A lose-lose college classic

By MADISON SEEMAN — meseeman@ucdavis.edu

The sun was shining, the birds were chirping but, somehow, out of the nearly thousands of people who walked past where I was tabling, only a sympathetic few actually stopped to grab a sticker and stay for the spiel.

There are few constants in life: the sun, the moon and tabling college students. As long as college education exists, students will be found at foldable tables, trying to trap other students for one thing or another. It’s a campus classic!

Whether you’re freezing on the bench of a picnic table or zipping past very eager and borderline desperate faces, there’s not a single UC Davis student who hasn’t encountered tabling. And, if somehow you haven’t — what the hell? Please share your secrets.

I’ve looked at tables from both sides now and I’ve only learned one thing: Everybody is suffering. This past year I have seen the worst of humanity — guerilla tactics from both sides of the table — and I’m here to give you the inside scoop.

They’re camped out at the Memorial Union (MU) and the Silo, just waiting to catch vulnerable students unawares. What do they want? It depends. Some tablers want new club members. Some want to raise awareness for real issues. Some want you to join them for some Korean BBQ, which comes with a secret side of Christian conversation.

Some tables trap you with an ambiguously designed banner. Others might lure you in with compliments: “Oh, I like your shirt and, hey, would you like to convert to my religion?” And don’t forget the stickers — props are everything. Maybe it’s my fault that I can’t say no to a good sticker, but hey, it’s a free sticker. And the wheel? You’re telling me I get to spin a wheel? I’ve seen people who get more joy from the wheel than the prizes on it.

But there are also expert table-avoidant targets that have perfected the slippery art of table-based subterfuge. In my tenure both tabling and avoiding tables, I’ve come across a few prominent and successful strategies.

Modern innovations have brought us the cellphone, which has many uses — the best of which is looking at your lock screen really intently when you don’t want to lock eyes with an especially pushy table.

Next, the speed walk is an oldie but a goodie. How can a tabling student even think of stopping you if you pass them faster than they can say, “Free stuff?”

A personal favorite of mine is the guilt trip. As you walk by the table, make sure to let that stress you’ve been feeling all day really show on your face. The more visible your distress, the worse of a person that tabler would be for trying to haggle you. Bonus points if you can shed a single tear.

While a little less theatrics, switching all the way to the far side of the sidewalk also gets the job done. Only excessively dedicated students will breach the distance and haggle if they have to yell. The only downside to this strategy is that, when done ungracefully, it’s comedically obvious.

Then, there are those lucky few who walk around with genuine horse blinders, which is the ultimate strategy, however unintentional. The easiest way to avoid a table is to not even know it’s there! Ignorance truly is bliss.

As dreadful as tabling and being tabled at can be, it’s (mostly) nobody’s fault. Whether it’s rejection therapy for you or whether you’re the rejection therapist yourself, at some level we all understand each other. I don’t want to yell at you and you don’t want to feel guilty for ignoring me. The tabling cycle is an endless struggle; College students may be trapped ‘till the end of time. So, if you have the time, stop by — or don’t, we don’t blame you.

Written by: Madison Seeman –– meseeman@ucdavis.edu

Disclaimer: (This article is humor and/or satire, and its content is purely fictional. The story and the names of “sources” are fictionalized.)

Friend groups of three can be difficult to maintain, so here’s some advice to fix that

By JHANA RHODES—jsrho@ucdavis.edu

Is it just me, or do trio friendships have a 50-50 chance of working out? Half of the time, everything is excellent. You and your two other friends spend quality time together, create inside jokes and share memories — daily activities that friends do. However, the other half is a Shakespearean play. There are fights, drama and backstabbing; Ultimately, someone always ends up being the third wheel.

If I’m being honest, trio friendships aren’t that bad: They just get a bad reputation. Under the right conditions, friend groups of three people can thrive. On the other hand, the reality is that trio friendships aren’t for everyone. If this applies to you, here are some things you should avoid if you want to stay best friends forever.

• Third wheels are great for tricycles, not friendships!  

If someone were to tell my younger self that all of my trio friendships would not work out, I wouldn’t have believed you. I was too busy looking for matching friendship necklaces that came in sets of three to think about whether or not my friend group dynamic was practical. Although I believed I had strong friendships back then (strong enough to buy “best friends forever” pendants), I naively overlooked one of the biggest challenges in trio friendships — exclusion.

Exclusion is something that many of us who were always picked last in gym class know extremely well. While the friendship starts off strong, all of a sudden you’re listening to your two friends talk about the sleepover that they had without you. Again, trio friendships are great and can offer a unique blend of perspectives and cultures. However, if you want to maintain those friendships, it’s essential to ensure that you are making everyone in the friendship feel included.

• Communication is key. 

Like almost any relationship, conflict is inevitable. Most of the time, when conflict happens, many of us (including myself) just let it go and never bring it up, hoping that the problem will disappear. However, not addressing conflict is one of the worst things you can do for your friendships. Even though they may be small problems, eventually those problems will stack up, and sooner or later, your trio could become a dyad.

Luckily for you, there is an easy fix. The quickest way to solve interpersonal conflict is to address it — you don’t even have to be a communication major to do it! If you’re feeling left out, talk about it. Your friend told you that they didn’t like your skinny jeans? Talk about it! Addressing your problems with your friends is a great way to understand each other’s points of view.

• If it wasn’t meant for you, let it go.

This bit of advice may be controversial, but it must be said. Many of us, including myself, hold on to friendships even when we know they aren’t good for us. Despite knowing that we aren’t being treated well, we often feel obligated to stay because of history together. It’s so important to understand that you deserve better than that. Surround yourself with friends who uplift you just as much as you uplift them.

I’m sure many of you reading this have experienced or are currently in successful trio friendships. However, there are many of us who just seem to be unlucky when it comes to choosing friends. Whether you’ve found success with them or not, trio friendships can teach us a lot about ourselves — how to act in friendships and how we handle conflict. At the end of the day, you should always remember to prioritize building positive and healthy relationships founded upon mutual understanding and communication.

Written by: Jhana Rhodes— jsrho@ucdavis.edu 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

Why can’t I buy groceries at a normal price?

By NEVAEH KARRAKER— nakarraker@ucdavis.edu

An empty wallet is something all college students carry. However, it may soon be possible to possess not just an empty wallet, but a negative wallet — a direct result of the wave of tariffs currently unfolding upon consumers who can least afford necessities.

For context, Mexico recently began specializing in the automotive industry rather than oil or energy. After supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, Mexico redirected its efforts to prioritize regional trade and nearshoring in order to amplify protectionism. In other words, seeking a supplier within close proximity to increase restrictions on imports and encourage a domestic industry. When the United States’ demand for the automotive industry surged, China’s lingering tariffs made it more cost-efficient for the U.S. to export auto parts to Mexico for assembly and then import them back into the U.S. to sell on the market.

This, combined with labor-intensive, inexpensive “maquiladoras,” allowed Mexico to surpass China in 2023 as the top source of imports into the U.S., for the first time in two decades.

Despite this positive economic growth, the U.S. remains in a serious debt crisis; In 2024 alone, there was a trade deficit of over $900 billion. As inflation and the cost of living increase, the minimum wage remains insufficient to cover basic living expenses for most Americans.

As of March this year, President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on steel production for Canada and Mexico, as well as increased tariffs from 10 to 20% on Chinese imports. In response, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo declared that the country will impose retaliatory tariffs. Canada and China have also vowed to strike back, sparking mass panic over a global trade war. Trump addressed these concerns by postponing the tariffs until April — for many, relief is deeply felt.

In theory, tariffs could replenish domestic employment through increased wages and job opportunities. They could also generate revenue to assist in paying off debt via the redirection of currency and the encouragement of a competitive market.

However, tariffs can also lead to high interest rates, supply chain disruptions and increased costs that ultimately burden consumers.

Consumer prices have remained at an all-time high in recent years, due to factors like inflation, the avian influenza outbreak and subsidies related to climate change initiatives. These specific tariffs instated by Trump will mostly influence the cost of electronics, clothing and automobiles. An additional 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports will likely impact transportation, thus increasing food prices.

The U.S. is an industrial nation capable of being, to some extent, self-sufficient. Even so, the benefits of trade far outweigh remaining internally sufficient, as it provides opportunities for market specialization, global alliances and economic growth. The ambition and desire to maximize profit and minimize labor costs frequently backfires by exceeding acceptable dependence on other countries.

Trump aspires to redirect focus on American industries, similar to the 35% tariff on Chinese tires instated in 2009 in order to improve American manufacturers’ profits and reduce job losses. He also hopes that these tariffs will coerce Canada and Mexico to enhance their dedication toward fentanyl trafficking intervention and illegal immigration prevention.

When cleaning your room, it generally becomes shockingly disorganized before it improves. This is the logic Trump is using to justify imposing tariffs on our closest trade partners, and it is clearly not entirely applicable to everything. While tariffs indirectly encourage consumers to invest in domestic businesses rather than foreign ones — which overall improves the economy — they also provoke frustration and difficulties for those already financially struggling.

Regardless of whether or not the long-term result of Trump’s actions will be beneficial via the elimination of trade imbalances and attraction of foreign direct investment, the immediate aftermath is concerning.

After the tariffs were instated, the stock market decreased by 2% and Dow Jones dropped 150 points. Now, investors fear a potential recession. The impacts also extend beyond the U.S., as Mexico’s stable economic growth will largely be stunted. As a result, there could be ripple effects on the U.S., including a lower demand for American exports and job losses in sectors related to Mexico’s agricultural industries.

Further, the political tensions between all countries are expected to escalate, especially with Mexico given the present strains on border security. The true impact of this decision remains uncertain — leaving consumers, as well as companies, holding their breath in anticipation.

In the meantime, instead of panicking, students can stay informed about updates and practice budgeting. Smart financial decisions, such as alternative transportation or shopping methods, might alleviate the consequences. Compared to a negative wallet, students may find that an empty one is a luxury.

Written by: Nevaeh Karraker—nakarraker@ucdavis.edu

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

The unexpected benefits of showing love to the ‘you’ of the past

By NATALIE SALTER — arts@theaggie.org 

During the 13th track of her 2023 album “Bewitched,” Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey turns deeply introspective. “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self” is everything the title suggests — a melodic message backwards through time to her adolescent years. “I wish I could go back and give her a squeeze / Myself at thirteen / And just let her know, know that she’s beautiful,” she sings softly, her voice full of emotion. Touchingly, she metaphorically reassures her younger self with comforting words of unconditional love. 

The narrative Laufey presents throughout “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self” is all too familiar. She chronicles all of the insecurities and loneliness of being 13, looking back at the self-doubt she experienced at this age with a note of sadness. But what makes the song so moving is the kindness and gentleness she shows her younger self. 

It was “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self” that came to the front of my mind when I sat down to journal one night — and the practice I applied to my life thanks to the song might be healing for you too.

On its own, journaling is a wonderful habit to maintain. A journal can serve as an outlet for your troubles and feelings. If you have no one to talk to about what ails you, journaling is an alternative way to let that weight off of your shoulders. A journal can also serve as a chronicle of your mind — you may find yourself looking back at your old writings for a window back into a previous chapter of your life.

After listening to “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self,” however, I wondered if my personal journaling habit could take a new direction, one that could allow me a therapeutic sort of interaction with my younger self. 

Instead of detailing the events of my current life, I wrote at the top of the blank page in front of me an address to myself. It was no longer a diary entry but a letter, even if it would never properly be sent or received. And then I wrote, talking back to a past that would never respond and felt a new sort of lightness by the final word.

There is something remarkable about the process of conversing with your younger self. If you sit for a moment and think back to a point in your past when you felt extremely lonely, you were never truly alone even then — because you still had yourself. That version of you might feel distant now, but reconnecting with them can be a deeply personal experience.

Whether you already journal or are unfamiliar with the process, I implore you to take a bit of your free time to attempt one of these letters. Think about a time in your life when you needed reassurance or guidance and write what you would tell yourself if you had the chance. What advice would you give your younger self? What would you have needed to hear to feel happier at that time?

As I did, you might find yourself faced with a curious inclination to be kinder than you expected to your past self. Does it really matter to you that this younger iteration of you struggled with acne or failed that one math test? Maybe you are being too hard on yourself — you were still figuring out who you wanted to be. You’ll likely realize that you were just young and learning how to live. 

Moreover, treating your younger self with love opens up a comforting possibility. Somewhere in the future, there’s an older and wiser version of you looking back at the “you” of today with the same pride and affection. If you can be kind to your past today, you can trust that your future will look at you with the same kindness, and plenty of love.

Written by: Natalie Salter—arts@theaggie.org

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

Please follow my new Etsy shop: “Designz by Designer”

By ALLISON KELEHER — adkeleher@ucdavis.edu

I recently got Canva Pro, and it has changed my life. Now that I have so much power at my fingertips, I sometimes get overwhelmed by all of my creative ideas. Not to sound cocky, but graphic design may or may not be my new career. It would be a disservice to keep this heat to myself. What is this heat you may ask? Well, you are in luck, because I have just released my new t-shirt line.

My t-shirts are special, because I am harnessing the raw energy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate groundbreaking designs. It all started when I asked my computer for a UC Davis design. It spit out a cow at me, and I bonked myself on the head because I hadn’t thought of that.

This was just the beginning; After that first design, I was able to really start cranking out ideas. It was so easy, too! I only spend one hour a week managing my business, which leaves ample time for me to keep up with my classes.

I started out by putting my designs only on white t-shirts, but now I’m thinking of expanding into other colors. It might be time, because I’ve already received five orders, meaning that things are heating up (only two of the orders were from my mom).

I even looked into trademarking my designs so that no one would steal them from me. However, it’s pretty complicated to acquire a trademark, especially when the content is AI-generated. The attorney fees alone would have cleaned me out. This business is supposed to be bringing me money; I need to cover my Canva Pro costs.

Last week, I took my designs to the craft fair near the Davis Farmers Market and they were a hit! Almost 10 people stopped to take a look. Even though only three people bought one, I felt super successful. If anyone tells you that I gave them a discount, don’t believe them. I only sell at a premium, since the designs are so good — only the best AI works for me.

I’m currently expanding my operations to accommodate the surge in demand that I’m expecting from the Craft and Vintage Fair publicity. There are currently multiple tabs open on my laptop creating content. Once I have some free time, I plan to put these beautiful designs on Canva and my dreams will become reality. I am considering contracting out a printer so that I can make these in bulk.

My mom is my biggest supporter and I couldn’t do it without her. She suggested the Etsy shop since that would help me reach more customers. It is now up and running, so please go check out my whimsical cow designs.

Written by: Allison Keleher — adkeleher@ucdavis.edu

Disclaimer: (This article is humor and/or satire, and its content is purely fictional. The story and the names of “sources” are fictionalized.)

Microtrends are a big, fat fallacy

By ABHINAYA KASAGANI— akasagani@ucdavis.edu

In an age where microtrends permeate every aspect of daily life, allow me to let you in on a secret: You do not need five iterations of the same thing to feel a sense of joy and there is no “shiny new thing” that will instantly fix all of your problems. Mass conglomerates are lying to you about everything they call “essential” — if it were, in fact, essential, you would be struggling to live without it. 

This trap is easy to fall into, and I will not fault you for being dazzled by this benevolent sequined slit in the sky which drenches you in style. What is alluring about microtrends is the extent to which they offer their consumers the illusion of novelty, while at the same time being plagued by eventual obsolescence. We know this and producers know this. But we still bite. 

The microtrend culture is seasonal — being “on trend” is no longer reserved for fashion or tech enthusiasts. The novelty of microtrends can make you feel as if you are in on the joke when, in truth, the joke is on you. The consequences of consuming and adopting microtrends without regard for whether or not they are truly necessary for our well-being is what’s dangerous about overconsumption. We purchase, discard and purchase again. This overconsumption is unsustainable and clearly influential to cultural homogenization, financial spending, environmental degradation and market saturation. 

The very nature of microtrends is transient. Fashion brands like Zara, H&M and Shein capitalize on the rapid turnover of styles by mass-producing cheap and disposable clothing that eventually ends up in landfills. The technology sector further perpetuates this cycle of obsolescence by contributing to e-waste. Prioritizing trends over substantive content affects culture at large, trading longevity for instant gratification.

What is troubling about this is the extent to which trends dictate personal style, taste and eventual consumption. In this way, cultural homogenization arrests true and effective thought, flattening range and diversity. Local identities and cultures are rendered insignificant. A monoculture, where aesthetics, ideas and schools of thought are replenished and repeated, leaves less room for innovation. Similarity is rewarded and reward is prioritized. 

The environmental consequences of microtrends are staggering, with brands pedaling rapid product cycles that cause consumer fatigue. Both the fashion and technological sectors tend to be notorious polluters of the environment, responsible for producing nearly 100 billion new garments each year. What trends dictate, the planet bears.

The market struggles to compete with the demand for microtrends, forcing brands to accelerate their production cycles — often causing lessened product quality or market oversaturation. Consumers, overwhelmed by the multitude of choices and new releases, struggle to distinguish genuine innovation from cheap imitation. Caught in a cycle of perpetual spending, they suffer from buyer’s remorse, eroded self-worth and financial instability all at once. The pressure to spend in order to avoid the fear of missing out (FOMO) or any lingering feelings of inadequacy that follow, makes consumers feel as if they are obligated to spend — that if they don’t, they will fail to be relevant. 

The allure of microtrends is understandable — everyone wants to be in the know. Marketed as subcultures, microtrends tend to be removed from the mainstream and considered as having a broader value system. However, the “core-ification” of most things commercializes them. The costs proceed to outweigh the benefits. 

Supporting sustainable products, along with prioritizing quality over virality, creates an environment that values substance over surface-level appeal. Some microtrends can be useful, but, as consumers, we must make this decision with care and deliberation. Our desire to have the next shiny, new thing is our Achilles’ heel, fashioned into a pair of bright red Louboutins. It is clear that we are yet to learn that moderation is the new excess, and we must work on internalizing this crucial lesson.

Written by: Abhinaya Kasagani— akasagani@ucdavis.edu

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.