The Skier Scribbler - January 2025

THE SKIER SCRIBBLER

Ring in the New Year With Less Distractions

Sara Michelin, Writing Editor

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to stop using your phone while driving, it’s about to become real, because now you can get fned for touching your phone behind the wheel.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, Colorado will join 29 other states that have taken a step toward reducing distracted drivers with a new law prohibiting hand-held mobile devices behind the wheel. Drivers are now required to use hands-free accessories, such as Bluetooth devices or dashboard mounts.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), between 2012 and 2022, distracted driving crashes killed 718 Colorado residents. In 2021, distracted driving was ranked as the third most common cause of traffc accidents. According to the State of Distracted Driving in 2023 & the Future of Road Safety research by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), distracted driving has increased by 23% countrywide from 2020 to 2022, resulting in an

additional 420,000 collisions and 1,000 fatalities.

According to the Colorado General Assembly, adults are allowed to use their cell phones for calls, but it must be hands-free, meaning you can use the speaker option or one earbud. However, adult drivers are prohibited from sending text messages or browsing the internet while behind the wheel.

For any driver under 18 years of age, using a cell phone while driving is prohibited. This includes changing a song on your playlist, watching TikTok at a stoplight, or any other form of cell phone use.

For a frst-time offender, breaking this law will result in a $75 fne and two license suspension points. If a frst-time offender can provide proof of having bought a hands-free accessory, their charges may be dropped. Repeat offenders will receive a higher fne and more license suspension points. If a driver is caught twice within 24 months, a $150

SPORTS

TV Timeouts are Ruining College Football Three Minutes at a Time

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OPINION

Is it Time to Cancel Cancel Culture?

Quintessa Frisch, Editor-in-Chief

In the age of social media and instant communication, cancel culture has emerged as a pivotal issue in society. On the surface, cancel culture seems like a necessary response to harmful speech as it enables individuals and communities to call out behaviors or rhetoric that perpetuate hate or discrimination.

OPINION

Normalcy is Fleeting

Sara Kershow, Editor-in-Chief

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fne will be issued along with three license suspension points. For third-time offenders within 24 months, there will be a $250 fne and four license suspension points.

Now that this new law is in place, drivers need to stop old habits of scrolling on TikTok and fueling their phone addiction at a stoplight, and create new habits that keep others safe, and save their wallets from a $75 fne. Keep your phone off and your hands on the wheel. Texting can wait, but that police offcer won’t while they are taking those points off your license.

In recent months, I have found myself constantly looking forward to the next thing, the next season, the next anything rather than living in the moment. This December, the moment Christmas was over I was already ready eager for summer to arrive. During the dark nights of winter, I longed for bikinis and sunshine. However, this summer I found myself looking forward to the dark nights and the magical snowfall of winter.

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A&E

Yo Gabba Gabba is Back

Gia Galindo Bartley, Editor-in-Chief

Yo Gabba Gabba: an iconic four-season children’s show flled with singing and dancing, launched in 2007. Don’t lie, I know you get nostalgic some nights and jam out to “Party in My Tummy” when no one is watching.

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The Skier Scribbler’s Editors and Advisors

Editors-in-Chief: Quin Frisch, Gia Galindo Bartley, and Sara Kershow

Writing Editors: Owen Cruz-Abrams, Sydney Klausmann, Sara Michelin, Marley Rich, Haley Schmela, and Chase Slesinger-Hall Advisor: Sarah Ward

Photo by Quintessa Frisch

Aspen’s beloved Wheeler Opera House getting coated in a blanket of snow on Dec. 31, 2024.

SKIER SPORTS

High School Junior Miles Kuhl: A Rising Star in Golf

Houston Benvenuto, Staff Writer

The Boulder resident Miles Kuhl, one of the best high school athletes in Colorado, has emerged as a bright star in the future of golf, showcasing remarkable growth and dominance as a junior golfer in the last two years. From an ordinary freshman season to an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Champion and qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship, Kuhl’s journey is a testament to his hard work, mental growth, and strategic planning.

“I think a lot differently about how I approach the golf course now than I did as a freshman. I think It’s a maturity level thing, and I’ve worked hard to stay consistent in my practice,” Kuhl said. His dedication paid off in 2023 when he achieved one of his primary goals, winning an AJGA event at Walnut Creek Golf Course in Denver last June. This win not only boosted his confdence but also caught the attention of collegiate golf programs across the country.

“Winning the AJGA Colorado Junior was the biggest step in my recruiting process. Before coaches could offcially talk to me, I was already on their radar because of that win,” Kuhl said.

July 1st was the frst-day college coaches were allowed to contact 2026 athletes. Kuhl received texts and calls from programs nationwide as early as midnight. Ultimately, he chose San

Diego State University for its top-tier facilities and coaching staff.

“SDSU wasn’t always my frst choice. I thought I’d end up in the SEC (Southeastern Conference), but when I visited

had committed the week prior, he waited to share the news until after the tournament.

Looking ahead, Kuhl’s goals remain ambitious. He aims to break into the

some schools out there, none of them impressed me like SDSU did. The head coach Ryan Donavan produced Xander Schauffele out of there (currently the #2 ranked golfer in the world), the facilities and team culture really stood out,” Kuhl said.

Kuhl publicly announced his commitment after a strong performance at the Elite Junior Golf Invitational, where he shot rounds of 69, 68, and 74. While he

world’s top 25 junior golfers for the class of 2026, improve his ball striking, and compete in elite invitation-only junior tournaments such as the AJGA Dustin Johnson World Junior and the AJGA KJ Choi Invitational.

However, his ultimate aspirations are beyond junior golf.

“I want to win a national championship at SDSU, and ideally, earn status on the PGA Tour through college golf,”

Kuhl said.

Kuhl’s growth isn’t just a result of talent but also strategic planning. He carefully selects tournaments that align with his goals, targeting events that have challenging players like the current number-one junior in the world according to Junior Golf Scoreboard Blades Brown. To prepare he spends his mornings on the range and putting green, then plays rounds on the course to simulate competition.

“I’ve always been routine-based. Taking advantage of every day has helped me make consistent progress,” Kuhl said.

Kuhl’s advice for other athletes is to stay disciplined and trust the process, which is what he always reminds himself.

“Be patient and do the right things every day. Someone is always working harder, so you have to stay focused,” Kuhl said.

Refecting on his journey, Kuhl wishes he had started competing in AJGA high-level tournaments earlier, but his late start didn’t prevent him from reaching his goals.

As he prepares for his senior year, Kuhl remains focused on building towards collegiate and professional golf. With his determination and talent, he’s a great example of hard work and someone who can turn dreams into reality.

TV Timeouts are Ruining College Football Three Minutes at a Time

Yale Gieszl, Staff Writer

Ever since I can remember, at some point on Saturday, my dad would head to the living room and tune in to the University of Southern California (USC) football game for an exciting and action-packed night of college football.

A few years ago, I too became a fan of USC, and found myself frequently staying up late to watch the games. Then, a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend a USC football game in person. With all the noise and history, the atmosphere of the game was unforgettable. However, the game seemed to never end, with extremely frequent and long breaks in the action. Eventually, I caught on. Each time the action stopped, a timer started, and a man with a red hat walked out onto the feld.

According to The Athletic, college football games have a timeout format of 3-4-3-4 (three TV timeouts in the frst and 3rd quarters, and four in the second and fourth quarters), or 4-4-4-4 (four TV timeouts in every quarter). These timeouts range from around 2-3 minutes depending on the situation, meaning that some games may spend 48 minutes in commercial breaks alone. In comparison with college football,

the NFL requires 16 TV timeouts per game, but each break can not exceed two minutes, meaning that most NFL games likely spend a maximum of 32 minutes in TV timeouts. However, this is not the total time spent watching commercials, as in both NFL and college football games, there are other commercial breaks that do not count as TV timeouts. It is harder to know how long these breaks are, or how many of them occur per game, but with these breaks included, both college football and NFL football games each have around 45 minutes of commercials.

Now, understanding that both levels of football experience roughly the same amount of time in commercial breaks, what makes NFL games feel so much faster and action-packed? Well, the structure of TV timeouts in NFL games is much more regulated. In each half, the NFL requires 8 TV timeouts. One of these timeouts always comes at the end of the frst quarter or third quarter, and the other at the 2-minute warning for the half. The other six are usually ft in during stoppages in play, such as after a touchdown, turnover (punt, fumble, or interception), or when a player is injured or a play requires offcial review. College football also follows these rules, but they do not follow any more. One signifcant difference is that the NFL does not allow two TV timeouts in a row, which helps a lot with the fow of the game. For example, while I was at the USC game, at one point in the game,

there were 2 TV timeouts within 12 game seconds of each other. This made for 6 minutes away from the action, which was extremely frustrating for everyone in attendance. In addition to all of this, NFL organizations make a huge effort each week to keep fans entertained during TV timeouts through cheerleading shows, jumbotron games, fan cams, fan races, etc. Although this could vary from school to school, from my experience, college football games severely lack this kind of entertainment, which worsens the fan experience.

Due to the extreme length of TV timeouts, as well as the lack of regulations surrounding their structure, TV timeouts in college football are making games longer and interfering with the fow of the game, which deteriorates the overall experience of watching college football games both in person and on TV. In order to improve the viewing experience of college football, the NCAA, as well as the TV networks that televise their games, should start to mimic the structure of TV timeouts in the NFL, where timeouts are much shorter and cannot happen back-to-back. This would make college football games shorter and would create a better and more natural game fow, like that of the NFL. By adopting a more streamlined approach to TV timeouts, similar to the NFL’s model, college football can enhance the pacing and enjoyment of its games, benefting fans and players alike.

Courtesy of American Junior Golf Association Faculty Miles Kuhl Posing with his new AJGA champion trophy and Bag at Walnut Creek Golf Course.

Photo by Yale Gieszl

Pregame scenes from USC vs. Notre Dame on Nov 30, 2024.

Is it Time to Cancel Cancel Culture?

Quintessa Frisch, Editor-in-Chief

In the age of social media and instant communication, cancel culture has emerged as a pivotal issue in society. On the surface, cancel culture seems like a necessary response to harmful speech as it enables individuals and communities to call out behaviors or rhetoric that perpetuate hate or discrimination. However, when taken too far, cancel culture can stife free expression, foster division, and undermine constructive dialogue. While we must continue to denounce hate speech, the widespread use of cancel culture presents risks that threaten the principles of free speech and discourse that are fundamental to our democratic society.

Cancel culture, at its core, refers to the practice of publicly calling out individuals – often celebrities, infuencers, or public fgures – for actions or statements deemed unacceptable, usually with the intention of ostracizing or “canceling” them from social or professional circles. Essentially, this draws a hard line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. When someone engages in hate speech, they often harm marginalized groups. There is a need for accountability in these cases, and I frmly believe that such speech must be condemned.

However, when we opt to “cancel” a celebrity or public fgure, we lose an opportunity for productive and educational discourse. Rather than confronting the harmful behaviors or ideas head-on, canceling someone removes the chance to engage in a conversation that could lead to genuine growth. By swiftly ostracizing individuals, we effectively shut down the possibility of learning, refection, and change. Public accountability is far more effective when paired with an invitation to learn.

Cancel culture teaches us to value exclusion over education, which is detrimental to constructing a more inclusive environment and world. In fact, the impact of cancel culture in certain circumstances is signifcant enough that it leads some to ‘cancel’ themselves before others can in order to maintain better control of the outcome.

“There’s the tacit hope that if we have the grace to cancel ourselves frst, our ostracism will be temporary, a mere vacation from social media,” wrote New York Times journalist Ligaya Mishan in an article using examples from Adam

and Eve to Oedipus to comments on social media. “Instead of retreating into introspection and actually examining our behavior, we submit to punishment and imagine ourselves thereby purged of both sin and the need to do anything about it. We emerge clean, or so we let ourselves believe.”

Are we Pushing High Schoolers too Hard?

Marley Rich, Writing Editor

As students are returning from winter break and experiencing the stress of fnals while well into the winter sports season, it is diffcult not to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. School work, sports, arts, service, jobs, family time, social life, and other activities weigh heavily on students.

For many students, it has been drilled into their heads that all these activities and efforts are necessary to get into the college they want to attend. The pressure that their entire future could depend on whether or not they fll up their to-do lists and planners can make even enjoyable activities feel like a burden.

The frst day back from school, I noticed an increase in the number of “Tiehack Bridge” jokes and an upsetting downward crash in the morale of students. For those who don’t know, “Tiehack Bridge” jokes are about wanting to commit suicide. I even had a conversation with some of my peers, and the consensus was: we were all so much happier over the break.

What changed in the two weeks we were not in school and now?

The joke has always been that teenagers sleep well into the afternoon and get too much sleep on weekends. The CDC recommends that students get 8 hours of sleep every night. As I am writing this article after getting barely 5 hours of sleep last night, I can tell you that is rare for a lot of us. According to the CDC, in 2021, 77% of high school students were considered to have insuffcient sleep. This number has steadily increased from 69% in 2009.

I believe the impending anxiety

surrounding the lack of sleep we are all about to experience is a huge reason for the negative thoughts students are experiencing.

During the break, students were also given more freedom and responsibility to create their schedules and prioritize different activities over others. This may be compared to a normal high school day of classes and extracurriculars where practically every move you make is pre-planned for you and scrutinized by teachers, peers, and coaches for close to ten hours.

When you have tests and assignments and social interactions every day, you are being judged all the time, so there is no time for you to relax or forget about the pressure.

Now some adults might say “So what” or “It’s only four years,”, or “It was the same back in my day.” However, that just isn’t true. Stress levels in teens have been growing for years. Today, teens report being signifcantly more stressed than past students and middle-aged people. It is also no lie that it has become increasingly more diffcult to get into top schools than when our parents did it. I think this is a big contributor to students’ rise in stress levels.

It is easy to cross over the fne line of accountability. As all claims should be evaluated within the context in which they are made, and considering the subjectivity that speech provokes, there is no set boundary when it comes to the extent to which cancel culture is acceptable. While I encourage and support the censure of hate speech, when someone uses ‘cancel culture’ to justify silencing another solely because they hold a different belief, they are providing more harm to our environment than good. Created by Quintessa

Some of the leading causes of death for teenagers are motor vehicle crashes and suicide. Driving drowsy, or after not getting enough sleep, is said to be just as bad as drunk driving. At least 6,400 teens die each year in drowsy driving accidents. Stress is actively hurting people our age.

It makes me wonder if all of the pressure, effort, and stress is worth it.

Frisch

Quintessa Frisch, Editor-in-Chief

SKIER OPINION

Stress Relief Sold Separately: The Commercialization of Self-Care

Quintessa Frisch, Editor-in-Chief

Once a radical act of self-preservation, empowerment, and healing, self-care has been co-opted by proft-driven wellness and resultantly morphed into a multi-billion dollar industry. Scroll through Instagram or fip through a lifestyle magazine, and you’re bombarded with pastel-hued images of expensive face masks, luxury body scrubs, and $50 scented candles - all promising to cure your stress and solve any troubles you may face. But behind this curated aesthetic lies a deeper issue: self-care, as sold to us, is increasingly less about well-being and more about consumerism.

The media perpetuates this shift, presenting self-care as a purchasable experience rather than a holistic approach to health and happiness. This commercialization not only excludes those who can’t afford to participate but also distorts the very purpose of selfcare, turning it into a tool for temporary gratifcation rather than sustainable well-being.

According to a study by StyleSeat, an online beauty and wellness marketplace, 88% of Americans have practiced selfcare, while one-third have increased their self-care behaviors during 2024. Further, 24% have increased wellness spending since the pandemic - but this isn’t coincidental, and the media plays a signifcant role. Social media infuencers and advertisements present self-care as an aspirational ideal, complete with a checklist of products and services designed to help you achieve it. Luxury

spa days, $100 yoga mats, and boutique ftness classes become synonymous with “wellness,” leaving little room for more accessible and often cost-free practices, such as focused breathing or setting boundaries.

The wellness industry thrives on marketing self-care as a lifestyle, one that requires constant consumption to maintain. In doing so, it capitalizes on people’s insecurities and creates new ones, implying that you’re not doing enough to care for yourself if you’re not spending. Meanwhile, this one-sizefts-all approach to wellness excludes those who cannot afford or access these luxuries, creating a dichotomy where self-care is portrayed as a privilege, jeopardizing its intended purpose due to the irony of this consumerist approach.

To reclaim self-care from consumerism, we must frst redefne it. Genuine self-care is not about indulgence or appearance - it’s about balance. It’s taking time to rest without guilt, seeking therapy if needed, or even saying “no” to over-commitment. It’s also recognizing that taking care of yourself is not always a solo endeavor - it can involve community care, mutual support, and collective healing.

The media has a responsibility to support this shift. Instead of glorifying expensive wellness products, it should highlight practices that are inclusive and authentic. For example, journaling, meditation, or connecting with nature are low-cost ways to care for yourself that don’t require a marketing campaign, and that can be individually

catered to best ft a person’s needs.

However, we must also address the systemic barriers that make media- selfcare inaccessible for many. Affordable healthcare, fair wages, and fexible work environments are as critical to well-being as any wellness product. True self-care should empower people to navigate these challenges, not distract them from it with costly objects.

The commodifcation of self-care is not just a refection of consumerismit’s a symptom of how the media shapes societal values. As wellness spending

continues to climb, it’s worth asking who truly benefts from this version of self-care. The answer often lies in corporate profts, not individual well-being. By challenging the notion that wellness comes with a price tag, we can help shift the focus back to what self-care was always meant to be: a practice that heals, sustains, and empowers rather than one that excludes and exploits. Prioritize actions that nurture your mental and physical health - not because a lifestyle brand told you to, but because you deserve it.

Pink Panic: How Stereotype Threat Fuels Insecurity in Children

Hallie Zilberman,

Staff Writer

Ever since I can remember, pink has been my favorite color. I’ve always gravitated toward pink sweaters and bedsheets, enticed by the bright hue. But as a frst grader, I randomly started to avoid admitting this opinion at all costs. When asked what my favorite color was, I’d confdently answer “blue!” - even though this was inaccurate. At the time, I didn’t truly realize why I did this - I thought it was because pink wasn’t ‘cool’ enough. But

looking back, I understand that I was subconsciously embarrassed to ft into any gender-based stereotypes framing me as girly - or weak.

This fear was an example of a stereotype threat, the concept of feeling threatened by adhering to negative stereotypes. Gender-specifc marketing has labeled pink as the assigned color for girls, and blue for boys. Yet there’s no tangible reason behind these set colors; color stereotypes are solely social constructs. From these social constructs

come negative stereotypes, and from these negative stereotypes come stereotype threats.

I believed that liking the color pink would portray me as ‘too girly’. But what does ‘too girly’ even mean, and why does it have to be a bad thing?

When characterizing a person as girly, the words emotional, dramatic, and sensitive tend to come to mind. The Oxford Dictionary defnes the word girly as the “characteristic of or appropriate to a girl or young woman”, yet also classifes the word as “derogatory” and “often used as a condescending term of address”. So being labeled as a girl, something that should refer to the gender, is “derogatory” and a “condescending term of address”? To me, this is upsetting and entirely confusing.

What does make sense to me, however, is that these unappealing generalizations are exactly what I was afraid of as a frst grader.

Stereotype threat can turn girliness into something to be ashamed of. I refused to conform to this negative stereotype, so I turned to blue, the stereotypical “boy” color. I hoped to appear heroic and brave, which happen to be two of the Oxford Dictionary’s listed synonyms for “manly.”

Now, ten years later, I am proud to announce my favorite color to be pink.

When someone tells me I’m girly (which has happened multiple times), I take it as a compliment and walk away with a smile on my face. Recognizing the societal norms and stereotypes that once dictated something as simple as my favorite color required a level of maturity that appears with age, and has opened my eyes to the world’s artifcial setups.

Societal norms and social constructs are ordinary phenomena. Stereotypes occur naturally and help to categorize various items in the human brain. There’s no stopping such unavoidable contingencies. Yet something needs to be changed when addressing the unnecessarily negative stigmas around gender norms, especially when they continuously appear to impact children.

Stereotype threat can affect the behavior of kids and teens in a variety of situations, ranging from favorite colors to substance abuse. Avoiding these mental pressures can allow individuality, rather than changing behavior to ft in. To start, the stigmas surrounding the word girly and the color pink should be shifted. Women should have the choice to embrace their individual femininity instead of feeling shame about it. Girliness should be fun and authentic - something that people are proud to have.

Photo by Hallie Zilberman

A young Hallie Zilberman writes on her bedroom foor in a pink cast, surrounded by pink stuffed animals.

Photo by Quintessa Frisch

A self-care planner and products embody the commercialization of self-care.

SKIER OPINION

New Year’s Resolution: Stop Procrastination

Sara Michelin, Writing Editor

We’ve all been there: You’re staring at a blank document, wishing you started your essay earlier instead of scrambling hours before it’s due. You submit it and you know it’s probably not your best work, and promise to do better next time, but still, the cycle repeats. If it makes you feel better, know that you’re not alone. In fact, a study by Psychology Today has shown that half of all high school students procrastinate on a daily basis. It’s even worse when you feel like you’ve studied for hours but made no progress. This struggle is common, especially as students enter college. Studies show that 85-90% of college students procrastinate. Ineffective studying, combined with procrastination, can feel overwhelming and stressful. However, there are solutions to help mitigate the problem, starting with acknowledging the need to take action.

Taking action is always diffcult, but by doing so you are helping yourself in

the long run.

Getting out of bed and forcing yourself to work on an essay seems like a daunting task, but breaking it into manageable steps helps. The Harvard Business Review states that small steps are easier than tackling the entire task at once, and taking the frst step is crucial, even if it is the hardest.

Once you start, it’s easier to keep going because the hardest part is done. Break it down minute by minute if necessary, fgure out what the next rational step is, and take it. For example:

1.) Get out of bed

2.) Open your laptop

3.) Open Google Docs

4.) Write something, anything, even if it’s just the MLA header

Boom, You’ve broken the cycle!

Yes, it is incredibly diffcult to fnd the motivation to do schoolwork when the

immediate results aren’t always obvious, but if the feeling of fnishing the work doesn’t provide enough motivation, it can be helpful to create small rewards to push you to complete a goal.

When following this system, it is important to create specifc and exclusive rewards for a certain task. The key to this system according to James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits” which also gives advice on breaking bad habits including procrastination, is to do something you love while doing the thing you procrastinate on. A common example is watching your favorite show when doing household chores.

On the fip side, enforcing consequences for not achieving certain goals may work better for some people. Whatever works for you is best, but now that you’ve gotten started, the question of how to progress in an effcient manner arises.

The biggest mistake students make

when procrastinating is doing the bare minimum. Simply reading over notes is not enough for you to do well on a test. According to the Learning Center at the University of North Carolina, active studying that requires interaction with the material will best prepare you. This could be rewriting, teaching, making fashcards, and creating other tools to help you study - IB Psych students know all about System 2 thinking! Knowing what works for you and sticking to it is the key to productivity. As we prepare for college, learning how to balance school and life is increasingly important. Especially for students who have a lot of extracurricular activities, it’s important to use your time wisely. Remember to take breaks and set reasonable goals for yourself. Begin by using these tips in your daily academic and study routine and you will fnd yourself becoming better at time management and a reduction in your stress levels.

Does A New Year Mean New You?

How

Josie Jacobs, Staff Writer

Come

Only 9% of Individuals Stick to Their New Year’s Resolutions?

91% of people fail their New Year’s resolutions— not because they’re lazy or lack discipline, but because how we approach resolutions sets us up for failure from the start. What if the issue is not willpower but strategy? Resolutions often focus on sweeping changes rather than achievable actions. We set ambiguous, superfcial goals that lack a clear plan. Without thoughtful introspection and specifc steps, motivation dwindles, and old habits creep back in.

The Challenge of Resolutions

Many resolutions fail not because of the individual but because of how we approach change. Here is why so many resolutions do not last:

Lack of Refection

Most resolutions are created hastily, without honestly thinking about what you want or why. Goals need to be aligned with your values to stick. All-or-Nothing Thinking Setting resolutions with perfection in mind makes it easy to give up after a single setback.

Emphasis on Timing, not Readiness

The push to start on January 1st can take precedence over genuine readiness, leading to poorly thought-out goals.

Why Timing Does Not Matter

Taking time for meaningful refection on your life is imperative before deciding to change. The societal pressure to set resolutions at the start of the year leads to rushed goals that may not align with your values. Like many, I have repeatedly fallen into the trap of haphazard goals, saying I would “get abs” or “eat healthy.” Instead of being thoughtful and deliberate, these resolutions often become quick fxes or overly ambitious

promises abandoned at the frst sign of diffculty. New Year’s resolutions are almost pointless—why wait to change until the start of the year? January 1st is just any other day. While it might symbolize a fresh start for some, meaningful change doesn’t require a specifc date. True transformation comes from refecting on what matters, putting in the effort, and taking action when inspired. If you are not ready to change, that is okay too. It is important to change for the right reasons, and taking the time to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally is just as valuable of a step as the change itself.

How to be Ready to Change

Being ready to change means reaching a point of clarity and commitment where you are prepared to take action toward meaningful growth. It is not just about feeling inspired; it is about understanding why the change matters to you and being willing to put in the effort required to make it happen. Readiness comes when you have refected on your values, identifed specifc areas for improvement, and acknowledged the challenges you may face. It is necessary to have a growth mindset to accept that change is a slow, diffcult process, not an instant fx, and commit to consistent, intentional actions to build new habits and achieve your goals. Readiness involves:

Refection on Your Values

Identify what truly matters to you regarding your lifestyle, actions, or overall impact on the world and how change will support those values.

A Growth Mindset

Accept that change is a gradual process, not an instant fx.

Acknowledgment of Challenges

Anticipate obstacles and plan how to overcome them.

How to Make Change That Lasts

When you are ready to commit, taking the right approach is essential. Rather than rushing into resolutions that may not be sustainable, take the time to set a foundation for lasting transformation. Here are some key strategies to set yourself up for success:

Start with Refection

Before making any decisions about change, it is essential to refect on your life. Take the time to assess where you are, what you truly value, and what areas of your life you want to improve. A very helpful tool with which to refect is ChatGPT via prompting it with questions similar to,

“Act as an expert in personal growth and self-refection. Give me a series of deep, thought-provoking questions that will help me explore my values, understand the areas in my life that need change, and guide me toward meaningful transformation.”

If you freely engage in the prompts, your written refection can deepen your understanding of yourself. Meaningful change starts with understanding your motivations and desires. Gaining insight into what you want your life to look like and what is signifcant to you makes sure your goals are aligned with your values, making the pursuit of change not only easier but also more fulflling. Refection is an ongoing process that keeps you connected to your motivations and ensures your goals remain purposeful rather than driven by external pressures or feeting desires.

Talk with Others

After you have taken time to refect thoughtfully, it is vital to talk to others about your goals. Sharing your thoughts, dreams, and concerns with friends,

family, or mentors can provide valuable insight and support. Engaging in these conversations can also help refne your goals, hold you accountable, and reinforce your commitment. Getting lost in your thoughts is easy, but having a support system can help keep you grounded and motivated. You do not need to go through the process of change alone; others can support you and help you.

Set Goals When You’re Ready Change should happen when you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared—not because it’s the start of the year or because others around you are making resolutions. Being ready to make a lasting change means clearly understanding the commitment involved. If you’re unprepared, forcing yourself into action can lead to frustration and burnout. Take the time to refect, evaluate your priorities, and make sure you’re committed to taking intentional action. Starting when you’re truly ready helps ensure that your goals are sustainable and wanted.

Focus on Meaningful Goals

Setting meaningful goals is essential for long-term success. A goal aligning with your core values will keep you motivated and focused. Think about what is deeply meaningful to you and why you want to change. Your goals will feel more authentic and fulflling when they refect your deeper motivations.

Set Metrics to Stay Accountable

Setting clear, measurable metrics is crucial for tracking progress and ensuring lasting change. Instead of vague goals the process and remember that change...

This article has been modifed to ft the print edition of the Skier Scribbler. Please visit www.skierscribbler. com for the full article.

SKIER OPINION

Unfortunately, NOT the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” A Gentle Reminder to Check on People This Holiday Season

Josie Jacobs, Staff Writer

I love the holidays. I love the crisp winter snow against my tongue. I love baking Christmas cookies with my friends. I love giving thoughtful presents. I love sipping rich, decadent hot cocoa. I love lighting the menorah with my family. I love mutual refection on our years with New Year’s resolutions. I love the holiday season because it brings people together.

Being Jewish, I fear what criticizing this time of year could suggest, so I want to make it explicitly clear I do not hate the holidays; I love them. I may never know what it feels like to open Christmas presents under the tree, but I know how powerful this season can be in creating cherished memories. At the same time, it deeply pains me to know how high the rate of depression is this time of year. Seeing the immense pressure the holidays place on many individuals rips me to shreds.

Beneath the twinkling Christmas lights and festive cheer, countless individuals unnoticed face inner turmoil. Families who struggle to put food on the table face seemingly impossible choices:

stretch themselves thin to give their children presents or deal with the heartbreak of disappointing them. The true spirit of the holidays, which should be about connection and togetherness, has been overshadowed by a focus on materialism and pressure to spend. This societal shift in values distorts what should be a season of warmth and generosity into one of anxiety and emptiness, leaving many longing for the deeper, more meaningful experiences the holidays are meant to foster.

For some, the holidays are a stark reminder that loved ones are no longer with them. It’s hard to feel joy when the season’s festivities bring up grief and longing. Others may feel isolated, watching celebrations they can’t join. This might include older adults in nursing homes, college students far from home, or those with fractured family relationships. For all anyone knows, the most content-seeming people are greatly struggling. The pressure to appear cheerful and participate in festivities can exacerbate feelings of discontentment. Additionally, mental health challenges like anxiety and depression often

become amplifed during this time of year. The shorter, darker days of winter can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), compounding existing struggles. The constant barrage of perfect holiday images on social media doesn’t help either. People see curated snapshots of happiness—gleaming decorations, smiling families, and extravagant gifts— and may feel inadequate or left out by comparison.

Consider taking small but meaningful steps this season to check on those around you. Reach out to someone who might be feeling lonely, offer a kind message, or invite a friend to share a meal. Simple acts of generosity—a warm drink, a thoughtful gesture, or even just listening—can make an enormous difference. Your check-in could be as simple as saying, “I’ve been thinking about you. How are you doing?” Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can ease the weight someone is carrying. For families facing fnancial hardship, small gestures can be deeply impactful. Consider donating to a local food pantry, organizing a gift drive, or supporting organizations that help families in need.

Volunteering your time to serve meals or deliver holiday care packages can also spread warmth and remind others that they’re not alone.

Pay attention to friends, classmates, or coworkers who seem quieter or more withdrawn than usual. Invite them to low-pressure activities like a casual movie night or a winter walk. Be mindful of how your own words and actions might unintentionally add to someone’s stress. Finally, remember that it’s okay to encourage professional help. If you know someone struggling, support them where they are and remind them that seeking support from a therapist or counselor is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The holidays don’t have to be a source of pressure or pain. By showing empathy and extending support, we can ensure this season truly embodies the spirit of kindness and togetherness it represents. Let’s remind one another that no one has to face these battles alone. Whether through a kind word, a small act of generosity, or simply being present, we can brighten the season for those who need it most.

Mental Health Across Generations

Hallie Zilberman, Staff Writer

It is essential that people feel comfortable when discussing their mental health, but does harm come from the good?

Mental health has traditionally been an unorthodox topic of conversation but has become somewhat de-stigmatized. Over the past few years, preexisting stigmas surrounding mental health have lessened, normalizing the subject.

After interviewing Baby Boomers, members of Generation X, Millennials, and members of Generation Z and Alpha, the pure difference in mental health stigmas is apparent.

“Mental health used to be a lot more hidden and unacknowledged,” a millennial interviewee said. “People defnitely used to be more ashamed to talk about it.”

Yet as conversations around mental health have become normalized, the subject has also become more of a noticeably prominent problem. This begs the question - has the normalization of mental health solely allowed struggling people to voice their problems, or has it also created a placebo effect, causing an uprising of healthy people convinced they’re struggling? If so, this could dilute the severity of those who genuinely need help and attention with their mental health.

The world is ever-changing, which allows past concerns such as stigmas around mental health to have room for improvement. With such drastic advancements in technology over the past few decades, social media has created a plethora of information that is accessible to anybody, which can both help and

hurt those consuming it. While informing viewers about mental health is benefcial, a vast access to negative information can harm and scare its consumers.

Videos promoting mental health educate their viewers in ways that past generations could not be educated.

Social media has created an undoubtedly benefcial abundance of information. However, this bottomless vat of accessibility can become overwhelming for its users. In the case of naive teenagers mindlessly scrolling on TikTok, it can be natural for them to self-diagnose themselves with extremely real and existent mental illnesses. Depression and anxiety are two commonly self-diagnosed illnesses by way of social media, according to multiple interviewees.

CNN Health found that 15% of members of Gen Z aged 18-26 described their mental health as excellent when asked to express their current mental health.

“There are a lot of mental health struggles in this generation,” a Generation Z interviewee said. “I see a lot of depression and anxiety around me.”

Social media’s extreme exposure to information about mental health can easily alarm users looking for answers to their questions.

Nevertheless, modernizations worldwide provide benefcial innovations relating to mental health awareness, even via social media. Numerous creators on apps such as TikTok and Instagram post daily to raise awareness about mental health. This provides a sense of normalization and education that past generations lacked, as the interviewees

collectively explained.

“Social media can defnitely hurt people’s mental health,” the anonymous millennial speaker explained, referring to the notorious provocation of comparison, tendency to isolate, and fueling of the fear of missing out (FOMO).

“But one of its upsides is that it spreads awareness to people.”

Generations such as Generation Z and Generation Alpha are growing up understanding mental illnesses and their extremities. They have access to resources that past generations lacked. This allows them to grow up in a healthy environment, regardless of the detriments that other modern advancements, such as social media and technologies, implement.

“It’s better than it was, but it’s not far enough. We still have so much we can change,” said a millennial.

As the world continues to evolve, increasing changes surrounding mental health are imminent. Just as our current innovations

have provided benefcial resources along with rising concerns, so will the coming generations. This variability is inevitable, so we must learn how to manage such vast innovations and utilize them benefcially.

Due to the sensitive nature of the content of this article, all interviewees have been identifed by their generation, rather than their name.

Photo by Gia Galindo Bartley

A phone lights up with notifcations, each from a different social media app.

SKIER OPINION

Normalcy is Fleeting: Let’s Enjoy the Present

Sara Kershow,

Editor-in-Chief

In recent months, I have found myself constantly looking forward to the next thing, the next season, the next anything rather than living in the moment. This December, the moment Christmas was over I was already ready eager for summer to arrive. During the dark nights of winter, I longed for bikinis and sunshine. However, this summer I found myself looking forward to the dark nights and the magical snowfall of winter.

I do not think that it’s completely bad to look forward for the future and be excited for things. Sometimes it’s what you have to do to keep going. But sometimes society pushes us to move too quickly. It’s my last year of high school, and I have come to realize that time moves at what seems like the speed of light. I still feel like a 7th grader but I am looking forward to my 18th summer. What?!

I believe that part of this epidemic of looking forward rather than living in the present stems from fast moving culture of consumerism. In July, the shelves are stocked with fall decor and candles. In September, the Santas and snowmen come out. At the end of December Valentine’s Day cards and candies are already ready to buy. In many ways consciously or subconsciously this pushes our minds from one season to the next, while still physically in the last season.

Always wishing you were in a different season, that it was a different holiday, that you were somewhere else takes a toll on your brain. Though in the U.S. many are already craving summer, in other countries they take time to be present in the season they are in, they enjoy the day without wishing it was tomorrow.

There is a Danish principle called hygge, in short, it involves getting cozy, having blankets, candles, and everything in between. Due to the northern location of Denmark, most of their winters are dark. Too many

dark days and cold nights may lead to SAD, seasonal affective disorder. But in Denmark the practice of Hygge allows them to enjoy the winter months, meaning less aspirations of bikinis and warmer temperatures that stem from the dread of winter.

In China, the principles of Yin and Yang prioritize different foods and activities for different times of the year. Yin represents the short days and cold temperatures of winter, while yang is

the characteristic of summer. Many believe paying attention to what food you are eating in Yin vs. Yang seasons affects how you live in that season. If you are a summer person during winter, I get it. Rewatching summer vlogs and TV shows brings joy. It’s fun and exciting to look forward and plan for what’s next. But do not forget to live in the moment. Appreciate the dark days, fnd magic in the falling snow, and enjoy the present because

in the near future, it will be far in the past.

It’s possible that I am having these realizations of time moving too quickly and the dangers of forgetting to enjoy the now because, this will be my last year living at home, my last year of the same routine I’ve always had, and while that is scary and exciting, I’m trying to enjoy it while I have it, because the comfort of normalcy is feeting and change is inevitable.

Due Tomorrow? Do Tomorrow!

Why do your important work when you can just do it tomorrow? Often, procrastinators get a bad reputation due to their pre-perceived laziness and unmotivated behavior, but that’s just not the truth. So, to the procrastinators who fnd themselves submerged in deadline-induced stress: you may be surprised to see that procrastination is ultimately the key to your own success.

Procrastinating leaves time for our brains to make more intelligent, informed, and creative decisions. Creativity is a key aspect of life. When thinking creatively, we’re able to undeniably concur with diffcult tasks and bring us more ideas that lead to a more developed and provocative fnal product. When you’re in a rush, the brain

works faster, lessening distractions and focusing on whatever you need to do.

According to neuroscientist, Tali Sharot, when we’re put under pressure, our brains suddenly process information much faster. When we’re tackling the rush of deadlines, there is an imminent tension build-up, and as soon as the clock starts ticking, the adrenaline kicks in. When under this pressure, we can work more effciently and effectively, creating impressive results when we endure pressure.

Immediate action is often driven by perfectionism, however, this can lead to both burnout and overthinking. Procrastination assists with emerging deadlines and forces us to simply complete the task rather than hyper-fxating on every little detail. This results in work that is

both completed on time, more creative, and less restrained by over-analysis. Procrastination makes us prioritize what actually is important. When deadlines begin to inch closer, we naturally focus on that deadline because it needs our attention. This shows us what matters the absolute most. This type of selective procrastination can make us more effcient and can also be more impactful in the long run by making us more creative and focused individuals. Of course, not all procrastination is good for all of us. For some people, the increased stress and anxiety of deadlines lead to the heightened daunting of tasks, creating a dangerous cycle of work, which can lead to guilt. Rushing to complete your last-minute tasks can also result in lower-quality work that

may have just been submitted to get it over with. Work that could’ve been extraordinary and innovative, can become mediocre at best.

Whether you love procrastination or hate it, we all do it. Procrastination holds both risks and rewards. Chronic procrastination can defnitely lead to missed opportunities and intense stress. On the other hand, when approached with caution and mindfulness, procrastination grants creativity and prioritization. The key to procrastination is balance. You want to fnd the sweet spot between too much and not enough procrastination. If you can successfully decipher between productive and destructive, procrastination will be rewarding, and provide many benefts.

Photo by Sara Kershow

A view of sunset over the rocky mountains on Jan. 12, 2024 on Mclain Flats road.

Chase Slesinger-Hall, Writing Editor

Book Review: Kristin Hannah’s ‘The Women’

Owen Cruz-Abrams, Writing Editor

Any author can describe a scene. Some authors can make a reader feel emotion – but few, very few, can transport the reader to the place they describe. Kristin Hannah is one of the rare authors with the gift of cinematic storytelling. In her book The Women, Hannah whisks readers away into the life of the main character Francis “Frankie” McGrath, a nurse in the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War.

As I read of Frankie McGrath’s treatment of patients in hospitals, I felt as though I was there. I felt fear, genuine fear, when the lights fickered out in 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku and the mortars rained down. I heard the wounded cry out, the doctors shout, “Expectant,” knowing a patient will soon die, thoracic surgeon Jamie operate on dead and dying servicemen, and the nurses running around, trying to manage it all.

The Women is an overwhelming piece of history – at times slow and full of prose, at times fast and rough – a literary masterpiece that drags the reader into an unvarnished Vietnam War.

The main character of The Women, Frankie McGrath, comes from an archetypical wealthy American family. The family is dead set in patriarchal traditions. Though her brother Finley McGrath serves in the Navy, Frankie’s father would not dream of a woman of

the family in military service. Frankie’s father’s prized “hero’s wall” honors the men who fght for the United States. The wives get a photo on the wall with their husbands – not alone, but with their man – and nothing else.

The book has interesting dichotomies that, while subtle, are also present everywhere. Frankie is expected to be a proper lady by her family. In the military, she is a soldier - someone with abilities to save others, not to behave in a ladylike way. The military orders Frankie to wear typical women’s clothing as she transfers to Vietnam, but when she arrives, she is confronted with the fact that no one cares what she wears and that her dress –the clothing she was ordered to wear – is woefully inadequate for the demands of the humid jungle.

At war, Frankie sews up patients and keeps them alive - back in the States, she is told she is not properly trained to do anything but change a bedpan. Soldiers ignore the reality of who served in Vietnam again and again. “There were no women in Vietnam,” says the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Yes, the very organization formed to help former service members denies women’s participation in the war. This is so wrong that, as a reader, I wanted to scream at the receptionist. Hannah does that repeatedly in The Women. When Jamie, an effervescent character and love interest

of Frankie’s, is mortally wounded, I felt anguish and anger that he was there in the frst place. When a civilian spit in Frankie’s face as she returned to the country, I was furious.

These emotions, though, don’t feel like they’re mine. They’re Frankie’s. Hannah spins a web of story that sends the reader deep into Frankie’s life, and only her life. She doesn’t bring up the “babykiller” arguments of war protestors. She does not question if service is honorable. There is no question when Frankie returns to the country that she should be celebrated as a war hero - but when neighbors ask where she was? Her father tells them that she studied abroad. This is so painfully wrong that Frankie almost laughs - but the wave of indignation that saturates the pages is righteous and not dismissible. It’s also in contrast to how he celebrated the service of her brother Finley. Again, this is a recurring theme in the book; women in the military are not appreciated for their service.

It is almost as if two different authors wrote the book. In the United States, Hannah’s sentences are verbose and languid. The story fows a bit like honeyslow and smooth, with no sense of hurry. Hannah places the reader at parties and in the daily life of the American upper class, but never in situations of confict. When Frankie fies on a troop carrier to Vietnam, though, everything immedi-

ately morphs. Where before writing was full to bursting with prose, it becomes hurried – almost as if there is no time to describe the places she goes. The reader is more informed than ever, but it feels as though no one can grasp the whole of the war. When soldiers go into the hospital, the book doesn’t describe how they were hurt. It only details Frankie’s efforts to save them.

Frankie meets men she grows to love; they die. Or, they only come back years later, and even then only to complicate, not improve, Frankie’s life. When she returns to the United States, everyone’s lack of acceptance of her service is almost too much to bear and she drunkenly crashes a car. Only after she enters rehab does everything fnally calm down again, and the book ends with a catharsis; her father accepts that Frankie is a hero. She just doesn’t care anymore.

Hannah restrains from teaching the reader a specifc lesson; perhaps it is up to you to determine what her message was. Maybe Frankie wants people to believe that war is wrong, because she serves in an organization of Veterans Against the War - but she volunteered to fght in it. So is the message to serve one’s country? You’ll have to fnd out for yourself by grabbing a copy of The Women – and experiencing its awesome power – now. You won’t regret it.

The Year In Review: My Favorite Media of 2024

Luna Murray, Staff Writer

Whether you liked it or not, 2024 was an exceptionally eventful year. I often found myself overwhelmed and on the brink of drowning in the turbulent sea of politics, college applications, social media, and various other distractions. However, while these events are important to understand and use to grow from, I believe that 2024 was not all that bad. As a constant consumer of all types of media, I often use them as a distraction from the usual harsh reality of the outside world. I fnd that art and expression are always a safe escape, whether it be music, movies, or fashion, a constant source of comfort and inspiration was waiting for me this year. With that being said, here are my favorite media moments of 2024:

FASHION

Since I was a little girl, fashion has been a major interest of mine. Every year, collections are created and new designers emerge, creating showstopping, never-seen-before pieces of wearable art. While fashion can often be misused and abused, there are a few celebrities whose style I never get tired of.

Starting with two people who need absolutely no introduction; A$AP Rocky and Rihanna. The two artists have impeccable styles individually, but together, they create the quintessential power couple. Bomber jackets, vintage jerseys, chunky accessories, unique sunnies, and mismatched colors are just the beginning of these two. They take 90’s streetwear and elevate it by implementing

modern materials, textures, silhouettes, and styles to their outfts. The duo has created their own genre of fashion, and continue to constantly raise the bar for couples everywhere.

Next, a man who is raising the standard for men’s red carpet fashion; Domingo Coleman. Nowadays, red carpets are flled with perfectly tailored suits, and while it was nice for a while, with the emergence and evolution of the fashion industry, men need to step up their game. Domingo is doing just that. Satin sashes, fared dress pants, creative shoes, crystalized jackets, bright bling, fower bouquets as accessories, and more that he brings to the table. He is constantly taking the boring, thoughtless black-andwhite suit and adding color, texture, and patterns, always impressing the public with his impeccable style.

Among other things, 2024 has unveiled a new style of press; method dressing. After the pink craze that followed Barbie, actors dressing for their movies signifcantly increased in popularity and relevance. One artist who has absolutely nailed the concept is Zendaya. In my opinion, she is one of, if not the best-dressed celeb out there. While her street style is exceptional, I am drawn to specifcally her incredible press tour looks. She has the power to take a fctional movie and bring it to life through fashion. Robotic and sandy structures for Dune 2, and mini skirts and knit vests for Challengers, she knows her character inside and out which is displayed with

her cross-style dressing for each of her roles. This was seen again this year with a balance of green and pink in Wicked, corsets, and pastels for Bridgerton, leather jackets for A Complete Unknown, gothic chic for Nosferatu, and many more.

MOVIES

As some may know, movies are my love language. There are few things I love more than going to the movie theatre with a bucket of popcorn and Junior Mints while being submerged in a new world for 2 hours. Although I typically watch old movies for the sake of their comfort, there were a few new movies this year I loved.

After the blockbuster Dune Part 1, I had high expectations for the sequel. These expectations were squashed, thrown out the window, and replaced with spellbound awe. With the soundtrack by Hanz Zimmer (incredible on its own), directing by Denis Villeneuve, insane costumes, cinematography, set design and production, and a stacked cast, this was the movie of the year for me. The entire time watching I was endlessly impressed by the acting and overall look of the flm, and I was completely absorbed and transported to the world on the screen, everything a movie should do.

Another movie that particularly struck me was Gladiator II. I think it is very diffcult to create a sequel

to such a beloved movie as Gladiator, but this one was well done. Although it essentially copied the plot of the frst, it was still a fun time. Particularly the dazzling acting by Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pescal, constantly proving their commitment to their craft and understanding of what their audience wanted to see.

This article has been modifed to ft the print edition of the Skier Scribbler. Please visit www.skierscribbler.com for the full article.

Photo by Sara Michelin Areysi Galvan (left), Gia Galindo Bartley (middle), and Ronan Wood (right) showcasing their stylish outfts.

Making the Most of Gift Giving, Literally

Sydney Klausmann, Writing Editor

This holiday season I decided to take more of a traditional approach when it came to gift-giving: I handmade all of my gifts for my family and friends. Although it was more work than pressing “buy now” on a website, I really enjoyed this endeavor. The main reason I started the project was to limit my consumption. In a previous article, Less is More: How to Stop Over Consumption, I go into depth about overconsumption and how to prevent it.

However, the short of it is, in the current age, where we can purchase things with the click of a button, it’s easy to fall victim to trends, and end up

buying something only to wear it for a month and never again. This consumption takes a large toll on the planet as the average American throws away 81.5 pounds of clothing annually, multiply that by the 334.9 million people in America and get 27,294,350,000 pounds of clothes thrown away each year. So to do my part as a citizen of this planet, I decided to handmake my gifts this year to lessen the environmental costs of the manufacturing, shipping, and packaging of pre-made gifts. If you would like to learn more about Christmas consumption, I suggest you check out Has Consumerism Currupted the Holidays by my friend and fellow writer Sara Kershow. While my main goal may have been sustainability, I found several more benefts to handmaking gifts through this process. One thing is the customizability of handmade gifts which allows you to give people something specifcally made for them and their needs. This is helpful when you’re gifting to someone who already “has everything.” My grandpa,

for example, is hard to shop for because whenever he wants something he just buys it. However, he has been begging my grandma, who knits, to make him a golf club cover for years and she refuses to (I genuinely don’t know why). So this year I decided to make him a golf club cover of his own. It’s extra special because it’s made by his favorite grand child.

This brings me to another reason why handmade gifts are superior: they really show you care. When someone asks for a hoodie for Christmas and then they get that exact hoodie on Christmas morning, where is the heartfelt gesture of giving a gift? Where is the surprise? Where is the magic of gift-giving? When you handmake a gift, the amount of time and labor that goes into it shows the recipient that you really care about them. Then every time they put on that knitted sweater or wear that crocheted hat they’ll think of you and the fact that you appreciate them enough to give them a gift, which is the greatest gift of all.

opening them that I found myself more excited to give gifts rather than receive them. I couldn’t even think of much that I wanted because I was too excited about giving, which is an amazing feeling. So join me in continuing this new tradition of mine into 2025 for birthdays and many holiday seasons to come, and I recommend you do the same. Make the most of the holidays and bring back handmade gifts!

Where to buy Local Gifts That Aren’t Prada and Gucci

Greta Holton, Writing Editor

Aspen is famous for its high-end stores and designer boutiques, but let’s face it—not everyone on your holiday list is looking for Prada or Gucci, and I am sure you are not looking to spend that kind of cash. When it comes to shopping I for one especially know how easy it is to rely on certain brands and online shops, but It is so important to remember your town and support local shop owners. Plus, I can ensure you will fnd unique and thoughtful gifts in at least one of Aspen’s hidden gems. From quirky gift shops to locally crafted treasures, here are the best spots to check out this holiday season.

If you’re looking for a onestop shop for local artisan goods, Aspen Emporium is the place to go. This charming store features a mix of handcrafted jewelry, art, and home decor made by local artists. Whether you’re shopping for a stylish friend or someone who loves unique souvenirs, you’ll fnd everything from colorful pottery to Aspen-inspired prints. An added bonus is that shopping here supports local artists and small businesses, making your gift extra special.

Located in the heart of downtown Aspen, the Aspen Gift Shop is perfect for picking up Colorado-themed goodies. Think cozy hoodies, Aspen-branded water bottles, and other souvenirs that highlight the town’s charm. It’s a great spot for stocking stuffers, especially if you want something practical yet personal for outof-town guests.

place to pick up medicine, it’s an Aspen institution and a hidden treasure trove for unique gifts. You’ll fnd everything from quirky board games to puzzles, candles, and fun holiday decor. It’s a great spot for kids, families, and even that hard-to-shop-for uncle who appreciates a good joke gift or vintage-style trinkets.

of an unforgettable experience that supports Aspen’s vibrant arts community. Misstyx is a hidden gem for anyone who loves handcrafted, meaningful jewelry. Featuring pieces made with gemstones, metals, and crystals, Misstyx offers everything from delicate earrings to bold statement necklaces. Whether you’re shopping for a fashionista friend

tom gift boxes flled with high-quality, handpicked items. Whether it’s luxurious candles, artisanal snacks, or spa essentials, their beautifully wrapped boxes are perfect for friends, coworkers, or anyone who deserves a little pampering this holiday season.

If you are shopping for the younger generation and have no clue what to get. Monkey’s is the place for you. Monkey’s is a trendy boutique that’s perfect for kids and teens. They offer fun and stylish clothing, accessories, and toys for younger shoppers and tweens who love a mix of fashion and fun. If you’re looking for something colorful, playful, or a little offbeat, Monkeys has you covered.

Carl’s Pharmacy is more than just a

For the theater lover in your life, a gift certifcate to Theatre Aspen is a creative and thoughtful present. Theatre Aspen hosts incredible performances throughout the year, from musicals to plays, often featuring professional talent. Instead of wrapping a physical gift, give the gift

or a family member who loves unique accessories, this store offers plenty of options that feel one-of-a-kind.

If you want to wow someone with a curated gift set, The Gift Box by Bundles Gift Co. is the way to go. This local business specializes in creating cus-

Aspen may be known for its designer labels, but shopping locally is the best way to fnd gifts that truly stand out. Whether it’s handcrafted jewelry from Misstyx, a cozy sweater from Aspen Gift Shop, or a unique puzzle from Carl’s Pharmacy, there’s something special waiting in every corner of this town. By shopping local you are not only supporting local businesses but also keeping Aspen’s creative and independent spirit alive. Shops like these will disappear over time and become a lost part of Aspen’s history if we let trendymass-produced merchandise run them out of town.

So skip the high-end luxury stores this year and check out these local gems instead. Your friends and family will love the thought and care you put into their gifts, and you’ll love discovering all the incredible treasures Aspen has to offer.

Graphics courtesy of Canva

Photo by Quintessa Frisch

Aspen Emmporium on Main Street, a great and unique place to shop for gifts.

Yo Gabba Gabba is Back

Gia Galindo Bartley, Editor-in-Chief

Yo Gabba Gabba: an iconic four-season children’s show flled with singing and dancing, launched in 2007. Don’t lie, I know you get nostalgic some nights and jam out to “Party in My Tummy” when no one is watching. (Or at least I do…) But have no fear dear readers, your sad, late-night dance parties full of solitude will shortly end because Yo Gabba Gabba is back and better than ever. At. Coachella. (cue suspense sound effect). I know what you’re all asking, “Is this set just for the bored kids dragged along by their parents?” And the answer is yes and no. While yes, Yo Gabba Gabba’s set can be an amazing event for younger audience members at the festival, they have so much to offer fans of any age. This musical monster group has proved

their fun-loving vibe numerous times; Over the years they’ve had appearances at small-scale festivals, raves, the occasional solo show, and have collaborated with beloved musical artists such as Dave Ghrol, Erykah Badu, Anderson Paak, and have even hosted a Tiny Desk Concert with Thundercat.

Coachella 2025 will be full of amazing performances from headliners Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone. Still, the real stars of this three-day weekend are our favorite vegetable-eating monsters: Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee, and Plex. Last year, Yo Gabba Gabba made their Coachella debut with special guests, the Aquabats; another musical children’s show aired in the 2010s. While their performance was a hit during the festival, the marketing

for their performance was not as great, which led to the group creating a video announcement on each social media platform when the lineup was announced for Coachella 2025.

So why now? Over this past year, fans have received lots of good news regarding the group. In April of 2024, (right after their frst Coachella appearance) the creators of Yo Gabba Gabba announced Yo Gabba Gabbaland; a spinoff show with the new addition of Kammy Kam, : a 13-year-old musical artist, replacing Dj Lance Rock (who will be sorely missed). A reason why Yo Gabba Gabba is making its reintroduction into the media could be the fact that its target demographic was, well us… Yo Gabba Gabba Came out in 2007, meaning that the people born that year are now turning

18. While some of us (me) still tune in and watch a casual episode of the show from time to time, most young adults are out attending music festivals such as Coachella, and Yo Gabba Gabba is now catering to that fact.

While some may believe it to be a huge scheme to trick young adults into attending Coachella despite its notso wholesome reputation; the point remains. Yo Gabba Gabba is back and still super awesome, and yes I will be attempting to make my way to the festival this year solely to see Plex bust a move. (and if you ever see me on the Yo Gabba Gabba tour bumpin’ to “I Like To Dance”, leave me be; I am right where I want to be.)

Review of Kendrick Lamar’s Album GNX

Gia Galindo Bartley, Editor-in-Chief and Yale Gieszl, Staff Writer

Last November, Kendrick blessed our ears with a surprise album: GNX. Released in the middle of the day, fans were taken aback, to say the least. Especially here at AHS where students ran around like Paul Revere spreading the news. The album has major Latino infuences, as you can hear in the guitar in many of the intros, as well as features from Mariachi singer: Deya Barrera. The album also features artists like SZA, Roddy Ricch, Siete7x, and Lefty Gunplay just to name a few, who are almost all from the LA area. This album is a love letter to the SoCal city and all of its infuences, which Kendrick executes perfectly in each of the 12 songs. Here is an assortment of our favorites from the album…

Man At The Garden

Man At The Garden is a refective piece about the morals, principles, and promises that Lamar has kept throughout his career, he explains how he “deserves it all” because of this and poses a question to his fans, asking what they’ve done to “deserve it all.” “The garden” Kendrick references in the track’s title refers to the Garden of Eden, the biblical utopia only for those free of sin.

“I deserve it all

More money, more power, more freedom Everything Heaven allowed us, b*tch I deserve it all”

The slow and almost spoken verses make this track stand out from the rest, forcing listeners to listen to the lyrics frst rather than missing the meaning altogether when distracted by a high-tempo beat-- and for a good reason; Man at the Garden serves as a motivational track as well, as is a common theme in Lamar’s discography.

Dodger Blue Dodger Blue, referring to the team colors of the Los Angeles baseball team,

is an ode to LA and all of its nuances. The SoCal love letter features LA-based artists Wallie the Sensei, Siete7x, and Roddy Rich. Featuring the most artists out of any other song on the album, and discusses west coast culture and what it really means to be an LA native.

Don’t say you hate L.A., but live in L.A. and pretend My neck on Tarantino, Alejandro, Spike Lee

Just know you took the scenic route if you stand by me, stupid”

“Don’t say you hate L.A. when you don’t travel past the 10 Am I trippin’? Yes, I am Meditate over some money, I see Franklin, I fnd zen B*tch, I’m from the Land

The slightly abrasive lyrics are contrasted by a smooth mellow beat, reminiscent of 90’s R&B tracks; such as Use Your Heart by SWV (Which Lamar samples in Heart pt 6 later on in the album) and You Got Me by The Roots ft Erykah

Badu. Lamar notably utilizes this style in his album DAMN. as well, on songs like LOYALTY. and LOVE, which was intriguing to see on an otherwise harsher project.

Luther ft. SZA Luther, SZA’s frst feature on the album, is an upbeat track where Kendrick talks about a dream where the weight of the world is lifted and he can focus all his energy on offering love to his partner. During the chorus, the two artists sing together about the tough reality of life, things are imperfect, people act impulsively, and unloyalty. However, after the words “if it was up to me,” the chorus continues as the singers describe how if they had it their way, they would not pay attention to others and give everything to their partner. Each verse closely mirrors this theme.

“In this world, concrete fowers grow Heartache, she only doin’ what she know Weekends, get it poppin’ on the low Better days comin’ for sure,”

In the frst verse, Lamar compares his fgurative partner to the Roman numeral seven, which is a symbol from the bible that represents perfection. He then raps that if the world were his, he would facilitate his partner’s dreams and punish their enemies by introducing them to the light of fre. This illustrates Kendrick Lamar’s immense love for his partner but also alludes to the burden that he carries outside of his visions, where despite his desires, the world requires him to focus his attention on many different things outside of his love life. The song’s rhythmic and bubbly beat beautifully accompanies the lyrics, making for a very enjoyable listening experience.

Photo by Araya Thompson

Gia Galindo Bartley and Yale Gieszl pose for the camera in their matching sweatpants as they listen to Kendrick’s new album GNX.

Is Snapchat Destroying Teenage Romance?

Eleanor Carroll, Staff Writer

Teen romance used to consist of handwritten letters, delivering fowers to doors, making mix tapes, and small gestures that show love. However, in a world where technology is starting to become a fundamental aspect of everyone’s day-to-day lives, high school relationships often thrive on Snapchat, an app that has changed social interactions. While it can be benefcial for communication and has shaped how younger generations connect with one another, is it the end of real love and connection among teens?

About 75% of teenagers use Snapchat daily, so undeniably it has an impact on teenage relationships. Since the app’s initial release in 2011 but more signifcantly in recent years, it has changed the process of actually putting a label on relationships. Instead of intimate love and connection, the majority of the time teenage “love” is just casual and lust. While this can be accredited to times changing, dating culture becoming more casual, and the world becoming more reliant on phone and technology usage, Snapchat has become many teens’ primary method of communication, which has an imminent effect on how they interact with one another, hence impacting romance as well.

Snapchat has many distinct features that make the platform unique from other messaging apps, such as Best Friends Lists (top eight most interacted with users), Snap Map (location sharing feature), Snapscores (total amount of Snaps sent), and even an option for a paid subscription for extended features on the app called Snapchat Plus. The app’s features have set up new expectations in teenage relationships– some people auto-

I Fear we are Cooked: When Will Brainrot End?

Chase Slesinger-Hall, Writting Editor

Chat, what the skibidi? This is NOT Sigma. Bruh ts pmo. I’m actually gonna crash out in 4K HD if one more person Fanum taxes my muk. Whether you’re mewing, looksmaxing, or rizzing Livvy Dunne, you have some type of brain rot in your vocabulary.

“Just put the fries in the bag.”

I was told when teaching my classmates for our teaching segment in history.

“I’m losing my alpha aura.”

When losing a tennis match.

“An eagle cries but a hawk tuahs.”

I heard as I was walking to my next class.

“Vexbolts mass unfollowing, December 31st 11:59pm.”

Someone yelled off of a chairlift.

These are a few of the phrases I’ve heard within the past week duringrandom conversations throughout the classroom and in the halls.

With endless scrolling between TikTok and Instagram Reels, the internet has seemingly turned all of our brains into stakeholders for strange vocabulary and rabbit holes for conspiracy theories.

How on Earth did it get this bad? Well, I view the beginning of our downward slope in the summer of 2019 when VSCO girls were a “trend?” But that was just the beginning. Just a few months after, Covid-19 hit, and it was straight downhill from there. Being cooped up in our homes for months on end was not our key to success. But I mean hey, we survived a disease from which 7 million people died. I’ll defnitely be fexing to my grandkids that I survived a global pandemic. “I fought every second to survive,” I’ll say, reminiscing about being voted out for no reason in Among Us.

Will our generation make it out okay? Well, probably… not. First of all, I think half of this year’s class will only be graduating due to the convenience of AI, acting like we were pilgrims when it didn’t exist. Second of all, I think the thought of deleting the precious IG Reels sends most of us into a cold sweat. And third of all? Parents are still giving their kids iPads. It’s safe to say it’s endgame. Well, then how DO we make it out okay?

matically assume that if you are talking to someone, it is a given that their location is on, you’re their number one best friend, and whenever their Snapscore increases they snap you. This is obsessive and unhealthy behavior that does not determine one’s loyalty, yet many teens hyper-fxate on these features and assume it does. This creates delusions and breaks the barriers between reality and what simply exists on the app.

The bar for romantic endeavors has been lowered, normalizing hookup culture over genuine connection. People tend to do things those dating would do, just without offcial commitment to the other person. Talking stages and situationships have become the new couple and putting a label on relationships is no longer a given. Authentic emotional intimacy has been overruled by hookups that lack any actual meaning, leaving many teens to feel attached yet emotionally unfulflled.

Talking stages, otherwise knows as dating, used to be an opportunity to get to know someone before deciding to take things further, but depending on how long it lasts, they are just undefned relationships. It’s normal for a talking stage to last between 1-3 months because it takes time to get to know someone, but if it has been more than that and you’re hanging out with someone regularly without a label, it’s rare for something serious to arise from it. When a talking stage lasts this long, it can be assumed that one person involved doesn’t want anything serious or to commit, even if the other person wants more.

Situationships take this even further– they are essentially prolonged talking stages that involve physical and emotional intimacy but without exclu-

Brain rot has taken over the internet, and our youth, especially AHS, even being named the Oxford word-of-the-year. I think it’s safe to say chat, we are cooked. To the older people in my life, I think you were right, it always was the damn phone.

Brain rot is the feeling you get when you spend your entire Sunday switching between TikTok and IG Reels because you keep getting bored of one or the other. Brain rot is when your attention span is so insanely fried that even a 30-second video feels too long. Our brains are constantly overstimulated but also famished, leaving us anxious, restless, and bored. We sit in bed exhausted at night, yet sit on our phones scrolling for the satisfaction (of what?)

sivity and formal commitment. Unlike talking stages, however, there’s no clear trajectory and can persist for a long time. Situationships consist of couple-like behaviors, for example– cuddling, going on dates, and giving gifts. These actions intensify romantic feelings and the desire to become offcial with one another but are done when one person has no intent to be in a real relationship. This however is not always communicated though which leads to confusion.

Snapchat’s role in communication only adds to this problem. Its informal nature makes one feel as if they don’t need to put in as much effort into relationships which drags out the process of becoming offcial with someone, if ever. The app’s design encourages quick interactions and conversations which can be benefcial at times, but this comes at the cost of taking the time to actually get to know someone. This aligns with the rise in hookup culture, where casualty overrules connection.

Talking stages and situationships

Unpopular opinion: I think we need a global digital detox. Sure, it sounds dystopian, but SO BE IT. Send us all to a dystopian world. I think a cleanse of technology for at least 6 months would be a perfect progressive start to a brain rot-free community. And if anyone is heard saying they gyatt something in their eye? Life sentence.

But for now, we will all remain endlessly scrolling, rotting our brains to mush. Well, maybe brain rot is just the new norm. A natural way for the human brain to live in the digital age. Or maybe, one day, our world will fnally decide enough is enough. But until then, we should be embracing what we have off of the screen. Log off for a bit, your brain deserves better.

thrive on Snapchat because it is an ideal platform for low-commitment affairs. The app features can make one feel a sense of closeness to someone, but this is often just a misinterpretation of what is truly happening. Sharing location, being someone’s number one best friend, and snapping each other constantly can make someone feel important or exclusive, but in reality, these actions don’t equal love. Today’s generation of teenagers is heavily reliant on technology for communication which can be good, but Snapchat’s casualness foreshadows how relationships unfold. It has signifcantly impacted teen romance today, but not always for the better. Yes, real connection and love still exist among teens, but dating culture has shifted and because of that, emotional intimacy is often overlooked. Relationships need to be able to exist outside the world of Snapchat to truly succeed, and in doing so, genuine bonds will be formed outside of the screen.

Photo by Sara Kershow

Yale Gieszl (right) and Eleanor Carroll (left) absorbed in Snapchat.

Timelessly Tacky Tourist Takeover

PHOTOS BY SYDNEY KLAUSMANN