January Aquarius vs. February Aquarius

Aquarius, the eleventh sign of the zodiac, is known for its innovative and humanitarian

qualities. People born under this sign, irrespective of the month, share common traits

associated with their astrological sign. However, as we delve deeper into astrology, we find

that there are subtle differences between individuals born in January and those born in

February under the Aquarius sun. In this article, we'll explore the unique characteristics that

distinguish January Aquarians from their February counterparts.

January Aquarius (January 20 - January 31):

Capricorn Cusp Influence:

Individuals born in the first part of January fall under the Capricorn-Aquarius cusp. This brings an added layer of discipline and practicality to their personality. They may display a strong work ethic and a determination to achieve their goals. These Aquarians may also exhibit a more grounded approach to life compared to their February counterparts.

Reserved Nature:

January Aquarians can sometimes appear reserved or introverted. They might take their time to open up to others, preferring deep and meaningful connections over superficial interactions. This reserved demeanor doesn't necessarily mean they lack social skills; rather, they value quality over quantity in their relationships.

Ambitious Traits:

With the influence of the Capricorn energy, January Aquarians may possess ambitious and goal-oriented characteristics. They are likely to set high standards for themselves and strive for success in their endeavors, whether in their careers or personal lives.

February Aquarius (February 1 - February 18):

Pisces Cusp Influence:

Those born in February belong to the Aquarius-Pisces cusp, bringing a blend of

Aquarian innovation and Pisces sensitivity. This combination may infuse them with a

heightened sense of empathy and compassion, making them more attuned to the

emotions of others.

Open-Minded and Imaginative:

February Aquarians tend to be more open-minded and imaginative. Their creative

and innovative thinking may manifest in various aspects of their lives, from

problem-solving to artistic pursuits. They are likely to embrace unconventional ideas

and enjoy exploring new things.

Intuitive and Empathetic:

The influence of Pisces often enhances the empathetic side of February Aquarians. They

may be more in tune with their emotions and the feelings of those around them, making

them excellent listeners and supportive friends. Their intuition may guide them in

understanding people on a deeper level.

While both January and February Aquarians share the fundamental traits of their zodiac

sign, the subtle influences from adjacent zodiac signs create distinctions in their

personalities. January Aquarians, influenced by the Capricorn cusp, may display a more

reserved and ambitious nature. On the other hand, February Aquarians, under the influence

of the Pisces cusp, are likely to be more open-minded, imaginative, and empathetic.

Written by Amele Brown

Photography by Abigail Veruca

CD/PM: Sophia Querrazzi

PA: Mark Bluemle, Kindra Kirsch

MUA: Kindra Kirsch

Talent: Jack Oesterle, Sophia Querrazzi

21 Years Young: 21 Things I Learned Before Turning 21

It was early 2020 when the idea for this article came to mind, trapped in the quaintness of a New England colonial during a global pandemic. Glued to the full-sized bed of my childhood bedroom, learning what Zoom is and the meaning of the word “asynchronous.” Fast forward to 2021, I start my freshman year of college at Pace University. Small town boy moves to New York City, a dream of mine since 12. I was 18, living in a college dorm on the corner of Broadway and John studying Communication and Media Studies, Arts and Entertainment, and Photography. Ecstatic and scared out of my mind, the lawless 212 was my five-star Nobu oyster. I was where I belonged… finally. Mind you, I didn’t know what a MetroCard was or the first thing to NYC public transportation (but ask me now though, I know it like the back of my hand). At 20 years and 360 days old, I spend my time songwriting, photography, and modeling. I’m driven by the people, places, and things I’ve discovered and surround myself with as a young adult. In 2022, I would release my first three songs, and in 2023, make my New York Fashion Week debut. Who knew I’d look that great on the runway? Which brings us to 2024. Despite the extreme highs and lows of NYC living and the inevitable seasonal depression of the winter months, I’m at peace with myself. Life is good and getting greater, and I can’t even begin to wrap my head around how it’s only the beginning.

1. Nothing lasts forever

Good or bad, nothing lasts forever. It’s a bittersweet realization that I had in lockdown. People

break up and friends move to new cities. But if all good things come to an end, then shouldn’t

bad things as well? I know that dedication and the universe can dig you out of the deepest

holes in life. Trust the process and remember, nothing lasts forever.

2. Be a good friend

You know in your gut when something is wrong, and that includes guilt from being a bad friend. Show those close to you that you’re capable of putting others before themselves and not the other way around. Show that you care.

3. Bars > Clubs

This one is crazy because I used to be such a club kinda guy. I love a good place with music I can dance to (Casablanca playing ‘A&W’ by Lana Del Rey did something to me, other DJ’s take notes please). I’m a social person, and someone’s bad breath in one ear and unforgivable speaker bass in the other is not it. Grateful for all the cute places I’ve discovered recently.

4. Wear sunglasses

Everyone loves someone who wears sunglasses. Some will think you’re pretentious or “hot-

sh*t,” but more will think you’re cool. Do it for those people and not your haters… And

something that goes well with the fit and the scene.

5. Rejection

Something I learned gradually is that life is just full of rejection, and in NYC that’s f*cking

boldened and highlighted and italicized. You don’t get sh*t on a silver platter here. It’s taken

me so long to realize that… In a way I still am. My first 21 years of life have been a lot of

rejection. Life is rejection, but rejection is protection and of course, redirection. The pieces will

fall into place if you trust the process.

6. Pimple Patches Are Cool

Those pimple patches that look like stars or other cute shapes are the newest fashion

statement, declared by yours truly. Start wearing them out… To class, work, dinner, the bars,

you name it. Let’s make 2024 the year of pimple patches.

7. Learning new languages is so cool.

It’s time we monolingual folks learned a new language or two. I’ve been taking Spanish since

elementary school. I use it variously with other people and only know basic words and

sentences. I hope that someday I can be fluent.

8. When in doubt, change your clothes

I’ve found this to be quite a freeing thing to learn. Clothes say a lot about you. You know that

liberating feeling when you change into your pajamas after a stressful day? Try changing outfits next time you’re uncertain about something or you’re having a bad day. Trust me, you’ll notice a difference.

9. I’m not a relationship person

Or am I?… I don’t know? I guess the lesson here is I don’t know if I’m a relationship person or

not.

10. Put the napkin on your lap

Just do it. It’s a classy move you can never go wrong with.

11. I love photography

Rarely do I leave my apartment without a camera. There’s something beautiful in everything,

and I’ve gotten some of my most amazing photos from just throwing a small camera in my tote

on the way out the door.

12. Be approachable

There’s being nice, and then there’s being approachable. And people love being approachable. Body language is key, as it is all in the way that you carry yourself physically and emotionally.

13. Perfectionism is out

Shoes are meant to get dirty, money is meant to be spent, hearts are meant to be broken. Stop dedicating so much time and energy into perfecting everything in your life. Life is in the details and it’s the little things that matter, but don’t get too caught up in them. Let the pieces fall into place, you’ll be fine. Life is imperfect, and in a way, imperfect can be perfect. I intentionally made that corny.

14. Don’t be afraid to be proven wrong

Sometimes you must be proven wrong a thousand times before you’re right.

15. Nice guy vs. Tough asshole

A wise woman once said: “Never be so polite, you forget your power. Never wield such power, you forget to be polite.” Being charming and tough are two sides of the same coin. Use both to your advantage in your personal and professional lives. Life is learning to be nice to everyone, but tough to anyone in conflict. Thanks, Taylor Swift.

16. Twitter is toxic

Seriously, it’s a war zone every time I log on. I’ve had to delete the app from my phone so I

could go on it much less via browser.

17. I’m the most sentimental person I know

Meticulously queuing songs for the perfect moment and having playlists for every emotion

imaginable might be at fault here but I am in fact by definition, “excessively prone to feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.” It’s a trait of strength but also one of weakness. “Live in the past and you’ll miss out on the future,” they say.

18. Why settle?

Don’t settle, you can always do better. Shoot for higher than what is expected of you, shoot

higher in everything. And when they go high, you go higher always.

19. Go green, buy a plant

They really liven up a space. They’re a staple to a good space. There’s a store on the outskirts of Boston that sells $20 plants, and I’ve made it a regular stop in my trips back home.

20. I learned how to play various instruments

After violin in middle school and piano in high school, I didn’t think this could ever happen… but I’ve learned guitar! Very few chords, but I can play Drops of Jupiter if you ask me to.

This article is about knowing and not knowing. What I’ve learned, what I’m still learning,

and what I have not a clue on in the first 21 years of my life. By the time you’re reading this, I

would have already turned 21, probably wondering where I could find the best mojito in New

York City. So, consider it #21 on this list.

Written by Joe St. Pierre

Photography by Mark Bluemle

CD: Lucy Anderson

PA: Sophia Querrazzi

Talent: Lucy Anderson, Elly Williams, Sargam Chaturvedi

Seeking A Friend For The End of the Semester

When I was around 12 years old, I went over to my elementary school friend’s house. Let’s call her Lea. Lea and I were close friends from third to fifth grade. We exchanged numbers, went to each other’s birthday parties, and our dads became friends as well, so we got to see each other even after elementary school. Even if Lea and I didn’t text or call that often, whenever we saw each other it felt like no time had passed at all. I thought she would be one of those friends that lasts from childhood to adulthood, but sadly we drifted apart over the years. I was at her house because my dad was visiting hers, they actually managed to stay friends, and I was told to go down to the basement with Lea, and her other friend. Despite there being three of us, neither Lea nor her friend let me in on their conversation or even looked my way after I walked down with them. No one else had arrived yet, so I was pretty much just sitting there while two people were speaking to each other. After a while I got sick of my own silence and started to listen for any places where I could contribute something to the conversation. Lea and her friend got to the topic of video editing and I decided to mention that I happened to be in the broadcasting club at my school. I must have screwed up because after that the conversation came to a screeching halt and Lea and her friend stared at me. I couldn’t tell if they were waiting for me to say more or they wanted me to leave, but either way I wished to sink into the floor or die right there on the spot. Up until then I had no idea it was possible to drown in your own embarrassment. Once they were done staring me down they returned to their own conversation like a TV program rudely interrupted by a pointless advertisement. Still not asking me for any input or looking my way. Eventually, more kids showed up and they seamlessly formed groups filling the formerly empty basement with friendly chatter. I wasn’t included in any of those conversations either. The longer I sat on that damn couch without saying a word, the more I felt myself becoming as obsolete and inconvenient as the throw pillows people moved out of the way so they could sit with their friends. 

When I got to high school I made a solid group of friends complete with an annual Secret Santa gift exchange, a lunch table, and an overcrowded group chat. We made up lore about each other pretending that we were one big extended family. We met up with each other in the lobby of our school after classes and exams ended. We would always share food whenever we had extras or someone happened to bake something the night before. I still meet with my friends when I go home for breaks and I have yet to experience another painfully awkward staring contest. When I got to college, I assumed I would have something similar, but I am halfway through my sophomore year and I can’t help but shrink back into that 12 year old girl in that basement watching other people talk to one another while I simply sit there taking up as little space as possible. Of course, I’m not completely alone. I have my roommate and my partner, and most days I’m fine with not having a giant group of friends like I used to. I don’t have to deal with my phone blowing up with text messages or constantly maneuver my schedule to meet with them or make plans. And I’ve learned to like floating around and talking to different people without making concrete friendships. If anything that works best for me because that way I get to socialize without having to keep track of anyone. But it only lasts for so long and there’s only so many times a person can be as charming and palatable to new people. I know how important it is to spend time with people besides your partner. I know how important it is to have a network of people outside of your hometown. To have people that can help you move into a new apartment. People that are willing to go grocery shopping with you. People that you can spend time with besides your partner. People who you can call when you get back to the city. Just to have people of your own to go to. 

At meetings I see all the groups that have already formed or new friendships being formed. I see people exchanging ideas with their friends or offering to partner up with someone new and I can’t help but wonder if my face is literally burning whenever I try to share an idea. I say things and I can never really tell if anyone can hear me. Most don’t really know my name or that I’ve been there since freshman year. It’s fine, I tell myself, but it would be really nice if I could walk out talking to a friend instead of with my head down as quietly as I came into the room. Having watched “Friends” all my life I always had this image in my head of this tight-knit second family that I would have in my young adulthood. I thought this would come easy like in high school, no one told me that making friends as an adult is harder than as a teenager. Spontaneity feels like it went out the window in favor of “appointments” that are colder and more distant. Phone numbers suddenly became “business only” instead of something that brought you closer together. A small campus in the city can feel like a giant one in a rural area when you don’t have anyone to meet. You try to socialize but it always feels like you’re doing something wrong. You didn’t say the right thing, you weren’t interesting enough, you weren’t funny enough, you aren’t pretty enough, you aren’t wearing the right clothes, you don’t listen to the right artists. You try your best to come out of your shell until you see that no one even noticed that you went anywhere. 

As I write this piece, I have yet to make that “Friends” dream a reality. When winter break ends I’ll probably try again to forge a friendship that goes beyond “colleague” and manages to last during semester breaks. I don’t really know how to solve this except to keep speaking up until something sticks or wait for a friend group to adopt you as one of their own. But, I do know that making friends is just harder as you get older. Suddenly you have to job hunt or apartment hunt, you have professors that expect you to give your soul to their class, you travel back and forth from campus to home. I’ve seen some confessions on the Pace “crushes and missed connections” Instagram page of how hard it is to make friends when it seems like everyone is already in set groups. I don’t know how other people have managed to find their chosen families, but I do know I’m not the only person entering young adulthood suddenly forgetting how to make friends, so feel free to say “hi" to me or something. 

Written by JD Valdepenas

Photography by Thea Wiener

CD/PM: Lucy Anderson

Talent: Jasmine Cintron Soto