Playing Grownup

Being an adult is terrifying. Imposter syndrome follows constantly at this point in our lives, the weird middle ground of your early 20s between the party culture of your teens and the urge to be a “real adult” as time crawls closer to mortgages and 401Ks. At some point, it seems like it becomes time to give up childish pursuits and get a “real job,” but that can be just as scary. Being a young person just starting in your career can make you feel like a child playing pretend, dressing up and acting the part of what you think you’re supposed to be doing. This photoshoot is meant to encapsulate that idea: feeling like you’re “playing adult” at your job, rather than having a clue what the hell is happening around you. It’s not all a drudge though— instead of being consumed by imposter syndrome, we can choose to embrace whimsy, that childish side of ourselves that holds our creativity. Play grownup— but have fun with it.

Strike Out,

Writer: Bella Riley Love

Edited by: Delaney Gunnell and Olivia Wagner

Digital Director: Bella Riley Love

Photographer: Samuel Gayoso

Photo Editing: Tori Markowski

Hair and Makeup: Carson Bassett

Styling: Bella Riley Love

Models: Carson Bassett, Hollis Humphrey, Tori Markowski, Ash Tinoco, and Sean Reed Doolittle

Orlando

Bella Riley Love is a content writer for Strike Magazine Orlando. You’ll usually find her with headphones in and sunglasses on, trying desperately not to accidentally make eye contact on campus. In her free time, she loves to watch Elliot Page movies, listen to live music, and obsess over Stevie Nicks. You can reach her at bellarileylove@gmail.com.