That’s the official first day the internet began It was a catalyst that changed the way we live in this world forever Now, we have all sorts of information at our fingertips. There is a new technological advancement every other day. There is no doubt that we are growing as people, but the world feels like it is growing and moving twice as fast. Sometimes, it is nice to take a look at how things used to be.
To take a step back into our past reality
The fall tends to bring back past memories Green leaves turn orange, sweaters get pulled out the back of the closet, and warm drinks begin to be served once again In a way, autumn has an old soul. As we begin this season with our favorite handheld devices locked inside a pouch, it is important to remember that just a few years ago, not having a cell phone was the norm.
In this edition of the Legal Pad, we are embracing this by honoring retro media (“A Trip to the Past”), investigating the cultural changes during autumn (“Fall: The Perfect Climate for Long-Form Content”), and acknowledging the appeal that the retro aesthetic has on our generation (“The Rise of Retro: Nostalgia in a Digital Age”). Furthermore, the cover art beautifully depicts the bridge between fall and our past times.
As you read this edition, we encourage you to turn on your favorite oldies and sip on some hot chocolate Take a break from the screens (I know you ’ ve heard that a lot recently) and go outside to enjoy the weather as it begins to cool down. We can’t all be teenagers in the 80’s or 90’s, but we can always recreate the best parts.
With love, Micaela Arauz
THE PERFECTCLIMATE FOR LONG-FORMCONTENT THEPERFECTCLIMATEFOR LONG-FORMCONTENT
By: Cati Cruz
As summer begins to fade and fall creeps in, so do the intense feelings it brings. The air turns crisp, the light gleams on the falling leaves and suddenly the world slows down. As the seasons change, so do we craving meaningful, deliberate, enjoyable content. Escaping the cold by retreating inside, we find new ways to express ourselves and deeper media consumption
The result? The overwhelming return of long-form conten
A RETURN OF LONG-FORM MEDIA
In the years following COVID-19, the rise of short-form content on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram has taken over the digital world Viewers were captivated by this new form of fast-paced, dopamine-filled quick videos that keep you wanting more Hooked by instant gratification, we began to fall into patterns of endless scrolling, almost always forgetting what we consumed the next day. After years of short-form, unmemorable content, it has left both creators and viewers yearning for content that will leave an impact and linger in the community
Trends have shown that in recent years, social media creators have started to transition away from short-form content. In response to surface-level videos, creators, especially on platforms like YouTube, are producing engaging, intentional, and meaningful content: video essays, passion projects, multi-part documentaries, and other expressions of creativity that often run for 30 minutes or longer Causing the resurgence of long-form content, where ideas can develop and spread.
Classic cinemas on some vintage CDs
Photo by Bhavya Peri
WHY FALL?
As long-form content begins to make its return, there has been a noticeable spike that happens during the fall. The creation and consumption of long-form content becomes extremely pronounced during this time, and it's not a coincidence According to multiple analytic sources, long-form media seems to be posted, with the most viewership, during the fall As fall makes its way into the world, so does the craving for quiet, reflection, and something easy, yet meaningful to digest. The hustle and bustle of summer is coming to an end, and the rhythm and routine of slowing down is accompanied by the switch to long-form content
Fall is the perfect time to start looking inward, be creative, and explore aspects of the world that inspire us This time of year boasts the perfect weather to be inside, snuggled up and cozy, and develop or explore meaningful media That is why long-form content thrives at this time. The change invites and fuels creators to explore this newfound urge for creativity. Allowing them to fully explore their passions, create a community, and more The slower pace of fall allows us, the viewers, to be receptive to this new perspective. You can watch that multipart video essay on your favorite niche topic or dive into another newfound hobby that you have been putting off We get to enjoy media that we can fully absorb, resonate and linger on for the weeks to come
NOTHING NEW
This craving for intellectual and meaningful content is not a new trend. The fall marks a seasonal transition, return to classrooms, routine, structure, and focus Throughout time, we have pivoted to a slower-paced and relaxing life during the fall, and the media mirrors this switch. Like past generations, we find time to focus and fuel ourselves with content and things we love But instead of sitting with a newspaper and drinking a black coffee, we turn on a long video podcast with an iced matcha.
IN CONCLUSION
As we find ourselves surrounded by high-intensity media, shrinking attention spans, and an always-onthe-go mindset, fall offers a change. A time to slow down, refocus, and dive into something meaningful With it comes the return of a wide array of long-form content We are able to go beyond a 40-second quick laugh; instead, we are given a 40-minute video that reminds us we are able to focus, ground ourselves, be creative, and inspire others The fall gives us time to reflect and engage with it a little longer, fall and long-form content go hand in hand This season is a simple reminder to ourselves that we can turn away from the rush and slow down.
Your favorite classic films on disc Photo by Ashima Yadav
So reader, I ask you, how will you release your inner Clark Kent?
From the comic’s Golden Age to the modern 2025 film, Superman reminds audiences that anyone can be a hero. No, you don’t need laser eyes or super strength We honor a hero whose ideals and compassion have touched our hearts for nearly a century. By channeling our inner Clark Kent, we too can embrace the timeless values of empathy, hope, and most importantly, kindness!
By: Carla Serrano and Luciana (Micaela) Arauz
As technology continues to improve, it is now easier to produce media than ever before. In a world where we get a new list of trending movies/shows/songs a week, it can be nice to look back at the retro media that shaped pop culture today Sort of like a mini time machine that takes you to whatever era you'd like Below, you will find a list of retro movies, music, and video games to take you back in time
Music
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana 1991 - This song became an anthem for teenagers in the 90s. The band gave coverage to grunge rock with their new style of music and Cobain's vocals.
Hey Jude by The Beatles 1968 - Written in the late 60’s, this song was written to Julian Lennon by Paul Mccartney, to offer words of comfort This song never fails to provide comfort to a listener from its lyrics to the overall style of the song.
Violino by Piero Piccioni 1969 - If you are a fan of classical music, you'll love this one. It provides a feeling of solace and melancholiness If you want peace of mind, this song will do just that
Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac 1977- This iconic song has recently resurfaced amongst teenagers Even though it is only a B-side on their album Rumours, the emotional performance of this song in 1977 made it go viral.
o e a apsody by QU N 5 generational classic. This 6 minute song is considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time Bohemian Rhapsody continues to inspire artists today
Movies
Top Gun (1986) - A classic movie starring Tom Cruise in his prime features extraordinary cinematography throughout the movie, representing aviation.
Scarface (1983) - This movie starring legendary actor Al Pacino and Michele Peiffer involves crime in America during the 80s The rise of Toni, the character, to his fall, because of his greed
Overall awesome acting and complexity of the storyline.
Donnie Darko (2001) - This is the type of movie you understand after the second watch and leaves you saying ‘woah’ The movie adds incomprehensible scenes that only make sense because it's a movie The overall aura is
Video Games
Red Dead Redemption (2010) - This game takes retro too literally. Red Dead Redemption is set in 1911. In all seriousness, this game offers complex characters and stories, the main character being an outlaw trying to survive and adapt to the changes in America
Silent Hill (1999) - With its creepy aura and visuals, this game offers something unique to players. Its compelling story keeps you hooked, but perhaps a bit disturbed Play at your own risk
Sonic Riders (2006) - Being a child or teen in the early 2000s meant you got to play many gems, including this one. This game featured Sonic, a beloved character, and racing with hoverboards. Those were some of the coolest things a child could imagine in 2006
amous Winona Ryder, lar amongst the youth ular musical that encapsulates high n the 80s
long enough that the hough this is a movie chise there are lots of messages older understand
Blade Runner (1997) - A futuristic game can be difficult to develop so they aren't as popular, but when Blade Runner 1997 came out it offered people a chance to explore a futuristic world with decent quality If you are a fan of the ‘old’ graphics, this game is
Grand Theft Auto Vice knows Grand Theft Auto 5, but only real fans know about this game It is the same concept, you live in an open world and have playable characters, but this game has the visual of a retro game, something that's not seen much anymore as games h
1. Pick a retro activity for a cozy fall night:
A. Making a mixtape for your friends
B Getting lost in a good book
2.What’s your ideal fall soundtrack?
By: Serena Herrera
C Playing an old video
D. Taking pics on a digi
A. R&B
B. Indie
C. Punk rock
D. Pop throwbacks
4. Pick a movie to watch:
who follows you everywhere
Mostly A’s: The Mixtape Romantic You re nostalgic, sentimental, and live for comfort. You’d thrive in the ‘80s or ‘90s, making playlists and sipping hot chocolate with friends.
Mostly B’s: The Vintage Intellectual You’re thoughtful, deep, and crave meaningful content. You’re happiest curled up with good book or movie.
Mostly C’s: The Rebel with a Cause You’re bold, outspoken, and not afraid to stand for what’s right Like Superman, you embody hope and justice
Mostly D’s: The Y2K Trendsetter You live through your style and vibes Whether it’s thrifted fits, digital cameras, or throwback sneakers, you make retro cool again
C. Mischievous crow who steals shiny things
By: Krystal Ma
Social media is full of advice on how to get into college and not all of it is helpful TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have given rise to a new category of content creators: college influencers. These are students or self-proclaimed admissions experts who post stats, essay breakdowns, and emotional videos about who got in and who didn’t. But for many high school students, especially those without access to elite schools or pricey college consultants, this kind of content can be misleading, discouraging, and even harmful
The Influence of “Admissions Experts”
Take the Ivy League Roadmap guy, for example
His videos offer structured, step-by-step strategies for getting into top-tier schools, often pushing students to create "passion projects," become leaders in multiple clubs, and craft their entire high school life around admissions success
Then there’s the viral creator who yells into the camera things like, “This kid had a PERFECT GPA and a 1600 SAT and STILL got rejected from Harvard!” delivering the message that even your best isn’t enough.
The common thread in both?
A focus on stats, prestige, and fear, often with little understanding of how admissions really works.
What these influencers rarely explain is that college admissions isn't a scoreboard. Most selective colleges use a holistic review process, meaning they consider your grades and scores in the context of your background That includes:
Your high school’s offerings (e g how many AP or IB classes are available)
Your location and access to resources
Your socioeconomic status
Family responsibilities or work obligations
Challenges you ’ ve faced or overcome
Admissions officers aren’t just comparing raw numbers they’re comparing students within their specific environments A student with a 4 0 GPA from a rural public school with three clubs and no APs is not competing with someone from an elite prep school with private SAT tutoring and legacy connections They’re evaluated within their context
In fact, colleges often use regional admissions officers who understand the specific schools, demographics, and challenges of the areas they review. They know what’s exceptional in one context might be average in another and they evaluate accordingly
Why College Influencer Advice Can Be Toxic
Why Perfect Stats Don’t Guarantee Anything
A big part of the influencer hype is based on shock value especially videos where highachieving students get rejected from top schools.
But those rejections aren’t random Highly selective colleges get tens of thousands of applications for a few thousand spots Harvard, for example, has an acceptance rate under 4%, meaning most qualified applicants even with perfect stats will be rejected.
What Students Should Actually Focus On
Instead of mimicking influencers, students should focus on:
Doing their best in their own environment
Pursuing activities that truly interest them, not ones that look good on paper
Being authentic in essays and interviews
Understanding that success looks different for everyone
Applying broadly, including to schools where they will thrive, not just where others “want” to go
Final Thoughts
College influencers may mean well, but many of them simplify or completely misunderstand the admissions process They present a one-size-fitsignores background, pri systemic inequality Wor fuel insecurity in studen are already doing their with the resources avail to them.
If you ’ re a high school st know this: you do not ne be someone else’s versi “impressive” to succeed ll
What these creators don’t explain is that admissions isn’t a formula You don’t get accepted just because you have the “right” SAT score and résumé Colleges admit students who fit their current needs: maybe they need a bassoon player this year, a student from Montana, or someone who brings a unique life experience or perspective to campus.
It’s not just about numbers it’s about fit, voice, and context
Retro Retro The Rise of : Nostalgia in a Digital Age The Rise of : Nostalgia in a Digital Age
By: Penelope Gray
This 2025, a growing number of people are ditching their smartphone cameras for 15-year-old digital point-and-shoots. Canon PowerShots, Sony Cyber-shots, and even grainy flip phone cameras are back in action and it’s definitely not because the camera quality is better The grain, the blur, the messy flash; it all screams of a time when photos were taken for memories, not to please an algorithm. These shifts aren’t just a trend that dies out as fast as it came to life, but rather a larger shift from perfection to simplicity.
From iPhones to iPods
At first glance, this retro revival won’t seem like more than a quirky aesthetic choice After all, thrift stores and eBay are overflowing with outdated electronics and fashion choices just waiting to be bought back. But the pull factor of these items lies in what they represent, rather than their physical qualities; a longing for simplicity and authenticity in a time when digital life feels overwhelmingly “perfect” The crisp, hyperrealistic pixels in a photo taken on an iPhone 16 leave no room for error, capturing every little stitch in your favorite shirt. Meanwhile, the charm of an old digital camera lies in its flaws. Each overexposed shot or red-eyed flash is a reminder that life doesn’t have to be curated to perfection it can just be lived in the moment
The Return of Old Fashion Trends
Fashion tells a similar story. Low-rise jeans, chunky sneakers, and Y2K-inspired graphics are appearing on runways and everyday wardrobes. For younger generations, these styles are new and exciting, while for older generations, they’re a throwback to their teenage years Nostalgia reshapes old styles into new ones by taking the old and making it new while keeping its aged charm. People are mixing retro pieces with modern ones, creatin looks that blend the two amazingly. What onc was embarrassing (think wired headphones or grandma sweaters) now feels stylish and rebellious against the sleek minimalism that the world is slowly leaning more and more into.
Of course, there’s also a performative aspect to the retro revival Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify these trends, turning old digital cameras or flip phones into flashy trends that die out in a few days. Ironically, the very platforms
people are trying to escape often end up accelerating the popularity of nostalgic aesthetics What begins as a desire for authenticity can quickly become another curated performance for likes and followers
Still, the persistence of retro culture suggests it’s more than a fad. It reflects a broader cultural desire for simpler times People don’t necessarily want to abandon modern technology, but they do want to reclaim some of the joy, messiness, and imperfection that defined earlier eras Nostalgia is not just about longing for the past; it’s about reshaping the present to feel more human and less stale.
In the end, the rise of retro is less about old cameras or outdated fashion and more about what they represent They remind us that not everything has to be optimized, filtered, or curated to please the TikTok algorithm. Sometimes, the blurry photo, the Sharpie-titled CD, or the chunky sweater is exactly what we need In a digital age that prizes filters and perfection, retro culture offers an alternative: a chance to slow down, embrace imperfection, and reconnect with what feels real.
By: Micaela Arauz By: Micaela Arauz
I turned 16, and suddenly my right foot was on the gas pedal Like many others, I believed that having a license was the pinnacle of teenagehood What nobody warned me about was how confusing and stressful the process would be At the end of the day, driving is a milestone no one should miss especially not because they forgot to bring the Articles of Confederation to the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting on the road (legally!) as painlessly as possible
Getting a learner’s license Getting a learner’s license
If you ’ re under 18, the first thing you HAVE to do is get your permit. Even if you ’ re driving with your parents, you must have a learner’s license to legally be on the road
Here’s how: Here’s how:
Take a state-approved driver’s education course
After six hours, you’ll be eligible to take the knowledge test online or at the DPS If possible, take it online since it’s less stressful. Once you pass, make an appointment at the DPS. Book early because spots fill up fast, and you don’t want to end up two hours away The night before, triple-check your documents Missing even one could prevent you from getting your permit.
Completed driver’s license application form
Proof of U S Citizenship or Lawful Presence (if not a U S Citizen)
Evidence of successfully passing the driver knowledge exam (If you have not taken this test during the classroom portion of driver education, you will take it at the driver’s license office).
Provide a high school diploma, its equivalent (GED), or completed Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE form)
Tip: You can get your VOE from Ms. Randle, the attendance counselor for the Law Magnet. During the summer, your most recent report card also works
Congrats, you now have a permit! Before you can take your road test, you must:
Congrats, you now have a permit! Before you can take your road test, you must:
Hold your permit for at least six months
Complete 32 hours of classroom instruction and 14 hours of be training (through a driving school or a parent-taught course)
Finish the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) course, a free program that is required for all teens before the road test
After that, you ’ re ready to schedule your test.
What To Know Before Your Road Test
What To Know Before Your Road Test
Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
Don’t take it at the DPS
It’s okay if you fail (about 1 in 5 people failed in 2022)
Do not take the test at the Texas Department of Public Safety
The truth is, the DPS is one of the most stressful places…ever. You’re already going to be feeling a lot of nerves because taking the road test is a big deal, and you don’t want to feel even more overwhelmed Additionally, a lot of the examiners at the DPS have a very bad reputation If you absolutely must take your road test at a DPS, I would do some research and look at the reviews about examiners at the DPS you are planning to make an appointment at.
Taking your road test at a driving school is often a less stressful process, so it’s an option you should definitely consider
Practice, practice, practice! Search up the test route (they often have them on Youtube) and/or see if you can familiarize yourself with the route Parallel park until it is muscle memory. Drive to your testing center.
Review traffic laws. Don’t lose easy points on things you already know
Restrictions on your provisional license
Restrictions on your provisional license
Restrictions on Your Provisional License
You’re licensed! But if you ’ re under 18, your license comes with restrictions:
You cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless it’s for work, school activities, or an emergency.
You cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 who is not family
Once you turn 18, these restrictions will be lifted
Stay focused Turn off music, eep your phone out of sight, nd pay attention to your urroundings.
ake it till you make it. There’s a big) chance you will feel ervous before taking this test, ut appear as confident as you an be Take a deep breath
Don’t get frustrated if you make any mistakes.
Make sure they know you ’ re checking your mirrors. Don’t take a quick glance (even if it’s what you usually do), your examiner won’t notice if there’s slight movement in your eyes. If you have long hair, put it in a ponytail. If you have earrings, wear bigger, dangly ones.
OLD NEW LAW: VS.
BEYOND THE COURTS
By: Angela Thomas
Imagine you ' re outside a law school, Harvard maybe, interviewing people You pull over two people, one older, one younger; both are practicing and competent lawyers. The interviewing question is as follows: “How do you feel about being a lawyer?” The older lawyer might express that he loves being a lawyer; practicing and exercising the law to help his clients is the best part of his day. The younger lawyer, however, might explain that though he appreciates being able to help people, he is unsure of whether the modern legal system is for him These two fictitious lawyers represent a more serious phenomenon going on in our society: the growing dissonance between older and younger lawyers. According to the American Bar Association, the median age of lawyers in 2023 was 46, 7 years older than the average in the 1980s But why is this? Why are younger generations opting to move away from law? From student debt to technology, the answer is a lot more nuanced than you’d think
LAWSCHOOL
THE POLITICS OF IT ALL
Recent events over the last year have forced younger and older generations alike to take a step back and really question the law field. Political and legal corruption are nothing new, but thanks to the internet and the World Wide Web, it's harder to keep such corruption under wraps This has led most Gen Z and some millennials to have a negative view of the legal system, opting to steer clear of it The way younger generations see it, the system is so corrupt that entering the law field won’t change much. Additionally, it could be financially unstable to go get a job in something that might just be a dying field
“CALL MY (AI)LAWYER.”
With advancements in technology, it's no surprise law was eventually going to be affected. Technology, up until, say, 2023, has been extremely beneficial for the legal field. Online legal textbooks, case archives, and virtual trial courts are all examples of how technology can increase the efficiency of the legal process But in early 2023, technology began to shift from simple databases to generative AI The AI in question wasn’t used to be a tool for lawyers; it WAS the lawyer, and a good one at that Essentially, AI took several cases and courtroom videos to mimic a lawyer's arguments and intelligence. What started off as a one-off incident slowly made its way into more courtrooms around the nation. While still not entirely commonplace, the growing trend can be alarming for lawyers, both young and old
While most young people might be steering clear of the law, there is still hope Older generations of judges and lawyers are encouraging more and more young people to practice law These legal professionals are actively creating more opportunities for young adults and students. These opportunities include, but aren’t limited to, internships, grants, and extracurriculars. But at the end of the day, beyond the motivation and scholarships, in order to bridge this gap, some things in the legal field need to change
B C eyond the ode Dress
NTSWHO HE TONE
By Adriana Bautista and Xochitl Garcia
No one tops TMC in the fashion department. With the school year in full swing, The Legal Pad prowled for students who exemplified our school’s unbeatable style game and it didn’t take long to find them Without bias, here is some proof that a dress code can never stifle swag
CIANNA SHANNON
As our search began, we couldn’t help but notice a glimmer of cotton candy hair, a pale pink dress, and a lavender cardigan.
The fairy we found was in fact a Law Magnet junior named Cianna.
To begin, she described her personal style mantra as “dress to impress ”
“Recently, I’ve been into a lot of matching I love putting stuff together and making stuff look good, especially with colors,” Cianna said Luckily, her style can be emulated using a few web searches
“I mainly shop online There’s a lot of online stores whose shipping isn’t that bad, and I also shop at Amazon and stuff,” she explained.
As we urge her to pose for a few pictures, Cianna twirls and allows the light of the cafeteria window to catch the pastel hues of her dress, like an angel fallen from heaven to bless us with a fire ‘fit
HALEN WILSON
Halen, a junior at the Law Magnet, can best be described as “Townview’s resident goth ”
We tracked her vampiric self to the Commons, where we begged the question, why do you choose to dress this way?
“Because it makes me so happy to look [like a baddie] all day,” Halen remarks.
Her iconic line reduces us to merely nodding in agreement Her outfit is fully thrifted, as is most of her clothing
It appears that every person with a memorable style is a secondhand shopper
Looking at her black henley top, dark-wash jeans, black platform boots, gothic jewelry and makeup, one sees someone who is completely sure of themselves Evidently, a strong personal identity can shine through the soul and into the often evasive concept we call personal style.
Halen Wilson| Junior, Law Magnet
Photo by Xochitl Garcia
Cianna Shannon| Junior, Law Magnet Photo by Xochitl Garcia
NASEEM MUHAMMAD
Style isn’t something you learn it’s something you live For some, personal style feels complicated Too many brands, too many trends, too many pieces to figure out
But for Nas, style isn’t complicated at all It’s instinct A sixth sense A way to move through the world with self-expression at the front. One look at Nas and you ’ re thrown back to the 2000s skating scene DCs on his feet, JNCOs in the mix, and headphones hanging (because you can’t really be nonchalant without them)
Not everyone can pull it off, but Nas isn’t
Nas flips that.
Every detail is deliberate Even color matters dark palettes with sharp hits of red, green, and white. “ everyone ” Most people want to put style in a box. As he says: “Style comes from who you are, so it’s the person who makes the style.” That’s why he shops on 2nd Street, a spot he describes as “ a wide catalogue of vintage clothing,” it’s never too late to curate your own style and own it the way only you can.
where he finds gems Because
ZYON SHARP
lenses to chains
For Zyon, looking good isn’t optional it’s the standard. As he puts it: “I’m fine shyt, so I gotta dress like fine shyt ” From eBay Timbs and crafted and Depop watches, even down to his god-given hair, every detail is intentional. Mustard yellow Timbs and vibrant shirts, Zyon has avatar maxed like he’s playing dress to impress Zyon doesn’t just wear clothes he becomes them
He calls himself “the alpha, the leader, the one to trust.” And he’s not wrong. Expression isn’t halfway it’s full send Whether laid-back hoodies or bold statement pieces, Zyon’s wardrobe is all about intention Because he sees style as more than fabric it’s humor, culture, and essence stitched together Every outfit is a choice, every choice choice a message
Together, Nas, Cianna, Halen, and Zyon prove one thing: true style can’t be copied it’s lived
Zyon Sharp|Senior, School Of Business Photo by Xochitl Garcia
Naseem Muhammad| Sophomore, Law Magnet Photo by Xochitl Garcia
