The Importance of a Breakup Playlist

I recently went through a messy breakup. The details aren’t important, and you honestly don’t care. That’s how I felt about most breakup songs that I heard on the radio as well—I didn’t care. That was until I went through a breakup myself, and then it all made sense. I always found breakup songs to … Read moreThe Importance of a Breakup Playlist

5 Reasons Why Winter is the Worst

Winter can be such a beautiful time of year. There are holiday lights, warm nights snuggled at home, and many get the chance to spend this time with family. However, when the thermometer reads single digits and snowflakes start descending, things get less than desirable. The first taste of winter has brought back all of … Read more5 Reasons Why Winter is the Worst

5 Ways Bohemian Rhapsody will Bring out Your Inner Queen

We all know the song “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s a classic, and one you can’t help but jam along to no matter what, belting out the high notes like you’re Freddie Mercury himself. But what’s the story of the band behind the song? Bohemian Rhapsody—the new movie released at the beginning of November, starring Rami Malek … Read more5 Ways Bohemian Rhapsody will Bring out Your Inner Queen

Black Hair Culture is Different. Ask About It.

As a woman of mixed color, I have been subjected to countless instances of fetishization, ogling and ostracization that have made me feel marginalized and uncomfortable in public spaces. In college, I have learned to grow as a person and embrace my cultural differences from the predominate white society that rules in the United States. … Read moreBlack Hair Culture is Different. Ask About It.

5 Horrifying Stages of Being Sick in College

Fall is arguably one of the best times on campus: the leaves are changing, homecoming is in full swing, and holiday breaks are just around the corner. On the flip side, illness is rampant. You can’t help but take a minute to listen to the symphony of coughing in lecture—we’ve all been there. At the … Read more5 Horrifying Stages of Being Sick in College

How can we have meaningful, progressive conversations on social media?

We’ve all seen those politically charged posts on Facebook where the comments section is nothing but a brutal, unforgiving fight where no one really wins. I even experienced this when various people commented on my column for The Daily Iowan, arguing in the comments section and posting baseless statements for their perspectives. This single column racked … Read moreHow can we have meaningful, progressive conversations on social media?

5 Ways to Prepare for Thanksgiving

Ready or not, Thanksgiving is almost here. Now that Halloween is over, we’re swapping candy for pie and ghosts for pilgrims. Thanksgiving is the holiday of gratitude, reflection, and most importantly, food. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, creamed corn, I’ll take it all! Here are 5 ways to prepare for Turkey Day (besides stretching your stomach to … Read more5 Ways to Prepare for Thanksgiving

More than a Mask: Makeup to Empower and Express

Twitter has taken to countless posts of men claiming women don’t need to wear makeup for their boyfriends or when they go out because their natural beauty is enough. I believe natural beauty is better than caking makeup on your face… — Ronnie Banks (@iamronniebanks) November 27, 2012 Fuck that. I know, I know. These … Read moreMore than a Mask: Makeup to Empower and Express

How to Embrace Fall Before It’s Gone

Fall in the Midwest simply cannot be beat. Colorful leaves falling from trees, the smell of bonfires wafting through the crisp air, Saturdays filled with football and steaming bowls of chili are the epitome of comfort. But it always seems to come and go in the blink of an eye. Before we know it, we’ll … Read moreHow to Embrace Fall Before It’s Gone

Witching Hour: Sounds of Commanders, Younger, Here Lies Man

What do you get when you mix groove-infused punk, femme art rock, and African rhythm? A genre-bending musical experience full of experimental sounds and bewitching performances!   Last Friday night, three very different bands took to Gabe’s upstairs stage, shaking the fairy-lighted ceiling with their completely individual sounds. As a part of this year’s Witching Hour … Read moreWitching Hour: Sounds of Commanders, Younger, Here Lies Man