What I Listen To

 9:15 AM - Walking to Shemin Auditorium for my first class

Heartlocket - Elusin (Synfuels). Source: Spotify.

This song has been played every morning for the last month or so, whether I'm eating breakfast with a friend or walking to class in the snow. As someone frequently prone to anxiety attacks, find that its soft melody and sweet lyrics allow me to think more calmly about the rest of my day, and it brings an overall sense of peace ro me even when I know I have a mountain of work ahead.

10:35 AM - Walking to my shift at work

Cemetary Drive - My Chemical Romance (Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge). Source: Spotify.

This band has been a favorite ever since I was in middle school, and in the wake of turning 20 and entering a new decade of my life, I have recently found myself listening to the same music I did when I was a tween. The album this song is part of is also one of my go-tos whenever I karaoke with my friends, and I have fond memories associated with it.

1:50 PM - Walking back to Shemin Auditorium for my second class

True Religion - Shygirl, Isabella Lovestory, PinkPantheress (True Religion). Source: Spotify.

One of my most listened-to artists, PinkPantheress, collaborated with others on this song. My walks to and from different locations on campus are often the best times for me to listen to new music, and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole EP. Her music tends to be very girly, playful, and sweet, and this song was no exception.

3:40 PM - Walking to my dorm after class

ALL BLACK EVERYTHING - Flesh Clink (ALL BLACK EVERYTHING). Source: Spotify.

I discovered this band via an Instagram reel ad they created promoting their new music, and I immediately fell in love with this song. Most of the music I listen to I find in randomized Spotify recommendations or in the comments of YouTube videos, but this was a welcome change, and since then, I have discovered even more small bands/artists on there that deserve greater recognition.

6:30 - Walking to the gym with my friends

Heavn - Divine Intentions, sai nara. Source: Spotify.

Spotify's AI-generated 'daylists' tend to recommend music I already listen to, which can be somewhat frustrating when I eventually get bored of all of my playlists. This song, however, has been played repeatedly during my walks to class since the semester began. I find the contrast between the soft, almost tired vocals with the drums and bass soothing to listen to once the sun sets and the air gets even colder.

The concept of selfies with a social conscious

Selfies are often criticized for being (as the word would imply) self-centered and symbolic of vanity, and while this may be true in certain situations, 'selfies with a social conscious' implies a reflection of oneself that has a greater meaning or purpose than merely its subject. For example, the screenshots above, although not what one typically thinks of when asked to describe a selfie, are nonetheless a representation of a person (me). These 5 songs make up and influence my memories and emotions, and as someone who loves music and rarely goes anywhere without her headphones on, I find no better depiction of my personality, values, aesthetics, and beliefs than the music I listen to. That being said, selfies can likewise be used to uphold strong messages about justice, empowerment, and politics, becoming more than just a personal snapshot when they're imbued with a message that reflects broader social issues. Photos featuring ourselves can illustrate solidarity, amplify voices, and foster collective action. These selfies are not just about the person in the frame but also about the causes they represent. They humanize abstract issues, making them relatable and visually impactful, but in doing so we must also be careful so as not to come off as fake and performative, as this can do more harm than good and reduce the perceived importance of particular movement or cause. Other representations of people that don't directly include any imagery of themselves include documents such as resumes, as these showcase the skills and capabilities individuals have.