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The Daily Free Press

BU's Independent Student Newspaper; Current Senior Writer & Past Lifestyle Associate Editor

Beauty gems of March

Whether it’s sinking into a bubble bath after a tiring week at school, filling my room with the calming aroma of candlelight or simply applying my everyday skincare regimen, self care has been ingrained in my routine since childhood. 
I owe much of this mindset to my mom and sister, who instilled in me the importance of taking time for oneself. Whenever we travel as a family, we make it a point to carve out time for a “spa night.”  
I put “spa night” in quotation marks since it’s essentially a D...

A social media identity crisis

I open my spam account on Instagram, ready to post a picture of myself that I actually like — a rarity.    
My hair looks good, my skin is cooperating and the lighting is doing exactly what I need it to do. I even like my smile — not too forced, not too casual.   
It’s the kind of picture that makes me think, wow, I should be perceived more often, but only under very specific lighting conditions — and from the right side.  
But then I pause. 
This is a good picture — like, suspiciously good. It’...

A boy won’t log out of my Netflix account | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Dear readers, 
We’re taught from an extremely young age that sharing is caring. And you know what? Until about a month ago, I agreed.  
It all began innocently enough. I went to hang out with this boy who I’d been talking to on Hinge. He had what I called the “trifecta”: he was extremely tall, intelligent and kind — all of which are qualities I look for in a boy. Despite the fact that he is not Jewish, which is not my usual preference, I decided to break my rule just this once — the Jew guilt is...

Lessons from abroad — and beyond | Maia’s Inner Monologue

I’m back.  
Technically, I never left. I’ve been writing a lot — just not here. 
As a journalism student, is it surprising that I used to hate journaling? 
My therapist swore by it. TikTok claimed it was the cure-all — self-care, clarity, better sleep, etc. Every time I journaled, my hand would cramp up and my thoughts would race faster than my pen could keep up. I didn’t get it. But turns out there’s something to it. 
Last semester, I studied abroad in London and it wasn’t anything like I expec...

My love-hate relationship with beauty trends

For the past few weeks, I’ve been diving deep into sustainable beauty for my reporting class, trying to tear apart the ridiculousness of overconsumption. Do we really need ten different lip oils? Do we need a 15-step nighttime skincare routine? Do we need to buy that new concealer just because it went viral on TikTok?   
Spoiler alert: no, we don’t. But also…yes, we do?    
Let’s talk about the “morning shed” trend on...

I’m just a girl | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Dear readers,    
In a world where expectations can feel as high as the skyscrapers of Boston, embracing the simplicity of being “just a girl” has become my guide. It’s a reminder that –– in the midst of societal norms –– it’s perfectly fine to be just a girl. To just be human. Without the weight of expectations.    
Typically, I prefer to keep these articles lighthearted. This platform serves as my personal life debrief, allowing me to express whatever is on my mind at any given time. But, let’...

Toxic masculinity, stereotypes and the performing arts | All Things Theater

A true “theater kid” will fit any of the following criteria, according to the Urban Dictionary: exclusively hangs out or spends their free time in the school’s auditorium, chorus, band or drama room, excessively extroverted and outgoing and is obsessed with “Spring Awakening,” “RENT,” “Be More Chill” or any other musical that nobody in the general public is even remotely familiar with.    
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t fit into at least half of these categories. “Spring Awakening?” C’mon. How...

Social media influencers on Broadway: well-deserved or purely for profit? | All Things Theater

As I enter the dimly lit August Wilson Theatre, I am handed a playbill. Making my way to the side mezzanine, I observe the beautifully constructed set. I hear the gentle chatter of audience members anticipating the upcoming performance.
Chloe Patel | Senior Graphic Artist
I prepare to immerse myself in the lives of Regina George and Cady Heron at North Shore High, expecting to be wowed by the amazing cast I’ve heard of through my phone.
When the show begins, I am whisked away from my own life an...

Nothing beats a movie musical | All Things Theater

“What is your favorite film?” is a question I always answer the same. “Mamma Mia!” and “La La Land.” Point blank. What can I say? I’m a complete sucker for movie musicals.  
Movie musicals are definitely an acquired taste — it goes without saying that a lot of movie musical fans also enjoy musical theater. 
I understand this is not a genre for everyone, but in my view, if you don’t like movie musicals, you have poor taste.   
Consider my father — when we watch a movie together, I know better tha...

Make theater more accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing community | All Things Theater

A woman by the name of Samantha Coleman was in the front row of the Walter Kerr Theatre on  Oct. 12, 2022 to watch the Tony Award–winning musical “Hadestown.” 
Coleman describes herself as “deafblind — late hard of hearing and progressive vision loss” in her Instagram bio. To improve her experience, the theater provided Coleman with a closed captioning device. 
Lillias White, who played the role of Hermes in the musical, reprimanded Coleman  mid-performance for using the closed captioning device...

Dad music and South Campus | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Dear readers,
Welcome to the new week! I hope you had an enjoyable weekend. It’s a bit sad to transition back to the workweek, isn’t it? Let’s take a moment to recap the weekend.
This past weekend was extra special because my family came to visit from New York! Woohoo! I love my family. We might be a bit unconventional, but you know what? It’s what makes us unique, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now, let’s dive into the highlights, starting with our first family dinner when my parents arr...

A love letter to fall | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Dear readers,
It’s that time of the year again — fall is here, and I just have to gush about my absolute favorite season. When the leaves turn red and orange and the air becomes crisper, my heart feels lighter, and my sweaters get heavier.
Home Goods with my mom
One of the reasons I love fall so much involves a simple yet heartwarming ritual I share with my mom. Every year as autumn rolls in, we make sure to take a trip to Home Goods together.
The store is my personal heaven, overflowing with pu...

Obsessions of the month | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Dear lovely readers, 
Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break, took advantage of the opportunity to relax with loved ones and recharged your busy minds.
I’m so thrilled to be back with you. After all, these goofy little pieces serve as my personal outlet. Despite the one-sided nature of our interactions, it truly feels like an ongoing conversation, and I hope you feel the same way.
As I began this new semester, I spent some time reflecting on how I launched my column in Octobe...

Lyrics I love | Maia’s Inner Monologue

I love music. I always have, and I always will.    
When I was younger, I had major tantrums. I would scream, yell and pound on the floor in my childhood bedroom. It’s the same bedroom I have now, but with a yellow and blue patterned carpet and a wooden dresser covered with stickers.
When I got in these moods, I would slam my door — and slam it hard. 
I slammed it so hard that it shook the entire house — an action my dad despised. He despised it so much he legitimately took my door off of the hi...

Alarming antisemitism in 2023: Neo-Nazis protest outside of ‘Parade’ on Broadway | All Things Theater

Last Tuesday night, a group of Neo-Nazis protested the revival of the musical “Parade,” which follows the story of a falsely convicted Jewish man who was lynched in 1915.    
If this was happening during WWII, it might make more sense to me — but in 2023? This is not something I would ever have imagined in my
lifetime.    
Leo Frank, a Jewish manufacturing manager who is wrongfully accused of killing a 13-year-old, is the subject of the theatrical production “Parade,” which is based on a true st...

Knuffles and me | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Knuffle Bunny.    
Yes, from Mo Willems’ children’s book, “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale.” To me, it’s always been pronounced “Nuffle” not Kuh-nuffle.  
There I was, a wee little tot with my mom, perusing the kids’ section inside Barnes & Noble: the best store ever — I still stand by that, by the way.                 
Then, I noticed him perched alongside about fifty doppelgängers on a shelf. Oh, the celebrity and star he was. He was the guy I’ve been reading about in my kindergarten class,...

‘The Band’s Visit’ at The Huntington

Dear readers,
I’m in love.  
I know, what a dramatic way to begin this article. But it’s true. This love has been with me for nearly my entire life. It is not a love defined by gender, nor is it a living being. What I’m madly in love with is live theater.  
Picture this — the lights gradually dim, the overture begins and the instruments begin to play. A wave of excitement rushes through me, and the anticipation of the night ahead fills me with an unmatched thrill.   
Getting ready for such an oc...

Rules for the week | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Dear readers,
This week’s article is going to be a bit of a departure from the usual — I’m channeling inspiration from one of my all-time favorite digital creators, the fabulous Eli Rallo.
Some may be asking, “Who’s that?” Well, if you’re a theater-loving, gossip-craving, self-care enthusiast like me, you better believe you know exactly who she is. She’s my ultimate inspiration, my muse, the person I want to be when I grow up.
My admiration for Eli stems from our shared love for theater and her...

Zodiac signs as winter activities: Which one are you? | Maia’s Inner Monologue

After Thanksgiving, it’s time to dive headfirst into the holidays. You know the unspoken rule — the day after Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start of Christmas or, in my case, Hanukkah! 
To welcome in the holiday season, I have a ritual: I cozy up in PJs, indulge in Trader Joe’s hot cocoa and settle in to watch “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” while the fire warmly crackles beside me. 
There are many different types of winter activities to enjoy, and my suspicion is that they correspond w...

An ode to Fudge | Maia’s Inner Monologue

I grew up with a dog named Fudge — Fudgie Bunny Penzer to be exact. My family got him when I was three, and had him until about a year ago.  
15 years of Fudge. 
You may be wondering, why the name “Fudge”? All I can say is that 3-year-old Maia and 7-year-old Rachel, my sister, thought that it was the best idea ever. To be quite honest, I would do it again. The name Fudge encapsulated who he was. I don’t think there was a better name for the man.  
Fudge’s birthday was Valentine’s Day. Well, we a...

Dissecting my highest-rated movies | Maia’s Inner Monologue

I’ve never been much of a film girlie. I’m more of a 20-minute sitcom girlie.
My attention span is not too long — I blame TikTok. After a taxing day of classes and schoolwork, “Modern Family” or “How I Met Your Mother” are my go-to choices for winding down.
20-minute sitcoms.   
I might even indulge in some “SpongeBob SquarePants” if I really need to rot. And yes, I genuinely believe it’s a masterpiece. Do I have the personality of a 13-year-old boy? Maybe.  
Movies require too much brainpower f...

Growth and stuff | Maia’s Inner Monologue

Dear readers,
Let me be real with you. When I first sat down to write this article, I had a completely different vision in mind.    
I had initially intended to craft a guide on experiencing a classic Long Island, New York summer. However, as my thoughts poured onto the page, I realized that what truly resonates with me for this final edition of Maia’s Inner Monologue is the theme of growth. 
For those who knew me in high school and middle school, it’s evident that I’ve undergone significant cha...