Lifestyle

---

LIFESTYLE 3/11/24 10:37am

Women beyond borders: Students navigate experiences abroad

By Cassie Weymouth

Elon has been ranked first in undergraduate students who participate in study abroad for the 18th time. Many of these students are women with varying experiences, often dependent on the culture within the country of their choice. Allegra Laing, executive director of the Global Education Center, encourages all female-identifying students to study abroad. She advises them to engage with other female-identifying students from the country they are staying in to learn how to safely navigate that specific culture. Laing also takes into consideration that other identities, such as race, religion, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation, can also play into a student’s experience abroad.

---

LIFESTYLE 3/10/24 1:29pm

Elon University’s first fashion club promotes education, awareness, inclusivity

By Nia Bedard

Phoenix Fashion is Elon University’s first fashion club whose mission is to educate others about the fashion industry, promote sustainability, create clothing pieces and showcase garments. Sophomore Brooke Gustafson established Phoenix Fashion to create an organization that could educate others on fashion and sustainability, but still be a place where people can look and feel good regardless of their skill set, knowledge of fashion or gender. Though Gustafson is studying abroad and was unavailable for comment, Interim President of Phoenix Fashion Tia Wohl and the club’s artistic director, Elise Whitaker, said the club is still upholding Gustafson’s vision for the organization.

---

LIFESTYLE 3/9/24 1:10pm

Elon Performing Arts explores complexities of identity

By Ruth Cruz

Elon Performing Arts students explored the beauty of the spring season with their Spring Dance Concert in McCrary Theatre on March 8. The performance focused on family and diversity within the constructs of society. The concert also allowed students to create a unique style and explore their passion for dance. Senior Isabella Sessa said she began her dancing career at a young age when her mother signed her up for dance classes. Sessa said she fell in love with the beauty and creativity that exemplifies the art of dance.

---

LIFESTYLE 3/9/24 11:02am

Vital Signs a cappella concert raises over $10,000 for Make-A-Wish

By Abby Gravely

Elon’s Vital Signs a cappella group hosted its 11th annual Make-A-Wish benefit concert and raised over $10,000 for local kids. The concert welcomed over 300 audience members, and was founded by Vital Signs alum Nick Cook ’15 to honor his sister Bella. Bella is a Leukemia survivor who was granted a wish by the foundation. All proceeds from this event went directly to the Make-A-Wish foundation of Central and Western North Carolina, which was able to grant a record-breaking 430 wishes in 2023.

---

LIFESTYLE 3/7/24 3:05pm

Elon Watches: Dune Part 2: A Modern Day Epic

By Harrison Saini

The novel "Dune" was labeled as “unadaptable” by many, but in 2021, Denis Villeneuve tried and delivered an incredible science fiction film the likes of which I had not seen before. It was one of the best films of that year and swept at the 2022 academy awards. Villeneuve accomplished a miracle and I was unsure, if not doubtful, that he could recapture that magic for a sequel. As it turns out though, my reservations were completely unfounded as “Dune Part 2” is one the best science fiction films ever made.

---

LIFESTYLE 3/1/24 12:06pm

‘This is for all of us’ Elon students cultivate community through LGBTQ+ arts festival

By Sarah T. Moore

As the sun began to set outside, students trickled into the Center for the Arts Isabella Cannon Room. Some danced around as Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” played through the speakers, while others quietly observed the artwork displays on the wall. On the other side of the room, a series of posters prompted attendees to think about their relationship with LGBTQ+ art. One asks, “who are your favorite queer artists?” A yellow sticky note in the bottom right corner reads, “me." This was the opening ceremony of “Breakthrough,” a three-day, student-run LGBTQ+ arts festival at Elon University from Feb. 23 to 25.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/26/24 9:56am

Active Minds challenges stigma around mental health disorders at Elon University

By Ruth Cruz

As a mental health advocate, freshman Alyssa Artabane arrived in Elon searching for a community that reflects her values. In fall 2023, she decided to join Active Minds — an organization on campus that promotes mental health awareness. Artabane said Active Minds creates a positive environment for students interested in mental health. Members prioritize building personal relationships and supporting each other. Sophomore Emily Dann, the event coordinator of Active Minds, said the organization has many events throughout the semester that promote mental health awareness, such as a suicide prevention walk at 4 p.m. on April 21.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/25/24 6:22pm

Elon University music department promotes passion for jazz

By Ruth Cruz

Elon’s Jazz Festival launched a new program for middle and high school students to explore the history of Jazz. Musicians gave students an opportunity to enhance their skills in the jazz field. Director of Jazz Studies Alex Heitlinger is head of the recruiting Jazz program at Elon. He said the program allows students to gain new perspectives about Jazz education. Heitlinger hopes these experiences will inspire students to pursue a jazz profession. The Elon Jazz Ensemble performed in McCrary Theatre on Feb. 24, having been mentored by award-winning artist Kris Johnson.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/24/24 5:38pm

Elon University a cappella group hosts 11th annual Make-A-Wish concert

By Jordyn Forni

Vital Signs, an a cappella group at Elon University, will host its 11th annual Make-A-Wish concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24 in Whitley Auditorium. Vital Signs will perform alongside all seven of the other established a cappella groups at Elon, as well as two visiting ones. The organization aims to raise $10,000 through donations and ticket sales to donate to the Make-A-Wish foundation. President of Vital Signs Aidan Coy said this event was started 11 years ago by a Vital Signs Alum whose sister was a Make-A-Wish kid.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/23/24 9:08am

NPHC organizations provide service for Black students at Elon University

By Kymani Jackson

Sisterhood is a big appeal of Greek life for Aleezah Adams, president of the Black Student Union and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Adams crossed Delta Sigma Theta in the spring of 2023 of her junior year. Her sorority is a part of the National PanHellenic Council. NPHC, also known as the Divine Nine, is a collection of nine historically Black greek letter organizations. It comprises five fraternities and four sororities, and on Elon’s campus, there are six active chapters. Adams said the support NPHC organizations provide the Elon community, especially the Black community, is crucial.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/22/24 10:46am

Student-run LGBTQ+ arts festival aims to uplift LGBTQ+ communities at Elon University

By Sarah T. Moore

When sophomore Sophie Verrecchia remembers dancing in “Luminosity,” she thinks about the community she found and how everyone she worked with was warm and welcoming. Now, Verrecchia and 81 other students are working together to bring Elon’s student-run LGBTQ+ arts festival back for a second year. “Breakthrough” — this year’s festival — hopes to continue Morrill’s legacy, building off of their research and showcasing student creatives. The festival will have events from Feb. 23 to 25, starting with a kickoff celebration at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Center for the Arts Isabella Cannon Room.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/20/24 8:09am

Netflix series ‘My Life with the Walter Boys’ features Elon University alum

By Sarah T. Moore

Greensboro native and “My Life with the Walter Boys” actor Jaylan Evans remembers going to see plays and musicals at Elon University throughout high school. As he was applying to music theatre programs across the country, Evans said he continued to find himself drawn to Elon. Evans graduated from Elon in 2020, amid a global pandemic, and moved to New York a year later. He had two roles under his belt by then, one as a guest star in an episode of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” and the other as a voice actor in a Netflix animated children’s show.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/19/24 11:11am

Abusua dance concert at Elon University explores Black narrative

By Ruth Cruz

Elon University’s Performing Arts department presented “Abusua” in honor of Black History Month. The performers reflected a narrative of the struggles within the Black community. They incorporated realistic experiences that captivated the audience with a mixture of contemporary and Jazz. The dedicated and passionate performers explored the beauty of Black culture through traditional African dance at McCrary Theater on Feb. 16 and 17. They used the term Abusua to represent their idea of family, according to artistic director Keshia Wall. This was a recurrent theme throughout the performance which reflected their values as a diverse group.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/16/24 10:59am

Phoenix Flavors vending machine opens in Truitt Center

By Jordyn Forni

The Truitt Center, located in the Numen Lumen Pavilion, is introducing a new dining option to Elon University's campus which includes kosher, halal and pareve food: the Phoenix Flavors vending machine. The machine is currently in a pilot period, but there is already a lot of excitement from students — according to Interim Assistant Dean of Multifaith Engagement Hillary Zaken. Kosher is a dietary restriction that is based on the Jewish religion, while Halal is based on the Islamic religion. Pareve foods — which are often vegan except for fish products — can be eaten with either meat or dairy products and still be kosher.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/16/24 8:03am

African Diaspora LLC creates community on campus

By Kymani Jackson

Freshman Adrianna Stapleton was skeptical about what her social life would look like at Elon University due to the lack of diversity. That’s why she applied to live in the African Diaspora Living Learning Community for her first year. Elon’s African Diaspora LLC provides a residential space where students can live while learning about the Diaspora. The African Diaspora refers to the descendants of Africans who have migrated across the world, whether voluntarily or forcefully. This LLC highlights African American, Black and African cultures worldwide. 

---

LIFESTYLE 2/12/24 5:00pm

Elon University’s sold-out production of ‘A Chorus Line’ brings Broadway classic to campus

By Sarah T. Moore

Freshman Eric Pettit remembers auditioning for Elon University’s music theatre program, trying to stand out among his peers in hopes of getting in. For his first Elon show, Pettit said he found himself channeling that energy again as he played Mark Anthony in “A Chorus Line.” The Broadway classic “A Chorus Line” premiered in 1975 and won a Pulitzer Prize the following year. While there have been a wide variety of “A Chorus Line” productions and revivals, Pettit said Elon’s production was intentionally very reminiscent of the original Broadway production.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/6/24 3:51pm

Elon Watches: “Black Box Diaries”

By Lucy Samuels

Following her own case of sexual assault from 2015, journalist and filmmakers Shiori Ito’s documentary “Black Box Diaries” covers her personal and journalistic journey in Japan as she tries to prosecute her high-profile rapist. Ito’s work has made waves in Japan’s legal system. She continues to sue for defamation after her momentous court case in 2019 at the Tokyo District Court where she was given 3.3 million yen in damages from her alleged rapist, Noriyuki Yamaguchi. While no arrest has been made, her continued victories in court make the “#MeToo” movement a more dominant narrative in Japan.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/3/24 2:57pm

Elon Watches: ‘A Different Man’ delivers a different kind of film

By Harrison Saini

Aaron Schimberg’s “A Different Man” follows a struggling actor named Edward, who, after undergoing an experimental facial reconstruction surgery, becomes fixated on an actor in a stage production of his former life. Schimberg’s screenplay touches on a lot of different themes, but the exploration of insecurity is the beating heart of the movie. His approach shows how insecurity can hold us back from achieving greatness while simultaneously depicting how it can transform someone into the worst version of themselves. The screenplay is masterful. Watching Edward slowly begin to drown in his insecurities is just horrifying as it is weirdly entertaining.

---

LIFESTYLE 2/2/24 9:38am

Elon University’s production of ‘The Antipodes’ explores humanity, connection

By Sarah T. Moore

With four remaining performances Feb. 2 to 4, Elon University’s winter play “The Antipodes” asks audience members to reflect on how stories and storytelling shape the human perspective. Set in a writers’ room, Annie Baker’s “The Antipodes” follows a group of creatives striving to work together and come up with the perfect story, the next big hit. The remaining shows are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 and Feb. 3 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 3 and Feb. 4. The play has a runtime of two hours with no intermission and is located in Roberts Studio Theatre.

---

LIFESTYLE 1/22/24 3:05pm

Latin-Country musician emphasizes connection with students

By Monika Jurevicius

Country-Latin musician Angie K stepped onto the Irazú Coffee shop stage as she performed for Elon University students for the fourth time, remembering her musical start at small venues. She said the base of her work is seeing people connect and admiring how students open up to each other as she plays. While the fountains at Elon catch her eye, Angie K said the interactions at Irazú are what pulls her back to Elon. Freshman Cecilia Marie, who prefers to go by her stage name, also opened for Angie on Jan. 11.  

---