1. What’s the best part about dancing for the UA at Little Rock Dance Team?
Feeling the intensity of the game as the fans in the stands help cheer on the Trojans.
2. When do you feel the most inspired?
When I am under pressure
3. Sweet or Savory? Sweet
4. What’s your favorite time of day?
Night Time
5. What’s your favorite quote?
“Que Sera Sera” (Whatever will be, will be)
6. What are you most excited about these days?
Making it back to my bed
7. What is something that makes you smile?
Seeing others happy
8. Describe yourself in three words?
Confident, Charismatic, Resilient
9. What song is on repeat in your playlist?
Brown Sugar- D’Angelo
10. What is your favorite food?
Pizza
11. What is a movie worth watching?
Just Wright
12. How would you define your style?
Streetwear but comfy
13. Vintage or New?
Vintage
14. What’s your idea of a perfect date?
Movies and a good dinner, or riding around listening to music.
15. What is the key to a successful relationship? Communication and Trust
16. What is one thing that people don’t know about you?
I can play the Alto and Tenor Saxophone!
17. What is your most recent purchase? My Halloween costume
18. What’s usually for dinner?
2-piece chicken tenders with French fries and honey mustard with a Fruit punch
high goals ahead.
Leora Maufus is a Nursing Major from West Memphis, Arkansas. She is one of the eight freshman dancers on the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Dance Team. Before graduating from West Memphis High School she was on the color guard team, played tenor saxophone in band, was on the 2025 homecoming court and was cast in school musicals such as Grease and Newsies. When asked what her goals were after graduating from UA at Little Rock, she replied, “ My goals are to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then move out of state. I want to become a labor and delivery nurse so I can help families during one of the most important moments of their lives.”
photo submission
19. What is something you are tired of or a trend you would like to see disappear?
The mukbangs that content creators are doing now.
20. Best advice you’ve ever received? Live every day like it’s your last.
21. What’s a talent you wish you had? Swimming
LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL& d 2
reviewed & approved
Friendship bracelets, long-coded acronyms, fan theories, heartfelt laughter, happy tears, Easter eggs, cuddly cats, and a loving, diverse community are just a small handful of the qualities/ perks that come with being a Swiftie. From “Taylor-Tots” to 90-year-old Grannies, even metal heads, fans across the globe share joyfully in listening to the biggest artist of the 21st century. When Taylor Swift gets on a track or simply picks up a mic, gold is forged, defying the natural order of the universe.
The latest treasure trove for fans is Swift’s twelfth studio production album titled “The Life of a Showgirl,” released Oct. 3, 2025. The album skyrocketed to the top of the charts, selling 2.7 million copies in the U.S. on its first day, including only physical sales. The album vibes with driving bass, raw, spicy lyrics, and unfiltered Taylor Swift at her best.
The album release day was also accompanied by a theatrical release through AMC Productions for the opening weekend. The theatrical showing included an opening message recorded by Swift herself personally thanking fans and introducing the album before premiering the music video of The Fate of Ophelia. Followed by lyrical videos for each song, with an explanation of each from Swift before playing the videos. After every three songs, there were behind-the-scenes videos of the making of The Fate of Ophelia music video. After finishing the album in this format, Swift replays the music video before giving a closing message thanking her fans for their support and love.
Each of the twelve songs has its own unique aura, giving rise
to each one being someone’s favorite. From the opening track
The Fate of Ophelia to the closing title track featuring pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter, fans can enjoy dancing, bopping, and singing along with Swift at her happiest. The album deserves ten out of ten flaming hearts for its lyrical prowess, melodies, a proper use of rhythm, and Swift’s bold, spicy choice of word plays.
The Fate of Ophelia is a track that showcases the vocal range and talent of Swift as a singer. The chorus is catchy, and her fans have thousands of videos of them dancing and singing along to the tune. The lyrics are also crafted in a symbolic way that’s representative of the story of Ophelia, who died by drowning, but with a twist if the story had a happy ending, representing Swift’s life and current engagement with Travis Kelce. “And if you’d never come for me, I might have drowned in the melancholy,” speaks directly to the love and happiness she found with Kansas City Chiefs tight-end and fiancé. In the chorus, she hooks with a strong finishing refrain, “you saved my heart from the fate of Ophelia.”
The music video for the song is equally impressive as the song itself, written and directed by Taylor Swift. It features her transitioning throughout different time periods, representing the different types of showgirls respectively to the time period in the scenes. It features many Easter eggs: Taylor’s own baked sourdough bread, all the backup dancers from her Eras Tour, pictures of Kelce, number 87 on a hotel door, and more. It ends powerfully as the scene transitions to panning over a hotel bathroom tub with Swift in it, with her face just above the water, which happens to be the cover shot of the album.
The record is packed with clever, emotional, and spicy lyrics, including:
• “I have been afflicted by a terminal uniqueness,” from Eldest Daughter.
• “My advice is always ruin the friendship, better that than regret it for all time,” from Ruin the Friendship.
• “Did you girlboss too close to the sun,” from CANCELLED!
The Life of a Showgirl comes on the heels of Swift and Kelce’s engagement announcement on Aug. 26. Kelce proposed to Swift after recording and broadcasting the New Heights podcast, where they announced the album name, cover art, track list, and release date for the album. Swifties have been ecstatic for Taylor and Travis in the wake of their engagement announcement.
Post album release, Swift has also announced a release of a sixpart docuseries on Disney+ titled The Eras Tour: The End of an Era, as well as The Eras Tour: The Final Show, which includes the Tortured Poets Department set. The Final Show was the live recording of her final three shows of The Eras Tour in Vancouver, which have been cut together to make one seamless concert. The docuseries showcases behind-the-scenes development and production of one of the most celebrated and influential tours in music history.
Swifties loved the album and this chapter of Swift’s life, but they would be lying if they said they weren’t anxiously awaiting the release of TS13. Until then, they will continue living The Life of a Showgirl.
coverage by: isaac luzader
A WATT WOMAN
WWhen I was younger, I had a lot of questions about the world.
I wasn’t sure if I liked pink because I actually liked it, or because everything I owned was pink. Why was the sky blue, and where did babies really come from? One thing I was always sure of was what I wanted to be when I grew up. That certainty came from my dad. He worked as an Engineering Specialist for the City of Little Rock, and one day, he took me to his job. I remember looking at the blueprints and plans, and trying on his hard hat and safety vest, which were way too big for me, and I felt like I was stepping into something important. That experience stuck with me, and it’s a big reason why I chose Civil Engineering as my major.
In the summer of 2024, I got my first internship at the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) in the Roadway Design, Arterials section. I was excited, nervous, and honestly just really proud to be there. I worked under Trinity Smith and David Baker, whom I jokingly call my “work dads.” They were supportive and taught me a lot. I loved the work, I loved the people, and the pay was great— especially for someone who hadn’t started paying taxes yet.
During my time at ARDOT, I noticed something that bothered me. There weren’t many women in leadership roles. Most of the women I met worked as receptionists or with contractors. On my floor, there were only five women, including me. That made me start thinking more seriously about gender representation in engineering.
When I started college, I realized just how few women were pursuing
In a male dominated field, women prevail against the expectations and pursue a career in Engineering.
engineering degrees. In one of my classes with about 30 students, only four of us were women. And I was the only one studying Civil Engineering. That made me feel isolated, and sometimes I struggled with impostor syndrome. I wondered if I really belonged in this field.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, only 20.4% of engineering graduates in the U.S. are women. At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, only 6.5% of female students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. These numbers are discouraging, and they reflect a bigger issue.
There’s also a significant pay gap. A study by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) found that female engineers earn 20–30% less than their male counterparts. That’s a huge difference, and it’s one of the reasons why many women leave the field or don’t pursue it in the first place. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering are especially maledominated, with only about 17% of graduates being women.
Gender bias is still a problem in STEM fields. Women often face challenges like being underestimated, not being taken seriously, or being excluded from leadership roles. These experiences can make it harder to stay motivated and confident. Construction Management Major Gemma Holland-Moore redefines her experiences in the field.
“While focusing on a career in a male-dominated field, it’s no surprise that I have experienced some discrimination. From name-calling, to odd stares to the question of “Why,” I’m in the field
that I am, I have had to build up an immunity. I have found myself in multiple situations where I am the only woman on a site or in a classroom, the ratio being up to 1:40. Some men try to be accommodating by saying they have worked with multiple women before, so I always try to ask for an example; which is never more than a handful of women in a lifetime of a career,” said Holland-Moore. “I am thankful to those who are softer to me because I am a sensitive person; however, it is almost just as bad because I have come to realize I will never be ‘one of the guys.’ It doesn’t matter how good I am at my job, how I always step up as a leader, how helpful, or how passionate I am at learning new things; I will never get to experience the workforce as a man does. I will miss out on jokes. I might be THE joke, but at the end of the day, what matters is that I am pursuing something that I am passionate about, and I absolutely am. I love to learn new things; however, navigating the world of men is a bit harder to learn as a young woman. That’s not to say that men, young and old, haven’t treated me with kindness or been unfriendly; it is just a bit different to know you will never have the same level of respect as the regular man. I have to be great at my job in order to prove myself, and I chose this path not fully understanding that. I want to make girls feel proud that someone who looks like them is out there doing things they didn’t even view as an option.”
Even though there are challenges, many women are still choosing to pursue engineering. We’re doing it because we love it, and because we want to make a difference. There are also organizations that support us
and help us succeed. One of the biggest resources is the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). They offer scholarships, internships, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. SWE also has a program called SWENext for younger girls who are interested in engineering. It’s a great way to get involved early and build confidence. Other helpful resources include:
Girls of Promise by the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, which provides mentorship and STEAM opportunities for girls in the state. IEEE Women in Engineering, which offers scholarships and travel grants for students. Google’s Generation Google Scholarship and the Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, which support women in tech and engineering. AAUW Scholarships, which help women in underrepresented STEM fields. These programs don’t just offer financial support; they can also create communities where women can connect, share experiences, and support each other.
Being a woman in engineering isn’t easy. There are obstacles like gender bias, pay gaps, and a lack of representation. But there’s also a lot of hope. More women are entering the field, and more organizations are stepping up to support us. I’m proud to be part of this movement. I know that I’m not alone, and that there are others who are just as passionate and determined. We’re building the future-one road, one bridge, one blueprint at a time. As Rosie the Riveter said, “We CAN do it.”
coverage by: liv sutton
I EVENT war memorial
Third Annual Corvettes and Veterans Salute and Ceremony held at War Memorial Stadium.
In the words of Jason Irby, a University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumni, “This all began in 2023.
I wanted to make sure that War Memorial Stadium was recognized as the special historical place that it is, a Veterans Memorial, a living memorial in its 75th anniversary year. From the first Salute and Ceremony held November 2023 until now we have acknowledged and given tribute to War Memorial Stadium and all veterans. A car show along with exhibits and presentations have all been a part of this celebration.
“Corvettes and Veterans” is being planned as a wonderful community and public event for everyone this Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, to honor ALL Veterans, and to also acknowledge the legacy of War Memorial Stadium, as it was originally intended to be a living, breathing, War Memorial for the future… honoring ALL those who served in the “Great Wars of World War I and World War II.” War Memorial Stadium is a living memorial, a special place, a place built to be special.”
coverage by: val bell-o.
Every so often, an image is brought to the light of day, for all the world to see, causing the spark that ignites the flames of change. Moments in history that showcase pain, loss, and suffering, however, result in momentous public outcry for the reformation that is absolutely necessary. The Alabama Solution is a prime example of that moment in history, as well as being a film that warrants a need to be watched.
On Oct. 17, 2025, the Arkansas Cinema Society held a premiere showing of the film at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA), open for free to the public. Present for the premiere were multiple Arkansas legislators, including five state senators, Clarke Tucker, Jonathan Dismang, Steve Crowell, Terry Rick, and Joshua Bryant. Also present were former Alabama Department of Corrections correctional officer Stacy Lee George, film co-producer Beth Shelbourne, and two Arkansas state house representatives, Denise Ennett and Paul Childress.
The Alabama Solution featured a plethora of footage captured by contraband cellphones from incarcerated inmates at different Alabama state prisons, as well as video calls made to producers of the documentary from different inmates. The ADOC has refused to authenticate the footage or its existence; however, filmmakers of the documentary have verified the authenticity of the footage regardless of the State’s denial of the footage.
The film starts with a filmed visit during an annual event offered to the inmates across the Alabama prison system, where nonprofit organizations come in and feed the inmates an excellent-looking meal. There are images of the inmates happy and holding hands before the film begins to elucidate the truth that what’s being shown isn’t the full truth. The video cuts to one of the tin buildings housing inmates, where viewers can hear different inmates yelling about being locked up in the tin building with no running air conditioning as they’re being confined in the sweltering, humid Alabama heat.
The film introduced several inmates, including Melvin Ray, Robert Earl Council, and Raoul Poole, as they gave testimony to the atrocities occurring behind the walls of the ADOC. Ray messaged producers of the film regarding an instance of an incident involving inmate Steven Davis, who was brutally beaten and killed by correctional officers.
Davis’s mother, Sandy Ray, and brother Brandon
Davis spoke about seeing Steven in the hospital, where his face was mangled and beaten beyond recognition. Police and hospital staff told them they were not allowed to take photos of Steven; however, Brandon was able to get a photograph of his brother that Sandy Ray requested be shown in the film to show the world the tragedy that befell her son.
The image of Steven Davis is reminiscent of Emmett Till after he was beaten and lynched for whistling at a white woman in 1955 in Mississippi. Davis is shown with eyes blackened and swollen shut, nose blackened with old, clotted blood, mouth crusted with black blood, his face bruised and cheekbones crushed inwards, and tubes running down his mouth giving him life support. Davis is also portrayed in happy photographs that show a young boy smiling with his entire life before him, pictures of normality, joy, and hope. However, his last picture is one of true horror that was met with gasps, tears, and shock in the AMFA as well as with the country and those who have viewed the documentary.
There is a moment where Sandy Ray is at an oversight hearing for the ADOC, where she brought the image of her mangled son forward in her arms and set it in front of the oversight committee, where she demanded answers for her son’s tragic death. She left with an answer no one found satisfying: that the officers were found innocent due to Stand Your Ground laws adopted in Alabama.
This scene, where she walks with this photograph of her son, is reminiscent of the 1955 case of Emmett Till, when he was brutally beaten and lynched: before his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, demanded an open casket funeral where photographs of her son were taken and shared with the world because she wanted the tragedy to be seen to spark the warranted outrage.
Different inmates were willing to come forward and testify to producers of the film on what they witnessed regarding the murder of Davis. They said that he had made himself weapons to protect himself because a rumor had begun to circulate that he was gay, which caused him to fear for his life. Guards had come to his cell to confront him about the weapons, and other inmates say he threw his weapons down and got on the floor.
At that point, Roderick Gadson, one of the corrections officers who was accused of killing Davis, allegedly began beating Davis in the head with a metal baton. Gadson was also accused of picking Davis up
The Spark that Ignites the Flames of Change
and slamming him down multiple times while yelling at him to stop resisting. Inmate witnesses stated there was no resistance from Davis, but mere submission and suffrage.
The sole inmate who stated differently was Davis’s cellmate, James Sales, who gave what producers seemed to think was a scripted narrative because he was afraid to talk about what happened due to his imminent release and the brutality of the guards. Sales agreed that when he was a free man in the following months, he would speak freely about what happened to Steven Davis with his mother when he was safely outside of the prison walls.
Unfortunately, Sales died in a mysterious manner that other inmates labeled as murder, but autopsy results were labeled as ‘natural causes’ with no further explanation. He was just shy of a month from his release from the custody of ADOC. Sales was a younger man in good health with no health issues. Inmate testimony claimed it was a murder to silence Sales due to his willingness to speak with Davis’s mother outside prison walls in the safety of society.
Also included in the documentary was the interview/interrogation of C.O. Gadson, who refuted all allegations as he sat cold and callous. Gadson scoffed at many of the allegations and denied even knowing who Davis was when he was shown the brutality his actions had caused in the notorious picture. He even goes so far as to say, “Am I supposed to know who that is?” Ironically, Gadson received no punishment or reprimand for his actions; he was found innocent of any wrongdoing, and he was later promoted twice to the rank of Lieutenant.
Another interviewee in the film was former Alabama Department of Corrections correctional officer Stacy George, who willingly came forward to the film producers and gave his testimony regarding the truths behind the bars. He spoke on the issues with contraband being brought in by guards and stated that there were no checkpoints for the guards, and they would rather allow the contraband to enter the prison than lose one of their own due to severe short staffing. George comments that there are usually five to six guards for 2,300 plus inmates.
that felt callous, harsh, and apathetic towards the prisoners as people. There were also key insights into the labor force that the prisoners were subjected to; one could easily view the labor force as a slave labor force.
The footage captured from inside the different prisons showcased the inhumane conditions prisoners are being housed in. The overcrowding was apparent: there were floods abound, rat infestations, violence run amok, and inmates intoxicated from heavy drug usage. The images showcased a horror story that is the reality for many Americans who are living behind bars as property of the State.
The film also got deep into what the solution from the state was: to build three mega prisons, which they claim will take the operations of 11 of the current prisons. This idea of building more prisons that will have the same problems as the current ones that are estimated to cost billions of taxpayer dollars is the so-called solution — the Alabama solution — the source of the title behind the HBO documentary.
movement. Shelbourne responded,
“That moment was not planned, and it happened organically.” She also added that the film crew hopes that the film will have a positive impact on prison reformation. George also urged Tucker to go see the prisons on unannounced visits before he looked to the audience and urged the other present state legislators to do the same. Key takeaways from the film are moral/ethical concerns about prisoners as human beings, not being forced to
After the film showed at the AMFA, there was a Q&A with Stacy George, Beth Shelbourne, and Clarke Tucker. Tucker started the Q&A by thanking his colleagues for being present where he was named, before introducing Shelbourne and George. Several insightful questions were asked between the three; one notable one was from Shelbourne to Tucker, where she asked him if he had gone and visited any of the prisons in Arkansas as a state senator.
alabama INSIDE THE SOLUTION
The film was difficult to watch due to its graphic depictions of the violence and tragedies that occur in prisons. There were also audio clips from different news agencies that covered different events portrayed in the film
Tucker responded that he had been, but he wasn’t shown the entire prison, and that he could tell it seemed as if things were being hidden. After hearing his statement, film co-producer Shelbourne recommended that Tucker make several unannounced visits to different prisons across the state to be able to see what’s really happening behind bars in Arkansas prisons. Tucker claimed he didn’t know that was an option before they moved on to questions from the audience.
One of the most notable questions asked about the film was when someone asked if the film crew believed the film had the potential for positive change, like the Emmett Till incident had for the civil rights
live in inhumane conditions. Animals wouldn’t be treated with this level of cruelty, so then why is it acceptable for humans? When officials talk about prisoners’ sentences for rehabilitation, where is the rehabilitation occurring when inmates leave traumatized and ridden with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
What are the corrections in the Department of Corrections? These men have already had their freedom stripped from them; at that point, does the state have the right or audacity to deprive them of their humanity? Where is the justice from the Department of Justice when it comes to prisoners’ civil rights being violated? All these are questions that gnaw at the conscience after viewing the documentary film. The Alabama Solution is a difficult watch, but it is one that everyone should see to illuminate the issues going on in the prison system. It is graphic, and viewer discretion is advised; however, it is a revolutionary film that demands the attention it calls for. It forces society to finally confront the issue of prison reform and the justice system. The Alabama Solution is currently streaming on HBO Max — and it begs to be seen.
coverage by: isaac luzader
stacey lee george, beth shelburne, clarke tucker photo isaac luzader
CCreating when in a dark place feels like a slow dance
Seeing yourself through a tiny window
Looking at yourself fading away
Imagine being the eyes above your bedroom, while you lay in that bed Your body being paralyzed
Your brain is numb
Your eyes don’t want to open
Spaces, Walls and Colors
Everything is blending in
Where do I go?
Which space will allow me to see, fell, or speak today
THE BLUE ROOM
Is where I will set my mind in today
Within the blue room, I will feel the ocean somewhere in the deep part of me I know the ocean can cleanse me
I will lay down on the ground and look up
Minutes feel like hours
I start to think about my brain and I ask
How and Why does this take place
The person I am isn’t there anymore
I’m left with an empty space
So I travel within…
Spaces, Walls and Colors
Trying to find where I am?
The RED ROOM today
Is where I will feel the rage and anger
In this state of mind
She loves coming into this room
This room reinforces the emotion of being stuck in
My body feels the quicksand and I start to go down quickly in this room Thoughts are racing through my head
COLORSspaces, walls
All the pain that I’ve felt in my entire life come back to life within these walls.
In this space is where I write my goodbyes and my ending because in this space it accepts my feelings.
Inside this red room my brain can continue to meditate on the truth life is shouting out to me
I can’t see anything else within these walls but hurt and pain
I desire to leave, exit the red room
And maybe when the sun comes up
I can carry my body closer to the white room
Carrying my body is the most difficult
Not being able to feel the strength in my legs to Get up and walk
Staring at the wall, seeing me move but not going anywhere
All of a sudden my eyes shut
My mind shuts down
The most desirable remedy is sleep
In this state wishing and hoping I can stay asleep forever in a dream far, far away from this reality
I dream of a time I can walk thru the Spaces, Walls and Colors on my own strength The time I felt the joy.
When my brain was working normal and protected me from the red room
Inside my dream I walk into the
PINK ROOM
pinkroom
Is a place of harmony
Where I lay down and see all the seasons
I see the beautiful leaves falling
I smell pumpkin spice
I see the white snow covering the mountains
I taste the hot cocoa
I see the fire from the chimney
At last I feel the sand at the beach
Warm and gritty on my feet
My face takes in the hear from the sun
And my brain can settle and be me!
Please don’t wake me If only I can sleep forever Up and down the roller coaster of life
In between the spaces, walls and colors
Is where she must learn to coexist
Shutting down this part of my brain
Will keep me safe
They say stop exploring in between the rooms They tell me stay in the lighter colors
And whatever it takes never go back to the red or black room
THE BLACK ROOM
Is a dark space inside
Its like she isn’t even there anymore
The mind isn’t connected to the body
She sees herself only out of herself
No feeling, thinking or seeing
Eyes open but no vision its all dark
The space where she sits in pity for herself and the life
she has lived up to this point No more strength
No more desire
She thinks she is safe here
She thinks she is protected here
And nothing can phase her in this black room
A dead feeling of life enters within these walls
Some how she prays her way out of that black room into the
WHITE ROOM
Now I sit and see this space
This space is indeed grand
So much light
The brightness overtakes my sight
I can feel again
This time in my life I start to remember
Yet so long, long ago a far-oƯ memory
I yearn to return to that time
Within those walls
The water is hot making a huge mist
In the small room
I sit on the hard tile ground
With my head inside my arms
Incased within the glass walls that are now covered with steam
I know He’s there now inside that room
The spirit of the most high enters so gently
His spirit takes over my mind like a vapor entering my veins
Giving me purpose again
The white room where you can travel to the clouds in your mind and feel the softness on your cheek
I never want to leave I tell Him
Please I beg for me to be able to stay a while longer in His presence Where its warm secure and hopefull
He whispers in my ear
“I was once a Man”
I take my face out of my arms and realize That I am no longer frozen I can move my feet
I can see thru the fog
I remember the words that were placed in my heart that long time ago “Do not fear cause I am with you till the end of day”
I will forever know I am not alone!
I cant live inside the sacred white room
As much as my soul desires to stay and go with Him right now.
I must stay and wait His glorias return
This is when I now walk myself into the YELLOW ROOM
And make my self comfortable
In hope never to return to the black room
Yet somehow knowing the black room will never be to far off
For now the yellow room gives me energy
My inner lion shines and I become a lioness again
I can bounce back after pain
I can fight and not be defeated
I can be fruitful
In this yellow room my brain is working again
Standing isn’t a task, thinking of brighter days ahead isn’t impossible within these walls I will plan ahead
I will see other lands
I have a desire to just plain live!
coverage by: val bell-o. poem by: maritza moore
21 questions by the UA at Little Rock Basketball Team
1 What’s the best part about playing for the UA at Little Women’s Basketball Team?
Everyone pushes each other to be better on and off the court. There’s a strong sense of trust, accountability, and pride in representing Little Rock, and it makes every practice and game feel meaningful.
2. When do you feel the most inspired? When I make an impact
3. Sweet or Savory? Sweet
4. What’s your favorite time of day? Daytime
5. What’s your favorite quote?
People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.
6. What are you most excited about these days? Relaxing after practice
7. What is something that makes you smile? Trying new foods
8. Describe yourself in three words? Honest. Caring. Sleepy.
9. What song is on repeat in your playlist?
Sometimes - Britney Spears
10. What is your favorite food? Steak
11. What is a movie worth watching? What happened to Monday
12. How would you define your style? Whatever is comfortable
13. Vintage or New? Vintage
14. What’s your idea of a perfect date? Picnic
15. What is the key to a successful relationship? Commonality, friendship, trust and communication
16. What is one thing that people don’t know about you? I won state in high school with track (high jump) and cheerleading.
17. What is your most recent purchase?
An iPad
18. What’s usually for dinner? Steak or street tacos
19. What is something you are tired of or a trend you would like to see disappear? 6 7
20. Best advice you’ve ever received?
Stay consistent, not perfect
21. What’s a talent you wish you had? I wish I could solve riddles super-fast.
on the court.
Jordan Holman is a graduate student from Hugo, Oklahoma who is pursuing a master’s degree in sports marketing. Before graduating from Hugo High School in 2021, Jordan was a multi-sport letterman all four years. Besides being basketball captain, she also competed in track and field and competitive cheer team She finished as the state runner up in the high jump while leading her competitive cheer team to a championship.
Read more about her college basketball career at https://lrtrojans.com/sport
photo submission
?Really
val bell-o.
JJust in case you were wondering about the recently installed sculpture in the library plaza, I inquired about it to Ottenheimer Library Communications Specialist Michelle Malone and she provided information regarding it as received from Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management, Leslie Hutchins.
The name of the sculpture is called “Really?!!”, and the artist who created it is named Wayne Salge. When I looked up the title of the sculpture, I found that it was on sale for $42,000.00 but is now listed as sold on the website www.1stdibs.com
After further Googling Mr. Salge, I was able to find his website online which is salgesculture.com. His artist statement on his website reads: “When I create, I attempt to emphasize both contemporary and classic design elements: line, space, texture and color reflected by intricate patinas. Bronze is the ideal medium to continue this melding of old and new with my signature style resulting in the expression of attitude or emotion.”
On the website gallerymar.com where his art is also featured, his artist statement says, “My bronze sculptures encompass human and animal forms which I depict in my own abstracted style: a Salge blend of classical and contemporary elements. I utilize lines, shapes and textures to reveal body movement, gesture of stillness. I am not concerned with precise anatomy or plausible function; instead, I focus on the expression of attitude or emotion.”
Wayne Salge has another sculpture called CECIL (HANDSTAND) in the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden located at the River Market right here in Little Rock. On the Facebook page of Sculpture at the River Market it is described as expressing “strength, power and balance which is a difficult state to achieve in life. That particular piece combines the solid message with a touch of whimsy.” It receives a heat-treated wax cleaning every year to keep it in good condition. Mr. Salge, who was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas now resides at his home with a studio in northeastern Colorado. His work is exhibited in juried and invitational shows and galleries as well as indoor and outdoor public installations and collections.
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TOF THE american GRAND DIVIDE MIND 21 questions by the UA at Little
There exists an erosive, perhaps toxic, thought in the minds of many Americans; that they, quite like the Grand Canyon, are separated by vast divides between opposing sides. However, the truth is far from it: Americans and their lifestyles, even with their vastly differing opinions, are much closer than they realize. They need only sit down and converse with their neighbors they think they disagree with, and find they have far more in common than that which divides them.
Charles Lambert, 22, a Republican and former Trump supporter, spoke on what turned him away from the current president. “It was the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America that really set it into motion for me,” Lambert said, explaining how Trump lost his support. He also spoke on the hostility he faced because of the Trump stickers he used to have on his car bumper. “I would pull up to a light, and often people would pull up next to me and just start yelling at me.”
Two friends and coworkers with opposing political views, Joshua Wheeler and Chandler Byrd, sat down together for lunch. They spoke about their views on the Trump administration and the values that are important to both. On most political topics, they found common ground.
Wheeler, 38, a Trump supporter, bluntly describes the president saying, “Trump is definitely a smart-ass.” He doesn’t agree with everything Trump and his administration have done, but he hopes Trump will bring America back to a place of prosperity and economic growth.
Wheeler expressed his
grievances with previous administrations, both Republican and Democratic, that he believes had let America be trampled over by foreign countries, particularly concerning manufacturing and American-made goods. He said the most important thing he wants to see regarding the country was, “we manufacture our own goods.”
Byrd, 21, is a Democrat who does not agree with the direction the country is taking. As they talked, a lyric from a Chris Housman song came up in the conversation that says, “the real divide ain’t left or right, it’s up and down.” Both Wheeler and Byrd agreed to the sentiment and began speaking to their commonality.
Both men think the Electoral College isn’t trustworthy and that their votes do not matter. This led to them both agreeing that an overall change to the election system is needed. They suggested eliminating the Electoral College entirely, so that every vote would count equally on its own. That, they said, would make every democratic vote in Arkansas matter equally to every Republican vote in California, placing election power back into the hands of the Americans.
Interestingly, these were all ideas held and shared by Lambert in an entirely separate conversation.
All three also agreed on the necessity of an overhaul to the health care system: one that ensures universal health care that is both trustworthy and successful. They all also agree that lobbyists, Big Pharma, and gerrymandering have no place in the American government.
“If we put in an age cap, we’d see a whole lot less of the bullshit,” Wheeler said regarding the old men who run the country. Byrd and
Wheeler both agreed that those old leaders have an entirely different mindset from those of the younger generations who will have to live with the choices the old generations are making for them.
Byrd and Wheeler found even more common ground in their feelings towards the unequal wealth distribution that is occurring within corporate America. This echoed Lambert’s thoughts on the beneficiaries of the One Big Beautiful Bill: “the people that benefit. People like Donald Trump before he was president. All the people who make way more money than you, or me, or most people.”
The three men shared the same beliefs on gay marriage, racial equality, free speech, the pursuit of happiness, and the desire for the Epstein files to be released. Regarding his stance on gay marriage and trans rights, Wheeler commented, “I think you should be able to do whatever you want with yourself and your life, but not until after 25; so that the brain can form entirely.” He was referencing the prefrontal cortex, which studies suggest isn’t fully developed until the age of 25.
“We really have way more in common with one another than the mainstream media would have us think,” Wheeler said in closing. His words support the idea that America isn’t so far divided, like the Continental Divide. The true political divide, it would seem, resides at the extreme ends of the political spectrum: a small, fringe minority of the American population. America and her citizens do have hope, if they would simply take the time to see all the things they do have in common.
Truman Claytor IV, a native of Toledo, Ohio, comes from a family of athletes. His grandfather, Truman Claytor II, was a Kentucky Basketball star who was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1979, and his grandmother, Maxine Graham, who set a record at her high school in 1975 that is still holding today was inducted into the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.
When asked how he sees himself upholding the legacy left for him by his grandparents, he replied, “ I’m just trying to be better. They set the standard for greatness in the family so I gotta go over the top and finish what my grandparents started.” Regarding his parents, he said that they both played basketball in high school, nothing serious but they both hooped. Truman went on to say that “My dream is to be a star in the NBA, that’s the only thing I’m shooting for. I hold myself to greatness everyday by making sure I win my days by doing my daily work.”
Read more on Truman here: https://lrtrojans. com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/trumanclaytor-iv/9358
1. What’s the best part about playing for the UA at Little Rock Men’s Basketball Team?
Playing for a coach who was a pro
2. When do you feel the most inspired?
At night or in the gym
3. Sweet or Savory?
Mixture
4. What’s your favorite time of day?
Night
5. What’s your favorite quote?
If you wanna succeed as bad as you wanna breathe, then you will be successful
6. What are you most excited about these days?
Just getting my work in every day
7. What is Something that makes you smile?
Basketball and Life
8. Describe yourself in three words?
Funny, Hooper, Shoes
9. What song is on repeat in your playlist?
Free promo Lil Baby
10. What is your favorite food?
Rice
11. What is a movie worth watching?
Tron or Transformer
12. How would you define
your style?
Authentic
13. Vintage or New?
Both
14. What’s your idea of a perfect date?
At the Beach
15. What is the key to a successful relationship?
Communicating and Perspective
16. What is one thing that people don’t know about you?
I used to play piano
17. What is your most recent purchase?
Kobes
18. What’s usually for dinner? Chicken and Rice
19. What is something you are tired of or a trend you would like to see disappear?
Following
20. Best advice you’ve ever received?
Nothing is easy
21. What’s a talent you wish you had?
I’m cool with my talent. coverage by: val bell-o
coverage by: isaac luzader
look bookCAMPUS EDITION
FFashion is far more than mere pieces of fabric sewn into one; it is a powerful form of self-expression that brings culture, identity, and inner emotion into one arrangement. Each outfit has the potential to present ideals, personality, and bring memories to life that words alone can’t bring. At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the student body represents their wide range of cultural, ideological, and social backgrounds. Clothing can become a reflection of the campus’s variety in diversity; what a person chooses to wear can portray confidence, creativity, or connections to their heritage. Despite trends quickly approaching and leaving, fashion still remains with those who shape their wardrobe around their ideology. From a precisely chosen athleisure set worn on a daily run, a thrifted bundle found after hours of combing through the racks, or a bold streetwear look designed to turn heads on the way to class, each fashionable decision illustrates a greater message about individuality and self-expression. Fashion on campus is more than aesthetic appeal; it can be a mirror to community, identity, and the intricate stories students carry with them every day.
Fashion may serve as a mirror to a specific place or as an act of rebellion against said place. Across the world, the average wardrobe can be adjusted due to geography, culture, and community expectations. Although some individuals choose to step beyond those means and break the prebuilt mold. Studio Arts major, Riot-Grey Goforth, embraces a wardrobe that brings a dark elegance of gothic flair with a hint of whimsy. Goforth transforms clothing into a personal homage to identity and self-expression. Each carefully chosen piece of clothing highlights their past from Mena, Arkansas - a small, rural town where conformity often takes over individuality. Throughout their journey of finding themselves, Goforth reevaluates their personal meaning to dress with purpose, using their style as an autobiography.
“My style in terms of clothes kind of reflects what I always [aspired] to be growing up. Growing up, I was raised in Mena, Arkansas right over by Oklahoma. It’s just this little, itty-bitty, rural Arkansas town in the middle
of the mountains. Everybody there was very, yeehaw, [like a] a cowgirl, [and] camo everything. I had to conform to that style of [dressing] for a very long time,” said Goforth.
“I wanted to branch out and wear my own [style], do my own thing, and wear dark colors without people thinking that I was becoming death itself. Which is what a lot of people thought. I was [rebelling] when I first came to college and I wasn’t living in my hometown anymore. It was a bit of rebellion at first, but now it’s more of a self-expression. I feel like I’m putting on a different painting every day. Doing my makeup feels like I’m painting a portrait. Getting dressed is like I’m adding things to that portrait.”
Discovering a personal style that can both communicate one’s identity and offer a sense of reassurance may be hard to come across. The journey taken to get a distinctive aesthetic is often seen as experimentation, reflection, and uncertainty. One’s true style cannot be defined by a single label, aesthetic, phrase, or microtrend. True fashion is curated by expressions and individuality that evolve with time. A wardrobe almost becomes like a canvas with great textures, colors, and silhouettes that are tied together to put out a story. For Goforth, getting through the rich cultures of fashion is not merely putting together an outfit to go out in, but it’s about self-discovery. Through trials and tribulations, they redefine their sense of self and style and transform it into something remarkable.
“The process of finding [my style] was finding media that I knew I wanted to look like. Raven from Teen Titans, Elvira, or any of the characters from Blade. As I got older, I started thrifting and going to the mall and buying things that reflected those characters from those movies. I started wearing them. Some things would feel like [me] and some things [don’t] feel like who I am. Mixing and matching various characters into one outfit,” said Goforth. “When I first came to college, I wore a lot of sweatpants, jeans, and a t-shirt. I had only been out publicly as non-binary for a little bit. I was very into my transmasculine era. I dressed like a boy for a very long time. I liked it, I loved dressing like a boy. I realized that boy clothes get so boring, so I started branching out. I hated dresses growing up, and I hated
riot-grey goforth photo submission
skirts. I hated any typically feminine clothing; I did not want to put it on my body. I bought my first dress for myself as an adult. That opened up a whole new style. I can style [it] in so many ways and still look masculine.”
Breaking free from the limitations is a strenuous process. Although Interdisciplinary Studies major, Beatrice Eanes, made this task an important part of her process of finding her style. In a world that is quick to categorize people into defined boxes of individuality, Eanes defies the odds and breaks through her personal boundaries by using fashion as an art form. Living with a chronic illness, she has learned to overcome the restrictions shaped by others’ perceptions by adjusting her wardrobe. Through her bold fashion, she not only redefines her own sense of self but also her sense of style.
“My style is a rebellion against being boxed in. Having a chronic illness, I’ve toed the line of being the ‘sick kid’ in school; fashion was something tangible I could outshine that label with, it spoke to the resilience of my character. I think it humanized me and gave me something else to talk about,” said Eanes. “I used to unintentionally select pieces that spoke to certain qualities. I thought being ill denied me societally, but as I’ve gotten more comfortable with myself. I’ve just started selecting pieces that feel like me. Since college, the joy I [have] had in clothes is more similar to how it was before I got sick, but it’s also evolved into something deeper as well.”
Branching into new chapters in life can cause small but considerable changes to one’s life, such as shifts in identity, confidence, and perspective. For many students, the college experience becomes a pit for self-expression and personal growth. Since the beginning of Eanes’ journey at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, she has embraced this newfound independence and channeled it into her creative style. College not only expanded her academic compass, but it also allowed her to redefine herself through her wardrobe. With this she discovered joy, confidence, and
authenticity. Eanes’ fashion became a visual diary and reflection of the vibrant individuality she continues to pursue.
“My style has become more fun in college. I feel more free to experiment with looks and fun details like makeup. Surprisingly, walking to class has changed how I dress. I like to listen to music when I do, and that music has had an effect on which aesthetics I lean towards. At the start of my freshman year, my style was more breathy. Now, as I listen to artists like Bowie and MGMT, it’s become more moody. I’ve settled into what I like and dislike more as a person, and this is translated into how I dress,” said Eanes. “ I always try to add some fun little personal detail - right now that fun is translated through color for me. I can usually be found wearing some color of tights under my shorts. I like to add fun through my haircuts and jewelry, too. One thing that hasn’t changed is my love of a good boot and deep pockets.”
Fashion tells a story. It’s far more than intricate fabrics stitched to one another; it can be a living form of expression that can fill the void that words can’t reach. Color, texture, and style help people curate their identities, beliefs, and memories. Compelling attire allows people to weave their personal lives into what they wear. Students of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock embody this in countless ways, such as illuminating their wardrobe through their own cultural perspective and creativity. Interesting takes on fashion are not simply for amusement or aesthetic appeal; they can represent a person’s reflection on who they are or what they stand for. Clothes come as a blank canvas; they require an intellectual mind to convey them into a different narrative. This can be used as a way to educate, to share, and to connect with one another. Each ensemble carries intention and emotions, unveiling a deeper meaning through the choices of the consumers.
coverage by: emma grace singleton
beatrice eanes photo submission
CONTRIBUTIONS connect WITH FORUM instagram: facebook: twitter: @ualittlerockforum
val bell-o executive editor
rian newman executive editor
daniel breen advisor emma singleton writer & designer
