Feature StoriesExplore a few samples of Justine’s journalistic writing.
Opinion : Single-Use Has to Go. We’ll Adapt.
In the U.S. and across most of the globe, single-use plastics are the standard modus operandi of the 21st century—and an unnecessary luxury we simply cannot afford. As several states in the U.S. begin to demonstrate examples of successful single-use plastic bans in 2026, it’s time for the rest of the country to follow suit. Ultimately, saying “no” to single-use plastic really shouldn’t be that hard.
On Reparation, Healing, and Harmony : What “Princess Mononoke” Can Teach Us About Surviving the Climate Crisis
A wild wolf princess and an outcast warrior prince? Say no more. For most, the image of the blood-stained wolf girl and the archer prince atop his noble elk has become an iconic symbol of beloved animated classic “Princess Mononoke.” Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the anime is a classic Studio Ghibli story complete with the idiosyncratic characters, complex themes, piercing soundscapes and deep philosophical undertones that the Japanese animation studio is known for. In a modern moment defined by global ecological degradation, climate disruption, species extinctions and pervasive suffering on behalf of both human and natural communities, the film’s timeless themes have only continually become more relevant. At a time when the 21st century begs the question of how we can restore a broken relationship with our earth, “Princess Mononoke” gives us some profound insight.
“We are all made of the same things just vibrating differently…” : DePauw University Community Assembles for Trevor Noah Ubben Lecture
The Neal Fieldhouse of DePauw University was filled by a healthy crowd of several thousand attendees on the Thursday evening of April 30 as people turned out in droves to hear Ubben Lecture guest speaker Trevor Noah. Not only were DePauw students, faculty, staff and local Greencastle residents in attendance, but friends of DePauw and regional community members also drove in from beyond Putnam County for the chance to hear from such an internationally renowned public voice.
From Silence to Sovereignty : J. Jarpa Dawuni Speaks to DePauw University on Global Female Empowerment
On Feb. 12, students and faculty members congregated in the Hoover Dining Hall of DePauw University to hear from Professor J. Jarpa Dawuni of Howard University. As an internationally recognized scholar in judicial politics, gender and law and human rights, Dawuni spoke on the thematic subject of “From Silence to Sovereignty" in celebration of women’s growing moral, political and intellectual authority worldwide against systemic forces of oppression and violence.
“A Millimeter—That’s How Close I Came to Dying” : Suzanne Spencer ‘14 at DePauw University on Adversity and Resilience
On the evening of March 31, an enthusiastic crowd gathered in Watson Forum of the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media in anticipation of an interactive talk led by McWethy Speaker and DePauw Alumna Suzanne Spencer ‘14. The event, organized by WGRE, was widely attended by Media Fellows and journalism students, in addition to affiliated faculty members and friends of the English and Media Studies departments. Spencer delivered a dynamic talk to the audience about how to move forward when the script of your life changes, using her own personal crisis with unexpected adversity as a point of inspiration to encourage others to embrace resilient frameworks in their life challenges.