Article by Robert Estes & Oksanna Shulgach | Photographhy by Alexis Knipe & Eric Walther | Owl Staff Imagine the sound of rustling leaves quietly brushing against the gentle earth, accompanied by the subtle crunching of twigs underfoot. A cool breeze passes over skin as the sun’s rays fall softly on your face. The iridescent … Continue reading Sunshine Therapy: The Healing Power of Forest Bathing
Slavery in Modern America
Article by Anira O’Bannon | Photography by Kristina McComas | Owl Staff Angel was 22 years old when she came across a tempting job advertisement on Craigslist. The job presented itself as a harmless gig, a “tasteful” photo-shoot. But Angel soon found out there was more behind it. Responding to that ad turned her reality … Continue reading Slavery in Modern America
Seeking Sobriety
Article by Neil Harman | Owl Staff I remember frantically pacing my parent’s empty house that Thursday afternoon clawing at my skin, desperate for a peace of mind. I was out of drugs again. This had become a part of my routine, but every time I found myself here it cut a little deeper. I … Continue reading Seeking Sobriety
Secrets and Monsters: A Survivor Speaks Out
Article by Jessica Conway | Photography by Eric Walther | Owl Staff There was a time in my life when all it took was one look between him and me. One look to know that tonight would be one of those nights. It started when I was four years old. It’s the kind of memory … Continue reading Secrets and Monsters: A Survivor Speaks Out
Stolen Innocence: Defendant #1 Speaks Out
Article by Laura Milcarzyk | Additional Reporting by Nadia Kaczkowski | Photography by Neil Harman | Owl Staff While most 15-year-olds are concerned with friends, school, and games, Aaron Fisher faced the biggest hurdles of his life. Instead of the aforementioned activities, Fisher went through the first of many courtroom trials where he would give … Continue reading Stolen Innocence: Defendant #1 Speaks Out
From Torment to Triumph: Finding Salvation in Sports
Article by Tia Jones | Photography by Nick Rynes | Owl Staff Anticipating a jaw-dropping performance, thousands of fans roar in the brightly lit venue. Hundreds of competitors from around the world are in attendance while ESPN cameras pan from left to right, capturing every moment - both minuscule and enormous. Maryland F5 is a … Continue reading From Torment to Triumph: Finding Salvation in Sports
The Secret World of Adult Skating
Article by Georgina Cammayo | Owl Staff A breakup. That is what ultimately led me to sign up for figure skating lessons again at 26. In my quest to find a positive outlet to keep myself busy and not overly emotional, I rediscovered a hobby I had forgotten over the years. Captivated by the sport … Continue reading The Secret World of Adult Skating
An Olympian’s Second Act
Article by Kimmie Meissner | Special to Owl Magazine | Photography by John Morin | Owl Staff What is post-Olympic life like? Well, it involves professional skating shows, coaching and school…lots of school. It hasn’t always been this way. I had a challenging transition between top of the world and now, but I’ve found my … Continue reading An Olympian’s Second Act
SPICE: Harmful and Habit-Forming (How Synthetic Substitutes Nearly Destroyed Me)
Anonymous | Photography by Jennifer Hawks | Owl Staff What does addiction mean to you? What constitutes being an “addict?" A heroin user desperately roaming the city streets, willing to commit any petty, pathetic act for his fix? A cigarette smoker nervously walking about, chewing her fingernails, snapping angrily at anyone in her path, having … Continue reading SPICE: Harmful and Habit-Forming (How Synthetic Substitutes Nearly Destroyed Me)
I Will Survive: Hallie Day’s Journey to American Idol
Article by John Morin | Owl Staff With Marilyn Monroe good looks and powerhouse vocals, one would think that Hallie Day would have been a shoo-in for the Top 13 of American Idol, Season 11. This was not the case, however, and she soon left after making the Top 25. What really captivated America’s heart … Continue reading I Will Survive: Hallie Day’s Journey to American Idol