Content warning: This story mentions rape and sexual assault. As college students, we have to prepare for early morning exams, senior internship interviews, and unfortunately, protecting ourselves on campus. While it never should happen, there may come a time when you, or someone close to you, is affected by an unwanted sexual advance.

THE MIRROR IS BROKEN — and JOBIE’s ready to put the jagged pieces back together to create a new reflection. In her independently released debut record, Grendel, released on Jan. 6, she explores the catharsis of moving on and growing from her past. Swirled with glowy slide guitar licks, rosy vocals, and snappy musical hooks, JOBIE reintroduces herself to the world as an artist.

Sometimes things are just better in our dreams and Freedom Fry’s first single of 2023, “If the World Was Mine” encapsulates that longing for an ideal life perfectly. It’s a track about erasing the past and starting anew in a place that’s handmade for you. There’s a feeling of comfort and sweetness that embodies this notion of belonging the song invites which is surprisingly addictive at first listen. The release is accompanied by a somber tone and a light instrumental backdrop.

If Christina Aguilera has taught me anything it’s that I’m beautiful in every single way. (Did you just sing that in your head too?) The global superstar has used her powerful voice to raise awareness for domestic violence, gender equality, and women’s rights and empowerment. Her discography is a culmination of unforgettable pop hits, all with the message to love yourself and find liberation in being your authentic self.

It’s a big day for boygenius lovers. On March 28, the trio consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker announced their summer 2023 North American tour, and I am not OK. After releasing three songs on Jan. 18 — “$20,” “Emily I’m Sorry,” and “True Blue” — the band announced their debut album with a release date of March 31.

You may often feel stuck between an all-too-familiar metaphorical rock and a hard place. That rock being getting down to business and moving forward with your little ʼole life, and that hard place being double-checking everything you do and second-guessing your hard work, which can lead to overthinking. And as you likely have experienced at one time or another, existing in that confusing in-between place is nothing short of exhausting on any level.

THERE’S A SPARK THAT EMANATES FROM SINGER-SONGWRITERS — and Olive Klug hones it. A key player in the new wave of contemporary folk artists, Klug welcomes listeners to a world of vividly honest storytelling and modern lyrical sensibility. Their next single, “Casting Spells,” out April 14, is no exception to this magic.

If you were looking for a sign, this is it! It’s your time to manifest the life of your dreams, and it starts with putting you (and your mind) first. Let’s talk about some phone apps you can use to enhance the bliss of the current era you’re in. Maybe you’re searching for a way to reconnect with yourself after your busy workday, or want to feel more centered when things don’t go your way. Whatever it may be, there’s an app out there that’s a perfect fit for you.

There are a lot of ways that you can apply for a job post-college, but LinkedIn definitely takes the cake. From connecting you with recruiters in your dream field to recommending opportunities that are right up your alley, its algorithm works for you. If you’re like me and you want the job search to be a time of excitement and cautious optimism instead of stress and anxiety, LinkedIn is a great place to start.

A LOT CAN CHANGE IN TWO YEARS — For British-born, Southern California–based artist Lily Williams, change came in the form of a character arc. Chronicled in her debut project, How The Story Ends, Williams shares 10 songs chronicling the serendipitous moments that happen between falling in love to falling out of it.

After all your hard work this semester, or quarter, you deserve a break. Maybe you’re thinking about going to a classmate’s house party, or attending an outing with that club you always wanted to check out. Whatever it may be, I want to validate that sometimes going out and doing things with other people can be a little scary and uncomfortable, and that’s OK! It’s natural to feel anxious, especially in the college party scene.

For the longest time, the responsibility of using birth control has fallen on the person with the uterus in an intimate relationship. Now there is a study that’s looking to expand birth control options for romantic partners. In the coming years, if the treatment is proven effective and safe in its research participants, we could begin to see an over-the-counter male birth control option on our pharmacy shelves.

Our 20th Issue featuring P1Harmony, Kimbra, AG Club, Payday, khai dreams, Justus Bennetts, Amindi, Annie DiRusso & more! 140 pages. 10% of proceeds will be donated to The National Network of Abortion Funds. This is for US orders only, international orders can be placed here.

If you’ve been influenced by the retro wave on TikTok, or by the trauma bangs on Emily in Paris, you’re not alone. Maybe it inspired you to finally cut those bangs you’ve been wanting. And in that case, there is a high possibility that they didn’t turn out exactly as you were hoping for. And that’s where selfmade’s True Grit Resilience scrub comes in handy.

At this point, anything I learn about celebrity couples is against my will. But nevertheless, there’s that persistent part of my brain that absolutely has to know what’s up. Because of this, I have to tell you some news, Avril Lavigne and Tyga are officially dating. Read that again. I seriously wish I was kidding. On March 6, Lavigne and Tyga were spotted kissing at the Mugler X Hunter Schafer party during Paris Fashion Week.

TEACHER TURNED TOURING MUSICIAN — Grace Gardner brings her deep understanding of love and relationships to a global audience. Raised on Stevie Nicks, ’70s rock, southern folk, and New Orleans jazz, Gardner is no stranger to putting on a mesmerizing vocal and instrumental performance. In her debut EP, Peach, out today, Gardner is introducing her eclectic sound with an orchestral bang.

Every year there is one special day fully dedicated to you and your female-identifying ancestors. If you’re thinking of International Women’s Day (IWD) you’d be right! Celebrated annually on March 8, IWD is a full 24-hours that brings attention to the rights, accomplishments, and innovation of women everywhere. It’s a once-in-a-year type of day for exclusively discussing political issues affecting women while also celebrating the socio-cultural achievements of women past and present.

New York City-based singer-songwriter Eva Westphal has a candid talk with her younger self in her dreamy single “Understood.” A musician and an outspoken advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ issues, she shares a beautifully interwoven message throughout the track of loving her authentic self, especially the difficult parts. Akin to a “Speak Now” Taylor Swift, Westphal’s romantic production and sweet-sounding lyricism are simply enchanting.

WELCOME TO THE SOUND BATH — aka Alice Osian’s magical single “For The Night.” It’s a song for processing grief in those moments when you feel submerged underwater and need a life raft. With a minimalistic yet effortlessly sensational production, the release is akin to a 1920s love song you can’t get enough of. Driven by synths and built around nostalgic motifs of young love, the single captures the idea that grief is non-linear.

OUR LIVES ARE WRITTEN IN THE STARS — and there are infinitesimal ways to explore the galaxies that lie within each of us. In her single “Empezar De Nuevo (Que Pena),” singer-songwriter Nina Cobham translates her story of lost love into a comforting alt-pop track. Fused with both English and Spanish, the release epitomizes her broad-reaching musical palette.

Callisto is an up-and-coming rock band gearing up to release its official debut album in 2023. Comprised of members Rob DiNanno, Brandon Hardesty (from the Bumpin Uglies), James DiNanno, and Howie Spangler (from Ballyhoo!), they’re already garnering attention from music lovers all over with their unofficial music. Devoted to the rock arena sound, the group made of one drummer and three singers is surely evoking MTV-era nostalgia with their first single, “This Is Awkward” coming out February, 10.

LIVING IS A SLOW BURN AT TIMES — and Ayleen Valentine makes music in that liminal space of confusion, chaos, and unexpected love. In her first A/B single package, a/b__1, she delves into rich sonic layers to build aural and emotional peaks wise beyond her years. Composed of haunting instrumentals and eccentric gritty synths, “anesthetized” and “stars'' are tracks that encapsulate the vulnerability and freedom in growing up.

You’re not a terrible person for setting boundaries. In fact, setting boundaries is actually one of the best things you can do for yourself and your relationships. When you give bits and pieces of your mental energy away, sometimes it’s difficult to notice when your emotional tank is running on empty. To be the best caretaker for yourself, you must challenge yourself to become comfortable with embracing your innate assertiveness and practicing radical self-compassion. Yes, the two go hand in hand.

In his fresh new lovestruck pop single, “Find Out (ft. Rebecca Brunner),” notable cinematic indie artist LIBERATI dives head first into a complicated and beautiful part of life; exploring the age-old question of how to pursue an intriguing love amidst the intrusive memories of an old heartbreak. Intricately weaved with earnest and compelling lyricism, and completed with a transcendent soft pop hook, the uplifting heartfelt duet is unforgettable and addictive. Mixed with his staple nostalgic 80’s production, the track has a natural “boy next door” type of charm making it an ideal fit for the soundtrack of any modern-day romance movie.

With cuffing season already underway, don’t forget to make time to pamper yourself. It can be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of this lover’s month. So, do something special for yourself this Valentine’s Day and throw your own Boudoir photoshoot from the comfort of your bedroom. Maybe it’s new and exciting, or even a little bit scary, and either reaction is OK. The only thing you need to have a great shoot is an open mind and some good ‘ol self-love. Boudoir is an intimate photography style that emphasizes sensuality and romance. It’s a unique form of visual art that allows you to show up as your fullest self, embrace your inner power, and take in every beautiful part of who you are.

There’s a mean girl in my life and spoiler alert: She’s me. Yes, she’s the Regina George-sounding voice in my head that tells me I’m not ever good enough and makes fun of me whenever I do anything. And when I’m not feeling 100% mental health-wise, you guessed it––she makes my life a living breathing mess. Over the years I’ve tried most of the ways you can think of from guided journaling to meditation to get rid of the hold she has over me, and frankly, it’s been an exhausting ride. Although at times, her grasp feels suffocating, the one constant I’ve found that helps me deal with her remarks is self-compassion.

AT THE INTERSECTION OF ART AND POETRY — is where Dezelle’s musical talent lies. An awe-inspiring combination of effortless lyricism and deep-founded artistic complexity, her mesmerizing stand-alone single “you make me feel so loved” is an evocation of human warmth in its purest form. Intertangled with an expertly crafted acoustic charm and the quality of honest songwriting, the stripped-back track is a resonant treat. It calls to anyone looking to find consolation through lyrics that touch upon the core of what it’s like to be human.

Sometimes things are just better in our dreams and Freedom Fry’s first single of 2023, “If the World Was Mine” encapsulates that longing for an ideal life perfectly. It’s a track about erasing the past and starting anew in a place that’s handmade for you. There’s a feeling of comfort and sweetness that embodies this notion of belonging the song invites which is surprisingly addictive at first listen. The release is accompanied by a somber tone and a light instrumental backdrop. Combined with bittersweet lyrics and a twang of nostalgia for easier days, the song is beautifully unfamiliar and delightfully strange.

THERE ARE ARTISTS AND THEN THERE ARE CHANGEMAKERS — and a kid named rufus is the latter. Undeterred by the tests of immigration, mental health struggles, and early adulthood, they are bringing their whole self into the recording studio. Wherever there’s a story, that’s where a kid named rufus will be. Born with a desire to help others and uplift their community, they’re the music icon Southeast Asia has been waiting for, and they haven’t even released their first album yet.

YOU KNOW THAT VOICE IN YOUR HEAD THAT SAYS, “IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY?” — That’s 90s R&B, funk, and pop singer Bailey Bryan for you. And she’s not your quintessential superstar. Coming from a vulnerable place with her lyricism, Bryan brings something unexpected and raw to all of her projects. This time around it's with her new single, “RIP,” as she’s laying to rest the self-doubt and shame that previously had a grip on her.

A year ago, you were in a completely different mind space than you’re in right now. Since then, you’ve had to learn to adapt, change and grow with the challenges life put in your path. Was it difficult? You bet. But was it worth it? Definitely. From your lived experiences you’ve become stronger and more powerful than ever before, but it might not always feel that way.

A LOT CAN CHANGE IN THE COURSE OF A YEAR — and that’s the beauty of life: finding meaning in a specific moment of time and choosing to grow from those hard parts. In Nieve Ella’s new EP, Young & Naive, she does just that and so much more.

ALL WE WANT IS SOMEONE TO SEE US FOR WHO WE ARE — and Julia Wolf does that. A self-made star, Wolf is not your average artist. With hits ranging from self-empowerment pop anthems to hard-hitting rap bangers, she is both your best friend and personal hype woman.

I have an on and off again relationship with social media. Connecting with my faraway family and friends is great, but the constant pixel-perfect feeds from influencers? Not so much.

Working out is rough, believe me, I know. But what if it could be maybe, let’s say, at least 15% less terrible? That’s what TikTok’s iconic treadmill strut is bringing to the table. Forget hardcore sprinting and 20 minutes on a 7.6 incline.

I have a hard time getting by sometimes, and that’s okay. There are days when it feels like everyone else has it all figured out and I’m watching from the sidelines. Others, I feel absolutely endless — like I’m authoring my own story.

I have a hard time getting by sometimes, and that’s okay. There are days when it feels like everyone else has it all figured out and I’m watching from the sidelines. Others, I feel absolutely endless — like I’m authoring my own story.

ICYMI, on Jan. 6, Netflix announced Wednesday will be returning for a second season. So forget about pink. On Wednesdays, I’m wearing black. If living in Jenna Ortega’s universe has taught me anything, it’s that you can’t go wrong with a classic and sometimes haunting wardrobe.

In Her Campus’ series Closet Check, we’re getting a look inside the closet of a college student and learning all about how they put together their favorite outfits. In this piece, we talk to Alicia Casey, a senior at CSULB who’s all about comfort and layering.

ADULTING IS A ROLLERCOASTER — and the Canadian alt-pop duo Bestfriend knows the ride all too fondly. On their new single, “LEMON LIME,” released on Dec. 9, Stacy Kim (lead vocals and guitar) and Kaelan Geoffrey (synthesizers and vocals) capture the feeling of being part of a young generation trying to find their place in a lost world.

Since its release on Netflix, the docuseries Harry & Meghan has been giving audiences an inside look at the high-profile couple. And while everyone has been invested in the inner workings of Harry and Meghan’s relationship, there was one surprising moment that brought joy to Twitter users everywhere — and it has to do with none other than Queen Bey herself, Beyoncé.

The word is out––literally! Oxford Dictionary recently announced that “goblin mode” is the 2022 word of the year. And if you’re a little confused by the iconic new word, you’re not alone. The term went viral earlier this year when a Twitter user made a fake headline about Julia Fox going goblin mode, and the rest is history.

Adulting is hard, and at times it can feel as though the weight of the world rests on your shoulders. While it may seem like society is telling you to bear it, the reality is that it’s OK to not be strong 24/7.

Not sure if you’ve seen it yet, but Pinterest just named seaweed as the “it girl” for 2023. I know what you’re thinking: how can seaweed possibly beat TikTok’s Kitty Juice? When I opened up Pinterest Predicts for 2023, I couldn’t have been more surprised. What I saw was fascinating — hype around… seaweed?

When the Addams family spinoff Wednesday came out on Netflix in November 2023, it’s safe to say the internet went into a frenzy of sorts. Within a few short hours of its release, the public’s obsession with the nuanced gothic drama reached chart-topping levels.

THE END OF THE YEAR SERVES AS A POWERFUL TIME FOR REFLECTION — and an even better time to look back at all the incredible new music we got to experience. After some years of isolation and no touring, artists were eager to share what they had been working on during the peak of the pandemic.

What’s better than rewatching Meredith Grey’s and McDreamy’s relationship unfold for the thousandth time? Having a fairytale romance of your own! Well, maybe it’s more of a daydream than a fairytale, but nevertheless, it’s possible for you and your partner to get on that Grey’s level — and reaching that point doesn't have to be difficult either.

With creative lyricism and a stylistically refreshing tone, Abby Sage is an artist to watch out for. Her combination of dream-pop, indie and soul anthems makes for a heartfelt and tender sound that we can’t get enough of. Spending her time between Los Angeles and London, Sage brings the perfect balance of buzzing alt-pop melodies and sonically trippy vibes.

ONE THING’S FOR CERTAIN, YOU CAN’T ERASE LOVE — even if it’s one-sided and the product of an extensive daydream. On her new EP, Crush(ed), Katherine Li puts into words that all too familiar feeling of having a crush on someone who doesn’t like you back.

FOREVER ISN’T LONG ENOUGH — for Lawson Hull. He wants to be in love far beyond that. Inspired by the great cinematic romances of our time, the singer-songwriter is following that euphoric feeling of going where love takes him, whether that be dancing under the streetlights or swimming until the sun comes up.

THERE IS BEAUTY IN THE ORDINARY — especially when it comes to nobody likes you pat’s intimately relatable songwriting. In his newest single, “tired of going to bed,” he explores the vulnerability of what it’s like to be human, from the emotional rollercoasters to the pure moments.

Travel back in time to the days of milkshakes, thrifting, and long car rides with this powerful fall breakup anthem. A mix of alternative and experimental pop, “Never Be” reminds us that sometimes endings are the best beginnings, especially when it comes to tumultuous relationships with friends or lovers.

JUST LIKE A MOVIE ON YOUR REWATCH LIST — Vivi Rincon’s music is something to come back to over and over again. Her songwriting style is honest and raw, almost like that of a coming-of-age film. Her music tells the story of moving away for college, finding yourself, and falling deeply in love. And this is only the beginning.

IT’S A SOUND WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF –– and Mila Degray does it well. At just 18 years old, she's bringing indie alt-rock, shoegaze, bubblegum grunge, and pop punk to the mainstream. With eerily relatable songs about life’s difficult moments, she reminds listeners that there’s power in vulnerability and self-discovery.

WHEN WE FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? — is an age-old question that’s driven countless artists, creators, and innovators, and now, DREAMERS. In this place between sleep and waking life is a special getaway where creativity is unhinged and unafraid. It’s a sweet spot the Brooklyn-based band DREAMERS takes us to with their imaginative and hard-hitting music.

NEXT STOP, HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY — and a chat about what it means to be human. Allison Ponthier asks life’s hard questions and searches for answers in the past lives of her icons and herself. What does it mean to be alive, and how do you do it? Where do we go when we die and what remains? When you enter the afterlife, will you be greeted by cultural icons?

When Taylor Swift first released her “Fearless” album, my mom started making me walk to school. We would usually drive, but I was the annoying eight-year-old who wouldn’t stop playing “Love Story” on repeat on the car radio. Now I’m 20, and I’m still that girl listening endlessly to whatever Taylor puts out, and most recently, that’s been her re-recorded album, “Fearless (Taylor’s Version).”

I started my journalism journey at the Associated Students, Incorporated (ASI) at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Overall, I contributed a vast collection of 50 articles to ASI’s BeachFront publication for the undergraduate and graduate student communities at the beachside university.

PAGE 26 — Youth Leadership Long Beach (YLLB) is a program inspiring high schoolers to be the change they want to see in the world. LLB offers the program free to students and their families, as the organization desires to connect students from all walks of life. The curriculum focuses on tasks challenging students to be their best selves.

AUGUST 23, 2019 — People Post is a space for opinion pieces, letters to the editor and guest submissions from members of the Long Beach community. The following is an op-ed submitted by Alicia Casey, a recent graduate of Millikan High School and a part of the Youth leadership Long Beach class of 2018, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Long Beach Post.