9th: Link Crew Egg Hunt 4:305:30pm (Incoming Students Only)
10th: Link Crew Applications Due
23rd: Link Crew Field Day 4:306:00pm (All Grade Levels)
25th: Senior Prom
27th: Link Crew ACP/AP Review Night 4:30-5:30pm (Incoming Students Only)
30th: Senior Signing Day
May:
May:
4th: Inclement Weather (NO SCHOOL)
4th-15th: AP Tests (for specific dates, see https://tinyurl.com/yfrws67e)
23rd: Senior Graduation 9:00am
21-27th: ACPs
25th: Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL)
27th: Last Day of School
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Pre-order only through April 17. All proceeds support the Class of 2027 Fund. NEW SPIRIT
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Dear Readers,
Walking into a library or bookstore, not even glancing twice at books like “To Kill a Mockingbird” or “The Great Gatsby”, and running directly to the comic book section is a fond memory many of us share. The bright colors, enticing graphics, and the absence of long paragraphs were always more enticing to a little kid's short attention span. Despite this, comic books and graphic novels are how many young readers learned to love books
As our reading career progressed, we graduated from books filled with mostly pictures to books like “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Dork Diaries” These books were made up of goofy and relatable characters that went through real life problems. Middle school me was constantly looking for the new “Dork Diaries” book and ate up all of Greg Heffley’s funny stories. In a way, those books shaped a generation. This is why the Legal Pad team has decided to dedicate this edition to that beautiful literary era
In this edition, you’ll find pieces that reflect on how stories and media shape who we are Some of our lovely writers explore the impact childhood books can leave on us long after we finish them (The Stories That Stay With Us), while others look at how music reflects identity and emotion (The Kaleidoscope Within: How Music Reveals Us). You’ll also find “Turning the Page: Supporting Literacy for All Students” which is about the importance of literacy and access to books, reminding us how important it is that every student has the opportunity to discover a love of reading (especially to enjoy the love of the Legal Pad)
Beyond the books on these pages, this edition also highlights the people and experiences that make the Law Magnet community very special. From a Julissa Jaimes highlight to “"A Law Magnet Student’s Trip to George Allen Courthouse,”" as well as a closer look at some of the niche clubs at the Law Magnethere, these pieces capture the curiosity and passion that shape our school
As you read through this edition, we hope it brings back memories of the books, songs, and moments that helped shape your own story
The books students read in middle school often shape the way they see the world, introducing them to new emotions, ideas, and perspectives Those early influences continue to evolve as students grow, much like the ever-changing patterns of a kaleidoscope A kaleidoscope is a cylindrical tube containing mirrors and pieces of colored glass that twist and turn, reflecting shifting fragments of color and lights. Each turn reveals something new: a pattern, a spark, or a combination that wasn’t there before. Music works in much the same way; it reflects the emotions, experiences, and personalities of its listener, revealing new layers of the mind, body, and soul with every note. At Townview, students and teachers alike use music as a form of self-expression, each connection unique as the patterns in a kaleidoscope
NAYSHAWN JACKSON: ROSE ROJAS:
Nayshawn’s connection to music is deeply personal He discovered SZA during a difficult freshman year.
“When I first heard about SZA, I was in a really tough time in my l ife the school I was at wasn’t really a good fit, SZA became my escape, ” he said. “
Listening to her SOS album on repeat became a coping mechanism She can literally do no wrong in my eyes because she's just so…relatable. She’s an everyday girl, and she just sings about heartbreak and loss. And I relate to that.”
His favorite songs capture different moods “I think the song that saved me is Far I was dissociating I just wanted to be far away from where I was. For BMF, I just think it’s a fun song with a catchy beat. I don't really relate to it. It's just a fun dance song Nayshwan’s music taste now spans across neo-soul, rap, pop, and Taylor Swift. In his own words, “Every song I listen to says something about me ”
Rose’s music reflects her emotion and style She gravitates towards bands like Dead Butterflies and Arranged in April, drawn to the unique blend of screamo with melodic instruments “Dead butterflies is actually a seven-player band… it's like screamo, but they then have a trombone in the band, and it just adds a really calming melody," she explained
Certain songs carry deep personal meaning. Drowned in Silence, resonates as a reflection of a past heartbreak: It’s basically a song about talking to someone that hurt you ” Her music taste, she admitted, says a lot about her personality: “You could say it’s more sad… others assume me to be more of a sad person ”Rose also connects music to her fashion sense “It speaks to me, like how I dress I go with darker colors…it does help with the music, ’ cause my music is more…dark.” Her clothing, from Mary Janes to knee-high black boots, mirrors the mood of the songs she listens to
MS. LEE:
Ms. Lee’s love for music is just as expressive A fan of Mitski and Lana Del Rey, she describes them as “poetic artists who have such a beautiful way of writing lyrics ” Mitski’s Washing Machine Heart is a favorite of hers; “It’s such a beautiful song, ” she said, singing parts of the lyrics herself.
NICHOLAS SALDIVAR:
Nicholas, a junior, highlights how music captures memories “One of the biggest songs that have the biggest memories for me is Bad Habits by Steve Lacy. Released in the summer of 2022, it’s nostalgic me and my friends would always listen to it from seventh into eighth grade.” Another song, Static, is recognizable (perhaps for the reader as well) for its trendiness at the start of every school year For Nicholas, music is a soundtrack for life’s moments, connecting him to memories and friends.
Her classroom, decorated with dimmed lamps, string lights, and her pink USA flag, mirrors her personality. Balancing three classes and Link Crew responsibilities, Ms Lee shows that music, individuality, and personal expression can all coexist Her collection of thrifted furniture and the pictures of her beloved cat shared with students further show her authentic self
Spring calls for the beginning of new blooming opportunities, perhaps it is a chance for self rediscovery. Music is not just about what we listen to it’s about how those sounds express who we are, how we feel, and how we connect with the world Like a kaleidoscope, every note, lyric, and rhythm reveals a new layer of the self.
Photo by Cati Cruz
Exams: AHow-To-Guide
When beginning your review era, it is crucial to be organized, especially when studying for multiple tests for different classes. Consider buying new notebooks or binders dedicated to reviewing for different subjects. These should be different than those used for your everyday classes in school, as a blank slate will best assist you in gauging how much information you actually know
Then it's time to figure out where you stand in relation to the test overall before diving into studying specifics. Although it's difficult to find full-length practice tests online, there are books such as the Barron’s Guides and The Princeton Review that feature full-length practice tests. Online you can go through Unit Reviews on AP Classroom or Khan Academy to figure out what units you struggle with the most.
Now it's time to actually begin reviewing. When beginning your review, it may be beneficial to have someone reteach the content to you, whether that is through YouTube channels, AP classroom videos, or textbook overviews Let's be honest, it's been months since any of us have touched material from Unit 1, so you want to refamiliarize yourself with the topics and learn them as if it were the first time. Turn on Heimler's History, watch the unit 1 review videos, and start jotting down notes in your new notebook. Writing information by hand will encourage active listening in the video you ' re watching and promote more effective absorption of the content itself
At this stage you want to focus on understanding, not memorization. Although the AP tests may award points on FRQs for naming particular vocabulary, formulas, or specific events, what it mostly grades on is knowledge of causation and correlation You should have a thorough understanding of why things happen and how they connect to each other. This kind of understanding will serve you best on FRQs and help you eliminate answer choices on the MCQs.
Take Care ofYourself
Niche Clubs at Townview
Behind Townview’s larger, well-known clubs and organizations are smaller clubs that often fly under the radar These niche groups bring together students who share specific interests, whether academic, creative, or just for fun. Though they might not draw the biggest crowds, these clubs offer students a chance to explore their passions, meet new people, and bring something special to the school community. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these lesser known clubs.
Law Magnet E-Sports
Meeting every Monday after school in Mr Araiza's classroom, Law Magnet E-Sports offers a space for students who share a love for gaming. Members play a variety of games during meetings, with favorites like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. often taking center stage Whether students are looking for some friendly competition or just a fun way to unwind after a long day of classes, the club provides a relaxed and welcoming environment. For many members, it’s perfect way to spend a Monday afternoon just get hit by lightning or a blue shell!
“I joined the E-Sports Club because I like playing video games and Mr. Araiza needed someone to play Mario Kart. I enjoy going to competitions because I get to see people do some crazy plays at Smash Bros and because I get free food ”
-Kranthi Peri
“I joined DI Engineering because I wanted to try and challenge myself to join something that was foreign to me and be successful in that task. In DI, I was able to make new friendships w grow my c -A
Destination Imagination Engineering
Another slightly more well-known club at the Law Magnet is the Destination Imagination Engineering Team, where students work together to develop creative solutions to a yearly challenge This year ’ s task, in simple terms, was to design and build a branching structure capable of holding the greatest amount of weight Throughout the first half of the school year, team members spent their time brainstorming designs, testing ideas, and carefully planning their materials to make sure they stayed within budget. The process requires creativity, teamwork, and plenty of trial and error as students refine their designs The club is a great fit for anyone who enjoys engineering solutions to complex problems, or for students who simply love building and new ideas.
Student Higlight:
By: Angela Thomas
From baking to journaling, she does it all: moot court reviver and president, Julissa Jaimes! Joining the Law Magnet when she was a freshman in 2023, Julissa has changed not only the people around her, but also the Law Magnet overall On top of all this, Julissa has grown herself, making it to state two years in a row and placing within the top ten at districts. With graduation in May right around the corner, I sat down with Julissa Jaimes herself for an interview about her time at the Law Magnet.
Q.
What
advice would you give underclassmen?
A.
My biggest piece of advice to freshmen would be to stay on top of your work and avoid procrastination I know everybody hears it but it is true It’s something even I’m still working on, but I've definitely improved compared to when I first started I would also encourage students to take advantage of every opportunity the school offers. The teachers and staff are here to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help Join the club you ’ re interested in, apply for that internship, and try things even if you ’ re unsure If I could talk to my freshman self, I would tell her that everything will work out. It will be challenging and a lot of work, but you’ll push through that Don’t be so anxious about what’s to come and live in the moment because before you know it you’ll be walking across that stage
Q.What would you say is the most valuable thing you've learned at the Law Magnet?
A.
The most valuable thing I've learned is confidence in speaking and expressing my ideas Before, public speaking was intimidating, but JBS has really pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone I’ve also developed skills like speaking clearly, thinking critically, and understanding the law These skills I know will help me no matter what career I pursue.
Q. A.
What was your journey to the Law Magnet lik
A lot of people at my middle school talked about Townview in general, so I became interested in applying At the time, I had a strong desire to become a lawyer, which is initially what drew me towards the Law Magnet Over time, being in the program helped me realize that while I'm still passionate about law and government, becoming a lawyer might not be the exact path for me Instead, it opened my eyes to other careers connected to law, like policy or political work. I’m still planning on studying Political Science, but now it’s coming from a place of genuine interest rather than feeling like I
G state or helping out with evaluation and critiques during the novice ia has excelled not only in moot but also as a student in the Law Magnet, ve and beyond for her peers So despite her time at the Law Magnet , Julissa Jaimes is sure to make an impact anywhere she goes
The Stories That StayWith Us: The Stories That StayWith Us:
Townview Teacher’s Chil
Townview Teacher’s Chil
Townview Teacher’s Chil
By: AshimaYadav
Books are one of the first windows into the world children receive. While they are often used to foster early developmental reading skills, their true impact remains much deeper than that of improved grammar and vocabulary These books shape the way children look at life, as they did for many of our own teachers at Townview When interviewed about their most cherished childhood book, our English teachers recalled the scenes, characters, and lessons they carried through their lives.
Harry Potter
AP Literature teacher, Mr. Mejia expresses his love for J.K. Rowling’s fantasy series, Harry Potter, "because of the magic and the sense of possibility” it provides “The idea that you can achieve anything” resonated deeply with him “considering Harry’s background and the things he had gone through."
He explains the connection he felt to Hermione, in particular, due to “her being an outsider and having mixed parents, yet still being able to become the ‘brightest witch of her age. ’”
The Hobbit
Mr Lindsey conveyed the love he discovered for fantasy through The Hobbit and the characters that lived within J.R.R. Tolkien’s world.
He respected "the universal story: the classic hero’s journey” but found that “the lesson is that heroism isn’t necessarily what you think it is.
Growing up in the 80s, heroes were guys like G I Joe, so it was refreshing to see a hero who was an awkward, average person like Bilbo Baggins."
Ender’s Game
Freshman English teacher, Mr Rojas reflected on Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card, which features a boy living in space “but his strength doesn't come from being physically strong, it comes from his intellect. It provided a model for how to be smart" when that archetype was often teased or diluted to being just “nerdy”
Mr Rojas maintains that "the sign of good sci-fi is that it presents big ideas in a way that is interesting” and “Ender’s Game helped [him] look past the reality around [him] and think abstractly about what we are building toward.”
Of Mice and Men
AP Language Arts teacher, Mr Stewart spoke on John Steinbeck’s novella, Of Mice and Men which “ was the first really well-written piece of adult literature in realistic fiction” he encountered
“It speaks to so many facets essential to human nature: loneliness, friendship, dreams, tragedy, and doing a hard thing for the person you love It’s all wrapped up in a short, sweet package of barely 100 pages; it is a window into humanity "
The Diary of aYoung Girl
Previous beloved Law Magnet teacher Ms. Baer Chan, reflected on The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank in which “ you ' re reading the narrative of a girl who experienced events you could never possibly relate to, but you relate to her as a person and through her voice.”
“I thought she would just recall events from the Holocaust and her experience in hiding, but so much of the diary was about her crushes, her loneliness, and annoyance at family members. But that's why the title was changed from ‘The Secret Annex’ to ‘Diary of a Young Girl.’”
Lord of the Flies
9th grade English teacher, Ms Seely explained that she particularly loved Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, because she “enjoyed seeing how people move when you boil them down to baselevel humanity, which is what happens when all the rules are gone "
The book begs the question: “'Are people good at the end of the day?' I want the answer to be yes, but Piggy was good and it didn't work out for him. He needed someone to be good to him and it led to his demise "
The book reminded Ms Seely “how important it is to care for the vulnerable and that we should do better to help those who n especially now. "
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Ms. Lacy pondered on her love for Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, which she discovered at the early age of 8 years old
“I don’t know exactly what I related to, since I’m not an orphan or rich, but I loved how these kids were able to specialize in so many different things."
"The series was provocative in a good way. It made me realize that as a kid I didn’t have to just stick to 'fluffy' books like Junie B Jones ”
"The big lesson is perseverance No matter how hard things are, there is always a way to get through it. You have people you love to rely on, and if you trust yourself, you ' re set "
Why Childhood Books Matter
Although the types of books our teachers grew up with vary vastly from one another, they all share something in common They all offer perspective Whether they may offer a look into history, challenges, or human nature, these books each provided children with a unique lens through which to view their world and even after their spines have cracked and their ink faded away, the lessons remained with their readers not only through their childhoods, but throughout their lives.
Anne Frank’s autobiography, A Diary of a Young Girl, remains one of Ms Baer Chan’s most beloved books
Photo by Ashima Yadav
Mr Mejia’s favorite book: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Photo by Ashima Yadav
Law Magnet Student’s Trip to
George Allen Courthouse
By: Penelope Gray
Television shows and video games about the American legal system often portray civil trials as fast-paced ordeals with “Objection!” being shouted across extravagant courtrooms at the slightest provocation of either an attorney or witness. However, as many Law Magnet students recently learned or saw reiterated at the George Allen Court Building, the reality of a civil suit is one of paperwork, intensive jury selection processes, and lots of time
Pretrial
During their visit to the George Allen Court Building, students observed part of a pretrial hearing followed by the questioning of the potential jurors, or a voir dire The case that these proceedings surrounded involved the city of Dallas, specifically the city’s Fire and Rescue Services, and a resident represented by a firm. The juror questioning and pretrial was overseen by Judge Tonya Parker, who was first elected in 2010 These two stages occur before a trial officially begins, yet they shape what the trial will look like as well as how it will proceed. The pretrial hearing involved attorneys presenting motions, providing exhibit lists, and establishing which witnesses will be questioned Motions are formal requests that ask the judge to either decide how certain issues should be handled during the case or rule on a legal matter without a trial.
Pretrial also gives attorneys the opportunity to clarify what evidence will be presented during trial In the hearing observed by students, the party filing the suit, or the Plaintiffs, offered multiple pieces of evidence to be preadmitted. The city on the other hand was allowed to object to any of these pieces on numerous grounds. One of these objections made during the hearing was hearsay This objection presides over anything, whether it be spoken or written, that was made outside of the court being offered to prove within the court whatever the document or quote asserts. Students got to see firsthand how a judge handles evidentiary objections in a real hearing Judge Parker asked for the Plaintiffs to provide a business record affidavit, which would simply prove that the document in question was authentic and reliable and therefore allow it to be exempt from the hearsay rule.
Rather than dramatic exchanges, the courtroom atmosphere was controlled and methodical. Attorneys spoke one at a time, directing specific arguments and explanations to the judge rather than to each other, as television often misrepresents The judge often asked questions and requested either clarification or documents before issuing decisions For students who have only seen courtroom proceedings through television or movies, the pace may have seemed slower than expected That slower pace reflects the level of care courts and judges apply when making decisions that affect both sides of a dispute
Voir Dire
After the pretrial discussion concluded, the court moved to the process known as voir dire. This is the stage where both the judge and attorneys question potential jurors to determine whether they can fairly evaluate the case In the United States legal system, civil trials rely on juries made up of ordinary citizens to determine issues and disagreements of material fact Attorneys must therefore identify any potential biases that could influence how jurors interpret the evidence. .
Groups of potential jurors entered the courtroom and took their seats in the jury box, being assigned specific numbers and placards with those numbers on them so that the judge and attorneys can easily identify potential jurors when they are speaking These placards are also used as a simple yes or no mechanism, often being lifted by potential jurors in response to conditional requests such as “If you have ever been in a car crash, raise your placard ” They were shown to be very useful for voir dires The judge first asked simple questions regarding the requirements to be a juror These questions included but were not limited to ones about age, occupation, relationships with the present attorneys or other city workers, and any future or ongoing events that would prevent the potential jurors from being present during the trial’s dates
Next, the attorneys had 25 minutes each to stand before the people and ask them questions, having to juggle the tasks of taking note of which placards are raised, who makes what comments, and which peopleare not making any comments at all, all while continuously asking important questions with limited time to do so These questions entailed the potential juror’s previous experiences with the legal system, opinions about the government, and any other things that may impact a person ’ s ability to fairly evaluate the facts of the case This part of the visit showed students how significant jury selection is to the outcome of a case Attorneys from both sides carefully observed the answers given to them. When a response suggests that a juror might have a bias, attorneys may request that the judge excuse the person from service In other situations, attorneys may remove jurors through limited discretionary challenges allowed under court rules. Through this process, both sides attempt to assemble a jury capable of objectively evaluating the facts.
For Law Magnet students, this field trip offered a more practical look at the legal concepts they often discuss during class Observing a pretrial hearing and voir dire demonstrated that civil trials rely heavily on preparation and careful questioning long before witnesses testify on the stand. While courtroom dramas highlight the most dramatic moments of a trial, the visit to the George Allen Court Building showed that much of the legal process involves patient and deliberate work designed to protect a fair trial for everyone involved
The doors of the George Allen Courthouse in Dallas, Texas Photo by Ashima Yadav
Supporting Literacy for All Students TURNING THE PAGE:
By: Nelly Mujica
Not all students begin on the same page in reading and writing Many working-class students live in low-income neighborhoods and attend underfunded schools, which limits access to resources. Programs like magnet schools, such as Townview, provide stronger academic environments and support, helping to foster a love of learning While these programs help students later in their education, cultivating a love of reading often begins much earlier in childhood.
From a young age, children are encouraged to develop a love for books. Read Across America Day, celebrated every March 2 for Dr Seuss’s birthday, aims to inspire children to read and make books feel fun At Townview, the library offers resources and events like the Scholastic Book Fair and the March Madness book competition, where students vote for their favorite titles. Programs like these help students explore books and develop excitement for reading
However, not every child has equal access to books outside the classroom. Families facing financial challenges often struggle to create strong reading envir t lti in differences in literac at follow students throug
Educators see this firsthand Ms Baer-Chan, a former Townview English teacher, explained that students from different economic backgrounds are affected by systemic inequalities and face multiple challenges. In many Title I schools, higher numbers of students come from immigrant families, meaning English is often a second language, making grammar, vocabulary, and reading fluency more difficult. She noted, “Students might have to code-switch in academic writing, as many scholars have pointed out that what we consider to be ‘academic writing’ is a language historically created by white men ” Working-class families also often have fewer books at home and less time to read.
These disparities are reinforced by the structure of the education system. Public schools are partially funded by property taxes, so “wealthier communities often have access to wealthier public schools” with stronger resources like well-funded PTAs Wealthier families may also have access to private schools or more choices, while lowerincome families often have limited options. Ms. Baer-Chan emphasized the importance of magnet schools in providing students opportunities they might not have otherwise
By ages 3–4, many children start recognizing letters and showing interest in books. By ages 5–7, they start reading independently and building basic vocabulary. Children with regular access to books often develop these skills earlier, while those with fewer resources may start school behind Over time, these gaps can widen.
A stude Riordan books at the library. Photo by Bhavya Peri
Research supports the connection between literacy and income A study in the Michigan Journal of Economics by Maren Blanchard found that students from lower-income families often face reduced access to books and reading support, creating measurable gaps in literacy development These disparities show how literacy is shaped not just by personal interest or ability, but by the resources available during childhood.
Early literacy gaps can have long-term consequences. Students who struggle with reading early are more likely to face academic challenges later, affecting college readiness, career opportunities, and future earnings. While individuals with lower literacy skills can still find jobs, those with stronger literacy skills often have greater access to opportunities and higher potential income, creating a cycle in which literacy gaps reinforce economic inequality
Addressing these disparities requires support from schools and communities Ms Baer Chan and other educators emphasize book fairs, author visits, and student publications rather than focusing solely on standardized testing. In Texas, mandatory tutoring for students who do not pass the STAAR test was designed to help, but districts faced logistical challenges When the state took over Houston ISD, some libraries were converted to “behavior centers,” reducing access to books These examples show meaningful support and resources are still needed.
For the reader, it is encouraged to help, even in simple ways Readers can donate books no longer needed or volunteer to read with younger children at libraries or at home Spending time reading together can build confidence and interest in books. By taking small steps and advocating for literacy, individuals can help ensure more children have access to the resources they need to develop strong reading skills and explore their curiosity
By: Adriana Bautista
Teenager-geared film and television is a genre that has evolved massively over decades This type of media has taken on a certain look, one that can only be described as dreamy, raw, and beautiful Consider Euphoria, with its glittery effects, vibrant makeup, colorful lighting, and outrageous fashion Two decades prior, The Virgin Suicides (1999) by Sofia Coppola sought to portray female adolescence in film, typified by the movie’s hazy film, long, mundane shots, and pretty, feminine bedrooms. Media of this sort uses unique, often ethereal visuals to hold a mirror to adolescence, seeking to reflect its pain, heartbreak, confusion, and ultimate, undoubtable beauty
Fashion-Forward?
One of the most notable aspects of teen media is the fashion that costume designers inject into their fictional worlds Shows like Never Have I Ever, Ginny and Georgia, and, of course, Euphoria, feature a distinct, borderline-outrageous sartorial identity Girls wear eclectic prints, bright color palettes, skater skirts, Doc Martens, and more facets of youthful taste. Boys wear baggy jeans, graphic tees, warm hoodies, and other comfortable ensembles.
The fashion on these shows is known for being oddly out-of-touch with what teens typically wear nowadays. For instance, Euphoria’s costume design has become somewhat meme-ified in years past, with the term “Euphoria High” (as in high school) becoming synonymous with skimpy outfits featuring cutouts, visible shoulders, and short hemlines that would certainly result in a prompt dress code at any real school. In Ginny and Georgia, which premiered in 2021, any given episode may feature skinny jeans, mesh tops, overalls, and crop tops (not exactly the average outfit at any modern high school, neither now nor five years ago)
In real life, most people make similar fashion choices think flared jeans from Hollister, cardigans, the same hoodies, Adidas Sambas, and so on Prints are far and few, colors are relegated to pale pink, navy blue, and maroon, and simpler looks are in fashion. Using questionable, elevated fashion choices, teen media romanticizes what real adolescence looks like. This may be because most costume designers have their own, aged view of adolescence; according to the recruiting website Zippia, most costume designers, or 37%, are 40 or more years old.
Visual Choices
Teen media has a dreamy look. The Virgin Suicides featured hazy visuals, muted tones, and pale colors when color arised in the depressing world of the Lisbon sisters. The melancholic yet beautiful visuals of the movie reflect female adolescence, an era that is distinctly filled with formative, tragic events, but that can also be full of joy, optimism, friendship, and self-discovery
Returning to Euphoria, the show features a distinct visual identity. Stills from the show often feature colorful, LED-esque lighting, glitter, long shots of faces or eyes, and savvy camerawork that enhances the stories being told.
Who Made Teen Media’s Look?
However, it is important to note the controversy behind Euphoria’s aesthetic resonance with viewers, particularly surrounding this aesthetic possibly being stolen from photographer Petra Collins. Collins is a well-known photographer who rose to prominence in the 2010s for her visual style, which emphasized the “female gaze. ” In 2023, she alleged that Sam Levinson, the creator of Euphoria, used her dreamy style in the show without her permission. Prior to Euphoria’s creation, Collins had been asked to consult on the show but was deemed too young to direct it
Collins’ accusations reflect how the aesthetics, and beauty, of teen media is often pioneered by female talent, the potential theft reminding that female work is often erased at the hands of men
The “look” of teen media is not only due to aesthetics, though. These shows often make ambitious attempts at portraying teenage slang attempts which sometimes fall flat, but can help some viewers see themselves in the media.
As Iya McCormick, a junior at the Law Magnet, puts it, “Though the dialogue is exaggerated in these shows, it does represent the forced ‘nonchalantness’ of our generation, and how brainrot is quickly adopted into our vocabulary for example, ‘six-seven,’ ‘lowkenuinely,’ ‘bruh,’ and so on. I think this also speaks to a larger trend of social media impacting linguistics ”
Clearly, teen shows have made an earnest effort to resonate with teenage viewers like Iya, indicating that modern adolescent media has succeeded somewhat in reflecting the lived experiences of teenagers today.
Above all, teen media seeks to make teenagehood look significant Though the era, in reality, is often mundane, depressing, turbulent, and plain confusing, it can be beautiful if placed in the right lens Through exciting fashion, pretty visuals, and nifty camerawork, teenagehood is made to look hopeful at the end, reflecting a desire to build a better future for oneself even if the present is maddeningly sad.
