CHARGED-UP RESULTS

UNH, you are so perfect, and I love to wander through your barren pathways. Every day, I fall more and more in love with your potholes and dead grass. But I experience the most peace when I think about the things of the past — like the tree that used to stand proudly in the Maxcy Quad. Maxcy Hall Perhaps my favorite place to be is the area behind Bergami and in front of Kaplan, which has become a wind tunnel. Every time I exit Berg, there’s nothing quite like the taste of my hair flying into my mouth at 10 a.m. Kaplan Hall When I escape the wind and want other ways to reconnect with nature, I find myself going to the green behind Bixler to take in the lush trees of beautiful Connecticut. No matter the season, one tree always remains greener than the rest, and that is proof that things will be OK. Bixler Hall When it’s too cold to bear and I need to quickly get from one side of Bergami to the other, I take the secret passage located in the basement — which has never once made me feel scared! Bergami Hall Bergami Hall Basement And to wind down, I like to take in the art of the campus — specifically that weird metal statue near the shuttle stop, which, for my Pokémon Go enjoyers, is a PokéStop. Shoutout to that! I'm not sure what this is, honestly. Each day, I am astounded by the beautiful campus we are lucky to call home. It is warm and inviting, and I have never once had a complaint about my surroundings. UNH, I love you despite your many, many flaws and cherish every place where water pools when it rains, forcing me to walk through the mud. Thank you for being you.

“Digital sonnets and syntax sentiments” Oh yes, dearest reader, the digital courtship in which a modern-day sonnet is composed in the flickering glow and flare of a screen. No need for whale lard candles to burn as the ink bleeds and the quill frays. What are the textual offerings for courtship in the present? The written word is no longer needed to profess love. Wordle word nerds, this is a siren call to those who find solace in the etymological abscess. It is a battlefield, my dear, proving to be harder and harder to decode and dissect these textual offerings. I shall decode some of what truly lurks beneath the veneer of this linguistic camaraderie. Oh, it is a battlefield — ground zero for the intellectually insecure — but don’t worry, I will be your guide to the other side of the emoticon hieroglyphs. “Intellectually stimulating coffee date” They want an intellectually stimulating coffee date. That is a mere pretense, a thinly veiled arena for semantical jousting. The coffee is merely a lubricant in the form of perfectly heated java beans served and plated to be sold for $30.99 without tax because the origins of said beans are digested and then secreted to make the fanciest hipster brew in town. Then you can be asked about the symbolisms of everyday life, which is just a euphemism for the ceaseless dissection of your very being. The casual utterance becomes subject to merciless scrutiny. They claim their heart beats in tune with iambic pentameter. A declaration of romantic intent and courtship? Nay, it is a threat. Prepare for the impromptu recitations and for your every sentiment to be measured against the rhythmical tyranny of poetic meter by those deemed the “greats.” They claim their soul yearns for perfect cadence, which loosely translates to your conversational style being found wanting, and your linguistic rhythm deemed amateur. “Spirit animal: Purdue Owl” A self-proclamation of grammatical correctness, a harbinger of the written. Just so they can deconstruct film tropes and musicals to exercise their intellectual superiority and assert dominance through the dissection of popular culture. The art of passively, aggressively annotating every document they receive, down to the findings on absurdly long CVS receipts. The deeply ingrained need and compulsion to impose meaning upon the mundane cesuras found in the white spaces. The 35-page artistic yet critical piece on the foundations of every inanimate object in their junk drawer: some desperate attempt to imbue the ordinary with some profound significance. “Difference between affect and effect?” Pass this test and you will be deemed worthy of their intellectual and heartfelt affections. On Wednesdays only. The specificity is so chillingly precise for their schedule of eccentric rituals. Truly a testament to the meticulously organized neurosis of the mind. An obsession, a desperate search for chiasmus in crumbled-up napkins, meaning in the monotony of daily life. Finding metaphors in the fragmented nature of modern existence in Ikea furniture guides. One who knows the existential dread within the epigraph written on my eaten-up dollar in the Maxcy vending machine. An invitation to join in the abyss of their own meticulously created self-doom. “Emoji analysis required” The final sense of engagement in this romantic world is a Word document with a bare minimum of 500 words. A task worthy of a doctoral dissertation? MLA citations? A demand for academic rigor, a power play cloaked in word play. A test of your endurance and a measure of your ability to conform to their intellectual standards without breaking the rules. A tough grader, a literary gauntlet, a test of your taste, your brain, your very soul. They promise to judge and critique you extensively. They promise a declaration of their intent to dissect, drain, categorize, and quantify your worth. In essence, the love and romance of emoticons is a declaration of intellectual warfare. A call to arms for those who dare to enter their labyrinth of linguistic pretension. Proceed with caution, for you are not finding love within pixelated exchanges, but you are sparring in a never-ending battle of wits. My feline familiar, Lord Cigglesworth, has been a silent witness to the endless stream of academia’s linguistics in emoticon form, a furry confidant in the loneliness of intellectual isolation. Wallace Chuck: https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/hoja-verde-en-pila-de-libros-3704611/

Brace yourselves — April 12 is coming. Board up your dorms, crank up the white noise machine, and prepare for the horror of… school spirit. The University of New Haven jazz band will congregate around the horse statue to perform for incoming students. Students who reside on campus are often startled by the band’s performance during Accepted Students Days, despite the multiple posters, media posts, and website updates about the event. Everyone should have had enough time to prepare for Doomsday with all of the announcements sent out. But don’t worry! Disgruntled students can cope by complaining about the band on the anonymous social app YikYak. “Why do they need the band for the accepted students?” one student inquired with frustration. To be fair, it’s not like any incoming students are looking to join a concert band. Who wants to be known as a band kid on campus? Instead, we should have the football players tackle passing tour guides to show our athleticism. The band director, Jason DeGroff, could act as the cheerleader. Maybe next year, for incoming criminal justice majors, we could offer to tackle Charlie the Charger and then follow the case through the courts. We have to wonder why the campus would even bother having band members perform. Perhaps the university is attempting to use traditions to demonstrate core values and provide a warm welcome to prospective students despite the lack of community and spirit among the student body? Doubt it. The marching band is a reflection of the university for incoming families. Since on-campus students reject the idea of celebrating their university, the band has been asked to play quieter. The pep band must adapt to the circumstances, given how awful it must be to wake up to free music performed by friends and peers within the comfort of your own heated dorm room. The country band will come up with new methods to appeal to the residents. Since band members are immune to the cold, the saxophones and trombones will shove their scarves and hats into their horns to mute themselves. The drums and the electronic instruments, such as the guitars and bassists, will trade out their instruments for Guitar Hero controllers. Trumpets have opted out of performing, per majority vote. They want to attend the event, but there is too much concern over whether Gerber and Bixler residents will start a riot. Additionally, the indie rock band will perform at noon to resolve the serious sleep deprivation it has caused in the past. Until the band attends, they have offered their speakers to play the Just Dance 2021  song playlist on repeat starting at 8 a.m. Remember, next Accepted Students Day is April 12! Make sure to go to bed extra late to wake up all the more angry at the band for simply having fun. Go out there and show us your lack of school spirit! Remember, the best way to prove your indifference to campus traditions is to dedicate your entire day to complaining about them. See you on YikYak! University of New Haven - Alumni Magazine- Fall 2018 "We are Family"

As many of you know, I'm always rooting for my team. But I also take pride in rooting for this school. This week, we're spotlighting some incredible highlights from the College of Arts and Sciences, particularly the Communications Department. The communications department offers three concentration paths for our students to choose from. First, we have film production and media entrepreneurship. Second, there's multi-platform journalism and media, including television production. Finally, my pick: public relations and Digital Media. A concentration in film production and media shapes communications in many ways. If these topics pique your interest, you could find yourself working on cinematography, screenwriting, playwriting or film editing. You'll learn to harness your creativity and acquire skills actively used in the industry. You'll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art studio equipment and editing software. Some of the fantastic instructors guiding you on this journey include Wayne Edwards, Paul Falcone, Nicki Chavoya, Diane Smith, Dean Pagani and Susanne Murphy, along with our department. Have you ever dreamed of becoming a globetrotter? Paul Falcone and Tom Garrett will help you become a star-studded director. In the Film 2 course, you'll have the chance to work with a real crew, go through the casting process and screen an entire student film. You'll pitch and create a movie from scratch, and after the process, you could submit your film for an Emmy and multiple film festivals. Garrett will even encourage you to attend the Cannes Film Festival to walk the red carpet, watch screenings with the stars and live the Interested in student media? Join our live news broadcast, Charger Bulletin News, either as a class or just for fun. Our live broadcast was recently submitted to the New England division of the Emmys. Staying put in the studio? Check out Charger 360, the official video podcast of the University of New Haven. Each episode features guests from across the university with the goal of giving you a 360-degree view of the amazing things happening in Charger Nation. Our department also provides opportunities to intern with organizations such as ESPN, Lionsgate, NBC Sports and Disney. Here, you'll participate in real-world meetings and experiences, especially in sports communication, Wayne Edwards' area of ​​expertise. Interested in pursuing sports management, communications or business? A sports communication minor can complement a sports management or business major, providing skills in media relations, marketing, and broadcasting. This opens opportunities in teams, agencies, media outlets and sports organizations, where communication is key to business success. Edwards also teaches a course titled “Race, Gender, Class in the Media,” exploring the evolving relationship between human relations and equity in the workforce. Not into TV and film? Nicki Chavoya's music video class will capture your attention. In this course, you'll learn how to produce high-quality productions in a short amount of time, sourcing your musicians. In the final project, you'll create a music video that could also win an Emmy. This is not just a far-off dream—just last year, Harley Angelillo's production, Hope You Like Roses  by Powder, won an Emmy. Now, let's shift to multi-platform journalism and media, where you might find yourself writing for The New York Times  or winning a Pulitzer Prize. Look at the dreamer in you! Our department is home to award-winning journalists, including those with Pulitzer-level experience, who mentor students in pursuing authentic media literacy. These are the mentors who will guide you to success. The journalism track at UNH prepares students for careers in top publications, giving them the tools to navigate the fast-paced media industry. Whether you're starting in the widely popular class “Communications and the Law” — which draws the lines between law and morality in the media — or learning AP style writing in our student newspaper or digital (soon-to-be print) magazine, you'll have plenty of opportunities. You can also get involved in Charger Bulletin  live news, where you could become the producer or director of our broadcast. You'll use our media hub to explore journalism and the role of technology in the industry. Our radio studio, WNHU, is right across the street, so if you've ever dreamed of creating your own YouTube show, now's the time to make it happen. Bruce Barber, our radio supervisor and esteemed faculty member with years of experience, will guide you into the world of audio perspectives. Does the idea of ​​slowing things down appeal to you? Consider taking the “Telling Digital Stories” course, which provides students with the foundation to report with integrity and accuracy, taught by Susanne Murphy and Nicki Chavoya. In this class, you'll explore multi-platform journalism, digital media and equality in our community while simultaneously using audio, images and video to tell compelling stories about real-world experiences. Through guest speakers, networking opportunities and hands-on training, students gain real-world experience in journalism and media ethics. The communications department provides extensive journalism opportunities, from student-run media to award-winning publications. Finally, wrapping up the list with public relations and digital media. Key classes include “Telling Digital Stories,” “Public Relations Principles & Practices,” “Social Impact of Media” and “Communication in Organizations.” New classes coming in fall 2025 include “Photojournalism History and Practice” and “Writing for Newsletters, Daily Briefings, and News Analysis,” both taught by Dean Pagani. Pagani is a public relations expert who brings years of experience to the classroom. “Photojournalism History and Practice” explores the history of photojournalism, its impact on public affairs and ethics, and its evolution to the present day. The course “Writing for Newsletters, Daily Briefings, and News Analysis” focuses on delivering news, engaging in independent journalism and learning how to communicate internally within businesses and organizations. “Public Relations Principles & Practices” introduces students to the role public relations plays in today's business, social, political and cultural environments. You'll gain real-world experience that you can apply to everyday life. “Social Impact of Media” looks at issues like media regulation, law, ethics and the behavioral aspects of mass and interpersonal communication. You'll also write your own media messages. Lastly, “Communication in Organizations” is an industry-based course that addresses real-world, complex problems and case studies. If you're still not convinced but are lurking in the shadows of switching, maybe the general communications minor is for you. The University of New Haven's communication minor teaches effective communication, media literacy and public speaking. One of your core classes is “Intro to Communications” with professor Diane Smith. Students gain skills in conveying ideas, analyzing media and improving interpersonal interactions, which are valuable across various careers. Please note the following two requirements: You may not declare a major and minor in the same program, and a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required. Wow, we've covered a lot of info here! I do not doubt that if you aren't already captivated by these opportunities, you will be soon. We have a knack for drawing people in—probably because every project we create is, let's be honest, award-winning! With industry-changing faculty, hands-on experiences and endless opportunities, this isn't just a program—it's your launchpad. The world is always yours to explore.

Contributing Writer Patch Bowen "Dear Colleague:" A letter with chilling implications from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights was sent to universities nationwide as Trump's administration ramps up pressure on DEI initiatives. According  to the letter from the Department of Education's  acting assistant secretary, Craig Trainor, all universities that receive federal funds are supposedly mandated to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from their administrative departments. The deadline was Feb. 28, and it now falls on educational institutions to implement what may be sweeping policy changes. The University of New Haven has yet to respond with official statements. Still, the dissonance is apparent in the Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion and its retracted DEI office changes. How can changes happen without warning, yet no one claims responsibility in the administration? Just five days after the letter reached campus on February 19, the Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion's Diversity Peer Educators were instructed to remove "Diversity and Inclusion" from the office's name, drop programs and meetings related to heritage months, race, or other topics under the diversity umbrella, and refer to the student work-study positions as simply "Peer Educators."  "I think the decision is going to have immediate effects that we can likely predict for certain populations," said Kenneth Notorino-Jeffreys, Myatt assistant director, "but there's going to be many unintended effects that we don't realize we are going to see."  He said, "Not only am I fearful for how our students of underrepresented communities are going to internalize these decisions that are being made, but also the identities that folks oftentimes don't realize fall within this aspect of "DEI.'” Much of what students have heard from staff and faculty has come indirectly, and students say that not much has been made directly clear regarding school DEI policies—students who’ve followed the national media coverage of Pres. Trump's executive orders know that the developing administration is set on dismantling equitable practice under civil rights law despite the blockage of the lower courts and Congress. In late January, some semblance of reassurance came from University President Jens Frederiksen and Darby Brown, president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA), who said in a recent executive officer report, "The University is committed to its students and, as Jens often quotes, 'the human good.’” Brown also said: "First, many of these directives are regarding corporate businesses, and not much has been explicitly said about higher education. Second, the University is private, so if anything were to come out on the federal level, there is a more substantial possibility it will not affect us because of our status as a private institution. "[Lastly,] we briefly discussed concerns about budget cuts or related items. I still understand what the business and financial terms mean; however, he and I are working on a date in March/April for him to return to the USGA and speak about that and some other University initiatives. All this is to say, your concerns are heard, and so long as we are still here, we will continue to relay and communicate them to the University Administration." As reported by the Guardian, US District Judge Adam Abelson recently blocked the federal DEI bans. Thus, it is impossible to predict how the campus could be legally bound or how the nearly 1,000 BIPOCs in the community will be affected. As of last week, the Myatt returned "for Diversity and Inclusion" to its title, reposted Diversity Peer Educator graphics edited to censor mentions of DEI the previous week, and informed student staff that everything will continue as it has at an administrative level. They're also referencing questions asked to DPEs who requested to remain off-record. Administrators and students expect the enforcement of anti-DEIAB( Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging) laws to be strict and, as the letter promises, will impact all corners of education. Invoking the legal precedent set by Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (SFFA, 2023),  which rescinded affirmative action for higher education admissions, the letter aggressively reasserts the federal government's aims to "eradicate DEI" and so-called "woke ideology" through executive power.  Students should keep up with the latest reporting on federal actions at Charger Bulletin, Charger Bulletin News, and Horseshoe. Photo Credits University of New Haven

Q: What inspired you to create To See The Sky, such a unique fantasy story? A: Well, I have always loved stories that play around with the concept of freedom, whether this be mental, physical or emotional. So I thought to myself, how would I create a story where multiple versions of freedom could be challenged? Thus, I created Llanka, a small country where the Melawa are unable to leave. I also have always liked the idea of rainfall being a narrative core to any of the stories I have created in the past so I wanted to expand on that. There are many different natures to the rain than meets the eye that I have yet to show but eventually I will get there. Q: What was your creative process like while drafting? A: So whenever the idea of creating something comes to mind, I like to start drawing! Whether these are very detailed character concepts or just scribbles with vague descriptions, I like getting the ideas out there so that it manifests in the world if even just for a moment. It inspires me to give the doodles a story and from then on I just keep going! Q: Do you have any writers you look up to or see as role models? A: My three favorites are easily Yoko Taro, Inio Asano and Haruko Ichikiawa. They each have this weird and unique way about creating their stories that emotionally impacted me in a way I did not feel was possible. In fact, Yoko Taro is one of the core reasons why my end goal is to become a Narrative designer/Creative Director for video games in the first place! The way he uses games to further immerse the audience deeper into the overall narrative is genius. This is mainly seen in my favorite game, NieR: Automata. As for Inio Asano and Haruko Ichikawa, they are both mangaka who have such deep and depressing thematic cores surrounding their stories that I can’t help but love. Whether it is the sacrifice that comes with change in Houseki no Kuni(Ichikawa) or the angsty coming of age story amidst a deeply flawed and often painful reality seen in Oyasumi Punpun(Asano). Both resonate with me deeply and going on with my life I often think a lot about the messages seen in both of these stories. Q: Did you have any ideas for To See The Sky that didn't work out? A: I wanted to showcase a bit more of the tribes and lifestyles of those around the 3 different rings. But there is just so much to work with in some 9-10 issues that I simply won’t have enough time to cover all of them. That doesn’t mean I won’t show them off more in the future seeing as “Tales Of Llanka” is planned to be a collection of short-ish stories to build up the world and culture. Q: What elements of the world of Lanka were the hardest to build? Which were your favorite? A: Without a doubt it’s creating a society that is forced to live within a small area that is constantly plagued with perpetual downpour, creatures from the abyss and unpredictable weather that makes life living quite a daring task. There is also creating the magic system which I have yet to showcase yet in the story but it is both simple and confusing but I hope to show it off in a way that is interesting! My favorite element of the world of Llanka is without a doubt, the various tribes that live within Llanka. Each has their own role to play with some being more important than others, there are certain exceptions where people can switch tribes but that is yet to be seen! Q: What are your goals with To See The Sky? A: Well I don’t have too much time to write all I want to do with the story but my goal is without a doubt to build the foundation of the world! Seneca is only just a fragment of what I have planned out but I really want to flesh out and grow the world through her eyes. Eventually, when I finish I will branch off the story to focus on the main plot of Llanka but for now this is just a sneak peek for what’s going to come in the next years! Q: If you had to give one piece of advice to any beginner writer, what would you say? A: Oh that’s a hard one, mainly since I consider myself a beginner writer myself! I haven’t done much so far but I think one of the most important things one can do is just put yourself out there. I’m not 100% sure how “To See The Sky” is going to go or if it will even end in a good way since it’s my first ongoing and official story. However, I feel it is important that I do it regardless of anything. How am I going to get better if I don’t mess up every now and then, right? One of the biggest fears writers have going into making anything creative is “Is this good? Will people enjoy this?” But I think the most important part is, do you enjoy it? Regardless of anything? You have to write for yourself first and foremost. Otherwise, what’s the point! Joshua Lozano

Contributing Writer Neha Jelemu Late into the night, a half-eaten muffin sits on my desk as I prepare for the next day. Yet, in the quiet moments, I find myself wondering: what exactly did I accomplish today? I’ve always seen life as a sequence of actions without a clear destination. My mind is my most formidable foe, and every day is a battle. Morning arrives with an existential question: What am I doing? Where am I going?  There are no simple answers. If there were an award for taking on the most difficult tasks head-on, I might be a top contender. Each day brings a new adventure, but today felt particularly intense. My toughest obstacle was my own mind, spiraling out of control over a life-changing decision. After what seemed like an eternity of analyzing every possibility, I realized that shaping my thoughts—rather than being consumed by them—was progress. Still, some days, like today, bring an overwhelming sense of fatigue and disorientation, while others flood me with an inexplicable joy—dopamine surging through my system like an unstoppable force. How can I even describe this sensation? It’s more excruciating than the worst menstrual cramps; it feels like my brain itself is seizing up. I have learned more from life than I ever imagined possible. At 25, I feel like I’ve lived 50 years’ worth of experiences. Some days, I question what truly makes me human. Is it my intellect, which never stops asking questions, or my heart, which never stops feeling? I've always been a cheerful, vivacious, and multi-talented woman. I thrive on multitasking, yet today, I spent hours trying to understand why I was feeling this way. Before I knew it, noon had arrived, and my stomach reminded me that eating is non-negotiable, no matter my emotions. With my limited cooking skills, I managed to prepare a simple egg dish—a small but necessary victory. Later, I decided to go to the gym, hoping exercise would help me decompress. As soon as I stepped inside, I found myself wondering why everyone else was there. Were they all simply working on their bodies, or were some, like me, using exercise as an escape from internal battles? Drawn to a Zumba class, I stepped in, eager to experience the energy of dance. By the end of the session, I was drenched in sweat—but I felt truly alive. Back home, I threw myself into my laptop, determined to be productive before the day ended. After all, isn’t self-worth measured by output? Just as I was losing myself in my work, my phone rang. It was my mother, calling to remind me not to overthink things. “What’s the worst that could happen?”  she often asks. “There’s nothing too big to be afraid of.”  Her words ground me. She is my constant source of motivation, the force that holds my world together. Overthinking has become a staple of my daily routine. Back in India, I was different—carefree, unburdened by the endless arguments in my head. But living alone, managing responsibilities, and navigating adulthood in a foreign country have changed me. And that’s okay. Change reshapes life, brings fresh perspectives, and teaches valuable lessons. Still, I need to break free from this cycle of overthinking. The real question remains: brain or heart?  Which one should I trust? One pushes me forward, while the other keeps me reflective. Through it all, my career has been my anchor. No matter what life throws at me, my determination to succeed never wavers. Whether it’s six in the morning or midnight, my ambition drives me forward. My career is one of the things I am most proud of. In life, I may lose many things—but not this. It is the one aspect of my identity I can claim with absolute certainty. Despite everything, I know I’m doing okay. No matter how difficult the journey, I never fail to give my all. I see life as a game of chess—each person making their moves, navigating their own strategies and battles. I will continue making mine, but I will keep them unpredictable. Because in this game, my greatest advantage is the element of surprise. Original Photo by Neha Jelemu

SPOILERS AHEAD If you’ve been in anime spaces for longer than five minutes, you’ve probably heard about JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure —the meme-fueled, genre-defying and beautifully unhinged series that has been running since 1987. Hirohiko Araki’s magnum opus has influenced everything from modern shonen  to high fashion, proving that posing dramatically while discussing bloodlines is, in fact, peak storytelling. As a filmmaker and storyteller, JoJo’s  has impacted the way I think about character depth and narrative payoff. Every part is a self-contained yet interconnected saga that plays with genre, visual language and emotion in ways that mainstream media often avoids. But perhaps the most impressive thing about JoJo’s  is how, despite spanning generations, some character traits remain deeply embedded in the Joestar lineage. And today, I’m here to argue something that should be obvious but doesn’t get enough credit: Jolyne Cujoh is the true successor to Jonathan Joestar—not just in bloodline, but in spirit. Jonathan is the gentleman of the Joestar family, a man so honorable he could probably hold the door open for you while actively fighting a vampire. He’s noble, kind and selfless to a fault. On the surface, Jolyne seems to be the opposite—angsty, rebellious and flipping off her dad in a Florida prison, but at her core, she is the closest to Jonathan any JoJo has ever been. Like him, she never hesitates to fight for others, never compromises her sense of justice and willingly sacrifices herself to protect the people she loves. Jonathan meets his end stopping Dio, knowing he won’t live to see the future he fought for. Jolyne faces Pucci, aware that she’s walking into certain death just to make sure Emporio has a chance to survive. The first JoJo and the last JoJo in the original timeline share more than just a bloodline—they share the belief that true heroism isn’t about winning. It’s about making sure that, even if you fail, someone else gets to stand. And that’s why Jolyne Cujoh is the most Jonathan-like Joestar to ever exist. This kind of storytelling is what makes JoJo’s  so legendary. It isn’t just about fight scenes, bizarre abilities or the absurdity that has made it a staple in pop culture. It’s about legacy. The series itself is a testament to how powerful originality can be when a creator dares to push beyond conventions. That’s something I think about every time I sit down to write, plan or conceptualize a project. I have always wanted to create something that leaves a mark, something that people don’t just consume but feel. A piece of media that sits with them long after they’ve experienced it, changing the way they see the world, if only a little. Every great storyteller dreams of this. And yet, the hardest part isn’t having the dream—it’s figuring out how to make something that lasts. Before JoJo’s , I gravitated toward media that played with bold ideas. I’ve always admired projects that stand out, that don’t try to fit a mold but instead reshape the entire landscape of storytelling. I knew I wanted to do something like that, but I didn’t know what my version of it looked like. Then, I found JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure , and suddenly, everything clicked. JoJo’s  isn’t afraid to be original. Araki takes massive creative risks, and yet, no matter how wild things get, it all works because of the underlying emotional core. You can have characters with the most absurd abilities—a guy who fights with spaghetti, a sentient colony of ants, a literal rock human—and it still feels real because the characters themselves are deeply human. They love, they struggle and they grow. The emotions are raw and unapologetic. That’s what makes it great. The commitment to reinvention is another thing that makes JoJo’s  unlike anything else. Every part of the series resets the playing field—new protagonist, new setting, new stakes—but it never loses its identity. The DNA of JoJo’s  is consistent, no matter how much the surface changes. That is something I think about constantly when developing stories. Can I make something that is uniquely mine but still evolves? Can I create a project that carries my voice even if I tell completely different stories? Then there’s the sheer confidence of it all. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure  is not a series that second-guesses itself. It is dramatic, absurd, deeply emotional and unafraid of being too much. That kind of fearlessness is what I want to bring into my work. It’s easy to get caught up in doubts—will people like this, will this work, is this idea too weird? The greatest stories come from people who commit to their vision fully. Araki’s ability to just go for it has pushed me to do the same. This is especially important in the projects I’m working on right now. I’m at a point where I feel like I’m finally carving out the kind of stories I want to tell. The film I’m making, the creative risks I’m taking, the way I approach storytelling—it’s all influenced by what I’ve learned from JoJo’s . Not just in style, but in philosophy. I want to create things that people remember. I want to make stories that push boundaries and make audiences feel something, whether that’s awe, heartbreak or just the simple joy of experiencing something truly unique. And, honestly? That’s why I love Jolyne and Jonathan so much. They represent what I want to achieve. They stand tall in the face of impossible odds, knowing they might not make it out, but still fight with everything they have. They believe in something bigger than themselves. That’s what I want to do with my work. I want to create something that matters, even if it means taking risks. I want to leave behind something that, years from now, someone can look at and say, this changed me.  That’s what JoJo’s  did for me, and if I can capture even a fraction of that in my own creations, then I’ll know I’m on the right path. Original Photo by Sydney Field

As I approach the halfway mark of my college career while preparing for my third year at the University of New Haven, I’ve taken some time to reflect on my experiences. I’m midway through my journey, and it can be daunting to realize that once my time is up, all I’ll have left are the experiences and wisdom I’ve gained. I want to chronicle and share my experiences with younger students so they can learn what I learned through trial and error. The Importance of Mental Health in College Coming to college, I brushed off everyone who told me that university is a completely different game from high school, with more challenges than meets the eye. During my first few weeks of freshman year, I believed every upperclassman who told me “just you wait” was just trying to scare me—until I experienced firsthand what it truly meant to be away from my comfort zone, surrounded by people I didn’t know, all by myself. I grew up poor, so my family has never been able to help me. The first thing I learned about was the pressure. I had to be locked in almost 24/7. Especially on this small campus, maintaining the image of someone who is put together is incredibly important, including in my own living space. I felt like I was constantly being judged. I had to be “on” all the time and prepared for my peace to be interrupted at any moment—by friends and newfound enemies alike. I cannot emphasize enough how important mental health is in college. You’re away from home, surrounded by strangers. The most unexpected things will happen to keep you on your toes, and you quickly learn that classes are only a small part of your college experience. How I Manage My Mental Health Navigating these hurdles over the past two years has been a rough game of trial and error, with the stakes higher than ever before. I had to find my peace and my outlet while dealing with overwhelming feelings—feeling like I was the “ugly friend” and not understanding what was happening half the time. I was a 17-year-old who had graduated early, surrounded by adults. The biggest step I took—and one I’ve never looked back on—was committing to the gym. I had been lifting since high school, but I never took it seriously. At first, I worked out because I wanted to attract women the way one of my friends seemed to do effortlessly. I wanted his confidence, physique and charm. But during my sophomore year, I found friends in the gym community, and my perspective changed. The gym became more than just a way to look good—it became a way to feel confident, release energy when I was angry, and clear my head when dealing with social or academic stress. Now, I’m a completely different person in terms of both appearance and self-perception. I surrounded myself with people who were better than me, and in turn, they pushed me every day—to lift more, take that step, do one more rep even when I was practically in tears. The gym became something I could wake up and be excited about, all while becoming healthier and more confident in myself. One of the most stressful parts of college for me has been juggling assignments, exams and extracurriculars (including the one you’re reading right now). I used to cope by pulling all-nighters, sleeping through entire days and missing classes just to play catch-up at night. I developed a serious caffeine addiction—to the point where I couldn’t hold a conversation unless I was sipping a Celsius or a coffee. It was dangerous. I had to change, or my heart wouldn’t keep up with my body. By sophomore year, I discovered the Pomodoro technique, which changed the way I worked. I was diagnosed with ADHD, and the Pomodoro technique allowed me to work in short, high-intensity bursts rather than slogging through five assignments in a row. I’d work for 30 minutes, listening to music, then take a 15-minute break. This method motivated me, and I’ve ended up getting more done than ever before. I used to think that being constantly busy was the key to success—until I had a complete nervous breakdown. I locked myself in my room and stayed in bed for days. I wouldn’t even leave to eat unless my roommate and friend forced me to. But assignments piled up, and I ended up failing my first class. Let me make this clear: Staying constantly busy will never end well for you. It never has, and it never will. Taking time to pursue things you love for your “now” instead of your “later” is crucial to long-term success. Watch a movie, go for a walk, climb into sewers with your friends (as I did). Have fun—you’re still a teenager, and it’s imperative that you build that “unc” (or aunt) lore for your future kids. While I’m not big on meditation—I fall asleep whenever I try it—I’ve found that taking a few minutes to breathe deeply and focus on the present helps me calm down when things get chaotic. When something makes you anxious or stressed—whether it’s an assignment, a toxic ex, or a looming deadline on a project you should’ve started three weeks ago—step back. Leave the room, take a walk and breathe. This will keep you from crashing or making impulsive decisions. Building a Support System Having a solid support system has been key for me. Over the past two years, I’ve learned that some people will actively root for your downfall and take steps to make it happen. But I’ve also found real friends—the ones I’m still close with today. As a wise man once said, “Are you surrounding yourself with people who throw wood on your fire or those who throw piss on it?” Surround yourself with people who share your goals and genuinely enjoy your company. They are the only ones you need; anyone else is a detriment to your mental health and success. Trust your gut when it comes to the people around you—it rarely lies. Who knows? You may even find your special someone along the way. Seeking Professional Help I came into college thinking I had it all figured out, as if I didn’t need support or guidance (famous last words). Therapy is an important resource and never hurts to try if the need arises. While therapy depends on your insurance, the University of New Haven offers Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which is accessible by appointment or walk-in. I currently see a therapist, and he has given me a fresh perspective and valuable advice on many of the problems I face day to day. If you’re considering off-campus therapy, make sure your insurance covers it—otherwise, you could end up paying hundreds of dollars out of pocket. Conclusion I’m not perfect, nor will I claim to have mastered every strategy I’ve mentioned. No one has it all figured out, and no one ever will. College is a first-time experience for most, and every journey is different. It’s important to remember that the steps described by anyone—including me—don’t have to be followed to the letter. Remember this: You’re still a kid. You have so much growing to do. Mistakes will be made, but it’s up to you whether you learn and grow from them or not. Photo by Madison Inouye

I want to tell you about my friend Josh. There is something about the way Josh looks at the universe in this photo—calm, still, undisturbed by the infinite possibilities stretching before him. He doesn't seem overwhelmed by the vastness of it all, nor does he look like someone desperately searching for something more. He is there, in the moment, in that moment's fullness. And that, in itself, is a quiet kind of power. Josh is one of the kindest, most intelligent people I've ever known. He is also, in many ways, one of the simplest. He doesn't chase after things he doesn't need, nor does he measure his worth by the ever-growing list of achievements that society tells us we should accumulate. He is content in ways I struggled to understand when I first met him. I have always been someone with big dreams. I want more, work for more, and always think about more ways to expand my knowledge in a different experience from the last. And for a long time, I thought this was the only way to be. Ambition was the driver of all great things, wasn't it? But Josh—Josh made me reconsider the narrative we've all been taught. He isn't unambitious; he finds joy in what already exists. And that raises the question: When is it good to simply be happy with what life gives us? Society tells us to push, to grind, to never settle. And I believe in aspiration—I believe in reaching for the stars. But what happens when we have everything we need and don't appreciate it because we’re too focused on what's next? Josh isn't loud about his thoughts. He doesn't give long speeches or write essays on the philosophy of contentment. His way of existing is his philosophy. He's expressive in his own ways—through the silly jokes he makes, the rants about whatever show he's watching, or when he quietly listens as I do most of the talking. We assume that a simple life means a simple mind, but the most complex thinkers often choose simplicity. It is easy to chase things endlessly. It is much harder to stand still amid it all and say, this is enough. And maybe that's what this photo captures—the moment where ambition meets contentment, where we stare at the universe—not in fear, not in desperation, but with the quiet understanding that we are already a part of it. Maybe the greatest thing we can learn from those who choose simplicity is that life is not just about wanting more. Sometimes, it's realizing that what we have is already everything. Original Photo by Elisa Broche @eyesogeg on Instagram

I remember the first day I walked along the sidewalks, rich, dark green grass tickling my shoes,  while Bergami Hall stopped me in my tracks.  Time passed, classes continued, and relationships bloomed. The busy moments swallowed me whole and spit me out,  teaching me to slow down and take a breath.  I keep moving forward, not dwelling on the whispers behind me. Now, it's time—time to settle into reality.  Graduation is two months away, yet I have more to do than ever before.  My story isn’t finished; it’s not time yet. I’m not ready. This isn’t the end, just a turning page.  I’ve reached the close of a chapter, not the final act.  I started here, and now I’m moving on. My time here has ended,  but the wisdom I’ve gained propels me forward. I’m eager. I’m ready now. Image by Ralph from Pixabay

Well, no. Of course, yes cannot mean no. Or can it? Consent is defined as a voluntary agreement between participants of an activity, often sexual. True consent is not coerced, meaning consent is negated in scenarios involving force, intimidation or threats. However, this definition is too broad for the variety of situations that can occur. What if one participant is drunk? What if both participants are? What about individuals who cannot legally give approval, such as those under the age of consent? These are simplified situations. We've all seen movies where a woman feigns disapproval while contradicting it with body language and facial expressions. Films throughout history have romanticized nonconsensual sex and created the impression that women are always interested. Media has distorted the idea of consent, sexualizing women and emphasizing masculinity, while filmmakers have been pressured into reinforcing these stereotypes to appeal to the masses. So, how can one be sure they have given or received consent? The simple answer is to say “yes,” but it must be intentional. Body language must reflect approval. There cannot be hesitation or ambiguity; otherwise, the consent is technically void. It can feel like a lot of pressure to give or receive proper approval, and ensuring consent can be stressful. Here are some tips to ensure appropriate consent: Practice enthusiastic consent.  It may sound unnecessary, but it is a valid method. Enthusiastic consent is a newer term that defines a positive expression of consent. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the country's largest anti-sexual violence organization, “Enthusiastic consent means looking for the presence of a ‘yes’ rather than the absence of a ‘no.’” This consent form involves extra communication and body language to ensure confirmation and comfort. Examples include nodding, positive feedback and repeated verbal confirmation during the activity. Do not proceed if you receive mixed signals.  Mixed signals are often a sign of hesitation or reluctance. If a person says yes but seems unsure, they may have felt pressured or are not entirely comfortable. No matter the situation, mixed signals do not mean “yes" and therefore void consent. Stop and ask questions to help them feel safe and heard. You can change your mind at any time.  Consent can be withdrawn at any point. Saying yes once does not mean yes indefinitely. Additionally, just because a participant gave consent before does not guarantee consent in the future. No one should feel pressured to say yes because of past experiences or their relationship with the other participant. Decisions should be based solely on the present moment and current feelings. If they say no, that’s it.  You stop, and you move on. There is no argument to be made. It is important to respect consent, as it reflects not only on your respect for the participant but also for yourself. Many factors can influence a participant’s answer. As mentioned before, all members of the party must avoid force, intimidation and threats. However, this generalizes a wide range of situations. Many forms of manipulation can be used to elicit a “yes” from someone who is unwilling. One of the most common forms of manipulation that impacts consent is guilt-tripping. A participant may intentionally pressure the other by appealing to their sympathy or pity , making it easier for the unwilling individual to change their mind. Humans naturally want to satisfy the desires of those they care about. However, guilt-tripping can also be unintentional. A disappointed reaction to rejection can unintentionally sway the other person. No matter whether guilt-tripping is intentional or not, it should not influence consent. It is not your fault. While consent is difficult to define with strict rules, it is simple to recognize. There should never be uncertainty about whether all participants are willing. Communication is the foundation of consent. In 2025, we all need to talk and listen to each other, especially in intimate situations. We should be able to express ourselves openly without judgment or confusion, while also respecting others for who they are and what they want. This is the year we choose to voice our concerns, desires and boundaries freely.