Changes Zine Issue #1: Back to School by Changes Zine

CHANGES chein-juhz 1. [NOUN] the act or instance of making or becoming different. 2. [ZINE] a youth-run magazine dedicated to promoting new ideas and encouraging others to try new things.

BEFORE WE CONTINUE, A SHORT MESSAGE FROM US:

Editor's Note

I started Changes with a simple goal: to create a platform where teenagers can safely voice their opinions, share their art and grow more accustomed to change through all of it. When I was younger, I moved schools a lot so I found myself on countless forums trying to figure out how to deal with being the new kid. Being extremely shy and the new kid is an easy combination to feeling alone. But one thing that helped me feel less alone was art. Once I opened my sketchbook, people would come and ask me about my art and ask me to draw with them. I hoped when I started Changes Zine with Arik that the art, writing pieces and advice columns our contributors share through the magazine would help others feel less alone and spark open conversations in our community about various kinds of change. Changes has the kind of messages I wished I knew about when I was growing up and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so excited to have teamed up with these talented individuals to share these messages with you all.

So often, we as young people find ourselves stuck in a never-ending loop of being angry and tired with the world and its problems. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to remain hopeful when we have been left with a place riddled with injustice and inequality. We often forget the weight our actions can have and are left idle, trapped in our thoughts and emotions. I had recently been passed up on an opportunity where I thought I could finally make a difference, and I found myself in this same loop. After sitting in my own cloud of negativity, I decided that enough was enough. If I wanted to contribute to change, I had to make the platform to do so, and then, nothing could stop me. I joined hands with Angelina to create a place where young people could come together and channel their frustrations into positive productivity. A place that empowers young people to embrace new ideas and initiate the change we so desperately yearn for. Through art and creative expression, we can question the old and make way for a new world that includes everyone.

-Angelina Creative Director and Editor

-Arik Creative Director and Editor

CHANGESZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020

The theme for Changes Zine’s first issue is Back to School. We know that the first day of school can be really scary, especially right now with COVID-19. Everyone is facing challenges going into this school year and we want this magazine to remind you that you’re not alone. Our contributors come from all walks of life and are here to use their talent and expertise to help you out with the new school year. From fun fashion tips to movie recommendations to an analysis of online learning to recounts of first day experiences, we’ve got everything you need to prepare for school in a pandemic. Happy reading!

Introduction First Days

Interviews Tips and Recommendations

School News

Meet Our Contributors

CHANGESZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | FIRST DAYS

WRITING: MAYA | ILLUSTRATIONS: TRISTAN | GRAPHICS: KIM

WRITING: ALI | PHOTOS: TIAN | GRAPHICS: ANGELINA

“The “The Fair” Fair”

Adobe Photoshop CC 2020

The one thing freshmen should take advantage of is to join as many clubs as they can, and really have fun with their interests in their first year! Use the time your first year in high school gives you to just branch out, your graduate self will thank you! ILLUSTRATION: CALLY | GRAPHICS: CATHERINE | CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | FIRST DAYS

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | FIRST DAYS

WRITING, ILLUSTRATIONS & GRAPHICS: RA

A A G G L

N N E E

a n g e l a

A A P r o f i l e : Angela

is a recent graduate from the Barstow School in Kansas City, Missouri—which in her words is a place surrounded by “cornfields and c o r nf i e l d s ” — a n d o n h e r way to C o l u m b i a U n i ve r s ity i n N YC t h i s fa l l . S h e p l a n s o n m a j o r i n g i n f i l m a n d m e d i a s t u d i e s , l i ke l y s t u d y i n g a c o n c e n t r a t i o n i n business. Born and raised in Shenzhen, China, she m o v e d t o t h e U S fo r h i g h s c h o o l .

Can you give a short introduction about yourself? What are some of your passions and interests? In my free time I enjoy photography, I’ve played the p i a n o s i n c e I wa s 4 , a n d I a l s o l e a r n e d t h e g u it a r a n d u ku l e l e i n h i g h s c h o o l ( p l ay i n g i n a n i n d i e - ro c k b a n d w i t h m y f r i e n d s fo r a r o u n d 2 y e a r s ) . I a l s o l ove to watc h f i l m s , a n d af te r g o i n g to C o l u m b i a ’ s Summer School I became really interested in directing and screenwriting and just working on sets. I’m also really interested in studying languages! I’ve s t u d i e d S p a n i s h fo r 4 y e a r s a n d I ’ m a l s o s t u d y i n g Japanese with my tutor.

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | INTERVIEWS | SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

Now since you came over to study in the States after middle school, it must’ve been a big transition. What was your experience like moving from China to America? I t w a s v e r y d i f fe r e n t . W h e n I f i r s t c a m e h e r e I w a s l i ke “ O h m y g o d , t h i s i s l i ke a c o l l e g e ! ” I d i d n ’ t k n o w w h e r e m y l o c ke r w a s , I d i d n ’ t e v e n k n o w w h a t a l o c ke r w a s , a n d I w a s s o l o s t . A n d d ef i n ite l y t h e c u ltu re s h o c k wa s re a l l y b i g . I h a d to l e a r n a l l t h e s l a n g ! Fo r exa m p l e , I n eve r k n ew c u t e m e a n t p r e t t y , l i ke I t h o u g h t c u t e w a s s o m e t h i n g y o u c o u l d o n l y s a y t o a d o g . I n c l a s s , I a l s o r e m e m b e r w h e n I f i r s t c a m e h e r e I c o u l d u n d e r s t a n d l i ke o n l y 3 0 % o f w h a t w a s b e i n g s a i d i n c l a s s , t h e n h a lf a ye a r l ate r it wa s at 8 0 % . It wa s sti l l a re a l l y b i g str u g g l e w h e n yo u d o n ’ t r e a l l y k n o w w h a t ’ s h a p p e n i n g . P e o p l e a l s o j u s t l i k e t o s o c i a l i z e d i f f e r e n t l y . Wa l k i n g i n a h a l l w a y i n C h i n a n o o n e j u s t s a y s “ Wo a h y o u l o o k s o g o o d ! ” b e c a u s e t h a t ’ s n o t a t h i n g t h e r e . Coming here, people would compliment my dress and I’d just say “Thank you?”, I totally didn’t know how to respond to them. But in the end, I kind of also hated my old middle school (in China) because I don’t think the male te a c h e r s re s p e c te d w o m e n at a l l . Th ey ’ d s l u t - s h a m e yo u i f yo u c a m e i n w it h a d i f fe re n t h a i r s t y l e , a n d I r e a l l y d i d n ’ t l i ke t h e e n v i r o n m e n t . S o I w a s k i n d o f l i ke “ I w a n t t o g o t o a n o t h e r c o u n t r y fo r high school”.

Being that this is your first year of university, and it’s also the first year of university starting in quarantine are there things that you’re excited about? I wa s h av i n g a re a l l y d if f i c u lt ti m e d e c i d i n g w h et h e r o r n ot to st ay campus. I’m actually one of only 500 students permitted on campus t h i n k I ’ m re a l l y exc ite d a b o u t i s j u s t h av i n g a fu l l y i n d e p e n d e n t l i fe w a l k i n g a r o u n d i n d o r m s w i l l m a ke m e fe e l l i ke I ’ m h a v i n g t h a t r e a l logically, I don’t think I’d have that type of growth associated with

in Kansas or move onto by C o l u m b i a t h i s fa l l ! W h at I as a college student, just c o l l e g e ex p e r i e n c e . Psyc h o college if I just stayed home.

Reflecting on this really successful high school career you’ve had, do you think you’d have any advice for your past self or people who are currently in high school right now? I w o u l d s a y t h at I ’ d wa n t m y fo r m e r s e l f t o b e m o r e “ m y s e l f ” . I k n o w i t ’ s r e a l l y c l i c h é t o s a y “ y o u s h o u l d n ’ t c a r e a b o u t w h a t o t h e r p e o p l e t h i n k ” , b u t i t r e a l l y m a ke s y o u r l i fe s o m u c h h a p p i e r . I a l s o fe e l l i ke w i t h t h e c o l l e g e a p p l i c a t i o n p r o c e s s y o u h a v e t o a s k w h a t y o u r h e a r t w a n t s . Yo u ’ r e f i n d i n g y o u r s e l f a f u t u r e a n d i f y o u d o n ’ t g e t t o k n o w y o u r s e l f a n d b e l i e v e i n y o u r s e l f , you’re not going to find a school that fits you. It might be a really good school, but it also might n o t f i t y o u . Tr y t o n o t l e t p e e r p r e s s u r e i n f l u e n c e y o u s o m u c h . I n t h e e n d , i t d o e s n ’ t m a t t e r w h e r e y o u r h i g h s c h o o l c l a s s m at e s a r e a p p l y i n g fo r o r n o t , i t c o m e s d o w n t o y o u a n d w h at y o u w a n t . G i v e y o u r s e l f t i m e a n d b e p a t i e n t . I t h i n k t h e r e a s o n w h y C o l u m b i a l i ke d m e i s t h a t i n m y a p p l i c ati o n e s s ays I wa s c o nf i d e nt a b o ut w h o I a m a n d w h at I ’ m i nte re ste d i n , a n d I re a l l y s h owe d them my passions and what I do.

Can I ask what your essays were about? Ye a h ! M y m a i n e s s a y w a s a b o u t s y n e s t h e s i a * , a n d I w r o t e a b o u t h o w i t f i r s t a p p e a r e d , h o w i t i n f l u e n c e s m e , a n d h o w i t ’ s a m o t i vat i o n fo r m e t o c r e at e m o r e a r t . I t ’ s w h y I c r e at e m u s i c , w h y I created a band, and why I’m into photography, film, poetry, and all that stuf f. It’s also why film is s o i m p o r t a n t t o m e b e c a u s e I h av e t h i s a b i l it y w h e re I fe e l a l l t h i s c o l o u r a n d m u s i c , a n d f i l m s a r e l i ke a f u s i o n o f t h e t w o . I t j u s t m a ke s s e n s e t o m e t o t h i n k a b o u t i t t h a t w a y . * a n e u r o l o g i c a l c o n d i t i o n i n w h i c h c e r t a i n i n fo r m at i o n ( s u c h a s m u s i c ) s t i m u l at e s o n e o r s e v e ra l o f y o u r s e n s e s ( fo r ex a m p l e , r e l at i n g t h e m u s i c a l n o t e C t o t h e c o l o r r e d ) .

I N T E R V I E W E D B Y : H E N R Y, A S S I S T E D B Y : T I A N

INTERVIEW LEAD: HENRY | INTERVIEW ASSISTANCE: TIAN | ILLUSTRATIONS: HENRY & YOSHI | GRAPHICS: AMITA

j o s s

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e e Profile:

J o s é i s a n o p e n l y ga y , C h r i s t i a n , a n d L at i n o s t u d e n t c u r r e n t l y e n r o l l e d at S t a n fo r d U n i v e r s i t y i n C a l i fo r n i a s t u d y i n g p u b l i c p o l i c y . H e ’ s o r i g i n a l l y f r o m S h o r e l i n e , Wa s h i n g t o n ( j u s t o u t s i d e o f S e a t t l e ) . H e ’ s p r e p a r i n g fo r a ga p y e a r t h i s fa l l w h e r e h e ’ l l w o r k i n a civil rights internship, a non-profit, a university research project related to race and policing, as well as t h e p s y c h o l o g y d e p a r t m e n t at S t a n fo r d . J o s é a l s o ra n a Yo uTu b e c h a n n e l t o t a l k a b o u t h i s e x p e r i e n c e s w i t h c o l l e g e , ga r n e r i n g o v e r 4 0 0 , 0 0 0 v i e w s .

Can you give a short introduction about yourself? What are some of your passions and interests? G ro w i n g u p i n S e at t l e ( o n e o f t h e fa s te s t - g ro w i n g c it i e s in the US), and seeing a lot of change made me really i nte re ste d i n l o c a l g ove r n m e nt . Fu r t h e r m o re , b e i n g at S t a n fo r d h a s a l s o m a d e m e r e a l l y i n t e r e s t e d i n st ate - l eve l p o l i c y . I d o n ’ t re a l l y k n ow w h at I wa nt to d o , b ut I wa nt to d o s o m et h i n g a l o n g t h e l i n e s of wo r k i n g in government, in policy, or something in the non-profit s e c t o r . G e n e r a l l y , I w a n t t o m a ke w h a t e v e r c o m m u n i t i e s I ’ m w o r k i n g i n m o re e q u it a b l e a n d fa i r , d r i v e n by justice. Unrelated, but in high school, a lot of my i d e n t i t y w a s t a ke n u p b y r u n n i n g . S o i t ’ s h a r d fo r m e t o not have some sense of investment in that. In college, freshman fifteen is definitely real! But running is still something I love.

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | INTERVIEWS | SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

Being an openly LGBTQ+, Christian, and Latino individual, how do you think those identities influenced your experiences in high school and university? And do you think those experiences differed? I d o n ’ t t h i n k t h ey u lti m ate l y d ete r m i n e d w h at m y ex p e r i e n c e wa s , b ut t h ey s et t h e p a ra m ete r s of w h at m y ex p e r i e n c e c o u l d b e . I n b ot h c i r c u m s t a n c e s . I t h i n k i n h i g h s c h o o l o n t h e s u r fa c e , w h i l e m y a c t i v it i e s w e re n ’ t a f fe c te d by m y i d e n t it y , m y s p e c i f i c fe e l i n g s o f i n c l u s i o n w e re . Fo r ex a m p l e , I wa s t ra c k a n d f i e l d c a p t a i n , a n d I wa s d e c e n t l y g o o d at it a n d I d o n ’ t t h i n k m y s exu a l o r i e n t at i o n fa c t o re d i n t h at m u c h . B u t it d i d fa c t o r i n h o w I w o u l d i n te ra c t s o c i a l l y w it h p e o p l e o n t h e te a m . Fo r ex a m p l e , w e ’ d h av e ov e r n i g ht c ro s s c o u n t r y t r i p s , and we’d be assigned in groups of 4 to 2 bedroom rooms in hotels. And I remember one of my teammates just wouldn’t sleep in the s a m e b e d a s m e , a n d h e ke p t s a y i n g “ O h I l i ke s l e e p i n g o n t h e f l o o r a c t u a l l y ” , l i ke n o y o u d o n ’ t ! I t ’ s j u s t l i t t l e t h i n g s l i ke t h a t . Going onto my identity as being Latinx, growing up I didn’t really have a community of Latinx people to be a par t of and the spaces that I wa s i n we re p re d o m i n a nt l y w h ite s u c h a s A P c l a s s e s a n d tra c k . I t h i n k t h at m a d e it t h at I d i d n ’ t k n ow h ow to b e h ave i n p re d o m i n a nt l y L at i n x s p a c e s . T h at t h e n t ra n s i t i o n e d i n t o S t a n fo r d w h e r e t h e r e i s a l a r g e L at i n x p o p u l at i o n a n d I d i d n ’ t k n o w i f s o m e o f t h o s e L at i n x c o m m u n i t i e s I n e c e s s a r i l y b e l o n g e d w i t h . W h e n I g o t i n t o S t a n fo r d I b e ga n t o u n d e r s t a n d t h a t t h e r e a r e s o m a n y p e o p l e w h o i d e n t i f y a s L at i n x , b u t t h ey h av e s u c h d i f fe re n t ex p e r i e n c e s . I n te r m s o f m y i d e n t it y a s a C h r i s t i a n , I t h i n k it ’ s b e e n m o re i m p a c t fu l d u r i n g m y t i m e i n c o l l e g e t h a n m y t i m e i n h i g h s c h o o l . I n h i g h s c h o o l , I wa s a b l e t o f i n d m i n i s t r i e s t h at w e r e a f f i r m i n g * a n d a c c e p t i n g . B u t at S t a n fo r d , t h e r e wa s n ’ t a s i n g l e C h r i s t i a n o r ga n i z a t i o n t h a t wa s a f f i r m i n g , a n d I d i d n ’ t wa n t t o s e t t l e fo r a g r o u p o f p e o p l e t h a t wa s n ’ t e n t i r e l y accepting of me. I think what happened as a result of that is that it did impact my ment al health a lot. I think it made me lose this c o m m u n i t y a n d a n i m p o r t a n t fo u n d at i o n o f m y l i fe t h at I h a d b e e n r e l y i n g o n p r e v i o u s l y . A n ot h e r t h i n g I wa nt to m e nti o n to o i s h ow t h e s p e c if i c way m y g e o g ra p hy h a s i nte ra cte d wit h t h e s e ex p e r i e n c e s . C o m i n g fro m S e at t l e , m y u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f h o w I c a n o p e rate i n t h e w o r l d i s v e r y m u c h a f fe c te d by t h e fa c t t h at n o o n e c a l l e d m e s l u r s i n s c h o o l . B e c a u s e o f t h at , I ’ m j u s t n o t u s e d t o o t h e r a re a s o f t h e U n ite d S t ate s b e i n g d i f fe re n t . Fo r ex a m p l e , m y b oy fr i e n d i s re a l l y n o t a b i g fa n o f P DA . Th i s i s n ’ t b e c a u s e h e d o e s n ’ t l i ke m e , b u t b e c a u s e h e ’ s f r o m a p a r t o f t h e c o u n t r y w h e r e y o u w o u l d g e t c r a p fo r t h a t . * a t e r m f o r r e l i g i o u s g r o u p s t h a t a c c e p t LG BTQ + p e o p l e a n d d o n ’ t c o n s i d e r h o m o s e x u a l i t y t o b e a s i n m o r e e q u i t a b l e a n d fa i r , d r i v e n b y j u s t i c e . U n r e l a t e d , b u t i n h i g h s c h o o l , a l o t o f m y i d e n t i t y w a s t a ke n u p b y r u n n i n g . S o i t ’ s h a r d fo r m e to not have some sense of investment in that. In college, freshman fif teen is definitely real! But running is still something I love.

Do you think university has made you more reflective and introspective about your unique identity and the intersectionality of it all? I think a lot of introspection happened really in my senior year of high school and then continued to progress at the same rate into c o l l e g e . I r e a l l y b e ga n t o u n d e r s t a n d w h a t i n t e r s e c t i o n a l i t y m e a n t w h e n I wa s a s e n i o r i n h i g h s c h o o l a n d i n c o l l e g e i t h a s r e a l l y b e e n i n t h e c o n tex t o f t h e p e o p l e t h at I ’ m a ro u n d . I ’ m n o l o n g e r b o u n d by t h e fa c t t h at it u s e d t o b e p re d o m i n a n t l y w h ite p e o p l e w h o h a d a c c e s s t o h i g h e r e d u c at i o n . N o w , e v e r y o n e a r o u n d m e i s h i g h l y e d u c at e d a n d d e s e r v e s t o b e h e r e ( at S t a n fo r d ) . I h a v e n o exc u s e t o n o t h a n g around Latinx people just because they’re in none of my classes because now they are. There’s now more diversity and I can ask why is i t t h a t m y i d e n t i t i e s m a ke i t s o t h a t I a m l e s s c o m fo r t a b l e w i t h c e r t a i n t y p e s o f p e o p l e a n d m o r e c o m fo r t a b l e w i t h o t h e r s . W h at S t a n fo r d h a s r e a l l y d o n e wa s c r y s t a l l i ze m y c o n s c i o u s n e s s o f c l a s s a n d c l a s s d i f fe r e n c e s . I ’ v e d i s c o v e r e d j u s t h o w m a n y m o r e l a y e r s of wealth there are than I previously thought. I’ve seen how I have this certain desire to be friends with higher-income people while s i m u l t a n e o u s l y r e s e n t i n g t h e m . I m e a n , a l o t o f t h e s e p e o p l e a r e j u s t g e n u i n e l y f u n i n d i v i d u a l s . Yo u c a n ’ t g e t i n t o S t a n f o r d a n d b e dumb/boring. There are some people who can, maybe. I think I’ve met one of them. But most people are still interesting. Sure, they’re h i g h e r - i n c o m e b u t t h e w a y t h a t t h e i r s t a t u s i n t e r a c t e d w i t h t h e i r a c c e p t a n c e t o S t a n fo r d i s m o r e t h a t t h e y w e r e a b l e t o d o t h i n g s l i ke , fo r ex a m p l e , b e a h a r p i s t ! B e c a u s e t h at ’ s n o t a t h i n g t h at l o w e r - i n c o m e p e o p l e c a n d o , p l a y i n g a f r e a k i n g h a r p ! O r m a y b e t h e y w e r e a b l e t o g o s p e a k b e fo r e t h e U N b e c a u s e o f w h a t e v e r o p p o r t u n i t y t h e i r p r i va t e s c h o o l h a d . S t u f f l i ke t h a t . T h e r e a r e a l o t o f p e o p l e I s t i l l w a n t t o b e f r i e n d s w i t h , b u t c o l l e g e h a s r e a l l y a l l o w e d m e t o i n t e r a c t w i t h a m o r e d i v e r s e a r r a y o f i n d i v i d u a l s w h o a r e m o r e l i ke l y t o b e m y ty p e of p e o p l e to s o m e ex te nt . C l a s s c o n s c i o u s n e s s h a s a l s o c r yst a l l i ze d m o re a s a d i sti n ct i d e ntity a s we l l .

It’s pretty obvious that you were quite academically successful in high school. How did you end up choosing/narrowing down your choices for college and how did you set yourself up for success in high school? I wa s n ’ t t h i n k i n g t o o m u c h a b o u t c o l l e g e u n t i l m y s o p h o m o re ye a r , w h e re I t h o u g ht I wa n te d t o g o t o a s c h o o l w it h a m o re fa it h - b a s e d c o m m u n it y , w h i c h p ro b a b l y m e a n t s o m e t h i n g re l i g i o u s l y a f f i l i ate d . I wa n te d t o g o t o a m e d i u m - s i ze d s c h o o l t h at o f fe re d t h e f i e l d s I wa s i n t e r e s t e d i n . T h i s wa s p r e t t y m u c h m y c r i t e r i a u n t i l m y j u n i o r y e a r w h e n I g o t m y A CT s c o r e s w h e n I r e a l i z e d t h a t I c o u l d b e t h i n k i n g a b o u t a p p l y i n g t o S t a n fo r d . O n c e I s t a r t e d g e t t i n g exc i t e d a b o u t S t a n fo r d , I s t a r t e d t o a i m fo r h i g h e r s c h o o l s i n g e n e ra l . B u t I d i d n ’ t wa nt to g o to a s c h o o l t h at wa s s u p e r s m a l l , b e c a u s e t h e p o i nt of c o l l e g e i s m e eti n g n ew p e o p l e a n d if yo u m e et eve r yo n e i n t h e f i r st ye a r yo u ’ re g o i n g to r u n o ut of p e o p l e ! I wa s sti l l l o o k i n g m o st l y at t h e we st c o a st b e c a u s e at t h at p o i nt I re a l i ze d t h at t h e s o u t h wa s j u s t a b i g n o fo r m e . B e i n g s o m e o n e w h o ’ s L a t i n x , b e i n g s o m e o n e w h o ’ s ga y , h o n e s t l y , I d i d n ’ t wa n t t o b e a r o u n d p e o p l e w h o f u n d a m e n t a l l y b e l i e v e t h a t s o m e o n e l i ke m e d o e s n ’ t h a v e t h e r i g h t t o e x i s t . I d i d n ’ t fe e l l i ke b e i n g i n a p l a c e w h e r e I ’ d h a v e t o d e f e n d m y e x i s t e n c e , s o b a s i c a l l y a n y s t a t e t h a t w e n t f o r Tr u m p w a s j u s t o u t f o r m e . I a p p l i e d t o S t a n fo r d b e c a u s e i t s e e m e d t h at i t h a d a w o n d e r f u l c o m m u n i t y . W h e n I wa s l o o k i n g fo r s c h o o l s , y e s , a c a d e m i c s w e r e a re a l l y i m p o r t a nt p a r t of it . B ut I wa s a l s o a s k i n g if t h e s e s c h o o l s we re g o i n g to h ave a c o m m u n ity of p e o p l e t h at I ’ d wa nt to b e a p a r t o f . I s i t a p l a c e w h e r e I ’ l l b e a b l e t o m a ke l a s t i n g c o n n e c t i o n s ? I s i t a p l a c e w h e r e I ’ l l b e a b l e t o g r o w ? In terms of my time in high school, I really didn’t start thinking about college until the winter of junior year. Everything else I did up u n t i l t h e n w a s j u s t m e b e i n g w h o I a m . I ’ v e a l w a y s b e e n a p e r fe c t i o n i s t , I ’ v e a l w a y s l i ke d g e t t i n g g o o d g r a d e s , I ’ v e a l w a y s b e e n v e r y m o t i vate d , I ’ v e d o n e c ro s s c o u nt r y a n d t ra c k ev e r s i n c e m i d d l e s c h o o l , a n d I g o t p o l it i c a l l y i n vo l v e d l ite ra l l y b e c a u s e m y d a d p a i nte d m y c o n g re s sw o m a n ’ s h o u s e . I t h i n k it s p e a ks t o t h e fa c t t h at yo u s h o u l d n ’ t g e t c a u g ht i n t h e m i n d s e t t h at a l l t h e s e p e o p l e h av e a l l t h e s e o p p o r t u n i t i e s t h a t y o u ’ l l n e v e r h a v e b e c a u s e y o u c a n a l w a y s m a k e t h e s e o p p o r t u n i t i e s h a p p e n . Yo u j u s t h a v e t o l o o k f o r t h e m . T h e b e s t w a y t o e n d u p w h e r e y o u w a n t t o b e i s t o m a ke s u r e t h a t t h e p l a c e y o u ’ r e l o o k i n g a t i s t h e p l a c e t h a t w i l l m a ke y o u t h e h a p p i e s t . T h e n , i n o r d e r t o g e t t h e r e j u s t d o t h e t h i n g s t h a t m a ke y o u h a p p y .

Is there any advice you’d give to your past self or the readers of Changes, and specifically people who also identify as LGBTQ+ or come from a minority background? We t o u c h e d o n t h i s e a r l i e r , b u t I w o u l d j u s t t e l l m y s e l f t o p a y l e s s a t t e n t i o n t o w h a t o t h e r p e o p l e t h i n k o f y o u . D o n ’ t e v e n g i v e s p a c e in your head to wonder what they’re thinking of you because it’s just not wor th it. I s u g g e s t b e i n g r e a l l y i n t e n t w i t h p r a c t i s i n g s e l f - r e f l e c t i o n a n d f i n d i n g t h e t i m e t o s l o w d o w n a n d t a ke c a r e o f y o u r s e l f . A l o t o f w h a t g o t m e t h r o u g h h i g h s c h o o l w a s a l s o h a v i n g a c o m m u n i t y i n t h e s p a c e s I w a s i n . Lo o k fo r a c o m m u n i t y t h a t ’ s fo r y o u , a n d ke e p i n m i n d t h a t i t d o e s n ’ t n e c e s s a r i l y h a v e t o b e a c o m m u n i t y t h a t l o o k s l i ke y o u o r h a s h a d t h e s a m e e x p e r i e n c e s a s y o u . I t j u s t h a s t o b e a community that suppor ts you.

I N T E R V I E W E D B Y : H E N R Y, A S S I S T E D B Y : T I A N INTERVIEW LEAD: HENRY | INTERVIEW ASSISTANCE: TIAN | ILLUSTRATIONS: HENRY & YOSHI | GRAPHICS: AMITA

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M y n a m e i s Pa u l a B e j a r a n o b u t p e o p l e u s u a l l y refe r t o m e a s P B o r Pe a b e r r y ( fu n fa c t Pe a b e r r y i s a c t u a l l y t h e n a m e o f a c o f fe e b e a n a n d I h av e it s c o f fe e d a i l y ) . I’m a Latina from San

Jose, Costa Rica and I’m 17 years old. I’m currently finishing of f my senior year at high school. I love t aking pictures and learning about space related things!

A n o t h e r fu n fa c t a b o u t m e i s t h at I a s p i re t o b e t h e f i r s t fe m a l e a s t ro n a u t fro m C o s t a R i c a .

How was your quarantine? What did you do? It wa s d if f i c u lt m e nt a l l y at f i r st b e c a u s e I ’ m a s e n i o r i n high school and I had planned so many things that I wa nte d to a c c o m p l i s h d u r i n g t h at ti m e a n d I wa s afra i d that I wouldn’t be able to end my high school c a re e r t h e way I h a d wa nte d to i n t h e b e g i n n i n g of t h e year. I h a d m a d e s o m a n y p l a n s wit h m y fr i e n d s

s o it wa s it d if f i c u lt to a c c e pt a n d s l ow l y d i g e st t h e fa c t t h at I ’ l l b e s p e n d i n g t h e m a j o r it y o f m y senior year online and without being physically surrounded by the friends I love and creating the s w e e t m e m o r i e s t h a t I ’ d t a ke f r o m m y l a s t y e a r at high school but as the days I went by I st ar ted to look on the brighter side and became incredib l y g ratefu l t h at a l l t h e p e o p l e I l ov e a re s a fe a n d h e a lt hy . I didn’t get a prom and I won’t be able to

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | INTERVIEWS | SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

g et a g ra d u ati o n c e re m o n y a n y ti m e s o o n b ut I d i d g et a l ot of ex tra ti m e to d o a n d l e a r n n ew t h i n g s . Th e ex tra t i m e I h a d i n m y h a n d s a l s o l e t m e p e r fo r m b e t t e r i n m y c l a s s e s t h a n I n o r m a l l y d o s o I wa s h a p p y a b o u t t h at .

What did you realize during quarantine? I h a d a l o t o f t i m e t o ref l e c t o n a l l t h e re l at i o n s h i p s i n m y l i fe d u r i n g q u a ra n t i n e a n d I re a l i ze d w h i c h re l at i o n s h i p s i n m y l i fe w e re t h e s t ro n g e s t . O f te n , w h e n t i m e s g e t h a rd p e o p l e s t a r t t o s h o w t h e i r t r u e c o l o r s a n d it c a n e it h e r b e b e a utifu l o r u g l y .I re a l i ze d t h e tr u e we i g ht of a l l m y re s p o n s i b i l iti e s to o d u r i n g q u a ra nti n e c a u s e n o o n e wa s re a l l y t h e re to p u s h m e to fu lf i l l m y t a s ks , m y te a c h e r s we re n ’ t t h e re to re m i n d m e a n d p re s s u re m e a b o ut a n y d e a d l i n e s a n d t h e l a c k o f p hy s i c a l s o c i a l p re s e n c e o f o t h e r p e o p l e to o k away t h e g o o d t y p e o f p e e r p re s s u re t h at m o t i vate d me to finish all my responsibilities. During quarantine I had to be the one reminding myself and pushing myself to fulfill all my responsibilities, this helped me improve my integrity and myself. Spending more time with myself has m a d e m e s t ro n g e r a s a p e r s o n m e n t a l l y b e c a u s e I fe e l m o re c o n n e c te d t o m y s e lf a n d t h at h a s h e l p e d m e d e a l w it h m y fe a r s a n d i n s e c u r i t i e s m u c h b e t t e r t h a n I c o u l d b e fo r e . M y b i g g e s t r e a l i z a t i o n w a s h o w y o u r e x p e c t a t i o n s

c a n c o m e c ra s h i n g d o w n y o u , t o o m a n y ex p e c t at i o n s fo r t h e f u t u r e c a n w e i g h y o u d o w n a n d e v e n m a ke y o u m i s s s o m e n e w o p p o r t u n i t i e s c a u s e y o u a r e s o ke e n o n d o i n g e x a c t l y w h a t y o u p l a n , t h i s p a n d e m i c m a d e a l l m y ex p e ct ati o n s g o d ow n t h e d ra i n a n d I re a l i ze d h ow d a m a g i n g h e av y ex p e ct ati o n s c a n b e s o n o w I l i v e o n e d ay at t i m e i n s te a d o f a l way s t r y i n g t o p l a n h o w m y n ex t fe w w e e ks o r h e c k even months should be.

An experience about change (Attending high school for the last time and attending university for the first time) I t h o u g h t m y s e n i o r y e a r w a s g o i n g t o b e a b l a s t b u t t h e p a n d e m i c c h a n g e d e v e r y t h i n g a n d I d e c i d e d t o t a ke a b r e a k fro m a l l t h e ex p e c t at i o n s I p u t o n m y s e lf a n d t h e e v e n t s i n m y l i fe . I t r y t o l i v e m y l i fe o n e d a y a t a t i m e c a u s e

you never know what’s gonna happen in the future so it’s better to go with the flow rather than trying t o c o n t ro l t h e f l o w t o s at i s f y t o yo u r ex p e c t at i o n s c a u s e l e t s b e h o n e s t w h e n d o e s l i fe e v e r g o j u s t t h e way yo u p l a n it ?

S c h o o l s i n C o s t a R i c a u s u a l l y h a v e g r a d e s a l l t h e wa y f r o m k i n d e r ga r t e n t o G r a d e 1 2 , y o u d o n ’ t n e e d t o a t t e n d k i n d e r ga r t e n , e l e m e n t a r y s c h o o l , m i d d l e s c h o o l a n d h i g h s c h o o l s e p a r a t e l y s o m o s t p e o p l e o n l y e v e r a t t e n d o n e s c h o o l u nti l t h ey g ra d u ate h i g h s c h o o l . I h ave switc h e d s c h o o l s b ut o n l y o n c e , it wa s w h e n I wa s i n G ra d e 4 , I h a d to switc h s c h o o l s b e c a u s e t h e o n e I wa s i n wa s n ’ t t h at g o o d w h e n it c a m e to a c a d e m i c s a n d ex tra c u r r i c u l a r o p p o r tu n i ti e s s o m y p a re nt s p ut m e i n a a n ot h e r s c h o o l t h at wa s b et te r a n d I sti l l at te n d t h at s a m e o n e to d ay . I h a d m i xe d fe e l i n g s a b o u t t h e ex p e r i e n c e , I wa s s a d c a u s e I h a d t o l e a v e b e h i n d t h e f r i e n d s I g r e w u p w i t h fo r y e a r s b u t I wa s a l s o exc ite d b e c a u s e m y n ew s c h o o l wa s m u c h b i g g e r s o I c o u l d d o m o re t h i n g s . M y o l d s c h o o l o n l y h a d a s c i e n c e p r o g ra m b u t m y n e w s c h o o l h a d p r o g ra m s fo r b o t h s c i e n c e a n d t h e a r t s . I ’ m h o n e s t y r e a l l y g l a d I s w i t c h e d b e c a u s e i t helped me build a good high school career and I met a lot of great friends here. Here’s something weird about U n i v e r s it i e s i n C o st a R i c a . S o , l e t s st a r t w it h s c h o o l s f i r st , t h e re a re t wo t y p e s o f s c h o o l s h e re , p u b l i c a n d p r i vate . P u b l i c s c h o o l s a r e f r e e a n d p r i vat e o n e s c o s t a l o t , t h e y b o t h fo l l o w t h e s a m e c u r r i c u l u m a n d t h e s t u d e n t s at t e n d i n g b o t h t y p e o f s c h o o l s h av e e v e n t h e s a m e te s t s a n d ex a m s b u t p e o p l e h e re s t i l l h i g h l y p refe r p r i vate s c h o o l s ov e r public ones.P r i vate s c h o o l s a re s e e n a s m u c h b e t te r a n d m o re p re st i g i o u s t h a n p u b l i c o n e s , p e o p l e h e re

b e l i e v e yo u w i l l s u c c e e d a n d exc e l i n yo u r l i fe m o re i f yo u at te n d a h i g h c l a s s ex p e n s i v e p r i vate s c h o o l

b u t w h e n i t c o m e s t o u n i v e r s i t i e s , t h e m a j o r i t y o f p e o p l e p r e fe r p u b l i c u n i v e r s i t i e s o v e r p r i va t e u n i v e r s i t i e s . We h a v e a t o t a l o f 5 p u b l i c u n i v e r s i t i e s h e r e , t h e s e u n i v e r s i t i e s h a v e b e e n a r o u n d fo r t h e l o n g e s t a n d t h e y a r e v i e w e d a s v e r y g ra n d , p r i vate u n i v e r s it i e s o n t h e o t h e r h a n d c a m e a f te r t h e p u b l i c o n e s a n d t h ey c o st a l o t m o re t h a n p r i vate o n e s , it ’ s m a i n l y c a u s e t h ey a re f l ex i b l e wit h t h e s c h e d u l e s of t h e i r stu d e nt s , s o m e p e o p l e h e re wo r k p a r t ti m e a n d st a r t fa m i l i e s at a yo u n g a g e a n d p r i vate s c h o o l s a d j u s t t h e i r c l a s s e s t o s u it t h e w o r k s c h e d u l e s o f t h e i r s t u d e n t s s o i f yo u a r e f u l l t i m e s t u d e n t i t i s b e t t e r t o o p t fo r a p u b l i c u n i v e r s i t y c a u s e t h e y c o s t m u c h l e s s a n d y o u w o n ’ t n e e d t o a t t e n d a n y c l a s s e s a t n i g h t l i ke y o u w o u l d a t a p r i v a t e o n e c a u s e a l o t o f s t u d e n t s p r e fe r t o w o r k d u r i n g t h e d a y a n d h av e t h e i r c l a s s e s at n i g ht i n p r i vate u n i v e r s it i e s . A d d it i o n a l l y , p u b l i c u n i v e r s it i e s a l s o o f fe r c e r t a i n c o u r s e s t h at a r e n ’ t a v a i l a b l e i n o t h e r p r i v a t e u n i v e r s i t i e s l i ke fo r e x a m p l e t h i s U n i v e r s i t y c a l l e d U C R o r U n i v e r s i d a d d e C o s t a R i c a i s o n l y U n i v e r s i t y h e r e t h a t o f fe r s p r o g r a m s fo r s u b j e c t s l i ke P h y s i c s a n d A s t r o n o m y . I w a s p l a n n i n g t o s t u d y a b o a r d , p r e fe r a b l y i n t h e U K o r t h e U S b u t t h e n C o v i d - 1 9 c a m e a n d I h a d t o m a ke t h e t o u g h d e c i s i o n o f s t a y i n g b a c k a n d getting my Bachelors Degree here. M y h o p e i s to g et i nto U C R s o t h at I c a n stu d y P hys i c s , h o n e st l y m a k i n g

t h i s b i g sw itc h fro m h i g h s c h o o l t o U n i v e r s it y i s m a k i n g m e fe e l a b it s t re s s e d c a u s e e v e r y t h i n g w i l l b e s o n e w a n d I ’ l l b e a n e w b i e a ga i n , j u s t l i ke I w a s w h e n I s w i t c h e d s c h o o l s i n G r a d e 4 . M o r e t h a n

a n y t h i n g I j u s t h o p e I w o n ’ t h a v e t o t a ke o n l i n e c l a s s e s a ga i n fo r t h e e n t i r e t y o f m y f i r s t y e a r a t u n i v e r s i t y c a u s e h av i n g to d o m y t h e m a j o r ity of m y s e n i o r ye a r o n l i n e wa s b a d e n o u g h b ut it ’ s o kay c a u s e I ’ m h o p efu l t h i n g s wi l l c h a n g e fo r t h e b e t t e r o f a l l o f u s .

I N T E R V I E W E D B Y: Y O S H I

INTERVIEW LEAD: YOSHI | ILLUSTRATIONS: HENRY & YOSHI | GRAPHICS: AMITA

n n e l l

A A g g l a a

a n g e

l l

a h

h h (2020-2021) - GRADE 12 P r o f i l e : My

name is Angellah and I’m 17 ye a r s o l d . I l ov e t o p l ay s p o r t s ; m y favo u r ite sports are soccer and badminton. I also love to paint and try new things!

An experience of change (Attending high school for the first time) “ W h e n I wa s g o i n g i nto g ra d e 9 , I wa s te r r if i e d a n d exc ite d at t h e s a m e ti m e . I wa s s c a re d of c h a n g i n g i n t o a p e r s o n t h a t I w o u l d n ’ t l i ke d u e t o b a d i nf l u e n c e s a n d tox i c p e o p l e . N ow I ’ l l b e g o i n g i nto m y s e n i o r ye a r a n d I ’ ve re a l i ze d t h at tr u e f r i e n d s w i l l t a ke y o u r h a n d a n d g u i d e y o u t h r o u g h all the hard times and will help you become a slightly better person each day. The people you surround yourself with shape you into the person that you are today so choose wisely.”

I N T E R V I E W E D B Y: Y O S H I 15

CHANGESZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | INTERVIEWS | SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

A A b a b e

l l

(2020-2021) - GRADE 9 P r o f i l e : “My

name is Abel. I am from Ireland and 14 ye a r s o l d . I wa s b o r n i n I n d i a ; w h e n I wa s 4 , I m ove d to Lo n d o n . A f t e r l i v i n g i n t h e U K fo r a f e w y e a r s , I m o v e d b a c k t o I n d i a a n d s t a y e d t h e r e fo r a n o t h e r fe w y e a r s a n d t h e n I m o v e d t o t h e U S fo r a n o t h e r fe w y e a r s a n d then I finally moved to Ireland and I still live here.”

An experience of change (Switching schools) “ I ’ ve h a d t h e ex p e r i e n c e of switc h i n g s c h o o l s s eve ra l t i m e s i n m y l i fe . I t ’ s b e e n q u i t e h o r r i b l e fo r m e , each time I had to leave all my friends in that par ticul a r s c h o o l a n d s t a r t a l l o v e r a ga i n b u t i f I ’ m b e i n g h o n e s t m o v i n g a r o u n d s o m u c h ga v e m e a l o t o f i n c re d i b l e a n d u n i q u e ex p e r i e n c e s . I ’ m g ratefu l to b e able to say that I’ve lived in many countries although I’m only 14. So, in conclusion, switching schools so m u c h i s d i f f i c u l t b u t i t ga v e m e a l o t o f e x p o s u r e a n d knowledge that I wouldn’t have got otherwise so I guess it’s not that bad.”

I N T E R V I E W E D B Y: Y O S H I INTERVIEW LEAD: YOSHI | ILLUSTRATIONS: HENRY & YOSHI | GRAPHICS: AMITA

BA AC CK K T TO O S SC CH HO OO O LL B

The Best Things to Watch In a COVID School Year

By: Tian

he art of storytelling can be profoundly impactful on those who witness the story. Here are 4 films and 1 television show that have been curated and collected as a helpful companion for the back-to-school season. Each entry was chosen with a variety of factors in mind, including thematic relevance and heartwarming comfort to ease students all around the world as we adjust to an unprecedented and unpredictable school year. I sincerely hope these stories impact you as much as they have impacted me.

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

EIGHTH GRADE (2018)

HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (2016)

DIR. BO BURNHAM COMEDY/DRAMA CAST: ELSIE FISHER, JOSH HAMILTON, JAKE RYAN

DIR. TAIKA WAITITI COMEDY/ADVENTURE CAST: SAM NEILL, JULIAN DENNISON

“Growing up can be a little bit scary and weird.” It is uncommon to find a film so authentic and realized that you feel compelled to reach into the screen and start talking to the main character yourself. It is even less common for that main character to be a teenage girl just trying to survive the hell that is middle school. In this directorial debut by comedian Bo Burnham, you will find yourself unable to contain your reactions throughout the entire film (be it laughing or physically cringing). If you’re starting high school this year feeling uneasy and scared or you just want to take a look back at a more embarrassing time in life, you will find true solace within Eighth Grade.

StreAminG On NetfLix (Ca) And PrimE VideO (Us)

“You know, sometimes in life, it seems like there's no way out. Like a sheep trapped in a maze designed by wolves.” Before taking on the wildly popular Thor: Ragnarok (2017), New Zealand director Taika Waititi gave audiences a truly special and witty coming-of-age film with Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016). Filled with witty humour and emotional bonding, the story follows a young delinquent placed under the care of an older couple by child welfare services. As the story progresses, themes of accepting change and thriving by adapting interlace the clever jokes and visual comedy. It is recommended to watch this film without any further knowledge of the plot, but rest assured, feel-good sentiments and non-stop laughter will be provided.

PADDINGTON (2014)

StreAminG On NetfLix (Ca) And Hulu (Us)

DIR. PAUL KING FAMILY/COMEDY CAST: BEN WHISHAW, SALLY HAWKINS, NICOLE KIDMAN “Everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in.”

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (2012)

Can you write a movie in which the protagonist experiences no character development and still have it be good?

DIR. STEPHEN CHBOSKY DRAMA CAST: LOGAN LERMAN, EMMA WATSON, EZRA MILLER

According to Paddington (2014), the answer is a surprisingly charming yes. Although Paddington himself may not change, he certainly experiences loads of change as he adjusts to life in London, England as a talking bear. As some of us start class in new schools or even new cities and homes, comfort can be found in Paddington’s adventures as the film takes the audience on a ride filled with visual gags, British humour, and pure heart. When you’re done, make sure to watch the sequel ASAP. It’s somehow even better.

StreAminG On NetfLix (Ca)

“We can’t choose where we come from but we can choose where we go from there.” Stephen Chbosky’s adaptation of his own novel has withstood the test of time and has proven itself to be as relevant as ever 8 years later in a time where mental health and coming to terms with traumatic situations has never been so mainstream.

COMMUNITY (2009-2015) CREATED BY DAN HARMON COMEDY CAST: JOEL MCHALE, DANNY PUDI, DONALD GLOVER

The story of Charlie and his high school experience has been incredibly influential throughout the years, which makes this film extremely rewatchable and worth a revisit. And if for some reason you haven’t seen this film, be ready to learn the profound importance of keeping your friends close (and yet, 6 feet apart).

StreAminG On NetfLix (Us)

“This is definitely the darkest timeline.” If you didn’t know already, Community might very well be one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. At least, the first 3 seasons are. Centring around the dysfunctional dynamics and hilarious antics of a community college study group, the show boldly explores every known corner of entertainment including a Star Wars paintball parody to an entire episode being a war documentary about a pillow fight. There is nothing Community won’t make fun of, including itself. As many of us prepare to go back to school in time, most uncertain, Community is the perfect show to assure us that no matter how odd the situation might be, we can get through it.

StreAminG On NetfLix (Us And Ca) And PrimE VideO (Ca)

The

List.

WRITING: TIAN | GRAPHICS: AMITA

RUSHING RINGE ULTURE :

A Guide to Being Unapologetically Yourself

hen you ask people for their best advice on making friends and surviving high school, they typically say the same thing- “Just be yourself!”. While that is good advice, it can be hard to figure out how to exactly do that. There’s no instructions or youtube tutorials on how to be yourself, so how do you know if you’re doing it right? Not to mention, it can be even harder to just ‘be yourself’ if you’ve faced backlash for doing so before. Whether it be bullying, teasing, or being made fun of online. In the age of the internet, anyone can say anything while hiding behind a screen. A specific word comes to mind when I think of internet trolls- “cringe”. As a cosplayer, anime fan, and tiktok content creator myself, I am no stranger to being called names online, specifically “cringe”. With the rise of what has come to be known as “Cringe Culture”, folks are getting more and more scared to express themselves. What is there to do? The answer: whatever makes you happy.

Cringe Culture? What’s that? Cringe Culture, as defined by the internet, is insulting or making fun of others for their interests, activities, and content, even when it doesn’t harm anyone at all. This can be seen in all corners of the internet, whether it’s instagram pages, reddit forums, or Youtube videos. This form of bullying is often directed towards children, the LGBTQ community, neurodivergent or disabled people, and anyone who expresses genuine passion for a topic deemed “Cringey”. Whether it’s dressing up as anime girls, posting Sonic The Hedgehog original character fan art, or sharing a Minecraft build tutorial on Youtube, harmless and fun activities never seem to stop receiving backlash. Even offline, it’s not uncommon for this sort of behaviour to persist (it's not uncommon to find oneself faced with such behaviour). It seems ingrained in our culture to laugh at others who are different from us, so if you don’t want to contribute to the issue, you have to actively catch yourself participating in it. Gone (should be) are the days of “TikTok Cringe Compilation Part 7”- re-evaluate and try to figure out why you think someone else having some harmless fun is so weird or worthy of hatred. The way to dismantle Cringe Culture is to simply not join in. But when you’re on the receiving end of the hate… how do you handle it?

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

So….. How Can I Avoid it? Here’s the thing: as long as people have opinions, they will voice them. Sometimes, those opinions are really hurtful. Unfortunately, there's nothing to be done to control that- what can be controlled, however, is how we react to it. When faced with judgement, you have options. You can conform, and adapt to whatever unwanted critique is being given, or you can rise above it and keep doing what you love. The latter choice can be hard work, but believe me, it is so worth it. Hiding away your true passions and interests for fear of others' opinions will only make you miserable- once you start to bury your true self, it can become a vicious cycle of insecurity and loneliness. It’s scary to put yourself out there, especially when trolls are lurking under every bridge- but the key to success is to do what you love and never apologize for it. If any hater has a problem with it? They can go cry about it, because nothing and no one is worth changing your true self for.

Being Yourself- Tips and Tricks Now that we’ve established that being yourself is the right way to go, how can you actively make sure you’re being true to yourself? The first step is accepting yourself, and all the quirks that come along with being you. It’s definitely easier said than done, but keeping a positive dialogue about yourself in your head is a good place to start. If you catch yourself thinking negatively about yourself, correct it. Remember that your negative thoughts are probably just a byproduct of the negativity around you, and most likely is far from the truth. Once you start being nicer to yourself, it’ll be easier to really express yourself and do what you love. Positive energy attracts positive people, and that’s the type of people you want to surround yourself with. Lastly, remember that you don’t owe anyone anything. Haters don’t deserve your time, energy, or attention. You aren’t a chameleon- so don’t change yourself to suit someone elses ideals. The only person you have to impress is yourself, because you truly are the most important person in your life. If you don’t have your own back- who will? Change is scary, and so is judgement. But both of these things are inevitable, and make you stronger. Hiding from them won’t do you any good- so take it in stride and never apologize for being authentic. Embrace what makes you weird- your hobbies, your taste in music, your interests and passions- because it’s what makes people so interesting. Have fun with changes and be kind to yourself. Embrace your ‘cringe’, and the rest will follow.

By: Ryann

WRITING & ILLUSTRATIONS: RYANN | GRAPHICS: AMITA

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

EvEry ShadE of ME By: Arik Chong Ever since I could remember, I’ve been obsessed with dying my hair, so when my mom let me dye my hair blue the week before my first day of high school, I was ecstatic. I coordinated my backpack, my binders, and all my pencils to match my long bright blue hair. I felt like a new and cooler version of myself and it felt amazing. Since then, it has become my tradition to bleach and dye my hair the week before school starts. Every year I pick a new colour, match all the school supplies I can, and prepare for a fresh start. It’s become my ritual to reflect upon my past faults and reinvent myself accordingly. While I’d sit in the hairdresser’s chair and wait for the bleach to transform my hair, I would think about who I was a year ago. I’d chastise my past self for every mistake made, praise my present self for being better than before, and set goals for my future self. I would separate each year by colour, and hide every used version of me away, never to be seen again.

However, as I enter my final year of highschool, I’m going to do something different when I sit in that chair. I’m going to acknowledge every version of myself in a positive light. I know that the me from two years ago makes present me cringe, but I also know that they are a part of what pushed me to become who I am today. So, when I exit the hair salon in my final colour, my goal is to love each version of myself a little more.

“ ...thEy arE a part of what puShEd ME to bEcoME who I aM today. ”

WRITING & ILLUSTRATIONS: ARIK | GRAPHICS: ANGELINA

ASK ASK THE THE WORLD’S WORLD’S OLDEST OLDEST TODDLER! TODDLER! ADVICE ADVICE FROM FROM YOUR YOUR NEW NEW BEST BEST FRIEND FRIEND <3 <3 How should one prepare for Uni Do you have questions and you’re not sure where to ask them? Do you feel like they’re either too small for a professional or too big to bother your friends with? Well have no fear, my name is Melon and I love giving my opinion on other people’s problems. I would like to make it clear that I am a teen just like you, so I cannot give the professional advice you may need.

How do you tackle motivating a friend when they're down? - Dumb squid Heyo Squid! I think for starters, there’s different levels to activities, and so it may be easier to motivate someone to eat breakfast vs motivating them to work on something they hate. I’m personally really big on cheering people on. My typical method is trying to be as positive as possible, but without being toxic about it, because it can end up being more demotivating to have someone keep pushing you without listening to why you feel down. I think maybe finding something you know they want to do, and then pushing them in that direction can help, because then you aren’t forcing them into something they hate, and you’re also supporting their interests! I hope this helps, and good luck to you and your friend!!

23 7

in the next upcoming months? Should I take a gap year because of the whole pandemic situation? (since, from my understanding, most uni/colleges courses are going to be online for the next while anyways) - Mufﬁn Hi Muffin! This is a tricky time for deciding about our future isn't it? I think there are a lot of factors that should also influence your decision right now. First; what type of program do you want to go into? Certain programs probably go better with e-learning than others, for me personally, Math and language courses would be easier online than per say science or art, since there are no supplies that you can’t get at home. Second; how well do you do with online learning? For example, some people find online learning like hell, and feel tormented. If you’re good at self motivation and keeping yourself on task then you’ll probably be able to keep up with online uni. Third; what are your financial plans for uni? If you were planning to spend your first year at residence, and you really want a party/movie experience, then maybe a gap year would be better? If you think that residence is overpriced (have you seen the costs of meal plans? It’s fucking insane dude trust me) then maybe doing your first year at home would be better! Fourth; what do you want to do in the long run? If you plan on studying for your PhD/MD

then you might want to get the jump on those 10 years of schooling and just take online school. If you plan on getting a job that you just need a bachelor's degree for, then maybe take a gap year! Lastly, what are your plans for the gap year? If you’re just gonna hang around and do nothing, then that’s fun, but it won’t really help you (and you might be bored as hell). If you plan to use the gap year to get a job and save up some money, or to build a resume/portfolio for university, then that might be a better use of your time then online school where it's difficult to focus. I hope this helps with your decision!!

hi melon! i feel like i have this tendency to attract kinda toxic people and i don't realize they're toxic until it's too late. Do you have any suggestions for how to prevent and end toxic friendships? - Spoon Hi spoon! It’s always a bad feeling to have toxic friends. If this has happened before multiple times, then maybe you can find a recurring theme amongst your friendships. There might have been some small characteristics that you brushed off, that you can pay closer attention to in the future? Some things I’ve noticed about toxic friendships is that it often starts with little repeated annoyances (they always talk over you/ignore you, and if you call them out, they say they’ll change and then continue to keep doing it) or they talk shit about other friends behind their backs (if they do that to their other friends then they’ll end up doing it to you). My best recommendation to prevent toxic friendships is to keep an eye on how your non-toxic friends treat you, and to be ready to stand up for yourself and end things early. If you’re already too far in then I would try to distance yourself first and then eventually cut them off (and be firm about it!! They will definitely try to come back, and you may want to let them back in because of the good memories. Don’t do it!!) Good luck and snip snip those toxic fuckers!

I recently realized that my friends don't make me feel good about myself. They always put me down. I want to distance myself from them and meet new people, but I am afraid of being alone. What should I do? - A gal in need I totally understand, being alone can be pretty awful. Maybe start trying to meet new people before you cut off your old “friends”. In these times most friendships are being maintained online, so maybe try and start some online friendships! (Be careful about creeps and like don’t give away overly revealing info obviously lol.) I’m personally not too good at online friendships because I’m very suspicious, but a great way to start some friendships online is by joining a fandom space! Different platforms offer different types of fandoms and different ways of connecting to people, so you can fuck around and find out which one(s) you like best. Alternatively if you think there is anything salvageable in your current friendships, and you think that they’ll listen to your concerns, then you can talk to your current friends about how they treat you and how it makes you feel (bad) and maybe there’s a possibility that things can change! If they don’t listen and keep hurting you then you know that leaving would be for the best, and you can cut them off without remorse!! Remember, I’m always here to be your new best friend <3

Thus concludes this issue's advice column, I hope I was able to help you all in some way or another! Stay safe and sexy in these wild times.

Love, Melon WRITING: ANJULI | GRAPHICS: AMITA

M U S L I M

L I V E S

M A T T E R

I VD ER I TRYS I T Y D I V E R I VS E M A T T E R L I V E S B L A C K

DIVERSITY B L A C K

M U S L I M

B Y

L I V E S

M A T T E R

Y O S H I

ILLUSTRATION: YOSHI | GRAPHICS: AMITA

M A T T E R

ONLINE LEARNING:

Impacts and Speculation For those of us in school, one of the biggest changes weʼve come to know is our school schedules. From regular school to sudden remote learning back in March, our systems have been ﬂuctuating like never before. In terms of the 2020/2021 school year, in countries like the United States, Mexico and Afghanistan, drafts for this fall are underway. Here in Ontario, Canada, students were given the opportunity to elect whether they want to

attend schools in-person or learn from home. In many states across America, hybrid or blended systems involving in-person and online school have also been conceived. In any case, these new systems will introduce many students to full-ﬂedged e-learning. These upcoming changes have led many of us to wonder how students will be impacted by this surge of online learning, and ultimately, how it will impact the education of future generations.

THE FACTS

STUDENT ANALYSIS

As a student myself, I wanted to ﬁnd out more about how my peers feel in regards to e-learning. For many of us in Ontario, we were able to get a taste of what online school is like back from April to June, when remote learning was introduced in an attempt to wrap up the abruptly-ending school year. I released a small survey on August 29th asking students simple questions about their experiences with online school and whatʼs to come. According to the survey… According to 30 students,

Two students added that itʼs more challenging due difficulty finding motivation.

prefer school in person since they work/focus better in a classroom environment, and they can see their friends more mo often.

Two other students added itʼs more challenging due to lack of proper structure or disorganization.

of students say they preform academically better at school (in person) than online.

ILLUSTRATION: LAUREN | GRAPHICS: KIM

Congratulations on finishing the first issue of Changes! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so glad to have met you here. We hope you enjoyed the issue, gained some new insight or creative inspiration, and, most important of all, are excited and curious about school-related changes happening in your life. If you enjoyed this issue and want to continue to support us please consider filling out this feedback form (it also automatically enters you in our giveaway) and follow us on Instagram, @changeszine. The feedback form will help us see what you want in the next issue. Although this is almost the end of the issue, it is the very start for our magazine. We will only be coming out with better, smarter, and wittier content for you. Thank you for supporting and reading our magazine. Never stop changing. - The Changes Team

CONTINUE READING TO GET TO KNOW OUR CONTRIBUTORS... CHANGESZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020

Our Contributors Last but definitely not least... introducing our contributors! Thank you for reading through Changes’ first issue! We hope you were as amazed with our contributors’ work as we were. This magazine would not be possible without all their hard work. These people are unbelievably talented, passionate and dedicated in making this first issue possible. What’s even crazier is that we did this in less than 2 weeks and miles away from each other. Our contributors serve as an example that anything can be accomplished with a lot of passion, chaos, and help from your friends. We’ve prepared a little get-to-know-you for each of our talented contributors. Here you will find their hobbies, their funny school experiences and their social media handles. Please feel free to send them a message complimenting their work! If you want to continue to support us, please follow us on Instagram (@changeszine) and keep a look out for future announcements, issues and opportunities. We promise you won’t regret it!

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

AR IK

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ EDITOR Angelina lives in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys drawing, running, reading the Atlantic, and gardening during her free time. Her favourite musical artists include Fall Out Boy and Foster The People and her favourite movies/tv shows are Spider-Man 2 (2004) Shrek 2, Santa Clarita Diet, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Angelina’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “In grade 2, I was part of an organized fight club with a few of my classmates.The first rule of Fight Club was that you couldn’t talk about Fight Club. I’ve already said too much.” You can find Angelina on Instagram @angiethecow (personal) and @anxlines (art)

Arik lives in Toronto, Canada. They enjoy drawing, baking for friends, scrolling through tumblr, and reading webcomics during their free time. Their favourite musical artists include My Chemical Romance and ATEEZ, and their favourite movies/tv shows are She Ra (2018), Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Muppets. Arik’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “One time I greeted my friend at school by yelling “I have mastered the glitter” and a stranger walked by and told me that that was the greatest thing they heard all day. (I realized later that I didn’t really master the glitter :( )” You can find Arik on Instagram @arik_onions

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020

AM ITA

WRITER Maya lives in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys writing, listening to music, eating delicious food, and binge watching tv shows during her free time. Her favourite musical artists include Billie Ellish and Rex Orange County and her favourite movies/tv shows are How I Met Your Mother, Stranger Things, Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses, and the Star Wars saga. Maya’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “One year, the fun end of year project was to make a music video. My friends and I got dressed up in the most hideous outfits, marched around on a football field and filmed each other singing the words to “I’m too sexy”. Although it was tremendously embarrassing, we made the world’s best music video. I have no regrets”

Amita lives in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys drawing digitally, sketching, binge watching tv/movies, online shopping, eating, hanging out with friends and some well deserved self care (most important) during her free time. Her favourite musical artists include Khalid and Bazzi, and her favourite movies/tv shows are the Hunger Games series, White Chicks, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Office. Amita’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “This one time my friends planned a minion themed birthday lunch for me, and they got me a pin that said happy 60th, for my sweet 16th birthday. My principal walked past us, and he saw my birthday pin and said, “wow congrats you’re as old as our school!” I think this moment was life-changing and I will remember this forever, even when I actually turn 60.” You can find Amita on Instagram @ajonejart

You can find Maya on Instagram @mayastein._

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

KIM

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Catherine lives in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys painting with gouache and watercolour, and going to cute restaurants and cafes during her free time. Her favourite musical artists include BTS and her favourite movies/tv shows are Crazy Rich Asians and Abyss. Catherine’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “I had to give a short speech in grade 9 without any preparation and I lost my train of thought in the middle and I just stared at everyone.” You can find Catherine on Instagram @catherine_.yan

Kim lives in Orange County, California. She enjoys drawing, photography, hanging with friends and playing video games during her free time. Her favourite musical artists include The 1975 and Stray Kids and her favourite movies/ tv shows are Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse and A Love So Beautiful (Chinese Drama)! Kim’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “During my sophomore year, my chemistry teacher played BTS’s “No More Dream” at the beginning of class for like, a week straight. No one even asked him to play BTS, it’d simply be playing when we walked into class and sometimes we’d even rewatch the music video.” You can find Kim on Instagram @keemlie

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020

TR ISTAN

ILLUSTRATOR Lauren lives in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys cooking, painting, and listening to music during her free time. Her favourite musical artist is David Bowie and her favourite movies/ tv shows are Mad Men and Lawrence of Arabia. Lauren’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “I convinced my math teacher to pretend snort sugar for an anti cocaine music video assignment. You’d be surprised how fun some teachers are if you talk to them :)”

Tristan lives in Vancouver, Canada. He enjoys painting, playing video games, and playing the piano/singing in his free time! His favourite musical artists include Taylor Swift and Isabelle Huang, and his favourite shows/films to watch are Two Broke Girls and Call Me By Your Name. Tristan’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “[I] found out there’s a short cut to the art studio that everybody else knew about except me after a year at school.” You can find Tristan on Instagram @TraOAO

You can find Lauren on Instagram @lauren.hicken

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

AN JU LI

ILLUSTRATOR Cally lives in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys drawing, photography, sewing, and sleeping during her free time. Her favourite musical artists include Elton John and Queen, and her favourite movies/tv shows are The Room and Bojack Horseman.

Anjuli lives in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys playing video games, and drawing (traditionally and digitally) during her free time. Her favourite musical artists include Kesha and AViVa and her favourite movies/tv shows are Les Miserables and Mamma Mia!

Cally’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “In my first year of being part of a club, I messed up 5 formal emails consecutively to the school’s vice-principal on behalf of all the other club members in one day. Honestly, the most embarrassing and nightmarish part of my life for a month or so, but the VP and I are friends now!”

Anjuli’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “I’ve sworn multiple times in front of teachers in the hallway without realizing and it never gets less embarrassing.” You can find Anjuli on Instagram @free_goblins

You can find Cally on Instagram @bubblyernie

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020

YO SH I

JOURNALIST/ ILLUSTRATOR Henry lives in Toronto, Canada. He enjoys making art, reading, doing online quizzes, cooking, and playing online games with his friends in his free time! His favourite musical artists include Troye Sivan and SZA, and his favourite shows/films to watch are Community, Call Me By Your Name, Sex Education, and Blade Runner 2049.

Yoshi lives in Toronto, Canada. She loves space exploration, anything STEM-related, playing basketball, skiing, drawing, writing, and programming in her free time. Her favourite type of music is Chinese instrumental and her favourite movies/tv shows are Inception,The Matrix and anything that examines a warped life/reality. You can find Yoshi on Instagram @yoshiradle

Henry’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “I got my expanders (a device that dentists use with braces a lot) the day of my tech culminating presentation. Since it takes up like half your mouth and slurs your speech, I more or less just made barely intelligible noises for 10 minutes..” You can find Henry on Instagram @henry.doesart

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

T IA N

PHOTOGRAPHER/ WRITER RA lives in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys drawing, sleeping, singing, reading webtoons/manga, and watching anime during her free time. Her favourite musical artists include BTS (ARMY since 2017-18) and Conan Gray (an OG fan) and her favourite movies/tv shows are Devil Man CryBaby and Shameless. RA’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “I don’t really have any embarrassing school experiences. My school life was always pretty chill. I have gotten into some fights before though.” You can find RA on Instagram @demontage_rak

Tian lives in Toronto, Canada. He enjoys watching artsy A24 experimental film or Paddington 2 on repeat and having hardcore Mincraft sessions with his friends in his free time! His favourite musical artists include Jacob Collier and Andrew Huang and his favourite shows/films are Community, La La Land, Arrival, and Mindhunter. Tian’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “During our school’s biggest concert, every single instrument EXCEPT mine failed and didn’t have any sound. Imagine a Shawn Mendes song with no instrumental and instead, just two singers backed by a lonely drum beat..” You can find Tian on Instagram @tian.h.p,Youtube, and Letterboxd @TianHP

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020

MI SH AL

ER ILLUSTRATOR/WRIT Ali lives in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys many forms of visual arts (drawing, painting, digital art, etc), playing video games, writing, reading, baking, and sewing during her free time. She mostly listens to movie/video game soundtracks, but she does enjoy musical artists Jacob Collier and Billie Holiday. Ali’s favourite movies/tv shows are Avatar: The Last Airbender, Haikyuu!, From Up On Poppy Hill, and the Harry Potter series. Ali’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “In fourth grade I got in *a lot* of trouble for eating mulberries from the yard during lunch recess. I got found out because my hands and face were stained purple;(” You can find Ali on Instagram @alxxndram and @a1icat_ on Twitter

Mishal lives in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys painting, sculpting, gardening, and cooking during her free time. Her favourite musical artists include Nujabes and Skinny Puppy and her favourite movies/tv shows are Gone Girl, Paprika, Parks and Recreation, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Mishal’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “In Design Tech class, I changed the wallpaper of one of my friends’ computers to a curvy drawing of Pennywise as a joke, thinking he’d notice and change it back. Imagine my horror when I realize that the computer was actually logged into a stranger’s account and in a panic to undo the wallpaper change I accidentally logged out instead... I don’t even want to imagine how confused that person must have been...” You can find Mishal on Instagram @mii.shawl

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020 | MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

ILLUSTRATOR/WRITER Ryann lives in Toronto, Canada. They enjoy cosplaying, dancing, making art, and watching anime/cartoons in their free time! Their favourite musical artists include Mother Mother and Mindless Self Indulgence, and their favourite shows/films to watch are Surfs Up and Bojack Horseman. Ryann’s funny/embarrassing school experience: “First week of school, and I didn’t have any new friends yet. A nice girl from my class sees me sitting alone and invites me out to Panera Bread for lunch. Great, right? The problem is, as soon as we get there I see a whole bunch of people sitting at the table. I got so overwhelmed with anxiety about joining that I immediately turned around and LEFT. I just walked to Panera Bread with her and just... left. Oy vey.” You can find Ryann on Instagram @ryannmzz (personal) @electr0kid (cosplay) @chaoticry_ (art)

CHANGES ZINE | VOL. 1 | FALL 2020