By Clove Morgan The screen’s glare illuminated my face beneath my covers. Round cheeks from childhood and a metal-filled smile from my freshly tightened braces stared with glee at my iPhone 6. 5 Seconds of Summer had just released their second album, Sounds Good Feels Good. A crisis was brewing as to whether I should dress up as Hanna Marin from Pretty Little Liars or Calum Hood’s girlfriend for the second Halloween in a row. How could I choose between hypothetically dating Caleb Rivers or Calum Hood? It was a dilemma only my A-day schedule lunch table could help me decide. Fangirl culture has been embedded into my personality since the age of ten when I joined my very first fandom: Arianators (Ariana Grande fans, if you aren’t familiar). Growing up, I had always been serious about the media I consumed–throwing myself head first into an obsession with a show, artist, book series, or something of the like. I made it my whole personality. When I was ten years old, I was finally allowed to watch Victorious on Nickelodeon and became enamored with Grande’s character, Cat Valentine. I dressed like Cat for Halloween that year, coloring my hair with a red magic marker and perfecting the infamous Cat voice–a party trick I still do to this day. I have since gone through many phases, but the consistent response I have always gotten as a fangirl is the “crazy” stereotype. Of course, I don’t deny that going as hard as I did for my costumes is a little weird, but I would be labeled as a crazed fangirl for things far more tame. I remember buying a 5SOS shirt from Target, wearing it the next day to school, and the boys in my English class teasing me for liking boy bands. I started noticing it everywhere, even as I transitioned through fandoms. I was really into Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and Avatar the Last Airbender in eighth grade, earning me a fair share of teasing when I wore overt merchandise anywhere that wasn’t my own home (which wasn’t fangirl-friendly either; my dad had more than a couple running bits going that year). I started making my dedication to my fanbases more subtle. Throughout all high school, instead of wearing my bold-lettered T-shirts and sporting-themed stationery, I would wake up in the morning and ask myself, “What would Annabeth Chase wear?” The name would change over the years, but there was a constant character or celebrity I was adhering my style to. It’s a practice I still carry on today! It’s great when I’m not sure what to wear, and I need a decisive method so I can get out the door. Nevertheless, everything changed when the pandemic hit. Suddenly, online spaces were the only spaces, and that launched me into the use of social media to connect with people equally as immersed in the fandoms we shared. I joined stan Twitter, a subsection of Twitter reserved for fanbases, and revived my Tumblr account. I got sucked into the whirlpool of KPOP and still know entirely too much about the Korean music scene from 2018-2021. The coolest and possibly most intimidating thing about KPOP is the constant influx of content, it is genuinely impossible to run out. The online spaces fostered groups and cliques–it’s where I met a lot of my closest friends that I still keep in contact with. On one hand, it did a lot of good to me because I maintained some social skills during the height of quarantine and made those valuable relationships that have gotten me through difficult times. However, there is definitely such a thing as too much screen time. Fandoms are toxic when they become more fixated on the material than on the people behind their celebrity profile pictures. While I’ve had undeniably positive experiences, it skyrocketed my anxiety and distrust of people. I had to let go of stan Twitter because of what it had done to my psyche. Think of it as the cafeteria in Mean Girls. Each fandom has its own table, and if you try to crossover, then you get excommunicated from them both. It’s a complicated relationship on top of the already complex codependency on people that don’t know you personally. When I went off to college, I still maintained a lot of the online friendships I made in that time period. Some of them I met in person, and others I have yet to. When I rejoined the real world post-quarantine, I entered a relationship and reignited in-person friendships. I carried some of my fandom habits with me, like the aforementioned wardrobe choices, and I suppose I didn’t realize that way of thinking wasn’t normal for other people. I was accused of not knowing who I was and copying the personalities of fictional figures by people I cared about. Thus, the “crazy” stereotype was reborn under a new name: fake. The grotesque connotation of being a fangirl isn’t the images of us excited in the venue of a concert but rather the moral criticisms from those who misunderstand us. I was told I was fake, that I didn’t know who I was, and that I was constantly seeking purpose in media because I hated myself. All of which I believed until recent months because the ones filling my head with those ideas were people I thought cared for my wellbeing. Really, it was a matter of controlling my interest. The little girl that bought the Callum Hood jersey hoodie is no different than the twenty-year-old with an ambiguous tattoo in honor of her favorite book character. I wasn’t trying to be any character or celebrity’s ideal girl, I was embracing the parts of me that found something I loved. Fandom spaces and indulgence in media can be a great way to form a community and discover new ways of engaging with people. I don’t regret any of my experiences on social media or experimenting with showcasing my passion for content. Really, I am a fangirl–it’s a part of me that I adore because it connects me to something that brings me joy. Instead of rejecting it, feeling embarrassed, or ashamed of my love for television shows, music, and film, I have since learned to embrace it as each one is a piece of me and the woman I’ve grown into. So, when I drink coffee out of my Scarlet Witch mug, watch Gilmore Girls with my mom, blast Taylor Swift in the car, or wear something straight out of a Barbie movie–I’m doing it for me; that’s who I am.

By Clove Morgan We saw it with the ‘80s, the '90s, and the 2000s; we just can’t stay away from breathing life into long-dead trends. The last decade or so has been an ongoing pendulum swinging between iconic years in fashion. Every once in a while, the cycle of fashion trends turns out an older style with some degree of modern spin–but the gaps between these turnouts are getting shorter and shorter, and now we’re being sent back to 2010. Trend cycles tend to have short shelf lives. Of course, there are undeniable staples to the closet that we’ve picked up throughout the years, whether personal or universal. I need at least three pairs of Converse at all times, and one piece must be pink. I have abandoned some things, like black skinny jeans, too-deep side parts, and my affinity for ankle boots. There is nothing wrong with an ever-evolving style; that’s what is fun about fashion. That being said, you can’t deny the guidance of trends that introduce us to methods of styling, new or old. Looking at the past decade of trends, we can see how different influences of pop culture have had a direct effect on fashion. For example, when Stranger Things was initially released, we suddenly saw 80s pieces popping up in malls and online stores again. Post-Covid America reintroduced the mid-2000s with iconic television shows like Gossip Girl, Gilmore Girls, and a wide variety of reality TV made a reappearance on our screens. These trends come in the form of waves, a big swooping reoccurrence of fond nostalgia and inspiration for clothing companies to draw from. Even in the 2010s, we began taking bits from the 90s and implementing them back into everyday wear. Keep in mind this was the height of Tumblr, alternative pop, and boy band culture. Millennials were the central demographic for marketing in the fresh fashion world. There was plenty of hair dye, chokers, and flannels to go around–a strong indication of ‘90s grunge was the look of the 2010s. Looking back on it, Millennials driving the '90s comeback makes complete sense, given they were born and raised the first time the trends were being introduced. This leads one to think that the generation that ranges between their teens and twenties craves the familiarity of their younger years in fashion. We are seeing it now with Gen Z bringing back Y2K with an unashamed love of flare jeans, baby tees, and The Twilight Saga. There is a clear pattern of the majority demographic determining the next big fashion trend on the horizon. When quarantine came to a close, we were eager to get back out there and explore the new opportunities our closets may have to offer–not to mention a rise in second-hand fashion use. Now, we are reentering the 2010s. As I mentioned before, these waves are getting closer and closer together with a constant cycle of multi-decade influence making their rounds. On social media, you can discover an ocean of different styles and fashion subcultures. The seventies rock star, mermaid-core, coquette, and trad goth, just to name a few on my own FYP alone. Undoubtedly, the spectrum is only broadening as our unique voices and new platforms to express them become more abundant. But I have also seen some familiar favorites from the 2010s resurfacing again. First, let’s establish some of the major music influences of the time. One Direction, Lana Del Rey, Twenty-One Pilots, and Halsey, if you were an avid surfer of Tumblr. I was a big fan of Marina and The Diamonds myself, but to each their own. No matter what, you cannot deny the impact of the music industry on any decade's fashion. Lana Del Rey singlehandedly brought flower crowns into the spotlight. Vintage band t-shirts, often showcasing a Metallica or Guns & Roses visual on the front–we’re seeing this now with band merch and oversized t-shirts warranting the reuse of our previous purchases. From 2010-2019, we saw a rise in flannel demand and soft alternative silhouettes that required black tights, skater skirts and dresses, ripped jeans, and graphic tees. Online spaces were a major kickstarter to widespread trends as they reached more screens at an accelerated pace compared to the pre-technology era when it would take years for trends to travel from cultural hubs to rural areas. I have seen quite a few recent posts regarding nostalgia for the internet culture of the 2010s, including the rise in fandoms, music-based gatherings (like Coachella), YouTube, and even old app icons. Nostalgia and familiarity are the foundation of marketing for a lot of consumers, conscious or subconscious. We have a desire to stay fresh and new with the safety net of things we have seen before. I am an unashamed follower of trends, but am also proud to say I know my own style. Establishing your sense of self with your closet includes the things that shaped you growing up, so we are going to see the reoccurrence of the 2010s just as we did with the 70s, 80s, 90s, and most recently, Y2K. The waves are inevitable and even more reason to think sustainably when it comes to your purchases so that they last for the inevitable comeback in upcoming years. I’m just excited to finally pull out my plaid and tall socks with boots combo again.

By Winter Pearson I am a girl, and I enjoy playing various games, from a simple Minecraft session to speed racing in Grand Theft Auto. I can play video games for hours at a time. I love creating my own character and progressing the story by completing ridiculous tasks I would never be able to accomplish in reality. Yet I always downplay how much I actually enjoy video games when someone asks. I like playing video games, but why am I afraid to call myself a gamer? It's well known that the gaming community is viewed as predominantly male. A gender disparity is evident in many aspects of the gaming world, from the absence of female characters to the disproportionate amount of abuse and harassment directed at women playing video games. Although 52% of people playing video games in 2022 were male and 48% were female, according to J. Clement on Statista, women are less likely to self-identify as "gamers" than men. Only 9% of women surveyed said they considered themselves gamers. There are several reasons why women may be hesitant to identify as gamers. Personally, I find playing video games in an online environment intimidating because I feel outnumbered by the amount male players. For this reason, I don’t interact with other gamers and don’t call myself one. Additionally, women playing online video games are more likely to be harassed by other players than men. This harassment can take many forms, from sexualized comments and threats to being told to "get back in the kitchen." This kind of abuse often discourages women from playing games and drives them out of the gaming community altogether. Women are frequently judged more harshly than men regarding their gaming skills. This double standard can be frustrating and demotivating for female gamers. On more than one occasion, my boyfriend invited me to play one of my favorite games with him and his friends, who are all men. I told him no, not because I didn’t want to or thought his friends would be rude to me, but because I knew I would be the only woman at the party. I would feel uncomfortable and out of place. By playing video games with only other men, I would have to be good, but not too good, to fit in and ensure everyone had an enjoyable time. Criticism isn't the only thing holding women back from self-identifying as gamers. A lack of female representation in video games can also be off-putting for women. In many popular games, such as Grand Theft Auto and Assassin's Creed, the vast majority of playable characters are male. This lack of diversity can make it feel like gaming is a boys' club, where women are not invited. On top of the lack of representation, female characters are often oversexualized in video games and are seen wearing revealing clothes, and are excessively submissive as the damsel in distress. In contrast, male characters are rarely oversexualized and are more likely to be shown as tough and muscular. This sexualization of female characters sends the message that women in games are nothing more than objects for the male gaze, which is not an empowering message for female gamers. Additionally, video games have been stereotyped as a masculine activity, with a plethora of first-person shooter games such as Call Of Duty and Wolfenstein targeted at men. Competitive games are seen as more of a manly activity because men like to compete in video games, and women enjoy completing video games. For example, women favor strategy games, such as Sims, whereas men tend to favor shooting games, like Overwatch. I am often deterred from playing certain video games because I feel like the game wasn’t made for me. Even if I would like the game’s story, I know that I probably have too many X chromosomes to find it entertaining. It seems there is a strict line between games girls can play, and games boys can play. Despite the challenges, there are plenty of reasons why women should embrace the gaming identity. Gaming can be a great way to relax and unwind, and there are now more games than ever before that cater to all kinds of players. There are some signs of progress. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of popular games with female protagonists, such as Horizon Zero Dawn and Tomb Raider. There have also been some efforts to make game environments more welcoming for women, such as setting up dedicated servers for women-only players. In my experience, I have been encouraged by my peers to join their parties and spend more time gaming online with them. Hopefully, with time, the gaming community will become more inclusive and diverse, and more women will feel included and welcomed. Inspire a friend, share this story on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or through email.

By Summer Wrenn In a time where we likely spend most of our days staring at a screen, it’s easy to get stuck in the loop of computer work and endless mobile social media content. However, there are alternatives to these unhealthy habits that don’t involve a screen or blue light glasses. All you really need is a pen and paper. As a child, you might have had a journal that you hid to keep your parents or anyone from reading. Despite the setting of writing switching to predominantly typing online, the practice of journaling is alive and well today. It is actually a very healthy habit that includes some significant benefits, both in terms of wellness and practicality. Surely, you have some empty notebooks lying around that you don’t know what to fill the pages with. After learning about these benefits, hopefully, you will give journaling a second (or first!) try. Journaling Strengthens Your Memory Have you ever had a moment where you’ve tried to think back to a certain point in your life, but no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to grasp it fully? In a study conducted by the University of Tokyo, researchers found higher levels of brain activation in study participants that pursued creative writing in a physical journal versus online. Journaling strengthens the cognitive function to recall past events, even from reflecting on and documenting your day. Once you journal for a while, it’s also fun to look back and remember moments or periods of time and see exactly how you felt and thought then. Journaling Regulates Emotions & Provides Trauma Recovery Therapists can be expensive. Thankfully, journaling is a cheap way to process emotions. In a way, your notebook acts as a therapist. In a 2018 study, journaling was found to have been “associated with decreased mental distress and increased mental well-being.” In the same way that therapy helps process emotions and recover from trauma by speaking about it, journaling gives you the same benefits as writing about it. It allows you to get thoughts crowding your head out onto paper, where you can more recognizably process them. Additionally, research has proven that people who wrote about their feelings were able to control their emotions better than those who otherwise chose to write about a neutral experience. Journaling Increases Positivity The practice of writing down your negative thoughts allows you to clear them out of your head and create space for more optimistic thinking. Gratitude journaling, for instance, is a great method to recognize small or even big details in life that you otherwise might not have noticed and provide a sense of hope and positivity. Even writing out details about your day allows you to recall positive events or thoughts that you may carry with you. Journaling Helps To Plan Surely, you’ve had a busy week where you can’t remember what time this meeting is or what time that appointment is. Journaling details such as these can help you plan for the short term by allowing you to set your mind straight and your priorities by having your schedule fully written out. A study has even shown that research participants showed greater signs of sleep when writing a to-do list of tasks for the next day five minutes before bedtime. Even mapping out long-term goals can be a great way to set your mind on what you want to achieve. This allows you to realize actionable steps you can take to achieve these goals and track your progress along the way. Journaling Helps Reduce Risks of Depression & Anxiety Many studies have backed journaling’s effects on reducing depression and anxiety. One study found that journaling can be as effective as therapy in reducing symptoms of depression in teenagers. The act of expressive writing helps to clear thoughts in your head that cause the overwhelming and negative thoughts that lead to depression and anxiety. Studies in the classroom have even found that students who journal daily were better able to manage their stress and anxiety and improve their class participation. Journaling Strengthens Immune Functions Writing in a notebook may seem unlikely to cause physical health benefits, but it does! A study tracking participants’ health before and after taking on expressive writing showed an increase in liver, lung, and immune system functioning and reduced blood pressure. These signs correlate to significantly reduced stress levels from the ability to process emotions physically. Next time you find another empty notebook around your house, consider starting your own personal journal. You never know; journaling may be the missing piece to your daily routine that will cause you to feel more happy, fulfilled, and less stressed. Later on in life, you will be thankful to have something to look back and reminisce on.

By Clove Morgan I think it’s safe to say we have all gotten a little too personal on the internet before. Whether you have tweeted your inner monologue or posted the classic crying picture, public or private, we have all aired out our feelings in cyberspace. A common recommendation is to journal them instead. Turn off the screen, crack open a notebook, and start writing. It’s that easy. Until it’s not. People want to be heard or seen, and it’s natural to want to expose yourself online for validation. But what if you could maintain your privacy while still making use of digital spaces? When people go to the internet with their emotions charged, the instinct is to want validation. There is absolutely no shame in wanting others to confirm your feelings are warranted or extend a hand in the form of a DM to offer help. Though, there often comes a feeling of regret or even embarrassment soon after. What can you do to prevent this? Well, you don’t have to go out and buy a bullet journal and track your daily emotions. Some of us have different preferences; perhaps the internet is your forté over handwritten vent sessions. Well, the great thing about the internet is that it’s full of an infinite amount of outlets at your disposal. There are quite a few apps and websites for you to make use of without being explicitly public about feelings meant to be kept private. For starters, the obvious, having spam accounts–like finstas–for only your close friends to see your less-than-perfect moments is the most common. However, you may be trying to limit yourself from posting your personal life further; becoming independent and self-sufficient is a skill that can be cultivated through the right approach. Personally, my recommendation is to use an app for keeping typed pages. Create a burner Google account or use your Gmail to sign in to Docs and start typing away on newly-made documents. If you’re the more organized type, the website Notion is a fantastic way to find templates specifically for online journaling. You can find everything from bulleted lists, color-coded calendars, and tabs catering to how you categorize your entries if you so choose. Say you’re not a writer, though, and you still want to find some way to journal. Well, I’ll be the first to say that Pinterest can absolutely be used as a diary-vision-board-scrapbook. You can make boards and folders for every situation, feeling, and season–it’s all up to you. If you can’t find the words, no worries; someone else has got you covered, and all you have to do is hold down and save.a The internet doesn’t have to be an enemy, it can be your truest friend and most reliable confidante. It all comes down to how you approach it and your preferences. Don’t allow anyone to tell you how to process your emotions, but be open to finding methods of coping on your own. Only you are responsible for your feelings and how they are dealt with; pen and paper, Google Docs, Notion, and Pinterest are just a few of the many ways. Prioritize yourself and the independent emotional experience.

By Clove Morgan You’re sitting at your desk, the pen fresh from the pack is balanced between your thumb and fingers, and in front of you is a brand-new journal. The price sticker has been peeled off, and your name is written on the inside, making it your own. Now what? It’s too basic to write about your day, maybe you didn’t do anything you would deem notable. Feelings can be too big to articulate into written words for the first time, and your mind is blank when you try to think of the drama in your day-to-day life. So… how do you start? We’re so used to seeing videos and posts about journaling from supposed experts, the kind of people who have multi-colored pens, tape in an array of patterns, and inhumanly perfect handwriting. There is an unspoken pressure around journaling because what are you supposed to be writing about? When you haven’t done it before, it can be intimidating to open it and stain the first page with the ink of an unsure pen. Except, there aren’t any rules. There are a million different ways to journal, and it all comes down to how your own unique mind works. When I was first getting into journaling, I realized that I had started entries and fizzled out somewhere along the way. I left several journals abandoned with blank pages left behind. The first confrontation is motivation. Ask yourself how you can keep yourself motivated. Buy a color that matches your style, stickers to create a collage, your favorite brand of pens, or a nice bookmark to keep track of your pages. The next step is finding something to write. You open up the journal, and suddenly you can’t recall a single thought or feeling you’ve ever had. Once, I wrote my grocery list down in my journal next to a doodle of a heart with wings because I couldn’t think of anything. Since then, I’ve refined my approach and typically start with what I call “self-inventory”: a record of all of the basic traits and qualities that make you. Your name, age, pronouns, MBTI type, likes, and dislikes, consider the first page an introduction to a new friend. If you need some further guidance, you could always turn to the internet for specific prompts that spark interest. If you’re more visual, doodle and draw in the margins or take up full pages. Printing out pictures or gluing flat slips of paper is also a great way to preserve memories without always having to write them out. Remember my grocery list? I followed it up with my receipt pasted on the next page to see if I actually got everything I said I would. Journaling is meant to be a fun hobby, not something to shame yourself over if you can’t think of anything to say. There are truly no rules for an activity meant for your eyes only. It doesn’t need to be pristine or well-organized. Most of us don’t have perfect minds, so why should we expect it to look that way on paper? So crack open that new journal and treat it like a time capsule. Your future self will thank you for being authentically you–even if it's just a grocery list.

By Eliana Oliver One year ago, my gap year between high school and college came to a close. Because of this, I feel it is my duty to share all of the fun things I was able to do with you! I was the only person in my friend group who decided to take a gap year, so as I was entering the transitional period between high school and college, I had to come up with my own itinerary for how I was going to make the most of my time. If you know you are going to take a gap year, great! If you are still deciding, that’s okay too–take your time. Let this non-exhaustive list give you some inspiration on how to transform your gap year from a waste of time into an engaging and growth-filled life experience. 1. Take a New Hobby on a Test Drive There is almost nothing as stimulating as picking up a new hobby. Here are some to consider: gardening, knitting, crocheting, chess, sudoku, crossword puzzles, drawing, writing, Zumba, meditation, zentangling, yoga, sewing, video games, collecting, modeling, blogging, biking, singing, acting, and the list goes on and on. 2. Develop Healthy Habits for a Sound Mind and Body Now is the time to create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of, no excuses. Consider these: fix your sleep schedule, work out, learn to cook, eat foods that make you feel good, cut down on (or cut out) unhealthy habits, stretch, meditate, limit your screen time, clean up your social media, organize your room, put on sunscreen, etc. 3. Read Books Like You Never Have Before Is there a book on your shelf that you bought years ago and, yet never read? Is there a childhood book series that you want to revisit for the sake of nostalgia? Have your friends been telling you non-stop to read their favorite murder mystery? Have you always wanted to get into reading but have been too busy or stressed to start? Take time during your gap year to read a book from start to finish. Whether it’s 30 minutes a day or 5 minutes a week, reading is so good for you! You can listen to audiobooks. You can read at your favorite cafe. You can visit a local library. Please, for the love of stories, read! 4. Go on a Road Trip You would be surprised how much fun road trips can be. If you don’t drive, use your local public transportation. Some tips: Fill up your tank the day before. Bring a friend or a family member. Switch drivers occasionally. Blast some tunes. Play car games. It doesn’t need to be long because there is so much you can do in a day. Plan your stops ahead of time, but leave some time for spontaneity. Take the time to explore. 5. Get a Job and Start Saving Money Jobs are a great way to gain real-life experience as well as skills that will help you down the line. When looking for a job, you’re allowed to be picky. Do multiple interviews and look for a company that wants you just as much as you want them. Pro-tip: Work at a place you love, and they’ll usually give you an employee discount. For example, Starbucks employees get free drinks on their shifts as well as free coffee beans and generous discounts on food and drinks bought while not working. Once you secure your place in the workforce, take a part of each paycheck (even if it’s just $10) and put it into a savings account for future needs or adventures. 6. Reorganize and Redecorate Your Living Space Assuming you are planning to go back to some sort of school, work, or internship after your gap year, be conscious of taking the time to organize your belongings and declutter your space. Give thought to what you may keep, put into storage, sell, donate, or throw away. Redecorate your room so that it fits your current style. Walking into a space that feels like you will improve your mood and encourage your productivity. While you do this, listen to a new podcast, music, or audiobook. 7. Take Your Friend Hang-Outs to a Whole New Level If you aren’t able to meet with your friends because they’ve gone off to college, don’t fret! There are many-a-ways you can keep your friendship thriving through a virtual space. Screen-share with Zoom. Take quizzes and play cahoots together while on FaceTime. Use a free plugin called Teleparty to stream the same content together. Create a Minecraft server. Send each other vlogs through Snapchat. Whatever you do, don’t lose the friendships you value. Make sure to communicate and catch up with your friends monthly. Their schedules may change and become busier, but if you want to hear from them, there’s a good chance they want to hear from you too! 8. Start a Gap Year Journal Make a new note in your notes app, grab a post-it, or buy an actual journal–it doesn’t matter what you write on as long as you’re writing from the heart. Sometimes it’s hard to decipher our own thoughts, but writing them down makes them so much easier to comprehend and process. Here are some topics to get you started: gap year goals, self-care, mental health check-ins, book/movie/TV log, activity log, future plans. 9. Learn a New Skill–or Ten Thanks to the internet and social media, there are numerous free resources where you can learn a new skill. New skills open up even more career and school opportunities. You may even discover a new passion you want to pursue in the future. A few useful skills: cooking, marketing, SEO, photo editing, foreign language, coding. Once you’re proficient, don’t forget to add the skill to your resume! 10. Explore the City You Reside in It’s so easy to go along with life, walking the same paths each day. Don’t let that be you. Something as simple as turning down a different street can take you on a whole new adventure. However, while you think you know the city you’re living in, I guarantee you there is still much you can explore and uncover. Try local restaurants. Go to public parks and buildings. Take a scenic drive without your navigation turned on. Traverse local farmers markets and gatherings. If you can take away anything from this list, I hope you’re inspired to push yourself to try new things–whether they are on this list or not. If you grow as a person during your gap year, that makes it successful!

By Clove Morgan My first boss was a six-pound chihuahua named Princess. When I was sixteen, looking for my first job in a small town, I didn’t know where I should apply for jobs, let alone how to. My neighbor at the time was nice enough to let me dog-sit. She was constantly in and out of town with her family, and they needed someone to pop in to let the dogs out to pee, play, and, of course, eat their decadent doggy treats. I figured it was an easy gig, not one that required me to dedicate six hours of my life that I was already putting into my homework. Then again, looking after five dogs wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. I made some good money, enough to satiate my sixteen-year-old crippling shopping addiction. Honestly, it was the best option for me. When the pandemic hit my area, schools were closed, and stores followed suit. I maintained that allowance once every few weeks or months when needed. Plus, I was neck-deep in school work, and to protect my mental health during such a difficult time, I do believe that having a laid-back “job” was one of the things that kept me afloat. By the time the world started opening its doors again, I was headed off to college and in desperate need of a job to fund my staggering steps into adulthood. My first real job was the summer after my freshman year of college. I know it's a little late for most people, but the approach to applications is the same regardless of age when you’re first breaking into a job. What I first learned was how to create a resume. It’s a daunting task if you have never done it before, but I already had the practice from applying to colleges and other programs in the past. Some of us aren’t yet ready to draft a resume from scratch, so my first recommendation is to build off a template and go from there. Either through a quick Google search or using platforms like Google Docs and Microsoft Word, you can select a layout to get yourself started. There are quite a few things you can include in your resume, but you should start off with a swift introduction. Most templates have a section for your name, address, and phone number/email. All of that lets whoever is looking over your application know how to contact you and what to call you–as someone with a preferred name myself, don’t be afraid of adding it to your resume. It’s meant to be about you! You’ll want to add your experience. If you have had prior jobs of any kind, feel free to include them! Especially if it is part-time in retail or food service, you can mention the offhanded experiences you may have had. You can add babysitting or, being a part of a recreational program or member of a club. If your application requires references, don’t be afraid to tack on some family friends, teachers, or leaders–with their permission. Almost everyone includes a section for their school accomplishments, too. I’ve included my current year, academic clubs and honors classes, and even my GPA. This can often serve as evidence that you are dedicated and someone who is able to make a positive contribution to the workplace. By this point, if you don’t have much work-world experience, your resume may be looking a little barren. One of the ways I not only managed to fill space but also made my application stand out was by adding an objective or miniature bio to tell a potential boss more about myself. You can tell them your personal strengths such as organization, people-person, time efficiency, etc. These little 2-3 sentence descriptions of yourself will give them the information you would most like them to know going into the interview. Whether you are filling out an online or paper form, you will likely be asked the same questions. Why do you want to work here? What do you hope to gain from this experience? How do you plan to contribute to the workplace? All of these can vary depending on the person. However, if you blank on what to say, the best way to determine your response is by asking yourself what you would most like to hear if you were hiring. Would you like someone who is bubbly and outgoing or serious and diligent? Every job is different, and it is all about what you can foresee yourself bringing to the table with your fellow employees. If you manage to get to the next stage of interviews, congratulations! Remember to always go in with confidence in yourself and try not to stress. Often, the interviewer is equally as nervous as the interviewee. Keep it professional, respectful, and kind. If you didn’t hear back–which happens a lot more often than you think–don’t worry. There are plenty of other places for you to try, and the right one always comes around. Now go on and get applying; you are all the luck you need.

By Clove Morgan I have always been the kind of person who hated advice. As a kid, I was stubborn and refused help—like learning multiplication—or quit what I was doing altogether (I still can’t drive). I always thought it was a pride thing, that I didn’t want to look needy or desperate. Girls are often made to feel helpless or are talked down to when they ask for much-needed help. That was my real hindrance: the fear of seeming little. But there is nothing wrong with hearing others out. In my almost twenty years, I have traveled many different paths. In all of that time, I’ve learned a collection of lessons I wish I had known before. Don’t consider my words advice, think of them more as a cheat code. Here are twenty things I learned in twenty years: 1. Flaunt your favorites. Have you ever felt ashamed about your favorite things? Even little things like colors, artists, movies, and foods can be turned into a weapon against you if you aren’t with the right people. But you shouldn’t disguise who you are for the sake of fitting in. At the very least, they’ll know you were honest, and if they react poorly, then you’ll know that they weren’t the people for you. 2. Taste everything. I don’t just mean food, but taste everything. If there is one thing I would have gone back and done over again, it would be trying everything new where I didn’t before. I used to stay in my comfort zone no matter the conditions, but as long as what you’re doing isn’t a threat to you or anyone else, you should go for it. 3. Be the leader. When we aren’t sure of ourselves, we can fall back in line with everyone else. There are people that prefer to work behind the scenes instead of being in the spotlight. I know all too well what that feels like. I hated being on stage, but the minute I could lead and become a stage manager, I was empowered. It was my first taste of real responsibility. Don’t be afraid of taking charge; you don’t need your name in flashing lights to bask in the glow of accomplishment. 4. Be in the picture. So often, we are made to feel like we don’t belong, that includes in photos. If you have ever been the one to say, “no worries, I’ll just take it,” I’m talking to you. To have an immortal snapshot of family or friends or a scene is just about the most precious thing in this life. Consider this: don’t you want the people you love to have a forever-piece of you too? 5. Blood is thicker than water but not as clear. Growing up, we get caught up in the idea that family is always there for us. I am lucky and happen to have a really supportive family, but love comes with difficulty as its companion. Allowances, compromises, and disagreements are bound to happen. Plus, sometimes found families are the best kind and the most supportive. 6. Double texting is a myth. Okay, not necessarily true, but a lot of people have qualms with double texting when they really shouldn’t. If you’re eager or interested in talking to someone, show them. If they aren’t willing to reciprocate the same energy, then that is on them and not you. Don’t feel as though you need to limit the attention or affection you have to offer for the sake of fabricated social expectations. 7. Keep a diary. The best way to preserve your memories is in a diary. Write down little thoughts in a journal, on scrap paper, or even in your notes app. Save photos to a drive or print them out to keep in a box or paste in a scrapbook. Savor every receipt and fortune cookie slip, candy wrapper, and clothing tag. They are the fabric of your personal history, save them for future reflection. 8. Use your favorite stickers. I once read a miscellaneous text post that said: I was the kind of kid that avoided using my favorite stickers because I was waiting for the perfect time. It really resonated with me. I felt like it says a lot about the kind of person you grow up to be, always waiting for the perfect moment to act. Don’t wait. Act now. Live life using up your favorite stickers; there will always be more. 9. Come up with creative compliments. Commenting on appearances has not only become a common custom but an everyday expectation. Try to think of something more memorable to remark on when you want to make someone smile. Compliment their actions, their mind, and their integrity. Those are so much more likely to be remembered, and you’ll be regarded as thoughtful in return. 10. Impulses aren’t instincts. That gut feeling, that lingering thought, they persist even as you try to soothe your worries or ignore the bad choice. Don’t doubt yourself simply because your mind and body are telling you to. There are times when the right move is made on a whim, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be negative consequences. Life isn’t a race. Try not to mistake your impulses for instincts. 11. Look up to those that reflect you. Role models are marketed as an ideal. For me, that was always someone thin. For others, it could be someone white, able-bodied, cisgendered, etc. I developed a mentality that there was only one way to look to obtain the perfect life. I owe my happiness and gratitude to the creators I chose to follow with my “look.” Not only will it support their media presence, but it will also grant you a rare form of self-acceptance by regularly normalizing your existence right at your fingertips. 12. Bigger ponds are better for swimming. Growing up in a small town, you might have that same itch for something bigger. Scratch it. If you have the resources and support to move to a city or new town, do it. I am so much happier and am blessed to have moved to a city where I have constructed my own web of support that I never thought was possible in the confines of my town’s borders. It’s possible. 13. Discover energy givers. I went through life not really knowing the sources of my happiness. There are the obvious hobbies, interests, and friends, but on a genuine fundamental level, ask yourself what makes you happy. For me, the simplest thing is the sun. Basking in the light and feeling it on my face grounds me, find your tie to your center. 14. Body movement over exercise. For the longest time, I associated the word “exercise” with something negative. In the climate of body critics and diet policing, who could blame me or anyone who felt the same? I decided to change my mindset by changing my language and the way I thought about working out. Consider it maintenance, a way to keep your body and mind moving and happy. 15. Don’t act just to receive. We only have so much energy to give. I know I got carried away in the past trying to be there for everyone in the hopes that they would do the same for me. I believed that exposing more, pulling back the curtain further was the best way to earn their love and trust. If they truly care, they will give back without the expectation of taking more of you. 16. Rejection is redirection. I took rejection and criticism pretty hard. I’ve always been a sensitive person, and entering academic spaces and workplaces has been tough to adjust to. It can feel as though everyone is out to get you, but that isn’t the case. Rejection is just another push forward toward the right place for you. 17. The heart and mind are not enemies. A lot of the time, the heart and the mind are regarded as opposites. There is this idea that they cannot compromise, and if they ever agree, it’s an abnormality. The key is constant communication between them. They may not always crave or need the same things, but taking a step back and assessing yourself is the best place to start. There is always a happy medium to be found. 18. Identity is like water. In a world hyper-focused on micro labels and titles, it’s easy to get lost in the overflowing pool of self-recognition. It’s essential to flow alongside the current. Stay open to the fluidity of your identity. Just because you call yourself something once, or even several times, that does not make it set in stone. You are always able to change and grow. In fact, you should welcome it. I have been out as bisexual for six years now, and I am still keeping my mind open to any changes that await me in the future. Nothing needs to be permanent. 19. Love isn’t painful. Heartache is evidence of love through the grief of loss, but it should not be an everyday occurrence. I have been in a few relationships where I have felt heartbreak every day, and I thought it meant I was in love. That is never the case. Love can hurt, I won’t deny it, it’s a powerful emotion with equally strong reactions. However, at its core, love is meant to evoke something good. Positive relationships will give you the room and the help to grow, not confine you. 20. Learn as much as you can. A very corny way to end the list, but it’s true. Take advantage of every single learning opportunity you have. Gain as much information from every person who has come before or even after you. Experience counts, too. Indulge, invent, and interact with the world around you. If I know anything–and that’s at least twenty things, considering the list–it’s that the world presents us with chances to evolve, and it is our duty to ourselves to take them.

By Clove Morgan Join the battle against aging! The difference between fewer laugh lines and more laughs! Skin looks 5 years younger in 4 weeks! Clinically proven anti-aging results in 28 days GUARANTEED! Chances are you have seen these slogans while walking down the aisle of your local drugstore or on your television screen between reruns of Grey’s Anatomy. Seemingly since the dawn of time, women have been fighting the natural human process of aging. Whether they are trying to avoid wrinkles, laugh lines, or dark circles, there is always something right around the corner to be wary of in your reflection. But what is so bad about aging, anyway? Why have the marks life leaves behind become so hated? Let’s break down why signs of age are so often scorned by society. Girls as young as thirteen are taking preventative measures to stop wrinkles from forming early. Skincare is a great investment; don’t misunderstand; everyone should take part in self-care and personal hygiene. The problem lies with the fear embedded in marketing campaigns that claim to fight the natural cycle of life. Teenagers shouldn’t be worrying about how they will look decades from now. The amount of pressure on women is building so much that it trickles down to ages that keep getting younger with every trend wave. It is no secret that women are subjected to standards of beauty that are almost always unrealistic. Between runway models, makeup tips in magazines, and the next niche insecurity at the frontlines of media influx, it comes as no surprise that there is massive pressure on girls and women of all ages to be perfect. In the past, film, television, and paparazzi served as the spotlight on women in the industry, but the real microscope came from the critics who observed them. The fixation on women and their appearances began with the need to succeed–odd but true–as women often were made to feel as though they had to be beautiful in order to move up with their careers or marry into a well-off family. Unfortunately, the truth of the beauty industry is an inherent need to profit off of the insecurities of women, insecurities that are thrust upon them as a means for survival. That isn’t to say that you can’t enjoy things like fashion or makeup (I am one of the girls that happen to love them; just take a look at my Pinterest board). It is just important to be aware of the line between passion and projection. Passion, in this case, means that you have a genuine interest in all things beauty-world without it turning obsessive. The projection here is that of the industry unto you, pushing expectations that you may feel that you need to meet in order to be considered attractive. Age has always been a point of contention with women and men alike, but prevention efforts are primarily aimed at girls with the promise of maintaining their youthful beauty. In recent years, as social analysis has spiked through a feminist lens, a deeper understanding has been uncovered as to the motivation behind wanting to look younger. Youth is often associated with the “prime” of someone’s life. Someone’s peak is not only applicable to attraction but also to athleticism, social life, and even stress levels. People have grown to associate aging with the negativity that accompanies the responsibility of adulthood. As a result, people want to avoid it as much as possible to save face in a metaphorical and literal sense. Now that some context is out of the way let’s dive into why anti-aging is especially harmful in the present. With the introduction of social media, everyone treats their profile like their very own magazine column. They offer their very best moments and even a glimpse of vulnerability. This article isn’t going to be a hate spiel about social media; I think that having a connection to so many people and using it in the right ways can be beneficial. It does, however, warrant a magnifying glass on one’s life. There is a limit to how much a person can share or see online, but that doesn’t rectify the harmful effects of prolonged feed exposure. You run the risk of over-investing in wanting to stay on top of the new and upcoming trend waves. If you happen to share a similar algorithm to a large portion of your peers, you may have seen the new TikTok filter that shows you how you would look old. The effect applies wrinkles and fine lines to your face with some gray hairs along your hairline to really hammer the aged look. What is most upsetting is the common reaction among users. Most people are disappointed or even disgusted by the image produced by the filter, but why? As most filters today are, it is eerily realistic and frankly turns average young people into average old people. So what is the big deal? Well, knowing the previously described context, most people–especially girls–have been taught to hold onto their youthful beauty for as long as they can. Social media and the industry has been promoting this ideal woman that barely exhibits the wear of years lived as she ages. Photoshop and filters smooth skin and markets products with the miracle elixir that offers the results editors create on their computers. As a consequence, women now believe that purchasing these items will make them look like the perfect woman on their phone screens or in waxy magazine advertisements. There is no solve-all secret to protection against aging. When natural maturity occurs, everyone is going to age. Learning to care for your body and the ways that it functions is the true beauty that accompanies a life worth living. Movement, self-care, and your passions are what combine for a truly beautiful life–not the texture of your skin or the structure of your face. The focus shouldn’t be on the fight against aging; it should be on embracing the life you’re living as you live it, and that includes the changes to your appearance.

By Clove Morgan The last time I played kickball, I slipped and landed flat on my back. I was only eight, and I just wanted to prove to the other kids that I was cool enough to play. Even though I was a girly girl and preferred the swings at recess, everyone knew you weren’t a part of the cool clique unless you could kick that red rubber ball halfway across the parking lot. Unfortunately, I was not a naturally graceful child. I wouldn’t say I was the clumsiest, but I bumped into my fair share of desks and tripped over my own feet once in a while. That red rubber ball, though, was my archenemy from that fateful April afternoon forward. I never really liked gym class. I remember all of the boys in my class and the girls who played on the same after-school soccer team being stoked every time gym was added to our schedule. I preferred the library. Once I gained consciousness of the world and people around me, and my peers did, too, I knew I was different. I was physically bigger than the rest of them, and they sought to make me aware of it as soon as the thought popped into their head. It made me embarrassed to go to gym class. As much as I loved jump roping, square dancing, and those little neon scooters, I knew that walking through those heavy metal doors was the start of a popularity contest. My childhood was a patchwork of teams, groups, rehearsals, and practices that didn’t quite fit. I tried everything: soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading, swim team, dance (tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, to be specific), lacrosse, and volleyball. None of them stuck with me. I mean, I attended dance classes every Wednesday for a decade, but I loathed the hour spent in front of those floor-to-ceiling mirrors. I had unfortunate luck with acceptance in physically active spaces, gyms, fields, classrooms, and the like, pushing me to resent them and their sports altogether. By the time I reached high school, I dropped dancing and stopped pursuing other avenues of exercise. Frankly, it was because of the treatment I received for existing in a bigger body. I was often singled out or left behind; friends and even sometimes family turned their noses up at me because I didn’t match the rest of the set. Because of that, I even grew embarrassed in the privacy of my own bedroom when trying at-home workout routines–and don’t even get me started on the gym. I had a narrow perspective on what exercise could be. In my experience, it had to be something exhausting, boring, or even painful–I didn’t realize I was meant to enjoy myself. The biggest misconception when it comes to moving your body is the idea that it is a chore. Thinking of it as maintenance or a daunting task that needed to be completed was what made it hard for me to find my groove with it. At least until I didn’t have a car anymore. After I moved from my small hometown to the city for college, I didn’t have a car to take me wherever I wanted to go anymore. My campus, though spread around the city in a variety of buildings, was close enough to walk to, and most of the time, that was my only option if the buses weren’t on time. I walked to and from class almost every day. It was a time for me to get to know the area while listening to my favorite music. I found myself anticipating it every morning and afternoon, like self-care that didn’t feel like it was hanging over my head. Walking was the beginning of my love for moving my body again. I never knew that something as simple as a stroll counted as exercise. I was under the impression it had to be a rigid regiment of reps and sets for sixty minutes straight. I began shifting the language with which I used to think of working out, hence the phrase “moving my body.” I cannot recall who said it or when, but I was scrolling through social media, and one of the many body-positive influencers I followed used it when describing a dance workshop they attended. That way of thinking changed the connotation exercise held in my head from a negative to a positive. I took up walking even more as the winter months transitioned to warmer months. Part of it was largely thanks to the new space I had to explore. In my hometown, my house was in a cul-de-sac surrounded by farms and cornfields. There was nothing to look at, see or explore. Most of the time, if I were to leave my house on foot for any reason, I was the only one outside, so people-watching was completely out of the question. In the city, though, there was so much to see. A large part of what makes moving your body a necessity is the mental stimulation it brings. If you’re one that finds joy in team sports or using weight machines in the gym, that’s amazing! If you’re more like me, you might need something visually or auditorily engaging so that it becomes something you look forward to rather than dread. There are a million different ways to move your body without needing a routine or a group to join. Dancing on your own while you clean or cook, walking to shops or classes, or biking around your neighborhood are all equally as valid as a daily workout routine. It almost always has to do with your mindset when it comes to providing your body with what it needs. Your body does so much for you every day; it takes you from place to place, lets you taste your favorite foods, and allows you to hug your loved ones. Nourishing it through methods of self-care is the best way to give back to your body. Don’t you think the thing that does so much for you has earned a little love, too? Celebrate your body by moving it in ways that bring you joy. There is no rule stating that your body needs to be aching or that your self-esteem needs to suffer in order to have a successful workout. The most important thing is getting yourself in tune with your mind and body’s needs. Make yourself the priority and care for your vessel in the way that’s most suited for you, not for social norms.

By: Clove Morgan Summer is the best season of the year–at least for me. Nothing quite beats the feeling of the sun on my skin, ice cream melting on my tongue, or the greenery in all its lush glory. Sure, snow, crunching leaves, and spring buds are great, but the warm breeze carries a free-feeling energy through the air. Then again, the first time those degrees begin to tick up on the thermostat fills some people with dread. If you live in the south like me, or anywhere that the temperature reaches sweltering-and-sweaty levels, you can’t exactly leave the house in jeans and long sleeves. It’s simply impractical and can put you at a lot of risk for health problems from overheating. The solution: less fabric. If you don’t have as much coverage, you can’t overheat. Easier said than done, though. When I was younger, I loved summer but loathed the looming clothing crisis that accompanied it. I wasn’t comfortable showing myself off. For my entire childhood and the majority of my teen years, I was mid-size or plus-size, often fluctuating between the two when all of my peers seemed to remain lithe or thin through their adolescence. Going to the pool or beach was something straight out of Fear Factor, and don’t even get me started on the Target dressing rooms. There are few things worse in this world than going back with twenty swimsuits and leaving empty-handed (I blame tankinis for the way I turned out). It took me seventeen years and three years of practice since then to loosen the grip that social expectations had on me. My thought was this: my body isn’t good enough to be seen, so it does not deserve to feel comfortable. The idea that our bodies need to fit a specific size or shape to be treated with respect is so common yet so isolating. I felt that I was the only person with this mindset, and it damaged my relationship with my body in ways that I’m still trying to heal. At some point, a line needs to be drawn when we stop being hyper-concerned with pre-conceived ideologies and instead treat ourselves with the respect and care we deserve. One of the most helpful things I heard in regard to the way I thought of my looks went something like this: Would you think or say those things about your best friend? That question kickstarted my road to self-acceptance. Instead of treating your body like it’s working against you, change the pattern and begin thanking it for doing so much for you. When you feel the water surrounding you in the pool or at the beach, it is your body that gifted you that sensation. It is a way of thinking that lies somewhere between body neutrality–believing that your body is a vessel made for taking care of you rather than looking a certain way–and body positivity, both of which can work together to shift one’s mindset. Another practical approach is to build a closet you’re comfortable with. Again, the goal is to avoid overheating and the accompanying health risks, so avoid heavy pieces. However, don’t give in to the pressure to buy into trends–wear what you feel happiest in. Our bodies do so much for us every day, and it is only fair that we ensure they’re comfortable. I didn’t buy my first bikini until I was seventeen, and it was high-waisted with little ruffled sleeves. Some might argue that it’s too high coverage to be considered a bikini, but to me, it counted because I felt beautiful and safe wearing it. Just the right amount out of my comfort zone. Self-love is a journey, and it’s not linear, but once the mindset changes, then you are capable of taking substantial action toward a better-feeling version of yourself. Find support systems that boost your confidence. If you have friends that tear you down instead of building you up, maybe it’s time to reevaluate those friendships. You shouldn’t be nervous about nourishing your body through clothing or food. There are plenty of safe spaces online within communities intended to educate others on body positivity/neutrality. For me, a huge step was following and engaging in content with those that resembled me or possessed the mindset that I was striving to emulate. It is never too late to start treating yourself with kindness. By actively working toward healing your negative thought patterns about yourself, you can experience the sweet indulgence of freedom that summer is all about. Of course, there is heavy lifting to be done and internalized toxicity to recover from. I’ve dealt with it firsthand in ways that I continue to struggle with today; it isn’t a perfect science. But summer is meant to be healing, so make 2023 the summer for yourself.