Edwin Enriquez Gutierrez, the president of Candela and a junior double-majoring in biology and women, gender and sexuality studies, explained the significance of the theme.

“Our theme ‘Dia De Los Niños’ is Day of the Kid, translated into English, and it’s a celebration seen in Latin America where people celebrate kids and their youth and growth, and our theme aims to provide a space where people can see some and feel nostalgia of what it means to grow up as someone a part of Latin Culture,” wrote Enriquez Gutierrez in an email. “Candela is an organization that always aims to provide a safe and fun space to dance to anyone, and that will definitely be seen at our banquet this week, as it will tie into our theme of growing up in Latin Culture and part of that is growing up with Latin Music, food, and much more!”

As guests filtered in, blue lighting set the scene, and reggaeton tracks reminiscent of the early 2000s played. Papel picado, or perforated paper, decorated the walls, along with blue streamers and flower bunches. Tables were set with programs, a flower bouquet centerpiece, menus and coloring pages.

The banquet kicked off with the introduction of hosts, Skyla Rivera ‘24, the former president and founder of Candela, and Joskarly Fermin Rodriguez ‘24. They discussed the club’s goal to share Latin culture through dance and steps founding E-Board members took to create the organization.

After introductions from the current E-Board, Tropical Ecstasy, an on-campus Caribbean dance team, performed a choreographed set featuring genres like afrobeats and dembow. The audience applauded as the group danced to popular songs on social media like “Yo Bunny” by Prodbycpkshawn and Ugly Andz.

Two activities followed, musical chairs for a chance to win a Chipotle gift card and pin the tail on the donkey, encapsulating the theme of childhood nostalgia.

Andy Castellanos, the public relations chair and a junior majoring in economics, discussed how the organization speaks to the culture of Binghamton University’s diverse student body.

“What Candela is really about is creating a space where culture and community can come together,” Castellanos wrote in an email. “Although Latin dance is at the core of what we do, it is also a way to celebrate one’s identity and share it with others. Having students from different backgrounds join us is one of my favorite parts of this organization as that’s what makes Candela feel so welcoming and true to Binghamton’s diversity.”

During intermission, guests chose their selection of dinner options, all made by E-Board members. Guests could partake in cheese empanadas, mac and cheese or spaghetti, white rice or moro and chicken or pork.

Enriquez Gutierrez also set time aside to discuss current immigration policies, which have allowed for degrading, humiliating and often violent encounters between immigrants and ICE agents. He highlighted several resources and encouraged guests to educate themselves and spread awareness.

“I implore you guys all to donate, help however you can,” Enriquez Gutierrez said. “Please look past your privileges and acknowledge what’s going on in the world, and please educate those who need education.”

The audience practiced dancing to several bachata songs before moving into “La Hora Loca,” or the crazy hour, where all different genres of Latin music played to encourage guests to try out different dance styles with one another.

“Our Día de Los Niños Banquet is our chance to really bring everything we stand for into one night which includes culture, joy, and community,” Castellanos wrote. “Día de Los Niños is about celebrating childhood and we want the event to capture that same sense of fun and togetherness. With music, performances, and activities, we hope the Banquet feels like more than just a showcase, but a celebration that invites everyone to be part of our family.”

Primarily set in the ’70s, “The Conjuring” franchise frames the narrative around a particular family experiencing a haunting, to which the Warrens, a paranormal investigation duo, are called to release the family from the entity. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” challenged the framework of the typical “The Conjuring” plot, as the family that is typically at the center of conflict fades into the backdrop of the Warrens’ personal experience with the central demonic entity.

With the use of interesting lighting, sound and a centralized focus on the Warren family, the film stands apart from the rest of the franchise.

Many of these stylistic choices were shown through the repeated transition into visions had by Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) and her daughter Judy Warren (Mia Tomlinson). These transitions were depicted by a change in lighting, quickly engulfing the character in darkness and transforming an otherwise pleasant or neutral scene into something much more sinister.

Darkness is also used to obscure and distort faces, hinting at the influence of the demonic entity over the individual’s life. Conversely, great instances of light were used to highlight moments of joy — most notably the ending scene in which Judy marries her fiancé, who was introduced at the beginning of the movie and remained a central character throughout the film.

The film’s emphasis on lighting and darkness ties into the prominent overtone of Christian values, which are mostly displayed through the almost redundant calls to God in moments of despair and helplessness, alongside the central themes of familial bonds and Christian imagery.

Sound, or lack thereof, separated the movie from its predecessors, as most moments of tension and horror occurred in silence or unintelligible whispering. In previous “The Conjuring” movies, these scenes would involve screaming and loud crashes, at times disrupting the tension and breaking from the gravity of the scene. The choice to allow horror to occur in quiet spaces built tension throughout the movie and carried it into the following scenes.

A drawback to using prolonged scenes of silence was that it affected the pacing of the already extended run time. The two-hour-and-15-minute-long movie dragged, as much of the first hour was uneventful and could have been cut to fix pacing.

Additionally, the Warren’s characteristic investigative work was essentially cut. At the beginning of the movie, the audience was directly told of the connection between the Warrens and the other family, ultimately reducing viewer engagement in the plot.

Newer characters like Judy Warren, her fiancé and the family experiencing paranormal activity were all underdeveloped and were simply used to further the plot rather than exploring how they fit into the narrative. Many of these characters felt replaceable, which came at a huge disadvantage to the film, as Judy Warren coming into adulthood and earning a place in the family’s work was a central plot point.

On the other end, Farmiga particularly stood out from the cast, as her facial expressions often cued visions or acute perceptions of information and spiritual connections. Seeing Lorraine step into a standalone role — outside of her identity as half of the Warren family couple — in the franchise was entertaining as Farmiga’s acting range came through.

Although the film wasn’t particularly exceptional, it served to give the series a positive ending and was an overall entertaining watch.

Rate: 3/5 

Following Broome County Arts Council’s rebrand in 2023, this month’s art walk continues to combat the “there’s nothing to do in Binghamton, NY” stereotype as an array of emerging artists take the stage. If you’re looking to explore Binghamton’s creative scene, here are some exhibitions to check out.

Sept. 5 to Sept. 27 at Cooperative Gallery 213 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (213 State Street) 

Founded in 2000 to provide gallery space for member artists, Cooperative Gallery 213 hosts workshops and presents public events in addition to exhibiting member artists’ work. The gallery is self-run and is fully staffed and maintained by members who contribute their time and creativity to the space.

Its newest exhibit, “Herizon’s Back in Town,” celebrates the 50th anniversary of Herizon — a women and lesbian social space that ran from 1975 to 1991 in Binghamton, NY. The club promoted visual art and performances, while allowing women to organize and promote anti-war campaigns, HIV/AIDS awareness and women’s reproductive rights. “Herizon’s Back in Town” features artists Judy Salton and MaryRose, who recreated the look of the old Herizon bar.

Sept. 5 to Sept. 27 at BCAC Artisan Gallery (223 State Street) 

The exhibition titled “Nocturne” features a collection of oil paintings by Sarah Tietje-Mietz, whose “work is heavily influenced by cityscapes and architecture.” Tietje-Mietz focuses on capturing emotion and personal experiences evoked by each scene, exploring how night distorts linear structures in places of light.

In addition to First Friday exhibitions, BCAC Artisan Gallery holds special events including lectures, workshops, demonstrations, live music and poetry.

Sept. 5 to Sept. 27 at BCAC Art Path Gallery (223 State Street) 

Another exhibition at the BCAC Art Path Gallery, a collection of plein air paintings by Richard Henry, will be on display. This style of French painting involves painting outdoors, capturing natural light and colors. Richard’s art style is uniquely American, ranging from depictions of urban scenes to New England landscapes.

Sept. 1 to Oct. 11 at BCAC Artful Child Gallery (223 State Street) 

Aimed at highlighting young artists, the Artful Child Gallery showcases art from children ages four to 16 every two months. All works of art are displayed at the gallery, including paintings, photography, illustrations and sculptures.

This month, the gallery is hosting 13-year-old Josie Kelly in her very first showcase.

Sept. 5 to Oct. 1 at The Bundy Museum (129 Main Street) 

Located at The Bundy Museum’s third-floor art gallery, “Pareidolia’s Intended Consequences” highlights artist Jerry Macdonell. Featuring monochromatic paintings, the exhibit is framed around “pareidolia,” or the tendency to impose meaning on an object when there is none.

The works are intended to be up to interpretation, allowing viewers to experience pareidolia. Macdonell paints from sight, occasionally leaving borders semi-defined and adding his own creative input.

Sept. 5 to Oct. 1 at Just Breathe Cannabis Dispensary (75 Court Street) 

Kathleen Yonkin’s “Pigments on Paper” is on display at The Exhale Gallery, located at Just Breathe Cannabis Dispensary. The work is a series of mixed-media designs that include watercolor, oil pastels, acrylic, and ink.

Following the event’s announcement earlier last week on its newly created Instagram page, the self-run contest was led by several judges who allowed each contestant to make a pitch to the crowd. After participants showcased their outfits, wired headphones and guitars, the audience voted on who they believed to be “most performative.”

Aligning with online memes, feminism and female creatives were a central topic of discussion. The “performative male” is typically a self-proclaimed feminist, engaging in pro-women discourse solely for approval and modeling their personality and style after what they perceive women want.

While distributing menstrual products, one contestant was asked how he felt about menstruation, to which he began to chant “fuck period cramps,” urging the crowd to join.

Daphne Linn, a judge for the event and a freshman majoring in English, explained that the event was unique to college life — coming out of class and seeing such an eccentric, nonsensical contest rooted in Gen Z humor was very different from the typical high school experience.

Merchandise from female artists like Beabadoobee, Clairo and Lana Del Rey was also on full display, as contestants wore merch and showed off vinyls to demonstrate their interest in women-centered spaces. This was also showcased in the form of feminist literature, as contestants displayed their knowledge of women’s history and social struggles to the audience.

Morgan Brenner, a sophomore majoring in industrial and systems engineering, shared why he decided to compete in the contest.

“I was just tired of seeing the state of the world today,” Brenner said. “I really felt I needed to see some change, and I thought I would share my insights with the world.”

Matcha, Labubus and tote bags were all popular choices for props, while some contestants even played their guitars for the audience. Although they seemed to blur together in their fashion sense, each contestant displayed their interests in creative ways through their accessories.

Brenner discussed how the contest played out and his preparation for the event.

“It’s pretty grueling,” Brenner said. “Most people went out and bought matcha, but what are they doing? I brewed my own yerba mate. I don’t mess around, it really means so much to be here today.”

Contestants wore staples to the performative look like button-down shirts, trousers or baggy jeans and were accessorized head to toe with jewelry, carabiners and skateboards.

Ben Hymowitz, a freshman majoring in philosophy, politics and law, explained that his look was “Bushwick inspired and Brooklyn made,” a nod to a specific category of performative men who make living in Brooklyn central to their identity.

“I get called performative on the daily,” Hymowitz said. “And I just thought that I’d prove that I’m the most performative one.”

Most contestants stayed in character even before making their pitch to the crowd, engaging in light discourse with one another.

“I think it’s great that they’re all coming out and making jokes about it because sometimes people get upset about stuff,” Linn said. “But everyone’s just having a really good time being light-hearted, and it’s a lot of fun to bring people together. I feel like people are talking to people that they don’t know and making friends, and that’s really cool to see — random stuff bringing people together.”

Students can participate in over 450 clubs and organizations, from cultural clubs to pre-professional and athletic groups. With Binghamton University’s wide range of organizations, there’s a little bit of everything to make students feel welcome and at home.

Arts and Multicultural

Often grouped together, these two categories of organizations involve the expression of or contribution to culture. While multicultural organizations emphasize the importance of cultural heritage, education and expression, artistic clubs give students tools to express their identity, expanding on existing cultural and creative dialogues.

Whether students are passionate about film and theater or want to develop their visual arts skills, the University has plenty of organizations to keep students thinking creatively and fostering connections with fellow artists. Students can get involved in immersive opportunities like directing theater productions showcased for the student body with the Hinman Production Company, reading poetry during open mic nights with the Poetry Club and modeling for RENA Fashion Magazine.

Multicultural organizations provide students with space to bond over shared experiences and learn from powerful guest speakers, further exploring their own cultural roots and educating themselves on others. Weekly meetings are dedicated to discussing current events, exploring historical figures and unpacking the challenges of otherness. These clubs include Corazoncitos, the Black Student Union and Powerful United Ladies Striving to Elevate.

Greek Life and Pre-professional

A mix between social events and professionalism, both Greek life and pre-professional organizations can give students the tools to work toward their career goals while fostering community.

Greek life can range from focusing on philanthropy and pre-professionalism to cultural identity. These include Phi Mu, Theta Tau and La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. Although it may seem like there are endless Greek life organizations at BU, each group has its unique feel and community, making it easier to decide which best aligns with students’ passions.

Similarly, pre-professional organizations are often characterized by the field they specialize in and their cultural background. Multicultural students may find challenges in pursuing careers dominated by a certain demographic, so cultural pre-professional organizations can be a great opportunity for students looking to enhance their professional interests with students of similar backgrounds. Aside from cultural pre-professional organizations, these clubs are separated by particular fields, like the National Society of Black Engineers, Harpur’s Ferry and Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society.

Athletics

If you are looking to brush up on your technique or pick up a new hobby, joining a sports team is a great way to stay active and de-stress. Athletic organizations are divided at the intramural, club and Division I level. Intramural sports welcome beginner and intermediate players to build their skills in the sport, providing a much more lax environment and an opportunity to try something new and different.

The intensity of a club-level team varies from sport to sport, as some may be more competitive because these teams play against other universities. Joining Division I sports usually begins after being scouted in high school, although experienced students may still try out at the beginning of the semester.

This range in level and intensity allows students to choose how involved they want to be in athletics, staying active by expanding their interests or keeping up with old hobbies. The University offers a variety of sports, like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, tennis and soccer.

Rogelio Lopez, a Costa Rican choreographer and the show’s guest director, worked alongside associate directors Neva Kenny, an assistant professor of dance, and Elizabeth Mozer, an associate professor of theatre. Together, they used unique movements, props and costuming to channel various elements of humanity and nature.

A collaboration between students and faculty, the performance exemplified the shared experience of humanity under Rogelio’s guidance and use of “El Teatro de Imagen,” a genre of theater that tells a story through dramatic movement and physicality. The interpretive performance allowed the audience to engage with each act in a way that resonated with them.
Lopez highlighted the versatility of visual and performing arts as a form of communication, rather than spoken language.

“I’m trying to build communication and because I don’t know the language, it’s very difficult for me, but I can talk with you thanks to the image — and that’s perfect,” Lopez said. “That’s my idea of how we are over the limits of the communication. And my life has tried to create that language. My life, it’s almost 50 years, working every day without the words and silent image, because that image, when you see it, you immediately create a connection.”

“And that is ‘Teatro de Imagen,’” he continued. “Because theater is voice — that’s theater in particular. Of course, there’s a lot of ways to do theater, but in particular to speak about how we can build a language without speaking, but speaking a lot — that’s the idea of the ‘Teatro de Imagen.’”

“Encounters” was an evocative representation of the beauty of the human experience, encapsulating both the good and the bad aspects of life on Earth. The audience travels with the characters, exploring different cultures and emotions like love, joy and grief. A poetic metaphor for the complexity of human nature, the show drew attention to current issues like climate change and capitalism.

Lopez explained how he used different physical aspects of theater to build on nonverbal communication in his art.

“And at the same time, for that is to use two elements, the human body and all that is around, like the objects, the projections, the music, etc., etc., etc.,” Lopez said. “But the human and in particular — the gestures, because the gestures is the language without words, isn’t it?”

Lopez said that the performance was created in only four weeks in a more non-traditional rehearsal process, which uplifted students’ unique talents and captured the abstract.

“‘Encounters’ was a devised piece in that it wasn’t necessarily the traditional way of doing theater where it’s top down,” said CK Zaki, an interpreter for Lopez and a senior double-majoring in theatre and Spanish. “You have a playwright who writes a text, and then that text gets interpreted by one director and then the director makes all the choices of how then the actors move. It was a very collaborative environment and process. And I think that that was really cool, because the overall product of it is informed directly by those who were involved in it.”

Kenny and Mozer translated the intricacies of Lopez’s vision to the stage while playing the protagonists in the show. As aliens from an unfamiliar planet, they explore Earth through an outsider’s point of view and discover what it means to be human.

“There was a lot of exploration and opportunity to start to be comfortable in the uncomfortableness of being seen in something in a language that may be different than what you are used to,” Kenny said.

The protagonists are spiritually connected women who challenge the traditional male adventurer archetype. Through each act, Lopez emphasized the importance of making space for women and nature.

Along with live music and songs, “Encounters” also featured spoken word performances in a variety of languages. Jamie Papa, a first-year master’s student studying theater, sang in English and Filipino, while Yulia Garavea, a senior double-majoring in anthropology and sociology and Heidy Batista Garcia, a lecturer of theatre, read letters crafted for their parents in Russian and Spanish, adding an identity-based element to the show.

“Encounters” has a contemplative, interpretive ending, as the characters depart from Earth and leave the audience understanding how to learn from the past to reach for a brighter future. The show defied expectations by bringing contemporary productions to a wider audience on campus.

“I think that there is a lot of beauty in ambiguity, and I hope that the audience was able to sort of fit in the multiple interpretations possible from the show, and to bring whatever they feel is personally relevant to them to it,” Zaki said. “I think the show was really, I mean, it’s called ‘Encounters,’ and I feel like it really is about encountering humanity from different perspectives and different lived experiences and how those different lived experiences kind of communicate a universal humanity. I hope people were able to find something personal and universal in it.”

The theme, “Entre Las Olas,” meaning “among the waves,” was reflected in the space’s decor. Posters, illustrating the various contestants overlaid on an enlarged seashell in an underwater city, were hung on the walls, along with colorful lighting and music to amp up the crowd. This year’s contestants represented Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Peru and Uruguay.

“The theme Entre las Olas was inspired by the idea of movement, resilience, and transformation,” wrote Jiene Feng, LASU’s vice president and a junior majoring in psychology, in an email. “Just like waves in the ocean, our identities are fluid, powerful, and constantly evolving. We wanted to highlight the beauty and strength found within the Latinx community, especially how we navigate and rise through challenges with grace.”

“The theme also symbolizes the cultural tides that influence our stories and how we carry generations of heritage within us,” she added.

Donna Villa, the organization’s president and a senior double-majoring in history and political science, began the event by dedicating a moment of silence to victims of the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic.

After introducing the night’s hosts and former contestants, Julio De La Cruz, a sophomore majoring in economics, and Madyson Rodriguez, a junior majoring in linguistics, each contestant strutted down the aisle and posed for the audience. The contestants then performed a choreographed merengue dance, showing off their musicality and coordination before the first act.

Act one, “Tidal Wave,” was dedicated to a swimwear catwalk. Each contestant paraded their country’s flag, sporting bikinis, one-pieces and trunks, accessorized with linen button-down shirts, sarongs, flower clips and heels.

For the cultural segment, contestants displayed their knowledge of the country they represented with a performance. Some opted to sing or play an instrument, while others performed folk dances and demonstrated how to make popular cultural dishes.

Isabella Florentino, LASU’s La Voz coordinator and a junior majoring in business administration, shared her appreciation for the cultural segment.

“It’s very rewarding for the contestants, as well as the E-Board as coaches, to take a deep dive into the country of focus and immerse ourselves in honoring it,” Florentino wrote in an email. “We all learn so much and we get to share it with each other for weeks, until we get to share it with everyone else!”

“I have also really enjoyed our practices the past few months leading up to our pageant,” she continued. “Watching our contestants prepare and become more comfortable, not only in their pageant segments but with one another, has been one of the highlights of the whole experience for us all.”

Kyaris Rodriguez, Ms. Guatemala and a senior majoring in biology, performed a folk dance called baile de los gigantes, which involves three-meter-long wooden figures puppeteered by a dancer. According to Ms. Guatemala, the wooden figures in the dance represent mythical creatures dating back to ancient stories.

Gabby Dorcely, Ms. Cuba and a junior majoring in psychology, played a song on the acoustic guitar before transitioning into a salsa dance to a mashup of multiple songs, including “Macorina” by Los Muñequitos De Matanzas. Dorcely reflected on her appreciation for Cuban heritage and cultural roots.

“Being that I’m from Latin America, pageant helped me to learn about a different country in Latin America,” Dorcely wrote in an email. “It also allowed me to see the similarities between my own countries (Haiti and DR), and learn to truly appreciate the influence that we all have on each other. It also expanded my view on a lot about Cuba. I learned about Cuba’s literacy rate and their healthcare programs that are amazing and not a lot of people acknowledge.”

Elizabeth Isaacson, Ms. Brazil and a sophomore majoring in English, demonstrated how to make brigadeiros, a traditional Brazilian dessert. She set up a table with the ingredients needed to make the dish: chocolate, sweetened condensed milk and sprinkles. After she read the steps aloud, each judge tried brigadeiros she had made for the show.

Jayden Perez, LASU’s secretary and political correspondent, shared the significance of being involved in the organization.

“Being involved in LASU has been life changing,” Perez, a junior majoring in psychology, wrote in an email. “I have made some of my closest friends through this organization and have worked hard to create a safe space for students away from home. I have learned more about the vast cultures of Latin America and worked to engage in political advocacy such as organizing a rally to protect immigrant rights. I’ve seen people be able to talk about issues they don’t otherwise feel comfortable discussing at our events, and being able to maintain a space where that can happen is incredibly meaningful to me.”

In act three, contestants performed another talent of their choice, with the option to demonstrate a talent unrelated to the country they represented.

Jack McShane, Mr. Argentina and a freshman majoring in psychology, displayed his multitalented skills by playing a segment on the saxophone and singing “Hasta que te conocí,” a song that has been covered by several artists, including Marc Anthony, who popularized the song in the early ’90s.

“The rehearsals were so much fun,” McShane wrote in an email. “Even when the contestants felt burned out after a long day of classes the LASU E-board and interns always brought such great energy and were so supportive.”

“I specifically remember brainstorming the choreographed formal walk with my coaches Ariana and Rene,” he continued. “We had such a great time messing around and being creative when coming up with this section.”

Other contestants performed dances, lip-synced to songs and sang covers, while Tyler Smith, Mr. Bolivia and a sophomore majoring in economics, performed an original song.

After a short intermission, the final act of the night began. Contestants strutted down the runway wearing suits, gowns and displayed props, with some acting out short skits to a song of their choice. Clayton Greene, Mr. Peru and a senior majoring in physics, recreated the Bad Bunny and Calvin Klein video advertisement that became a hot topic on social media as fans ogled over the artist.

Between acts, the hosts kept the audience engaged through activities like aquatic trivia, a best-dressed catwalk and a bachata dance competition.

As the night came to a close, the hosts set aside a few minutes to invite audience members to vote on their favorite contestant, resulting in Mr. Argentina and Ms. Cuba winning the titles of “Audience Choice.”

The judges then selected four contestants to advance to the next round of eliminations, deciding on Mr. Peru, Mr. Argentina, Ms. Cuba and Ms. Guatemala. The last four candidates moved on to a Q&A session where they were each asked a social, political or cultural question relating to the country they represented.

After the E-Board was introduced, this year’s Nuestra Belleza y Nuestro Galán Latinx was revealed to be Mr. Peru and Ms. Cuba. For many students involved in the organization, LASU’s annual pageant is more than evidence of their hard work — it reflects the strong community they’ve built together.

“I’d say don’t even think twice — just come,” Feng wrote. “Even if you’re shy or unsure about where you fit in, there’s space for you here. LASU is full of people who are proud of where they come from, but also understand how hard it can be to find your footing in a new place. You’ll find people who will hype you up, support your goals, and remind you that you’re not alone.”

“Whether you’re looking to get involved in activism, cultural events, or just want to be around people who share similar experiences, there’s a place for you here,” she continued. “You don’t need to speak Spanish fluently or fit any specific mold — just bring your authentic self.”

My photographer, Jacob, and I had the pleasure of trying this spring’s Restaurant Week dinner menu, offering a three-course meal for the price of $35. As we had both been to 205 Dry prior to our Restaurant Week experience, we were thrilled to see what the establishment had to offer this year.

Upon entering through the initial glass door, Jacob and I were met with the large bookshelf that we knew to be the second door to the restaurant. Once we spotted the vintage door handle concealed among various books and trinkets, we pulled open the shelf and pushed past the velvety red curtain.

We were immediately welcomed by a hostess, who sat us in an intimate corner of the restaurant beside the windows. As we settled into our seats, Jacob and I marveled at the detailing of the decor. From the intricately molded ceilings and exposed pipes to the antique picture frames and vintage upholstered chairs, the artistic ornamentation added to the restaurant’s chic ambiance.

After being served two glasses of water by our attentive server, Jacob and I got to work deciding what we would order for the night. For the first course, I ordered the blueberry crostini and Jacob got the buffalo cauliflower. The blueberry crostini was multilayered with a sweet, slightly tart and smokey flavor combination. The dish consisted of a blueberry compote-topped tarragon goat cheese spread on three bite-sized slices of focaccia bread and garnished with a lemon candy string. Each bite blended the flavors together and dissolved into the mouth, creating a complex culinary experience.

On the other hand, the buffalo cauliflower offered a savory and spicy twang to our first course. The crunchy and well-seasoned cauliflower was laid over a bed of creamy house-made vegan ranch, providing a unique take on the popular dish.

For the second course, I went with the lemon caper haddock, served atop fluffy mashed potatoes. The capers gave the dish a slightly briny taste that paired well with the salty creaminess of the fresh mash. The haddock was incredibly tender with a mildly sweet flavor that blended with the citrus of the lemon butter sauce.

Jacob decided on the spring veggie bowl, which he got with charred salmon. The bowl was packed with crunchy greens like tomatoes, asparagus, avocado, red cabbage, squash and roasted zucchini. The nutty umami flavor of the miso tahini dressing added a subtle savoriness to the fresh dish.

Our night came to a close with the third course, which offered a choice of honeydew sorbet or tiramisu. Naturally, we ordered both.

The honeydew sorbet was light and fresh with small chunks of sweet fruit, perfect for a hot summer day. The tiramisu had a flavorful thick creme and a moist, fluffy base that melted in the mouth. Both desserts ended the night on a sweet note.

As always, 205 Dry never ceases to amaze me with its artistic and one-of-a-kind take on the dining experience and culinary arts. This Restaurant Week, travel back in time to a world of dark academia and complex flavor profiles with 205 Dry.

This includes popular dances like Merengue, Bachata and Salsa and lesser-known dances like Huapango, a Mexican folk dance performed by couples, and Punta, a Central American dance. The organization is always looking to incorporate new styles to expand the diverse and varied range of Latin dances.

Melissa Sanchez, a sophomore majoring in philosophy, politics and law who serves as Candela’s president, shared the organization’s impact on her cultural experience.

“Candela has truly become my safe space at Binghamton,” Sanchez wrote in an email. “Coming to a PWI on my own was intimidating — I was scared I wouldn’t find a place where I belonged. I was first introduced to Candela during a cumbia workshop in my first semester. Coming from an Ecuadorian family, I wasn’t exposed to many Latin dance styles growing up, so I was initially shy. However, Candela gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, explore new dance styles, and grow both as a dancer and a leader.”

The organization also hosts monthly socials similar to their general body meetings. The first hour allows for E-Board members to introduce the dance style and teach a choreographed dance, and the second hour is for open-floor social dancing and includes food.

Last October, Candela celebrated “Día de los Muertos” — a Mexican holiday celebrating family and friends who have passed — by hosting a social in collaboration with the Student Association’s vice president for multicultural affairs. In light of the theme, the organization decorated the space with skulls, streamers and glow-in-the-dark accessories and led a reggaeton workshop for the first half of the event.

Afterward, members of the club connected and socialized over drinks and birria tacos catered from Los Tapatios. The vice president for multicultural affairs’ office documented the social to later include in one of their meetings.

In addition to working with the vice president for multicultural affairs, Candela has also collaborated with a variety of organizations to lead their workshops, including the Dominican Student Association, Undivided, the Caribbean Student Association and Quimbamba to encourage students of all backgrounds to experience new styles of dance and culture.

“Someone should join Candela because it’s a great way to step out of your comfort zone and try something new,” Sanchez wrote in an email. “Dancing isn’t always easy for everyone — some people are shy or feel like they have no experience at all. But Candela is extremely beginner-friendly, and we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and supportive community for all our general body members. It’s also a space to celebrate and explore different cultures while connecting with others who share a love for dance. Plus, dancing is a fun way to relieve stress after class, stay active, and make lasting friendships!”

Candela isn’t about perfecting the right steps or choreography of a dance, said Stephanie Bedon-Cabrera, Candela’s vice president and a senior majoring in biology. She emphasized the importance of creating an inviting community space where students feel comfortable being their authentic selves.

“I still remember when Candela was just an idea, something my friends dreamed up, hoping to create a space where people could dance, connect, and celebrate Latin culture together,” Bedon-Cabrera wrote. “Watching it grow into what it is today has been incredible, but what’s even more special is getting to be a part of it.”

Amanda Monteros, Candela’s secretary and a junior majoring in psychology and art and design, spoke to the valuable and fruitful community created by Candela.

“Candela isn’t just a club — it’s a community where everyone is welcomed and valued,” Monteros wrote in an email. “Whether you have years of dance experience or have never danced before, it’s a space where you can learn, grow, and have fun. It helps build confidence, fosters friendships, and allows students to connect with Latin culture in a meaningful way.

“Beyond dancing, it’s about the memories we create together, the support we give each other, and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of something special,” Monteros added. “If you’re looking for a place where you can express yourself, make new friends, and be part of an incredible team, as well as a group that feels like family, Candela is the perfect choice.”

The event, stylized “IISU ORIGINAL: LOVE TAMASHA 2025,” was themed after the TV show “Love Island USA’s” most-talked-about season that premiered last June. To maintain the essence of Love Island USA, IISU integrated video clips of E-Board members playing the cast members of the TV show in various skits throughout the performance.

The event opened with a video from the E-Board, introducing their characters in a mock title sequence that mimicked “Love Island USA’s” introduction of their sixth season, after which the hosts and co-cultural chairs — Ashwathi Chemban, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry, and Tejashwi Karki, a sophomore majoring in biology — introduced Bollybeats, IISU’s a cappella group. The group sang both the American and Indian national anthems.

Shaarang Sawale, IISU’s president and a senior majoring in computer science, discussed how being involved in the organization affected his sense of community at the University.

“As an international student coming to the US was frightening,” he wrote in an email. “Applying for a E-Board position as a freshman was one of the best decisions I ever made in hindsight because it made me come out of my shell and taught me a lot about who I want to be in the future. For me, IISU is the biggest part of my community at Binghamton.”

Just before the first performance of the evening — the freshman dance — began, the cast members of “IISU ORIGINAL: LOVE TAMASHA 2025” introduced their ages, careers and romantic goals for the mock TV show. Afterward, the performers participating in the freshman dance rushed to the stage with flameless candles that glowed against the blue-lit background. Dancers dressed in blue, pink and gold put on an exhilarating performance that ended in the crowd erupting in applause.

Bhangra, a traditional folk dance which originates in Punjab, was the following dance segment of the night and was performed by Binghamton Bhangra — a competitive co-ed dance group founded in 2006. Dancers wore bright and colorful kurtas — long collarless shirts worn in Desi culture — and turle wali paggs, flared head coverings traditionally worn in Bhangra dance.

Performers also used dancing instruments like the sapp, made of X-shaped parts that expand and collapse in the dancer’s hands, as well as the Khunda, a five-foot-long pole that Bhangra dancers use to sway with.

Between performances, the E-Board conducted interactive segments like a “rizz contest,” in which audience members were given the opportunity to flirt with E-Board members in the spirit of this year’s “Love Island” theme. Other interactive events included musical chairs and guessing the name of a Bollywood film by the song — which Sawale sang a cappella.

Sawale shared the most rewarding part of participating in Tamasha.

“When people come up to me and say, ‘you were so good’ or ‘aren’t you the guy that sang at Tamasha,’ that just makes my day and I wouldn’t trade that for anything,” Sawale wrote. “The other side of it is also just as important to me like putting on an event is essentially just another reason to hang out with my friends and do something meaningful at the same time knowing that we’re providing a home away from home for some people.”

Other traditional dances performed at Tamasha include Indian classical dance, Garba and South Indian dance. The impressive classical dance — deeply rooted in Indian culture — is characterized by its intricate hand gestures and movement of the feet, head and chest.

Garba, on the other hand, is a folk dance originating from Gujarat, India. The female dancers wore orange and pink lehengas, which complimented the warm stage lighting as they put on a powerful performance. South Indian dance — which comes from the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu — is characterized by its upbeat and fun qualities, which are reflective of the lively region.

Karki reflected on her time spent with IISU.

“From being the freshman representative my previous year, I found so much admiration and inspiration in hosting such large community events,” she wrote in an email. “Now as co-cultural chairs, Ashwathi and I can do just that by helping share our creative ideas with the community here at Binghamton to continue this already amazing tradition of hosting cultural events. Seeing the successes and hearing the praises from the previous years, I really wanted to be able to make sure everyone continues to feel that way and bring in more demographics of people to enjoy our IISU events!”

Fusion dance groups like Bollywood Film, Masti, the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Zindagi and MODA combined elements of dance found across Desi and Western culture to celebrate a wide range of traditions. This year’s Bollywood film dance took inspiration from the film “Anyone But You” and incorporated acting scenes between dance numbers to develop the plot.

In addition to the South Asian dance teams, Quimbamba, a Latin dance team founded in 1970, performed a variety of styles, including Bachata and Merengue. Black Dance Repertoire, a group founded in 1985, performed hip-hop and Caribbean dance styles.

The show came to an end with a slideshow of the graduating seniors followed by an all senior dance performance and a fashion show that congratulated the performers’ efforts. Karki shared what she hopes students take away from attending this year’s Tamasha.

“Tamasha in its name means something like a grand act or performance,” she wrote in an email. “With our various cultural showcases developed by our amazing choreographers and executive board, I hope Tamasha is something that can really depict not only the grandness of the event but the grandness and spread of South Asian heritage that still exists today. Our dances and our songs create a beautiful blend for a performance to be remembered and a concept of culture to be sparked within all audiences — with those already familiar finding a rekindling and the newcomers finding a sudden interest and deserved appreciation.”

Decorated with gold trim mirrors, French Rococo-style furniture, scattered vintage heels and warmly lit lamps, the store cultivates a welcoming and lived-in environment. The boutique’s owner, Heidi Weeks of Binghamton, acquires the store’s clothing and accessories from consignors, local closets and estates.

“Shopping in my store is like shopping in my living room,” Weeks wrote in an email. “And Mabel D. Orr is an experience store. I have decorated it with family photos and artwork, furniture, ornate lamps, and lots of BoHo chic style. My staff and I love to help people with personal styling. Shopping for clothing can sometimes be very tiresome and intimidating and we like to make everyone feel comfortable. Each person has their own style that can be built on.”

Unlike the standard secondhand clothing store, Mabel D. Orr focuses on unique and detailed pieces of clothing, many of which include lace, embroidery or vibrant patterns. The store offers anything from decades fashion and vintage-inspired accessories to lingerie to graphic socks and skincare, all existing in this wonderfully niche spot of fashion and gift-giving.

As a lover of vintage clothing, Weeks has a long history with fashion and styling. She said that she and her sister had been shopping secondhand since they were in high school and had since then looked forward to opening a boutique of their own. In May 2013, Weeks and her sister pursued that dream with their first opening of Mabel D. Orr in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where Weeks and her sister grew the store’s charm and brand.

After spending three seasons on Cape Cod, Weeks reopened Mabel D. Orr in her hometown of Binghamton in 2016. For two years the store was located on Clinton Street, a historic boulevard that houses Antique Row, a cluster of eclectic secondhand stores. The store was then moved to the heart of Downtown Binghamton on Washington Street in 2018. Beyond being a vintage store owner, Weeks’ love for fashion extends into her 35 years of professional acting, as it provides her the opportunity to work with costumes and older clothing.

Reflecting on the responsibilities of being a business owner, Weeks highlights the importance of secondhand shopping.

“I think the most valuable part of owning my own vintage store is that I’m helping to recycle previously loved clothing,” Weeks wrote. “The world is filled with almost 6 generations of unwanted clothing. I like to breathe new life into them and display them in a way that makes them loved again. I also have a strong mission of keeping clothing out of our landfills. Recycling and repurposing is something that I’ve always believed in. Plus, you never know what’s going to walk through that door. I love what I do.”

“I like to think that we are in the business of clothing rescue,” Weeks added.

The competition commenced with several words from the event’s lively host, Derek Jorden, a resident director of Rafuse Hall. Reflective of the event’s nature, Pretty Girls Sweat empowers college women through fitness.

Gianna Peña, the organization’s president and a senior majoring in psychology, shared how the event stemmed from an idea the organization had for a one-hour general body meeting. Peña said they felt that “Survival of the FITtest” could be a way to bring the multicultural community together in a fun and interactive environment.

Each organization was introduced to the audience as hip-hop and rap music highlighted their entrances and charged the engaged audience.

The first round challenged the participating preprofessional organizations to a relay race-style obstacle course, including hurdles, scooters and exercises such as squats and burpees. The National Society of Black Engineers won against the Men of Color Scholastic Society and the Charles Drew Minority Pre-Health Society and would go on to the next round.

The audience engaged in the competition from the sidelines as members of Pretty Girls Sweat handed out balls to throw at the contestants.

The participating Greek organizations, the Mu Kappa chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and the Malik Fraternity Inc. completed the same obstacle course — with the Malik Fraternity Inc. advancing to the next round. For the final round of the first obstacle course, the African Student Organization emerged as the winner against Pretty Girls Sweat and continued to the next challenge as the winning social organization.

Tiffany Ajijola, Pretty Girls Sweat’s vice president and a senior majoring in biology, discussed her hopes for the event.

“PGS has a slogan: ‘Make fitness fun,’ and I hope that’s exactly what attendees take away from the event,” Ajijola wrote in an email. “Exercising or getting your heart rate up should be something enjoyable, not something you dread. If it feels like a chore, you may not have found the right dynamic for you yet. I want attendees to see that fitness doesn’t have to be inconvenient — it can be a fun, uplifting experience when approached in the right way. I also hope people see PGS as a safe, supportive space where they can grow and become the best version of themselves.”

E-Board members and interns — who wore pink jackets and black flared leggings to match the organization’s signature color scheme — quickly set up the next obstacle course. Participants started by riding a scooter to a hula hoop and jumping through the hoop as they stepped forward toward a baseball bat. They spun the bat ten times and finished off by sitting on a pink balloon at the end of the course. Of the organizations that advanced from the last round, only the National Society of Black Engineers and the African Student Organization would continue to the final “Olympic round,” as they received first and second place.

A selection of food was served at the 20-minute intermission, including chicken wraps, empanadas, chocolate-covered strawberries and a choice of beverage over a pink tablecloth.

At this point, attendees could head over to the pink balloon arch set as a photo background to take pictures. Nenette Nti-Agyemang, the organization’s secretary and a senior majoring in psychology, described challenges that arose in creating “Survival of the FITtest.”

“The biggest challenge that I would say our executive board has had in regards to organizing the event is trying to execute an idea and it not meeting up to our expectations,” Nti-Agyemang wrote in an email. “I think that I can speak for a lot of my executive board when I say that many of us are perfectionists and we want our ideas to be carried out the way that we envisioned it initially. However, I think the way that we have worked through this challenge is being cognizant of the fact that for many of us, this is our first experience being on an executive board and we should avoid being too hard on ourselves. We are doing the best that we can.”

Next was an audience-only segment where attendees were randomly selected to participate in human ring toss and wrestling with inflatable sumo wrestler suits. Each competition consisted of two rounds. As the last round of the audience competitions ended, Jorden called Peña to the stage, who expressed her appreciation for the organization. She later elaborated on this.

“I can wholeheartedly say joining Pretty Girls Sweat was the best decision I’ve made for my social and professional development in college thus far,” Peña wrote in an email. “PGS has afforded me the opportunity to still find easy ways to keep up a healthy lifestyle without feeling the pressure to be super consistent or perfect. It is the most welcoming and genuine community I’ve found in Binghamton, mainly because we truly do value sisterhood and inclusivity. Going from being the Workout Coordinator last year to now being President has done wonders for my own personal growth and really allowed me to pour into something I truly care about.”

After the E-Board and interns posed for a few pictures, the final round of obstacle courses began. A balance beam, a pink tricycle and an archery station would be the determining obstacle stations where the organization would receive the title of “The FITtest.” Ultimately, the competition came down to the archery station, where an African Student Organization representative, Marcus Nahim, a sophomore majoring in economics, hit a bullseye first.

For Nahim, participating in “Survival of the FITtest” allowed him to be active — something he values as a student-athlete — while having the opportunity to engage in the event with people of other cultures.

Several awards were distributed to participants and organizations, including Best Sportsmanship, MVP and Most Comedic Performance. Nadia Nesredin, the workout coordinator and a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, wrote that she hopes to include more challenging obstacles and a panel of judges should the organization continue to host the event.

Ajijola concluded with final thoughts on the event.

“Organizing and planning ‘Survival of the FITtest’ was an overwhelming yet incredibly rewarding experience,” Ajijola wrote. “It truly highlighted the strength of our teamwork and the passion we have for this organization. Every ounce of effort and hard work that went into the process was absolutely worth it, and I wouldn’t change a thing about the journey.”

The films feature a range of unconventional methods including the exploration of nonlinear narratives, the incorporation of various mediums and the use of visually abstract images. This year’s theme, “Inner Workings,” dealt with love, loss and hope as audiences gathered to immerse themselves in the multilayered art form of experimental film.

According to Sydney Lee, a festival’s outreach team member and a senior majoring in English, the team’s film selection process included dividing the film submissions among the class, with each group responsible for selecting the films best suited for the themes of the festival’s various programs. The programs for this year’s festival are titled — “Veins of Affinity,” “Hollow Silhouettes” and “Entwined Hands.”

Audience members took their seats as a short speech about the beginning program, “Veins of Affinity” was given. The program highlighted nostalgia for community and family, as filmmakers guide the audience through their related experiences and stories.

While “I see flowers,” created by Minyu Chen, and “If it’s meant to be,” by Aileen O’Leary, clung to the more traditional conventions of storytelling in film. “How do I find you” and “Between the Sky and the Earth,” used a voiceover to ground viewers in a montage of related clips.

In fact, “Entre o Céu e a Terra,” or “Between the Sky and the Earth,” created by Bruna Braga, 24, of Brooklyn, was a conversational film unraveling the profound relationship between Braga and her mother, all the while intertwining the sea as symbolism of their tumultuous nature.

Beginning with a monologue from the daughter’s perspective, the film displayed black-and-white clips off the coast of São Paulo — which intensified Braga’s emotionally charged reflection as the waves viciously crashed against the shore. Partly through the film, an aged voice — presumably representing Braga’s mother — took the stage and detailed an account of her daughter’s act of rebellion. Reflective of Braga’s heritage, the narrators spoke in Portuguese while including English subtitles for an English-speaking audience.

“For me, this project was about understanding what happened between my mother and me, and transforming my thoughts into another format gave me clarity,” Braga wrote in an email. “Almost like an organization of something that happened in the past and that now got fogged in the mind. And like all processes of remembering, I began with a flood of confessions, things I wanted to say or be heard, and gradually — and for me always surprisingly — patterns and connections emerged. Then, the only thing you are left with is to think, dream, and breathe the project.”

On the other hand, “I see flowers,” discussed community and the role of isolation that Chinese COVID-19 restrictions had on young children. At the center is Mei Mei, a young girl who falls into an ethereal world of creatures and vast greenery alongside her friend Tao Tao. Over the course of the film, she loses Tao Tao in the dreamlike world and, eventually, must be taken back to the real world. “I see flowers” concludes after Mei Mei is transported back into her home as she gazes outside, resting her head between the protective bars of her bedroom window.

Following themes of the bittersweetness of nostalgia, program two, “Hollow Silhouettes,” focuses on the display of melancholia and disconnect as filmmakers grapple with themes of loss and isolation.

Diving straight into the difficult themes of the program, “Para Paty,” created by Germán López Tirado, is an experimental documentary that beautifully blended footage, recordings and pictures of a mother who passed at a young age while exploring the liminality of the past and present. Comparatively, “Vita Posthumous,” created by Liam Marvin, was an animation that followed a distressed creature’s journey through the underworld as he comes to terms with the hardships he faced in his life and his recent death — offering a regretful perspective on the career field of manual labor.

While many of the films were contemplative and distressing, “Kid Nature,” created by James Moutsos, emerged as a colorful and comedic take on the power of friendship. The stop-motion film seemed like a cross between “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “Adventure Time,” as a lonesome and frustrated young boy escapes the cruelty of middle school bullies only to make a bubbly and encouraging friend along the way. The use of bright, flashing colors and humorous dialogue had the audience chuckling, as the chemistry and dynamic of the two central characters developed throughout the film.

“I hope that audiences learn and realize that there is an indefinite amount of ways that one can be creative,” Lee wrote. “The film festival has been programmed with the overall message encouraging others to reach out in times of loss and isolation. If this film festival can encourage one person to reach out to their loved ones during tough times then I’ll have accomplished what I wanted.”

After a quick intermission, during which SEFF provided audience members with sushi, sandwiches, coffee and more, the final program commenced.

“Entwined Hands” reminded the audience to reconnect with their communities and loved ones, even through the grief and isolation reflected in “Hollow Silhouettes.”

“I’m not a coward but I’m not particularly brave,” created by Scott Harris, a senior double-majoring in cinema and history, featured fuzzy clips of Downtown Binghamton as text throughout the film displayed cryptic thoughts.

Although the film was shot digitally, Harris explained, it intentionally had the feel of analog film as he wanted it to resemble the 16mm film he had been working with at the time. “I’m not a coward but I’m not particularly brave” sprung from a digital journal that Harris kept while taking the course “Personal Cinema,” alongside a list of quotes from songs, movies and novels that resonated with him at the time of his three-month filming process.

“All I intend to do with most of my work is [elicit] some sort of emotional response,” Harris wrote in an email. “This film in particular communicates through interpretations of quotes, so I feel like parts of my film can largely be up for interpretation. What someone takes away from it is all up to how they read it, and that’s entirely fine with me but as long as the viewer at least walks away from it with a feeling of ‘I don’t know what he [was] trying to say, but it made me feel something,’ then I’m happy with it.”

The final and perhaps, particularly uplifting film to be presented at the festival was, “Elevator Music,” created by Amani Jamal. The nine-minute film was a series of clips taken in a SUNY Purchase elevator as individuals interact with the film crew. Audience members giggled at the comedic reactions from the subjects as they were directly confronted with the awkward nature of elevator interactions.

The festival concluded with a Q&A panel including a number of the filmmakers, followed by the distribution of several awards.

“Preparing for this festival has been a lot of challenging work, considering that none of us have ever run a film festival like this before,” Lee wrote. “But it’s been a very fun collaborative event that goes towards encouraging emerging student filmmakers, it makes it easier working on this when we all share the goal of wanting those students to shine. I’ve put a lot of work into the event that I know will bring a lot of love to others.”

Upon entering the establishment, Jacob, my photographer, and I immediately noted the warm ambiance and careful consideration of the aesthetics that the founders crafted. Plants lining the windows and shelves, fairy lights stringing from corner to corner and black and white mosaic tiles which checkered the floors, set the scene for a cozy and homely dinner. We were promptly greeted by the co-owner, Lei Liu, and an attentive server who sat us down at a two-person table by one of the windows. Beside us, a young couple with their infant enjoyed their dinner together — and Jacob and I remarked how sweet it was to see families out and about in Binghamton, discerning how much of a rarity it was on campus.

After receiving two glasses of water, Jacob and I carefully selected our choices from their Restaurant Week dinner menu. This year, Parlor City Vegan offers a three-course $15 lunch menu and a three-course $30 dinner menu including an appetizer, main course and dessert.

For the first course, Jacob went with the garlic bread and I chose the dumplings. The garlic bread came filled with an orange-colored cream cheese and was topped with a leafy green. Jacob described the bread as fresh and similar to a sourdough with a little bit of a spicy kick to it. The dumplings came in a set of four and had a tofu and chive filling which paired well with their dumpling sauce mixture. The soft filling was thoroughly combined and contrasted with the crispy crunch of the dumpling skin.

Shortly after finishing our first course, our server brought us our second course and cleared our plates. I immediately gravitated toward the bibimbap option, so when the dish was set in front of me, I quickly dug into the meal. Jacob, who was eager to try his (soy) chicken curry, was pleasantly surprised by the inviting flavors of the dish. Funnily enough, we were so engrossed in our meals that we didn’t speak a word to each other for the first five minutes of devouring our meals.

The bibimbap was an assortment of crispy tofu, marinated cucumbers, cooked mushrooms, shredded carrots, soybeans and a brown sauce at the center — which I can only assume is a reinvention of the egg yolk center of a traditional bibimbap. The veggies laid over a bed of rice and were topped with sesame seeds and drizzled gochujang sauce. The various levels of flavoring and unique mix of textures which all seemed to cohesively mesh together were among my favorite aspects of the dish — and had me yearning for more.

Something that stuck out to Jacob about the curry chicken was how close in texture the soy chicken was to conventional chicken, noting that he was pleasantly surprised by how authentic the dish tasted. He described a nutty undertone in the curry, which was accompanied by peppers and a multitude of spices, including cumin. The meal was served with several slices of crispy flatbread and a warm bowl of steamed rice.

Our meal was topped off with the third course which was an option between a glass of their house bubbly which was crisp and dry, and Thai ice cream which we shared. The Thai ice cream was sweet and packed with several spices and flavors, which tasted adjacent to a chai, and was topped with a sweet herb.

If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience and you’re open to trying vegan dishes, Parlor City Vegan is the perfect place for an intimate and lip-smacking dining experience.

Marked by hanging paper globes and continent-themed tents, “World Tour” was this year’s event’s theme. Students grabbed a passport from one of the SAPB tents and collected stamps from the seven continent-themed tents on the Peace Quad for a chance to win merchandise and other prizes. Merchandise included a white mug with red lettering that read, “Fall Fest 2024 World Tour” below a gridded red globe.

The student vendors, however, seemed to take the event by storm as attendees crowded around each table selling unique clothing, jewelry, baked goods and much more.

Kookie Krush, a bakery tabling at the event, sold quirky baked goods, including matcha madeleines, pistachio cream-stuffed chocolate chunk cookies and earl gray cube cakes. A few tables down stood Irek’s Raw Honey, which gave out free samples of natural honey, one of which was infused with Sicilian chili pepper.

Katie Zieno, a sophomore majoring in English, advertised commissions for pet portraits at the event and shared how they created their brand.

“I just thought it was a unique and personal gift that a lot of people would like and appreciate,” Zieno said. “I’ve found since I’ve started that people will spend obscene amounts of money on their pets. So it’s a lucrative business.”

Zieno’s table was decked out in green tablecloth and featured several examples of colored pencil portraits they’ve created.

Stellar Human, a local vintage store, was among the several secondhand tables at the flea market and sold their iconic 80s-esque knit sweaters, vintage jackets and long skirts. Other second-hand stands sold clothing reminiscent of the late 90s and early 2000s — each having crowds of students waiting to sift through endless racks and $5 bins.

Handmade jewelry and hand-knit clothing are seen frequently at similar events. Aaliyah Hong, the creator of Aaliyah’s Jewelry and a junior majoring in social work, said she always tables at the student flea markets. Hong’s jewelry making started as a hobby in her junior year of high school and transformed into a business that began on Depop and flourished through student vendor opportunities at BU.

All the while, students sat in groups on the lawn beside Lot B as performing arts organizations charmed the crowd with distinctive sets. The lineup consisted of MODA, Treblemakers, MajorNoir, The Binghamton Crosbys, Note to Self and Quimbamba with each performance ranging between 15 to 40 minutes long. One of the Quimbamba performances featured two sets of dancers performing a salsa routine. Red lights shone on the stage, accenting the dancers wearing orange fringe dresses.

Melina Imbert Almiron, Quimbamba’s senior advisor and a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience, described her involvement in the organization.

“I love being on Quimbamba and any opportunity I get to perform, I am always down to do it,” Almiron wrote. “Quimbamba is one of the ways I am able to share my love for my Hispanic culture and plus I’ve been dancing for years so it’s a fun hobby of mine. By watching our performances I hope students get curious and eventually try out for the team because it’s definitely an amazing experience.”

As the sun set over campus, student performances came to a close, and vendors packed away their products, marking the end of this year’s Fall Fest.

Krizia Yao, the vice president of multicultural affairs and a senior majoring in human development, shared the event’s importance.

“I hope that students walk away with a stronger sense of community,” Yao wrote in an email. “At a [predominantly white institution], it can be crucial to your sense of belonging to connect with those of your own culture and form a deeper connection to your roots. But also, this event exists so students can fully explore the multicultural community, learn about other cultures, and get out of their comfort zone.”

Organizations tabling had members of their leadership available to describe their organizations’ goals and how to get involved. The tables were decorated with the organization’s designated colors. A few had poster boards with the club’s general information and QR codes for their GroupMe and other forms of contact.

The National Society of Black Engineers was among the various organizations at the event. Natalia Budhoo, the organization’s president and a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, described her goals for the event. Though NSBE is centered around supporting Black engineers, Budhoo said their organization is open to students of all cultural backgrounds with various STEM interests.

“I was actually in NSBE Jr. in high school, so that’s the first part that got me into NSBE itself in college,” Budhoo said. “[With] NSBE Jr. in high school, I was working on remote cars, so it was really fun for me. Then in college, I wanted a community because I’m the only Black girl in all of my engineering classes. I needed a space for me to be able to see people like me who are having the same struggles in their classes. That’s why I joined NSBE — so I can have a community and a family with people who look exactly like me.”

The organization has several ongoing projects that they work on throughout the year and want to welcome anyone interested in being a part of their team. They have opened technical workshops, a project team that builds various projects and the Watson Combat Robotics League. Members of the organization also work to inspire youth to continue in STEM-based careers through projects like putting together LEGOs and creating bottle rockets.

Tenzin Pema, an Asian Student Union’s senior advisor and a senior majoring in economics, described the importance of participating in the Multicultural Extravaganza.

“We are [the] Asian Student Union, so we do represent the Asian community on campus, and I think it’s super important to come out to events like this to not only support the VPMA, but also to just show face and meet other multicultural [organizations] on campus,” Pema said. “I think this is one of the rare opportunities where we get to see all these [organizations] in one spot. That’s why I think it’s really special and cool for ASU and the Asian community in general.”

As this year’s VPMA, Yao hopes to take advantage of her position by expanding avenues of communication and growth within the multicultural community.

“I am truly grateful for the position that I am in, having an incredibly supportive team and resources from the university to uplift the multicultural community,” Yao wrote. “In the one year I have in this role, I aim to take advantage of it as much as possible to create open channels of communication and collaboration amongst our lovely and vibrant community. My goal is to listen and leave an impact in a way that truly sets a foundation for years to come, with a community that feels more supported and connected.”

The VPMA office, alongside the Multicultural Resource Center, is working on the B-Friendly buddy system, which pairs students based on their personalities and interests. The office also has a Multicultural Organization Google Calendar and a Discord server, both of which are designed to build stronger connections between organizations.

Figuring out where to live on campus each year can be stressful and exciting. Each community has their image, benefits and character.

If you know anything about New York City, every borough, like each on-campus community, has its own defining culture. Queens is family-oriented and has pockets of close-knit communities, and Manhattan is notorious for being unaffordable yet luxurious. Brooklyn is young-spirited, while the Bronx can be chaotic. Staten Island is known for having a suburban yet isolated feel.

In the same way that like-minded New Yorkers gravitate toward certain boroughs, students tend to choose communities that fit their own styles. Identifying the five boroughs with on-campus housing can help determine which residence might be a good fit.

Hinman College (Queens)

While the walk to the other side of campus might be annoying, Hinman has many essentials nearby. Residents tend stay close, much like people living in Queens. Hinman has the best dining hall, like Queens arguably has the best food, and the main academic buildings within the Brain are a short walk away, just like the commute into Manhattan, as long as you live along train lines in Queens.

Newing College (Staten Island) 

Like Staten Island, Newing is on the outskirts of central campus. Though it takes 15 minutes to walk to the Lecture Hall and the center of campus, it is known for its longer commute, like Staten Island. Though the rooms have high ceilings and the buildings are relatively new, long commutes to other parts of campus are inevitable and will likely occur multiple times each day, especially because of the below-average food quality at the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center.

Mountainview College (Manhattan) 

There is an air of exclusivity and luxury that comes with living in this community, just like living in Manhattan. The buildings themselves are huge, well maintained and spacious — mimicking that same Manhattan feel. Appalachian Collegiate Center is open for Late Nite in the same way that restaurants and fast food in Manhattan are open all hours of the night.

Dickinson Community (Brooklyn) 

Dickinson has the same lively and hip feel of Brooklyn, especially because of the huge central turf. Students are always out and about, whether they are playing Spikeball or relaxing on the chairs outside the dorms. The buildings are generally nice, and although it is a decent walk away from central academic buildings, it is not too much of a hassle.

College-In-the-Woods (The Bronx) 

In the same way that College-in-the-Woods might not be a first-choice for some students, The Bronx tends to be underappreciated, but both have a strong and vibrant community despite what others might expect. Like Bronx natives, College-in-the-Woods residents are unified by their love for their dining hall options — so much so that breakfast is usually mentioned once or twice in campus tours. College-in-the-Woods also has a beautiful landscape reminiscent of The Bronx’s robust parks infrastructure.

Apartments Community (Westchester) 

The Apartments Community sit at the edge of campus and are far enough to feel removed but close enough to take advantage of on-campus perks. People living in Westchester County, specifically Yonkers, are in a similar position — they are only a short Metro-North ride away from Midtown Manhattan, making it easy to indulge in city life. Living in the Apartments allows you to picnic on the lawns, get dining hall food if you want quick meals or stay at the library late without the rush to catch the last bus home.

Although the film is centered around the looming threat of a self-named serial killer, Longlegs (Cage), his fleeting appearances and lack of screen time were shocking and ultimately a huge disappointment.

Cage’s performance was said to be creepy, off-putting and sinister. However, there wasn’t enough of him throughout the film to maintain the suspense. Instead, the film followed the perspective of FBI Agent Lee Harker (Monroe) which would’ve worked well if not for the character’s painful mundanity.

Scenes with each of the main characters were followed by a series of even more uneventful and insignificant scenes that very slowly pushed the movie along. All of this was topped off with a half-baked multi-genre ending that was somehow too much for the film and not enough. In fact, the audience was left with more unanswered questions than not because of the supernatural elements and occult overtone which was thrown in at the very end, despite the film leading the audience to believe Longlegs to be nothing more than a clever serial killer.

Still, “Longlegs” wasn’t completely lost as there were some good qualities about the film including the cinematography, which stuck with a consistent theme of dim, yellow lighting and warm colors. There were some strong standalone scenes and the concept, up until the end, was interesting and generally quite artistic. Its only and greatest downside was that its slow pace dulled the film down, although it was likely meant to make room for the buildup of tension and suspense.

Indie films are more often than not creative and relatable, but sometimes they can fall into the category of wannabe-unique film art that can only be understood by a select few. Although this might not be the intentional effect that the creators of “Longlegs” wanted to have, it seems to have gone in that direction. The film was weird, which is good within the indie film genre, yet its lackluster performance and ending made it boring and confusing.

In contrast, “Talk to Me,” a film about a friend group that experiments with a supernatural embalmed hand that leads to the unleashing of dangerous entities, is a great example of indie-horror done well. As the main character, Mia, played by Sophie Wilde, grapples with her mother’s recent and unexplained suicide, the audience is thrown into a world that blends horror and grief. The concept is unique, the characters are relatable, the momentum is uninterrupted and most importantly, it is disturbingly terrifying.

Unfortunately, “Longlegs” was unable to pull off the same level of passion.

Although “Talk to Me” is an example of a more intense indie-horror film, “Skinamarink” and “Hereditary” had more of an emphasis on the slow build of tension and suspense, which seems more akin to the goals of “Longlegs.” In this instance, what separates these movies is their success in sustaining momentum by engaging with the audience. The recurring clicking of a dead character’s tongue or blue staticky darkness is enough to get an audience riled up, and the repetition of these fear-invoking tactics keeps the audience immersed. On the other hand, “Longlegs” throws in a freaky scene with Cage acting socially awkward and moves past it — without playing with that eeriness.

“Longlegs” works to an extent as an artistic and niche take on horror, but much could have been nurtured to create a more thrilling watch instead of another mediocre and hard-to-love indie film.

The Student Association Programming Board is set to bring singer, songwriter and actor Ross Lynch to Binghamton University. The event will take place on Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Anderson Center and include an interview, a Q&A session and a subsequent performance by Lynch.

Promoted as “An Evening with Ross Lynch” as part of their Insights series, the Instagram post announcing the event told students to “expect behind-the-scenes stories, career highlights, and maybe even a sneak peek into what’s next. Other events in the series included featured guests Giancarlo Esposito and Rainn Wilson.

Melissa Dalton, the SAPB’s insights chair and a senior majoring in biology, described the most exciting aspect of hosting Lynch.

“Students can look forward to seeing one of their favorite childhood stars at this event,” Dalton wrote. “We grew up watching Ross Lynch on Disney Channel and listening to his music. I think it is exciting that we are coming full circle with him as young adults.”

After his Disney career, where he starred in “Austin & Ally” and “Teen Beach Movie,” Lynch pursued other acting opportunities. He eventually landed a role as Jeffrey Dahmer in the 2017 film “My Friend Dahmer,” and a year later, the role of Harvey Kinkle in Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.”

Alongside his acting career, Lynch began to pursue music as a guitarist and vocalist for R5 — which split in 2018 when he and his brother, Rocky Lynch, started their duo band, THE DRIVER ERA.

Atticus Fauci, the vice president for programming and a junior majoring in economics, shared how the board decided to bring Lynch to BU.

“We heard the student body last semester when Ross and his band’s name kept coming up,” Fauci wrote. “There were a lot of comments on Instagram posts and he was mentioned a lot in our surveys. We then looked into if he was an option and he was. The deciding factor was the 15 minute acoustic performance, something new to excite the student body.”

Booking an event of this caliber requires intense coordination between multiple parties and months of planning. Fauci explained that the board’s process includes scouting potential options through United Talent Agency and releasing an interest survey where students can vote on which guest they prefer to see. The SAPB then compares the potential guests’ availability, pricing and more, while taking the survey into account. Once they’ve settled on a speaker, the SAPB consults lawyers to review the contracts and begins to promote the event.

The board has hosted several events with guest speakers, though Dalton wrote that Lynch adds a uniqueness to the series.

“This event is different compared to some of the other celebrity guests the insights team has brought to Bing because it brings a sense of nostalgia,” Dalton wrote. “Giancarlo Esposito and Rainn Wilson are both incredible entertainers who gave us such interesting perspectives but these are celebrities we recognize in our adult lives. Ross Lynch is someone we can all remember watching and idolizing from such a young age.”

As of Thursday morning, the event was sold out.

The campus community gathered on the Peace Quad this Saturday under the blazing sun for UFest, an annual event organized by Campus Activities and the Student Association.

Commencing at 11 a.m., this year’s UFest featured a variety of student-led organizations, recreational athletics, live music and local vendors to celebrate the start of the academic year and encourage student involvement on campus. Groups were separated into areas of similar interest — including multicultural organizations, pre-professional societies, volunteering and performance.

Batia Rabin, the SA’s executive vice president and a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, described the importance of UFest to the campus community.

“UFest is a great opportunity for new and returning students to see what clubs we have at Binghamton and to get involved in something new,” Rabin wrote in an email. “It’s never too late to join a club. Also, despite what we wish B-Engaged is underutilized and so some clubs may sort of go under the radar. At UFest, people can visually see and interact with a lot of the clubs we have in a way they don’t really get to do for the rest of the year unless they go to the meetings of a club.”

Rabin said if they choose to run for reelection, a priority will be moving UFest to a Sunday to recognize the needs of Binghamton University’s Jewish community, improving the event’s organization and expanding the number of groups that can participate.

Along with clubs, student performers — Binghamton Crosbys, the Binghamton Treblemakers, the Binghamtonics, Black Dance Repertoire and Husband Material — took to the stage throughout the afternoon for students to enjoy. McKenzie Skrastins, the SA president and a junior double-majoring in mathematics and an individualized major in data science, explained how UFest differs from simply attending an organization’s general interest meetings.

“Unlike GIMs where you’re given a bunch of information about the club, UFest is an opportunity to get to know the club members and hear from them personally,” Skrastins wrote.

With a variety of organizations showcased through tabling and entertainment, the event demonstrated how there is a group for everyone on campus, from academic organizations like the Speech and Debate team to recreational sports like Aikido and rowing. Students walked around the Peace Quad, meeting club leaders and signing up to learn more. Some organizations offered gifts, like candy and bottle openers, while others hosted fun games and challenges.

Caitlin McMahon, the SA’s vice president of finance and a senior majoring in accounting, shared what she hoped students got out of UFest.

“We wanted to make sure that both new and returning students knew how many different groups and organizations [there] are at Binghamton,” McMahon wrote. “The Executive Board also wants to make sure we have strong outreach to the students so they know of all the resources accessible to them.”

Skrastins emphasized the importance of UFest for growing campus engagement.

“Ideally, UFest is the start of a student’s fulfilling and enjoyable relationship with a club,” Skrastins wrote. “And so I hope that incoming and returning students got a glimpse at the different clubs that Binghamton has, and that a few of the organizations stood out.”

Dining

Binghamton is full of restaurants with a variety of dining options. You can try dishes ranging from Italian cuisine at Little Venice to Thai and Vietnamese-inspired options at Thai Time and Pho Nomenal.

If you’re feeling fancy, head over to 205 Dry, a dimly lit and witchy–themed speakeasy on Downtown Binghamton’s State Street. With an incredible ambiance and a healthy balance of both vegan and non-vegan dishes, 205 Dry is the perfect spot for special occasions. Another local favorite — Los Tapatios, a hidden gem just off campus — offers a ninety-nine-cent taco special on Tuesdays. The Lost Dog Café & Lounge is another Binghamton staple that offers classic American eats.

All in all, taking a break from schoolwork to have a delicious meal with friends is one of the best ways to decompress and feel refreshed.

Chenango Valley State Park

Roughly a 20-minute drive from campus, Chenango Valley State Park is a diamond in the rough, especially because of its gorgeous glacial lake, which is open for swimming until Sept. 1. The park also offers activities like golfing, kayaking, hiking and camping. If you’re looking to stay active and indulge in nature outside of the campus Nature Preserve, visiting Chenango Valley State Park is a great way to do that.

Thrifting 

In the past few years, thrifting has become a popular way for young people to shop. Fortunately, Binghamton has some of the best thrift stores, making it easy to find stylish and unique pieces at an affordable price. Located on Vestal Parkway East, Goodwill NYNJ Store & Donation Center is the most accessible as it’s only a bus ride away. Both Thrifty Shopper locations in the area are a bit more difficult to get to but are worth the trek as they offer a huge range of clothing. If curated vintage stores are more to your taste, then head Downtown to Stellar Human.

Day Trips

Day trips are a fun way to explore beyond the Greater Binghamton area. Traveling to one of Ithaca’s many waterfalls is a popular option for tanning and swimming, while Russell Farms — located along the border between New York and Pennsylvania — is great for fall activities such as pumpkin and apple picking. There are so many other fun areas to explore just outside of Binghamton, and if access to a car isn’t an issue, spending the day in a nearby town is a good way to take advantage of your location and resources.

College can feel stressful and overwhelming, but with the right people and right places, getting accustomed to the new environment will feel exciting rather than daunting. If you find yourself struggling to look for new things to do, explore some off-campus options.

Fun began on the Peace Quad as students gathered together for rides, food and games during this year’s Spring Fling. The festival portion ran from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by a concert, beginning at 6 p.m., that featured headliner Neon Trees and openers Husband Material and Laundry Day.

The event was organized by the Student Association’s Programming Board (SAPB). Food trucks, including Birdsong Cafe and Macarollin, lined a parking lot by the Peace Quad, where students waited in long lines to ride the Gravitron and the Swizzler — rides that made a comeback from last year’s Spring Fling. Classic carnival treats, like deep-fried Oreos, caramel apples and funnel cake were sold in old-fashioned themed food trucks in front of the Library Tower.

Danna Kutcher, the SAPB’s concerts chair and a senior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, described the logistics of planning the concert, a long-awaited event every year.

“The most difficult part of planning is probably handling all of the moving parts,” Kutcher wrote in an email. “There are a lot of small details that go into the event, such as making sure the artists and [Binghamton Sound, Stage and Lighting] have everything they need, there’s enough water, every lot and room is reserved, and a lot of small details that can slip through the cracks if you’re not on top of it. Thankfully, I had the most amazing team to help me with everything needed and this was one of the smoothest concerts I’ve been a part of.”

Student organizations tabled along the Spine and the walkway by Marketplace. They had games and offered information to students passing by. Green, pink and blue balloons and bouquets of colorful feathers lined the stairs from the University Union up to the Spine — which also featured classic carnival games to win stuffed animal prizes and vendors along Harpur’s Quad.

Despite the intermittent rain, the crowd kept their energy alive for the Spring Fling concert as BU’s own Husband Material, a student group that won this year’s Battle of the Bands, opened the show with cover songs by artists like Jungle and Amy Winehouse. After, LAUNDRY DAY took the stage for an energetic performance. They closed their act by covering Miley Cyrus’s “Party In The U.S.A.”

The headliners, Neon Trees, evoked nostalgia with a booming set as they amped up the crowd. They performed hits like “Animal,” “1983” and “Everybody Talks,” setting the tone for a great end-of-year sendoff.

“This semester was probably the easiest decision yet, since Neon Trees won the survey by a landslide,” Kutcher wrote. “We were so happy when they were available, and it was clear that this survey was an accurate reflection of the student body by the amazing turnout of the concert.”

Neon Trees ended the show by bringing LAUNDRY DAY back onto the stage for the final song of the night — the band’s most popular song “Everybody Talks” — as they came together to sing, scream and dance together. Chris Allen, Neon Trees’ lead guitarist, told Pipe Dream why he loved performing for live audiences.

“I grew up going to live events and watching bands, and I just always wanted to do that,” Allen said. “I didn’t think that I’d ever get the chance to do it as a career or anything, but you know, in high school and after that I played with people. This is really just amazing that I could do this.”

Though she will graduate at the end of the year, Kutcher expressed her aspirations for future SAPB events and concerts.

“For next year’s planning, I’m looking forward to seeing more creative ideas to make each year better than the last,” Kutcher wrote. “While I won’t be a student anymore, I know that SAPB will continue to bring the most amazing events for the student body, and I can’t wait to see it.”

The Latin American Student Union (LASU) kicked off Latin Weekend with their 11th Annual Nuestra Belleza y Nuestro Galán Latinx at the American Legion in Downtown Binghamton this Friday. The pageant took after the 2018 Heavenly Bodies Met Gala theme and was split into several parts including a cultural section and talent showcase.

Toward the front of the venue was an enlarged French Rococo painting and feathery white wings attached to a gold stand which served as a photo background for attendees to take pictures. Flowers lining the front stage, colorful lights projected in the shape of a heart and E-Board members dressed in highly accessorized, angelic outfits made for an ethereal ambiance that reflected the pageant’s theme. R&B and reggaeton music played as attendees filtered through and interns served food at a table off to the side.

Ashley Mera, an intern for LASU and a junior majoring in economics, discussed preparations for the event with the rest of the team.

“As somebody who was a contestant last year in our annual pageant, it is such a rewarding experience to be the one working behind the scenes alongside the E-Board,” Mera wrote in an email. “Pageant can be stressful to set up but at the end of the day, it is such a fun experience whether you are in it or when you’re helping out with the logistics of things. I’d have to say the best part is working with our contestants one-on-one and seeing their confidence grow throughout our weekly practices as well as getting creative all together to make sure every act is unique to each contestant.”

The event began with an introduction from hosts Brooke Barnett, a junior majoring in psychology, and Luis Hernandez, a senior majoring in biology, who presented candidates representing Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. A swimwear catwalk was first on the agenda, as candidates walked the runway and posed with flags from their represented country. Audience engagement was encouraged through a game of voluntary trivia and the hosts prepared guests for the upcoming culture section — a part of the event that Nicholas Bustamante, a guest judge and a senior majoring in computer engineering, had enjoyed since coming to the event for the past two years.

“My favorite part is always the cultural section,” Bustamante said. “Everyone gets a little creative with it. They can do a dance, they can do a special catering food like cook a specific meal from that culture or they explain some sort of rich history from that culture. Every contestant is representing a country that they are not a part of. So they’re all learning about that country, and they’re all teaching everyone in the crowd what they learned from that country.”

Avery Johnson, one of the contestants who represented Mr. Haiti and is a senior majoring in English, created a cooking video in which he made soup joumou — a pumpkin soup that he explained was symbolic of the Haitian Revolution.

Levi Ramirez, who represented Mr. México and a sophomore majoring in computer science, dressed in Mexican-Western clothing and performed a mashup of different Mexican dancing genres. Ramirez and his two partners danced “quebradita” or “little break,” which is a Mexican dance style that refers to the breaking of a wild horse. The “quebradita” dance style allowed for Ramirez and his partners to show off their ability to perform difficult jumping tricks used in the dance, which has recently gained attention within social media through popularity in a huapango song called “La Quebradora” — which Ramirez also danced to in his performance.

Other contestants performed traditional dances such as punta, joropo and bachata, and offered traditional desserts such as alfajores for the judges to try. Jaralize Martinez, a historian for LASU and an undecided sophomore, explained the purpose of the cultural section.

“Our pageant is all about giving the spotlight to countries and communities that often get overlooked,” Martinez wrote in an email. “We aim to highlight the unique cultures of each country, with a special focus on Latine culture. We want everyone to have fun while also gaining something valuable from the experience.”

After a short musical chairs contest with attendees, contestants each performed their talents. Sofia Figueroa, who represented Ms. Venezuela and is a junior majoring in integrative neuroscience, demonstrated how to do CPR and the heimlich maneuver through a silent skit to the song “Titi Me Pregunto,” which has 107 beats per minute and is the right tempo for hands-only CPR. Other contestants performed songs and skits, as well as traditional and contemporary dances.

Up next was the much-awaited evening gown looks which took inspiration from the pageant’s theme, Heavenly Bodies. Contestants had the creative freedom to create short skits during their catwalk and each played their preferred song to walk to. After this final segment, audience members and judges voted on who would be the next Nuestra Belleza y Nuestro Galán.

The audience’s choice was Mr. México and Ms. Colombia, represented by Alanna Chen, a junior double-majoring in philosophy, politics and law and political science. As for the judge’s choice, the contestants came down to four candidates who battled it out in a Q&A session that was designed to test their knowledge on the culture, art and politics of their represented country.

As the event came to a close, it was announced that Ms. Colombia and Mr. Costa Rica, represented by Julio De La Cruz, a freshman majoring in economics, won this year’s Nuestra Belleza y Nuestro Galán.

De La Cruz discussed his experience being a part of the pageant.

“The LASU pageant is a great representation of Latin culture,” De La Cruz wrote in an email. “I love that LASU also doesn’t make it Latin exclusive so we can have contestants that aren’t Latin but they can learn more about the country of their choice from Latin America, which I think is beautiful because being at a [primarily white institution] it’s nice to have people of other races and ethnicities learn about Latin culture even if they are not Latin. I loved being able to represent Costa Rica. and doing the cultural talent, where I was able to dance the traditional dance of the county Punto Guanacasteco, was my favorite part. Even though I’m Dominican, I learned more about the country from this experience, and it’s something I won’t forget about. I’m extremely proud to have gotten the title of Nuestro Galán Latinx 2024 as Mr. Costa Rica.”

Reflecting upon her involvement in LASU, Mera emphasized the sense of community and activism that LASU stands for.

“Joining LASU would have to be the best decision I’ve made throughout my college career,” Mera wrote. “As somebody who felt very disconnected from my culture, I never thought I’d find my home away from home where I could embrace my roots and have a voice on campus until joining the club. I think it’s also important to emphasize that we are a political and social organization where we welcome all people of color, not just Latine students. To be in a cultural organization like LASU is such a gratifying experience, and I’d recommend it if you are a student who feels lost on campus. LASU is here for you whether you want to engage in social activities or delve into global affairs and politics. Our general body meetings are for everybody, and you can find us almost every Thursday at 8 p.m. in [Binghamton University Union West] 310!”

Pink is back and better with Pretty Girls Sweat’s (PGS) reintroduction of their annual Pink Brunch. The pink and floral themed event took place in the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center (C4) Multipurpose room this Saturday at 11 a.m., featuring interactive games, awards and food.

PGS stayed true to their promise of a very pink brunch. Flower bouquet centerpieces and floral vines decorated each table which was draped with a satin rose gold cloth and scattered flower petals. Each guest received tableware along with a personalized name card, pink paper teacups and a menu. Balloons were tossed all throughout the room and put up on a portion of one of the walls for photos during the event.

Danayvia Nieves, the PGS historian and a senior majoring in women, gender and sexuality studies, discussed the process of creating Pink Brunch.

“My favorite aspect of Pink Brunch was the setup,” Nieves wrote in an email. “While I understand there the actual event can be seen as more exciting for some, creating the event meant the world to me. Working closely everyday for months with my [E-Board] allowed us to truly create [a] beautiful event for Binghamton University. Going over the scripts, awards, decorations and food with E-Board was truly my highlight of the event.”

Shortly after attendees settled in, Nashara Marrow, vice president of PGS and a senior majoring in human development, along with former vice president and ‘23 graduate, Shanae Phillips, opened with the history and purpose of the organization. Pink Brunch is more than a way for organization members to socialize and bond over a meal — it’s about celebrating the encouragement of leading healthy and active lifestyles as young women of color, they explained. According to the PGS mission statement, 30 percent of Black and Hispanic children aged 2-19 are more likely to be overweight or obese compared to their white counterparts. This is where PGS steps in.

Aeshia DeVore Branch, founder of PGS, created the organization in 2011 after learning this statistic as a new mom. The core of PGS is to carry out her mission of making exercise fun and accessible for women and children of color.

Phillips made this exceptionally clear in her opening statement.

“The power is in our hands,” Phillips said. “This is very important for health reasons, and we need to beat the statistics that are out there. The purpose of [PGS] is to destigmatize the masculinity of sweating in itself [and] show who we are. We can be pretty while sweating.”

Following their statement on the club’s mission and values, Undivided, a campus a capella group, performed two songs for the audience. One of the songs, “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child, was emblematic of the careful dedication to cultural vibrancy within the event. Down from the music playing in between segments of the brunch, to the songs chosen for interactive games, all musical artists were women of color. Nieves wrote about the support PGS provided and their commitment to women’s empowerment.

“Something significant that made me join this organization was the home it created for me,” Neives wrote. “Coming to Binghamton as a transfer, I felt as if I needed a home away from home. Women empowerment, support, and a safe space was provided from [PGS]. I realized this organization allowed me to express who I was safely while managing a healthy well-balanced lifestyle. [PGS] allowed me to use my platform to allow other women to join this network, to be themselves freely, while also taking care of themselves physically and mentally. Every general body meeting and sweatshow reminds me why I joined this organization.”

The PGS service award, most supportive woman award and most supportive man award were all given out in a short awards segment of the brunch. In addition, a Karaoke game was played which involved voluntary audience members singing arbitrary lines from songs upon it being stopped midway. Some of these included, “The Boy Is Mine,” “No Scrubs” and “Never Lose Me.”

Nieves emphasized how being involved with the organization has allowed her to use her platform to encourage other women to join the safe space which PGS has created for the Binghamton community.

“I hope those [who attended] took away the feeling of women empowerment and new friendships,” Nieves wrote. “We allowed women to sing along with one another, play games with each other and simply celebrate those in the room. Each woman would walk away with a positive mindset, new connection and filled belly.”

The rest of the event was dedicated to enjoying brunch with tablemates. Guests were served a choice of pancakes, mac and cheese, turkey bacon and fruit salad, along with various drinks including orange juice and hot tea. Positive-talk conversation cards were set at every table, giving attendees a chance to mingle with each other.

Bristy Das, an intern with PGS and an undeclared freshman, talked about her hopes for next year’s brunch event.

“This happens every year, but [the past few years] we didn’t have PGS because they had to shut down for a while, so this is about them bringing it back,” Das said. “A lot of us interns are running for E-Board, so we hope to bring it back and other events.”

“Poor Things,” which recently won four Oscars including Best Actress for Emma Stone’s exceptional performance, is a peculiar and comedic retelling of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”

Bella Baxter, played by Stone, is a newly revived woman with the brain of her unborn child. She lives with offbeat scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter — who she calls God — and his apprentice, Max McCandles. The film is essentially an examination of human behavior, as Bella rediscovers what it’s like to be a human and a woman in a world that she no longer understands.

Bella’s earlier parts of her new life is reflected in the film’s black and white coloring. She cannot leave the house or do anything on her own, yet for a short while she is happy. Bella acts as a robotic one-year-old child — she babbles, she throws things, she plays with her food and very early on becomes exceptionally curious and playful — highlighting Stone’s dynamic range in acting. Stone’s facial expressions are scarily on par with that of a toddler and she waddles around the house as if she had just learned how to stand on her own two feet — making this first part of the film arguably the most impressive.

Shortly after, Bella begins to explore her sexuality, in some ways fueling her decision to run away with a lawyer called Duncan Wedderburn. The pair go on a trip to Lisbon where Duncan heavily emphasizes that Bella should not fall in love with him because he only wants her company for a limited time. However, Bella does not seem to be interested in Duncan besides what he can do for her sexually. In fact, in their time in Lisbon she freely explores the city — coming and going as she pleases — further stressing a disinterest in spending time with him.

At this point in the film her vocabulary has increased dramatically. She no longer presents herself in a childish manner — although she remains curious — and it is clear that she is very aware of her wants and needs. Interestingly enough, Bella’s independent nature begins to frustrate Duncan, contrary to what he formerly wanted from his relationship with her. In turn, Bella frequently expresses her annoyance with Duncan’s controlling behaviors, establishing her as a blunt and confident person.

Although, at times, Bella is naive and can be blown in any direction, she somehow seems to overcome any male figures that hope to contain her innately disruptive and exploratory spirit — which is something exceptional about Bella’s character. There is an element of suspense that leaves the audience waiting for some person to take advantage of her naivety. Even in the most dangerous situations — for instance, her short time working at a brothel in Paris — Bella somehow makes it out unscathed.

It seems that although Bella progressively becomes more interested in the world and more connected with herself, there is still a huge disconnect in her interpretation of human emotions and societal expectations. It is as though Bella’s lack of understanding about human relationships is what allows her to succeed. Her unconventional attitude and candor blindsides most men and allows her to shake them off when she no longer needs them. Additionally, it prevents her from clinging on to potentially emotionally damaging relationships and situations.

Something else that could not be ignored about the film was Bella’s frequent sexual interactions, which seemed to be a huge point of contention in the feminist realm. The idea that the film is a male-centric take on modern-day feminism is in many ways justified. Bella is essentially a child in a grown woman’s body, which already sets the film on morally gray ground because of her many sexual interactions. On the other hand, Bella is not a human woman — it is made very clear that her emotional and intellectual growth is not linear and does not parallel that of a human child. Bella advances at an extremely rapid pace and toward the middle of the movie she expresses herself as a full grown woman. It also might be worth questioning why seeing a sexually active woman is so jarring. Does “Poor Things” exploit Bella Baxter or is the reaction to her sexual encounters more reflective of societal attitudes toward women’s sexuality?

In addition to discourse on feminist criticism in the film, there are several other ideas that have sparked interest in viewers, which only speaks to the depth and complexity of Bella Baxter’s character and the film as a whole.

This coming April, the Binghamton University chapter of Pretty Girls Sweat (PGS) will be hosting their very own Pink Brunch. The event will be located in the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center’s Multipurpose room on April 6 and will feature activities that involve personal development and networking opportunities.

Nashara Murrow, vice president of PGS and a senior majoring in human development, discussed Pretty Girls Sweat’s goals for the event.

“Pink Brunch advocates to empower the women on campus through physical fitness,” Murrow wrote in an email. “We want to do this by holding space for women to feel comfortable speaking about fitness, uplifting women of all shapes, sizes and colors, and encouraging them to celebrate themselves and their bodies no matter where they are in their fitness journey.”

Paris Defreitas, public relations coordinator for PGS and a sophomore majoring in philosophy, politics and law, elaborated on the traditional format for Pink Brunch.

“Pink Brunch is an event to bring together the campus’ vibrant multicultural community to appreciate women at Binghamton making strides to empower women in all ways, whether that be through fitness, health or community service,” Defreitas wrote in an email. “There will be food, music, games and more for all of our guests to enjoy.”

Not only does PGS aim to empower women at BU through fitness and health, but they also hope to cultivate a supportive community that encourages discussions focused on mental health. Murrow also discussed the impact of women comparing their bodies and fitness progression to other women on social media. Part of the organization’s goals is to emphasize the importance of being able to set what one sees online aside.

Gianna Peña, the organization’s workout coordinator and a junior majoring in psychology, discussed how PGS has impacted her lifestyle.

“Being a part of PGS has definitely helped me keep an open mind to all the different perspectives and ways people engage in fitness,” Peña wrote in an email. “As a former athlete, most of what I cared about regarding fitness was the effort I put in during practice, but joining PGS helped me grow to understand that a lot of work can happen outside the gym too.”

General body meetings typically occur biweekly on Wednesdays, each week altering between “Sweatshows,” which are group workouts, and “Chitchats,” which are educational-based discussions revolving around women’s issues and health education. Peña conveyed she likes to keep “Sweatshows” fun and beginner friendly to encourage more students to participate in the sessions.

PGS also works with other on-campus organizations which includes their recent collaboration with the Dominican Student Association where they had a dembow zumba workout — a cardio based fitness dance to a Dominican sub-genre of reggaeton.

Peña described what she’s looking forward to for Pink Brunch.

“What I’m most excited about with Pink Brunch is just seeing it all come together exactly how we imagined,” Peña wrote. “We’ve all put in a lot of effort this academic year to build PGS up, and most of our current E-Board will be graduating this May. But I know we’re definitely going to put our all into Pink Brunch to make sure we nail its purpose of bringing together and celebrating the women on this campus.”

For more information about Pretty Girls Sweat, visit their Instagram page @prettygirlssweatbu or contact them at prettygirlssweat@binghamtonsa.org.

This coming May will mark two years since the president of the Binghamton University Abortion Advocacy Coalition (BAAC), Abbey Scherer, a senior majoring in social work, founded the organization. Scherer and most of BAAC’s E-Board are graduating this semester with hopes that future members will continue to build where they left off.

Pipe Dream interviewed Scherer to discuss BAAC’s current goals and operations.

The interview has been edited for both length and clarity.

Q: What are the BAAC’s main goals and what are some ways that you work toward this goal?

A: Our goal when we first started was destigmatizing and opening up the conversation about abortion access and abortion in general on campus. Of course we have PPGen [Planned Parenthood Generation] and FemCo [Feminist Collective] which are amazing organizations, but they cover a wide range of things and I decided that we should have something that focuses on abortion. We now have a relationship with Southern Tier Women’s Health Services, which is the abortion clinic in the area, and BU administration to blend the communities as much as possible. This looks like giving the clinic abortion [after care] kits (which we have ourselves) and we, along with PPGen and FemCo worked with [Decker Student Health Services Center] administration to set up an uber business account so they can pay for students’ transportation if they get referred.

… We talk about abortion through the lens of reproductive justice, which includes applying the theory of intersectionality to our work. For example, BAAC is collaborating with the Q Center to talk about abortion as gender-affirming care, we encourage support for Palestine by advertising and showing up for rallies and marches, we teach Reproductive Justice as Black history in our RJ 101 Training and talk about climate justice at the Earth Day festival.

Q: How has the overturning of Roe v. Wade specifically affected reproductive rights throughout the country?

A: Roe being overturned was not a shock but did a lot of damage in terms of legality — really people say Roe was the floor, not the ceiling. Though access goes so much further in terms of transportation expenses, people being afraid of protestors, insurance coverage and wait times. There are states now where you can’t get an abortion at all. It’s worse than before but those same problems were always there, just not for everybody. Communities of color and low-income communities always had access issues. Now there are cases where the Supreme Court is looking to ban Mifepristone — one of the pills used for medication abortion. Even in New York state, where we’re generally protected in terms of reproductive health, a federal decision would impact us as well. But I think by educating people about these things through advocacy and policy work, all things that BAAC encourages, are really important for preventing these things in the future.

Q: Can you discuss various statewide abortion bans and their impacts on people with uteruses?

A: There [are] a wide range of bans. Some states have full bans where you can’t get an abortion at all and some states have six-week bans where most people don’t even know that they’re pregnant by six weeks. Even states where they ban abortions past the second trimester, like later term bans — those really confuse practitioners and in states where you see that, even when you have an exception for the life of the mother, doctors are so afraid that they might lose their license and not practice anymore that they will wait until someone is about to die before they give them an abortion. Bans like that create a lot of gray areas that keep people from getting life saving procedures that they need. That’s really the problem with these bans.

Q: What would you say to someone who is against abortion rights?

A: It really depends on their reasoning for it, because some people feel that way from a religious perspective. For other people it’s not religious, it’s just they have been told a lot of lies that they think are facts. I would approach the conversation by asking, “Why do you feel that way?” We actually did a meeting where we talked about how to talk to antis [people who are anti-abortion] and we made a spreadsheet of their reasons and what you can respond with. But it just comes down to bodily autonomy. People should be able to make their own choices about their body and I’m sure people who are against abortion wouldn’t want other people making decisions about their body when it comes to other areas. If they can understand that concept then you can work from there.

Q: What are some ways that students at BU can become involved in the BAAC?

A: Our E-Board right now has a lot of seniors and there’s going to be a lot of gaps to fill on the [E-Board], so we’re looking for younger people but we also have other opportunities for people to get involved. Southern Tier Women’s Health Services is currently looking for clinic escorts — students who will help protect patients from protestors and make sure that they get to their appointments. You can bring your information to us, and we can set you up with them. We’ve also done volunteer days for Family Planning, which is downtown. They don’t do abortions, but they do abortion referrals and options counseling. We also do a monthly newsletter where we encourage students to write in, and we’ll feature their writing pieces in our newsletter.

Q: What are your hopes for the future of BAAC?

A: I really hope that younger students can help us continue our work and expand. We just submitted our chartering application and that would really help us maintain a presence in our community. I’m hoping to expand outside of campus as well, and I would love to see it become more of a Binghamton community organization than just a BU organization.

As the weather dips deeper into blistering cold temperatures, choosing the right songs to get from building to building is the best way to block out the fierce winter wind. Making time to be productive and engage in activities outside of your dorm like going to the gym, hanging out with friends or even working a job all on top of managing school work is already difficult in itself. The cold weather especially does not help with encouraging outdoor engagement. Instead of avoiding the brutal weather altogether, the key to staying productive is mastering how to handle the cold. Listening to music to distract you is one of the best ways you can do this.

Whether you’re looking to add new songs to your playlist or need something to get you through this frigid winter, these songs are the perfect place to start.

“Ball And Chain” by Big Brother and the Holding Company and Janis Joplin

The defeated and emotional guitar paired with Janis Joplin’s gripping vocals makes for an incredibly intimate listening experience. It’s especially great for the cold because it seems to perfectly envelop you in its own bubble of depth and distress. “Ball And Chain” will have you so invested in its unpredictability and experimental qualities that the icy weather will surely come second in mind.

“Cold” by The Cure

Just as the name suggests, “Cold” fully embraces the discomfort of being cold and uses it as a metaphor to express heartbreak. Not only does its dark and gothic tones pair well with the aesthetic of a chilly nighttime walk, but the song somehow manages to give its listeners power in confronting the feeling of icy weather. Some might argue that the vampiric track feels more Halloween or fall rather than winter, but the weight of instrumentals alone is much more suitable for the overwhelming heaviness of the winter.

“Once then we’ll be free” by Wisp

There’s almost nothing more fitting for the winter than shoegaze — a genre of rock that blurs the lines between obscured vocals and an almost suffocating airiness. Wisp debuted their first song, “Your face,” last April which has garnered over 30 million streams on Spotify, and since then they have dropped several hit singles. Although the lyrics in “Once then we’ll be free” has sea and water related imagery, Wisp’s emotional and clouded vocals, which barely reach louder than a whisper, invite you to imagine more of a wintry beach scene. The isolating lyrics and melancholic tones effortlessly match the dreariness of winter as the powerful dynamics allow you to be consumed by the music.

“Between the Bars” by Elliott Smith

Similar to “Once then we’ll be free,” this song by Elliott Smith fully leans into the winter slump. With its guitar that mimics the quiet and rhythmic drip of water and haunting lyrics, it’s no surprise that “Between the Bars” continues to be Elliott Smith’s most popular song. The song maintains a range that stays on the quieter end which allows the vocals to pop. Instead of feeling thrown in a mix of showy instrumentals and experimental vocals, its raw and gut-wrenching realness emulates the piercing iciness of winter.

Winter break can be a stressful time of the year — a packed house to come home to, extended family visiting for dinners and a schedule filled with plans with hometown friends. But it can also be an opportunity to show your loved ones just how much you care for them. As college students, spending hundreds of dollars on gifts can be overwhelming and unreasonable. Finding personalized gifts or even creating handmade gifts can be a fun way to de-stress this season. From collaging to candle making, your gifts could be nothing short of creative and crafty with the help of this list.

1. A photo album with captions

Albums and framed photos have been a classic gift for capturing and gifting beautiful memories. With the recent turn to vintage and retro forms of creative expression, it’s time to bring back physical collections of pictures. All that needs to be bought is an empty album, printed scans of pictures you would like to use and some decorative additions. Use sentimental pictures to tell a story of your relationships through captions including what each specific picture means to you.

2. Funky candles

Candles are a classic option for gift giving when unsure of what to gift someone. However, they can feel a little thoughtless and generic if bought straight from a commercial store. If you have some time and patience on your hands, opt for a homemade funky candle. For this creative gift, you can thrift interesting-looking glassware and buy a candle making kit from your local art supply store. Experiment with different smelling oils and mix them in with the wax to give your candle a more personalized scent. You could even add dry rose petals or crystals with the birthstone of the gift receiver to make the candle stand out even more.

3. Rolled-up notes in a collage Altoid box

Putting short notes in small containers has probably been an easy and low-maintenance gift we have all seen before. The issue with these is if the containers aren’t decorated well, the reality is that these gifts can be easily stuffed in a corner and forgotten. Collaging a fun container like an Altoid box or even a box for a deck of cards can elevate the gift. Within these notes can be barcodes for favorite songs, affirmations or things you love about the person.

4. Band posters

Room decorations are another safe bet to go with. As long as you’re sure of a favorite artist or band, posters can double as functional and show that you pay attention. Depending on how obscure the artist is and how big you’d like the print to be, prices might have a greater range. But don’t let this deter you from scouting possible options as this can be thoughtful while being less time-consuming than crafting a gift.

5. A deck of cards with pictures

Pasting pictures individually onto a deck of cards can be another way to creatively display your favorite moments with someone. All you would need is printed pictures, a deck of cards and colored paper if you would like to add captions. First, paste your picture onto the frontside of each card and then create a caption for the backside of each card. This can be something fun and new because the idea is similar to an album, but with its functional size it’s easier to potentially display or carry.

There are so many different ways to show your loved ones you’re thinking of them in this day and age. While giving gifts can feel superficial at times, it doesn’t have to be, if it’s taken as a rewarding opportunity for creative expression and an evaluation of relationships within your life. Give this list a try and challenge yourself to create or buy fun gifts.

With a familiar bubblegum electric sound, PinkPantheress’ debut album “Heaven knows” paints desperation, enamorment and intimacy through a rose-colored lens with her flowery vocals.

Followed by her mixtape “To Hell with It,” PinkPantheress released her album on Nov. 10, 2023 with an Instagram story thanking her fans for their growing love and support. The album is a testimony to the work she’s put into making new tunes over the course of the past two years. While some familiar tracks are included on her debut album like “Mosquito” and “Capable of Love,” PinkPantheress brings to light her growth as an artist through a range of new sounds and features.

Keeping the consistency of heartbreakingly relatable lyrics that harshly contrast her trademark optimistic vocals, PinkPantheress blends musical influences of K-pop, UK Dance and hyperpop throughout her new album.

“Heaven knows” is certainly proof that PinkPantheress has come a long way from her self-produced TikTok viral tracks, “Break It Off” and “Pain,” which catapulted the artist to fame in early 2021. Since then, it’s been hit after hit, as PinkPantheress racked up awards and nominations from BBC’s Sound of…, BET and MTV. With the popular release of “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2,” which quickly became the summer 2023 anthem, there were high hopes for her debut album.

The opening song “Another life” ft. Nigerian singer Rema, sets the mood for the following tracks in the rest of “Heaven knows,” with dark themes of death and the afterlife. The sample of a gothic-esque sound of an organ introduces the track as PinkPantheress sings about waking up to her dead partner. The chilling line, “Guess you died today?” echoes in the first verse and quickly transitions to “Guess I’ll see you in another life” in the chorus, highlighting a theme of acceptance that reappears with the last track “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2.”

While songs “True Romance” and “Nice to Meet You” ft. Central Cee focus on the development of coveted love, tracks “Ophelia” and “Blue” cover the depression that comes with high-intensity emotions. Together these concentrated themes display the complexity of love and loss within romantic relationships.

Whether it’s on suffocating partners in “Internet Baby (Interlude)” or losing steam in life with “Feelings,” PinkPantheress is just grateful to have such a supportive platform to share her thoughts and artistry with her fans.

Announcing her album release on Instagram, PinkPantheress shares her appreciation for her fans.

“I love everyone here,” PinkPantheress wrote. “I cried the other day thinking of how lucky I am to have people willing to listen to me. You are never taken in vain.”

Coming to a close with crowd favorite, “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” featuring rapper and internet sensation Ice Spice ties together the feelings of acceptance and insecurity in relationships. The song uses a New York drill beat as a base, giving the sound an alternative edge while honoring Ice Spice’s NYC roots. With the famous line, “What’s the point of crying? It was never even love,” the entire album is turned on its back as PinkPantheress flips the narrative of her story.

The lyric, “The boy’s a liar,” lingers long after the album is over — serving as a relatable tether to her audience and a reminder of the trials and tribulations of love.