Main Character Energy Issue

Main Character ENERGY. Red’s

Meet Our Staff

Editor’s Note

Be Bold

Creative Showcase

Main Character Photoshoot

Student Life & Culture

A Day in my Main Character Era

Fashion Column

The Outfit that Changed my Energy

Quiet Confidence

Music for Your Main Character Era

Farewells from Nat & Danna

BE BOLD. BE BOLD. BE BOLD. BE BOLD.

thatWho’s gIrl?

When I chose the theme for this issue, I was curious to see how people would approach it.

The idea of charting our own path or living an unapologetic lifestyle is often completely contrary to our natural human instincts. We tend to blend in, avoiding ripples in the water, and we remain undetected for fear that our true selves might be rejected. But why? We were made with a uniqueness that literally no one else has, so why wouldn’t we wear it with pride? Instead, we try to stamp out any sparkle that differentiates us, believing that others were simply born better suited to shine.

Yet...

The people we claim were born to shine—the ones we admire and marvel at—actually need your uniqueness, too. Our personalities were intricately designed to complement one another. Your strengths as an empath might balance your best friend’s brutal honesty. Your fierce personality might steady your roommate’s quiet nature. You were made to be a main character, and yet you are also given the privilege of being a side character in someone else’s story. How cool is that? Main character energy isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about choosing to step into your life instead of watching it from the sidelines. So, whatever your role looks like—bold, quiet, fierce, or thoughtful— own it. Because the best stories aren’t written by people trying to blend in; they’re written by the ones brave enough to show up as themselves.

xoxo, Mackenzie Conant

a day in my MAIN CHARACTER ERA

Hiii there! It’s your local diva, Arleen. A day in my main character era starts at 8:00AM with me hitting the snooze button at least once I struggle waking up for a good twenty minutes, and then I remember I gotta serve fierce, so I get up, brush my teeth, and wash my face.

Because I’m a YouTube baby, I always have a video playing in the background while I do my makeup (A K A, putting on my face), which takes me around thirty minutes It’s lowkey, and my favorite part of my morning just me, my routine, and getting into character for the day. After I finish my makeup, the most important part of my morning routine is picking an outfit. Clothes mean everything to me; they’re such a big part of how I express myself. If I look good, I feel good, and that honestly sets the tone for my whole day.

Before I leave for class, I say goodbye to my boyfriend (A.K.A bae) and do a quick fit check in the mirror because obviously! Then I head out and show up on campus around 10:25AM for TV Practicum. I usually try to lock in and get my assignment done but I will admit, I goof around a little with friends sometimes It’s all about balance

After class, I find somewhere a little more secluded, grab a bite to eat, and watch YouTube videos. Lately, I’ve been playing Animal Crossing, which has become part of the routine. I stay there for about an hour, and I consider it my peace and quiet time. As an introvert, I need that moment to recharge my social battery it’s non-negotiable at this point

There are also those random little moments throughout the day running into friends, quick conversations, laughing about something dumb. They seem small, but they’re honestly the highlight of my day Those are the moments that make everything feel fun and real After my mini break, I head to my Law and Ethics class, which is where I really lock in. I sit, take notes, and still manage to yap a little (of course). After class, I chitchat with some friends for a bit, then eventually mosey on home.

By the end of the day, I’m tired, but it’s a good kind of tired. Like yeah… I actually did something today. I showed up, served looks, stayed consistent, and kept it moving. And honestly, those little things are what keep me motivated.

Main character energy isn’t about having everything perfectly figured out it’s about showing up with confidence, being yourself unapologetically, and making even the ordinary parts of your day feel like they matter.

The Outfit that Changed my Energy

“Confidence comes from within.”

“Keep stepping into every moment feeling like a main character.”

Mackenzie Conant

I felt so beautiful in this dress. I was at a friend’s wedding in Arizona when this picture was taken and I was having the time of my life. This was speci ca y taken when I was on the dance oor at the reception and I just felt completely carefree and happy in this moment. My green dress and updo made me feel very womanly and fun and I felt cool having my ta oo peek out as we . It was like the whole world washed away and I was just in the moment dancing my li le heart out.

Giana Casso

With summer around the corner this out t felt like stepping into my so con dent era. There is something about a owy white set and sandals that feels e ortless and feminine, like I am walking into a moment instead of just another day. Adding my Chanel bag made it feel elevated but sti easy. A fresh blowout and fu glam are always my favorite part of the look because they add that nal polished touch and instantly boost my con dence. This out t made me feel put together, unbothered, and fu y in my own lane. I am so excited to see what this summer brings in both out ts and adventures, and to keep stepping into every moment feeling like the main character.

Abby Villafranca

This photo makes me feel con dent because the bold red dress re ects a sense of strength and fearlessness. The color red to me represents con dence, power, and selfassurance, a of which make me feel comfortable and at ease. My smile feels genuine and natural, like I’m just being myself without overthinking it. In this moment, I feel present and fu y comfortable in my own skin, reminding me that con dence comes from within.

QUIET CONFIDENCE

BY JOSEPH HUDAK

When you imagine a conf ident individual, what do you picture? Is it a boisterous persona? A chest puffed with bravado as one proudly proclaims what they hold dear and true? Are they more reserved solemnly secure in their worth, unwavering in the face of doubt? Is it something more complex an image of steady balance between all aspects of meaning? Conversely, could it be something so simple, raw, and authentic?

I ask this not to have you question your grounds or how you view the world, but to illustrate that what conf idence means to some is foreign to others. Conf idence isn’t a hard-set attribute; it’s about as consistent as life itself

Which is to say, not at all.

Be yourself, a saying as old as time can remember both useful advice and useless contrivance at once When we talk about conf idence, it’s never quite that simple; how does one be themself ? What is it that gives way to comfort in one ’ s skin, and what allows for such simple, quiet conf idence?

It’s not all lofty questions and unanswered hypotheticals We go so far into the deep end of introspection that we ought to come to a naturally simple answer: f ind meaning, f ind joy in what you do, and conf idence will follow I’m no philosopher, nor am I some prodigal academic. I’m also certain I’m not the f irst to make such a suggestion, but we aren’t beholden to the opinions of our peers. What gives meaning to our lives is something deeply personal to us, and a security in that purpose is what, at least for me, brings comfort enough to f inally be conf ident

You don’t have to be loud; frankly, it’s quite the opposite. Shows of bravado for some may be the nor mal mode of expression and a show for the purpose of a show independent of an audience But that bravado for many is an unnatural motion, a means to prove something to themselves or to others. Such an act drives those foreign to it about as far away from conf idence as possible, and being forced to play the part only worsens the burn.

For everyone else, the more subtle, sincere conf idence that comes from security is more than enough There’s no need to be there for everyone; to live for oneself is enough Whether it be a student dutifully absorbed in their work, a mother conf ident in their child’s success, or a graduate on the f irst day of their post-grad career, there’s a quiet conf idence and a purposeful strength that shines beautifully if you know where to look.

INTO YOUR MOMENT

SONGS THAT FEEL LIKE MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY WALK

Some songs don’t just sound good, they feel like stepping into your power The kind you play when you’re getting ready, walking into a room, or f inally feeling like everything is starting to align These songs don’t beg for attention They make it clear that this is your moment

“greedy” by Tate Mcrae is one of those tracks that instantly flips a switch. It’s playful, conf ident, and a little bit teasing The beat feels like walking with purpose, like you know people are watching and you’re okay with that It’s not about trying too hard; it’s about knowing you already have it.

“Good as Hell” by Lizzo brings a war m, undeniable kind of conf idence. It’s the energy of walking into your moment after everything you’ve been through not bitter, just better The song feels like choosing yourself, hyping yourself up, and realizing you don’t

“Feather” by Sabrina Carpenter brings a lighter kind of conf idence It feels like letting go of everything that used to weigh you down Instead of proving something, it’s more like gliding into your moment effortlessly There’s power in how easy it feels like you’ve outgrown the need to struggle

For a slightly more intense, cinematic vibe, “bad guy” by Billie Eilish gives that cool, controlled energy It’s not loud conf idence it’s quiet dominance The kind where you don’t have to say much, but your presence is enough to shift the entire room. What all these songs have in common is the feeling

What all these songs have in common is the feeling that you’ve arrived not because someone gave you per mission, but because you decided it yourself Whether it’s bold, playful, effortless, or slightly mysterious, each track turns an ordinary moment into something bigger Like you’re not just walking in… you’re entering your era.

TRENDS & REVIEWS

BY ANDREA B INESTROZA

LETTER TO MY FRESHMAN SELF LETTER TO MY FRESHMAN SELF

Holi, girl! I know this new phase of your life seems super nerve-racking and hard to tackle, but we’ll get through it, trust. Now, it wasn’t the easiest path, nor the most linear path; but remember that everything good in life comes with some hardships. I do have a few things to say to you, though. This path may have not been the one we wanted to take initially, but God knows why we had to follow it. Next, it’s going to take time to f ind our people, but I promise that we will. Lastly, keep doing everything with love and never regret it!

As my time at UIW ends, I want to thank you for taking such a big and scary step, mama. Now, as I enter a new scary era, I see that you were a kid making a HUGE decision that wouldn’t have shaped me into the person I am today. Here’s to more love, big decisions, and blessings!

-xoxo, Danna

Dear freshman me,

You’re 18 and lowkey have nothing f igured out, and that’s f ine. You think everyone else has it together, but they really don’t. You’re going to change a lot, and honestly, it won’t even happen all at once. It takes time and you have no idea how much things are going to change.

I’m 23 now, about to graduate, and it still feels crazy to say that. Like… we actually made it? Never in a hundred years did I think we’d be here, but here we are. Not everything went how you planned, but it still worked out in its own way.

I thank God every day for this journey. For all the growth, the memories, and the blessings along the way. You’re not the same person anymore, and that’s a good thing.

Just chill a little, enjoy things more, and stop stressing so much. It all comes together.

E

D R