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Review Written by: Ray Wisda Content warning: This article contains explicit descriptions of grooming, child sexual abuse, trafficking, coercion, and psychological trauma. Reader discretion is advised. This memoir is best suited for readers who want a survivor-centered, emotionally candid account of trafficking rather than a policy or legal analysis. Nobody’s Girl: V irginia Roberts Giuffre. Self-published, 2019. A survivor memoir on grooming, trafficking, and reclaiming identity. “I was fifteen when the world stopped feeling safe.” Giuffre’s memoir is raw, urgent, and emotionally unfiltered, offering a survivor’s perspective that is powerful, even when its structure feels fragmented. Her memoir recounts her adolescence, the grooming that led to her exploitation, and her eventual escape and advocacy work. Her purpose is clear: trafficking thrives in silence, and survivors reclaim power by telling the truth in their own words. The book traces her journey from vulnerability to victimization to activism, emphasizing how systems failed her and how she rebuilt her life. The structure is chronological b ut anecdotal , moving through childhood instability, recruitment, years of abuse, and the long process of healing. Giuffre argues that trafficking is not a distant or hidden phenomenon but something that preys on vulnerable youth in plain sight. “Predators look for the cracks – kids who won’t be missed, kids who already feel invisible", Giuffre writes. This thesis is persuasive and grounded in her personal narrative. The argument is strongest when she connects her experiences to broader patterns of grooming and coercion. At times, the memoir’s emotional intensity overshadows deeper analysis, but the core message remains forceful. Giuffre’s descriptions of grooming tactics, isolation, and psychological manipulation are vivid and specific. “They made me feel chosen before they made me feel trapped", Giuffre writes. Th e composition is direct, written in a conversational tone that mirrors a survivor speaking plainly about her past. The anecdotal structure reflects trauma memory – fragmented, nonlinear, and emotionally charged. While this enhances authenticity, it can make the narrative feel uneven. Some chapters end abruptly or shift tone quickly, which may be challenging to read. Giuffre’s voice is personal, and she acknowledges her own confusion, shame, and resilience. Her bias is transparent: she writes from the perspective of someone harmed by powerful adults and failed by institutions. This perspective strengthens the memoir’s emotional impact but limits its objectivity, which is appropriate for the subject matter. This memoir is relevant to the ongoing conversations about the Epstein Files, trafficking, grooming, and survivor advocacy. Unlike investigative works, Giuffre’s book offers a first-person account rather than a systemic overview. Its value lies in its immediacy and emotional truth, making it a strong companion to research-based texts. Giuffre’s memoir is a powerful, clear entry into understanding the lived reality of trafficking. Its emotional clarity and survivor-driven perspective makes it valuable, even if its structure is uneven. For readers seeking a raw, honest account of survival and transformation, Nobody’s Girl  is a meaningful and necessary read.

Written By: Laila Drummond TOLEDO, Ohio - The University of Toledo's Student Government elections are coming up. This is a long-standing tradition, so here's some notable information. Students interested in running for student body president must find an accompanying vice president to run with them. Then they need to meet with the student elections board. The student must complete this no later than February 16. According to Annabelle Welch, the Election Board chair. After that, they'll need to obtain 400 peer signatures, collected on Invonet, to get on the ballot. This must be completed by February 27. A presidential candidate does have a few restrictions including: no campaigning in the residence halls, and a limit of 1,500 dollars on campaign fees. Candidates for presidents can also receive endorsements from different campus organizations. Alongside presidential elections, student senate elections are happening as well. Senators also have their own guidelines. They must also not campaign in resident's halls; and can spend 500 dollars on campaign fees. Senators also need 85 signatures; however, senators are not allowed to receive any endorsements. Senators can serve a two-year term; however, you can end your term early according to Welch. "For example, if you are a junior, you want to run, you can serve your senior year and graduate" Welch says. There are many perks to being Student Body President or Vice President, like receiving a staff parking permit and free tuition. Elected senators also receive some benefits, like priority registration, and the ability to be the first people to vote in the new session of Student Government. Welch explains that the student government is looking for senators to represent each individual college. "We want to designate one person per college to represent their college." Welch says, "They are going to have meetings with their deans, to get advocacy for each college out there" Armando Rodriguez, an Election Board Representative, says student government's goal is to have students of all backgrounds represented. "A lot of us were affected by senate bill 1 (SB1), so getting student advocacy in this forum is very important." Rodriguez states. Elections start March 30, and go until April 6, at 8 p.m. Anyone with questions, or if you are interested in running, contact utoledoeb@gmail.com

Written By: Anthony Nassar Elliot Brda for the Collegian TOLEDO, Ohio —Family-owned Middle Eastern restaurants reflect the growing community in Toledo. By blending tradition with modern elements, to bring people of different backgrounds together through food. Toledo is home to nearly 15,000 Middle Eastern residents, showcasing the growing community and how it has helped continue to shape the city’s diverse restaurant scene. Sidon Lebanese Grille & Bakery, known as the Middle East Bakery, was founded in 2005. What began as a small corner store has evolved into a thriving establishment with a staff of about 50 employees. Owner Nadine Hariri continues to evolve the menu by experimenting with different items, such as za’atar fries or a kofta burger. Za’atar is a blend of dried herbs that creates a tangy flavor, while kofta is ground meat that can be mixed with different spices and herbs. Hariri said her father-in-law studied at the University of Toledo before going back overseas, where their family lived until his son turned 15. “They knew eventually they wanted to be in the food and grocery business,” Hariri said. “I think family is what kept them here.” Byblos has been a staple in the Toledo area for over 30 years, showcasing that its customer base expands beyond the Middle Eastern community. Leila Hajjar, the owner’s daughter, said the restaurant focuses on the consistent quality of food and an atmosphere that ensures everyone feels welcome. “Before, there were a lot more Arab customers,” Hajjar said. “Now, it’s more people from the Toledo area with different cultural backgrounds.” Phoenicia Cuisine, which started on Bancroft Street in 1991, serves the University of Toledo community, ensuring its menu balances authentic flavors with broader tastes. Owner Imad Barakat recalls hosting former presidential candidate Ralph Nader, which he considers one of the highlights of his restaurant’s history. “If you tried something purely authentic and did not catch people’s taste, it may be because it’s too seasoned or unique,” said Barakat. “With time, we came up with different current menu recipes, flavors, and all that.” The newer River Diner offers both Middle Eastern and American cuisine, attracting a wide audience to the restaurant. Ayah Ifetiha, the owner’s daughter, said the restaurant initially began with mostly Arab customers but now pulls in a mix of Toledo residents. “Our culture is represented through the hospitality received in the restaurant,” said Ifetiha. “My dad likes to give out free samples to show his customers that he appreciates them being there.”

Written By: Lauren York TOLEDO, Ohio - The American Red Cross hosted a blood drive at the University of Toledo on Jan. 29. They came with the goal to collect 45 units of blood and reached half of this goal two hours after starting.  The success of the blood drive couldn’t have come at a better time. Chelsea Benton, a representative for the American Red Cross, noted that the organization is currently facing a severe blood shortage; the need for types O, A negative and B negative are especially serious. While the blood shortage is a constant challenge, the solution could be as simple as one conversation. “The biggest reason people say they don’t donate is because nobody’s ever asked them to,” Benton said. She also pointed out that while the Red Cross is known for blood donations, they help with so much more. “We’re more than just blood. We’re disaster relief, educational, humanitarian, and so much more.” Another reason people may not donate is a fear of needles. However, student volunteers at the event were on hand to offer both medical and social support. “If you’re nervous or scared of needles, one of the best things to do is try to be social with the person drawing your blood,” says student volunteer Maryam Sheikh. “Ask them about their profession, their hobbies, or anything else you can think of to distract yourself.” Faith Smallwood, another student volunteer, emphasized the importance of preparation before donating. “Make sure to breathe properly during the process, eat a good meal, stay very hydrated, and just try to relax. Most of the time, people only pass out because they haven’t eaten anything and are dehydrated.” If someone wants to help the cause, the process is quick and simple. The entire process can be done in about 45 minutes. To put this into perspective, a person can save up to three lives with 45 minutes of their time–and blood. For those who wish to contribute to the cause, Benton says getting started is easy. Anyone interested in donating blood can go to the Red Cross website to find local drive locations and schedule an appointment.

By: Lauren York Aidden Johnson Megan Matthews OSA UT President, Karina Delgado. Brandon Navarro-Garcia for The Collegian TOLEDO, Ohio– Groups of students came together at the University of Toledo’s Centennial Mall on February 6, chanting and holding signs as part of a massive “No ICE in Ohio” walkout. Organized by the UToledo chapter of the Ohio Student Association (OSA), the demonstration transformed the heart of campus into a protest regarding immigrant rights as many individuals shared personal stories and demanded changes to the university’s safety protocols. While the atmosphere was energized, OSA leaders made sure to issue strict instructions for a nonviolent protest, advising anyone who joins to avoid any interactions with potential counter-protesters. Two UT students holding "We are skipping our lessons to teach you one! No ICE on college campuses!!!" Brandon Navarro-Garcia for The Collegian At the heart of the protest was a specific list of demands aimed at the university administration. The protest was meant to pressure the administration to take a stronger stance on student safety, especially for undocumented students living in Ohio and on campus. OSA President Karina Delgado described a vision for a campus that actively resists cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We demand that our administration inform the public of the University's policy and procedures towards ICE through a website page, with all students, faculty, and staff receiving text and e-mail. Delgado continues with the other demands of OSA for the university’s administration include the following: ● Refusal of any and all data sharing with ICE that isn’t legally mandated, protecting the private information of students and staff. ● Deny the entry of ICE to all campus buildings. ● Treat the arrival of ICE agents on campus as the highest level of security by allowing staff and students to receive emergency alerts for their arrival. ● Pledging not to sign the 287(g) agreement, which would deputize campus police as immigration agents. ● Do not allow campus police to assist ICE outside of legally required interactions and don’t commit to voluntary agreements working with ICE. Campus police should be protecting the students, faculty, and staff from ICE agents. “My grandfather came here as an immigrant from Mexico around 1950. Came to America that celebrated diversity and inclusion,” Delgado said. “Where we’re heading now… It's just fascism, and I’m scared for my grandfather now, even though he has his citizenship. If people will judge him based on the color of his skin.” Brandon Navarro-Garcia for The Collegian Many students at the protest focused on the moral implications of immigration enforcement. Aamenah Mohamed, a freshman Pharmaceutical Sciences major and child of an Egyptian immigrants, argued that the current system denies many constitutional values. No one is illegal on stolen land, It's ridiculous, five-year-olds are speaking up for themselves in court. It's infuriating, and I don't think we're angry enough. For many other people who participated, the protest was more about family legacy rather than policies. Rudy Velasquez, President of the Global Latinx Student Union (GLSU) and a U.S. Army veteran spoke about the "identity crisis” caused by the current political climate in the world. I did serve for the United States Army, and I did give back to this community. And just to see the United States want us out of here..it's something that tears me personally Velasquez expresses further by stating, “My family, even though they are documented, still have that fear.” People from many corners of Toledo’s campus came to support the protest, even those who have no personal history with ICE or immigration. Macin Petry, a nursing student, arrived at the mall to support his friends and brothers of color. Responding to a question about "What would you like to say to ICE?" ICE, please leave. Everybody is equal. Dr. Sammy Spann, Vice Provost and Dean of Students , representing the university, arrived in support of everyone protesting. While discussing the protest, Span expressed great pride in the students’ desire to exercise their rights. Telling the reporter, I would tell them thank you for using their First Amendment Right, free speech, and being as cordial and accepting to everyone that have came around and supporting the cause and having their voices heard. I’m very proud of them for that. As the event finished, the main message from OSA was clear: the university must choose between silence and the protection of its most vulnerable students from the situation at hand. OSA vice president, Nevaeh Schaeffer, expresses , School is a privilege that all students should be able to experience safely OSA Vice President, Nevaeh Schaeffer. Brandon Navarro-Garcia for The Collegian

By: Brandon Navarro Garcia Anthony Nassar TOLEDO, OHIO - The Student Film Festival is back this semester, fueling creativity on campus. This year’s selection of films excites me, as I went last year and had good experiences because of the potential I saw in the films. I walked into the center of performing arts last year, expecting a hodgepodge of films submitted, but no, I got handpicked films curated by the faculty. There were a handful of films that I watched and enjoyed, one of them being Connections  by William Gibbs-Heard. I went by myself and was impressed by the overall abstract nature of it; the colors and movement were dream-like with a rhythm to it. It was fascinating to watch and see these forms and shapes come and go, and it was also something you could watch repeatedly and not get bored with. Will’s films, “Connections”  and “It Won't Take Much Longer”  by Mike Budich. This film caught my attention the most because it reminded me of David Lynch’s Inland Empire. I say this comparison because I have seen both, and I have gotten similar feelings while watching them. It was that sense of uneasiness when you are in a place that feels familiar, but everything is not as it seems. The familiar seems strange, and you are lost in your surroundings. Budich’s film left me feeling lost and unfamiliar with my surroundings, as it turns some familiar UToledo hallways into an industrial hellscape. The film shows reality losing its grip, and all seems unfamiliar when it comes to the mundane, mute yellow hallways and the fluorescent lights we have grown accustomed to. These students have studied a medium that is as elusive as it is fascinating. This is why critics speak so highly of certain films, because they believe that there is potential to be moved by moving images. Cinema is a powerful medium for expression as it can overstimulate us with images and sounds that seem all too realistic. I was saddened by the fact that I would have to wait to see what the program is bringing us here in Toledo. I wanted to see what they had in store. The Theatre and Film department’s Festival of New Student Works is back from February 6-7 from 7-9 PM. This festival will include works from students at all levels in the theater and film program. After seeing posters around for this event, I knew I had to save the date for it. With the excitement already brewing inside. I went ahead and asked around to see what would be on the lineup for this year’s festival. There will be a good mix between animation and live action due to the classes available in the program, a showcase that will screen a diverse set of films. This is being hosted by the faculty in the department, like Tammy Kinsey. She, alongside some of the faculty, pushes their films in the classes they teach. They discuss it, and they develop a sort of synergy that flows in the order they come in. Those sorts of things that take plenty of time, and “...it kind of builds itself.” Watching each film carefully is important as the faculty wants to represent as much as possible when it comes to what the program has to offer. The reason why it is called the “New Student Showcase” is to showcase some of the genuine creativity involved when making these films. A lot of the films being screened are from classes like digital cinema production and creative approaches to cinema. Submissions were made by students who are majoring or minoring in the film and video program. I asked Tammy Kinsey if the students responded well to this criticism, as most students dislike that type of confrontation when it comes to their work.   She said that “...it was a great way to build confidence. It is there to show them how to approach criticism from an audience.” This festival is perfect for the film program because the students get to experience what criticism from the audience is like. Showcasing it in a festival and a gallery.   Speaking of the gallery, they will keep the gallery showcase when it comes around early March or mid-March. They will also showcase some of these films at the South Gallery Space in Carlson Library. The faculty is promoting this festival because it is a free show for students. However, you would still need to get those free tickets online. They are excited to have students come and see the film. Especially to come support our fellow students here as they create what is their interpretation of the medium of cinema. The film festival is an opportunity to have entertainment here on campus for free. So why not show up to it? It has been going on for about 30 years in different formats, so why not go?   They have a variety of films to be screened. Maybe one of these films will impact you through its powerful medium of expression.

By: Connor Barrus Connor Barrus for The Collegian TOLEDO, OHIO – Savage Arena celebrated National Girls & Women in Sport Day as Toledo Women’s Basketball took care of business Saturday as the Rockets took down Southern Miss, 76-67 in the second edition of the MAC-SBC Challenge this season. Connor Barrus for The Collegian The Rockets (12-9, 6-4 MAC) were led in scoring by Patricia Anumgba with 25 points, and Faith Fedd-Robison finished with a 20-point, 15 rebound double-double. The Golden Eagles (12-12, 5-7 Sun Belt) were led by Meloney Thames with 25 points and 6 rebounds. Connor Barrus for The Collegian Toledo finishes the MAC-SBC with a 1-1 record after suffering an 88-51 loss to Troy back on November 3rd. Toledo will return to action on February 10th as they host Ohio. The Rockets have already handed the Bobcats a defeat in Athens on January 24th and will look for a sweep.

By: Nardeen Lakatos Images courtesy of UToledo OSA, Jaden Jefferson, and Austin Baldwin-Townsend

Written By: DC Edited By: Aidden Johnson UToledo Bashcon Logo BASHCon 40 storms the University of Toledo Student Union this weekend—Friday through Sunday—celebrating 40 years of pure student-run gaming chaos that's drawn over a thousand nerds in past years and could double that this time around with a vendor boom, retro consoles, and RPG marathons galore. Free for UT students and staff flashing Rocket IDs, the con sprawls across the second and third floors, from the packed auditorium vendors' hall to event rooms buzzing with Pathfinder dice rolls and Battletech stomps. UT BASH president Tom Mason laid it out plain: "It's like Comic Con or Galaxy Con, but it's entirely student run, so it's entirely put together by the people of UT BASH here on campus, all student members, everyone pitches in, helps out, and puts together a convention." Packed Schedule Doors crack open Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday blasts from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with a vendor dinner break), and Sunday wraps from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendee tickets stop selling an hour before close each day. Head Coordinator, Katie Loger, is a fourth-year Music Ed major. "This is my fourth Bashcon. It's my second one as a coordinator, and it's my first one as the head coordinator.” She confirmed the hours while buzzing around early setups: "We do have a small break built in for our vendors tomorrow, just because it is such a long day." Free console gaming lights up SU 2591 all weekend on club-owned Switches, Xboxes, and PlayStations—"Instead of doing an arcade game, we have a lot of consoles as a club ourselves... that have gone unused," Loger said. Karaoke BASH cranks in SU 3020 Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m.—"Come on out and sing your heart out in a judgment free zone!"—while foam LARP fighting swings in the Ingman Room Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for medieval elf-Hobbit brawls. Milestone Vibes Hitting 40 years since UT BASH launched in 1985—"Super exciting to be kind of a part of history," Tom Mason said, "the company's eyes growth past last year's 1,000-plus toward 2,000. and because of the advertising, we've been able to do online ticket sales this year, we are already predicting more," Loger hopes, via the new website UTBashcon.com . Food's Union-standard like Phoenicia's Mediterranean upstairs, open all weekend. Loger added, "If you're looking for something to do this weekend, come stop by. We'll be here basically the entire weekend. Just hang out a bunch of nerds in a room having a good time." Santa’s Toy Box anchors family fun with 150 boards for $1—"From Candy Land... on up... a huge spread"—and Minis Paint and Take lets you customize minis to keep. Whether you're dorm-bound or a local gamer, BASHCon 40 delivers a winter weekend escape. Vendor Explosion Over 30 vendors cram 42 tables into the auditorium's dual squares and T-section—doubled from last year—forcing a layout shakeup. "Because of our influx of vendors this year... we had to change the layout of our con a little bit... We're trying something new this year," Loger said, naming early birds: "Em by Marissa is the first booth. We've got Loading Crew Crafts. We have Dice N Slice... Kopi Kandiko... Jester Tastic... Mystik Waboose." Highlights span Alley Cat Art's pop culture stickers, Blackswamp 3D's fantasy terrain, Electric Abyss' "glitter, gay, and bad puns." resin pins, Pleasantly Strange's hand-sewn plushies, and Moonrover Games' cozy "Backyard Butterfly." Local spots like Checkmate Games mingle with custom dice from Peddler Potoo and Pixel Perler art from Pixel Bump. Student Green Fund is handing out free Emotional Support Plants in the hall—"To promote the importance of self-care"—and Trimble Lounge hosts Ewok Village photos all Saturday. Bazaar and Swag Saturday's BASHCon Bazaar in SU 2592 turns used games into cash: Drop off by noon at the info desk, bids kick at 1 p.m., 10% to UT BASH. "People will come in, you sign a little form, and you give us your games... Most of it goes back to whoever's selling their stuff," Tom explained. "It's put on by two old BASH members, Kelson and Laura,... Kelson was a former main convention coordinator." BASHCon 40 will also have nostalgic, arcade-style dice and mascot tees merchandise. "We have a Bashcon 40 branded dice... It looks like an arcade game... very nostalgic coloring," Loger said. Tom got specific on the tabletop frenzy: "A lot of our events are tabletop RPG games... We have Pathfinder Society... they bring their group, and they play a bunch of Pathfinder and Starfinder games the whole weekend." The pamphlet details packed Pathfinder/Starfinder slates in SU 2582 ($2-$4 tickets), like Friday's "Invasion’s Edge" where Starfinders defend a crashed alien ship from First Ones, or Saturday's "Shipyard Sabotage" pitting Pathfinders against Cheliax pirates raiding Andoran docks. Free RPG drops-ins fill the Ingman Room, including Nightmare Enemy—"Zombies in this world are not the slow-moving... kind; they are capable of doing what they did in life... if the person knew how to fire a gun... they can pick it up and fire it, but once the gun is empty they can’t reload it"—and 3rd Age medieval fantasy: "Ever wanted to play as a Minotaur? A Dragonite? A Catminion? You can here." Battletech Grinder lets you pilot mechs—"When your 'mech is destroyed, you get a new, bigger and stronger one... the only thing you need to join is the want to fight with big stompy robots!"—and Brick Battles minis hit SU 2579 with themed skirmishes like "DC: Escape from Arkham" or "Firefly: Old Friends."