The graduating seniors of Distraction—there are a lot of us—have made memories to last a lifetime. This magazine has been an integral part of our student experience and personal development. While it’s bittersweet to think that we will no longer inhabit the student media office at all hours of the night, we’re excited to see what the next chapters of our lives have in store. With much love, we’re leaving Distraction in the very capable hands of the next generation.
Emmalyse Brownstein
Editor-in-Chief
Hometown: Vero Beach, FL
Favorite spot on campus: The banyan tree behind The U sign Favorite UM tradition: Patio Jams
“UM will forever and always feel like home to me. The beauty of campus and the people I’ve met here, both friends and professors, regularly leave me in awe. It’s so bittersweet to leave behind what I know will be some of the most special memories of my life—from all-nighters in the Distraction office to singing with my roommate in our UV apartment to sitting on the steps of Lake Osceola. The amount I’ve grown as a person and professional is mind blowing to reflect on. I can’t believe it’s over.”
Maria Emilia Becerra
Associate Creative Director
Hometown: Quito, Ecuador
Favorite spot on campus: The Art School Favorite UM tradition: Football games
“I’m gonna miss my roommate singing Selena or Bad Bunny when I come home every day. I’m gonna miss translating my thoughts and the Spanglish of Miami. Schoolwork is always more enjoyable when you do it next to people who make you laugh and support you. I have loved becoming independent, learning how to be an “adult” and studying something I’m passionate about. But I’m not gonna miss all the all-nighters!”
Gabrielle Lord
Managing Editor
Hometown: Leawood, KS
Favorite spot on campus: Starbucks or first floor of Richter Favorite UM tradition: Hanging in the hammocks during finals
“This has truly been the best four years of my life. I feel so blessed to have met so many amazing people and to have made so many amazing memories. I know that the friendships I’ve made here will last a lifetime and I’m so excited to see what comes next!”
Gio Aprigliano
Designer
Hometown: Miami, FL
Favorite spot on campus: The gliders in front of Smoothie King Favorite UM tradition: Going to The Rat after work
“What I’ll miss the most about college is the late nights with friends. The all-nighters in the School of Communication or leaving Blackbird will forever be a core memory. I’m going to miss running into people while walking through campus. I’m going to miss the laughs, the exciting new experiences and all the chicken fingers from The Rat.”
Sydney Burnett
Co-Photo Director
Hometown: Jupiter, FL
Favorite spot on campus: The steps by Lake Osceola Favorite UM tradition: Sebastian’s spell out chant
“I will miss spending time on campus, especially on sunny days with perfect weather. I will also miss spending time at Virginia Key Beach after class at RSMAS. Go Canes!”
Lauren Maingot
Designer
Hometown: Miami, FL
Favorite spot on campus: A glider at The Rat Favorite UM tradition: Mark Light milkshakes
“UM has given me so many incredible memories and a second family at Distraction. Getting to see all of the inspiring, creative people I love every day is what I’ll miss most. From designing together until 5 a.m. to
taking midday pool breaks, to talking about nonsense over wine and sushi in the suite, my Distraction fam had made these past four years unforgettable. LYGC!”
Jacob Singer-Skedzuhn
Photographer
Hometown: Waterbury, VT
Favorite spot on campus: The Rat Favorite UM tradition: Homecoming
“I’ve learned over the past four years that Miami has a space for everybody, and those spaces have allowed me to personally grow a lot. I went from not knowing anyone who shared similar interests to me freshman year, to having a large group of friends who always are down to hang out or try something new. These spaces also allow you to figure out who you are as a person and what you are the best at doing so you can find out what makes you happy.”
Keagan Larkins
Creative Director
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Favorite spot on campus: The big iMac in the Distraction office Favorite UM tradition: Hanging in the hammocks during finals
“Distraction is the reason I am the creative I am today. I started college as a bio major and then joined Distraction and was introduced to the creative arts. I’m gonna miss all the creative people and the family I have created with all the people on the team along the way. I’m also going to miss sh*t talking with my professors. Lastly, I will miss my creative ad fam and all the late nights we spent together finishing our projects.”
Lindsay Jayne
Social Media Director
Hometown: Key West, FL
Favorite spot on campus: The pool Favorite UM tradition: HOCO fireworks
“I think transferring to UM and joining the creative track was my best decision yet, I’ve met so many amazing people that have made all the late nights more bearable! I’m also going to miss things like going to the beach before class every Wednesday! #LYGC”
Victoria D’Empaire
Co-PR Director
Hometown: Miami, FL
Favorite spot on campus: The gliders by Lakeside Favorite UM tradition: Golden hour at Lake Osceola
“Transferring to UM helped me become more independent and helped me embrace and welcome life after college. I’m going to miss walking through campus with the perfect weather and meeting up with my friends in between classes during the day.”
Kylea Henseler
Executive Editor
Hometown: West Warwick, RI
Favorite spot on campus: The Rat ofc Favorite UM tradition: Throwing up “The U”
“Transferring to UM was probably the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m going to miss this place and living the college student life; it’s crazy to think this is the last time I’ll really get to live surrounded by all my closest friends. UM, and especially Distraction, has given me the best education I could ask for to start my adult life, and the best possible team of creative people to work alongside.”
Erika Pun
Co-Fashion Director
Hometown: Boston, MA
Favorite spot on campus: Gliders by Lakeside Favorite UM tradition: The farmers’ market
“Transferring to UM helped me become more independent and helped me embrace and welcome life after college. I’m going to miss walking through campus with the perfect weather and meeting up with my friends in between classes during the day.”
words_staff. photo_keagan larkins & giovanni aprigliano. design_giovanni aprigliano.