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Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Contributing Writer

Natalie VanHecke

University of Texas at Dallas
Literature

"Natalie is a Literature major at the University of Texas at Dallas. When she’s not writing or studying, she can be found curled up with a good book and her dog."

Brain listening to music on headphones in studying environment.

Background Bops: Why We Need Music to Focus

Mark StenbergandNatalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Have you ever noticed that you tend to clean faster or more efficiently when you have music on? Some people love 80s rock, others love lo-fi. What is it about music that constantly draws people…

April 20, 2024

Why Do We Consume the Same Media Over and Over Again?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Do you often rewatch the same shows and read the same books and listen to the same songs on repeat? If so, you’re hardly alone!…

April 9, 2024

Person yelling at another lower in the image holding their head.

Stop Using Stigmatized Language!

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

You’ve probably heard the expression, “I’m so OCD” or “ugh, this weather is so bipolar.” There’s also the “r” word that’s still frequently circulated.…

March 29, 2024

Different hands coming together to build a puzzle.

Where to Find Third Places on Your Campus

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Third places have started to be recognized more and more, but our lack of them is still astounding. What exactly is a “third place?”…

March 27, 2024

Illustration of actors on a theatre stage getting ready to bow.

6 Fantastic Musicals to Fit the Vibe

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Are you a theatre kid in search of a new favorite musical? From old classics, to some newer favorites, to small musicals, here’s a few, just for you.…

March 14, 2024

Boy at school looking at 3D 'Dungeons and Dragons' poster.

Why You Should Play ‘Dungeons & Dragons’

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Alright, players! Everyone knows that the wonderful world, “Dungeons and Dragons,” is a great game that many people play. Come to find out, dragons aren’t even the best part of the game.…

March 5, 2024

Person standing on staircase overlooking grey building, one being colorful with clouds on it.

Springtime Stuck Season

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

From watching people couple up around Valentine’s Day to friends graduating, there are so many changes that come with the spring breeze.…

February 25, 2024

For an article about "Hazbin Hotel," a blonde figure (Charlie) stands in a red suit jacket in front of a multi-story building that says "Hazbin Hotel" and a sign to her right that says "Welcome to Hell."

What’s the Hapz with ‘Hazbin Hotel’?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

What’s the draw to the show? Maybe a sprinkle of religious trauma?…

February 22, 2024

Graphic of people performing in acting class.

Why You Should Take an Acting Class

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

You walk down the hallway, a heavy backpack weighing you down. You search for the room number again, making sure you got it right because you haven’t been in this section of the school before.…

February 18, 2024

Cloud Strife standing back-to-back with himself in armor and with sword.

Is ‘Final Fantasy VII: Remake’ Better than the Original?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

‘Final Fantasy VII: Remake’ is set to be released soon, and actors are eager to see how it holds up to the original.…

February 10, 2024

DNF: BookTok Recs to Avoid

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

A list of BookTok favorites to avoid at all costs!…

January 31, 2024

Adulting 101: The Things We Weren’t Taught

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Here’s your go-to list of need-to-knows as a young adult!…

January 23, 2024

Blockbuster vs. Netflix: Who’s Really Going to Win?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

In a digital age of media, how should we handle our favorite shows getting taken down?…

January 18, 2024

A young man in a red shirt ponders while a music note, book, lightbulb, and soccer ball swirl around him.

Best 2024 Goals for College Students

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Here’s some serious and fun goals all college students should add to their New Year’s resolution list!…

January 11, 2024

An older man with short, wavy blonde hair raises his hand to his ear, wearing an old-timey ruffled collar under a maroon long-sleeve shirt.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ Fans, Here’s Some Games You’ll Love!

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

If you’re a fan of the Game of the Year, here are other video games with similarities that you’ll definitely enjoy!…

January 5, 2024

Against a blue background stands an old television with a heart in the middle, along with famous television couples in red standing in front of it.

Fictional Couples That Are Relationship Goals

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Aspects of TV couples that we all should try to incorporate into our real-life relationships.…

December 18, 2023

Against a static black background, a girl sits on her bed in the dark with the only light being the shining screen of her iphone.

A Growing Depression: Gen Z, u ok?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Examining the Double-Edged Sword of Social Media in Relation to the Rise in Mental Illness Among Generation Z.…

December 18, 2023

Against a rich red background, scattered Christmas gifts lay in bowed boxes of pink, purple, and maroon.

What Your College Student Really Wants for Christmas

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Struggling to buy a present? Here’s a list of affordable gifts for your college student!…

December 7, 2023

With background drawings of yellow suns, three images of Matthew Perry laughing and smiling in red and orange swirling colors

The One Where We Lost a Friend: The Impact of Matthew Perry’s Passing

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

The Heartbreak of Matthew Perry’s Passing and the Influence of Friends on Multiple Generations.…

November 26, 2023

For an article on hang out ideas, three hand drawings of people sitting on picnic blankets, laughing and chatting.

Hangout Ideas for Broke College Kids

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Too broke to go out? Here’s a few inexpensive activities to do with friends!…

November 25, 2023

For an article on the FNAF film, a red lit sign reads "Freddy Fazenbear's Pizza" as an animatronic brown bear wearing a hat waves his hand. A green splat is next to the text "30%" and a red and white striped carton of popcorn icon is next to the text "88%."

Five Nights at Freddy’s” — Frightful Easter Eggs

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Look out for these easter eggs as this fan-favorite horror game finally releases on the big screen.…

November 10, 2023

woman reading book with colors of gold, purple, and pink bursting from the pages

Anatomy of the New Adult Genre

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

What exactly are New Adult books? Are they just glorified YA?…

November 6, 2023

For an article about Taylor Swift's marketing strategies, a dark image of a blonde woman with a white collar necklace holds her two fingers up like a "gun." In the background, a red figure with a similar pose is seen with red horns and a tail drawn on her.

Taylor Swift: Evil Genius?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Is Taylor Swift a well-intentioned lyrical genius or a mastermind of manipulation?…

October 27, 2023

For an article about 'Bluey,' a blue background features the outlines of a snout and two ears. The words "What's the obsession with Bluey?" appear on the front.

What’s the Obsession with ‘Bluey’?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

The fun-loving blue heeler and her sister, Bingo, have taken the hearts of millions across the world.…

October 23, 2023