By Annabel Simmons

Dr. Karen Sebold has taught in the University of Arkansas’ political science department since 2011, but her journey to success distinguishes her from many others. “I have a background that most professors are not going to have,” Sebold said. 

A person’s socioeconomic origins often play a significant role in shaping their educational and career paths. Most professors tend to grow up in middle class or upper middle class lifestyles. However, Sebold is an exception to this norm, as many of her family members never graduated from high school.“I definitely feel different from most professors as a result of my background,” she said.

She was born in Fayetteville and raised in Springdale by a single mother. Moving around a lot, she attended various elementary schools in the area. “That’s kind of the byproduct of being poor,” Sebold said. “You’re forced to move from one place to another because you don’t have the money to pay the rent.” She spent much of her childhood in public housing at Applegate, one of the oldest housing developments in the region.

Sebold’s mother eventually remarried, and her stepdad worked in the chicken processing industry. Although not much, this provided her family with a little more stability and the resources needed to survive. While her father was present in her life, he struggled financially. “He kind of lived off the land,” she explained.

In the early 1990s, Sebold dropped out of high school during what would have been her sophomore or junior year. Being pregnant at the time, attending school became increasingly difficult to navigate.

Sexual and reproductive health education has long been a controversial and stigmatized topic in the South. Many schools have historically focused on abstinence-based programs, often omitting information about contraception and other birth control options. “It was the late 80s, early 90s, and there wasn’t a lot of information on birth control or sexual education in this area,” Sebold said. “It was a Bible Belt state where they didn’t believe in teaching about that.” 

After dropping out of school, Sebold moved to Fayetteville for two years, where she discovered her passion for politics. Even from a young age, she had been drawn to political journalism, closely following the news throughout elementary to high school. When Arkansas’ own governor, Bill Clinton, ran for president in 1992, this served as a pivotal moment in Sebold’s life.

“Clinton did a lot of campaigning here in Northwest Arkansas, and that really drew me and my friends in,” Sebold said. “The things that he talked about made me feel like I mattered, even though I always thought, well, I’m kind of just a worthless person. I’m just a mistake. He and Hillary Clinton were big inspirations to me growing up in this state because they always tried to improve the lives of the poor.”

Sebold began volunteering for Clinton’s presidential campaign, and bringing her son along in his stroller, she would knock on doors. She even handmade buttons and sold them. “Doing something bigger than me or my problems was really cool, and that’s what really hooked me on government and politics,” Sebold said. “I got to see Clinton speak, about two weeks before he was elected, on the front lawn of Old Main, and that was the most exciting experience I’d ever had in my life up until that point.”

After her first son was born in 1991, Sebold became pregnant with her second child at 20. “At that point, I’d relocated to Kansas with my husband at the time, and shortly after my second son was born, I started community college,” Sebold said. She recalls her consistent admiration for learning, which prompted her going back to school. “Even through the difficulties, I’d always been kind of a nerd,” she said.

She attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where she earned an associate degree in 1997. Raising two sons, Sebold was motivated to build a better future for her family. She realized that the jobs she was working–waiting tables and taking on any available work to earn an income–were not what she envisioned for her future.“I wanted to provide stability for my kids,” she said.

When Sebold started school at Coffeyville, she was unsure of exactly what she wanted to do career wise. She initially considered pre-law and journalism but ultimately decided against both. “Having kids limited me,” Sebold explained. She needed to pursue a career that would allow her to maintain a balanced work-life relationship, ensuring she could be present for her children. “I wanted to really raise them,” she said.  

After obtaining her associate degree, Sebold was accepted into a journalism program at Kansas University. However, at the time, she was a newly single mother going through a divorce, and attending was not an option. “I didn’t have the resources,” she said. “It’s really difficult to navigate college when you don’t have kids, and when you do, it’s next level.”

She took a break from school and worked in radio, broadcasting and sales, where she met her current husband, with whom she has been with for nearly 25 years. The couple moved to Nebraska so that her husband could continue his radio broadcasting career, and she could work toward getting a bachelor’s degree. She spent a year at the University of Nebraska at Omaha before becoming pregnant with her third son and leaving school due to sickness. Almost two years later, Sebold and her family moved back to Kansas. She resumed her studies at Rogers State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, commuting nearly an hour to campus. In 2005, she received her bachelor’s degree in political science.

During college, Sebold found relief in new support systems. “My husband would work at night, and I would go to school during the day, and we managed to raise the kids while getting me through school.” She also received significant assistance from government programs, including aid for childcare, food stamps, grants and medical insurance. “That kind of helped me create some bootstraps to pull up,” she said. “I could not have gone to college and made it happen without that support.” 

Sebold began working toward her graduate degree soon after completing her undergraduate studies and has remained in academia ever since. She moved to Fayetteville in 2006 and applied to the University of Arkansas’ political science department to pursue her master’s degree. It was during this time that she realized she wanted to become a professor. She began her doctoral studies in 2008 and completed her dissertation in 2013, earning a doctorate degree in public policy. Shortly after, she was offered a position as an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas. Initially on a non-tenure track, she transitioned to the tenure track in 2020.

Adjusting to a larger university was daunting, particularly because of her unique background, she said. However, Sebold said she believes facing these challenges made her stronger and more confident. She expressed feeling torn between two worlds–academia and the one she grew up in. During times of transition, she emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself. 

Throughout her educational journey, Sebold was primarily her own support system and credits her success to having an unfaltering mindset. She states that it wasn’t easy. “It takes time,” she said. “It’s trial and error. It’s finding the resources to support your goals. But ultimately it all comes down to having a goal and being ambitious — the idea that I’m not going to settle for something just because these are my life circumstances.” 

Sebold went against the grain and pushed herself forward.

“Unfortunately, my parents were only able to help so much,” Sebold said. “I was always my own support system but also my own cheerleader.” 

She also doesn’t view her challenges as things to regret. “I never looked at having kids early as a mistake,” Sebold remarked. “It got me on the right track. Yeah, I made some mistakes; I messed up along the way, but I don’t regret that. Because, usually, it’s those mistakes that teach you more about life and help you figure out who you are.” 

There were many moments when Sebold didn’t know if she would prevail, but she notes that the hardship has made her success even more rewarding. “I was able to go from a bad situation to really embracing and loving my career,” she said. “I’m in love with my career.”

Currently, at the University of Arkansas, Sebold specializes in American politics. She has a book under contract with Kansas University Press titled: “Loose Laws, Partisan Politics, and a Gridlocked Federal Election Commission” and has many other published works in her areas of research. Her research focuses on campaign finance, the presidential nomination process and election administration. She has taught courses such as the Chief Executive, the American National Congress, Money and Politics, Political Parties, Federalism, and American National Government. This is also her first year teaching Politics and Policy on Film. 

Many of Sebold’s students attest to her influence in the classroom. Camryn Hinkle, who is currently enrolled in Politics and Policy on Film, said that upon one of her first classes with  Sebold, she could tell that her professor has a deep passion for teaching. “I immediately felt like her class would be refreshing and different from any of the other political science courses I’ve been involved with,” she said. 

Hinkle also noted the positive impact Sebold continues to have on students. 

“Almost every class has a good memory in it, but I love when she speaks to us about how she got to where she is today,” Hinkle shared. “She is great at reminding us life doesn’t have a timeline when it comes to reaching our goals and that the world will have great things to offer regardless of our own timeline for ourselves.”

Caroline Koch, who took American Political Parties and is currently taking Politics and Policy on Film with  Sebold, recognizes how she stands out from other professors. “The classroom always has an upbeat vibe, with freedom for open discussion and opinions, which is what we need more of,” she said. “Dr. Sebold is constantly reassuring students that she can be like a Mama Bear to them if needed. She is very understanding of our generation, which I give credit to her having her own children around our age. I think that helps her a lot connecting with students.”

Outside of her university work, Sebold enjoys watching professional cycling with her husband. Having grown up in Northwest Arkansas, she loves to hike and has made countless trips to Devil’s Den. Sebold deeply values time with family, relishing moments spent with her grandkids and soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Recently, she’s taken up watching animal webcams, with eagles and owls being among her favorites. “That’s my new hobby recently, to get away from the news,” she remarked.

Sebold’s adversities allow her to offer meaningful advice to college students facing similar obstacles. “You have to be diligent about knowing who you are, your strengths and weaknesses and what you can do to navigate challenges,” she said. “I would tell young people don’t be afraid of hardship. Don’t avoid the hard stuff. Don’t put your head in the sand.” She notes that it is often the adversity we face that helps us determine who we are and what we’re made of. 

“I know what I’m made of,” she said.“I’ll tell you real quick what I’m made of. I’m made of some tough stuff,” she said. “It’s important to know that these things will not kill you. They may challenge you, but they are likely to make you stronger.”

The post Against the Odds: Dr. Karen Sebold’s Story of Success appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Ella Miller

Most think of the Fayetteville Public Library as a great study spot or the go-to place to check out books. What most don’t know is how many free and hidden opportunities are waiting to be discovered at the library.

The library’s Manager of Adult Services Heather Robideaux, said the library expansion has opened up a lot of new spaces and opportunities. The library’s art movement room offers free art, dance, mediation, and yoga classes. The Center For Innovation has tech resources such as a professional video studio, photography studio, 3-D printing space and robotics lab. The library also holds lectures, workshops and concerts. 

Even the book clubs have different opportunities, such as meeting outside of the library, so students can enjoy dinner while talking about a book.

“It’s a good way to shift the brain and remember that (reading) is fun to do too, and meet some new people,” Robideaux said. “We’ve got options for any interest.”

Mary Beth Kemp, a first-year graduate student in the Master’s in English program at the University of Arkansas, started coming to the library when she was an undergraduate and has continued coming since. 

“I’m honestly at the public library probably five to six times a week,” Kemp said. “I joke that I basically live there.”

Kemp said she does most of her graduate writing and research at the library but does attend their events occasionally such as yoga and craft classes. Kemp also went to the library’s Roots Festival in 2022, which was a folk music festival that partnered with local chefs and musicians for a three-day event. 

“It was a really special event,” Kemp said. Lots of people from the community showed out — college students, families, kids — and everyone was just dancing and enjoying the space.”

Aside from the events, Kemp said “As an English major and avid reader, I have been to a lot of libraries, and the Fayetteville Public Library is by far my favorite. The space is so beautiful. I really appreciate all the natural light and the rooftop plants.”

Mairi Morassut, a first-year Master of Design student at the U of A regularly attends the library’s weekly yoga class. 

“The room is always filled jam-packed with people from all walks of life,” Morassut said. “I love that environment that we can all collectively share and do something good for our minds and bodies. Everyone is so friendly, and you feel the warm collective energy.” 

The library’s Monday yoga classes are free, and you don’t need to register beforehand. They offer yoga mats, blocks and other props. Alexzandrea Hollinshed, a 200-hour registered yoga instructor, teaches yoga at the library every first Monday of the month. 

“It does really warm my heart to know that so many people know about community yoga and they want to be here — and that we’re able to provide this for them,” Hollinshed said.

Hollinshed said she specializes in beginner yoga due to feeling intimidated when she first started doing yoga herself. 

“I just want to be able to offer a low-stress way to introduce people into the practice,” Hollinshed said. “I tell jokes, I play fun music (during class). It’s just a way to take the edge off so that everybody and every body can do yoga.” 

Morassut said she’s practiced yoga for a few years, but as a student, the cost of attending weekly classes at a studio can add up. “It’s very beginner friendly which is still nice for me as a more advanced student to go back to simple movements,” Morassut said. 

Hollinshed’s approach helps make yoga more welcoming for beginners, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. The free classes make it easier for people to experience yoga without the financial barriers, a benefit that many participants value.

“It’s amazing that they offer free classes for anyone,” Kemp said. “It’s hard to find free workout classes that are so easily accessible.”

U of A junior Avanley Danenhauer started going to the Fayetteville Public Library as a kid with her mom and still comes to the library as a student now. Danenhauer studies at the library, attends the yoga sessions and said her favorite part is “arguably the drinks at Arsagas.”

Danenhauer said one of her best memories at the library was “going there as a kid to play games on the computers while wearing those massive headphones. They no longer have the same (headphones), it’s sad.”

In June, the library held an In Conversation with Taylor Jenkins Reid event. U of A senior Tru Joi Curtis was able to attend the event with her mom.

“I have been a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid for a while, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend an event to learn more about her and her writing process,” Curtis said. “The talk itself was a great experience, and I was even able to ask Taylor Jenkins Reid a question.”

Curtis expressed her excitement about getting two of her favorite books signed by the author, describing the experience as surreal and said she was grateful to have a local library that hosts fantastic and unique events.

Beyond its collection of books, the Fayetteville Public Library has become a center for learning, creativity, and connection. Whether through music festivals, yoga classes, book author talks or their diverse spaces, the library continues to offer an enriching environment for all. The Fayetteville Public Library remains a cherished resource that brings the community together in meaningful ways.

The post Beyond the Books: The Fayetteville Public Library and Its Community appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Emma Bracken

On the evening of Feb. 22 at Arsaga’s Mill District, Fayetteville Feeds Families collaborated with local artists to raise funds for Palestinian families in need of food, water and shelter during the event titled ‘For Gaza, With Love.’ 

Dozens of people from the community attended the event, supporting the artists and offering donations directly to the organization’s GoFundMe page. In total, the event raised around $3,000, which will be funneled directly into sending food to the families in the village that Fayetteville Feeds Families sponsors.

Founder of Fayetteville Feeds Families, Mariah Berquist, reached out to local musicians Luna J. Fenell, Cheanie Noai and Daughters of Madonna to perform throughout the night. Though they varied in mediums, ranging from viola to acoustic guitar to singing bowl, all of the musicians expressed themes of grief, justice, love and peace. Fennell began the event with viola solos, highlighting music written by anti-Zionist activists. As both a dedicated musician and social activist, Fennell intertwines the two often.

“I’m very much a learner in this world, and I’m always learning about music and social justice,” Fennell said. 

Through sharing her music at the event, Fennell hoped that people could work through the heavy emotions they are currently carrying, whether that is around the Palestinian genocide or anything else. 

“Music has such a healing quality,” Fennell said. “It’s really incredible to see how it can change people’s disposition and perspectives.”

Though the event was centered on helping families whose lives have been affected by the war in Gaza, the musicians were able to culminate a space for hope and solidarity. The event also had food and local art pieces for attendees to enjoy with a donation of any amount to Fayetteville Feeds Families. Berquist explained when she first started creating events through this organization and working with Friends of Palestine NWA , it could be emotionally heavy and hard for everyone to participate in. 

“When I bring people together I think it is really important to bring lightness and hope and joy and remind ourselves that we do have a sense of belonging and home,” Berquist said.

Berquist hopes that through crafting events such as For Gaza, With Love, people can become inspired to participate in the cause if Palestinian liberation while also maintaining hope for a brighter future. Singer-songwriter Cheanie Noai sang about grief being a garden, and explained that through processing the darkness around either personal or global tragedies, we can work toward an abundant, peaceful future.

“Even though our grief is somewhat of an individual experience, it is something where we need to find togetherness,” Noai said. 

Fennell also said they hoped through their music and participation in social events such as this one they can foster a sense of community support. It is through community strength in the form of time, money, and passion that real change can be enacted. 

“We are all in this together,” Fennell said. “No one is fighting the good fight alone; we struggle for collective liberation. I hope people come away with a sense of solidarity, reassurance, and hopefulness in their individual struggles as well as in their community and global struggles.”

Fayetteville Feeds Families began with Berquist’s personal connection to one Palestinian woman looking for ways to raise money to help her family flee from Gaza. Now, Berquist has been able to provide food to more than 100 Palestinian families. The key to being able to make and grow an impact is to find strength in numbers. Whether that is through donating, organizing events, attending protests, or even being conscious about the companies that you consume from, Berquist explained that every individual has power in the fight for Palestinian liberation.

“Supporting local business and local farmers and just really building each other up has a ripple effect through the world,” Berquist said. 

As far away from Palestine or any other global event that we may be, small individual acts of justice make waves that can help rewrite history as we live it. It is in these intimate, supportive spaces such as For Gaza, With Love that we can take these strides. Fennell explained that different forms of oppression are able to thrive because people feel helpless and as though they have no power to change their own situation or others. It is a goal of theirs and of Fayetteville Feeds Families to make people aware of their individual capacity for change as well as see the abundance of change that can come from working together.

“Being able to gather with other people who care about the same causes as you do is really powerful in building community and giving people confidence to do the right thing,” Fennell said, “because it is not always easy to do the right thing, but it is always right to do the right thing. It is easier when you have a community that you can get together with and kind of share that burden.”

Despite the emotional weight of addressing topics such as oppression, genocide, and colonialism, For Gaza, With Love was able to uplift and embolden the Fayetteville community and remind all of us that we are more capable of change and important to the world’s future than we often realize. 

The post ‘For Gaza, With Love’: Community Collaboration in the Face of Injustice  appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Angie Ramirez 

As the spring semester begins to settle in among students, many organizations start to create events and give students an opportunity to take a break from the hard work they have been doing so far. Several events are created to bring the student body together and socialize with one another.  This was the case with the World of Coffee and Tea where students took the opportunity to try something new. 

The annual World of  Coffee and Tea event is a joint collaboration between the Office of International Students and Scholars’ International Culture Team and Global Series, which works with University Housing. This year will be the event’s fourth annual World of Coffee and Tea event. Cynthia Smith, assistant director for engagement for the International Students and Scholars, said she was excited to host it again on campus. 

“It gives me joy of people visiting this event,” Smith said. “It’s been a rich and meaningful event each year, so we are so happy that we can bring it back to campus once again.” 

Holcombe Hall opened its doors once again for the event Wednesday, Feb. 5. Students and faculty had the opportunity to meet and chat with the participants of the event about their coffees and teas and try the different flavors from around the world. The event was from 6 to 7 p.m.

Luis Negrete Becerra, one of the event organizers, explained the process of the event planning. 

“We reached out to a couple of different students who attend the University of Arkansas, and we asked them to volunteer and if they were able to showcase the coffee and tea of their selection,” Becerra said. “We were able to obtain 15 countries, and then we asked about the ingredients they needed.” 

The 15 countries were the United States, Nigeria, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Panama, Japan, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Egypt, Iran, Ghana, Uganda and Uruguay. Each country represents a great number of the student body at the University of Arkansas. They also sourced coffee and tea from around the area such as Onyx Coffee Lab and ordered several online. 

“We have students from over 100 countries on campus,” Smith said. “Sharing tea and coffee culture from these countries will help others who visit the event to see some of the hidden diversity on campus.” 

The World of Coffee and Tea event’s main goal is to have many students attend and meet with others who are from different countries. It is a chance to learn about the people who are on the same campus as each other and get to know about their culture and how it is distinct from others.

“I hope that this will be a great opportunity for the U.S. and international community to come together through this event,” Smith said. “I hope that it breaks down barriers between cultures as we learn from each other over a common love for different types of coffee and tea.” 

Many students on campus have a love for coffee. Many drink coffee to continue with their classes or for a late-night study. At the event, students socialized with one another while tasting the new coffee and tea the event provided. 

A freshman from the university, Isabel Salazar shared she liked how the university represented the international students and was excited to learn more about the cultures. 

“I think it’s important for students to represent their culture because it shows people who have never been out of the country about the different cultures and religions,” Salazar said. “It also gives students experience with other cultures by participating in events like these to get a well-rounded college experience.” 

Salazar enjoyed her time at the event. She expressed she was excited to see the herbal teas that the event would offer and try the ones she had never had. 

On the day, Salazar tried the various options of herbal tea. She was excited to see the way every culture made their coffees and teas. She also expressed her wonder about how the ingredients contribute to it. 

The event had Holcombe Hall’s living room space full as students went around the room to try the options that were provided to them. While receiving their coffee or tea, students engaged in conversation, conversing about how the coffee or tea was made and where it was from. 

“This event allows students and scholars to share something that they enjoy and are proud of their country,” Smith said. “It helps them feel connected to back home while feeling connected to and welcomed at the U of A.” 

Events such as the World of Coffee and Tea bring the community of the University of Arkansas closer despite the different backgrounds everyone has and allows people to connect through shared experiences. 

The post Giving Life More Flavors! Coffee and Tea From Around The World appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Emma Bracken

On the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 5, the creative community of Northwest Arkansas gathered at The Medium to celebrate and learn from two leading local artists. The Medium created the monthly event to bring artists and the larger community into an intimate setting to have conversations about their creations and processes. 

Rather than a formal panel or interview, Table Talks aims to foster a greater sense of connection in the local creative community. February’s event hosted local R&B artist Pura Coco and photographer Natalie Zeta. Both women spoke on how to maintain and nurture the love for their craft when the pressures to perform can become overwhelming. 

“One of the ways I fall in love with what I do is collaboration,” Coco said. “It brings inspiration when you collab with others, it bridges gaps.”

Coco explained that community is the crutch that upholds her musical success and fuel for creativity. She seeks inspiration through collaborating with different people, allowing herself to find new creative impulses she otherwise may not have discovered. 

“That’s what kept me going, was finding other people that had that fuel and fire and were inspired by music,” Coco said. 

Coco described her process of maintaining her love for what she does in the acronym CCYC, meaning collaborate, community, your why, and celebrate. Not only is it important for her to work with others and learn from them, but it is also essential to remember why she makes art in the first place as well as celebrate her accomplishments. 

“It’s important to do art for yourself even if it doesn’t appeal to everyone, there is someone out there that will enjoy it,” Coco said.

Zeta’s photography business, known as Shot by Zeta, focuses on portraiture and captures the beauty in the Northwest Arkansas community. Her passion for photography began with a love for taking photos on her own, and eventually developed into a professional career.

“The passion will not always be at 10,” Zeta said. “Just like all of the love in the world, it ebbs and flows.”

For both women, accepting the natural rhythm of inspiration is essential to maintaining the love they have for creating.

“Please go experience something new because the burnout is real,” Zeta said. ”It will take hold if you don’t prioritize taking care of yourself. Remember that all things gold don’t always shine.”

Zeta also emphasized the importance of community and building a life outside her art that is inspiring. Rather than taking away from a project, prioritizing relationships and time off can enhance it. 

“I never really felt like I fit in the community or felt mine, but looking around this room, I realize maybe I’m wrong,” Zeta said.

The unifying of both creators and people who appreciate local art is a driving goal for The Medium. Table Talks is one way that it is able to achieve this, but the business provides many other opportunities for local artists as well. Amber Perrodin, artist and community manager at The Medium, explained the intimacy created when artists and locals gather to eat a meal together and speak about their experiences is incomparable to traditional interview styles.

“The Medium is all about creating something real: a space where artists aren’t just creating but are truly seen, heard and supported,” said Perrodin. 

Community spaces such as The Medium bring together all kinds of creators, from musical artists and photographers to writers and painters. The force that connects the staff, the presenters, and the attendees is the genuine passion for the arts and the celebration of local talent. As Northwest Arkansas becomes a hot spot for rising artists and opportunities, these events help bolster these growing careers. 

“I feel like I’ve been hearing that this is a growing community for 20 years now, it never seems to stop growing,” Coco said. “What I love about it is that there’s so many opportunities, there’s so many people coming here from different places. I’m really grateful for that.”

Supporting local artists is important to the community economically but also helps shape the culture of our region. Perrodin explained that local artists are the storytellers of the community, putting life and experience into something tangible that can be shared and enjoyed by everyone. 

“We’re fueling a creative ecosystem that keeps our community alive, electric and undeniably ours,” Perrodin said. “Art is essential. Creative expression is essential, especially now. If we want a culture that thrives, we have to put our money, time, and voices behind it.”

Through its Creative Exchange fund, the Medium offers resources to bring a wide spectrum of ideas to life. Perrodin emphasized that as groundbreaking and fresh as an idea can get, it will be celebrated by the company. 

“The Medium’s mission is to be a radically inclusive space dedicated to removing barriers between creatives, their work, and their audiences by providing accessible studio, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition space,” Perrodin said. 

These spaces are crucial to nurturing the creative success and culture of the community. It is through celebrating and sharing art that people are able to see and understand each other. The next Table Talks event will be held March 5, highlighting Latinx Theater Project founding member Martin Garay and performance curator at the Momentary and Crystal Bridges, Cynthia Post Hunt. The event will be free and open to all interested and connecting to talent and creative insight from the Northwest Arkansas community.

The post Community and Creative Discovery: ‘Table Talks’ Event Shines Light on Local Artists appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Emma Bracken

As the spring semester begins, The University of Arkansas Union Sustainability Team is launching the second phase of its new sustainability initiatives. Across campus, these passionate students are finding ways to reshape our attitude toward sustainability on the U of A campus, creating a safer, healthier environment for fellow students and staff. 

Though sustainability initiatives have existed on campus in the past, the Union team’s goal is to educate people on how to take steps on their own and about what sustainability really means, especially in the context of our community. They share information with students largely through tabling information and with sustainability stations available on all floors of the Student Union. 

Joel Takow, a graduate student at the university and sustainability operations assistant at the Union Team, coordinates many of these projects and ensures space and encouragement for student involvement. 

“Some people think sustainability practices just involve placing waste in a recycle bin, but our concern is educating people on how to recycle materials properly and the importance of doing so,” Takow said. “We usually set up a table at the food court twice a week called our composting table, where we collect post-food waste with the primary focus on educating students on sustainability.”

Takow explained that having real, in-person exposure to information about sustainability and demonstrations on responsible recycling practices proved to be an effective part of the team’s initiative. Student life can be incredibly busy and sometimes overwhelming, leading students to prioritize convenience when it comes to food, fashion, and energy use. However, allowing students to have hands-on exposure and guidance in regard to sustainable practices allows them to feel comfortable making changes to their routines and lifestyles. 

Though these initiatives are in place and are being continually developed, some students may not realize the opportunities that exist on campus for them to get involved and take action themselves. Ella Fei Flesher, the Union team’s sustainability intern, described other avenues that the team has taken to provide sustainability resources to students.

“I am most excited about our sustainable events initiative in which we are providing a free consultation for anyone that books a room in the Union and chooses to opt-in to make their event as low-waste as possible,” Flesher said.

Though this organization is centered in the student Union, this new initiative will allow campus-wide events to be greener. Not only does the Union team offer consults, but will staff these events with volunteers to provide recycling and compost resources. According to Flesher, they have also introduced a Green Career Series, in which guest speakers in the sustainability job field can come speak with students and offer advice to those interested in going on a similar path. 

“There are so many ways we have made transparent to students how they can take steps to engage and make a difference in our campus and environment,” Takow said. “The very first step is to sign up on Hog Sync and Give Pulse where we always post information on sustainability activities and opportunities both in and out of campus and register to participate.”

Beyond just the Union Team, there are several organizations associated with the university and larger community for students to get involved in. Sustainability efforts require both mindful practices in everyday life and assembling to create greater change and widespread education. Flesher recommended Zero Hour Arkansas, Sustainable Fashion Club, and Students Advocating for the Environment (SAFE) as green student-led organizations to get involved in. 

“Volunteering is an actionable way to make a difference in your community and help organizations operate,” Flesher said. 

Takow and Flesher also recommended that students get involved with the Volunteer Action Center (VAC) and Razorback Food Recovery, which are campus organizations that are always looking for volunteers. These organizations target food insecurity on campus while promoting sustainable food resources. When trying to fight issues like pollution, it is necessary to understand how these issues plague parts of our community differently. 

“Pollution most negatively affects impoverished neighborhoods and communities of color,” Flesher said. “They are most at risk of being exposed to environmental hazards due to systemic racism and redlining.”

Sustainability is a complex issue, and the ways for students to do their part are varied and more complex than the standard recycling practices and lower plastic use they might be familiar with. Between all of the different organizations volunteer centers available to students, they can find a niche that they are passionate about and is a realistic part of their life to make more sustainable.

Sophia Prowting, an undergraduate architecture student, noted that despite the sustainability efforts, some aspects of campus could still use improvement. With overcrowded trash cans, constant construction plans and largely concrete structures, campus does not always feel the cleanest and most environmentally friendly. However, Prowting notes that green initiatives such as planting more trees or creating more public garden areas could offset this problem.

“In order to create a healthier and more sustainable campus, starting off small is a good initial step,” Prowting said. “But ultimately the goal should be a campus-wide initiative.” 

Takow also explored the ways that individual actions make an impact on our environmental future, but also the necessity of overall shifts in our campus culture and lifestyle practices.

“Consumption patterns need to shift,” Takow said. “Overconsumption, whether of energy, fast fashion or disposable goods is a root cause of many environmental issues. Living sustainably isn’t about following trends; it’s about ensuring the health of our planet for future generations. Shifting away from viewing sustainability as optional is critical.”

If the community can become educated and passionate about our environmental future, individual actions become collective and powerful. Takow explained that it’s not about perfection but consistent and mindful action. As the Union Sustainability Team works to provide information and actionable steps to students across campus, it is also in our hands to examine our own lifestyles through the lens of sustainability and take advantage of the many organizations and resources that the U of A has to offer.

The post Painting Campus Green: How Student Sustainability Efforts Can Transform the U of A’s Environment appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Ashton York

The new year means a new president, new goals and new habits. Setting New Year’s resolutions is a popular tradition across the U.S., and though many are focused on health and fitness, some have other goals they hope to achieve by the end of the year.

The New Year’s holiday has a complicated history, and it was not always celebrated on Jan. 1. Ancient Babylonians held their celebration at the beginning of spring, and Egyptians celebrated it in the summer. Jan. 1 was not New Year’s Day in the Western world until 1582, according to a journal by Sarah Montgomery and Erica Christie. 

The tradition of making new goals each year traces back nearly 4,000 years to the Babylonian festival of Akitu, where people would vow to pay off debts at the start of the Babylonian New Year, according to CNN and National Geographic.

Centuries later, the tradition came to Colonial America. American newspaper articles in the 1900s show New Year’s resolutions have not changed much over time, and they usually focus on self-improvement and swearing off bad habits.

Daphne West, a University of Arkansas graduate student, said her family has their own New Year’s tradition.

“Every year at New Year’s we make goals for ourselves and all the areas of our lives,” West said. “Then, at the end of the year, we share which things we achieved and which ones didn’t work out. It’s actually really fun and usually pretty hilarious because sometimes we aren’t anywhere close to achieving a goal.”

Nearly 60% of Americans made resolutions for 2025, according to a survey by Statista. Most of the surveyed resolutions involved saving money, eating healthier and exercising more. 

However, according to a 2024 Forbes Health/OnePoll survey, only 8% of respondents said their past resolutions lasted over a month. 

The second Friday in January is known as “Quitter’s Day” due to the sharp drop in fitness app activity by mid-January, according to Forbes. The initial burst of motivation to follow through with a resolution wears off, and the reality of forming difficult habits sets in. Without seeing immediate results, some give up on their goals when they begin to feel frustration and impatience.

There are a few reasons why resolutions may fail. The goals may be overly ambitious and lack a clear plan. The challenge of adapting to large, new habits can quickly become overwhelming, causing discouragement.

Vague resolutions such as “work out more” and “eat better” are also hard to achieve, as they do not set necessary steps to get closer to the goal. Smaller, more achievable steps such as “walk 10,000 steps each day” or “get 90 grams of protein every day” provide simpler milestones and provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going. These smaller goals are less overwhelming and allow one to slowly progress toward their bigger goals.

“It makes it less scary,” said JD Clements, a student at Northwest Arkansas Community College. “It makes it more friendly, in a way, where if you do this, it leads to this. Also, it gives me more ideas, like if I do this one thing, it leads to other goals I didn’t even think about.”

Clements said he tries not to put too much pressure on himself when he misses a day of his resolutions. Consistency and discipline are important to keep his resolutions at the beginning, he said.

Most of Clements’ resolutions involve his sleep patterns and activity levels. In 2024, his goal was to start going to bed at a decent time, and he carried that goal into 2025 despite the fact that it was not entirely successful last year. 

This year, he not only wants to get better sleep, but he also seeks to run more and continue losing the weight he started to lose in 2024.

“After a while, it becomes less about forcing yourself to do something,” Clements said, “and more ‘This gives me more benefits than staying up until 1 a.m.’”

His goals have been more enjoyable lately, as they provide dopamine and a sense of achievement, he said. 

“If you go super hard out of nowhere, you probably won’t stick to it,” Clements said. “When you’re running, sure, you got up the mountain. But now you have to go down the mountain. So keep that in mind when you’re running.”

Overall, the success of New Year’s resolutions is determined by celebrating small victories and adjusting one’s goals as needed. It is important to remain adaptable and disciplined, even if there are mistakes made early on. 

The new year allows new opportunities for growth, but it is also a chance to work on self-improvement and self-compassion.

The post The History of New Year’s Resolutions and How to Make Yours Stick appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Anna LeRoux 

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, consumers are flocking to large national retailers, drawn by deep discounts and flashy promotions. For small, local businesses, the surge in consumer spending presents both an opportunity and a challenge. 

While many shoppers are lured by the convenience and perceived savings offered by major chains, small businesses are struggling to maintain their profit margins, brand identities and customer loyalty during the busiest shopping period of the year.

The advent of Black Friday, followed by the Christmas shopping rush, has long been a critical time for both large and small businesses. However, the contrast between the two is becoming more obvious as e-commerce giants such as Amazon and big-box retailers like Walmart dominate with enormous discounts and advertising budgets. This raises an important question for small business owners: How can they compete with the scale and prices offered by major retailers without sacrificing what makes them unique?

During Black Friday and the lead-up to Christmas, consumers are increasingly expectant of large discounts. Major retailers often discount popular items up to 70%, making it difficult for local shops to keep pace with prices. 

According to the National Retail Federation, the average American consumer was expected to spend $902 between seasonal items and holiday gifts in 2023, with a significant portion going toward big-box stores and online outlets. While large retailers can afford to sell products at a loss for a short period, small businesses, often operating with slimmer margins, are forced to make tough decisions about pricing.

For local businesses, lowering prices to compete with the big players is not always an option. Unlike major retailers, small businesses may not benefit from bulk purchasing power or supply chain efficiencies that allow large chains to reduce their overhead costs. While they can offer unique products and personalized customer service, these advantages don’t always translate to immediate sales during high-volume shopping periods.

Despite the dominance of big retailers, there is a noticeable shift in consumer behavior between generations. Gen Z — individuals born between 1997 and 2012 — is increasingly seeking out locally sourced, thrifted, handmade and personalized gifts over mass-produced items. 

Kendal Nobrega, U of A sophomore Apparel Merchandising and Product Development student, is a participant in Gen-Z’s shift to thrifted gifts. “Thrifted gifts have so much more personality and thoughtfulness behind them,” Nobrega said. “My best friend and I have recently started only gifting each other second-hand items. We both find this so much more intentional and I always love to see what made her think of me.”

According to a 2023 survey from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), 50% of Gen Z respondents said they would be more likely to purchase gifts from small, local businesses during the holiday season compared to 25% of Baby Boomers. This generational difference highlights a growing trend that could offer small businesses an opportunity to stand out amid the large retail giants.

“I love going to flea markets for gifts because it feels so much more special finding something unique that fits the person,” said Delanie O’Dell, a U of A freshman. “I don’t have to worry that they’re going to get the same gift from someone else, and finding the gift in a small town flea market gives it a fun little backstory. It’s also more sustainable, which makes it even better.”

O’Dell’s sentiment is echoed by many Gen Z consumers who prioritize sustainability, uniqueness and the desire to support local economies. In a world that often values convenience over connection, this younger demographic is proving they are willing to go the extra mile for products that reflect their values, even if it means paying a higher price.

Annalise Robins, a U of A junior who is founder and president of the UARK Sustainable Fashion Club, emphasizes how thrifting plays into this trend. “I have been thrifting since childhood because it was how my family afforded most things,” she said. “As I got older, my friends wanted to join me thrifting. They wanted to save money and have unique pieces. Many of them were inspired by influencers like Emma Chamberlain, who, despite having money, prefers thrifting and antique stores in many cases.”

For small businesses, the ability to offer something unique, whether in the form of a handmade item or a carefully curated selection of products, is one of their greatest assets. Unlike larger retailers that may stock thousands of identical items, local stores have the flexibility to feature one-of-a-kind products that resonate with consumers looking for authenticity or a personal touch. This is especially true when it comes to gift-giving during the holiday season, a time when people want to express thoughtfulness and individuality.

Additionally, as more consumers become aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, the demand for sustainable, locally sourced products has risen. Many small businesses, particularly those that specialize in artisanal goods or vintage items, have embraced eco-friendly practices as a selling point. Maggie Paige, owner of Presley Paige in Fayetteville, Arkansas, curates a collection of many items that have a sustainable size and include recycled post-consumer materials.

Whether it’s upcycled materials, hand-crafted gifts or products made locally to reduce carbon footprints, these businesses have the opportunity to tap into a more responsible practice.

“Gen Z is also the most environmentally conscious generation. However, we do not have money” Robins said. “That is why myself and many of my friends will hunt antique shops, flea markets, and art/maker markets to find something affordable and often vintage.” 

As the holiday shopping season continues to be dominated by large retailers, small businesses must get creative if they hope to stay afloat. Offering exceptional customer service, creating memorable shopping experiences and building a strong community connection are all ways local shops can differentiate themselves.

In addition, many small businesses are turning to digital tools to reach a wider audience. E-commerce platforms, social media and email marketing campaigns allow small stores to advertise their products, connect with customers and even offer exclusive discounts during key shopping periods. In some cases, local businesses are collaborating with each other to offer combined promotions, encouraging consumers to shop local in exchange for a broader variety of inclusion with goods and services.

Robins, who is studying Apparel Merchandising and Product Development with a minor in Sustainability, also explained how thrifting is especially meaningful to her as a plus-size shopper. “Finding clothes at thrift, resale and antique stores is much easier and more affordable than buying new. There are very few retailers that I can walk in and walk out with something that will fit me.”

For small businesses, the holidays can be both a blessing and a burden. The surge in consumer spending can provide a much-needed boost to local economies, but the competition from massive retailers remains a challenge. As Gen Z continues to prioritize supporting small, sustainable and unique businesses, there is hope for a resurgence of locally driven commerce. 

However, the key for small business owners lies in finding ways to maintain their brand identity, offer quality products and create personalized shopping experiences that larger stores cannot replicate.

Ultimately, the future of small businesses during the holiday shopping season may not depend on who can offer the deepest discounts, but on who can offer the most meaningful connection to their customers. And in a generation increasingly looking for authenticity, that might just be the most valuable product.

The post ‘Tis the Sustainable Season: Gen Z’s Shopping Revolution appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Ashton York

In the heart of downtown Springdale, Coco Vasquez — known onstage as Pura Coco — sat on a brown couch in the back of a small recording studio built into an old shed. She crossed her arms, smiling while she talked about her passion for music.

Vasquez is an R&B artist who works with Love More Records, a locally-owned record label that started in 2022 in Northwest Arkansas. Her music is a blend of alternative R&B that leans into Latin culture and her southern upbringing, according to her Spotify page. Vasquez got started with Love More Records when her friend Raquel Thompson invited her onto the team. 

Raquel is a local DJ and wanted to create an artist-friendly, independent record label. She started Love More Records in 2022 to provide local artists with a label that would pay fairly and give back to the musicians.

Greg “G.T.” Thompson, Raquel’s father, encouraged his daughter to follow her dream of creating the local business. He said the name of the label “means exactly what it says.”

“We’ve always wanted to put a little bit of that energy out into the universe,” Greg said. “Love a little bit more, man. Just be more present with people, conscious of people.”

Greg also said Love More Records specifically partners with artists who carry a similar energy and goal, whether it be onstage or in everyday interactions with other people. He also said he believes most other record labels are outdated in terms of how much they take from their artists.

“It doesn’t cost as much nowadays to make a record as it did 20 years ago,” Greg said. “You couldn’t do it from your bedroom or your home. Now that’s changed, and some artists can make music by themselves without having a room full of musicians. Not as much money needs to be taken out of the artist’s pocket because it doesn’t require as much to make.”

 Love More Records’ main mission is to create a new standard in the music industry to uplift artists and hold record labels accountable for giving their artists the right kind of support. According to the Love More Records website, the business seeks to work collaboratively with artists to reach their career goals and avoid imposing restrictive decisions on them while also fostering a sense of community.

Jeremiah Pickett, known as BAANG, is another hip-hop artist who works with Love More Records. The acronym “BAANG” stands for Believe, Aspire, Achieve, Now Go — which perfectly reflects the energy he brings to the stage.

According to the BAANG Spotify page, he has a dynamic stage presence and an effortless ability to control the crowd. He is passionate about finding and highlighting local talent in his annual mini-festival called BAANG & The Gang.

“A lot of times, this area specifically caters toward already-established artists,” Pickett said. “I desire a world where a person who is just now starting to make music today can have a path to start and deal with this career from right here without having to move away.”

Pickett said he thinks music is about expression, creation and showing people how to feel. Much of his music is made of real stories and experiences he has seen. He also said that Love More Records provides a good foundation to connect with others who feel the same way.

“(We’ve) got a bunch of dedicated and passionate team members who are willing to work hard and figure stuff out,” Pickett said. “It’s cool being a part of an organization that you don’t have to worry if they’re being honest – if they’re going to do right by you. They’re genuine people.”

The label also cultivates growth for the entire local music community, welcoming outside musicians into the studio for jam sessions and networking opportunities. Love More Records partners with the Music Education Initiative, a Northwest Arkansas nonprofit organization that hosts artist workshops and trains people to work with stage production and technology.

Around October, Love More Records opened a new studio in Springdale, and there are several upcoming events scheduled to take place in the homey, instrument-filled space. There will be a grand opening welcome party before the end of 2024, and it will be open to the public.

“I feel like it’s another family,” Vasquez said. “Of course, it is still business, but I love having that support system, and I love being able to support them. I like where we’re at. I’m really grateful for it.”

The post Love More, Grow More: The Local Record Label Redefining the Music Industry in NWA appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Alexandra Solberg

Travel the world within 10 minutes of Fayetteville by stepping into French Metro Antiques, a local treasure trove of French history and culture. Nestled in the heart of our community, French Metro Antiques has been a beacon of elegance and history for two decades. The store’s journey began with Renée and Terry Hunt, a couple united by their shared passion for French culture and antiques. Renée, a former high school French teacher with a Master’s degree in French language and literature from the University of Arkansas, and Terry, a stockbroker with dual degrees in business management and fine arts, combined their expertise and love for France to create a unique antique shopping experience. This exceptional antique store is a testament to their shared passion for all things French. 

For over 40 years, the Hunts have traveled to France, immersing themselves in its rich history and culture. Their deep connection to the country is evident not only in their extensive collection but also in their family’s involvement. Their four sons, all fluent in French and with experiences living, studying or working in France, have grown up surrounded by French antiques. Today, sons Harrison and Cam, both University of Arkansas graduates with degrees in French, work full time at French Metro, continuing the family tradition.

French Metro Antiques offers a diverse array of pieces, spanning from the 17th century to the mid-20th century. Whether you are looking for formal buffets, rustic farm tables or mid-century modern coffee tables, the store has something to suit every taste. The collection includes furnishings, decorative objects, lighting, mirrors and oil paintings, all carefully selected by the Hunts during their trips to France.

Authenticity is paramount at French Metro. The Hunts distinguish between period pieces, created during the reign of specific French kings, and later reproductions made in the style of those periods.

“The age of a piece cannot be determined by its features alone since during the 19th century there was a resurgence in popularity of all styles” Renee said. 

Period pieces reflect the unique styles developed by individual kings and crafted by French cabinet makers of the time. Even pieces created a century later in the style of a former king are considered antiques, meaning they are at least 100 years old.

When it comes to assessing the authenticity of their items, the Hunts are meticulous. “Period pieces refer to furnishings made during the reign of a particular French king,” Renée said. “Each king developed his own personal style, and the cabinet makers in France would create furnishings in that style during the period of the king’s reign. However, not all antique pieces are period pieces; some were created in the style of those periods but made later.” It is rare to come across a piece that is specifically dated to the year it was made. 

Renée leads a team on trips to France two to three times a year to acquire fine antique French furniture, art and accessories. “Variety is key at French Metro,” Renée said. 

French Metro currently has a unique box with an original hand-forged lock and key with a hand-carved year of 1732. The Hunts explain that “when we do come across a dated piece, it usually was to commemorate a special date such as the year someone got married.” 

George Walker, a frequent visitor of French Metro Antiques, said, “Walking around the shop is like being engulfed in historical furnishings.” He explained that he and his wife love to “pop in and pretend they are roaming one of France’s many antique stores.” 

French Metro Antiques also organizes customer appreciation events. These can range from special book signings to anniversary events and even special pastry tastings. When passing by, one can only help but notice the beautiful floral garden in front of the shop. This is a tradition for the owners to “plant 2000 tulips every year in front of our shop, and we display ever-changing vignettes in our large window facing Dickson Street,” Renee explained.

Starting your own antique collection can be overwhelming when first starting out. “Antiques never really go out of style since tastes are cyclical and subjective,” Renee said. “When you buy something you are drawn to, it becomes a part of your own history, your own story to tell.”

At French Metro Antiques, every item tells a story, offering a glimpse into the past and a touch of timeless elegance for your home. “We are fortunate to be able to hear each story in France and pass that on to our clients,” Renee said. Visit French Metro Antiques to explore their exquisite collection and bring a piece of French history into your life.

The post Passport to France: In Fayetteville appeared first on Hill Magazine.