UA — Uniquely Aligned

The Bookstore Women

The Bookshop Women, of which I am now one, brought me into their family when I was only looking for extra cash.

Diaries & EssaysKiley MalloySeptember 30, 2020Swing of Things, essay Comment

The Carousel of Time

As “The Circle Game” re enters its continuous loop, I won’t expect that growing up will be my saving grace.

Diaries & EssaysJulia LuceySeptember 28, 2020Swing of Things, Joni Mitchell, The Circle GameComment

echo

Poetry about coming to terms with change by finding solace in the small things that are constantly around you.

MiscellaneousKari TrailSeptember 23, 2020poetry, Swing of ThingsComment

Addressing the Racism Inherent to Coming of Age Culture

This facet of coming-of-age culture that glorifies teen delinquency is one that comes from a place of profound privilege.

EntertainmentIsabella BalbiSeptember 22, 2020racism, Swing of Things, blm, coming of age Comments

The New Normal of the Music Industry

While we’re not sure how long COVID-19 will continue to plague our world, we do know that the music industry will survive, someway, somehow.

Mina JohnsonSeptember 21, 2020Comment

I Don't Know Yet

I keep expecting myself to drastically change from year to year, expecting that maybe by next year I’ll find myself or know who I want to be.

Diaries & EssaysSamantha OpalachSeptember 20, 2020Swing of Things, teen, teen angst Comment

Kenosha Youth for Jacob Blake

A collection of quotes and images from the youth of Kenosha during the BLM protests for Jacob Blake.

MiscellaneousDelaney JaronikSeptember 16, 2020Swing of Things, Black Lives Matter, Kenosha, Jacob BlakeComment

Swingin’ on Something

Normalcy is coming back to me again in the form of swing music, just like it did before.

EntertainmentSophia MooreSeptember 13, 2020Swing of Things, swing music, music Comment

Hiding from the Comfort Crowd

I realized that letting people in does not erase my personhood—in fact, it makes me more whole, more real.

Diaries & EssaysAndrea PanaliganSeptember 12, 2020Swing of Things, vulnerability, essayComment

A Newly Decorated Teenage Room in a Global Pandemic

To get back into the swing of things, I needed to change up my room.

MiscellaneousShelby EdisonSeptember 11, 2020Swing of Things, bedroom, teen, teenage bedroom, covid-19Comment

“It Could Have Been Different”

On Being A Late Bloomer and Mourning Alternate Pasts

Diaries & EssaysSami HarrisSeptember 5, 2020Swing of Things, childhood, late bloomerComment

Gone Astray

After realizing that there was no longer any normal to cling to—let alone fall back into—I began to feel more than free to actively seek out a version of myself that feels right—not familiar.

Diaries & EssaysTuri SiosonSeptember 2, 2020Swing of Things, identity, essay, diaryComment

Editors' Letter

September 2020: Swing of Things

MiscellaneousUniquely AlignedSeptember 1, 2020Swing of Things, Editors' LetterComment

The Golden Age of Blackness is Coming to Netflix: Why it’s Essential

After years of hoping and wishing, Netflix has finally decided to deliver some of our favorite Black sitcoms.

EntertainmentMaryam MuhammadAugust 1, 2020netflix, tv, black lives matter Comment

How You Don't Get the Girl: Second Lead Syndrome

Across the countless dramas I’ve watched, some of the best character arcs have come from the ones who didn’t get the girl.

EntertainmentAndrea Mikaela LlanesAugust 1, 2020love, tv, movies, K-dramas Comments

Bob Marley and the Wailers Essentials

Bob Marley sang truth through his music, speaking about the political and social problems in society then--problems that we are still faced with today.

EntertainmentImani OkwuosaJuly 31, 2020Freedom, Bob, Bob Marley, Music Comments

Lost in my Bedroom

Ironically, having my literal freedom being taken away has given me the opportunity to try new things.

Photos & VisualsAshley SetiawanJuly 31, 2020Freedom, art, illustration, bedroomComment

Leading a “Slow” Lifestyle

My goal has shifted from money, to being fulfilled, which for me, means having a positive impact on my environment and voicing myself through creation.

Diaries & EssaysLydia SmollenJuly 30, 2020Freedom, fashion, college, future Comment

Female Artists Make Freedom Tangible Through Song

They make freedom out to be a DIY project—achievable when you work with what you’ve got to create something entirely your own. (+ Playlist)

EntertainmentTuri SiosonJuly 29, 2020Freedom, music, PlaylistComment

Donna Missal Comes Back with a Vengeance with "Lighter"

If you’ve ever experienced a heartbreak, a friend breakup, or anything of the sort, this album is for you.

EntertainmentMina JohnsonJuly 27, 2020Freedom, Music, Donna missalComment