C Magazine Volume 13 Issue 5

Dear readers,

C MAGAZINE

Welcome to this year’s fifth and final issue of C Magazine! It’s been a heartfelt journey, and we’ve all had an incredibly memorable ride. We are thrilled to announce that this is the first issue under C Magazine’s new leadership team and are honored to have been appointed as editors-in-chief. Our top priority is to make the magazine the best that it can be!

To last year’s leadership team and our graduating seniors, thank you for all that you have done for the magazine. From having our first themed issue (the “Eco” issue) to amping up our online presence, you have made it so fun to be a part of C Magazine!

On our front and back covers, we feature juniors Estelle Dufour and Amily Zhang embracing the summer spirit. Make sure to take a peek at our tear-out poster on page 24!

This issue, we want to give readers a look into the behindthe-scenes of making our magazine come to life. We asked Managing Editor Zoe Ferring, a writer of cover story “Burning for Beauty,” to tell us about the process of finding sources, conducting interviews and putting together an exploratory piece about the pros and cons of tanning.

“It was really interesting to see all the different perspectives that don’t always come to mind about tanning,” Ferring said. “We really tried to use a variety of sources to ensure that we

By Kayley Ko and Katelyn Pegg

got a lot of perspectives about both the positives and negatives of tanning.”

In our cover story, the writers interviewed dermatologists, anthropologists and students alike, inquiring about social pressures influencing tanning and the medical risks of it. Why do people tan? What are its drawbacks and benefits? These questions are exactly what the story explores, and we encourage everyone to give it a read.

Accompanying “Burning for Beauty” is “The Color Complex” — Multimedia Manager Maria Uribe Estrada’s debut perspective piece. Uribe Estrada’s story covers her experiences facing colorism in her day-to-day life and the process of coming to terms with her racial and ethnic identity.

“I looked back on my life and any moments that might have related to the topic of colorism,” Uribe Estrade. “I got the chance to talk to my parents about it, [and] I had entire conversations about them with a topic so embedded in our culture.”

With that, we hope you’ve gotten a bit more insight into the process our writers go through to put together our stories. Now, it’s time to crack open the magazine.

Happy reading!

Web EXCLUSIVES

By Maia Lin

By Talia Boneh and Dylan Berger

thanks TO OUR SPONSORS

Eva Arceo

Aidan Berger

The Boneh Family

Cindy Brewer

Pei Cao

Yi Cao

Shahla Chehrazi and Stephen Raffle

Jennifer DiBrienza

Linda Farwell

Ryan Greenfield

David Karel

Binoo Kim

Grace Ko

Kirill Kuzmicheva

Jesse Ladomirak

Geunhwi Lim Yueun Lim

Ann Loesing

Perry Meigs

The Pegg Family

Carol Replogle

Diego Rodriguez

Vimal Shyamji

Vijayashree Srinivasan

The Williams Family

Greg Williams

Allison Wong

Carolyn and John Witt

The Yeni-Komshian Family

Publication Policy

C Magazine, an arts and culture magazine published by the students in Palo Alto High School’s Magazine Journalism class, is a designated open forum for student expression and discussion of issues of concern to its readership. C Magazine is distributed to its readers and the student body at no cost.

Printing & Distribution

C Magazine is printed 5 times a year in October, December, February, April and May by aPrintis in Pleasanton, CA. C Magazine is distributed on campus and mailed to sponsors by Palo Alto High School. All C Magazine stories are available on cmagazine.org.

Advertising

The staff publishes advertisements with signed contracts, providing they are not deemed by the staff inappropriate for the magazine’s audience. For more information about advertising with C Magazine, please contact business manager Annie Kasanin at businesscmagazine@gmail.com.

Letters to the Editors

The C Magazine staff welcomes letters to the editors but reserve the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, potential libel, invasion of privacy and obscenity. Send all letters to cmagazine.eics@gmail.com or to 50 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94301.

staff

Editors-in-Chief

Talia Boneh, Ria Mirchandani, Alice Sheffer, Amalia Tormala

Managing Editors

Estelle Dufour, Zoe Ferring, Silvia Rodriguez

Online Editors-in-Chief

Maia Lin, Sophia Zhang

Social Media Managers

Sonya Kuzmicheva, Luna Lim

Table of Contents

Alice Sheffer

Staff Writers

Creative Directors

Dylan Berger, Ellis Shyamji

Business Manager

Annie Kasanin

Multimedia Director

Maria Uribe Estrada

Outreach Specialists

Estelle Dufour, Silvia Rodriguez

Photo & Art Director

Fallon Porter

Adviser

Brian Wilson

Sophia Dong, Kaitlyn Gonzalez-Arceo, Ella Hwang, Lily Jeffrey, Abbie Karel, Kayley Ko, Disha Manayilakath, Katelyn Pegg, Anika Raffle, Gin Williams

Cover

Ria Mirchandani, Alice Sheffer

Illustrators and Photographers

Poster

Talia Boneh

Jamil Baldwin, Mal Bea, Dylan Berger, Talia Boneh, Gabe Boudtchenko, Ana Castilho, Sophia Dong, Estelle Dufour, Zoe Ferring, Kaitlyn Gonzalez-Arceo, Ella Hwang, Lily Jeffery, Annie Kasanin, Abigail Karel, Kayley Ko, Sonya Kuzmicheva, Luna Lim, Maia Lin, Murray Susen, Keira Ling, Marcus Ling, Disha Manayilakath, Jack McKain, Ria Mirchandani, Katelyn Pegg, Fallon Porter, Anika Raffle, Silvia Rodriguez, Ivan Sandler, Alice Sheffer, Ellis Shyamji, Cate Slaughter, Eliza Stokstik, SOCAPA NYC, Murray Susen, Maria Uribe Estrada, Sonya Vishnyakova, Gin Williams, Eli Zaturanski

Summer camps provide diverse and essential life skills for adolescents

Summer camp: The quintessential summer experience where kids ditch the hustle of the school year and explore their interests with creativity, freedom and a sense of adventure. Through new connections built and lasting memories formed, campers are able to come back to the real world with a fresh perspective.

Junior Yardenne Sternheim has been attending Decathlon Sports Camp for nine years, as both a camper and a counselor. This camp goes beyond the traditional sports of the decathlon, offering capture the flag, hockey, handball and more.

“Getting to play these sports … and just getting my energy out in the sun is hot and tiring, but it’s so much fun,” Sternheim said. “And I can’t forget to mention, every single day at the end of the day, you get a popsicle.”

camp tradition where, after you attend the camp for five years, you get inducted into the hall of fame,” Sternheim said. “You also get a photo taken of you doing a sport of your choosing, and it’s added onto a board with all the other inductees.”

“You’re putting in the work, but it’s so incredibly rewarding because then you get to see the campers super happy.”

Yardenne Sternheim, 11

As each camp differs from one another, so do their traditions. These customs can influence campers for years to come. At Decathlon, they celebrate a sense of legacy that pushes kids to come back every year. Unique traditions also encourage campers to return to Decathlon year after year as a camper, until they eventually return as a counselor.

As Sternheim made the transition from camper to counselor, she discovered the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a camp. Sometimes, things can look easier from the surface, as becoming a counselor comes with new responsibilities.

“As a counselor, you’re doing all the work, and you’re putting all these things together for the kids to enjoy,” Sternheim said. “You’re putting in the work, but it’s so incredibly rewarding because then you get to see the campers super happy, and that’s how they want to spend their summer.”

The vital role that counselors play in shaping a positive camp experience is clear to Alessandrea Alonso, the former manager of Camp Rinconada and Camp Menlo.

“Decathlon has this

“I want everyone to feel encouraged to step out of their comfort zone,” Alonso said. “Part of it is having someone the kids can look up to and connect with.”

For some kids, going to camp can be a big transition and a nerve-wracking experience — one that counselors often wind up helping campers with. As a leader, Alonso finds gratification in creating a camp that changes the negative notions that campers held beforehand.

“My favorite thing about camp was seeing the changes in shy kids,” Alonso said. “The kids that didn’t want to be there at first, and the kids that cried and refused to leave their parents’ side were usually the ones who ended up having a blast and making so many friends.”

Though camp can end up being a positive experience for many, it’s not easy for all campers, some of whom get off to a rocky start. Sternheim has worked with and inspired some of the less eager campers throughout her time at Decathlon.

“He [the camper] just didn’t want to be at the camp, but his parents signed him up,” Sternheim said. “You could tell he was so unenthusiastic. And now, part of it makes sense, because it’s hot, it’s tiring. You’re outside in the sun all day.”

Despite these challenges, Sternheim learned that most of the time, it is up to the counselor to reframe the campers’ mindsets.

“Dealing with that camper was hard, but it taught me a lot on how to deal with these situations and also kept me persevering,” Sternheim said. “Even though there’s an obstacle, you can always move forward. The kid, a lot of times, struggles to do that, so it’s up to the counselor and the person in charge to feed the enthusiasm into the campers and the group, no matter how tired the counselor is.”

Counselors like Sternheim ensure that campers gain more than just athletic skills: Attendees’ attitudes can change as well.

“Summer camp can make kids confident,” Alonso said. “For some of those kids, this camp is their introduction to social settings. Even with kids who are only with us for a week, we see them blos som [from] Monday to Friday. They have new friends, and they walk into camp surer of themselves every day.”

Lasting friendships are one of the best parts of camp for junior Zoe Sherer. Sherer has been attending Stanford Sierra Camp, a family camp at Fallen Leaf Lake in the Sierra Nevada, since she was a baby. Families attend the same week of summer each year. This unique camp structure has created a community of families that reconnects each summer.

“It’s a really nice place for meeting new families that you connect with because it’s all Stanford alumni families,” Sherer said. “It’s crazy, [the families] you meet there that you actually [already] know from someone or another. And it’s nice to get to know them for a week because you’re hanging out with them all the time.”

was learning to cope with homesickness.

“You should try something new and put yourself out there, even if you’re afraid.”

Lily McCue, 12

Sophomore Kate Lindstrom has gone to Bar 717, a sleepaway camp nestled in the Trinity Alps of Northern California, for two years. During her time at the camp, Lindstrom experienced the transformative experience that a summer camp offers.

“I gained so much confidence, and I really came into myself,” Lindstrom said. “Every time I returned from camp, I would just be so happy, and I would feel so much better in general.”

Resilience built from overcoming struggles fills campers with confidence. For senior Lily McCue, experiences where kids reach out of their comfort zones are some of the most valuable moments. McCue has attended French Woods, a sleepaway camp in Hancock, New York, for two years. One hurdle in the camp experience

“The camp [French Woods] was two weeks long, so there were a lot of people who were homesick, too,” McCue said.

“I hadn’t been away from home, and that was the first sleepaway camp I’ve ever done. Doing it in New York for two weeks was challenging at first because I missed my family.”

While away from her family and her home, McCue noticed changes in her and her peers.

“[Other campers] gained some maturity and independence because [their] parents aren’t there telling [them] what to do or how to act,” McCue said.

Surrounded by new people, McCue gained social skills from interacting with campers, making close friendships during her time at French Woods.

“You’re thrown into a place with a bunch of random new people,” said McCue. “It’s helpful for building your ability to reach out to people and make friends. Everyone at summer camp is super friendly, and you learn how to interact with people in a whole new way.”

Amid the sea of new people and unease about the outcome of different activities, some campers bump into trouble when attempting to get out of their comfort zones.

“You should try something new and put yourself out there, even if you’re afraid,” McCue said. “It might be something you really enjoy. Challenge yourself, try activities that are out of your comfort zone.”

As McCue believes, sometimes putting yourself out there can be hard, but it is important to learn how to.

“Don’t wait for friends to come to you,” McCue said. “You should go and actively make friends yourself because no one’s going to judge you. Everyone’s in the same position; they’re all meeting new people, and it’ll be as fun as you make it.”

Text and design by ANNIE KASANIN and SILVIA RODRIGUEZ

• Photos by ANNIE KASANIN

Before signing off, Paly seniors share the inside scoop looking back on their high school experience

What will you miss the most about Paly?

“What I’m going to miss the most is probably the tight-knit community, especially in our senior year when everyone kind of came together. That connectedness and having a common goal of making it a good senior year is something really special.”

“The biggest thing I’ll miss in high school is the swim season with all my teammates because in the past four years, I’ve really developed a bond as they are like family members to me, and I’m really happy for all of them. I know that even with time away from them, we’ll still be like brothers.”

“Mostly, I’ll miss the community. Over my four years of high school, I’ve met a lot of really nice people, and I’ve made a lot of really good relationships that I’m definitely going to miss.”

High school core memories

“My favorite memories are probably from Spirit Week sophomore year, since that was the first year our class joined together, had real school spirit and showed up overall.”

“...”

“...”

“...”

“I loved having the Social Justice Pathway group during these past three years, as we’ve made a lot of memories together during the camping trip and various projects.”

“I will always remember listening to all the Quadchella preformances with everyone outside on the grass under the sun. We really felt like a strong community.”

Takeaway from senior year

“...” “...”

“...”

“Put your energy into things that actually matter and make you happy versus doing what you think other people expect you to do.”

“Take the time to live in the moment, as during this year you will experience a lot of ‘lasts’. It goes by a lot quicker than you would expect, so cherish every moment.”

“Nothing is as big of a deal as it seems, and those big, complicated moments will always eventually pass. “

Subject: The best thing about senior year

To: C Magazine

“The best part about senior year is that you can really take a step back, spend time with your family and friends and worry a little bit less about your academic schoolwork. ... You’re able to be more present and spend a lot more time balancing your social life, school work and keeping your grades up.”

—

Ethan Wang (12)

Subject: The best thing about senior year

To: C Magazine

Subject: What should you actually focus on?

To: C Magazine

“There is so much more to your application than grades, so I would say focus on what you want to do and how to get there. Just remember there’s so much more to life than high school, [and] all you can do is try to make fun memories. ”

— Kaitlyn Gonzalez-Arceo (12)

“Grades are way overstressed, and it gets to a point where it’s unhealthy. You should obviously focus on your grades, however there should be more time spent hanging out with friends and doing stuff that you really want to do. ”

— Charlie Harrison (12)

Spotted: a QR code worth scanning. Watch for words of wisdom from the class of 2025.

Text, design and photos by KATELYN PEGG and KAYLEY KO

Text, design and art by SOPHIA DONG, SONYA KUZMICHEVA and LUNA LIM • Photos by ANA CASTILHO, KEIRA LING, MARCUS LING, ELIZA STOKSTIK and SONYA VISHNYAKOVA

People from diverse international backgrounds bring unique perspectives and stories that reflect cultures from around the world

Ana observes numerous social differences, from dining to dancing

Brazil — a lively, tropical expanse of land — is a diverse country full of vibrancy. Senior Ana Castilho, a native of Rio de Janeiro, moved to the United States just last year. One of the first cultural differences she noticed was how dining experiences are approached in the two countries.

“In America, they [restaurants] want you to get in, eat and get out as fast as you can so someone else can get in,” Castilho said. “You feel hurried, sometimes, to leave the restaurant.”

This rushed dining culture stood in stark contrast to what Castilho was used to. In Brazil, going to a restaurant was more than just a meal — it was a social experience.

“[In Brazil], I would go to a restaurant with my friends one hour before it closed, and sometimes a bit after it closed,” Castilho said. “The waitresses would sit down and talk to us. … They’re not going to close the restaurant until you’re finished.”

Another

change for Castillo was the differences in party culture across the two nations. For her, the long gatherings in Brazil were not just about music and dancing; instead, they reflected a culture deeply rooted in social connection and celebration.

“When you go to [American] parties, they don’t last too long, and they always end before midnight,” Castilho said. “The parties I used to go to [in Brazil] started at 11 p.m. and ended at 6 a.m. … [Sometimes] parties would end at 8 a.m., and you would eat breakfast at the party.”

Though Palo Alto has many positives, Castilho still misses the social scene of her homeland. She finds that in Brazil, the friendliness of the people makes even the most formal occasions feel casual yet memorable.

“People are very warm, and [in] Rio specifically,

they’re very animated,” Casthillo said. “You could talk to strangers, and you would have fun. When I was walking through the street, there was always a barbecue happening in the middle of the street, or food places playing some music and people dancing. … You would make friends everywhere.”

Wildlife offers a naturally peaceful escape from busy life for Eliza

Though senior Eliza Stokstik was born in the United States, she spent four years living in Tasmania, Australia — a place that has left a lasting impression on her.

Australia is a place known for its variety of, and occasionally dangerous, wildlife. With the rise of social media, there has been an influx of videos in which users post their encounters with unique Australian wildlife. But Stokstik believes that many of the fears surrounding Australian animals are exaggerated.

“The wildlife is fairly friendly,” Stokstik said. “The only thing that’s going to kill you is if you go straight into the Outback [Australian wilderness] bushes. … Then, wildlife will come after you.”

In fact, her experience growing up around nature involved a surprisingly peaceful coexistence with animals, sometimes in the most unexpected of places.

“We had this one spider in our bathroom,” Stokstik said. “He was big, fully black and probably poisonous, but he just lived in the top corner of our bathroom.”

which is why I’m going to be pursuing marine bi ology in college next year,” Stokstik said.

Beyond the wildlife she’s seen, Stokstik has also experienced a contrast in social interactions between Tasmania and America.

Despite the often dangerous wildlife inhabiting them, Australia’s natural landscapes have not only shaped Stokstik’s perspective on the importance of nature but also inspired her future ambitions. Stokstik’s passion for nature, the ocean and the animals within has bled over into an interest in a related career: marine biology.

“This is something that has impacted me so much that it makes me want to preserve wildlife and ocean life in the future,

“One of the good things about Tasmania, where I lived, is it’s such a small island that you know everybody in the town,” Stokstik said. “You walk past somebody on the street, and they actually look at and smile at you. When I’m walking or scootering to school [in America], and I smile at people on the sidewalk because I’m greeting them, they ignore me or just look away.”

Now living in the heart of the Bay Area, Stokstik finds herself missing the deep connection she once had with the natural world.

Senior Sonya Vishnyakova, a native of Moscow, Russia, not only misses the scenic views of her hometown but the deep sense of connection she once had with her surroundings.

“[In Europe], when you walk on the street, you feel connected to the country [and] to the history,” Vishnyakova said. “Here [in America], I just don’t feel the sense of time, because … it feels shallow.”

Beyond the atmosphere of the places she loves, Vishnyakova has always been drawn to Russia’s arts and culture; primarily, she’s been fascinated by its world-renowned painters, composers and musicians. Having grown up attending art school and music school, she says these cultural experiences were central to her adolescence.

“Silicon Valley is so tech savvy and really modern,” Stokstik said. “[In Australia], there’s a lot more greenery and nature which I miss walking past. Something I would definitely bring here is a bit more of that [Australian] environment.”

“I love art and music, so I was fortunate enough to visit many museums and concerts,” Vishnyakova said. “I really enjoyed that part of my upbringing, but I noticed that it isn’t a universal experience for all Russians. [It was] only for those who are part of those specific cultural circles.”

Sonya celebrates her hometown’s cultural character

Along with her love of Russian arts and culture, Vishnyakova has also appreciated Russia’s rich cultural diversity as another one of its most defining qualities. Growing up, she noticed how every Russian region has its own personality shaped by different histories, traditions and communities.

“If I say I’m from Moscow versus St. Petersburg, it means something,” Vishnyakova said. “They’re very different places, and that’s because Russia is so vast. It’s a fusion of many different republics, like different countries mixed into one. … I really enjoy that.”

Marcus speaks about the pace and pressure of urban life

Senior Marcus Ling grew up in the towering metropolis of Hong Kong, a place he remembers for its fastpaced, energetic atmosphere.

“It [Hong Kong] is very different from Palo Alto because [Palo Alto] is a suburb, and the vibes are just completely different,” Ling said. “In Hong Kong, everything’s so fast. … A lot of Hong Kong is pretty noisy, with a lot of people [and] a lot of stuff happening at the same time.”

For Ling, the appeal of Hong Kong isn’t only due to the atmosphere but also the identity and energy of the country.

Part of Hong Kong’s identity is shaped by the city’s unique infrastructure and dense layout. Unlike Palo Alto’s more spacious, suburban sprawl, Hong Kong’s limited land and soaring cost of living have created drastically different housing conditions, Ling said.

“The cost of living is so high in Hong Kong, because of the government’s misuse of land, that people have to often live in ‘cage homes,’” Ling said. “A cage home is basically where you’re confined to a living space the size of a bunk bed. … You don’t see that in Palo Alto, but you see that in Hong Kong a lot.”

“I miss being in the city,” Ling said. “It is so boring in Palo Alto because everything’s a big square and there is nowhere to go. When people say, ‘I know a spot [in Palo Alto],’ it’s just a piece of grass. In Hong Kong, the city actually had an identity.”

Living in Palo Alto, Ling continues to celebrate the cultural richness of his hometown, often observing traditions and celebrations that shaped his upbringing.

“Hong Kong has particular traditions that are different from China, like Dragon Boat Racing, that I would watch,” Ling said. “Then, you also have Chinese New Year, when I would be with my extended family. Normally, my family is not at the same place at the same time, but during Chinese new year, we’re all together.”

Captured Around the Globe

Paddleboarding — Eliza Stokstik

On the water — Eliza Stokstik

Hong Kong skyline — Keira Ling

Baby kangaroo — Eliza Stokstik

Copacobana — Ana Castilho

TANNING IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP — IT’S ABOUT CULTURE, CLASS AND HOW WE’RE ALL...

BURNIN’ For Beauty

From community pools to park lawns, teenagers sprawl on beach chairs and blankets, hoping to catch some rays of sunshine. For many, tanning is a summer staple, where crisp tan lines and bronze skin are the ideal outcome. Yet, this popular activity has raised much controversy on the basis of health concerns and cultural appropriation, prompting many to ask: When does tanning become an unhealthy habit?

The Sunny Side

The groups of teenagers that flock to sandy beaches and tan don’t do so just for a sun-kissed look — they do so because tanning is also an escape that boosts confidence while promoting relaxation. Laying in the sun is a perfect way to soak up the sunshine vita min, vitamin D, according to the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin D promotes humans’ immune health and helps keep mus cles and brain cells working. But, according to dermatol ogist Dr. Jesse Schwartzberg, we often overestimate both the necessary intensity and frequency of this exposure.

“Sun exposure is required for vita min D absorption,” Schwartzberg said. “But, only about 15 minutes a day are re

Helen Piekos believes that tanning beds have a greater use than just darkening one’s skin tone.

“In Montreal, in the ‘80s, there was a tanning salon every few blocks,” Piekos said. “Because the winters were long and cold, we would use tanning beds to get warm and feel the heat of the machines. It was a time to relax, disconnect and meditate. It was quite expensive, but so worth it.”

Glow Around the Globe

Beyond its role as a relaxing summer activity, tanning is deep ly connected to standards of beauty throughout the world. Angel Roque, a professor of cultural anthropology at De Anza College, notes the differences in how tanning is seen across the globe. In Western cultures, Roque said, being “tan” is viewed quite differently than in other places.

“Tanning is super relaxing. It allows me time to chill out, read a book and hang out with my friends.”

— MILA BYNUM, 11

Tanning also touts the benefits of increased emo tional health and general well-being. It’s clear that the sun feels warm and comforting to those constantly subject to gloomy weath er. Many teens, including junior Mila Bynum, view tanning as a way to unwind in their free time, especially after a long week.

said. “It allows me time to chill out, read a book and hang out with my friends.”

In Palo Alto it’s common for teenagers like Bynum to soak up hundreds of days of sunny weather, this isn’t the case for everyone. For some, tanning beds, fake tans and bronzing creams are the only routes to acquiring a tanned appearance. Palo Alto High School parent

“Tanning, at least among white people, seems to be associated with health and leisure,” Roque said. For young people in Western countries, like the United States and Australia, tanned skin is considered an ideal look. CiCi Cowing, the founder of a popup airbrush tanning business in Berkeley — Spray Tans By CiCi — believes that the urge to tan comes from the modern-day beauty standard.

“As soon as the weather warms up, people start wearing shorts and dresses, and many feel insecure about having pale skin,” Cowing said. “Being tan is often associated with looking healthy, fit and ‘glowy,’ which creates pressure to achieve that look, especially in social settings like col-

According to Sun&Skin, one of the various publications from the Skin Cancer Foundation, tanning represents having both free time to go outside and the luxury of traveling, exemplify-

Despite the modern perspective, beauty standards were not always like this. Throughout his education, Roque, like many others, has delved into how these beauty standards have changed and adapted to European values throughout history.

“European colonial domination and the slave trade created and institutionalized discriminatory practices against darker skin tones in societies around the world,” Roque said. “White, i.e. European, phenotypic features came to be valued aesthetically and socially.”

Though this perception of skin tone still exists in many parts of the world, it can differ in certain places due to cultural differences. For instance, while colonial influence put white features on a ped estal in many societies, contemporary beauty standards in some Western and Latin American cultures

now prize tanned or darker skin. Junior Ella Suriani believes tanning standards also have an influence on her own culture.

“I’m from Brazil, and it’s a big part of the beauty norm that the tanner you are, the prettier you are,” Suriani said. “But if you fake tan, it’s really poorly seen.”

This cultural expectation of beauty is mirrored in Brazil’s neighboring country, Argentina. Freshman Alegria Dorigo, who is both Argentinian and German, feels that there are big differences between Latin American and European cultures.

“In Argentina, having glowing or tanned skin is viewed as the beauty standard,” Dorigo said. “In Germany, the beauty standard is pret ty mixed. People think it’s pretty to have a little bit of a tan, but pale skin is totally normal, too. You don’t have to be tan to be seen as pretty.”

Similarly, numerous East Asian cultures, according to Roque, believe that having the palest com plexion makes you more youthful, and this has been used as a symbol of wealth and beauty over the years.

“In many Asian soci eties, before contact with Europeans, skin color was associated with class status,” Roque said. “People with dark er skin tones were viewed as lower class because their tanned skin denot ed the need to labor outside.”

without facing the discrimination,” Wang said.

This draws attention to a different type of problem and upholds double standards about beauty standards.

In recent years, the increased popularity of tan ning has led it to become a trend on online plat forms. Bynum has witnessed social media’s influ ence on current trends, where influencers flaunt their vacations, “trendifying” tan lines and in

“There’s a disconnect on what you should do to get the safest, prettiest tan and what people are actually doing.”

— ELLA SURIANI, 11

Junior Liam Li has observed how percep tions of skin tone in China were not often influenced by outside cultures due to limited foreign interaction throughout history and a predominantly monoethnic population.

“If you look at Chinese history, it has always been very isolat ed,” Li said. “Foreigners are really rare to come by, and the ones that show up most of the time are on the whiter side.”

Tanning has also become more controversial due to the growing conversations about the discrimination against people of color due to their natural skin tone. In contrast, others — often individuals with paler complexions — are praised for their artificially tanned skin without facing stigma or consequences. Senior Ethan Wang believes tanning plays a role in this appropriation.

“Big changes in [altering one’s] skin color can be seen as cultural appropriation, as [the changes] mimic marginalized groups

“The more people [who] are online, the more pressure they might feel to be more like the influencers they worship,” Bynum said. “Seeing all our favorite influencers go out to tan definitely plays a role in our generation’s ac

Exposure to different tanning styles and habits also shapes viewers’ actions when it comes to actually going out and doing it, a social media effect that Suriani describes.

“It’s become a trend to tan as soon as the sun comes out, seek the highest UV [ultraviolet rays] and toast in the sun for however long you can,” Suriani said. “But there’s a disconnect on what you should do to get the safest, prettiest tan and

The Price of Bronze:

For a while, there has been a large disconnect between tanning trends and serious health risks — one of the biggest being skin cancer.

Many people who have experienced multiple sunburns, especially ones that caused blisters, face a higher risk. Those with fair skin, light eyes, and light hair are more vulnerable to sun damage, as well as people who have used tanning beds, have had skin cancer before or have relatives who have been diagnosed with it.

Beyond just sunburns, Schwartzberg believes that mon itoring changes in the skin is of great importance.

“People should be aware of their moles and check them to make sure they haven’t changed in shape, color, size or grown significantly or quickly,” Schwartzberg said. “Any growth on the skin should be evaluated by a dermatologist, and a checkup once a year is mandatory.”

It is important to be aware of the sun’s widespread effect, strength and at what times you may be more at risk from its rays, Schwartzberg said; harmful UV rays can be found everywhere and at any time of day.

“UV rays bounce off water and snow, find their way through clouds onto your body and even go through the window of your car or home,” Schwartzberg said.

Instead of taking steps to protect their skin, many tanners seek the fastest and darkest tan possible by avoiding sunscreen or lying out for an unhealthy amount of time. Melanin, the pigment that causes the darkening of the skin, serves as a natural defense against ultraviolet rays but does not fully protect the skin from damage. Schwartzberg strongly advocates for sunscreen use, no matter what you are doing.

“Sunscreen is made to pro tect from sun damage caused by harmful ultraviolet rays to not burn the skin,” Schwartz berg said. “But you will still get darker in the sun even with sun screen because the body still detects the presence of light and heat which stimulates more melanin production, just not the same intense, fast and extreme burning.”

“Love the sun, but love your skin more because [sun] scars never look good in any season.”

— LIAM LI, 11

Text, design, art and photos by DYLAN BERGER, ESTELLE DUFOUR, ZOE FERRING and MARIA URIBE ESTRADA

Tan with a Plan

1. USE THE YUKA APP:

This app measures the health factors of sunscreen, food products and skincare to make you more aware of what’s in the products you buy.

2. WATCH YOUR TIME IN THE SUN:

Choose the perfect time of day to avoid sunburns. Harmful UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid tanning during these peak hours, and make sure precautions are taken.

Staying hydrated while tanning allows for a longer-lasting, even tan. Drinking water ensures that patchy results do not take place, while reducing skin sensitivity and promoting healthier looking skin.

COMPLEX COMPLEXThe Color

Oh my God, I got so black. I’m basically the same color as you.”

We had just arrived back home from our girls’ trip to the beach, with sand clinging to our swimsuits and our cheeks still rosy from the sun. My friend laughed as she said this, her voice malice-free as she compared her fresh tan to my natural skin tone. She’s Mexican, just like me, except she has light brown hair, white skin and faint freckles on her face. I laughed along with her, but later found myself reflecting on the implications of her seemingly innocent comparison.

Growing up in Mexico and later immigrating to the Unit-

MY PERSPECTIVE: A reflection on colorism, culture and undoing generational thinking

In Mexico, my friends praise anyone with lighter features. I hear “She’s so pretty” or “He’s so handsome,” solely based on the fact that their eyes are light and their skin is

push me to slather myself in sunscreen — unfortunately, not just because they are concerned about skin cancer.

There exists an expectation that we should strive to erase parts of ourselves and our heritage in order to be perceived as beautiful.

To my younger self, it seemed as if beauty and Eurocentricity were the same thing, and younger me’s impressions didn’t just appear out of thin air. The preference for light skin, colored eyes and slim features didn’t suddenly appear in media and personal biases; these ideals have been passed down from colonial rule and embedded in our culture after

This is not just the case in Mexico, either. Across many cultures — South Asian, Caribbean, East Asian, African and other Latin American cultures, to name a few — lighter skin is often treated as more desirable, respectable and beautiful. In places like India and various African countries, skin-lightening creams are still widely popular. In the Philippines, actresses and models with mixed or light fea-

Colorism does not just appear in private conversations and daily interactions: It thrives in global industries, advertising and beauty standards. These widespread beauty standards are not simply coincidental nor a modern invention, but a descendant of colonial ideologies which praised European features while undermining

Through centuries of colonial influence, whiteness was elevated to be a symbol of status, intelligence and purity, which created social hierarchies that devalued indigenous features and ancestry. This hierarchy reveals itself today through off-hand comments disguised as jokes or compliments that continue exacerbat-

Beauty is not the only trait people tend to associate with lighter skin — wealth, intelligence and good taste are often linked to it as well. Darker skin, on the other hand, is linked with poverty, vul — a derogatory term loaded with racist and colorist undertones that targets those classified as “too brown” or “too indigenous” by calling them tacky.

I think about this whenever I remember what my grandmother would say about my mother. When she and my father, the son of said grandmother, began their relationship, my grandmother was concerned. This was not about my mother’s personality — it was about her skin tone. Her disapproval stemmed from what my sib lings and I would look like: was what she called us to my dad.

Nowadays, I recognize that she loves me and my brothers and is always delighted to see us, but her prior contempt toward how I look uncovered the pervasive nature of these prejudices and the ef fortless way they travel down generations, shaping attitudes before we even detect their presence.

“

tinely said when someone’s significant other has more Eurocentric features, as if their children will be of higher value because of their increased percentage of European heritage. Sayings like this are not always meant to harm others, but they nonetheless reveal an unsettling reality: There exists an expectation that we should strive to erase parts of ourselves and our heritage in order to be perceived as beautiful.

While my experience in Mexico revealed one side of compli cated perspectives on skin color, my life in the United States has shown me an entirely different paradox. Here, tanning is the norm, and bronzed skin signifies beauty, vacation and health; contrarily, paleness is often seen as “sickly.” Lying in the sun for hours, paying to be sprayed darker or even climbing into an ultraviolet tanning bed is an everyday occurrence. Yet, I’ve noticed a crucial differ ence: This celebration of darker skin tones exists only when it is temporary and voluntary — a fashion choice. The irony of this is not lost on me. Being tan seems to be the goal here in the United States, receiving praise and compliments, as long as it is only a temporary ailment.

Going tanning with the intention of getting sharp, visi ble tan lines is something that I’m still hesitant about, even while being fully conscious of my own cultural bias. It is not that I am ashamed of my appear ance and think that tanning is wrong — tanning is just something that I’ve been taught to avoid.

Beingtanseemstobe UnitedthegoalhereintheStates,receiving praiseandcompliments, aslongasitisonlya temporaryailment.

C Mag Tries Froggy Pizzas! making

Group events can encourage meaningful connections and creativity, and our staff in particular loved bonding over pizza making

As sunlight pours in through the open windows, members of C Magazine’s staff gather around the blacktop kitchen island littered with flour and pizza toppings. In the past, we have attempted tie dye, game night and more. After stumbling upon pictures of irresistibly cute frog-shaped pizzas, it was clear what the next “C Mag Tries” should be: making froggy pizzas.

After arranging a time to meet up, finding a recipe and buying ingredients, we realized the task at hand would be time consuming and difficult. Not only was it challenging to plan the actual event and get the right supplies, but we had to learn how to make pizzas in the first place.

However, the activity was quickly embraced after we recognized the creative opportunities it provided. Senior Kaitlyn Gonzalez-Arceo found that the artistic effort put into pizza making revealed the values held by C Mag as a publication.

“Seeing everyone try really hard, cutting their pepperoni into hearts and working on the eye shape, remind ed me of what we do as a magazine — being creative,” Gonzalez-Arceo said.

Gonzalez-Arceo shared that it was her first time doing an activity like this one — making uniquely shaped pizzas — as well as a step out of her comfort zone with her baking skills. However, rather than making the task seem daunting, this made the process even more fun and engaging.

“I thought it was really cool be cause I wouldn’t say I have that much experience with baking,” Gonzalez-Ar ceo said. “Doing an activity so rare and niche was super interesting, and I love the challenge that came with it.”

joined C Mag recently, it was a matter of feeling more comfortable in her transition onto staff after attending pizza making.

“[This activity] made the [C Mag] community seem more approachable, and I felt more welcomed [into it],” Lim said.

Lim also believes team-bonding activities like this are important to creating a more coordinated envi ronment.

“[Our staff has] a lot of people, and we might resort to working individually at first,” Lim said. “But we’re a magazine, and we publish as a whole. So it is really import ant to be on the same wavelength with [one another].”

The froggy pizza-making event allowed bonds to form that would improve the overall classroom environment. It was also an oppor tunity to engage with peers more casually outside of school as well.

“[Pizza making] reminded me of WHAT WE DO AS A magazine — being creative”

KAITLYN GONZALEZARCEO, 12

For junior Dylan Berger, the final result not only satisfied expectations but also highlighted C Mag’s creativity and ability to persevere through initial doubts of whether we could actually make the pizzas look like frogs.

“They turned out really cute,” Berger said. “I wasn’t sure if the green [dough] would come out [looking] brown, but [the pizzas] came out super well.”

While the event provided room for imagination as each person customized their own frog pizza, its main purpose was to bring our staff closer together. Gonzalez-Arceo found herself connecting with people on C Mag she did not know as well before through this unique experience of working to create something beyond a magazine.

“Being at that event definitely opened up conversation, and I feel that later on in production, and as we close up the year, I can talk to [everyone on] the staff,” Gonzalez-Arceo said. For sophomore Luna Lim, who

“[Pizza making] was fun because we also got to play games like Uno and Spoons with each other, instead of working in the professional environment we typically have in class,” Lim

In the future, Gonzalez-Arceo hopes that C Mag’s staff will create more opportunities to bond and connect with each other through activities like these.

“We should definitely do more ‘C Mag tries,’” Gonzalez-Arceo said. “Maybe: ‘C Mag goes to a museum’ or ‘C Mag goes to the beach’ or more baking and cooking.”

Overall, doing “C Mag Tries,” whatever the activity may be, both improves the work environment while bringing the class together. In addition, trying something new is an exercise in creativity, which improves the magazine as a whole.

“It’s good that we are bonding, because that leads to more creativity,” Gonzalez-Arceo said. “And that comes back to what we take pride in as a creative publication.”

Text, design and art by FALLON PORTER and ELLIS SHYAMJI • Photos by DYLAN BERGER, TALIA BONEH, LUNA LIM, FALLON PORTER and ELLIS SHYAMJI

PIZZA RECIPE

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1. 1.5 cup All purpose flour or bread flour

2. 1/2 tsp Spirulina or green food dye

3. 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4. 1 tbsp Fresh Yeast

5. 1/2 cup Water

6. 1/2 tsp Salt

7. Toppings (pepperoni, cheese, sausage, etc.)

Appliances

1. Mixing Bowl

2. Electric Mixer (KitchenAid) - can also knead with hands

3. Baking Pan 4. Measuring Cups

1) combine the ingredients

Yields 4 pizzas!

In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, salt, spirulina, water and fresh yeast. These will form the base of your pizza dough.

2) knead the dough

Knead for about 10 minutes using a stand mixer or by hand. This will turn the dough into a soft and stretchy texture that is easier to shape into a frog.

3) add the extra virgin olive oil

Once the dough is smooth, add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and knead for an additional five minutes. The olive oil helps get the dough to the right consistency and will enhance the flavor.

4) first dough proofing

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes or until it doubles in size.

5) shape the froggy pizza dough eyes

After the dough has risen, divide the dough into four portions and set aside two small portions to form the frog’s eyes. Roll each big piece into a large ball, forming the main part of the pizza. Roll the smaller pieces into balls and attach them at the top of the larger ball to create the froggy shape.

6) rest the dough again

Cover the dough with plastic wrap, and allow it to rest again for 10 minutes.

7) shape the dough

Sprinkle a small amount of flour on your hands and gently shape the dough into a frog. Press down on the body while keeping the eyes raised for a three-dimensional appearance.

8) add toppings

Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Add mozzarella cheese, then customize your frog pizza with your favorite toppings.

9) Bake your froggy pizzas

Preheat the oven to 220°C (390°F) and bake your frog-shaped pizzas for about 13 minutes. Check the pizzas after 10 minutes to ensure they are perfectly cooked without over-baking.

10) Decorate

Once baked, use edible marker, olives or chocolate chips to decorate the frog eyes. You can also add other garnishes, like herbs, if you want. Serve your frog pizza warm, and enjoy!

SANDLER

Senior Ivan Sandler’s strong dedication, creativity and passion for art is evident in his murals, character art and published portfolio

At five years old, senior Ivan Sandler picked up a pencil, igniting a love for art that would later evolve into a dedicated passion for various mediums of art. Since then, Sandler knew he wanted to pursue a career where his love for art could thrive.

“Honestly, I couldn’t tell you why I started,” Sandler said. “I remember from a really young age that it [art] was an interest of mine. I was around five when I first got a set of colored pencils, and I would always draw during school, at home, everywhere.”

What began as a simple sketch blossomed into a dynamic, multifaceted and artistic journey. While some of Sandler’s pieces are bold, vibrant and meant to grab attention, others offer a more personal glimpse into his thoughts and identi ty. However, some pieces serve different purposes for San dler.

pride as her son’s artistic abilities grew over the years.

“As a mom, I’m very proud of his artistic prowess [and] his talent,” Tatiana Sandler said. “It’s nice to observe it, [and] to be part of it. We’ve tried to support him throughout the years, and we’re blessed to be able to do that.”

Today, Sandler showcases his evolving portfolio on his website, ivansandler.com, where his work spans from digital illustration and 3D modeling to street art and character design. One of Sandler’s favorite styles featured prominently in his sketchbook is his signature character art.

“I’d say the style similar to my mural is my favorite,” Sandler said. “Those characters are quick to create, and I feel like I can accomplish a lot in a short amount

“As a mom, I’m very proud of his artistic prowess [and] his talent.” Tatiana Sandler

“I definitely have piec es that talk about myself or com municate my identity,” Sandler said. “But I wouldn’t say every piece is a commentary on myself. … Sometimes I just draw to draw, and sometimes there’s little meaning, [but] sometimes there’s a lot.”

While Sandler’s artwork may seem simple to some, those closest to Sandler have witnessed his artistic journey unfold from the very beginning. Tatiana Sandler, Sandler’s mother, watched with

ally nice. I tend to acters when I’m uninspired or unsure what to draw because it comes naturally

This signature character art is a dler’s new mural project at Palo Alto High School, where he uses the style to bring his vibrant characters to life in a larger-thanlife form. Sandler’s mural reads “SKO VIKES” in a bold green, representing the school colors, located near the science building.

“I thought its central location would attract a lot of foot traffic, and it could help encourage a sense of community, which is sometimes lacking at our school,” Sandler said.

Within the mural, Sandler aimed to capture not just school spirit but also a sense of unity.

“My mural is meant to show four students collaborating to create the artwork,” Sandler said. “I chose this design because that area has been associated with the float building over the years, and my design reminded me of it.”

Sandler’s journey to creating the mural was not without its challenges: While his vision for the project was clear, gaining approval for it proved to be a lengthy process. Initially, he faced rejection from both the city and school district, but his persistence

and positive feedback on his early work by Brent Kline, Palo Alto High’s principal, ultimately led to the creation of the mural.

“When I first had the idea for the mural, I contacted Palo Alto’s public art account, but they denied me because I was not 18,” Sandler said. “Then, I approached Mr. Kline, who initially turned me down and suggested I create banners instead. After completing the banners and receiving positive feedback, he gave me approval to move forward with the mural.”

Despite the initial setbacks, Sandler’s journey was supported by those around him. His friends and teachers stood by him, offering encouragement and guidance throughout the process.

took about three, four weeks, and multiple people contributed to it,” Shetty said. “Just that alone built a small community. So many people came up and complimented it. All credit to Ivan, definitely.”

As the project progressed, it was clear it would become a collective effort from Sandler’s community.

“Give it a shot. A lot of the time, trying it is all it takes to get hooked on something.” Ivan Sandler, 12

“Ivan has had a lot of support, not just from us [Sandler’s parents], but from his teachers and his friends, who always encouraged his creativity,” Tatiana Sandler said. “He wasn’t alone working on it. He

Rahul Shetty, a senior at Palo Alto High School who assisted Sandler with his mural project, saw Sandler’s dedication firsthand.

“Ivan’s been trying to get this mural up with Mr. Kline for about two years,” Shetty said. “Ivan was very persistent, and eventually, it happened for him.”

Shetty believes the mural reflects the strength of the community by visually connecting people through

him, and that’s another import ant aspect of art — it brings people together.”

Another key figure in Sandler’s journey is Tracey Atkin son, a Visual Arts teacher at Palo Alto High School who has guided

year, he was really interested in doing more experimental work,” Atkinson said.“I began to see what direction he wants to go into, and more of what his style is — bold, cartoon-like characters with expressive features that blend street art energy with digital techniques.”

As Sandler continues to create new artwork, Atkinson is looking forward to seeing what he accomplishes beyond high school using the elements he creates and improves upon

“He’s going to do well in the future, and I’m really excited to continue to see Ivan’s work,” Atkinson said.

After graduating from Paly, Sandler plans to attend Northeastern University and will major in physics and design. While he is unsure exactly what role art will play in his future, he knows that he wants to continue his passion either as a hobby or a career.

“He’s going to do well in the future, and I’m really excited to continue to see Ivan’s work.”

Tracey Atkinson, Visual Arts teacher

“It’s always been a dream of mine to be a creative director or someone who can run marketing for companies, push new products and be the creative behind all that because it definitely plays a role in all of the marketing that you see,” Sandler said. Reflecting on his journey, Sandler feels grateful for the role art has played in shaping who he is today — a source of creativity, resilience and self-expression that he will carry with him into whatever path he chooses.

Sandler’s biggest piece of advice to someone looking to pursue a new interest is to give in to the desire to try something new because it could turn into a passion.

“I don’t know if I’d be drawing today if I didn’t find that interest when I was young, so I’d say just start,” Sandler said. “Give it a shot. A lot of the time, trying is all it takes to get hooked on something.”

Text and design by KAITLYN GONZALEZARCEO, LILY JEFFERY and DISHA MANAYILAKATH • Art by KAITLYN GONZALEZ-ARCEO, LILY JEFFERY, DISHA MANAYILAKATH and IVAN SANDLER • Photo by GABE BOUDTCHENKO

C Magazine’s HOT TAKES

Pineapple belongs on pizza, award shows are losing their prestige, capris are the new “it” pants — what’s your hot take? We asked around the C Mag staff to find out our writers’ controversial opinions on all kinds of subjects.

We should not kill bugs.

“All forms of life should be valued, and this should range from elephants to spiders. This is a value that we should instill more in children. We should teach kids to coexist with animals instead of harming them.”

Sophia Z. — Biopics are overrated.

“The upcoming Britney [Spears] biopic is unnecessary. She’s alive. The Marilyn Monroe

Hot takes remind us to respect one another’s opinions and engage in healthy debate. Here on C Mag, that’s exactly what we strive to do. Now, it’s your turn. Tell us your hot take!

Kaitlyn G. — better than Instagram Reels.

“YouTube makes it so your interests are more accomodated for, whereas Instragram reels are just based on what others you follow are liking. Shorts are more inclined to make you laugh, and they tend to have funnier content. People send me Reels I’ve already seen and liked, too.”

joe with A

Cellist Joey Chang expresses his creativity and passion for music through street performance

n upbeat, electronic-pop track loops in the background, blending with rich sounds of cello strings to create what can best be described as a classical hip-hop fusion. Wearing a casual baseball cap and Hawaiian shirt, Joey Chang — better known to his supporters as “Cello Joe” — can occasionally be found on the sidewalks of downtown Palo Alto in his true element: sharing his passion for music and humor with those around him. Chang brings this ingenuity and lightheartedness to his work as an art ist, following his mission statement: “Making the world a better place one day at a time … putting a smile on a stranger’s face.”

Chang, who grew up in Los Altos, was first introduced to the cello in fifth grade, when his elementary school offered him the opportu nity to try out different kinds of in struments for his music class.

“I thought if I could get good at the cello, I would be able to excel at it, and I stuck with it because my parents encour aged me,” Chang said. “My father told me that when I was a scientist or a doctor, I would be able to relax by playing the cello.”

Through years of rigorous training, in cluding orchestra practices and private les sons, Chang has experienced the ups and downs of being a musician.

“I had a hard time learning, like most people learning anything, but you have to push past that point where it’s difficult,” Chang said. “I struggled for many, many years with learning the cello, and another reason that I stuck with it was because I was in a youth symphony, and we had a four-hour practice every weekend.”

Chang continued to develop his music career by attending Berklee College of Music to work on his craft, allowing him to experience playing the cello in large ven ues.

“The pro of being in a big concert hall is

that you are probably being paid a lot of money [for] playing for a lot of people,” Chang said. “The cons of that are that you don’t really have a very personal connection with the people that you are playing for, [though] you might [see] some of them at a meet and greet afterwards or before.”

Chang’s repertoire also includes a contrasting art form: street performance, also referred to as “busk ing.” Being a street performer, a medium in which he plays both the cello and buck ets — his makeshift plastic drums — for those passing by, offers Chang a different type of fulfillment and flexibility than larger concert ex periences.

“You have a very personal connection with the people you are playing for.”

“You don’t have to book anything — you can just go and play wherever you want, whenever you want,” Chang said.

“You have a very per sonal connection with the people you are playing for, and you are getting great feedback about what’s work ing and what’s not, especially if you’re improvising or writing your own songs, like I was.”

Street artists are able to put personal spins on the music they create due to the flexibility of how they perform.

This accessibility provides a space for more alternative mu sicians to express themselves.

Given that record or orchestra performance is more main stream, the busking commu nity is united by the often less traditional music styles they play and their strong passion

“I like seeing really unique people who are doing something totally different,” Chang said. “You tend to see a lot of weirdos out on the

tHe bo W

street, [like] people that build their own instruments or have a very unique take on it.”

This distinctive culture is also marked by the independence and creativity of performers. Chang believes this style is espe cially appealing to people who want to express them selves in a more approachable way that can coexist with other commitments and busy lives.

“Street music culture is a very DIY [doit-yourself] group of people that want to take it [music] to the streets,” Chang said. “They don’t have time to be contacting venues, setting up dates, promoting the show or trying to get people to

responses of his audience has also helped Chang grow in his professional musician skills, pri marily due to the sheer amount of practice and exposure that comes from busking.

“It’s great that you can get a lot of stage time and a lot of performance time, when you’re busking on the street,” Chang said. “You get really comfortable with not feeling stage fright, [and] … it helps you with overcoming performance anxiety.”

On occasion, the competition for space and attention can cause minor issues between buskers. Usually, Chang finds these issues are easily reconcilable.

“There have been a few times when people have been a little bit agro because I was getting on their turf,” Chang said.

“People get really possessive over their particular corner or their particular hallway.”

Nonetheless, witnessing the art of other street musicians and participating in the community has left Chang with an overall positive outlook on the busking community.

“It’s a very supportive community and people are really friendly,” Chang said.

In his many years of performing, some

of Chang’s fondest memories have been from his projects in Palo “Downtown Palo Alto has been pretty good to me,” Chang said. “There was World Music Day, when I brought out my pedal-powered sound system, which is where I have a bicycle that creates electricity for the speaker. I got a pretty big crowd, and it was just great to busk down there.”

Since then, Chang has biked across the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia for multiple music festivals, biking over 10,000 miles to reach each gig, and has performed a one-man musical striptease act. Despite his many performances, Chang’s favorite memory of busking was when he was playing the buckets underneath an underpass in San Francisco on New Year’s Eve and re-

thing about it [busking] is the imme diacy, the unique ness of it,” Chang said.

“There are some talented people who play on the streets.”

Text, design and art by ELLA HWANG, ANIKA RAFFLE and GIN WILLIAMS

· Photo by ELI

ZATURANSKI

Cmag’s summer lookbook

With the warmest season approaching, people flock to outdoor activities, and the outfits that follow are one-of-a-kind

Social media can create the impression that a gratifying summer break means flying across the world. In reality, core memories can be just as easily made at home.

Try buying a pack of strawberries while they are in season, and lay out a blanket at a local park. Watch a Giants game in July, or a 49ers game in August. Find adventure in your own neighborhood.

In recent years, recordbreaking heat waves have made going outside a chore. Make the choice to spend your evenings on a hike or take your bike out for a ride in the morning.

The pressure to be productive dictates many students’ plans, confining them to their rooms to write college essays or study for their upcoming classes.

design and

This summer, it is important to put aside the laptops and spend some time with our loved ones. Remember when summer used to mean sidewalk chalk and lemonade stands.

Text,

photos by RIA MIRCHANDANI and ALICE SHEFFER • Modeled by JON BAKHASH, RENA KIM, AMRITA MUNAGALA and WILLIAM XUE

Indie Spirit The

The soul of indie films is often derived from different perspectives on the human experience

Long before independent films swept award ceremonies and filled streaming platforms, they lived free of Hollywood’s grasp as the quiet rebels of cinema. Indie films’ fearless and authentic spirit found its focus in the early 20th century, when filmmakers challenged Thomas Edison's Motion Picture Patents Company — a group of film companies that aimed to have a monopoly on the film industry.

Murray Susen works on a film about a senior mini-golfing team.

the otherwise tightly controlled world of cinema.

Now, a century since indie filmmakers first experimented, refined and innovated their craft, the definition of what makes a film truly “independent” has evolved, becoming difficult to confine to a specific genre or cinematography style. Paly Video Production teacher Rodney Satterthwaite believes that indie films can often be identified through specific characteristics that go beyond what is seen on screen.

More films classified as independent have begun to fulfill less of these criteria, resulting in the line between an indie film and studio film becoming increasingly blurry. Paly Composition of Literature and Visual Media teacher Alanna Williamson attributes the growing popularity of indie films to the rise of A24, an American indie film production and distribution company.

“You can only go so far with a silhouette of a human experience.”

Dwayne LeBlanc, indie filmmaker

“The three main criteria of independent film would be that it is not financed by a major studio, doesn't have a lot of marketing, star power and money behind it to drive the narrative and deals with issues that are not always dealt with in mainstream films,” Satterthwaite said. “The last part is more nebulous; [it is] the general idea that it has an independent spirit, something to the music, acting, script or the directing that makes it feel like someone is thumbing their nose at the establishment in some way.”

“A24 was the indie movie studio, and now it is very well known,” Williamson said. “It's not indie anymore at all, since they produce more widely seen movies now as well. They also have big names and they have a lot bigger budgets.”

Among the many notable films distributed by A24, “Midsommar” — produced by film production companies B-Reel Films and Square Peg — is credited by many, such as Paly Film Club member Sammy Lucas, as the catalyst for the traction indie films have gained.

“‘Midsommar’ was the peak of indie movie popularity,” Lucas said. “Everyone was talking about it, and not necessarily just ‘Midsommar,’ but that era of A24 that was around 2016 to 2018. People were used to seeing certain types of films, and then movies like that started to explode, and that piqued people's interests because they're

so different from what was playing at the time.”

Indie films remain unique in their creative philosophy, telling a diverse range of stories however they see fit. This commitment to unfiltered storytelling is what draws many filmmakers and viewers to the indie scene. According to Zachary Epcar, an award-winning independent filmmaker and founding member of the film programming collective Light Field, audiences want to see what film has to offer outside of its typical blockbusters.

“For a while now, the films people have access to have felt very narrow,” Epcar said.

“It's just as important to have films that leave you feeling bad, or leave a sick feeling in your stomach.”

Murray

ments of time that I never would have seen in another context,” Susen said. “I've seen indie films that have stories from countries I've never even heard of. That's really the power of an indie film, how if someone has a strong enough message and a strong enough passion for something and they want to put it into a film, it will attract an audience because that message needs to be told.”

Susen,

student filmmaker

“Because of that narrowness, we're sort of trapped in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. People want something new. They want something different. Independent films can offer something different, a different way of thinking about cinema, a different way of thinking about the world.”

Indie films provide the opportunity for more underrepresented stories to be told, which has allowed independent filmmaker and high school student Murray Susen to see the power of storytelling from unfamiliar places.

ally able to showcase cultures and mo-

With a space to tell stories of more personal, vulnerable experiences, indie films do not shy away from ambiguous or bittersweet endings, often leaving the viewer to think about the complexities of the human experience.

“Indie films are able to take a lot more risks with the type of messages that they promote,” Susen said. “I don't think that films always have to have a happy ending or have to teach a good moral. It's just as important to have films that really leave you feeling bad, or leave a sick feeling in your stomach.”

Dwayne LeBlanc, an independent filmmaker that has screened at major international festivals and art institutions and is developing his debut feature film, sees indie films as a way to shed light on the personal moments in life.

“My films are an anthropological point of view on Black American life, but it is also about contemporary thoughts, about the mundane, desire, longing and identity that is still relevant,” LeBlanc said.

Susen

prepares to direct a film at the Interlochen Center for the Arts.

can be both liberating and essential to their work. LeBlanc, for instance, finds it necessary to have control on the script, individual shots, production, editing and — most importantly — the time it takes to create a film. After a contract hindered LeBlanc’s creative freedom, he told the film distributor one of his guiding rules: he could not edit a film with time being a parameter during the creative process.

“I have to be able to have this certain type of voice within it [my film] to be able to create what I need,” LeBlanc said. “Otherwise, it won't be an honest reflection of what I was going to make.”

Now, with recent developments in digital technology, the increased accessibility of camera equipment has opened the doors for more aspiring filmmakers to pursue film ventures.

“It's important in a way, that I show those small details of our lives are important. It's important for me to be able to make films that are not necessarily spectacular drama or a high level of action.”

For filmmakers outside the studio system, the freedom to explore unconventional narratives and challenge audience expectations

“Camera equipment is more affordable than it's ever been,” Satterthwaite said. “You can film a movie on your iPhone now, and it's good quality. … Editing software is cheap, and some of it's free. And there's bevies of tutorials out there where you can learn how to edit your own film.”

Despite advancements in film equipment access, LeBlanc believes that the exclusive nature of prestigious film festivals still tips the scale in favor of mainstream filmmakers and exclusive studios.

“Film festivals historically would be more so a space for films to be discovered and then to get distribution, and allow films

without a certain future to get a future,” LeBlanc said. “We’re seeing more spaces in big film festivals being taken up by films with bigger budgets.”

Films that are labeled as “indie” despite higher film production costs attract a larger audience, serving as a marketing tactic for indie film festivals to generate excitement towards the screenings. Satterthwaite maintains that the marketing frenzy surrounding major film festivals, notably the Sundance Film Festival, takes away from the craft of films themselves.

“Sundance started out as this independent maverick where you could show films that were crazy and didn’t make any sense, but were technically strong,” Satterthwaite said. “Then it became trendy, and then Hollywood stars got involved and then it became this huge thing. Sundance still puts out some great films, but it has become more of a celebrity hangout than a way to celebrate small, independent filmmakers, which is where it started.”

The selective approach that film festivals have towards highlighting both well-known and emerging filmmakers’ submissions means

platforms.

“We need to be not just the authors of the film but also able to play films for audiences in our homes and spac es that we have some control over,” LeBlanc said. “They are important venues that we shouldn’t overlook. It shouldn’t always have to be about the major festival, though those are very important as well.”

This call for filmmak ers to take ownership of how and where their work is shared extends beyond individual spaces. Satterthwaite believes this accomplishment arises from filmmakers collectively reinventing the platforms that breathe life into independent cinema.

“Independent films offer a different way of thinking about the world.”

Zachary Epcar, indie filmmaker

“The next steps for [the exposure of independent films] could be a group of independent filmmakers who come together to make their own vision of what a film festival should be, or what independent film is, and maybe they celebrate that together,” Satterthwaite. “That has a lot of potential for the future independent film.”

Susen directs a Western genre film starring two enemy cowgirls.

only because it starts right in your backyard.”

While independent filmmaking thrives on personal connection and hands-on creativity, the broader film industry is undergoing a technological transformation with the rise of artificial intelligence that is bringing about possibilities and concerns. When evaluating the lack of originality in AI-generated media, LeBlanc disapproves of the idea of considering films made from AI as art.

Moments in which filmmakers can discuss their work and inspire other filmmakers are made possible through local indie film festivals.

“Getting the really small-scale experiences is just so important because you really get to know, for example, how they did this exact frame, and you can pull it up on the computer because the person that shot it is standing right there, which I just absolutely love,” Susen said. “That’s a really important part of supporting local filmmaking and local theaters because it does snowball and turn into things like Sundance, but it’s

“AI doesn’t have a body,” LeBlanc said. “It is just reflecting, being a silhouette of something. Intentionality, specificity or function between these two things [human craft and AI] are worlds apart. … You can only go so far with a silhouette of a human experience.”

The concern of AI in film highlights the core of what makes indie films powerful: their focus not on algorithms but on portraying, sharing and encouraging genuine human experiences.

“Indie filmmakers who are willing to share their story and their experience is what teaches you, in the first place, how to become a true filmmaker,” Susen said. “That is the heart of indie filmmaking, and any other criteria that someone might put on it is not as important, because it’s about the human connection. That’s what being a filmmaker is all about.”

Text and Design by SOPHIA ZHANG • Photos by MAL BEA, JACK MCKAIN, CATE SLAUGHTER, SOCAPA NYC and MURRAY SUSEN

History and social studies teacher Mary Sano is a cornerstone of the Paly community. Serving as the instructional lead of the history department for the last five years, Sano’s committed, bright personality is apparent in everything she does.

Along with her charm in the classroom, Sano’s adventurous spirit keeps her exploring on the weekends.

“Getting outdoors has been my place of reflection, peace and meditation,” Sano said. “In a way, it’s a [time] for me to renew and recharge from this very intense job.”

An outdoor activity that helps her escape the everyday chaos of teaching is mountain biking in the hills surrounding Palo Alto — of course, with her dog.

“I’ve been mountain biking for 20

MARY SANO

years, and my dog is 11 years old,” Sano said. “So, when she was about a year old, we started training together, and it took a lot of time.”

Biking is enriching to Sano’s personal life, which often carries through into her role as a teacher. In her AP Research class, she uses experiences from biking to teach students about observation.

“If you spend time outdoors, you think about a lot of things,” Sano said. “There are just a lot of things to ponder in the great outdoors.”

Her advice for Paly staff and students is simple: They should take advantage of their proximity to nature.

“Arastradero Preserve, which is one of our Palo Alto parks, is so near,” Sano said. “All you need is a bike and to be willing to take a couple falls.”

Teacher Spotlight sponsored by PALO ALTO PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

DON’T MISS DON’T MISS A BEAT A BEAT

F r o m tours totrends, musicfrompastdecadesis connecting newgenerations with soundsofthepast

TThe famous jazz musician Duke Ellington once said “When it sounds good, it is good.” Never has this sentiment rung more true than when listening to pop classics from the 1970s to the 1990s. Stop a random passerby on the street, and mention Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi or Madonna, and they’ll probably agree. From packed reunion tours to viral social media moments, classic bands are

it’s comforting to have a nostalgic feeling for the past that reminds us that although we don’t know what the future is going to bring, … we know who we have been and who we really are.”

music that my parents loved when they were growing up has helped me feel more connected to them.”

Llew Ladomirak, 12

This explains why musicloving fans worldwide are turning to the timeless sounds of Fleetwood Mac and Guns N’ Roses or the heartwarming music of ABBA and Queen.

Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” was released in 1985 and reached #30 on the Hot 100 during its original release, according to Stacker, an online blog. However, after its inclusion in the hit TV show Stranger Things, released in 2022, the song beat its previous record, peaking at #4 on the Hot 100.

Social media platforms, especially the use of apps like TikTok, are catalysts for rediscovery. The popular Halloween song “Somebody Watching Me” by Rockwell was released in 1984 but had a resurgence in popularity after a viral TikTok trend in 2021 used the song as an audio for the videos. Paly junior Michelle Fang discovers older music through various forms of media.

“I usually listen to older music, [because of] various forms of media.

… For instance, I listened to a bit of Queen because of Good Omens,” junior Michelle Fang said. “It helps that I don’t have a fixed music taste — if I like it, then it goes in my playlist regardless of the genre.”

Growing up in the 1980s, Paly parent Wendie Geller believes that there was much more musicality in the technical instruments than currentday releases.

“In the ‘80s, the lead

had a solo section.”

Similarly, influenced by his parents’ taste in music, Paly senior Sean Bui describes his love for a broad range of music from the ‘70s and ‘80s.

“My parents defined my music taste early on,” Bui said. “They would make me listen to oldies throughout my entire life as they played it on the radio.”

But, the experience goes both ways. Newer songs that contain elements from older bands allow parents to find links between the songs of their youth and the latest hits today. Paly English teacher Richard Rodriguez shares how he bonds with his family over music.

“I took my daughter to a Stray Kids concert in LA, and it was a great concert,” Rodriguez said. “I could hear elements of heavy older rock with the band behind the centers and hip hop.”

In addition, streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music have made exposure to older music easy and accessible with a few clicks. Curated playlists like “Throwback Hits” and “80s Rock Anthems” attract millions of listeners, offering a path back in time for people of all generations.

Many students, such as senior Lily McCue, often discover new music through personalized reccomendations.

“The way I discover music now is through Spotify and the songs it suggests based on my music taste,” McCue said. “I don’t really listen to a lot of old artists, but there are some I like that I discovered through my Spotify suggestions, like Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra.”

“It’s really fun to be able to enjoy similar music with my daughters and for them to appreciate similar music at home.”

David Karel, Paly parent

KARELText,designandartbyABBIE amd MAIALIN

C Magazine’s Senior Playlist 2025

C Magazine’s Senior Playlist 2025

Wrapping up the school year, C Magazine seniors leave behind a soundtrack of their memories

1. Name a song to describe your high school years.

2. Name a song you’ll play on your last day of high school.

3. Name your favorite childhood song.

4. If you could describe your time on C Mag with one song, what would it be?

KATELYN PEGG

1. “New Perspective” by Noah Kahan

2. “Spring Into Summer” by Lizzy McAlpine

3. “Defying Gravity” from the Film “Wicked”

4. “Something I Want” by Grace Potter

KAYLEY KO ELLA

1. “Girl I’ve Always Been” by Olivia Rodrigo

2. “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove

3. “Better Than Revenge” by Taylor Swift

4. “Where’d All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog

1. “Ribs” by Lorde

2. “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift

3. “Firework” by Katy Perry

4. “Time Of Our Lives” by Pitbull

1. “28” by Zach Bryan

2. “Ribs” by Lorde

3. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

4. “Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

GIN WILLIAMS

ABBIE KAREL

1. “Vienna” by Billy Joel

2. “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and the Heart

3. “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s

4. “Face Off” by The Rock

DISHA MANAYILAKATH LILY JEFFREY ANIKA RAFFLE

1. “Good Life” by One Republic

2. “Daylight” by Maroon 5

3. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

4. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

1. “Tounge Tied” by Grouplove

2. “Good Old Days” by Macklemore, Kesha

3. “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz

4. “Good Days” by SZA

1. “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson

2. “Flowers in Your Hair” by The Lumineers

3. “Lemon Paper by Peter” Paul and Mary

4. “These Memories” by Hollow Coves

1. “20 Something” by SZA

2. “Sundress” by A$AP Rocky

3. “Love Yourz” by J. Cole

4. “Golden” by Harry Styles

SOPHIA DONG

1. “A BOY IS A GUN” by Tyler the Creator

2. “See You There Tomorrow” by Tomorrow by Together

3. “Edelweiss” by Bill Lee, Charmian Carr

4. “Mr. Loverboy” by Little Mix