundation didn’t cover. For soft glam, use an exact shade match to your skin (not lighter) for this softer look.
5.
Loose powder. Pat this underneath your eyes to make sure that concealer stays in place all day. Don’t go overboard though—you don’t want too much powder to cancel out the glow.
6. Use cream bronzer
to contour in the shape of the number three, starting with the outer corners of the forehead, working your way under the cheekbones and under the jaw. Cream products produce a more dewy, natural look compared to a powder or pressed bronzer.
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7.
Apply cream blush to the apples of your cheeks with your fingertips, sweeping up the cheek bones to create a lifted, softer look.
8.
Fill in the ends of the eyebrows with your eyebrow pencil then blend the pigment into the hairs with a brow spoolie. As an optional step, use a gel brow product to finish it off.
Vibrant, avante-garde makeup looks are being replaced with soft glam—a makeup style known best for fluffy eyebrows, glowing skin and neutral tones. Soft glam is perfect for nearly any occasion, whether it be for work, school or a night out. words_abby podolsky. photo_teagan polizzi. design_ keagan larkins
9.
Stick with three neutral matte eyeshadow shades here. Begin with a color that matches your lid or is a shade lighter. Next, blend in a bronzy tone to define your crease. Finish with a charcoal color in the outer ‘V’ of the lid.
10.
Next, add a gold eyeshadow or take some highlight and add shimmer to the center of the lid with your finger. Sometimes fingers can be more precise in packing on intense colors to the lid. Use a larger crease brush to give dimension to the inner corner with a warm brown color. Smoke out the bottom lash line with two darker shades. Get as close to the lash line as possible.
11. Use a black eyeliner pencil or gel liner and smudge it out with a small eyeliner brush. Use a brown eyeliner for an even softer soft glam look.
12. No false lashes here. Apply
mascara with a wiggling motion to cover all the parts of the lashes.
13.
Use a dark nude lip pencil and lip cream to outline and smooth your lips. Find a color that is a little darker to define the shape of your lips. The must is lip cream. Something light and similar to your lip color will add a nice glow to your overall soft glam look.
14. Highlight. This final step may be
the most important one. Glowing skin is a huge aspect of this trend, and applying it on the brow bone and high points of your cheek bone will finish off the look.
Lillian Engelhard shows off the soft glam look with glowing skin and natural brows.
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MAIN EVENT Whether it be through current world events or changemakers, we’re tackling the hot topics and highlighting the unsung inspirators of our society. Take a deeper look at the world around you and indulge your curiosity in Main Event.
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If you’ve ever seen armrests installed across a street bench, you might have thought it was a convenient place to rest your arms. But to a homeless person looking for a decent night’s rest, it means they’ll likely have to resort to the concrete. words_ emmalyse brownstein. illustration_abby pak. design_mariana echeverri.
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H
ostile architecture, sometimes referred to as defensive or antihomeless design, is a term coined to describe objects of the built environment that have been manipulated to prevent certain behaviors. Armrests that section off a bench so that someone cannot lie down. Metal bolts on a concrete ledge to deter skateboarders from practicing trick moves. Spikes around a public fountain to prevent loitering or panhandling. When exactly this practice began to be implemented is unclear, but the idea of using certain aspects of the built environment to influence behavior originated with the defensible space theory. It was developed by architect Oscar Newman and formally published in his 1972 book “Defensible Space.” This concept influenced the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) design philosophy intended to create safer neighborhoods and prevent crime. But in some instances across the country, locals have protested that such practices are inhumanely targeting vulnerable communities. Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, director of the Master of Urban Design program in University Miami’s School of Architecture, said that public spaces should be welcoming to everyone. “The streets and squares of our city are the one place we can all meet, no matter where we’re from or how much money we have or what color we are,” she said. “So public spaces in a city are a very
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important place to not be hostile, but to be welcoming. But also to keep people safe.” Plater-Zyberk recognized that there is a fine line between what is considered preventative for safety reasons versus downright hostile. “There is that whole arena of protection. How do you make people safe in a building without giving some sense of defensiveness beyond what the needs of daily use are?” she said. “This is a very interesting topic now because of the social justice conversation going on. It’s really bringing attention to whether places are welcoming or not. Maybe not outright hostile, but sending a signal of some kind of unwelcome difference.” The groups most influenced by this practice tend to be those who use public spaces more than others—namely, the homeless. Jennifer Lamy, a third-year graduate student in UM’s architecture program, said the topic is rarely talked about in class, but is something she has explored on her own time. “I understand it might seem unsafe or you don’t want them here, but still, it’s one of those things. Where else would they go? If you’re not going be the one helping them find a way, then at least for now let them be there. Especially when it comes to nighttime.” According to a January 2020 census conducted by the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, the homeless population in Miami-Dade county is 3,560. Of those, 1,020 are considered “unsheltered.” Christopher Salomon, a
Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk DIRECTOR OF THE MASTER OF URBAN DESIGN PROGRAM AT UM
senior at UM, was homeless for about seven months in 2013. Salomon said he regularly slept on sidewalks, at plazas and bus stops while wandering through Miami Gardens, Hallandale and Aventura. He recalled one night when he came across a “spiked” bench near 199th street. “The ‘abstract’ concept of the design was basically spikes. But they had the spike in the middle and it jutted out. So I was like, ‘I can’t really stay there,’” said Salomon. “Having a jutted out spike didn’t really have any intended use besides being a divider.” Lamy, who is looking forward to a future career in architecture, said she feels such design strategies are more inhumane than practical. “The fact that you design a bench that’s split in three parts specifically to prevent a homeless person from sleeping there, that’s not okay. If you’re going to put a spike on a bench to prevent that too, that’s not okay. These are public spaces. Public means anybody should be able to use them,” said Lamy. But she said it can be a different story when it comes to private property. “In terms of someone’s private property, I would assume they’re trying to prevent anyone they don’t know from accessing their space, not just a particular group of people. When it becomes problematic is when you’re targeting a specific group of people.” Practices like hostile architecture speak to a larger problem outside of a designer’s jurisdiction, according to Plater-Zyberk. “A lot of the behavior in the public realm that
makes people uncomfortable is because we have an inadequate system of helping the homeless and people with mental health problems,” Plater-Zyberk said. Salomon agreed, saying that “it’s not, per say, on the developers or designers, but it’s more so on the homeless shelters.” When Salomon sought refuge in a homeless shelter while living on the streets, he said it was overwhelming and unhelpful. “They make it quite difficult to be there. You have to be there as soon as doors open. When the doors open, you sign up for a bed. Then you have to go out to apply for jobs or make money to pay for that bed, and if you don’t make it back in time before closing or don’t make money, you technically don’t come back in,” said Soloman. “So you’re back on the street and don’t know where to go.” While architects alone can’t solve the issue of homelessness, Plater-Zyberk said that targeted and blatant exclusion is not the way to go about preventing any behavior. “Any defensive action that’s taken because no one else is dealing with it really should be as temporary and subtle as possible.” She cited one way she has seen others make tactics less hostile. “There were teenagers hanging around being rowdy and making adult shoppers uncomfortable. So one of the shops would start playing classical music to make the teenagers uncomfortable,” she said. “That’s what I mean with discretion and subtlety. It’s not permanent. It’s responding to a temporary condition. It doesn’t overreact.”
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Across the nation pundits and social media users slam athletes for using their platform to speak out against racism, begging one simple question: Do they believe the lives of Black athletes matter only for their entertainment?
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From Colin Kaepernick to LeBron James, the place of athletes in politics and social justice movements has been a long-debated topic. But some student athletes at the University of Miami are using their voices to encourage change without hesitation. words_ rachelle barett. photo_ gianna sanchez. design_giselle spicer.
M
uch like the Los Angeles riots in 1992, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement of 2020 has brought much of the racial discrimination and disparities in the United States to light. But no matter how uncomfortable some people may feel about addressing Black people and the issues surrounding their community, the fight for equal rights isn’t going away any time soon. The question of whether this conversation should happen in the athletic space has been a debate in professional athletic associations like the NFL, NBA and MLB. But college athletes across the country, including those here at the University of Miami, have also taken a stance on the topic. The University of Miami football team has expressed their support of the BLM movement through several avenues, including gameday clothing choices and a handful of posts on social media. One post shared on the @canesfootball Instagram was of coach Manny Diaz in a shirt that said “Say Their Names” and captioned “Using our platform for a purpose.” This post had its comments turned off. In another, four players sported “Black Lives Matter” across their chests with the caption “We stand together, united against social injustice.” Although much of the post’s comment section was supportive, some of the responses were not positive. Aggressive explicatives and anti-BLM slurs from UM fans included: “Only wins matter,” “Sorry I don’t speak ebonics. Can you translate?” and “F*** that!! All lives matter!! Hope you tear an Achilles.”
Kameron McGusty, a guard on the men’s basketball team, participated in the ‘Canes Voting Rally at the Watsco Center on Sept. 17. The event was a march on behalf of the BLM movement to emphasize the importance of
voting in the 2020 presidential election. Players and coaches from the basketball, volleyball, swim and dive and track and field teams were in attendance. McGusty saw the rally as a way to unite the community and
show the UM student body that athletes are addressing issues related to racial injustices. “We care about this matter just as much as we care about our sports. Our students should care about it as much as we do,” McGusty said. “We want to have the same support from our school, our staff and for them to have the same passion. Especially since a majority of the sports teams are People of Color.” Some sports fans have expressed that the professional ‘Canes who care for ‘Canes care about Black lives. BIPOC athletes united with their non-BIPOC peers in support of the BLM movement.
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College and professional athletes have faced intense scrutiny for speaking up, but that hasn’t stopped UM’s student athletes and coaches from using their platform to call out racial inequalities.
sports world is no place for what they deem as personal opinions. As anchor Laura Ingraham put it in a 2018 Fox News segment about LeBron James and Kevin Durant, “Just shut up and dribble.” Or as the some followers of UM’s football team stated on the @canesfootball Instagram, “Just focus on winning the fucking games, we don’t need this forced down our throats just a damn W!” McGusty disagrees with such statements, but said he chooses to teach the haters rather than intimidate or threaten them. “Those comments hurt, it just goes to show the country we live in and the type of morals that’ve been built around our people,” McGusty said. “Me, I’m more of a controlled person, so I frown upon it. But that’s the reason why I educate, and I try to answer and explain to people my point of view. They might
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not feel me now, but hopefully they will down the road.” After facing blatant racism, ignorance, exploitation and discouraging words, McGusty said he feels it’s right to speak out about his struggles as a Black man in America. As LeBron James said, “We will definitely not shut up and dribble.” Brianna Jackson, a 19-yearold forward player on the women’s basketball team at UM, also attended the rally and participated in “Voices with Jawan Strader,” a segment on NBC 6 that focused on athletes and activism. Jackson described her experiences with hate and racism. “There were some pretty nasty comments about me,” Jackson said. She, being a stranger to most viewers on a segment about acceptance, tolerance and activism, said she has been ridiculed for reasons related to her race.
Jackson, in response to the UM football team’s Instagram posts, said that “when the football team came out with their pictures, ‘Canes were offended or they didn’t like it. They were talking about how they didn’t want to support the team anymore. They’re mad, but we’re Black.” McGusty agreed that fans should support players in the fight for equality. “All these fans spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to come to our games. I feel like if they’re real fans, and if they truly care about us as a person, they’d care about how unfairly we’ve been treated and how much it hurts our community to see our people being treated like that,” McGusty said. Fans expect football players, basketball players and other highly minority-populated sports players to stay quiet and not voice their opinions in the middle of a figurative race war.
This nation is incredibly divided, and the political battle comes second to the 48 million people who can face death or severe injury by simply wearing a hoodie or having a taillight out. The balance of importance of human rights is skewed, but for many young adults at UM, Black lives are their top priority. The entire UM community must confront the fact that this issue affects more than just POC. “It is important to show that the entire team is affected by racism, not just the minorities,” McGusty said. Standing against racism must be a joined fight. The “shut up and dance boy” mentality is extremely unprogressive. Our Black student athletes are people first and players second. Without their jerseys, they can easily become another victim of unjust police brutality. Student athletes lives matter. Black lives matter.
When the COVID-19 outbreak began, life changed drastically. Besides emotional and environmental changes, many people have experienced a shift in their professional lives as well. The transition from physically going into a workplace to staying at home and using Zoom poses the question: Are 9 to 5 office jobs ever coming back? words_camila mĂşnera. illustration & design_abby pak.
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A
rguably, the biggest benefit that has come from working remotely is flexibility. Major companies such as Indeed and Google no longer need an office filled with people to get the job done. Instead, they’re embracing and even extending their remote work options. Indeed announced that all 10,000 of their employees will remain remote until July 2021. According to Business Insider, the company also stated that it’s planning on making remote work a more permanent option on a case-by-case basis. In July, Google extended its workfrom-home policy until June 2021. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, said he released a survey to his employees, which came back with more than half wanting a hybrid schedule even after the pandemic is over. Many other companies such as American Express, Airbnb, Uber and Facebook are now extending their remote policies. University of Miami alumna Lauren Bruno is currently a freelance art director based in Los Angeles. For her, the biggest setback of working from home has been finding a balance between work and her social life. “When I was working from home with nothing to do during quarantine, I was always available,” she said. “I was
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working ridiculous hours all through the day and night. I finally got to the point where I realized I was going to get burnt out if I didn’t make me time.” Hayley Buchholz, another UM alumna who works as an art director at Good Kid, faced similar challenges. “It could be hard to separate work from down-time when they are both happening in the same place,” Buchholz said. Although this flexibility has given her time to workout and cook during her breaks, she said she has found it difficult to work and brainstorm with her colleagues over FaceTime. Both Bruno and Buchholz agree that even after COVID-19 is over, they prefer having a mix of both working remotely and from the office. “Not seeing my coworkers every day makes me upset,” said Bruno. "Human connection is lost a bit.” Buchholz said she’s in a similar position, noting that “sometimes it’s necessary to meet inperson and go to the office for important meetings.” By dividing her time in a more balanced way, Buchholz said she has found that her stress levels have decreased, and her overall happiness has increased. Although she says working from home will most likely not affect her career choices in the future, Buchholz thinks the advertising industry has been and will
continue to be very flexible and supportive of creative working environments—wherever they may be. Companies aren’t the only ones implementing remote work policies. Schools and universities have also adapted. Students are being encouraged to continue their studies off campus, which is helping students adjust to what may be the “new normal” even after 2020. Blake Atwell, a junior at UM majoring in broadcast journalism, completed a spring and summer internship with NBC remotely in 2020. “I went from field producing and working in the studio to being completely remote,” said Atwell. “NBC mailed me a laptop, and I got to work right away.” This shift gave him experience working in a professional remote environment. Although he has been able to adjust, he still longs for the day that he can go back to a traditional, in-person setting. “There’s just nothing like sitting alongside producers in a newsroom when breaking news happens,” Atwell said. “Nothing at home can replace field producing or shooting stand-ups for your reel.” With that being said, Atwell still believes there are significant advantages to working remotely, like networking. He said he has found it easier to schedule
times to connect with people because most of them have set schedules with specific meeting times, instead of unpredictable in-person schedules. Remote internships also provide an opportunity for those who would not be able to work at companies out of their home state otherwise. Esther Animalu, a junior at UM, said she would not have been able to take on her CNN news internship had it been in person because it is based in Washington D.C. “I like how convenient the remote digital experience is,” Animalu said. “I’m still able to hold Zoom discussions with reporters and other people in the field that I want to talk to.” Moving forward, Animalu doesn’t think the remote option will affect her career choices too much, but she does appreciate how accessible working remotely has been. In many people’s eyes, coronavirus has changed the dynamic of the workplace for the better. The change has allowed for more opportunities and less stress for working professionals and students, However, there are downsides. This new normal has come at the cost of human connection. As we continue through the tumultuous year that is 2020, our only hope is to continue to adapt and learn how to take advantage of the digital age.
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Francesco Bianchi reads a newspaper—a past time mostly unknown to people in Generation Z thanks to the rise of the internet.
family VALUES Whether it’s is no phones at the dinner table or no television after sunset, every family has a different set of rules. But family values also differ by generation—the climate your parents were raised in affects how you were brought up and therefore the person you become. words_ gabrielle lord. photo_maggie coughlin. design_giovanni aprigliano.
D
o you remember 9/11? For many, the answer to this question clearly defines whether someone is a millennial or Gen Z. But it’s not always that simple. On social media there has been a recent outcry by an entire subcategory of people who say they don’t feel connected to their assigned generation. This group of people grew up with Blockbuster visits and manual pencil sharpeners in the back of the classroom, but were also among the first to experience modern technology like iPod touches and apps like Facebook and Twitter during their childhoods. Not only did these children grow up in a transitional period, but so did their parents. The parents of today’s college students are typically Baby Boomers or in Generation X. Both of which have different values as a result of the life events they experienced. These generational differences affect parenting styles and, according to Very Well Family, have a huge impact on child development. The Baby Boomer generation includes those born from 1946 to 1964 and, according to West Midland Family Center, they hold the core values of working for what you want, anti-war sentiment and personal growth. They grew up with the “American Dream” mentality that anything was possible through hard work. Emma Chozick, a senior at University of Miami, was raised by two Baby Boomers. For Chozick, these values were highlighted in how she her parents raised her. She and her sister were mostly brought up by their mother, while her father was a busy business owner—a typical structure of Boomer-led families. Chozick said her mother was particular about how she dressed growing up, which has influenced how Chozick presents herself today. “I think if you’re confident in what you’re wearing it translates to how you carry yourself,” she said, “You will rarely see me in sweatpants to this day.” Among their many lessons, Chozick said her parents taught her “that you could be both kind and strong, it’s not one or the other,” she said. “I only recently realized how much value this had over me. Being kind doesn’t automatically mean you’re ‘weak’—that seems to
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be a big misconception. On the contrary, being strong doesn’t make you ‘mean.’ You can be both, and it’s really important that you are.” Many other students have had similar experiences in their upbringing. UM junior Elizabeth Cronin and Robert “Rob” Walek both have fathers in the Baby Boomer generation. However, their mothers were both born between 1965 and 1980, making them part of Generation X. Members of Generation X are characterized by valuing self-reliance, diversity and balance. Cronin said she experienced this balance of having parents from two different generations first hand when they would limit her screen time. “Both of my parents viewed television as a privilege and it was something that I would really only watch when the sun was out,” Cronin said. “I would never dare take my phone out at the dinner table, my dad would be enraged.” According to Cronin, this also carried over into her academic performance. Cronin said she would only go out if she got her schoolwork done first, a lesson which has carried through to today. “College can be so overwhelming between schoolwork and social life, but prioritizing school and then rewarding myself has been instilled in me from a young age,” Cronin said, “I like to believe I have a work hard, play hard mentality.” Walek said his parents also stressed the importance of balance and getting work done well and on time. “My parents were lowkey strict until I was like eight, and then they were pretty chill,” Walek said, “They just said ‘don’t fuck up, don’t procrastinate and don’t be an asshole.’ I think I’m doing a pretty good job.” Justin Ritzinger, an assistant professor of religious studies at UM, was born towards the end of Generation X and has two children ages four and 12. He shared that his parenting style is most influenced by his own parents. “I think most people don’t realize, but they slowly become their parents,” he said. While his mother turned to humor, his father imparted the importance of a strong work ethic and responsibility. “I tell them ‘do a little better than you think you should,’ whether it’s regarding work or how they treat others,” Ritzinger said. Although he is most strict with his daughters about making sure they get their work done, he also tries to monitor the type of media the girls consume. “I steer them away from Disney princesses because I find the lesson of waiting for a man to solve your problems appalling,” said Ritzinger. Instead, he introduced them to cartoon superhero movies at a young age and strives to teach his children how to be strong and independent. “While I don’t condone violence, I think it’s better for them to think it’s okay to punch someone then get a guy to do it for them,” said Ritzinger. With the rise of the internet, we are introduced to new information and ideas every second. According to a 2018 study from Pew Research Center, 29% of men ages 18 to 24 and 23% of women in the same age bracket say their political or social views changed in the past year due to social media. While parental values and beliefs are impressed on children from birth and attempted to be passed down, as we age, our own life experiences also shape the way we view the world and have an impact on our views as adults.
Kianna Dorsey channels 50s fashion, where today’s Baby Boomers learned the value of hardwork and perseverance.
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YOUR LAST DISTRACTION
GRADUATES
Entering the workforce right out of college is challenging enough—now add in a global pandemic. For the class of 2020, the leap into the “real world” proved to be especially challenging. This unexpected disruption caused many to pivot their original plan and pursue new opportunities. While their new chapter may not have been what they were expecting, these ‘Cane alumnus are shifting and adapting to the new normal of society. words_gabrielle lord. design_giselle spicer.
University of Miami class of 2020 graduate Dana Franco currently works at The Lip Bar in Detroit, but that wasn’t her original plan. “The companies I was interested in working for were on a hiring freeze around the time of graduation,” Franco said. “I wanted to take a job as soon as possible due to the uncertainty of when companies would be hiring again. That resulted in me taking my current job, which is outside where I planned to live.”
After graduation, public relations and theatre arts major Gabby Rosenbloom was set to pursue acting. Since the theatre industry shut down due to the pandemic, she was forced to pivot. “Everything went virtual, so a lot of people needed help with their PR and reformatting their business for an online presence,” she said. Rosenbloom is currently working as a freelance public relations manager.
Justin Stevens, a broadcast journalism and media management major, used the extra time during the spring and summer months to work on his website, reel and make connections that would help him once stations began hiring. “I ended up reaching out to ‘Cane alumnus on LinkedIn and had chats with around 20 to 30 of them,” Stevens said. “It was great talking to people in the industry who were also ‘Canes.” After applying to 50 jobs and not hearing anything from 49 of them, Stevens now has a job offer from CBS News.
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