Mikayla Connolly

Jumpers For Goalposts is a four-day event that runs from Thursday, October 22nd, to Sunday, October 25th. Beginning from the moment he picked up a guitar, Ed Sheeran sets goals. At first, it was simply to book at least one gig. As time passed and his popularity grew, it was to play stadiums. But on February 17, 2015, the singer’s birthday, Ed set perhaps the greatest goal of his career: play not one, but at least two nights at London’s famous Wembley Arena. And sell out each show.

Sexual assault is a topic that, as of late, has been shrouded in misogynist, unfair, and simply disgusting wariness. Victim Blaming, something that has existed since before the act of Sexual Assault was even given a name, to this day remains an all too prominent excuse to deny victims proper justice. Rape and similar crimes are written off as unsubstantial due to lack of evidence, and victims are shamed for not doing something proactive, like they could have possibly avoided the harm done to them

Art, in general, is an anchor. It’s what keeps us grounded during our darkest times, when we think we might just fly away. It gives us hope. It gives us meaning. Music especially gives us comfort, and convinces us that maybe we aren’t the only ones struggling. It may sound frightening to have your inner-demons voiced, your fear personified. But the truth is that, somehow, this verbal outpour of depression and anxiety and anguish keeps us going. 

When prompted about abuse, most people automatically presume physical violence. They visualize clenched fists, swinging legs, and bruises. Most of the time, however, they won’t think of mental anguish and manipulation and hidden tears. Abuse is a word today’s society has linked to physical punches. But what about the bruises we don’t see?

First brought to light in October, 2015, California is finally taking it’s first step in progressing education by welcoming the topic of consent in Sex-Ed classes. On the first of October, Jerry Brown, California’s Governor, approved a law requiring school districts that include health as a graduation requirement to teach about sexual consent and “yes means yes”.

For those whose sexualities don’t agree with the traditional classification of strictly straight, it can be hard to feel accepted, period. One’s favorite TV shows begin to fall flat, and what used to be their favorite movie now seems a little too forced. Beloved stories losing meaning perhaps the worst of all. Books are supposed to be an escape, where we meet new people and live other lives. For most of the LGBT+ community, however, this just doesn’t happen.

A beautiful story set during the Integration Period, Lies We Tell Ourselves follows the lives of integrationist Sarah Dunbar and segregationist Linda Hairston. That’s literally all I can say for this story. The writing is beautiful, the representation is prominent, and the relationship that develops between Sarah and Linda is one of a kind. 

On January 3rd, 2016, a group of terrorists seized Oregon’s National Wildlife Refuge. Donning camouflage and waving guns, they protested the arrest of two local ranchers, who were sentenced to prison for arson. Originally, the protest was peaceful and no guns were visible. Hugs were exchanged, tears were shed; the two ranchers were greatly loved. But the peace soon came to an end as a handful of armed men emerged from the shadows and declared war.