May 2025 Legal Pad

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2 5 May 2025

MEET THE December TEAM Editors-in-Chief

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Jiashuo (Moon) Liu Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar

Class of 2025

BEHIND THIS EDITION

Writers Adriana Bautista Jiashuo (Moon) Liu Krystal Ma Maya Alvarez Castellanos Micaela Arauz Serena Herrera Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar Taylor Dodd

I don’t know if these colors are good.

I Cover Design don’t Taylor Dodd January think the Graphic Design snowflak Estrada es Hannah will Micaela Arauz Serena print Herrera

Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar Taylor Dodd

Spanish Translation

SPANISH TRANSLATION January: 1st-6th Winter Break 8th 3rd Edition 20th MLK day 25th Dallas Bar Regionals Prelims 30th Dallas Bar Regionals Quarters

Brissia Matus Hannah Estrada

Advisor Mr. Tadesse

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Link: https://tinyurl.com/MayLPSpanish

EDITOR’S NOTE As we sat on the very comfortable couch in Mr. T’s room, we two editors-in-chief couldn’t help but wonder—where’d all the time go? We’ve been involved in The Legal Pad since our junior year, and we’ve enjoyed it since its beginning, back when we were sophomores. The Legal Pad has brought us so many cool memories, like when we got sued by Sony on April 1st last year (yes, that actually happened), or all the times our very own Amaad dressed up as a judge with a ridiculously silly wig—only for Mr. T to yell at us and tell him that the wig was, and we quote, “a stupid, stupid wig.”

Though there have been countless moments of blood, sweat, and tears poured into each and every edition—sleepless nights fighting with Flipsnack/Issuu, passive-aggressive texts sent to and from the team—there is a deep sense of pride in all that we’ve built together and a little sadness in leaving it.

Even though we’re off to our bright futures, The Legal Pad will always hold a special place in our hearts. So think of this as our farewell gift to you, our readers, from all the seniors on The Legal Pad team. We hope you have fun reading, listening to our advice on how to survive classes at Townview, applying to college, or handling the big move away from home.

Whatever it is, we hope you know how much we love The Legal Pad—and we hope it only continues to grow and thrive after we’re gone.

With all our love, Jiashuo (Moon) Liu and Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar

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SURVIVE & THRIVE By: Jiashuo (Moon) Liu and Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar

Here is your unofficial, unfiltered guide to surviving some of the most iconic classes at our school. Sophomore and junior year are no joke— they’re hands down the hardest. But we made it through, and not just by chance. As your valedictorian and salutatorian, we’ve faced the sleepless nights, confusing assignments, and

relentless deadlines—and still came out on top.

That said, there are so many things we wish we had known before diving in. Below are the tips we wished someone had given us before the year started—advice from students who have been there, done that, and somehow lived to tell the tale.

AP Biology NAVARRO, AP BIOLOGY

Pay close attention in class; she drops hints about what’s on the test.

Use the test flashcards as review—they will save you when studying for and taking tests.

Actually fill in the index and number the pages in your lab journal. (Trying to figure out what goes on what page the night before a notebook check is impossible).

No, it’s not too simple, too easy. But, at least it’s fun.

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MS. PRIDE, AP BIOLOGY

Turn in assignments on time.

That’s the most important thing, because it’s an automatic 70 the second it’s past the day and time listed on Google Classroom.

Actively attempt the bellringer questions—they’re AP style questions that are similar to what you’ll encounter in the unit tests and the actual AP test. Also, do the reviews because you can earn up to 10 points extra credit on tests and that’s a lifesaver.

Follow instructions on labs carefully. Labs are project grades so they’re weighted more, and it’s very easy to miss out on points even when you complete it fully.

Go over the FRQ results from your tests and ask her about her grading if there’s any discrepancies—she will give you your points back if she made a mistake.

AP Math AP STATISTICS W/ HASA

He really values effort: participate in class and turn in homework packets consistently Send him a Remind whenever you need a grade to be changed Organize a binder well with all of the lessons and packets to be able to review them later You don’t have to take notes because all the slideshows are uploaded to Google Classroom, but it’s recommended because writing it down helps with memorization.

FINANCIAL MATH W/ MR. T

Stay focused and ask questions often—this class is a rare opportunity to build a financially secure future, so take it seriously.

Mr. Hasa dripped out

Take detailed, personalized notes and apply what you learn right away — Mr. T keeps the workload manageable, and the info is super useful (you’ll need it sooner than you think!).

`Don’t complain or think that calculus is too hard for you to learn or Ms. Morris will make you get in front of a mirror and repeat positive affirmations

AP CALCULUS AB

Review your notecards on a weekly basis Nyugen rarely assigns homework that she collects, but definitely do the practice problems at the end of each lesson— that’s how you familiarize yourself with all the formulas/problem types and review as well.

Take advantage of the tutoring sessions! Both teachers allow you to makeup and correct almost anything, whether it’s notecard quizzes, DOLs, or tests.

Ms. Morris

Mr. T flexing at the Halloween Dance.

Ms. Nyugen

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AP Literature/Lang AP LITERATURE & LANG W/ MR. MIKESELL

AP LITERATURE W/ MR. LINDSEY

The rumors are true: he’s a chill guy—some might even say the chillest guy.

Be original and DO NOT USE AI! Ask for feedback. He’ll give it, and it’ll help.

AP LITERATURE W/ MR. MEJIA

Large project grades sometimes consist of notes and answering questions about books that you have to do independently over a long period of time. Do NOT procrastinate on it, try to do it immediately after reading a chapter, in the class time that he allots A large part of the grades are weekly participation grades, which includes verbal participation in class and completion of the journal (poetry & vocabulary) entries. Stay up to date on those, and if you miss one, make it up as soon as possible Prepare yourself for some sass and roasting

Take an energy drink before class or make sure you are well rested, because curtains drawn over the windows + a warm room + Mr. Mikesell's smooth, warm voice reading you poems can be a recipe for the best inclass nap.

Master the art of snapping.

You’ll need it after every “moment of beauty” (and yes, there will be many).

If you’re in his Lang class, actually listen and take notes during his history lessons, they’ll help you for APUSH.

Ms. Mikesell at the Senior Picnic

AP LANG W/ MR. JONES

Focus on the fundamentals and complete all your assignments.

Actively participate in class —engage with the material and show respect during lessons. It’ll take you far.

Mr. Lindsey (The GOAT, left) and Mr. Mejia (right).

APES APES W/ MR. DELEON

Don’t underestimate this class just because it’s considered an “easy” AP—it will catch up with you.

Mr. DeLeon is truly a climate activist, and you will leave his class a more informed voter and global citizen. Be sure to listen up and take notes.

Ms. Pride

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APES W/ MS. PRIDE

Same as AP Biology, turn in assignments on time. That’s the most important thing, because it’s an automatic 70 the second it’s past the day and time listed on Google Classroom.

AP History AP EUROPEAN W/ MS. POLASCIK

Do the Heimler notes!

They’re annoying, but they work. Do not wait until the last day to do them.

Get familiar with the rubrics early, especially for LEQs and DBQs Take actual practice tests, especially the writing portions Don’t rote memorize dates and facts—focus on historical thinking skill and developing connections.

APUSH W/ JACKSON

Do writing and MCQ practice on your own.

Independent learning is a must for this class.

Figure out your own notetaking system, or consider stealing note templates from friends who have Ms. Taylor

APUSH W/ ROMAN

Embrace the antics and the energy. This will be the only class you have where you’ll have a teacher as enthusiastic as Roman.

Answer questions even if you’re unsure. He’d rather correct you than hear silence.

Before tests, watch CrashCourse or Heimler videos to reinforce your understanding.

Leverage online resources whenever you can.

Ms. P taking a nap on her students’ tables

APUSH W/ TAYLOR

Watch Heimler’s History videos—they’re lifesavers before tests!

Divide and conquer those packets (IYKYK).

Don’t be greedy with the candy.

Mr. Roman wigging out

ELECTIVES/MISC. MOCK TRIAL & COLLEGE TRANSITION W/ MR. G Stay on top of the bullet journal, especially the monthly logs at the start of each month Advocate for yourself when appropriate in a respectful manner (he respects when students do this)

COLLEGE TRANSITION W/ SMELTZER & MR. T

Actually do the work. It’ll help you way more than you realize when you’re applying to college. And don’t just do the assignments just for the grade; put thought into it so it actually helps you get a head start with essays and the college list Don’t sit next to your friends, or you’ll get nothing done.

AP RESEARCH W/ MR. SMELTZER

Pay attention to how to ` conduct a good quality research study at the beginning and actually try to apply that in your research design. Otherwise, you’ll find it hard to gather participants, get useful data, or write a meaningful paper Mr. Smeltzer taking a better look at in general Elizabeth Bell’s dirty camera.

Choose a topic that you think you can stay interested in for the entire school year, or you’ll genuinely start questioning your sanity Do NOT procrastinate. It’s so easy to fall behind because there’s a new section to write and a new research checkup every class/every week. It’s best to get your work done in class

Mr. G giving the side-eye of the century

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CAPS OFF TO YOU: TEACHERS SHARE MEMORIES AND ADVICE FOR THE JOURNEY AHEAD By: Hannah Estrada

Once upon a time, there lived a senior class—iconic, unhinged, and fye. The Class of 2025.

Now, they’re off to new cities, dorm rooms, and 8 a.m. classes they think they’ll wake up for.

Georgetown, Dartmouth, community colleges, state schools—you name it, they’ll be there. But let’s be real… they still don’t know everything.

Before they go, we turned to their greatest cheerleaders: The Law Magnet Teachers. They’ve witnessed the endless crashouts, the impromptu singing, and the water-gun apocalypse.

So, we asked them to reflect on their greatest memories and part ways with a word of wisdom …..because we all know they still need it.

Q1: What is your fondest memory with the Law Magnet senior class?

Q2:What is your word of wisdom to the seniors before they embark on their college journey?

Ms. Lee A1: “They were my first seminar class, and I got to learn alongside them. They helped me grow as a teacher, and it was truly an honor.”

A2: “First things first—stay hydrated! You’d be surprised how much being dehydrated can mess with your head. More importantly, stay true to yourself. Don’t change just to please others. That doesn’t mean be selfish —it means know who you are, and treat others the way you’d want to be treated.”

Mr. T A1:“"This was the first class I had the joy of teaching financial literacy to—an exciting experience! They helped create the school's first Legal Pad website, leaving a proud legacy for years to come."

A2: “You all are a remarkable class and your many accomplishments speak for themselves. I’m proud of each of you. As you look ahead to your future goals, remember that who you become matters more than what you will achieve.”

Mr. Gonzalez A1: “In my 26 years here, this is one of the deepest classes I’ve seen—both in terms of quality and quantity. They’ve truly stood out.”

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A2: "Start with 15 credit hours each semester so you have wiggle room to drop a class if needed.

And whatever you do, avoid 8 AM classes!”

Ms. Nguyen

A1: “The calculus party was a highlight—seeing so many students come together to do calculus was fun and impressive. It was rewarding to see how hard this group worked to understand the material.”

A2: “Make sure you keep your priorities straight.

There will be a lot of distractions, but don't lose focus on what's important. Everything in moderation—especially when it comes to partying.

Stay focused and keep your goals in sight.”

Mr. Jones

A1: “My favorite memories with this class was being part of the mock trial national championship team.

Celebrating that huge accomplishment together— especially going downtown to the district board meeting—was such a proud and unforgettable moment.”

A2: “My biggest piece of advice is this: remember that you don’t know everything. You’ll always be learning. Embrace every opportunity, whether it seems good or bad, because each one teaches you something. And no matter what, always work hard. That mindset will carry you far.”

And now, it’s time to send our seniors off into the wild world of adulting. Sure, we have our doubts— will they survive without their water guns, skipping school, or ChatGPT? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: we’re rooting for them as they chase their own happily ever after (hopefully with fewer crash outs).

MEDIA FOR SAYING GOODBYE By: Adriana Bautista

One saying is often used to capture the power of artistic meaning: a picture can speak a thousand words.

That power is not limited to photography, of course— television, film, illustration, and music are merely a few mediums through which humans find comfort, relatability, or aspiration. The Law Magnet’s seniors are reflecting on the past, and they’ve pulled from their bank of cultural taste to offer some pieces of media that helped them through their high school years, and which will help readers get through high school, too.

ARCHIE’S FINAL PROJECT This film about a final project to remember is bound to resonate with students who have felt unseen at any point in their lives.

Mental health is a powerful theme in the project, with resonant messages for viewers.

“I first watched Archie’s Final Project in sophomore year. I was struggling in my personal and school life, and I've always been inclined to watch it when I’m feeling down,” said Mariel Martinez. “It felt relatable in certain ways but it's still unserious in moments and it

brought me a bit of joy and laughter when I wasn't feeling too great. It also made me reflect on my own feelings and it made me feel more appreciative for what I have.”

THE O.C. Southern California; cute girls with cute guys; dreamers and drama—what more could a show about wealthy high-schoolers offer? The O.C. may sound like the epitome of distant dreams in the Californian west, but it offers more wisdom than one imagines.

One senior reflected on The O.C.’s unexpected lessons.

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“I relate to The O.C. because even though it’s in Orange County, California, where the characters are rich, they still have drama about friends and senior year,” said Anaya Martinez. “There’s an episode where Seth and his girlfriend are trying to go to the same college, but one of them doesn’t like it. It’s just so relatable and they have such a strong friend group.

“IT REMINDS ME THAT AS LONG AS YOU HAVE GOOD FRIENDS, THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS.”

It reminds me that as long as you have good friends, that’s all that matters. And they talk about what it’s like to stop being friends with someone and finding new friends and changing yourself for the better. I feel like all of that encapsulates what being in high school is about.”

SMALLVILLE This interpretation of the Superman story is more than another comic book adaptation. The show focuses on Clark Kent’s journey as a teenage superhero, navigating relationships, ancestral mysteries, and the emergence of responsibility in one’s life.

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One Law Magnet senior is hopelessly devoted to Clark Kent, and she wishes to conceal her identity because of this. Still, she described the strange connection between Smallville and growing up. “One piece of media that has helped me is the TV show Smallville,” the lovebird said. “That doesn’t really make sense because it doesn’t focus much on being a high-schooler, but it has taught me that there are many challenges that can come your way, and having a good group of friends makes you realize that no matter what comes your way, you can power through it.”

Marissa talks to Ryan at a party in a scene from the O.C.

Photo by Cati Cruz Naturally, no number of recommendations from departing high school seniors can perfectly capture the feeling of living in that period of time: high school. The phrase alone holds a similar power to the word “California,” which represents freedom, or “New York,” which symbolizes adventure. “High school” brings to mind youth, growing up,

nostalgia, love, heartbreak—it is the enduring code for being confused where you are and often despising it, yet missing that feeling once it’s gone. The aforementioned media may be rooted in fiction, but the stories they tell reflect the thoughts, hopes, fears, and lives of the high school students we walk amongst now.

NAVIGATING THE UPS AND DOWNS OF HIGH SCHOOL By: Ashima Yadav

As our beloved Legal Pad seniors depart from the place they've called home these past four years, they’d like to share a few bits and pieces of wisdom they’ve gained throughout high school.

PUSH YOURSELF! “Opportunity is luck meets preparation. So prepare well, and don't just stress out about whether or not you will be lucky. Take initiative, get out of your comfort zone, and learn to self-advocate.” — Jiashuo (Moon) Liu “Become comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

— Amaad Garrett “Make decisions that are beneficial to your future rather than how you feel now.”

— Jordan Wesley “ Be smart about your decisions, whether that’s academics or your social life at school. Don’t fall into the wrong crowd or bad habits.

Maintain that work ethic and stay focused on achieving your goals.” — Hannah Estrada “Work hard, play hard. Always stay hard.”

— Amaad Garrett “Keep your head up, your bread up, and don’t let up.”— Hannah Estrada

GOOD ENOUGH IS GOOD ENOUGH

“[Something I struggle with is] probably stressing myself and others around me too much with my high expectations. Over the years, I've learned that it's been the people along the way that mattered all along. Having people to lean on and being someone people can lean on probably matters more than any award or rank.” — Jiashuo (Moon) Liu

“There will literally always be someone better off than you and worse off than you whether it's intelligence-wise, monetarily, connections — Taylor Dodd “I advise students to avoid comparing their journey to others. I think we subconsciously do this ourselves all the time without realizing it.

This comparison only deters your path and is a waste of time.” — Jordan Wesley “Comparison really is the thief of joy” — Hannah Estrada

BALANCE,

BABY ;)

“Sometimes... the stress isn't worth it. Take the bad grade. I think going to tutoring and completing the corrections/retakes is, in some cases, better for your grade and even your comprehension of the tested subject.”

— Jordan Wesley “It is necessary to maintain balance between academics and mental health, social life, and sleep. If anything costs you those three things, then it costs too much.” — Jiashuo (Moon) Liu

YOU DON’T NEED TO DO IT ALONE “Simply ask questions. Talk to teachers, peers, counselors—whatever—to lead a conversation.

I’m not a fan of small talk, but asking someone a question is a great way to open a conversation and form some type of relationship.” — Jordan Wesley “I really struggled with asking for help since I didn't really have to in elementary and middle, but I kinda just realized that everyone needed help at some point.”

— Taylor Dodd

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“Don’t be scared to ask for help, and don’t let other people ruin what you enjoy the most.”

— Victoria Ledezma

STAY

URSELF TRUE TO YO

“I had a lot of anxiety and confidence issues that often clouded my judgment and hindered me in a lot of aspects of my life. Honestly, it took a lot of therapy, self-love, and realizing nobody actually cares that much—and it’s just high school.” — Madeline Lunzer “I struggled with getting out of my shell and finding my people, but through school events and just reminding myself to be true to who I am helped me navigate that hardship.”

— Hannah Estrada “Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of “school appropriate.” — Elizabeth Bell

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“Don’t focus too much on trying to define who you are. Just be you, that’s enough.”

— Madeline Lunzer “Stay true to yourself, because at the end of the day, you only have yourself.”

— Victoria Ledezma

Although these are lessons our seniors have learned within the walls of the Law Magnet, they are not just applicable to high school.

These are lessons taught in the classroom of life, in which we remain students long after graduation. This advice doesn't grow old. It doesn’t age. It doesn't expire. It rings true today and will tomorrow, so carry it with you not only throughout your high school career but throughout your life.

townvBy: Ashima Yadav

A SENIOR SOLILOQUY

Below you’ll find a collage of Legal Pad senior members’ grievances that I have had the opportunity to compile into a poem about our school. This comedic imitation is inspired by Kat Stratford’s well-known monologue from 10 Things I Hate About You. I hate your jarring fluorescent lights And the way they strain my eyes.

I hate the way your wifi works Or…doesn’t most of the time.

I hate your sludge of cafeteria food I hate your stinky stairwell fumes.

I hate your crowded halls And your tiny windowless rooms.

I hate when you make me shiver, Even more when you make me sweat.

It’s either burning hot or freezing cold The heck is up with that…

I hate how you caught me by surprise, Even quicker, shooed me away.

But mostly I hate the way I’ll miss you, Every year, Okay…every month, Really, every day.

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THE HOUSE THAT BUILT US By: Maya Alvarez Castellanos

There’s something surreal about looking at a place that used to feel like your whole world and realizing it no longer belongs to you, at least not in the way it once did. I stumbled upon photos of my childhood home recently, completely remodeled and painted in colors that looked nothing like the ones I grew up with. The princess stickers I’d peeled off as a kid were gone, and so was the carpet on the stairs where my cousin fell asleep after a full day at Disneyland. Seeing it so unfamiliar and so polished, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d lost a piece of myself. I always imagined buying my childhood home and moving back hoping it would freeze in time.

Childhood homes have a way of imprinting themselves on us. They’re more than walls and a roof, they’re where you learned to walk, fought with your siblings, and grew up in ways you didn’t even notice at the time. They hold memories in their corners and secrets in their cracks.

They’re safe havens and constant in a world that isn’t, until one day, they’re not.

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As a senior in high school, I’ve been thinking about “home” a lot lately. For many of us, this is the year we leave, whether for college, work, or something else entirely. Some of us might stay close, but most of us will go. And even if we come back to visit, home won’t feel the same. We won’t be the same.

When I found those photos of my childhood house, I realized that leaving isn’t just about packing up and moving on. It’s about accepting that some places only exist the way we remember them. I’ll never again smell my mom’s cooking as I walk up to the front door after a long day at school. I’ll never again hear the echo of my siblings’ laughter bouncing through the living room on Sunday nights as I try to do my homework. I’ll become a visitor in the house that once saw me through it all.

I started asking some of the seniors how they felt about leaving home, and their answers made me realize how universal this feeling is.

Adeline Casarez, who will be moving to Minnesota, told me that despite how overjoyed she is about living on her own, she thinks about how she will miss the once annoying train tracks.

She gets nostalgic thinking that once she goes to college things will start to feel very foreign. Adeline mentioned that she collects snow globes, so to keep a part of home with her, she will bring a Dallas-themed snow globe with her to college!

Katherine Tamez-Martinez, who will be moving to Ohio, mentioned that in order to stay connected to her roots in Dallas, she is staying in touch with the people who helped her grow the most.

She also said that she was most sad about leaving the historic Texas theater but she is ready to find its replacement in Cleveland to find a place where she can escape the world around her by relaxing and watching a movie.

I also spoke to Ta’Ja Alcantar, who is moving to North Carolina. She said that when she thinks of "home," she sees her family and friends, and shared that one of her favorite recent memories was celebrating her 18th birthday surrounded by the people she loves. Ta’Ja said she will miss the sound of her nephew’s squeals the most, especially since he will be turning one shortly after she leaves. Although she is both nervous and excited to be seventeen hours away from home, she plans to stay connected by bringing photos and items like her promise ring and her grandmother’s pearls to campus, and by flying home often to visit her family.

What struck me the most was how bittersweet it all feels. We worked so hard for this moment, the moment we get to spread our wings and make it in the real world. We have spent the last 18 years of our lives knowing what comes next but now it's time for us to figure it out on our own. It’s bittersweet, this idea that the places that shaped us can’t stay frozen in time, but their impact is permanent.

Childhood homes, and the memories tied to them, are pieces of us we carry wherever we go. Even if the paint changes, the floors are replaced, or someone else’s laughter fills the rooms, the version of that house in your heart will always be yours.

As we take our first steps away from home this year, I hope we can all find comfort in knowing that the places that built us—the houses, the neighborhoods, the people—are still a part of us. They might change, as will we, but those memories will always feel like home.

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LEGAL PAD SENIOR

Superlatives By: Amaad Garrett

This edition of the Legal Pad marks the conclusion of our journey with our senior staff. Since joining the team, they have each played a pivotal role in improving the quality and design of our magazine.

Our videos have become more dynamic and engaging, and for the first time in our history, we've launched an online news source for the Law Magnet through the Legal Pad website. Our seniors have achieved remarkable success during their time with us, leaving a lasting and positive influence on the Law Magnet community. In honor of their departure, the Legal Pad team created and voted on fun superlatives for each of our 12 seniors that capture their character, reflect our team culture, and celebrate their journey. Each senior was also asked to give advice for the Law Magnet’s underclassman.

Most Likely to Start Their Own Publication:

Maya Alvarez Role: Writer Future School: University of Southern California

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Most Likely to Become a Youtuber:

Hannah Estrada Roles: Spanish Translator | Writer | Canva Editor Future School: University of San Francisco

Human Grammarly:

Moon Liu Roles: Magazine Co-Team Lead | Canva Editor Future School: Princeton University

Most Likely to Start a Journalism Revolution:

Amaad Garrett Roles: Writer | Website Editor Future School: Northwestern University

Best Eye for Aesthetic Posts:

Jacqueline Mier Y Concha Role: Website Co-Team Lead Future School: Boston College

Biggest Brainstormer:

Victoria Ledezma Role: Video Team Future School: Prairie View A&M University

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Graphic Design Wizard:

Most Likely to Make Canva Cry:

Victor Delgado Roles: Website Co-Team Lead | Canva Editor Future School: University of Texas at Arlington

Taylor Dodd Roles: Writer | Website Editor | Canva Editor Future School: University of Texas at Arlington/Austin

Most Likely to Finish Everything Before the Meeting Starts:

Hardest Hitting Interviewer:

Sukhmani Nijjar Roles: Magazine Co-Team Lead | Writer | Canva Editor | Magazine Editor Future School: Dartmouth College

Elizabeth Bell Roles: Video Team Co-Team Lead Future School: University of Texas at Austin

Best Photo Captions:

Best Photojournalist Energy:

Jordan Wesley Role: Video Team Co-Team Lead Future School: Spelman College

Madeline Lunzer Roles: Writer | Video Team | Website Team Future School: Bryant University

HIGH SCHO OL

On top of that, one of my now closest friends told me (a little more recently) that he didn’t really like me back then. We shared four whole classes sophomore year, and he lowkey hated me. I was loud and always doing too much to overcompensate for what I thought I lacked. I was trying so hard to be seen and liked that I didn’t realize I was wearing people out.

By: Taylor Dodd

High school has this way of humbling you before you even get acclimated to the culture.

One minute you’re trying to survive geometry, and then you’re living through the worst canon events. Unskippable. Unforgettable. Usually just awfully dramatic in the moment.

Starting off strong in freshman year, I liked one of my best friends. That could’ve been a quiet, personal realization. But no…I told my friends.

All of them. Not only that,I told him. At a quinceañera. While dressed up, at someone else’s party venue, mid-slow song. He said something like, “Oh..” and I just about died right there. You know what, though? I don’t regret it. But, I also don’t know who told me that was the right time to speak from the heart.

We’re still friends, and it didn’t ruin anything, but it’s a memory that replays like a drama scene I didn’t ask to direct.

Junior year—notably the hardest year academically—felt like running in tired emotional circles. Somehow, I caught feelings for the same friend again. I knew better, and I still did it. I read too far into conversations, convinced myself that every moment mattered.

It didn’t, not like that, but even though I knew it wasn’t going to be reciprocated, part of me couldn’t fully let it go (until I did).

Then there was a separate situationship afterward that ended with me being blocked.

No warning, no buildup—just gone. I refreshed messages, checked if it was a glitch, convinced myself something had to be wrong. But it wasn’t a mistake. He just cut me off, and I had to sit with that. Not a fight, no drama—just the silence Junior Taylor that follows someone making a decision you didn’t see coming.

Freshie Taylor

Sophomore year, I somehow ended up in a long-distance situationship with a guy who lived in New York—and who, looking back, very blatantly and clearly did not like me. I was overly thoughtful and much too hopeful. He was… present Sophomore Ta ylor (in theory). The whole thing dragged on way longer than it should have, simply because I couldn’t admit it wasn’t working.

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Senior year has been a different beast.

Between school, internship, college and scholarship applications, and everything else, I kept saying, “I got it,” even when I, in fact, didn’t have it. I took on more than I could realistically manage, convinced I could do this, do that, do my normal things, and then some.

Burnout didn’t even hit all at once, but it wasn’t slow, either. I’d crash, then I’d burn, then I’d get back up and repeat it. By the time I realized how far gone I was, I had about 50 commitments I didn’t know how to tackle.

Looking back, I’m not proud of every decision, but I do understand them. Each moment changed something about the way I move and think; these moments weren’t random; they were necessary. Even the ones that still sting a little.

Whether I like it or not, these were (just some of) my actions, and they had their consequences. It took me almost all four years to truly take in every experience from high school and how they've made me who I am, but I will forever be proud of myself and thankful for everyone in my life. As I start a new chapter in life, it’s so helpful to ground myself and think of all the times I made a mistake right alongside the times I made the perfect choice, because they all led me right here.

At the end of the day, everybody has their— slightly uncomfortable—unforgettable moments.

The message isn’t that these moments don’t matter, but quite the opposite. No matter how strange or embarrassed you may feel in the moment, just know that we’re all still growing and we have the potential and opportunity to do great things.

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Taylor before the Tyler concert

Taylor at a family reunion

Taylor and Elizabeth before the panoramic

Taylor and Jackie at the senior picnic

The of the Personal Statement By: Micaela Arauz

How is one supposed to sum up all their whole life experience in under 650 words? As Juniors, that question keeps luring over our heads since our senior year keeps getting closer and closer. The personal statement is an essential part of a college application, but especially for first-gen students, it can be a difficult task. So, instead of looking at a blank Google Doc for hours, here are some successful examples of personal statements from the Law Magnets' very own seniors.

Manuel (Manny) Martinez will be attending New York University in the fall. He centered his personal statement around music, culture, and identity.

wanted to be part of it. While I have come a long way from banging pots and pans, my love for music has remained constant. Now, this passion for music has manifested in playing as a violinist in orchestras, quartets, and mariachi bands.”

Read the rest of his personal statement here:

https://tinyurl.com/4jj4kysw

“Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I would tie a rubber band to our toy box lid and pluck along the loose string, pretending to play a guitar.

Then I would force my little brother to grab my mom’s pots and spoons to make a crude drum set, and we would just make noise for minutes on end. I also remember annoying my parents by squawking like a parrot to them “I want to play rock ‘n roll.” I didn’t know what rock and roll meant, but my developing brain associated live performances with the words “rock and roll And I knew that whatever rock and roll meant, I

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Alexandra Garcia matched with Wellesley College through Questbridge. In this part of her personal statement, she focused on identity, language, and her voice.

“I felt as if the ground underneath me was rapidly shifting, my limited ability to speak English stealing the powerful voice I possessed.

I felt the stares of my classmates penetrating through my skin. The only thing that could be heard was my accelerating heartbeat and my futile attempts at conjuring words.

As my teacher approached each student in the class, asking them a question to assess their English speaking ability, I felt her zero-in on me, “Alexandra, in a few words, I want you to describe your appearance.” Reflecting on my journey as an ESL learner, I have kept my teacher’s question in mind, trying my best to grasp the parts of my appearance that muster my voice and show who I am.

“Mi pelo está trenzado.” - My hair is woven into a braid.”

Read the rest of her personal statement here:

Legal Pad member Maya Alvarez-Castellanos is deciding between attending the University of Southern California and Claremont Mckenna College this fall. Her personal statement (along with several other factors in her application) allowed her to choose between USC, Cornell University, UT Austin, and Claremont Mckenna.

“Tienes que ser el cambio que quieres ver.” Be the change you want to see in the world, my mother emphasized to me growing up. I carry her words with me, echoing through every decision I make.

For much of my childhood, I believed authority was an all-powerful force that should never be questioned. In school, I was taught to obey authority and never challenge it. However, as I grew and became aware of social issues affecting my community, my perspective shifted. I learned that the government uses taxpayer dollars to fund corporate subsidies rather than funding vital services like childcare, housing for the homeless, or police reform. This discovery left me frustrated, and my anger fueled a deeper understanding that the issues many face are not due to their failings but stem from systematic policies that have disenfranchised minorities for centuries.”

Read the rest of this part of her personal statement here:

https://tinyurl.com/yc5azap5

https://tinyurl.com/bde3r7vm

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LP GAMES By: Sukhmani Nijjar

WORDLE

Guess the hidden word in 6 tries.

Each guess must be a valid 7-letter word (including a name), you cannot enter random letters. Hit the enter button to submit the guess.

After your submission, the color of the tiles will change. Green: A letter in the guessed word is correct and in the correct position. Yellow: A letter in the guessed word is correct but in the wrong position. Gray: The letter is not part of the word.

Hint: It’s a plural.

Link: hhttps://tinyurl.com/LastWordle

CONNECTIONS Make four groups of four! Select four items and tap 'Submit' to check if your guess is correct.

Category Example: EXTRACURRICULARS → CHESS, LINK CREW, MOCK TRIAL, MODEL UN Each puzzle has exactly one solution. Watch out for words that seem to belong to multiple categories.

Link: https://tinyurl.com/LastConnections

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CROSSWORD - “EXTREMELY ONLINE IN 2024” January 2025

By Paolo Pasco, Edited by Sam Ezersky

ANSWERS

Link: https://tinyurl.com/LPCrosswordAnswers

ACROSS

DOWN

23

DOWN

1. Charged particles 2. Roan who introduced herself as "your 34. “Spare me the details!”

36. Animal that a "hot rodent man" favorite artist's favorite artist" at her resembles Coachella performance 3. Sabrina Carpenter title rhymed with "I 38. Music festival headlined by Post Malone and Red Hot Chili Peppers in guess so" in its chorus 2024 4. Doubly hyphenated square dancing 39. Low-quality, mind-numbing content, move such as an AI-generated voice reading 5. Sourdough starter containers TikTok content over Subway Surfers 6. *The Masked Singer* judge Rita gameplay 7. *Abbott Elementary* or *English 40. Prominent muscles for Stephen Teacher* Nedoroscik, a.k.a. "Pommel Horse Guy" 8. Is dressed in 42. Diplomat who might meet in N.Y.C., 9. Trees lining the National Mall for short 10. "Very ___, very mindful" (Joolz 44. Pare down, as one's followers list Lebron quote) 11. Maverick's rival-turned-friend, in the 46. Complain 47. Nuts favored by P'Nut the squirrel, *Top Gun* series probably 12. Middling number of booms on the 48. "You got this, sis!"

Costco Guys' "Boom Meter" 50. Easy-listening radio format 17. Sound unit named after Alexander 51. Stockpile Graham 53. Kind of switch with two positions 18. Erase, as a visual memory 54. Vehicle that hits Regina George at 20. What's fed into a VHS player 23. Tropical kind of tree mentioned in a the end of the song "I'd Rather Be Me," in the *Mean Girls* remake viral Kamala Harris quote 56. 100-meter event won by Noah Lyles 25. Theater chain that released a at the Paris Olympics *Dune*-inspired popcorn bucket 26. "How ___ It End?" (Taylor Swift song 57. "Ooh, one ___ to the right" (lyric in from *The Tortured Poets Department*) Beyoncé's *Texas Hold 'Em*) 58. Helper: Abbr.

28. One of seven honors presented to 60. Prefix with pronoun, for xe/xim, Taylor Swift by MTV in 2024 ze/zir, etc.

31. Send a Venmo to 32. "And guess I'm the fool / With ___ arms out like an angel through the car sunroof" (*Good Luck, Babe!* lyric)

1. How a Starbucks Pink Drink is typically served 5. *"Challengers"* star O'Connor … who shares his name with a winery that went viral in early 2024 9. Fan TikTok montage of one person's media appearances, e.g.

13. Very, pretentiously 14. Operatic solo 15. Skeevy guy 16. Takes a break after feeling "eepy" 17. What Charli XCX said "goodbye forever" on September 2 (the beginning of fall) 19. Sodas with a limited-edition Chill variety introduced in 2024 21. Take in, as content 22. Engage in a SoulCycle class 23. Scams such as Willy's Chocolate Experience in Glasgow 24. "Diet Pepsi" singer Addison 25. Famed fable writer 26. Person ordering a sub?

27. Like 2024, but not 2025 29. Sports org. that will add San Diego FC in 2025 30. Long, sprawling story, like *Shogun* 32. Adjust, as pant legs 33. Anticoagulant's target 35. Totally stan 37. Pop group whose members were honored with Swedish knighthood in 2024 41. "___ bien" 43. Snitch (on) 45. Round object "pondered" by a wizard, in a meme 46. Acquire 48. ___ feeling (hunch) 49. Bones that run parallel to radii 51. This shape: ( 52. Word repeated before "for the home team" in *Take Me Out to the Ball Game* 54. Russian pancakes 55. Pygmy hippo played by Bowen Yang on *Saturday Night Live* 57. Seedless grape grown for raisins 59. Sukhmani has infinity of these (or the measure of how cool someone is) 61. Comes to a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest dressed as Timothy Olyphant, say 62. IDs sought by phishers 63. Like the Joker (briefly), in *Joker: Folie à Deux* 64. Lead-in to ball for a tabletop game 65. Get-together, informally 66. Do terrible numbers, as a post 67. Abolitionist Lucretia

Legal Pad Seniors We’ll remember wig. you when we get Thanks for famous!

So proud all the This of us. chapter is memories.

We’ve

You’re in for a w ild ride <3

closed, but complained , the story is laughed, far from HAGS stressed, a nd over. thrived..

Grad, u ate.

Can’t believe it’s u o y h is w e W all over. all the best!!24

Signing Out