Have you ever wondered what it means when you see the word “fragrance” as an ingredient in a product like shampoo, body wash, or deodorant? When the term “fragrance” (also listed as “parfum”) is applied to a product, what it means is a mix of ingredients that can include any of over 5,000 different chemicals, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Obviously, fragrance is added to products to make them smell better or to cover up…
The ways in which we conceptualize and form opinions about menstruation not only intersects with cultural ideologies about feminism and gender equality, socioeconomics and consumerism, medicine and public health, but also greatly involves environmentalism. Historically, the intricacies of the menstrual cycle and reproductive healthcare have been widely misunderstood and even shamed by general society. Even in the present day menstruation remains a taboo topic. It is also frequently broadcast as an unpleasant burden and inconvenience that marketing and advertising industries’…
One of my favorite places in the world is the island of Chiloe. It is off the coast of Chile and is known for its seafood, friendly inhabitants, and its largely untamed nature. One particularly fond memory I have of the island is a day-long family hiking trip that I took there one summer. We spent the entire day trekking along long and winding paths, climbing over rocky terrain, singing, and laughing as we bonded with both each other and the wildlife surrounding…
I have often been very unkind towards my body. I frequently trap myself in negative thoughts and only see its imperfections. I fail to see the miracle that it performs every day simply by pumping blood through me, being healthy, and keeping me alive. Sometimes, I treat my body quite inconsiderately. This past weekend, I participated in Relay for Life—a fundraising venture to fight against cancer. Raising money for a good cause was something that I love to do; for my…
Over this spring break, I had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful country of Chile. I was extremely excited for this visit, during which I would see family for the first time in years, attend a wedding, and be in the southern half of the equator to escape the long winter and spend some time in the sun. While preparing for the trip, I eagerly began to pack all of my summer apparel. As I looked at the clothing, figuring out which shorts to bring,…
Imagine you’re cleaning out your kitchen. You’re looking through the pantry and you see a large, stinking pile of rodent poo. Would you keep it in your pantry and let it fester? Or would you throw it out? Obviously, you would immediately dispose of the disgusting excrement, and disinfect your pantry. However, if it seems so obvious for your pantry, why do we so often keep toxic thoughts and grudges in our mind? It can be a difficult thing to own…
This week marked the occurrence of one of the most controversial days of the year. I’m not talking about the State of the Union, although that does indeed create partisan fury. No, I’m talking about Valentine’s Day. Though it’s certainly ironic that a day about love and togetherness can inspire such cynicism and scorn towards romance in general, I completely understand the general frustration at the blatant commercialization of a day meant to be devoted to one of the most beautiful emotions (says the hopeless romantic), but spent wallowing in bitterness…
Prior to commencing the college experience, many freshmen feel overwhelmed by a countless number of legitimate fears: “Am I going to fit in? What will my major be? What if my roommate snores?!?” For me, the infamous “Freshman 15” inspired in me the greatest anxiety. Before I explain further, allow me to introduce myself: my name is Isabella (no, NOT like in Twilight), and I am a freshman here at Vassar. I’m from Maryland geographically and Strong dormographically. I love watching movies—especially those of the romantic…