Nichole Shaw

Nichole Shaw is a junior at the University of Iowa double majoring in journalism and English on the publishing track. She is the president of Ed on Campus, the editor-in-chief of VERVE Magazine, the junior creative lead of Off-Kilter Magazine, a contributing writer for Fools Magazine, and an interning communications manager at Quill and Scroll (an international honor society for high school journalists).

An American-made dream: Lana Del Rey’s Norman F*cking Rockwell!

Let’s go on a psychedelic trip through the soothing scores of an introspective falsetto, floating to the ceiling where we’ll ultimately burst into a descension of glitter. Packed in like sardines, a vibration of anxiety and excitement takes over the room. A girl passes out up front. Another one is held back by her boyfriend … Read moreAn American-made dream: Lana Del Rey’s Norman F*cking Rockwell!

Feeling like a stranger in your own land: the food edition

They just want to nourish themselves—perhaps with some comfort food if they’re feeling particularly selfish that day. They’d like food that’s inherent to their culture without it being fetishized on social media when they grew up with people making fun of their food and their culture, calling them unsanitary and weird because of how inherent … Read moreFeeling like a stranger in your own land: the food edition

Feeling like a stranger in one’s own home: Being Black

An African student at the University of Iowa cut all of her hair off, because nobody could braid her natural hair. A black freshman relies on her mom to drive eight hours round-trip in order to get her hair done. A mixed, queer fourth-year shoves his earphones so far down his auditory canal it rattles … Read moreFeeling like a stranger in one’s own home: Being Black

Shows to watch during a busy spring semester

The spring semester has commenced and that means students are back on that college grind. As I’m writing this, cocooned in the comforts of my plush blanket with candles burning, I’m already trying to run away from the immense stress and lack of sleep I’ve already been subjected to in these first two weeks. Will … Read moreShows to watch during a busy spring semester

Black Hair Culture is Different. Ask About It.

As a woman of mixed color, I have been subjected to countless instances of fetishization, ogling and ostracization that have made me feel marginalized and uncomfortable in public spaces. In college, I have learned to grow as a person and embrace my cultural differences from the predominate white society that rules in the United States. … Read moreBlack Hair Culture is Different. Ask About It.

How can we have meaningful, progressive conversations on social media?

We’ve all seen those politically charged posts on Facebook where the comments section is nothing but a brutal, unforgiving fight where no one really wins. I even experienced this when various people commented on my column for The Daily Iowan, arguing in the comments section and posting baseless statements for their perspectives. This single column racked … Read moreHow can we have meaningful, progressive conversations on social media?

More than a Mask: Makeup to Empower and Express

Twitter has taken to countless posts of men claiming women don’t need to wear makeup for their boyfriends or when they go out because their natural beauty is enough. I believe natural beauty is better than caking makeup on your face… — Ronnie Banks (@iamronniebanks) November 27, 2012 Fuck that. I know, I know. These … Read moreMore than a Mask: Makeup to Empower and Express

5 Drugstore Lipstick Dupes Every College Girl Needs

You know that feeling when you get to the end of your favorite luxe lipstick and your heart falls out your ass? Us college girls spend so much money on the cosmetics—whether that be from your basic foundation you rock in Monday afternoon lectures or a sexy sheer gloss that you let loose in your favorite … Read more5 Drugstore Lipstick Dupes Every College Girl Needs

Spreading Good Cheer: 6 Reasons Why the Holiday Season Deserves More than 25 Days

We’re all familiar with the classic debate about whether or not it is acceptable to start getting in the Christmas spirit before Thanksgiving has even happened. Don’t get me wrong– Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday, deserving of its own recognition (partially because of the amazing layout of never-ending food). I also have come to the … Read moreSpreading Good Cheer: 6 Reasons Why the Holiday Season Deserves More than 25 Days