MEET THE NEW IRIS STAFF: AIDA, ADDIE, AND LINGERR!
My name is Aida, and I am an undergraduate majoring in government with a specialization in political theory here at the University of Virginia. I am, in the words of author John Green (DFTBA!), “unironically enthusiastic about stuff,” ranging from fantasy and adventure-oriented or coming of age young adult literature (Harry Potter, anything by Madeleine L’Engle, Anne of Green Gables) to similarly-themed television shows (Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra) to travel and languages (I spent the spring of 2012 studying abroad in France, and as the half-Puerto Rican daughter of a chaplain and a missionary, I grew up in a very multicultural environment). My unironic enthusiasm extends to the realm of advocacy and social justice; naturally, I am very passionate about feminism, women’s rights, and grassroots change more generally. I am thrilled to contribute to Iris and look forward to sharing some great stories with you this year!
- Aida Barnes
Hi everyone! My name is Addie Bender and I’m a third year English major in the College of Arts & Sciences. I am so excited to be working with the UVa Women’s Center this year, particularly my department- Iris Magazine! As an intern with Iris, I am looking forward to providing stimulating material from around the University to help promote the message of positivity for women in the UVa community and at large! When I’m not busy with schoolwork, you can find me on the downtown mall- home to my two jobs! I also spend my time volunteering with the Shelter for Help in Emergency (a domestic violence shelter in Charlottesville) and Madison House here at UVa. A few other quick facts about me: I am obsessed with dogs (especially mine, Colbie!), my favorite classes at UVa (so far) have been ENGL 3820 with Cushman & Levenson, and Violence & Gender with Claire Raymond, and if I could have one wish, it would be for the success of Iris Magazine as a dynamic space for young women to share their creativity and interests! Between interning, working, studying, and volunteering, I stay incredibly busy, but I’m always open to hearing thoughts and suggestions from our readers! E-mail me at arb8qc@virginia.edu, and let’s see how you can help spread the message of positivity and change here at the University of Virginia!
- Addie Bender
My goal in writing this hopefully brief (Victorianists tend to write lengthily!) intro is to get to know the Iris community and help you all get to know me. My name is Lingerr (linn-gair), and I’m a graduate student in the English Department here at the University of Virginia. I would describe myself in many ways, but is crucial to know that I am an extrovert, I am a nerd (Spiderman, Batman, graphic novels, video games), I am a Red (British football reference), and I am a dancer (hip-hop in college, bachata/salsa/cha-cha/merengue here at UVA). And of course, I am an English geek. My passion for English lit stems from my passion for knowing and understanding characters, both in fiction and in my life. I love meeting new people and listening to their stories. That is one of the reasons I am excited to work for a magazine that prides itself on sharing the empowering stories and opinions of students around UVA. Other reasons include: the fantastic staff I’ve met so far, and my excitement to get to know my community better. UVA thinks of itself as a bubble, and being a graduate student in English lit is almost like living in a teeny tiny bubble-inside-a-bubble. I’d like to change that, with all of your help! I did my undergraduate degree at Carleton College in Northfield, MN (yes it is cold there), spent the last two years of high school in Hertfordshire, England, the eight years prior in The Gambia, West Africa, and was born in Oakland, CA. I am excited to keep getting to know diverse people here in the C-Ville and UVA communities 
-Lingerr Senghor
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Welcome, Iris Staff! I love your stories, above, and am so excited to be working with you this year!
Ginger