Free Voice

Style Diversity at its Peak in Spring 

BY MAIMOUNA CAMARA

Washington, D.C. - Spring 2016 fashion is a mixture of sensational colors, style, and huge comebacks. Spring offers diverse, exciting options to be fashionable if looking like a million bucks is what drives you.

While these tips are certainly addressed to fashionistas, all of those who care about looking great 100 percent of the time can also benefit from these. D.C. may not have a reputable fashion week similar to the ones in New York City or London, yet Washingtonians definitely have their own sense of fashion. Designers such as Aisha Barnes and her Closet Fashionistas company is one of many of D.C. fashion makers. She says, “Fashion is like breathing to me. It gives me the opportunity to express myself in every way. It amazes me how a simple color, garment, or style can not only make an impact on my day, but on my life.” And this is why she will be our Spring 2016 advisor with tips on how to be the “J.LO on the block” of your neighborhood.
Let's start with what can make or break an outfit. From shoes to dresses, it is important to strike the right balance with accessories.

Shoes: Pointed toe, and kitten heels are making a major come back. They are sharp if worn under a pair of skinny jeans and a tank top with a jacket blazer on top. They are very comfortable and wearable almost anywhere. For a lay back style Barnes added that “a great pair of menswear loafers, and a fashion sneaker are great compliments to your shoe staples.”

Purse: Barnes advises, “a classic tote and clutch, you can't go wrong with neutral tones color wise, they can always be interchangeable with any look you put together.” Make sure to look for a flower printed one, they are super trendy this spring.

Skirts and dresses: A high waist skirt with a crop top are stylish because they create a cohesive and playful chic look. A fringe dress is a classic, yet an effortless approach that will make you stand out of the crowd.

Coping With Loss and Moving On

BY MOUSSA TRAORE

Washington, D.C. - It’s always hard when you lose someone you love, but the coping process is what determines how soon you are able to get back to your life. Nevertheless, when it comes to family members as dear as a mother, you’ll never completely get over the loss.

Nyakeh Minah, lost his mother in 2006 after a long, tough battle with breast cancer. Although he was young at the time, basically going into sixth grade, Minah still remembers how the loss of his mother impacted his whole family. “Both of my sisters felt like they had to take motherly roles and raise me and my brother,” he said. He struggled to get through school and avoided any social life for a long time. You’re probably wondering what kind of social life a sixth grader can have? But it is simple things like going to play video games or pizza nights with his friends.

“Losing my mother at that age taught me a lot now that I think about it; I had to be more responsible and look after myself knowing my mother is never going to come back,” said Minah. “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to get over and I’m not sure if I’m quite over it because she’s not coming back. She was the only one that understood everything that was going on in my life and supported my dream of one day playing in the NBA.”

Ben, Minah’s older brother and usually the cool, calm and collected one had trouble coping after the loss of their mother. “I remember not wanting to talk to anybody for like a month because the pain was unbearable and I hadn’t lost anybody close to me like that,” he said. This loss hit Ben harder than anybody in the family because of the bond he had with his mother. He now accepts her loss. “I wanted her to see me go to college and graduate but God had other plans.”

These days, their family find ways to mark their late mother’s life. “Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, my family always celebrates it by doing charity work because I know that’s what my mother would want us to do,” said Minah. Though his mother won’t be there in person, Minah knows she would be proud of his accomplishments. This spring he will graduate with a degree in architecture from the University of Maryland.

Said "I do," but Still in School

BY TIFFANY BRIDGETT

Washington, D.C. - A young bride-to-be meeting her future husband in college seems like a relic from the 1960s. A woman falls in love with her soulmate and then drops out to become the perfect housewife. At least, that’s how the story used to go. In our time, you’ll find that very young bride sitting right across from you in your college class. Even through the stress of studying and the financial burden are real, many couples who choose to be engaged or married during college want to achieve their goals side by side.

College plus being married is not your typical romance story if you ask some, but for those who choose to live this lifestyle it is the perfect love story. LeTasha McFarlane, a senior at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) says, “Being in college and married has its challenges, but like anything in life worth earning, takes sacrifice and dedication. I know once completed, I will have a stronger marriage and can offer a better lifestyle to my family."

For some, getting married in college is worth it while for others waiting until after graduation makes more sense. Monique Jones, a junior at UDC specifies, “I want to be fully committed and dedicated to my future husband. While in school I’m 100 percent committed and dedicated to my schoolwork, it will be difficult to give 100 percent to manage both. I think it will be best to wait until after graduation to wed."

Statistics show that couples that are able to start unifying their goals toward a mutual purpose from a younger age have that much more time to achieve them, compared to people who wed later in life. According to a 2008 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, 18 percent of undergraduate students said they were married. The center also reports that the average national age of marriage is 28. Though the percentage seems low, it shows that there are a number of students who have chosen to take that road toward marriage life.