You Will Forever Be In Our Hearts

Yesterday, the Auburn family experienced the loss of a bright young soul when we heard the news that former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen died in a car crash early Sunday morning. Most of us couldn’t believe it when we heard the news; as a recent and local alumni, Philip could be seen on campus quite often, especially during and around football season. Many of us here on campus had the opportunity to not only meet him, but to get to know him in classes and at social events downtown as well. Humble and modest, Philip would always stop for a picture or autograph for a fan or a friend. A beloved coach, teammate, and friend, his time came too soon at twenty three years of age.

The manner in which the Auburn family has come together to mourn the death of one of its members has shown how strong we are not only as a community, but as a true family. We at Auburn believe in and support one another from our first days on campus to our last days on this earth. We have once again come together as one united community, although sadly, to grieve the loss of a wonderful human being who we were lucky enough to call our own.

This tragic event really struck a chord for me personally when I heard the news of Philip’s death yesterday afternoon. Although I didn’t know him personally, I was immediately saddened and even more so affected by the news, because it really made me think about my life and how precious it is. It made me realize that anything can happen at any time, when we least expect it, and can change, alter the course, or end our lives in an instant.

Philip, you will forever be in our hearts and memory as one of Auburn’s most beloved members. You will never be forgotten, and may you rest in peace.

War Eagle.

Fifty Things Every College Girl Should Know

I found this article online and it was too perfect not to share with everyone. I know that every girl here on Auburn’s campus can relate to multiple bullets on this list at some point during her college experience. I feel like these are the best and most wonderful years to discover who we are as young women, living freely and spontaneously while preparing for our futures… but there are always certain limits and lines that won’t change or shouldn’t be crossed. These helpful tips were not only funny, but incredibly realistic about the expectations and norms of college women today. War Eagle!

Fifty Things Every College Girl Should Know

New friendships, old friendships, rude boys, cute boys, bad hair day, bad decisions, good grades and a good cry. Little things like that are learning experiences and can truly help you learn who you are.

1. First Impressions are never forgotten. So make it count.
2. Go to class and take notes. Nobody likes an unmotivated girl.
3. Taco Bell at 2 am won’t kill you.
4. Just because you are away from your parents doesn’t mean they still can’t find things out.
5. Go easy with the perfume because chances are every other girl is going to have some on too.
6. Regardless if you know her or not, help her out if she has had too much to drink.
7. Leggings are pants, but they don’t work for every occasion.
8. Save your hair bows for functions or mixers. Do not wear them every day, you are 20 not 5.
9. If you have to study on the same night as a big party then plan accordingly. If done right, you will have time to stop by that party.
10. If you are going to drink, don’t ever be “that drunk girl.” Drink responsibly.
11. Do something fun for spring break.
12. Don’t throw yourself at him.
13. “If he cared, he’d call.”
14. PDA is never cute.
15. Always charge your phone before you go out.
16. Manage your money.
17. You won’t meet your boyfriend at a frat party.
18. Get involved on campus. (It is a great way to get recommendation letters too)
19. Don’t send a snapchat you wouldn’t want someone to screenshot.
20. If he has cheated before, he will probably cheat again.
21. Everything your mother has ever told you is right.
22. Treat yourself or splurge on an item that will make you feel confident.
23. If you borrow someone’s clothes, return them in a timely manner.
24. Playing hard to get works, but don’t play too hard or you can come off as rude.
25. Use a planner.
26. Do not curse on social media.
27. Living in the dorm is unlike any experience you will ever have.
28. Keep your fingers and toes painted. Trust me, boys notice.
29. If you are not a natural blonde there is a good reason for that.
30. Don’t sleep in your make-up. You’ll regret it.
31. Don’t upload pictures with mass amounts of alcohol in them.
32. Don’t drink and drive.
33. Have a strong group of friends. They will always be there for you, even when he is not.
34. Make time to talk to your parents.
35. The best place to get advice from is the Bible.
36. Pictures. Take Pictures.
37. Look presentable for class. Nobody likes a girl that rolled out of bed with her greasy hair.
38. Respect yourself.
39. Stand firm for what you believe, even if you are standing alone.
40. Failure is a part of life, so learn from it.
41. Walmart make-up works perfectly.
42. If you are going to wear heels, you need to know how to properly walk in them.
43. Don’t post everything you think on social media. It’s annoying and nobody cares.
44. Stop using Tinder. It’s just plain weird.
45. Bandeaus are not tops.
46. It’s okay to cry. Sometimes you have to, but you’ll feel better afterwards.
47. Stay updated with the news.
48. Laughter is always the best medicine.
49. Pinterest is the best website when you are bored.
50. Find out who you are, it’s a part of the college experience.

Twenty-Somethings

“Twenty-Somethings”
To be in our twenties is said to be the most exhilarating and enjoyable time in our lives, experiencing what is known as being in our “prime” and living life to the fullest each and every day. As students, we are getting a small taste of the real world without being thrown into its depths as of yet, so we can dip our feet into it and slowly work our way in until we are ready to jump in after graduation. Even after our college days are over, it doesn’t mean that our “prime” years are over whatsoever! In reality, life after college can be even more fun than the old college glory days, and some would argue that the “prime” years of our lives begin when school ends and we make our trek into the world outside of our college campus grounds. It really all depends on the manner and mindset in which we approach these milestone markers in life, and with each milestone we are given the chance to start a new chapter in the book of our lives, with a totally blank slate.

So how do we make the most of this twenty-something period in our lives? I think the answer is found within us as individual young women. It is so important to use this time to figure out the women that we want to be physically, emotionally and mentally as we make our way towards adulthood. We can achieve that by trying new things, making mistakes, learning and growing through each experience we encounter. An impromptu trip to the beach or spontaneous semester backpacking in a foreign country with some friends? Go for it! The chance to experience a new hobby, craft or sport for the first time? Why not try it when you have nothing to do but gain a new experience that you might actually really enjoy! Figuring out who we are, what we like, and more importantly, what we don’t, is an essential part of maturing and forming lifestyle habits that we create at this age and carry with us for the rest of our lives.

During our twenties, many young women experience their first serious relationships, whether thinking, believing, or knowing from the beginning that they’ve finally met “the one.” Sadly, this sometimes results in heartbreak when that twenty-something guy proves that he isn’t quite mature enough and ready to meet the increasing standards of the twenty-something woman who is quickly escalating and making her way into the adult world. Do not be discouraged, ladies! With the support of friends, family, chocolate, and a few issues of Cosmopolitan, the fabulous twenty-something woman will be up and back on her game at no time! There is nothing wrong with being single during your twenties!

Now is the time to truly embrace the remarkable things this great world has in store for us. So go out with the girls on a random Friday night, join a gym or workout class, learn a random foreign language, meet new people and try new things. Most importantly, focus on YOU and what you want and need during this time in your life. This is the time to promote you and your well-being without feeling selfish. It’s all about you, so don’t be afraid to promote your own happiness. When you are a confident and happy young woman, people will flock to your confidence and positivity; it is absolutely contagious. So throw on that million dollar smile, your favorite pair of heels, and take on the world.

'Figure out who you are separate from your family, and the man or woman you're in a relationship with. Find who you are in this world and what you need to feel good alone. I think that's the most important thing in life. Find a sense of self because with that, you can do anything else.” – Angelina Jolie

"Ok, this needs to be over with"

The encouraging words of Nelson Mandela “It always seems impossible until it’s done”, hung on my wall until the day of my half marathon. It was finally the time that four months of training would finally pay off.

I woke that morning with both excited and nervous butterflies in my stomach. Question after question, “Will I even finish?”, “What will my time be?”, “Will my legs cramp?”, spun through my head. I was mostly afraid I wasn’t going to finish before my goal time of two hours. To me if I couldn’t do that, then what was to show of all the hard work I had put in over these past few months?

Ten minutes before the race was about to start I was standing in my corral surrounded by 38,000 other people. Chills ran up my back. Here I was, about to accomplish something that for so long I told myself I couldn’t do, not only would I be stride in stride with an amazing friend but also 38,000 other amazing people. Everyone there was running for a cause and achieving their own goals. Once I started running it became clear to me that I could do this. During mile one I ran behind a man in the Army running with two prosthetic legs, and here I was telling myself “I hope I finish”. It was right then I knew I would finish, it no longer matter how long it took me to do it, finishing was finishing in my book. And no matter what my time was, I would be proud of myself. Up until mile eight was fairly “easy”, our pace was good and my body wasn’t tired yet. It was around mile nine when I started thinking “Ok, this needs to be over with”. It was painful to believe I still had five more miles to go. I reminded myself not to stop and to keep going. The constant encouragement of bystanders, the enthusiastic runners and those running as a St. Jude Hero were all the reasons I was able to finish the last five miles.

Crossing the finish line was a moment I will never forget. I did it. I can now say I accomplished something that at one point was something I deemed impossible.
Now, I know nothing is impossible.

Who Do You Know?

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “It’s not what you know but who you know”.
Well, what if you know a lot of people, but they don’t have any resources for you. Or they don’t know you very well. (You know the one who says “What’s your name?” EVERY TIME you two meet)

If you have no resources through the people you know, I’ve got some excellent tips for you!
• Seek out those in your field, or those who express characteristics and strengths you wish you had.
• Surround yourself with folks who think like you. Granted y'all won’t agree on all food choices or political ideas, but generally y’all will have similar goals/aspirations for each other.
• You could possibly look for a former boss, professor or orientation counselor.
• Another possibility is finding great support and opportunities through upper classmen who probably know more about the opportunities on campus. Also, your peers and coworkers may have information about something you’re completely clueless about. In my past experience, there’s always been someone in my network from work/school activities who was good at Physics or Chemistry and more than willing to help those who were struggling.

Careerealism.com has a list of the types of people you should keep in your network if you want a job. Not only will this help get your career started, but you can find great internships, part-time jobs, and a variety of opportunities you never thought possible before.
If the people you’ve met before don’t remember you well or at all, you must make yourself memorable. The first time you meet them, you could talk about something you really enjoy doing – let’s say you love to play the piano. If they don’t understand music, express why you love it so much and through your explanation they should be able to sense your passion for the piano. If you feel there’s nothing unique about your hobbies, you could tell them a story pertaining to the event you are attending or how you feel about the event. Next time they meet you, they’ll be less likely to treat it as if it’s the first time y’all have met.

The great thing about an awesome network is you’ll never feel stuck, whether you’ve got a flat on the side of the highway or you don’t know if you have a chance at the job you’ve recently interviewed for.

Auburn's WRC Woman of the Month

Zenda Davis is a Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering at Auburn University with plans to work in the energy industry after graduation. She is originally from St. Catherine, Jamaica and completed her undergraduate degree in Chemistry with minors in Physics and Computer Sciences at Wesleyan College. Zenda is President of the Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) at Auburn, former Senator of the Graduate Student Council, and a member of the Auburn Flyers cycling team. Zenda enjoys bettering herself and isn’t afraid of a challenge—In the past year, Zenda has made the switch to a Gluten-free diet and also taught herself how to swim!

1. What brought you to auburn?
Several things brought me to Auburn. Firstly, Auburn was recommended by my Chemistry Professor at Wesleyan College, Dr. Keith Peterson. Secondly, the CHEN Department has a program that enables undergraduate Chemistry majors to transition to Chemical Engineering, graduate degree. Thirdly, the first person I met here was our current Dean Dr. Roberts, his compassion and concern won me over.

2. Who do you look up to and why?
I don’t look up to a single person. I look up to people who demonstrate great qualities such as kindness, integrity, fairness, commitment, intuition, creativity, humor. I am inspired by selfless acts. It is one thing to be kind or selfless when other people are looking, but someone is on a different level when they are selfless when no one is looking and an act is performed with absolutely no expectation of recognition or reward.

3. What challenges do you face being a woman in your field, and how do you overcome them?
Subtle misogyny. Prove them wrong, gracefully. Do whatever it is, and do it well!

4. Name one fun activity that you done outside of academia recently.
Right now, I am the only girl who races for the Auburn Flyers cycling team. When we go on the road it is just Zenda and her boys…it is fun!

7. What advice would you give to other girls in regards to them overcoming adversity in education due to race and/or gender?
Be resilient and tenacious. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, like Dory in Finding Nemo. Don’t focus on the adversity, focus on overcoming it.

8. I hear that you learned to swim last summer, what prompted you to learn to swim?
It was time to conquer my anxiety of swimming. Every so often you should do something outside your comfort zone. It was that time. Besides, how hypocritical of me to say to myself ‘just keep swimming, just keep swimming’ when I couldn’t swim.

9. You have been eating gluten free for the past year or so, what prompted you to make the change and what has been the most surprising outcome?
Ever since I was a baby I have been plagued with problems. Throughout the years, it increased in intensity to a point where it engulfed my every waking moment. At first, I thought I could never exist on a gluten free diet, but there came a crucial point where the pain and discomfort superseded the pleasure of foods with gluten. As much as it pains me to admit it, the most surprising outcome is that I can exist without cake and bread. It is a sad but true fact.

10. What do you feel your greatest accomplishment has been so far?
Oh gosh, I don’t know. I will let you decide or ask the people who know me.

11. What's something interesting people probably don't know about you?
I exist in a pair. I have a twin sister.

12. Favorite quote?
I have many favorite quotes. It all depends on my mood. Today, two of my favorite quotes are:
‘Do it with intent’ and ‘Change is the only constant’.

Visiting Europe has almost become a staple on every American’s bucket list. This summer my best friend and I fulfilled every American college kids dream. For a month we studied in Barcelona and after the program ended we packed our one backpack each and traveled around to eight other countries in Europe bouncing around from city to city with nothing but a lists of things we wanted to see and a slight plan of where we were going next.

When I started to tell people that I would be living out of a backpack for a month, showering in community showers and sleeping in cabins and 16 person bunkrooms, they laughed in my face. One of my friends asked me how I was going to pack the entire salon’s worth of facial products I have in my bathroom. Another friend commented on how my suitcase for a week long spring break trip was bigger than the backpack I would be carrying a month’s worth of clothes in. As far as most things go, I’m a pretty easy going person, but I have been coined as high maintenance from time to time. Does that mean that I couldn’t be just as good of a backpacker as anyone else? Better yet, could I prove all the books and blogs and TV shows wrong and still be a well maintained, girly, but practical backpacker?

There was definitely no guide book for two sorority girls from Alabama backpacking through Europe by themselves. In fact, female backpackers were in very low numbers compared to male backpackers in general. I believe this is not because of lack of ability, but because of lack of the right guidance and motivation.
So, fear no more you girly, maybe a little prissy young woman who has been too apprehensive about the idea of not washing your clothes and the rumors of gross hostels and ill European hygiene, I’m here to tell you that you can eat your cake and have it too. Because who said backpacking was only for the makeup-less and outdoorsy types?

So here it is, how the “high maintenance” girl survived Europe and tips to help you be a sassy backpacker too.

Pick a Hair Tool

You might be like my best friend Caroline, who I traveled with, and have incredible hair that you can wash and sleep on and wake up looking like a Garnier Fructis model. I however, was not blessed with these genes. Without a blow dryer and straighter, or a curler I look like Anne Hathaway in the beginning of Princess Diaries, but I knew two to three full sized hair tools weren’t going to cut it.

Pick one! If you’re someone who would absolutely die without your straighter, bring that. Although not ideal, you can always air dry your hair and worry about straightening it after. I bought a travel-sized blow dryer that folded in half and took up about the amount of space as a water bottle. Most backpacking guides will tell you to lose the hair tools-I say why sacrifice good hair.

The Demi Bun

While studying in Barcelona Caroline and I met Demi, this gorgeous little fashion blogger from California who looked like a model and was always dressed to perfection except for one thing..she always had her hair in a messy bun. always. In class, out to dinner, at the clubs. This was such a foreign concept to us because we’ve always associated looking nice with doing our hair. Having said that, Demi could rock that messy bun.

Now I know this is contradictory to my first tip, but believe it or not there are times when we couldn’t get to a shower, stayed out all night and had to catch a train in the morning or decided to save our money staying on a camp ground with no outlets instead of an actual hostel. This is where the “Demi Bun” comes in. I love a good messy bun just as much as the next girl, but the inner diva inside me was cringing as I walked around Venice with an unwashed bun on top of my head. The point is, own it. Don’t second guess it or worry about it, whatever you missed that shower for was probably worth it. So throw a cute sundress on, plop your hair on your head and rock your bun like Demi.

Travel-sized toiletries are your best friend

While we were still in the study portion of our summer Caroline and I decided to take a weekend trip to Morocco, Africa. This required us taking a very small, cheap flight where we were only allowed one carry-on bag and like any plane, we could not pack any liquids. I’m not really sure why we didn’t think about this before, but this posed a bit of a problem when we showed up to our Moroccan hotel hours out from civilization with no shampoo, soap or face wash.

Learn from our mistakes. Travel-size soaps are crucial! No, they’re not your favorite shampoo brand and they take up a little more room in your bag, but you can bring them on any plane, have them with you for any emergency situation, and unlike big soaps and shampoos, they rarely ever open and spill in your bag.

Febreze saves lives

We washed our clothes exactly two times in the month we were backpacking. Sounds a little gross right? Unfortunately there are no washers and dryers in hostels and even if there were, who has time to spend doing laundry when there’s all of Europe to explore! Laundry mats are expensive and hard to find, don’t waste precious sight-seeing on washing your clothes every week.

At the end of every day Caroline and I sprayed the clothes we wore that day with Febreze and hung them up for the night. Thanks to our great packing skills we really only wore everything 2-3 times, but Febreze saved us from smelling like a sweaty Parisian on a hot summer day.

The packing cube/military roll combo

Out of all the things I had to limit, stop using or get rid of before we left for our trip I have to say choosing a backpacks worth of clothes that I would be wearing for a month was the hardest. Guide books will tell you to pack minimal amount of necessary clothing that’s versatile and comfortable. Although I agree with that, minimal amount of clothing just wasn’t going to work for me. I wanted options and to be prepared for every situation with the right outfit.

Solution: Packing cubes and rolling the clothes. The mesh packing cubes we bought not only enabled us to organize and categorize our clothing, but the mesh kept the clothes aired out and made it easy for us to find what we needed. Instead of folding everything inside the packing cubes roll them up. This helps eliminates wrinkles and gives you at least double the amount of room to put more clothes.

The midnight shower run

Believe it or not there are things worse than a community shower in a European hostel. A dirty community shower in a European hostel that you have to wait a line for and rush/have cold water once you are in there.

I don’t want to scare you, this won’t be the case in most places you go, but just to be on the cautious side there’s an easy tactic to avoid this nightmare of a shower situation. Shower in the middle of the night. Might sound a little creepy, but you’ll get hot water and some privacy and be able to do your whole night time regiment without sharing the bathroom with a bunch of randos.

Maxi Skirts and Sundresses

A lot of places in Europe such as museums, churches and bars have dress codes. This gets a little complicated with a limited wardrobe. Caroline and I lived off of maxi skirts and sun dresses, which are stylish and versatile. They don’t take up a lot of packing room, they’re cute, they’re formal enough to get into almost everywhere and they’re comfortable.


Now is the time ladies. Take your sass and your new backpacking knowledge and go travel the world.

Carlye Poljacik
AU Senior