Hi everyone. Welcome or welcome back to another week of “In the key of E.” For those who are new, my name is Elyse and I’m the news editor here at The Spectator, as well as a third-year senior studying journalism at UW-Eau Claire. This is a journal entry-esque column I write every week.
Weekly recap
This week was definitely a busy one in terms of classes. I conducted a couple of interviews for an assignment, one over video call and one at a coffee shop. I’m not complaining though. I’ll use any excuse to get a matcha.
I also had a couple of essays due in some of my classes. Being a student whose major centers around writing, most of my homework reflects that. I do (unfortunately) also have the occasional test.
Blugold Radio Monday went well once again. My co-host Cora and I are definitely getting into a rhythm where we don’t have to stop and restart recording for our podcast “Girl’s Guide to College.” We also had my friend Elise on as a guest, which was fun.
The Spectator was more chaotic than normal. It was a print week, so following our staff meeting, we had to do layout. It was also election night, so every couple of minutes I was searching up the live polls. As if the universe knew I needed it, I actually got done with layout at a calm 11:45 p.m. It might be the first time I’ve left the computer lab before the clock struck midnight.
This weekend I went home (yes, again) and I saw my alma mater’s annual fall musical. Being a recovered (not really) theater kid, I love going to see shows. This year they did “Les Misérables.” The cast was only thirty-something kids, so I was curious to see how it would turn out. Each member of the cast played multiple roles. In the end, the show was great.
From me to you
Last week was the presidential election. I’m not going to dwell on this topic, but I’ll say the results weren’t what I was hoping for. It was my first time voting in a presidential election, and so it felt like I had a lot more riding on this one.
Tears were shed, words of affirmation were exchanged with friends and my mom had to give me one too many hugs while I was home for the weekend. But I keep telling people (and myself) that we have each other. And for that reason, we will be okay.
One of the things my friends and I talked about on this week’s episode of “Girl’s Guide to College” was how to take care of yourself following the election. I think it might be beneficial if I reiterate those points here.
To start off, if you, too, are upset, just know that your feelings are valid. I do think it’s safe to say that the beliefs and policies of the two candidates are pretty opposite from one another. That being said, some of the beliefs, particularly those pertaining to people, their choices, and their self-expression of the chosen presidential elect are scary. If you disagree, that’s okay.
Second, I want you to know that you are allowed to do what you feel is best to take care of yourself. It is okay to be upset with people, especially when it comes to the human rights aspect of it all. When someone votes against your rights, you get to be mad and distance yourself.
Lastly, please know that you’re not alone. There are other people out there feeling the same things. Talk through feelings, distract yourself in healthy ways, lean on the people close to you and seek additional help if needed.
I should say, to the people who are happy with the results of the election, please respect others. This is everyone’s first time being alive, and we all have a different story. Do what you can, based on the views of the chosen candidate, put yourself in the shoes of those who will be affected negatively by his policies and beliefs.
To reiterate, please know we will be okay. Four years, though long, is nothing compared to a lifetime.
Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.
Reading: “My Life With Words” by Barbara F. Luebke, “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert and “City of Ashes” by Cassandra Clare.
Last week I made it known that I’m finally almost done with “Eat, Pray, Love.” Have I since finished it? No.
Eating: This is a drink, but peppermint tea.
I just tried peppermint tea for the first time and it was good. I put milk and honey in it, which according to my roommate, is a sin. I refuse to drink tea without at least a little bit of honey, but I do think I’ll pass on adding the milk next time.
Playing: “Evol” by Adrianne Lenker, “Like Him” by Tyler, The Creator feat. Lola Young, “WILDFLOWER” by Billie Eilish and “Lotus Eater” by FINNEAS.
The only one of these I want to talk about is “Evol.” I love Adrianna Lenker, but up until last week I had never heard this song in particular. Now, I have no idea how I went so long without it.
Obsessing: The (results of the) election.
This is the same thing I said last week. The feeling is just a little different now.
Recommending: Surround yourself with people who care about you.
I felt really connected to a lot of people this past week, my friends at school and my mom to be specific. Even if it was the result of something bad that happened, it was nice to be around people who understood what I was (and still am) feeling.
Treating: Stress baking.
Today I baked maple sugar cookies. I used to bake all of the time when I was younger. What once was a frequent hobby is now something I really only do when I need a good distraction. But the cookies turned out pretty good, so a win is a win.
That’s it for this week, thank you for being here. Sending love to everyone reading.
-E.
Braun can be reached at [email protected].
