The Power of 1%

By: Harper Sweeney

We, as humans, are much more similar to money than we think. As money can grow exponentially when interest is compounded, our personal growth can grow exponentially with consistency and dedication. Just how minor, financial investments yield greater returns over time, our small, simple actions also yield greater personal growth over time. Pushing yourself to become 1% better daily is the key to success, reiterated in James Clear's self-help book, Atomic Habits. When you improve each day by 1%, compared to when you wake up that morning, you are actively working to become a better version of yourself every day. 


Even since I read this book, I have strived to upgrade myself daily. James Clear emphasizes the fact that your habits determine your life. He structures his book around four critical laws to see behavior change: make your habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. Focusing on small, manageable changes to become the type of person you aspire to be– rather than fixating on long-term immense goals– can effectively transform your habits, which will, in turn, transform your life.


When you dedicate yourself to becoming 1% better each day, these incremental changes become easier to implement again tomorrow. Because minuscule changes are less intense than dramatic changes, it is easier to sustain these improvements. 


The 1% theory applies to every aspect of our lives. If we want to achieve a goal we set for ourselves, it is illogical to expect to go from no experience to expertise overnight. For example, an entrepreneur cannot convert from having no experience to becoming the CEO of a profitable company within a month. This requires a lot of time, work, precision, and effort. Entrepreneurs are more likely to succeed if they start by focusing on incremental steps rather than large, dramatic changes. Another example is if you desire to conquer a physical goal; say you want to lose weight. Losing weight is not a process that occurs overnight, rather it is the result of accumulated consistent habits. Sustainable weight loss takes time. There are steps you have to take to get to where you want to go. You will need to break down large goals into smaller, actionable steps.

Expertise in a subject requires consistency, resilience, and discipline. Discipline is the most important attribute. Motivation is temporary while discipline is forever. There are going to be days when you want to stay in your comfort zone, and of course, setbacks are unavoidable. Yet, setbacks are imperative to move forward. You have to be patient with the process. Once you see progress, you’re never going to want to go back to square one. 


Is there something that you want to work towards? Whether it is a physical goal (improving your fitness), a mental goal (managing stress), or maybe a spiritual goal, (practicing prayer), identifying a precise goal is the first step. Formulate an action plan composed of small, manageable habits to work towards the ultimate goal. As James Clear emphasizes: make the habit easy, attractive, obvious, and satisfying. To make the habit easy: simplify the process. To make it attractive: pair the habit with a positive reward. To make the habit obvious: find ways to remind yourself. To make the habit satisfying: ensure immediate gratification. Remember, the journey is always more important than the destination. If you take that first step today, your future self is going to thank you.


Dress for Success: Corporate Style Icons on Screen

By: Brigid Murray

Nailing the perfect business professional look can set the tone for your confidence, capability, and overall sophistication at work. Although, dressing for a corporate setting doesn’t have to mean sacrificing personal style. Television has given us a lineup of unforgettable fashion icons who blend professionalism with personal style. When planning your outfit for your next interview, networking event or internship, look to these iconic characters from television for professional style inspiration.

  1. Rachel Green

Kicking off the list with an all-time fashion icon, the Friends’ fashionista wardrobe is straight out of a dream. Whether she was working as a waitress at Central Perk or an executive for Ralph Lauren, Rachel always dressed for success. Often donning skirts, boots, and leather, Rachel’s take on the corporate look always reflected her trendy, girly, and effortlessly cool style. 

2. Miranda Hobbes

Carrie Bradshaw is often esteemed as the style icon of Sex and the City, but Carrie’s friends are no less chic. Miranda Hobbes’ practical style is perfect for the pragmatic lawyer. Miranda always serves professional, put-together looks understated enough for her fiery red hair and no-nonsense prerogative shine through.


3. Samantha Jones

Samantha Jones’ confidence is something we should all aspire to, as well as her style. The owner of her own PR company, her work style is just as bold and glamorous as she is. Samantha never strays from bright colors and loves a matching suit. She never compromises her identity for anyone and her workwear is no exception.


4. Lorelai Gilmore

Lorelai Gilmore is such an underrated business woman from TV. The single mom went from working as a maid to owning and managing her inn. Even in a suit, Lorelai's energetic personality shines through with girly touches like headbands and rich colors. In harmony with the show’s cozy vibe, the Gilmore girl loves a turtleneck and her trusty leather jacket. Every look is not complete without a cup of coffee from Luke’s.


5. Blair Waldorf

Blair’s preppy, conservative style lends itself to a professional wardrobe. While Blair’s outfits tend to lean more glam than practical, there is still a lot to learn from the TV icon’s style, particularly how to accessorize. Even in her Constance school uniform, Blair always stands out. If you’re wondering how to rock a headband, string of pearls, or a statement coat, look no further than Queen B.








Top 5 Fall Movies to Watch

By Lydia Haddad

As the weather gets cooler, I often find myself watching lots of movies. I am always on the lookout for a good movie especially ones that bring nostalgia or a feeling of fall. There are so many different genres of movies that have these kinds of feelings. Watching movies is a greatway to take a break from studying and spend time with friends. So grab a mug of hot chocolate and some fun snacks and have a watch party!

Horror movie: The Shining

My favorite horror movie is The Shining. Back in the day when it first came out, it was probably very creepy and scary. Watching it now, I find it a little silly and quite entertaining to watch. The insanity spiral that the main character Johnny has represents the intensity of cabin fever and wanting to get out. Most people are familiar with the twin girls from this movie who walk out ofan elevator covered in blood. It is a popular Halloween costume too!

Romance: When Harry Met Sally

This is one of my favorite rom coms! I love the friends to lovers arc and how much the characters cared for each other over time. Friendship is such a powerful thing and can create so many connections between people. The movie leaves a warm feeling in your chest every time. There are many iconic moments from this that may be familiar to some from clips on the internet. The clothing and set design fit the fall vibe and aesthetic very well and makes me excited for sweater weather!

Comedy: Hocus Pocus

A classic witch story with so much to laugh about. I find myself watching this movie over and over since every time I watch it, I find something new. The Sanderson Sisters are very silly and portray sibling relationships very well. All the characters are very witty and allow for a wonderful watch that will keep you laughing. If you enjoy the first one, you can meet theSanderson Sisters again in Hocus Pocus 2.

Sci-fi: Twilight saga

This was a recent watch for me, and I loved it. The movies are so bad they are good. These were very popular in the 2010s and are known for their cringe factor. I enjoyed the aspect of the supernatural and all the different skills and talents each species can have. This has sparked a trend for stories of the supernatural in movies and books. The story gets very crazy and odd past the original trilogy so be warned if you haven’t seen them yet. Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Classic: Ghostbusters

A hard-hitting classic that never fails to bring the feeling of spooky season. If you like ghosts and great music, then this is the movie for you. This movie is clearly from the 80s based on the music, the clothes, and the vibes. Overall, it is a great feel-good movie and highly recommend the watch to get into the feeling of fall and the Halloween spirit.

I hope you all take the time to relax and carve out some time for yourself that is not related to schoolwork or other responsibilities. Movie watching is a great way to unwind from the stresses of life. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

F.E.A.R

By: Rebecca Riggs

False Evidence Appearing Real. Everyone has had some overwhelming fear, recurring nightmare, or made up illusion come to life in the darkness of their closet in what was once their safe space. How does one get over their fears? Growing up, knowing monsters weren’t real but still feeling your stomach drop at the slightest creak of a door, thump on the porch, or flickering light, didn’t stop the uneasiness. Sitting in bed paying even closer attention to sounds than before is what made it even worse. Maybe we like the thrill of the unknown? Why do we convince ourselves there’s something there when there isn’t? 


In 6th grade I was terrified of the girl from The Ring, you know, the creepy one in the white dress with the black hair covering her face. I had never even seen the movie, she just started appearing in my dreams. A popular saying, “face your fears” is easier said than done. I didn’t believe that going at it full force would do anything. But, upon being forced in my ELA class to write a scary story to be published in a book in Rhode Island, I took that as my opportunity to see if I could get rid of this nasty dream. It worked! Completely went away somehow, crazy right?

Sometimes your fears aren’t as bad as you might think they are. People get so caught up in the idea that they’re afraid of something that it isn’t even one to be afraid of. Last year, I watched a documentary in my Statistics class on the effects of a placebo, a sugar pill that was given to individuals who had an overwhelming fear of something in particular that often affected how they lived their lives. A placebo is a treatment that appears to be a drug but doesn’t contain any active ingredients. This was given to them and they were told it was proven to help cure their fear. These individuals took the sugar pill (placebo) for an extended amount of time, and throughout the weeks would purposely encounter their fears in some way to test if it was working or not. It did, these people were less afraid on the placebo because of the ideology that the pill they were taking actually was curing their anxiety for this specific thing they were trying to overcome. Once told in the end that it was a fake, they found that they had been worrying about nothing all along. So maybe it is all in our heads.  

Now I’m not saying all fears are fake, unrealistic, and foolish but maybe reconsider if it is worth all the anxiety and stress. I’ll admit I’m terrified of worms and I don’t think I could ever get over that, but maybe some other things you may overcome like a fear of heights for example. 


As a member of Isenberg here at Umass, we are expected to develop the social skills that are crucial for networking, presenting, and just communicating along with everyone else. I know social anxiety can be a real issue. But is it as bad as you think? People aren’t judging you like you may believe, we are all just as nervous as everyone else. Recruiters know it is expected that students will be nervous, we want to perform the best we can, but stop. Take a deep breath, know everything is going to be alright. No monsters are going to get you, you’re worrying for nothing. Whatever happens, happens, you will succeed and just knowing you did your best should be enough. 


We all have different types of fears but we shouldn’t let it stop us from achieving our goals and striving for success. Just like those who got over their extreme fear of heights from a placebo, just like how I overcame my fear of that creepy girl just from writing a poem about it, you don’t have to let your fears consume you. Hey! We literally have Halloween to celebrate it because it’s not that bad really, it’s mostly in your head.   


Fall Festivities: Local Gems to Explore this Season

By: Natalia Voloshchak

As fall arrives and the trees become vibrant with color every year I get excited to pull out my collection of cozy sweaters and cuddle up on the couch with a hot cup of tea, a burning candle, and a good movie. As much as I love those relaxing days indoors, fall is also the perfect time to get outside and enjoy everything this season has to offer. Living off campus this semester in Sunderland, Massachusetts I have had fun exploring the area and all the wonderful things that it has to offer. Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure, a cozy day indoors, or a scenic spot to take in autumn's beauty, there’s so much to be discovered here in Western Mass. So grab your favorite sweater and let's dive into some of the best local spots for this fall season! 


Mike's Maze – Sunderland, Massachusetts

The perfect place to free your inner child, Mike's Maze is an award-winning corn maze located in the heart of Sunderland, Massachusetts. Each year, the elaborate maze is designed to reflect a new theme, this year’s being “Join the Circus”. As you navigate the maze you are met with interactive games and fun circus trivia. When you're done with the maze there is plenty more to enjoy including playgrounds, petting zoos, potato cannons, and my personal favorite the jump pad. After a day of adventure, you can have a snack at the Corn Cafe, where you can enjoy everything from hotdogs and hamburgers to donuts and kettle corn.


Yankee Candle Village – South Deerfield, Massachusetts 

What screams fall more than lighting up a cozy candle? The very first Yankee Candle store is located right here in Western Massachusetts. The Yankee Candle Village goes beyond just a candle shop. I have visited twice this fall and still have yet to explore all that it has to offer. With stunning displays for holidays like Halloween and Christmas and walls lined with candles, you can spend hours discovering a variety of delightful scents. Plus, you can even create your own custom candle! 


Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation – Deerfield, Massachusetts

My favorite off-campus spot to go for a walk and take in the beauty of nature and the fall foliage is Mount Sugarloaf. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike up the mountain along its many hiking trails and discover some hidden viewpoints along the way. For a more relaxed experience, you can also drive to the summit to enjoy breathtaking views and see all the fall foliage from above! At the top of the mountain, you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area including stunning views of the Connecticut River valley and you can even spot UMass Amherst! The top of the mountain also has a wonderful picnic area, making it the perfect spot for a fall picnic.


Explore some of the 5 Colleges! 

One of the great perks of being a UMass student is access to the Five College Consortium, which allows access to a broader range of facilities and academic resources. The Consortium includes Amherst, Hampshire, Smith, Mt Holyoke, and of course, UMass Amherst. I love exploring other campuses and seeing what each has to offer. So far, I have gotten the chance to visit Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Amherst, all of which have stunning campuses, great facilities, and beautiful libraries. Take some time to explore these colleges, and their surrounding towns as well!


Demented FX Haunted House – Holyoke, Massachusetts

Amid October, Halloween is a holiday that I always look forward to. If you’re like me and enjoy the spooky season and horror movies, you won’t want to miss the Demented FX Haunted House for a thrilling Halloween experience. This 20,000-square-foot haunted house is sure to send chills down your spine. With immersive scenes that make you feel like you’re in a horror movie, you'll encounter all sorts of monsters, high-quality sets, and incredible props. This place is definitely at the top of my Halloween bucket list.


Magic Wings Butterfly Garden – Deerfield, Massachusetts

Once the leaves have fallen and the cold fall air settles in, you might find yourself missing the lush warm feelings of summer. In that case, take a visit to the Magic Wings Butterfly Garden. This zoology museum features a variety of cool animals ranging from lizards and frogs to butterflies and birds. The conservatory is home to 4,000 different exotic butterfly species and will make you feel like you are stepping into a lively, tropical jungle.


Orchards and Farm Stands 

One of the many wonderful things about going to school in agriculturally rich Western Mass is the abundance of farms and orchards with fresh, locally grown produce. As a kid, one of my favorite fall activities was going to an orchard to go apple picking or finding the perfect pumpkin to turn into a jack-o-lantern. Western Mass has many amazing farms where you can do just that. Smiarowski Farmstand and Creamery, J & J Farms, Kielbasa Orchards, and McCray’s Country Creamery to name a few are all great local farms where you can get your favorite delicious in-season produce.

As you settle into the fall weather, take the time to get off campus and explore all that Western Massachusetts has to offer! Whether it's taking a day trip to the Yankee Candle Village or enjoying a sunset picnic atop Mount Sugarloaf, taking time for yourself or having fun with friends this fall season is essential in making the most of your fall semester!