Samantha Havela, University of Michigan, Author at Study Breaks

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on Stephanie Soo

YouTuber Stephanie Soo Combines True Crime and Food for a Good Time

The mukbanger has captivated audiences with her fun-loving personality, mouthwatering meals and innate storytelling abilities.…

February 8, 2021

Hufflepuffs Don’t Get the Validation They Deserve

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

They are usually the punchline of Hogwarts, but here’s why they are actually amazing.…

January 26, 2021

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on Tiny Pretty Things

Is Netflix’s Ballet School Drama ‘Tiny Pretty Things’ En Pointe?

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

The interesting plot but questionable scenes have audiences trying to figure out if the show makes the cut.…

January 19, 2021

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on A Court of Thorns and Roses

Why ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ Is an Iconic YA Fantasy Series

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

As readers await the release of 'A Court of Silver Flames,' it's a good time to revisit the series' unbelievably intricate worldbuilding, strong women and realistic character development.…

January 11, 2021

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on eating anxiety

Why Do Many People Feel Anxious About Eating in Front of Others?

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Feeling anxious or guilty about chowing down on a meal is something that's become natural for many people in the U.S. How can we stop it?…

January 3, 2021

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on The Christmas Setup

‘The Christmas Setup’ Introduces Lifetime’s First LGBTQ+ Main Characters

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Lifetime's newest Christmas film welcomes LGBTQ+ characters into the hearts of viewers this holiday season.…

December 24, 2020

‘Dash and Lily’ Is a ‘Note’-Worthy Rom-Com for This Holiday Season

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Trading notes in a journal left behind in a New York City bookstore, the characters of this Netflix series navigate a few inclusive winter romances. …

December 21, 2020

Image of a baby eating food in an article about baby-led weaning

Baby-Led Weaning Is the Newest Way To Feed Your Infant

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

This feeding method is a way to introduce solid food to babies earlier, and it's becoming widely popular among parents.…

December 10, 2020

Illustration of Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa by Marlowe Pody for an article on Prisoner

Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa Are ’80s Rock Vampires in ‘Prisoner’

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

The two artists break free from the prison of their exes in the campy, rock ‘n' roll themed music video.…

December 4, 2020

Why the ‘Perfect’ Male Love Interest Is Problematic

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

While this common trope in media may be idealistic, it causes problems by creating unrealistic models of men.…

November 27, 2020

Period Pants, Sustainable Menstruation and the Research Behind It

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Over the past few years, menstruation products that reduce plastic waste have increased in popularity. How do they actually work?…

November 23, 2020

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on Go Ahead

‘Go Ahead’ Redefines What It Means To Be a Family

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

The Chinese drama series shows that sometimes blood doesn't matter as much as who we choose to be with and care for.…

November 13, 2020

Illustration by Melchisedech Quagrainie for an article on talking dogs

These Talking Dogs Have Something To Say, and Humans Are All Ears

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

These pups are blowing up on social media for their apparent abilities to communicate with their owners.…

November 6, 2020

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on dress codes

Canadian Schoolboys Are Wearing Skirts To Protest School Dress Codes

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Male High school students from Québec made big waves as they challenged the sexism and oversexualization of female bodies built into school clothing regulations.…

November 1, 2020

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on Jeffrey Dahmer

Into the Forensic Psychology of Jeffrey Dahmer and His Crimes

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Now that the series 'Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story' is cleared for production, the serial killer is once again being talked about. What was behind his gruesome acts of brutality?…

October 25, 2020

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week Asks You To Discover Your Right to Read

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

This special time highlights the power of language to challenge our social, political and cultural assumptions.…

October 17, 2020

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on Midnight Sun

Edward’s Point of View in ‘Midnight Sun’ Adds More Depth to ‘The Twilight Saga’

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Most readers already know the story, so how does exploring the tale from the perspective of the iconic vampire bring something new to the beloved series?…

October 10, 2020

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Writer Profile

Samantha Havela

University of Michigan
English and Women’s & Gender Studies

YouTuber Stephanie Soo Combines True Crime and Food for a Good Time

Hufflepuffs Don’t Get the Validation They Deserve

Is Netflix’s Ballet School Drama ‘Tiny Pretty Things’ En Pointe?

Why ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ Is an Iconic YA Fantasy Series

Why Do Many People Feel Anxious About Eating in Front of Others?

‘The Christmas Setup’ Introduces Lifetime’s First LGBTQ+ Main Characters

‘Dash and Lily’ Is a ‘Note’-Worthy Rom-Com for This Holiday Season

Baby-Led Weaning Is the Newest Way To Feed Your Infant

Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa Are ’80s Rock Vampires in ‘Prisoner’

Why the ‘Perfect’ Male Love Interest Is Problematic

Period Pants, Sustainable Menstruation and the Research Behind It

‘Go Ahead’ Redefines What It Means To Be a Family

These Talking Dogs Have Something To Say, and Humans Are All Ears

Canadian Schoolboys Are Wearing Skirts To Protest School Dress Codes

Into the Forensic Psychology of Jeffrey Dahmer and His Crimes

Banned Books Week Asks You To Discover Your Right to Read

Edward’s Point of View in ‘Midnight Sun’ Adds More Depth to ‘The Twilight Saga’

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Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Writer Profile

University of Michigan English and Women’s & Gender Studies

University of Michigan
English and Women’s & Gender Studies