BLUEPRINT THE
STUDENT MEDIA AT BOISE STATE
04 Contributors Meet your Blueprint Magazine staff
06 Boise from A-Z
From Ann Morrison to Zoo Boise, explore what makes this city great
08 Coffee Find your new favorite local coffee shop
1o Drunk Eats Evaluating the best drunken eats that balance taste, price and accessibility for a post-bar binge.
18 What’s in students’ bags?
A look at this years’ trends and
24 Summer in Boise
28 Must TheMoviesWatch top 10 movies of the academic year you shouldn’t miss out on.
22 BFA Exhibition
Explore student artists featured in the upcoming spring Fine Arts Showcase
30 Pulse Radio Quiz
Find the campus radio show that best matches your taste!
26 Treefort Street Style
Find out the festival
31 Summer Mixtape
Must have songs for your summer playlist
Kelly ann asker Editor-in-Chief
Contributors
kelsey mason
Design Manager
Naomi brown
Graphic Desiger, Contributing Writer
carissa branesky
Illustrator
Contributors
Omar Saucedo
Digital Content Manager
Jocelyn browne
Digital Content Producer,
Contributing Writer
Olivia brandon
Contributing Writer
Emily carmela Nelson Contributing Writer Karley Rodriguez
BOISE FROM A - Z BY KELSEY MASON
AAnn Morrison Park
A massive urban park perfect for picnics, paddleboarding, frisbee golf and annual events like the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
B
Boise River Greenbelt
A scenic 25-mile path along the Boise River, ideal for biking, running or just enjoying nature in the heart of the city.
D
Downtown Boise
The cultural and culinary heart of the city, packed with local shops, bars, restaurants and regular events like First Thursday.
E
Eagle Bike Park
A haven for mountain bikers, with trails and features for every skill level — just a short drive from central Boise.
G
Goody’s Soda Fountain
Family run since 1984, Goody’s is a neighborhood staple for handmade ice cream, chocolate and candies.
H
Hyde Park
A charming historic district with boutique shops, ice cream and cozy cafes nestled in the North End.
I
Idaho Botanical Gardens
A peaceful garden space with themed areas, seasonal events and summer concerts.
J
Jack’s Urban Meeting Place
A community center and creative space with giant slides, funky art, rooftop views and open green spaces.
C
Camel’s Back Park
A favorite for locals in the North End, offering hiking, sunset views and access to the trails in the Boise Foothills.
F
Freak Alley Gallery
The largest outdoor mural gallery in the Northwest, constantly evolving with colorful, edgy street art.
K Kuna Caves
A lava tube cave just outside Boise — adventurous and a bit eerie, but worth exploring with a flashlight and curiosity.
LLucky Peak State Park
A summer favorite for boating, fishing, paddleboarding and cooling off with a swim just minutes from the city.
M
Modern Hotel & Bar
A stylish boutique hotel and cocktail bar with a great patio, often hosting live music and events.
N
New York Richie’s
A local favorite for authentic East Coast-style sandwiches and pizza — great late-night eats.
OOld Idaho Penitentiary
A preserved 1870s prison turned museum — tour the spooky solitary cells and learn about Boise’s wild history.
QQuinn’s Pond
A spot for swimming, paddleboarding and hanging out by the water just off the Greenbelt.
RRealms
An artist-run space in Garden City that functions as a gallery, performance venue and arcade.
S
Shrine Social Club
A small venue and creative space downtown that hosts live music, karaoke nights and pop-up events.
TTable Rock
A short but steep hike offering panoramic views of Boise. Iconic spot to watch the sunset or see the city lights.
V
Veterans Memorial State Park
A peaceful park with walking paths, ponds and space for picnicking or birdwatching — less crowded than some of the bigger parks.
W
Western Collective
Trendy brewery with an industrial-chic vibe, slushie beers and a laid-back patio perfect for Boise summers.
X
X-Games Style Biking
Located in the foothills, Boise Bike Park has pump tracks, dirt jumps and features for advanced riders.
Y
Yardarm
A tiny shipping container bar in Garden City, right on the Greenbelt — great for a cold beer and a chill summer hangout.
P
Payette Brewing Co.
A Boise-based brewery with a large taproom and beer garden near the Greenbelt — try the Rustler IPA!
U
Underground Pizza
A hidden gem pizza place with creative toppings, loved by locals for its lowkey vibes and killer slices.
Z
Zoo Boise
Located in Julia Davis Park, this familyfriendly zoo connects conservation with fun, with animals from around the world and interactive exhibits.
Which coffee shop are you?
Written by Emily Nelson
I’m a lover of trinkets!
Start Here!
I get claustrophobic easily
My go-to coffee order is pretentious
I’m proud of it! Everytime! Not me at all!
My style is eclectic I love plants
I prefer studying in a relaxing environment
I like my coffee beans locally roasted
All things nature is my thing!
Latte art is a must Indie music is my fav
listen to!
Flying M Coffee House
Flying M Coffeehouse is a dreamscape for lovers of eccentric gifts, fresh pastries and house-roasted coffee. Located on the corner of 5th and Idaho in downtown Boise, the shop has been voted as ‘Best of Boise’ in Boise Weekly for over a decade. Looking for a colorful, quirky getaway from the mundane or a solid cup of locally brewed coffee? You’re in the right place!
Slow by Slow Coffee Bar
Slow by Slow Coffee Bar serves 8th St. with specialty coffee and a calm atmosphere, seven days a week. With a simple, limited menu, Slow by Slow knows exactly what you are looking for the moment you step through the door — a damn good cup of coffee (or matcha). Serving a rotating collection of roasters from Oregon to London, Slow by Slow has rightfully earned the reputation of being one of the most prestigious specialty coffee shops in Boise.
Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters has been fostering community within their shops since 1995 — one cup of coffee at a time. The shop has offered countless opportunities for creatives to share their work by creating space for artists to display their art, inviting musicians to perform on their downtown patio and displaying this very magazine! With airy decor, plants and lively conversation filling almost every corner of this coffee shop, it’s no wonder why Dawson Taylor has become a Boise staple.
Flying M Coffee House
THE BEST DRUNKEN MUNCHIES FOR YOUR LATENIGHT CRAVINGS
After a night of bar-hopping and questionable decisions, nothing hits quite like late-night drunk food. However, not all midnight munchies are created equal.
Some spots are a dream for the inebriated, while others will leave you fumbling and frustrated. I hit up four popular spots to rank them based on menu, messiness, price, accessibility (for those of us struggling to walk a straight line) and overall vibe.
Here’s how they stacked up:
By Jocelyn Browne
Dharma SushI
If you’re looking for the best menu, Dharma Sushi delivers in spades. The selection is top-tier, with fresh rolls, delicious appetizers and the kind of flavors that taste even better when you’re a little (or a lot) tipsy.
The problem? Sushi is not drunk-friendly. You either have to navigate chopsticks with questionable coordination or risk looking like an animal eating with your hands. And if you’re thinking of using a fork, prepare to be judged.
Beyond that, sushi can be a messy experience, especially if your depth perception is already compromised. Soy sauce spills, rice falls apart mid-bite and slippery fish make it hard to maintain any dignity. If you’re determined, though, the reward is worth it — each bite is packed with umami goodness.
As for the vibe, it’s a solid choice if you want to sit down, relax and sober up a little before heading home. The ambience is chill and modern, making it a decent late-night retreat. At the end of the day, it’s a little pricey — especially if your bank account has already taken a hit from the bar tab.
DP Dough
Calzones sound like the perfect drunk food — in theory. They’re handheld, packed with gooey cheese and toppings and feel like a next-level hot pocket.
Unfortunately, DP Dough doesn’t live up to the hype. The calzones were a letdown — bland, doughy and just not worth the price. On the bright side, the desserts were a hit. If you’re looking for a late-night sweet fix, the delectable cookie dough bites or gooey apple calzone may be worth your while here.
The vibe was unusual, reminiscent of eating in an upscale gas station where time doesn’t seem to exist. While not the worst atmosphere, it wasn’t the cozy, relaxed setting you’d want when seeking comfort food after a night of drinking.
As for the price, DP Dough feels overpriced for what you get. There are better options available for the same or even lower cost, making it an easy choice to skip unless you’re specifically craving a sugar rush.
SCORE: 4/10
Pie Hole
Simple, greasy and iconic — Pie Hole is everything you need in a late-night eatery. The menu isn’t massive, but when you’re wasted, you don’t need variety. You need something easy, delicious and satisfying.
The pepperoni pizza is the clear standout: salty, cheesy and the perfect amount of grease to soak up whatever questionable cocktails you’ve consumed.
One of the best things about Pie Hole is its accessibility. It’s smack in the middle of the bar scene, so you don’t have to go out of your way to grab a slice. No extra effort required — just stumble in, order and enjoy.
The slices are big but easy to eat one-handed, making it the ideal choice for those who can barely stand but still need sustenance. And the price? $3. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal, especially at this hour.
The one downside? The grease factor. Pie Hole’s pizza is absolutely dripping, so be prepared to ruin a napkin or five. But honestly, when you’re drunk, a little mess is the least of your worries.
Score: 9/10
The Verdict
So, which spot claims the title for the best drunken late-night eats? It all depends on what you’re after. If you want something cheap, accessible and delicious, Pie Hole is the clear winner. It checks all the boxes: affordable, easy to eat and perfectly located in the middle of the nightlife scene.
Insomnia Cookie is the best option for dessert lovers — even if the experience isn’t the most convenient.
Dharma Sushi is fantastic if you can actually manage to eat it without making a mess — but be warned, it’s not the most drunk-friendly choice.
DP Dough just doesn’t justify the price, making it the weakest option of the bunch.
At the end of the day, when you’re drunk and starving, the real winner is whatever you can get your hands on first. If you have options, Pie Hole is your best bet for an easy, satisfying fix before heading home to sleep it all off.
Insomnia Cookies
If you have a sweet tooth, Insomnia Cookie might be the best thing to happen to your drunken self. Warm, gooey cookies and ice cream? Absolutely. The flavors are rich, indulgent and exactly what you crave when you’re three tequila shots deep.
That said, not everything about the experience was perfect. The presentation left a little to be desired — one of my cookies wasn’t even shaped like a cookie, which was both hilarious and mildly concerning. And while the taste made up for it, the lack of seating was an issue.
When you’re drunk, trying to figure out where to eat while holding a melting ice cream cookie sandwich is not ideal. If you’re heading straight home, this isn’t a big deal, but if you’re looking to enjoy your treat on the spot, good luck.
On the plus side, Insomnia Cookie is super affordable. At $3 or less per cookie, it’s a great bangfor-your-buck option, especially compared to pricier dessert spots. Just be prepared to get a little messy and possibly eat a weirdly-shaped cookie.
SCORE: 8/10
A Conversation with Ashley Dreyfus
By Emily Carmela Nelson
If you’ve spent more than a few hours walking around downtown Boise, you’ll quickly get to know the way Ashley Dreyfus’ art follows you throughout the city. Her organic, playful characters take a seat with you as you sip your coffee and brighten your drive home on a gloomy day.
Hailey, Idaho-born, Los Angeles-based illustrator and mural artist Ashley Dreyfus began creating art ever since she discovered she could crawl.
“I’ve always been such a visual person,” she said. “Throughout my childhood and young adult life I was taking as many art classes as I could and getting myself involved. I was picking up pens, paints — anything I could get my hands on.”
Moving to Boise at only fifteen years old, Dreyfus was eager to enter the growing art scene. As she developed her signature art style (which she describes as existing in an “alternate reality”) Dreyfus began noticing connections between illustrations within her sketchbooks.
When a friend and fellow creative proposed an idea to challenge himself to create a song every day consecutively for 30 days, Dreyfus wanted to try something similar to develop a recognizable art style and learn to draw digitally.
“I felt really inspired by him and decided to do that — but with art,” she said. “I developed a self motivated 365 drawing-a-day project and to teach
myself how to draw digitally, use applications like Adobe and anything else that could possibly be used for client work or to better myself.”
Dreyfus credits the development of her characters design to this process, noting that her “style really came through” after spending every single day illustrating individual art pieces. Soon, she began sharing her art daily on free platforms such as Instagram and Wix to grow a following. Dreyfus went on to continue the 365 project for five more years.
“I became so consistent after that first year that it was almost my identity.” Dreyfus said. “The 365 project is what really helped me develop my style and move forward to now have this as my full time career. To have a style that is recognizable to both clients and people who are just on the street is really, really cool.”
Dreyfus’ first ever piece of public art was featured in Freak Alley Gallery. The 2017 mural features a pastel color scheme and characters that closely resemble those she creates today, with differences including slightly more circular shapes and detailed facial expressions.
“[The experience of painting the mural] was so validating as a young person who just got out into the real world and didn’t really know much,” Dreyfus said. “I started meeting so many wonderful people in the Boise art community, especially people attending university, that took me under their wing. That was my first opportunity to ever paint a mural, and I’ll never forget how important that was to me.”
Dreyfus considered herself an “outcast” in high school. After graduation, she flourished in the freedom of adulthood within the city she came to know so well.
Alongside working at Baskin Robbins, Dreyfus spent countless hours of her adolescence drawing at coffee shops.
“Being immersed in that environment was very inspiring to me. I love coffee and I love talking to people,” Dreyfus said. “I felt like I created my best work in a coffee shop.”
This inspiration transformed into Dreyfus reaching out to coffee shop owners to discuss creating community art shows and painting murals within their shops.
“My goal was to just make friends with as many artists as possible, learn their stories, and find a way to bring everyone together so more people could meet other artists — it really snowballed from there,” Dreyfus said. “The Boise art community in general is important to me because I feel like everybody loosely knows each other.”
Two years ago, Dreyfus moved to Los Angeles, California to reside closer to her current clientele, though she never imagined leaving Boise. Dreyfus has creatively collaborated with countless brands locally and internationally, including (but not limited to) Verizon, Pabst Blue, and Nascar.
“Coming back and seeing my original murals, as well as new art pieces popping up around town, makes me so proud of Boise and stoked that this art has lived through a good period of time,” Dreyfus said. “[My original work] is so much more primitive than the work that I do now. It’s humbling to look back and reflect on where I was about eight years ago when I started all of this. Boise has always been so supportive and I couldn’t feel more appreciative that the art gets to live on and more people get to add to the community in this way.”
Dreyfus views her work as an escape from reality and extension of her most genuine self. She hopes that through her art, people will engage in conversations about community and develop an unapologetic love for the world.
“I want everybody to feel that we have equality and that we can work together to respect each other and have genuine love for the world. If we broke down those barriers, life would be a lot easier,”
Dreyfus said. “I hope that people take from my work that you can be the silliest and most genuine version of yourself and not hide those feelings or worry about judgement. We can’t get back this time on earth and every minute counts. If we’re able to just be ourselves and create freely, we can create positive change in the world.”
Inside Students’ Bags: A look at this year’s
trends and essentials
We took a peek inside students’ bags this year, and let’s just say — they said a lot. Some were sleek, organized and ready for anything. Others? Walking evidence of mild chaos. But one thing’s for sure: this year, student bags were a perfect mix of practicality and personality. From sleek, minimalist setups to cluttered collections of impulse purchases, students are carrying a wide variety of items that reflect their lifestyles, habits and trends. While some bags were stocked with necessities — laptops, notebooks and water bottles — others contained a surprising assortment of lucky charms, self-care products and snacks of questionable age. Regardless of how organized (or disorganized) they may have been, one thing was certain: students’ bags in 2025 tell a story about who they are, what they value and how they navigate their day-to-day lives.
Balancing Practicality and Personality
By Jocelyn Browne
The basics remain: planners, USB drives, highlighters and an evergrowing collection of pens.
But these essentials are often accompanied by personal touches — keychains, lip gloss collections, sentimental trinkets and emotional support snacks that have taken up residence in backpacks for weeks, if not months.
Many students have also perfected the art of the “emergency stash”. A quick peek inside most bags reveals gum, hair ties, Advil, a spare phone charger and a random pack of Band-Aids — just in case. Some students take their preparedness even further, carrying foldable tote bags for last-minute grocery runs, reusable straws for sustainability and even an extra pair of socks.
Students are striking a balance between function and fun when it comes to their everyday carry items.
Even in the midst of packed schedules and fast-paced routines, students are finding small ways to inject their personalities into their daily essentials. Whether it’s through a collection of quirky stickers on a laptop or a well-loved plush keychain hanging from a backpack zipper, every bag tells a different story.
Trending: Sunscreen, Lip Products and Self-Care Staples
Sunscreen is no longer just a summer essential — it’s a yearround necessity for many students. Thanks to the influence of social media, particularly TikTok and the rise of “derm-core” skincare trends, SPF has become a staple in student bags. From spray formulas to tinted sunscreen sticks, students are carrying multiple forms of sun protection, ensuring they can reapply throughout the day.
Another standout trend? Lip products. Some students swear by a single go-to balm, while others appear to be carrying a small Sephora aisle in their bags. Lip oils, glosses, tints and traditional balms are found in abundance, reflecting the growing obsession with lip care. Beyond skincare and beauty, self-care in general has become a priority for many students.
Crystals — believed to promote positive energy and emotional balance — are frequently found alongside notebooks and AirPods. Amethyst for calming energy,
citrine for manifestation and tiger’s eye for confidence are among the most popular. You may have bombed that quiz, but at least that citrine is attracting abundance.
Essential oils have also made their way into student bags. Lavender rollerballs for stress relief, peppermint oil for headaches and eucalyptusscented vials of unknown origin are just a few of the self-care items found in backpacks this year.
Mini perfume bottles, hand sanitizers in every imaginable scent and small plush toys meant for comfort round out the list of self-care staples. It’s clear that students aren’t just carrying supplies for school — they’re carrying supplies to get them through the day.
Tote Bags Make a Comeback
While mini purses dominated student fashion in previous years, they’re quickly being phased out in favor of more practical options. Tote bags, once a niche accessory, have become a staple for students who need to carry more than just their phones and wallets.
they too have evolved. Many students have upgraded from overstuffed, worn-out canvas bags to sleek, structured backpacks that prioritize functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. Leather designs, tech-friendly compartments and modern patterns have made backpacks just as much of a fashion statement as they are a necessity.
For those who are still committed to their micro-purses, a common workaround has emerged: carrying a second, much larger tote bag for actual essentials. While the aesthetic battle between form and function continues, it’s clear that students are increasingly leaning toward practicality.
Unexpected Finds: The Most Random Items in Student Bags
Other finds included a Magic 8 Ball, a homemade Altoids tin wallet and a fortune cookie from last semester. Some of these items made sense, some appeared to be the result of a long-forgotten impulse decision and others remain entirely inexplicable.
Beyond the essentials, student bags contain a variety of unexpected (and occasionally baffling) items. Among the most surprising discoveries:
What’s in Your Bag?
At the end of the day, what students carry in their bags is more than just a collection of school supplies — it’s a reflection of their habits, personalities and priorities. Whether it’s SPF 50, a crystal collection or a stash of snacks, every item tells a story about its owner.
So, what’s in your bag? And more importantly, what does it say about you?
The resurgence of tote bags can be attributed to several factors. Sustainability efforts, the rise of the academic aesthetic and the simple reality that tiny bags often fail to hold daily essentials have all contributed to their renewed popularity. Canvas totes, in particular, have become a goto choice for students juggling multiple responsibilities.
That’s not to say backpacks are out of style — far from it. Traditional backpacks remain the most common choice, but
27 Hooters wet wipes. Cleanliness is next to… deep-fried cleavage and sticky menus. Five USPS receipts, all crumpled into balls.
Someone out there is dodging their shipping regrets. Mini baby figurines. Don’t ask. We didn’t. A full-size beef stick. We respect the dedication to protein. A single, unwrapped Jolly Rancher. It had clearly seen things.
For many students, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Exhibition is their first time curating an exhibition and showcasing their art. The event is put on by students from Boise State University graduating with a BFA.
Students created the marketing for the exhibition, on top of installing and creating their own artwork. The spring 2025 semester saw an increase in student participation, so planning the exhibition was both chaotic and exciting.
“I’ll be doing two paintings for my exhibition that are going to be centered around nature and the human nature connection, but in a dreamlike quality. So it’s gonna be more of my dream of a utopian kind of connection that we have with nature,” said Puzey.
“I’m doing a series of self-portraits depicting what it’s like living with bipolar disorder and how it has been and kind of how it is now too, just very metaphorically,” Richtsmeier said.
Spring 2025
“It’s [the exhibit] going to focus on female friendships and how they can be very beneficial but also very detrimental,”
Barrett said. “We can be pretty mean to each other. So, I wanted to look at those differences and friendships and see how they work.”
“My photos are going to be circulated around my memories,” Steele said. “I lost my dad a few years ago so I’ve been struggling with grief and latching on to just simple moments with loved ones, especially since looking back I’m having a harder time remembering small moments … I remember the big stuff but the small stuff I realized I wanted to latch on to, so my photos are little small everyday moments with my partner, like I use a different lens with tilt shift to give that weird wishywashy memory feel.”
Untitled Christian Richtsmeier
Untitled Christian Richtsmeier
Oh, to be a girl
Nicole Barrett
Morph Rachel Puzey
A Reminscence of You Riley Steele
“All my stuff [art] is going to be ceramic but some of it’s going to be these little creatures that I make and then another is a huge sound-making jug that’s going to be on a rocking horse that you rock back and forth and it makes noise,” Nelson said. “For me, I think that it’s going to be exciting to see how my work joins the conversation of all of the other students that are reaching this culmination because there’s so many of us and I don’t know if there’s ever been another one that’s this large. So it’ll be kind of cool to see everybody’s different point of view.”
BFA Exhibition
Written by Naomi Brown
“I’m doing a seven piece drawing/painting/ artwork,” said Womak. “The title of the series is ‘Journey from Death to the Afterlife’ and it’s essentially this religious, triptych type of thing depicting different gods from different cultures helping souls go about.”
Creature Octopus
Leaf Nelson
Creature Kirin
Leaf Nelson
Creature Crying Leaf Nelson
Journey to Sunset Emagyne WomakJourney to Sunrise Emagyne Womak
Abby Christensen Memory of snow
Summer in Boise,Idaho
by olivia brandon
for me, summer in Boise means rafting the river, warm nights spent on downtown patios, pickleball tournaments and spending every possible minute outside.
But what do the hottest months of the year mean for other Idahoans?
On what was maybe one of the first days when it felt like spring had finally sprung in Boise, I took to the streets of Hyde Park to find out.
It’s no secret that hitting an ice cream shop is one of the most popular summer activities in Boise. Each summer, Boise ice cream shops serve hundreds of customers craving a sweet treat.
My first stop was Goody’s Soda Fountain located on 13th Street, where I sat down with ice cream aficionado and Goody’s worker, Brock Wilkosz.
“It’s always a steady day, there’s always something new and it’s just good people all around,” Wilkosz said of working at Goody’s.
Wilkosz, born and raised in Boise, enjoys seeing the friendly faces of returning college students around the ice cream shop during the summer.
When he’s not scooping ice cream, Wilkosz spends his summer exploring Stanley, Idaho and hiking the extensive amount of trails around Boise.
The most in-demand flavor
during the summer is Oreo cookie, Wilkosz said, with the classic cookie ice cream accounting for 20 percent of sales and frozen lemonade running a close second.
Wilkosz gave me the inside scoop and said his go-to order for beating the heat is a toasted coconut milkshake with bittersweet hot fudge (BRB running to Goody’s to order this immediately).
My next stop was Java, a cozy coffee shop just down the street from Goodys with a sister location in downtown Boise.
Barista Brenlee Grubaugh, another Boise native, said that summer in Idaho means one thing: heat.
As Grubaugh is not a fan of the usual 90 degree days that coincide with Boise summer, they said finding lakes to cool off in is a must.
“Definitely Lucky Peak, hitting all of the little lakes around here, maybe even going into the mountains — getting out of the valley,” Grubaugh said.
I stopped Sabrina Stover in front of Hyde and Seek, a trinket and gift shop in Hyde Park to see what her summer bucket list included. Stover has only spent one summer in Boise, but she’s already anticipating this season’s activities.
“Definitely more hiking because we couldn’t get all of the hiking down in the surrounding area in
one summer,” Stover said. Stover echoed Grubaugh and said her must-do activity is hitting Lucky Peak.
Jess Wagner, who has lived in Boise since 2020, shared what the months of June-August in the Treasure Valley mean to them.
“I think of heat, I think of going outside a lot … blackberries on the vine,” Wagner said and echoed previous answers of spending time floating the river and hiking the foothills.
When asked what comes to mind when picturing summer in Boise, Hannah Wells, born and raised in Boise, noticed that everyone seems to come out of hibernation during the summer.
“Everybody comes out of their
houses,” Wells said. “Everyone who’s in for the cold months is out and about—”
“Maybe joy,” Wells’ friend Kaitlynn Collins, also born in Boise, interjected.
Wells’ must-do activity is baseball games, where, protip, they do two-dollar beers on Thursdays.
With the promise of spring becoming more of a reality each week, summer is just around the corner. Spending time outside hiking or rafting, eating ice cream, driving out to the mountains and attending baseball games are just a few of the ways Idahoans are spending the hottest months of the year in Boise.
Treefort Street Style
By Emily Carmela Nelson
Rose Morrison
Cassidy Smith 21
“I feel like my style is definitely inspired by sci-fi movies. ‘Dune’ is probably one of my biggest inspirations honestly — I love the excessive layers. Muted colors are fun, but I like mixing them with bright colors to stand out.”
Treefort Attendee 21
Brock Wilkosz
Treefort Attendee 19 Treefort Attendee
“[My style] is kind of eclectic. A lot of random pieces that I’ve kind of pulled together. I like finding obscure things and mixing and matching — finding what works and what doesn’t. Basically just messing around until I like something.”
“Monochrome utilitarian. That’s kind of what my friends who are into fashion have said. A lot of times, I’ll pick a shirt that matches my pants because I don’t want to think too hard.”
Olivia Brandon
Digital Content Manager for Student Media 21
“I think [my style] is very ‘I wish that I had thrifted this’, but I definitely got it at Cotton On or American Eagle. These overalls are my cousin’s friend’s, so they’re kind of thrifted in a way. I’d say it’s very main character girl in a rom-com, very sweet and feminine. Lots of little flowers and denim.”
Frosty Biggs 21
News Editor for the Arbiter 21
“I would describe [my style] as a mix of things from high school that I still think are cool, kind of just creeping over into my twenties. I’ll go shopping and find things that I really like and wear them out for a really long time. I got this button up in high school and these Carhart pants off of Depop a really long time ago. I love black Converse. If they didn’t break down I’d probably still be wearing the ones I got in high school.”
Treefort Attendee
“I feel like my style is all over the place — especially being nonbinary. Sometimes I feel really really feminine and I wear makeup. I don’t like dresses, but I love skirts. Makeup, skirts and very bright colors. I always like bright colors, I’m not a dark color person. I don’t own that much black. Other times, I really like baggy masculine clothes. I love my khakis. I wear khakis probably like three times a week.”
Omar Saucedo
10 must-watch movies from the 2024-2025 academic year
By Kelly Ann Asker
Nosferatu
Robert Eggers blessed audiences with his version of the classic film “Nosferatu”. The costuming, makeup, cinematography and performances all captivated viewers — with many ditching Christmas dinner with family to see the film on opening night. “Nosferatu” follows Thomas and Ellen Hutter (Nicholas Hoult and Lily-Rose Depp) as they encounter the infamous Count Orlock (Bill Skarsgård)
A Real Pain
A touching story about family and heritage, “A Real Pain” follows cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) on a trip to Poland where they plan to honor their grandmother who lived there. Tensions rise as the pair navigate their difficult relationship and family history.
Companion
Horror rom-coms are trending, and “Companion” is sure to be a new staple of the genre. The film follows Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quiad) on a weekend trip to visit friends. When someone dies, shocking secrets are revealed about Iris, which changes the game for the rest of the film.
Wicked
The release of the first half of “Wicked” had musical theater fans mesmerized. From the incredible sets to the incredible performances, “Wicked”’s enormous fan base only grew with the long awaited release. From holding space for the lyrics of “Defying Gravity” to the infamous finger hold, the “Wicked” press tour was just as memorable as the film.
The Substance
In September 2024, a disgustinglybeautiful body horror film took the film community by storm. “The Substance” follows Elizabeth (Demi Moore) as she takes a mysterious “substance” that creates a younger, better version of herself — Sue (Margaret Qualley). When one of them refuses to respect the balance, things go horribly wrong.
Anora
Securing four Oscars at the 97th annual Academy Awards, “Anora” follows Ani (Mikey Madison) — a stripper who thinks she’s found the love of her life when she marries Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch. Her bubble is quickly burst when Vanya’s mother sends henchman to annul the marriage. Panicked by the arrival of the henchman and his godfather, Vanya flees, leading Ani and her new captors on a wild goose chase.
Saturday Night
Ever wondered how the iconic television show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) came to be? The film “Saturday Night” covers just that. The 90-minutes leading up to the very first episode of SNL were chaotic, entertaining and even a little dangerous and “Saturday Night” covers it all. With impeccable casting and a fast-paced story, this film is a great watch.
A Complete Unknown
Bob Dylan has no doubt made a name for himself as a musical icon, but “A Complete Unknown” has introduced Dylan’s story to a new generation while
reminding his older generations of a significant period in musical history. Timothee Chalamet’s flawless portrayal of Dylan won the hearts of viewers everywhere.
A Minecraft Movie
“A Minecraft Movie” didn’t make this list because of its cinematic style or impressive acting, but rather for its undeniable cultural impact. Starring Jack Black as Steve, “A Minecraft Movie” follows four people as they’re pulled into a mysterious portal that leads to the Minecraft world. There, they meet Steve who joins them on a quest. Keep an ear out for iconic lines like, “chicken jockey” and “flint and steel”.
Queer
Visually stunning and emotionally challenging, “Queer” was an underrecognized release that deserves more recognition. In 1950s Mexico City, Mexico, Lee (Daniel Craig) falls in love with the mysterious Eugene (Drew Starkey). The pair journey into the jungle together at Lee’s request, leading them on a mind-bending adventure that is almost entirely up for interpretation. Not to mention, the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is almost as exceptional as the cinematography.
