N0. 30 FATE

THE TELLER

f f A A T TE E

findusonsocial media

STATEMENT FROM THE TELLER

Earlier in May, our New Paltz students, faculty and community members were harmed in a decision that will plague this school for years to come. It is unforgettable what occurred on May 2nd The Teller urges for the SUNY New Paltz administration to give those affected, amnesty. President Wheeler’s actions were beyond unjustified as the encampment was peaceful and prosperous, and our constitutional right to protest. Books donated from the Sojourner Truth Library, Black Studies, Women Gender Sexuality Studies (WGSS) and English Departments were destroyed by university sanctioned riot police and a bulldozer. It is in these destructive moments that art, beauty and creation are very important to process traumatic experiences and institutional oppression. The Teller stands in support of those protesting for disclosure and divestment all across America. We stand with the Student Intifada. None of us are Free until all of us are Free. Power to the People.

LETTER FROM EDITOR

The Teller community was tainted by the events of May 2nd. Many of our members felt scared in our once serene environment. Many of us saw our classmates, friends and faculty being dragged and brutalized. Many of us were stressed and felt the unrest tension during the aftermath. Our magazine community is very tiny but we are making strides together as one.

Fynn Haughney

Although two of our Executive Board members are leaving, they are leaving behind a legacy of kindness, admiration, intelligence, and, above all, creative spirit. I want to congratulate The Teller‘s Managing Editor and Co-Head of Design, Samantha Salerno, and the Fashion & Beauty Section Editor and other Co-Head of Design, Olivia Perez, for graduating this past weekend. I hope success continues to follow the both of you through whatever adversity you may face EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Senior Goodbye

farewell,

FROM E-BOARD MEMBER

It is with this issue that I bid The Teller goodbye. I’m just a few assignments away from graduation and I’ll no longer be a resident of this charming village. I’d like to thank anyone who’s submitted over the past few months and helped make this publication a collaborative effort. The Teller has been there for me as a creative outlet and it’s a very special aspect of the media department.

I’ll be dedicating some time this summer to crafting new poetry, creating music, and writing for a newspaper. I’m sad to leave, but nothing lasts forever.

To my EIC Fynn, this magazine wouldn’t be thriving if it weren’t for you. I’m so lucky to call you a friend. Best of luck to you and future issues of this silly little literary hub.

Stay Gold, Ponyboy.

Samantha Salerno MANAGINGEDITOR

farewell,

FROM E-BOARD MEMBER

As the final issue of The Teller for this school year comes to a close, I want to express my sincerest gratitude. It has been an absolute joy to work on this magazine and collaborate with each contributor Your creativity and courage in sharing your pieces is the heart of The Teller Magazine.

The process of creating each issue has led to much growth and I always had so much fun designing the various issues From brainstorming sessions to late-night edits, the passion within our team have been truly inspiring.

What I’ve come to realize is that, wherever your journey might lead, it is fate that shapes who you become in the future As I graduate this year, I am filled with much appreciation and love for being a part of this magazine The experiences and memories I’ve gained here I will forever cherish, and I am confident that The Teller will continue to thrive and inspire in the years to come.

Thank you for being part of this incredible ride and hope you enjoy our new issue.

Olivia Perez FASHION&BEAUTYSECTION EDITOR, CO-HEADOFDESIGN

M E E T T H E E B O A R D

Fynn Haughney Editor-in-Chief

Alyssa Roldan Head of Social Media

Sydney Anderson Adventure & Culture Section Editor

Samantha Salerno Managing Editor Co-Head of Design

Olivia Perez Fashion & Beauty Section Editor Co-Head of Design

DylanMurphy Horoscope & Misc. Section Editor

Cassander Liu Head Page Editor

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

JustinDemmitt

Englishmajor Junior Brooklyn,NY

Contribution: PredictingthefutureApoemforPalestine

FynnHaughney

Englishw/conc.inCreative Writing Junior LongIsland,NY

Contributions: EndoftheYearPlaylist, “Solidarity,forever.”, ToBeaWoman

MayraPuntier

Englishmajor Junior WashingtonHeights,NY

Contributions: dancinghearts,hide&seek

NicolePottgen

Englishw/conc.inCreativeWriting/ Musicminor Sophomore LongIsland,NY

Contributions: Omniscient

OliviaPerez

Journalismmajor Communicationsminor Senior LongIsland,NY

Contributions: forthatlittlegirlinme, Bronze,Rose&Glow:YourGoToSummerMakeupRoutine

ADVENTURE & CULTURE

Ghost Towns in Chinatown Cassander Liu

WalkingdownElizabethStreetinManhattan’sChinatown,you’llspotashoppingmall calledtheElizabethCenter,withanescalatorconnectingthemainfloortotheground one.Asachild,Ialwaysheadedstraighttothelowerfloor,notcaringmuchaboutthe mainfloor’sclothesondisplay,tackyandnotalignedwithwhatIconsideredtobe“cool American”fashion.

Therealtreasureswerefounddownstairs,withshopssellingavarietyofSanrioandanime merchandise,brimmingwithcuteplushiesandpastelstationery.Ipaidlittlemindtothe priceandqualityoftheseproducts–-Irememberbuyinganangel-themedPusheenplush fromoneofthestoresandthewingswereupsidedown-–onlyeagertogetmyhands ontoafuzzyreplicaofHelloKittyorGudetama.

MyearliestmemoryoftheElizabethCenterwastheamountofbusinesshappeningonthe groundfloor,most–ifnotall–storeswereoccupiedwithsomethingnewtooffer, trinketsandmerchandiseappealingtoeveryanimefanorplushieenthusiast.But,atsome point,Irememberthefloorbecomingnoticeablymoredesolate;numbersofstoreshad beenclosedoffwithwindowsshutandnoexplanationwhy.Eventually,apharmacytook placewithfriendlylightingandgachaponmachines.

Evidentlythewrathofhighrentpricesandstagnatingcustomershipdroveshopowners outofthemall,leavingonlyhazymemoriesofchildrenexcitinglylookingthrough windowsanddrainingtheirparents’wallets.Ascommonlynoted,thestartofthe pandemichasexacerbatedthisproblemthroughoutManhattan,withtrendybusinesses takingoverabandonedstorefronts.

WalkingthroughChinatownandtheLowerEastSidepasttheinitialpeakofthe pandemic,Inoticeanabundanceofartgalleriesandvintagestorespoppingup.Iblame theinfluxofinfluencersmakingtheirwayintothebigcityandclashingwiththetwo historicallylower-incomeneighborhoodsbyintroducingbrandnewhotspotsinhopesof attractingyoungercrowds.Ononeblocktherewerehousingprojectssetupbythe bridge.Afewblocksdowntherewasanemptyvintagestorethathadasignbanning peoplefromwearingmasksinside.Astounding.

Consequently,thefateoftheseneighborhoodsleavesalottobedesired.Ofcourse,toact asifgatekeepinganentirecitywouldbeproductive–letalonepossible–isridiculous. There’sareasonwhyNewYorkCityattractsmillionstoitsbustlingstreetsandthriving opportunities.Maybetheinfluxofyoungerdemographicswillevenhelprevitalizethe ElizabethCenterbygoingaftercuteplushiesandstationeryindroves.

But,Icannothelpbutworryabouttheongoingsocioeconomicdisparitiesrampaging acrossneighborhoods,asrentshootsupandinfrastructuretosupportthevulnerable crumbles.Thereisapartofmethatbelievesthingswillimprove.However,thisis meaninglessuntilwecontinuetosupportthefightagainstgentrificationbyfightingfor oneofthecity’smostunprotectedpopulations.

FASHION&BEAUTY

Bronze, Rose & Glow: Your Go-To Summer Makeup Routine from Olivia Perez

is perfect to get your summer groove on Whether you're hitting the beach, sipping drinks by the poolside, or just soaking up the sun, this effortless and glowing look will have you radiating both warmth and confidence

Step 1 (Prep & Prime):

With any makeup look, it is vital to prep your base so you can get your glam on. This cannot be a glowy makeup routine without hydration. Start with your moisturizers, eye creams and any dewy serums of your choosing I personally love the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacin-amide Dew Drops (perfect for dry and textured skin) Once you're done with skincare, it's time to prep the base. Two of my favorite current primers are the MAC Strobe Creams and the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

Step 2 (Brows):

After priming your skin, I find it works best to tackle my brows straight away This way, I can ensure they are framed perfectly, before moving on to the rest of my makeup routine My favorite brand for brow products is 100% Benefit Cosmetics, from their slim brow pencils to their brow gels to hold everything in place, Benefit has you covered! When it comes to brows for this look, the main goal is to keep them natural and fluffy

pencil or pen to fill in any sparse areas, focusing on enhancing your natural brow shape rather than creating sharp brow lines And don't forget to set your brows in place with a clear brow gel!

Step 3 (Base):

Since the weather is getting warmer out, keeping the makeup light and fresh is key to this look Spot concealing has been one of my new favorite go-to's, to fix any blemishes before applying the rest of your base Since this makeup routine is all about the glow, opt for a skin tint, concealer, or even both! Two top picks of mine are the Tula Skin Care Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Skin Tint and the e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter Do not forget about the golden rule: blend, blend, and blend! As I always say, blending is key to achieving that seamless, natural look. Once your base is all smoothed out, it's time to reach for your trusty concealer My current favorite? The NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum But listen, at the end of the day, it's all about what works best for you Whether you opt for just concealer or decide to go all-in with a skin tint, the most crucial thing is to keep it as lightweight as possible after all, we're aiming for that effortless summer glow!

MAKEUP BY STEPHANIE LEDDA

To set your base, lightly dust your favorite loose or pressed powder, aiming for both your under eyes and high points of your face to keep that base lasting all day

Step 4 (Blush/Bronzer):

You best not miss this iconic step that truly brings that sun-kissed look to life: bronzer and blush First up bronzer Now think of it as your secret weapon for both sculpting and adding warmth to your natural features Lightly define the hollows of your cheeks, temples and, of course, jawline with a light warm bronzer. Now, onto blush which will enhance the look even further Opt for a rosy or peachy shade and apply it to the apples of your cheeks, brushing in upward strokes towards your temples But here's the twist, don't stop there, for an extra touch, lightly dust a bit of blush across the bridge of your nose to give it that ultimate permanent blushing look It's all up to you whether to use powder or liquid blush, but I'll confess, liquid blush will enhance the dewiness for that ultimate radiant finish

Step 5 (Highlight):

Now, if you want that extra glow, add a small amount of highlighter to your routine Opt for a champagne or gold-toned highlighter and apply it to the high points of your face the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose and your cupid's bow Remember, a little goes a long way, so start with a light hand and build up as needed This subtle touch of shimmer will catch the light beautifully

Step 6 (Eyes):

When it comes to eyes, there's not much to add to complement your sun-kissed look Keep it simple by focusing on lengthening your lashes with mascara. My new favorite is the Clinique High Impact High-Fi™ Full Volume Mascara Its formula effortlessly coats each lash, providing length and definition without clumping Just a few coats of this mascara will give you the perfect subtle yet impactful addition to your look

Step 7 (Lips):

For making those lips effortlessly chic, I recommend reaching for a lip tint and your favorite gloss. What I love about lip tints is their long-lasting power, keeping that color for

almost the entire day, making touch-ups a thing of the past Now for color, choose a rose or pink-toned lip tint to compliment the warmth of your bronzed skin These hues add a touch of freshness and a pop of color, effortlessly tying your whole look together Plus, topping it off with a gloss adds an extra layer of shine, making your lips the perfect finishing touch to your summertime glam.

Step 8 (Setting):

Finally, to make your effortless work last all day, don’t forget to set this beat! Reach for your favorite setting spray or why not indulge in two? to lock in that radiant glow To kick off your setting spray routine, start with a hydrating mist to add a dewy finish Personally, I swear by the Urban Decay AllNighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, it is truly a game-changer. Then, to lock in your look even more, seal the deal with the On Til Dawn Setting Spray from One/Size Beauty. This double dose of setting spray not only ensures your makeup stays put but also enhances the longevity of your radiant look With these dynamic setting sprays, your effortless glow will last from dawn to dusk without missing a beat

Conclusion:

Overall, achieving that beautiful sunny look is all about embracing natural warmth and luminosity By following this step-by-step guide, or even adding little touches of your own, you can effortlessly enhance your features with bronzer, blush and a little bit of glow. Remember, the key is to keep it light, fresh and radiant, just like the perfect summer day.

H ORO S C OPE S

& m i s c .

Summer Horoscopes Summer Horoscopes

Dylan Murphy

Aries Aries

Gemini Gemini

Let this be a summer of calm. Of letting things happen to you, instead of you trying to make things happen. There’s no need to put so much pressure on yourself, or try to set expectations that will only end up hurting you if you can’t reach them. Everything will fall into place, just have some trust and let yourself go.

This summer could be a great time to do some reevaluating. You may have done things earlier this year that caused you pain, and now you must heal while you reflect on how you got to this point. Learn who you really are, why you act the way you do. The more time you spend with yourself this summer, the better. You’re anticipating new and exciting things to shake up your life this summer You want there to be something mysterious, something unfamiliar. Maybe someone. Put yourself out there. Explore new places, talk to new people and have fun in different social environments. You’ve set your mind to this, and you ’ re going to find it.

The next few months are going to be wild. You’re going to find yourself in all sorts of situations you ’ ve never experienced before, yourself in all sorts of situations you ’ ve never experienced before, but through the ups and downs, it’ll all be worth it. These but through the ups and downs, it’ll all be worth it. These experiences are exactly what you need to grow and understand the experiences are exactly what you need to grow and understand the parts of yourself you feel like you don’t know. Don’t be scared. parts of yourself you feel like you don’t know. Don’t be scared.

The next few months are going to be wild. You’re going to find

LLeo eo

It’s time to be confident and cocky. Nothing new for you, but since it’ll be summer, you ’ ve got to work it on full display. You’re looking for passion, for attention and something intense during these months, so make sure you ’ re taking risks and leaving it all on the table. Something perfect for your desires will find you. You may have gotten a bit more mellow as the semester ended, so it’s time to do a full 360 and go into summer guns blazing. There are so many people you want to see, so many crowded settings you want to be in and you miss the experiences of being with your circle and having community. It’s going to be a social summer for you.

LLibra ibra

There’s something hanging over you as you enter this summer, and you take these last few weeks of the semester to tie up any loose ends. It’ll be worse to leave and let things fester, and pretending like everything’s fine won’t solve anything. You’ll feel much better going into the summer knowing you made the right decision.

You’re going to have an emotionally intense summer, filled with questioning and wondering and worrying. This will revolve around someone you want in your life, but you ’ re unsure if they feel the same way. If they can’t give you the answers you need, then it gives you all the more reason not to stay. Put yourself first.

SSagittarius agittarius

Your summer will be unpredictable. There’s not much to say except you ’ re going to be hit with surprise after surprise, and not in a bad way. These new opportunities are fresh and beckon you to adventure and look at things from a unique perspective.

You’re coming into this summer on a high, and you’ll be keeping it that way. Keep the good energy rolling, and people will come your way. There’s so much joy to experience this summer, and with the positivity you ’ ve been putting out, you don’t have to worry about missing out on any of it.

Aquarius Aquarius

Your summer will be everything you want it to be and more. It’ll be the summer you ’ ve been wishing for your whole life.

Long, eventful days and late, hilarious nights. The best part is that you deserve all of it, and never tell yourself otherwise. You deserve all of the happiness you’ll experience this summer.

Summer isn’t going to be easy. There’ll be a lot of struggle, but Summer isn’t going to be easy. There’ll be a lot of struggle, but you ’ re going to make it out the other side. There’s a lot on your mind you ’ re going to make it out the other side. There’s a lot on your mind already, and the next few months will only make it more difficult, already, and the next few months will only make it more difficult, but you ’ re stronger than you know. Surround yourself with as many but you ’ re stronger than you know. Surround yourself with as many friends, hobbies and activities as possible. You’ll be okay. friends, hobbies and activities as possible. You’ll be okay.

PLAYLIST END OF THE YEAR

Fynn Haughney

Fate: noun, the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power. As all things start, they are fated to end. Here’s the End of the Year Playlist, (aka RECAP of my New Paltz ‘24 music taste).

End of Beginning by Djo

Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter

Oklahoma Smokeshow by Zach Bryan

You’re So Vain by Carly Simon

Cardinal by Kacey Musgraves

Look At Us Now (Honeycomb) by Daisy Jones & The Six

Margaret (ft. Bleachers) by Lana Del Rey

exes by Tate McRae

Cuando by Ruzzi

Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan

Pyro by Kings of Leon

JOLENE by Beyoncé

Poison by Bell Biv DeVoe

Elephant by Tame Impala

Sushi on the Beach by The 4411

Girls In Their Summer Clothes by Bruce Springsteen

Carolina by Harry Styles

Feathered Indians by Tyler Childers

Casual by Chappell Roan

affection by BETWEEN FRIENDS

The College Experience Samantha Salerno

Lazy days humming Grateful Dead, sitting on my twin-XL dorm room bed.

230 square feet and my roommate, Meg.

To times spent in his space instead, across the Hudson– Go foxes! Go Red! Then a house filled with six closest friends.

Partying felt like it’d never end.

A weeks time comes something new and strange

New corners of the world, existence change.

We’ll throw up our caps and move away.

Adventures to dare and bills to pay.

I wish this feeling could be bottled up!

Shoved in a drawer for a rainy day.

Dreaming of Mohonk Mountain til my return someday.

dancing hearts

Mayra Puntier

asiconnectthedotsinthesky— ithinkaboutthewayweendedupheretonight. entwinedlikeconstellationsininfinitespace, fatehaswoventwoheartsinlove'sendlesschase. whilewedanceamongstthemoonlight— areflectionofourintertwinedsouls. ihopeyouseestarsinmygaze, thewayIseegalaxiesinyours. throughtheebbandflowoftime’sembrace withheartsaflame,ourspiritsbind.

MW

Sean O’Hehir

The dark days line in fear of your joyous arrival

For the brightness and light of you seem to illuminate so intensely that it makes the sun appear dim

Your warmth makes a burning ember feel like a cold block–Ice floating in the harsh, sapphire arctic sea

The bluest days I find are those in which I find your company elsewhere from me

To long for you is so beautiful as I know you will return I long for you, my beautiful And for you my heart burns

For That little girl Within Me Olivia Perez

as graduation approaches, I can’t help but wonder, where has all the time gone?

from playing with barbie dolls in my childhood backyard to going out in town with my high school friends to moving to a new place searching to find myself within the chaotic beautiful mess of college. from all the doubts that have lingered from my past lives, that never thought I could make it to this point. as I look at myself in the mirror, I see the reflections of who I was once, the past versions of myself scattered in the back of my mind. there has always been that little voice inside, reminding me of my younger self. that little girl with big aspirations and goals who once thought were impossible to reach. that little girl who was constantly kicked down, and was told her dreams were just dreams. as I look back on the memories that were both filled with all the good times and the bad, I remember who I was and who I am still becoming. this milestone moment that I have been waiting for my whole life proves that my dreams were not just dreams. they became reality. but my dreams were not the only thing that I aspired to be. I became a new version of myself in a light that outshined all the darkness.

and for her, the little girl with boundless dreams, I will continue to fight for every step of the way, to honor that little girl within me.

TO BE A WOMAN — FYNN HAUGHNEY

YOU MUST BE PERCEIVED AND FORCED TO PERFORM. TO BE A WOMAN, IS TO CRY ALONE AND GOSSIP TOGETHER AND SMILE WHEN THEY TELL YOU TO. TO BE A WOMAN, IS TO BE ANGRY. TO BE A WOMAN, IS TO BE GRATEFUL. TO BE A WOMAN, IS TO SEE YOUR RIGHTS DISAPPEAR. TO BE A WOMAN, IS TO YELL AT YOUR COMPLEXION. TO BE A WOMAN, YOU MUST BE COOL AND EVERCHANGING. YOU MUST BE FRESH, TO BE A WOMAN. TO BE A WOMAN, IS TO BE A CRIMINAL, STEALING HEARTS AND UNWANTED GAZES. TO BE A WOMAN, IS TO SURVIVE. TO BE A WOMAN, IS TO BE PROPER, CLEAN AND SOPHISTICATED. TO BE A WOMAN, IS TO BE PROMISCUOUS ENOUGH TO BE SEDUCTIVE ENOUGH BUT NOT AN OUTRIGHT SLUT. TO BE A WOMAN, YOU MUST SWALLOW YOUR GUILT. TO BE A WOMAN, IS TO RECOGNIZE THE GENERATIONAL PAIN FLOWING THROUGH OUR MOTHERS’ AND HER MOTHER’S AND THEIR MOTHER’S SOULS — BUT I’M JUST A GIRL.

MayraPuntier

Predicting the future Predicting the future

god has been the closest thing you ’ ve ever done to predict the future.

so there’s been parallel lines of:

small boys with big weapons, a ravine filled with memories of Ohio, visions of nylon, and they are all wrong on this side.

our burning books, and the burning trees from whence they came, have never known peace.

so free us and those across the way from helicopters’ spotlight to watch us better, and the beat of drones and fail-safe mechanisms.

why must we hide from your tendency for violence?

all we know is the peace you have never shown, so god has been the closest thing you ’ ve ever done to predict the future.

if our gods are wrong for being faceless, yours are wrong for being material.

FOREVER.” “SOLIDARITY

FynnHaughney

Hiddenindarkness,overdozensofMILITARIZEDtroops bangedtheirbatonsagainstriotshields.BOOMBOOM BOOM.Thegraysuitsreversedcolorizedtelevisionas theystormedonourserenecampus.Thundersofboots. Stompingouttheflowers.Bulldozingthebeauty. Bruisingourchildren.Ziptiespinchingouryouth, suffocatingourstudentbody.Concealedintheshadows, lightningcapturedus,butstill,wesaw 130+ARRESTSofstudentswhopaytobehere.

“Youwillnotbeabletoplugin,turnonandcopout.” Brothersandsisters,friendsandfamily;myclassmates havetherighttoassembleintheirbackyardpeacefully. FIFTEENTENTSdoesnotexcusetheunnecessary dragging,thedeliberateberating,thedisgustingattack onstudents.Alonesuperherowithawatermeloncape stood,bangingonadrum,shoutingforthemtolisten.

Hearusaswecry:

“Whoprotectsus?Weprotectus!”

250lbmenwenthomehigh-fivingeachotherfor brutalizing twenty-something-year-olds.

“Yeah,thepresidentsucks,he’sawarpigfuck.”Wheeler. Hochul.SUNY.USgovernment.

TheNewYorkTimeswillnotlook,theelitistsdonot care.Wearehere.WewillnotrestuntilSUNYdivests. Weare“calmlikeabomb.

Andtheriotistherhymeoftheunheard.”

[GIL SCOTT-HERON, SONIC YOUTH, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, NEW PALTZ STUDENT BODY ]

@mhvdsa