WYNPRESS - Term 1 2021

GROWTH OF

AGE coming

OF AGE comi com

coming OF WGHS TERM 1 2021

AGE FLOURIS

CONT ENTS 01 03 05 06 08 10 12

Editor's Letter - Summer Dreyden

Growing Up During A Pandemic - Jenna Ryklief

Remember Me (A Poem) Liezaan Bosch

Coming of Age Traditions Hannah Hill Let the Race Begin!

- Tara Roos

A Letter to Our Future Selves - Olivia Behrens Advancments in Technology - Jaime Lodewyk

CONT ENTS 14 15 16 18 19 21 24

Growing Pains ( A Poem) - Leah Brown Life lessons learned - Kaylen Meiring A Letter to Women - Emma Press

Nurturing Social Justice at WGHS - Sadie Kennedy

The Art of Responding - Chloë Harding

A summer playlist for when you want to feel like the main character - Taherah Orrie

Rager Teenager - Khanyisile Cotani

EDITOR'S LETTER 2021 has arrived and already promises to be better than its predecessor! However, like any other year, it’s bound to throw some obstacles our way. Naturally, these external conflicts will come to mind as we reflect and evaluate its success when it comes to an end. But what makes an eventful year? Is it the strides we make in technology and medicine? The gaps we bridge in society and in overcoming injustices? Or, perhaps, it’s found closer to home in the bonds formed with the special people around us? I’d like to believe that the answer lies within us, in our journeys - the mortifying and celebratory moments alike. And, yes, a focus on self-exploration is no easy task in an era where we tend to put emphasis solely on the bigger picture. However,once we acknowledge our inherent worth as individuals, we can embrace all life has to offer!

As we are our toughest critics, it can sometimes be discouraging to wake up to find that we have not undergone a magical transformation overnight. Even so,I urge you to think of your most loved movie, series, or books characters: no matter what disastrous situations they find themselves in; no matter what mistakes, stumbles, and falls they make, we wholeheartedly support them along their adventures.We accept them as the ‘works in progress’ they are, because we recognise this to be their character developments and look forward to seeing the people they become.

“This is the time to remember that I’m the protagonist in my own story, facing every challenge with grace and wit.”

―

Maya Van Wagenen

The same can be said about our high school careers, in the sense that we all have the power to decide what we allow to affect us and what we choose to learn from our challenges. Accept this growth process (messy as it is), expect change, and take steps toward living the life you want to live. This will ultimately lead you to grow and flourish in all environments you encounter down the road. So, make waves, start taking up space and be the main character of your life!

Connected to this idea of romanticising our lives is our first Wynpress issue of the year-the theme of which is: Coming of age. We thought this would be appropriate because many of us can relate to the difficulties of navigating all the challenges that come with the time between adolescence and adulthood - especially the matrics who will be leaving us in a few months! However, our high school stories are not over yet, and the show must go on! Therefore, we welcome you to get inspired by pieces ranging from the difficulties of growing up during a pandemic, letters from your past selves and a playlist to help you power through the year. Because, yes, growing up can be painful, but it is extremely rewarding as it guides you one step closer to selfdiscovery.

With this new year comes new opportunities, and the Wynpress Committee wishes you the courage to chase after what you want. To create, to love, and to live.

-Summer Dreyden

growing up during a pandemic With almost a year’s worth of experience of Lockdownliving under our belt, we certainly have adapted to this peculiar lifestyle forced upon us by the global pandemic. There is no doubt in my mind that as a collective, we can agree that the experience has left us feeling burnt out and we are ready to return to “normal” life again. However, it hasn’t all been that bad…

After numerous conversations with my fellow teenagers on the matter, executed online, of course, let’s explore the mixed-blessing that is growing up during a pandemic - according to teenagers!

We are living in times where the only way to ensure your health and show that you care for the people in your life is to stay as far away from them as possible. Ironic, isn’t it? No more daily school socializing with your friends and you can forget parties. It is only natural that we feel more lonely now than ever before!

Contrary to the beliefs of older generations who describe teenagers as “anti-social”, all this alone-time has left many teens’ mental health at an all-time low. Not everyone can be comfortable while left with their thoughts and stuck in the confines of their (possibly) chaotic mind. We cannot ignore the fact that many teens do not have the privilege of quarantining in loving, financially-stable, and safe homes. Many teenagers are locked up in harmful environments or with toxic people.

The pandemic leaves a considerable number of teenagers feeling robbed of the most important years of their lives.

Teenagehood is a time for self-exploration, laying the foundation of the adult we will grow to be, and when it is more acceptable by society for mistakes to be made so that lessons can be learned. This learning can no longer be experienced and it begs the question as to what effects this will have on the younger generation?

It is so easy to dwell on the negatives, but growing up during a pandemic, believe it or not, has its perks too!

For many teens, Lockdown and self-isolation periods bring much-needed one-on-one time with yourself, allowing for introspection, reflection, and self-care to take place.

Not all self-exploration opportunities are lost!

Removing yourself from the chaotic and fast-paced routine of normal life has proven to do teenagers the world of good. We often find ourselves rushing and stressing through the day; it is easy to forget that you are not, in fact, a machine and you do deserve a break.

Love it or hate it, the pandemic is here until it is not. It is how we choose to deal with it, adapt, and grow that reveals true character and determines the quality of our lives. You are the architect of your own experience, so why not design a great one?

Stay safe!

- Jenna ryklief

Although many teens’ mental health has suffered, others thrive while going about their daily business and schoolwork from the comfort of their homes and have found new hobbies and interests to pass the time. The alonetime forced many to face internal conflict and challenge the mindsets that held them back in the past.

Remember Me

Do you remember that little girl you use to be, The one who could laugh at the simple things.

She believed in herself.

Now your life feels like a perfect storm, You would rather hide behind dark clouds of regret, Than take a chance and look for the sunlight.

Can’t you feel there is something missing?

What happened to your wonder?

Where did your laugh disappear to?

Don’t forget the little girl.

You think that she only exists in your past, That you will only know her as a memory.

Remember, she is who you were, And she can be part of who you will be.

- Liezaan Bosch

Coming of age Coming of age

is a significant transition in a child’s life when they are considered to have become an adult. Most cultures or religions have special events or celebrations to recognise these momentous occasions. These celebrations differ between countries and cultures and are done so in a number of colorful ways! Let us look at some of the wonderfully eccentric events which some children experience, away from a westernized world.

coming Seijin No Hi - Japan Seijin No Hi is a Japanese Coming of Age festival, which has been celebrated for a whopping 1200 years in which 20-year-olds attend a ceremony in city offices and then enjoy parties amongst friends and family. According to Japanese culture, this is the age when the youth mature, thus also being the time when they are allowed to vote and drink alcohol. What a time to be alive!

Tchoodi - Mali Tchoodi is a ritual that Fulani Women in Mali practice when they come of age, which is at 15 years. This event involves teenage girls getting facial tattoos surrounding their lip areas.

This is a sign of cultural identity. This is done to attain special beauty in order to attract one’s future husband.

Whilst a young Fulani girl gets tattooed, village women clap, dance, sing and play drums while watching her endure the pain.

Seems exhilarating...

Hamar Cow Jumping This Ethiopian coming of age tradition involves grooms-tobe jumping over a castrated male cow. This procedure is repeated four times. Not just that, but they’re also naked!

of

This rite of passage symbolises the childhood that the men have left in the past, prior to marriage. If successful with this challenge, they will be considered one of the Maza, a group of men who have passed the test and will then supervise other Hamar Cow Jumping events throughout their territory.

AGE

The Sunrise Ceremony - The Apache People Apache people belong to different Native American tribes that are culturally intertwined. Traditionally, all Apache girls were required to complete the sunrise/puberty ceremony, also known as Na’ii’ees which rarely practised today. The four-day ceremony takes place during the summer after the girls experience their first period. During this course they have to abide by certain rules, including the prohibition of washing or touching their skin, as well as not drinking from anything other than their drinking tubes. Re-enacting the Apache Origin Myth draws each participant closer to the first woman, a deity of their faith known as White Painted Woman, Changing Woman, or Esdzanadehe.

Aside from the obvious, this tradition is extremely dangerous as the vine lacks elasticity, meaning that one slight miscalculation in the length of the vine could lead to a boneshattering collapse or even a horrific death!

Land Divers - Vanuatu Teen boys living on this small island in the South Pacific, come of age by jumping off of a 98-foot-tall tower!

Definitely not the time to be afraid of heights. A vine is tied to their ankles which barely prevents them from hitting the ground.

Boys begin jumping off shorter towers at the ages of 7 or 8 in order to prepare for their showcase of manliness when they are older. They do say that practice makes perfect...

TRADITIONS - Hannah Hill

LET THE LET THE RACE RACE BEGIN BEGIN LET THE LET THE RACE RACE

T

he Coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm, and the race to ensure a vaccine to save lives has undoubtedly changed history forever.

Dr. Ugur Sahin and his wife, Dr. Ozlem Tureci, founded BioNTech: a small biotechnology company that formerly and primarily focused on cancer treatment.

Recently, the German-based start-up has collaborated with Pfizer, a larger pharmaceutical company, to produce the Covid-19 vaccine that has proved to be more than 90% effective.

BioNTech began its work on the vaccine in January of 2020, after a new virus had spread rapidly throughout China. In less than a year later, BioNTech has created the first-ever mRNA vaccine for widespread use.

This has become the fastest made vaccine and through these efforts, Dr. Ugur Sahin and Dr. Ozlem Tureci have shown that anything is possible.

If history has taught us anything it is that perseverance is key to the development of mankind. As vaccination rollouts begin, we are starting to see a light at the end of a very long tunnel. Through these triumphs, it is evident to see that the hard work of doctors on the front line, the patience of people who stayed at home and the resilience of our communities have not gone to waste. The pandemic has certainly transformed our world in an instant and continues to, but what we have gained from it will be everlasting.

- Tara Roos

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With contributions from Amy Scholtz, Amy Coetzee, Shalom Masanga, Lauren Skippers, Jessica Pautz, Kelly Prowse, Nicolas Yeo

ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY Ever since the dawn of the industrial revolution, advancements in modern engineering have taken man to the moon, led to groundbreaking medical discoveries, and even allowed us to stay connected with family and friends who live overseas. However, we cannot ignore the fact that it has also opened a gateway to the exacerbation of social issues (such as poverty), and created some of the greatest challenges society has ever had to face: environmental degradation, global warming and climate change. But who is truly to blame here? Modern engineering and technology, or those who control it?

One of the most devastating repercussions of the rapid improvements in technology was the exponential growth in poverty rates.

As the demand in production increased so did the need for “more efficient” machinery. People were simply no longer good enough and were therefore replaced. But what if machines replaced jobs that humans were not supposed to be doing in the first place? People shouldn’t have had to settle for an undesirable job in order to support their family, especially if that job could be done by a machine. Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue a career or even the life of their choice;

Despite this, I know that I would be living in a dream world if I believed that no one should be trapped in an unwanted life just because of their desperate situation.

Capitalism has concocted a society full of profit-focused businesses and powerhungry people, who will do whatever it takes to save as much money as possible even if it is at the expense of others.

Along with the rise of social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook came the rise of their own unique social issues.

Cyberbullying, unrealistic expectations, mental health issues, and the speedy spread of fake news are just a few examples of the ripple effects that social media has had on our society. However, is it social media that is the problem, or how society chooses to use it?

All of these platforms allow the world to stay connected but society has taken advantage of this opportunity by finding ways in which they can utilize social media in the most damaging and harmful ways possible.

It is no secret that advancements in technology have led to the most lifethreatening environmental dilemmas. But who are we blaming for these problems?

Are we blaming the improvement in modern engineering or are we going to hold the people who either utilised certain technology or designed particular machinery in an unsustainable manner accountable?

Modern engineering has the power to improve or exacerbate our environmental state. It all depends on how we, as the human civilization inhabiting this planet, decide to use it.

Modern engineering and technology were supposed to be revolutionary. They were designed to make society’s dream of a futuristic world a reality. It was crafted to take mankind to another level. They were constructed with the purpose of nurturing the evolution of humanity. What was not taken into account was human nature. Our greed, our malice and our selfishness have led to the downfall of our society. Technology can either be the problem or the solution, the decision is ours to make. Do we want to use it as the weapon of our demise or are we going to use it to take humanity to new heights? It is all up to us.

- Jaime lodewyk

one mistake so much shame one person that’s left to blame who am i to know better? i’ve just begun, no instruction letter my canvas is blank but for a few strokes my journal of life with little notes a wise figure then advises me so the right way now i know later on, down the line a faux pas the fault is mine experience: a remedy less shame now a guarantee the caterpillar a butterfly a painful process i won’t deny the more i learn the more i see to grow is simply to be

-LEAH BROWN

LIFE LESSONS LEARNED Everyone has a defining moment in their life when they realise how much they’ve grown or recognised that they’re starting to mature. Maybe for you that might be when you started to make your own decisions or maybe it was when you started doing your own laundry. This moment is different for everybody, but here are some of our wise matrics' life-changing epiphanies.

Zoë Zoë Koeries Koeries says says that that this this moment moment for for her her was was once once she she started started becoming becoming more more independent independent and and venturing venturing out out to to do do her her own own thing thing without without the the help help of of others. others.

Leah Leah Brown Brown says says that that she she knew knew was was growing growing up up when when she she started started dealing dealing with with arguments arguments or or disagreements disagreements in in a a more more mature mature way. way. She She also also came came to to the the realisation realisation that that things things weren’t weren’t always always about about her her and and that that everyone everyone is is going going through through their their own own struggles. struggles.

Siobhan Siobhan Walker Walker says says she she realised realised she she was was growing growing up up when when she she came came to to the the conclusion conclusion that that your your parents parents can’t can’t always always save save you you when when you you make make mistakes. mistakes. At At a a certain certain point, point, you you need need to to be be accountable accountable for for your your own own actions. actions.

These are all vital life lessons that everyone has learned or will learn through the course of their lives. However, maybe you’re not so sure when-or even ifyou've started growing up. Perhaps, you’re still trying to figure everything out and that’s okay. If you are feeling overwhelmed with all the changes that come with discovering who you are, here are a few encouraging words from Nassegha Abbas: “You shouldn’t worry about everyone around you because, in the end, it’s about you and what you want to do, people around you shouldn’t define you, you’re the only one who can better things.”

-Kaylen Meiring

A letter to women This letter is written by a woman, for women, so if you do not identify as a woman, chances are you will not understand, but by all means, keep reading.

Womanhood:

a

time

of

our

lives

wrought

with challenges to conquer, empires in need of building, and a time where we can truly live to our full potential. Or, at least, this is how it would be portrayed in a commercial.

Truthfully,

becoming

incredibly

daunting

a

woman

because

can it

be

means

leaving the blissful ignorance of childhood behind and facing our reality-femicide, pay gaps, and general misogyny. Sound fun yet?

If they put that in a commercial they would just be wasting their time.

TThe

brutal

especially

a

frightening. legacy

of

truth

woman

We a

of

have

world

in

being in

our

been

a

woman,

country,

left

desperate

with need

is the of

help, yet we still do not have as much say as our male counterparts. In the world in which we live, we need things like pepper spray and

self-defense

classes,

just

to

safely

leave our homes. It’s our reality, and while it's completely unfair that we have to live this way, carrying protection has become a necessity.

What’s even scarier than this is the belief that there’s still not much we can do about it because, in the eyes of those in power, we are not yet truly women.

Really, it's funny how that works - until we’re too old for them to carry on denying it, we’re either women, or we’re girls, depending on what suits them best. We’re too young to know what we want, but we’re mature enough to be “asking for it”.

But here’s the thing: we do have power, a lot of it, and we can do something about the state of our world.

We’re

the

ones

who

sometimes

tolerate

excruciating pain every 28 days. We’re the ones capable of literally growing an entirely new person, and we’re the ones who do it all in style. And while all that may seem perfectly normal, once you think about it, you begin to see how truly incredible it is that all this is even possible. We take it in our stride: go to school, to work, and carry on. If there’s one thing womanhood has taught us, it's strength.

But it's also taught us a whole lot more than that.

Our

world,

fought

the

world

against

us,

that

for

has

so

long

taught

has us

perseverance. It's taught us to get by on pure strength of will, and it's taught us courage in the

face

of

adversity.

Becoming

a

woman

may be scary to some, but it shapes us into the

courageous,

beautiful,

and

powerful

people we are today. We can build empires, and we can shape the world into something beautiful, and trust me, once we realize just how much power we have, nothing will stop us!

We can build empires, and we can shape the world into something beautiful, and trust me, once we realize just how much power we truly have, nothing will stop us!

-Emma Press

NURTURING SOCIAL JUSTICE WITHIN WGHS - S A D I E

K E N N E D Y

As generations and societies grow and become more conscious of our impact on others, so should the spaces which we occupy. Through social media, marginalised communities are given the opportunity to share their experiences. This gives them a platform to help other people going through similar experiences to feel less isolated and to show more privileged groups how they can support and respect them. The sharing of diverse struggles has helped our generation become more empathetic and aware of how our actions are affecting others. The WGHS learners have created a new society, the Social Justice Forum, a space in which we can constructively work through social justice issues by encouraging self-confidence and pride within minorities and marginalised communities.

The Social Justice Forum will provide support to these learners by supervising discussions in their meetings where attendees’ opinions and perspectives are heard and respected. The SJ Forum committee has been working tirelessly to create a society that is malleable enough to constantly be adapting and progressing in order to be as helpful to students as possible.

There are still many remnants of WGHS’s ‘white only’ history and colonial roots. This forum will, therefore, continually be reviewing policies and hearing how the learners of colour can feel more comfortable in the school environment. The Social Justice Forum proposal states, “The building itself, the school’s history, non-inclusive spaces and ceremonies, acts of racism and the majority-white staff are contributors to this sense of not belonging and damages individual and collective POC identity and self-image.” which clearly illustrates the need for this society, particularly for POC students. This is also why there will be some meetings for exclusively POC learners when issues such as microaggressions arise in order for these learners to heal and be able to speak freely amongst others who share their experiences.

This group will be working closely with other societies in the school such as Q&A (Queer and Allies), FemSoc (Feminist Society), and our various religious societies in order to spread information about these groups. Relevant sessions will be held to assist students affected by problems in and outside of school and ‘ check-ins’ will be held regularly for all members of the group to evaluate the society and reflect on how members are feeling after discussions.

This society will be a space for collective healing for members of any marginalised group. The Social Justice Forum is an important step in Wynberg Girls’ High School’s journey into becoming more inclusive for all learners.

The art of responding -Chloë Harding When I was ten years old, my parents bought a pair of roller skates for which I had been begging them. Bright pink and white, with the most comfortable insoles and gel pink wheels. As I learned how to navigate the roller skates, I fell often, often enough to continuously stand up and try again. I would be extremely frustrated that I couldn't skate as fast as others. All my friends were moving swiftly on their roller skates and I could barely stand! I thought, maybe there was something wrong with me.

Nearly six months later, I was able to balance myself well and I could ride from pillar to post without worrying about whether I would slip and fall.If I had given up a month after I started riding, I probably would've never been able to see the progress I had achieved and would've been angry with myself for not trying.

Looking back, I realise that my reaction to falling and my frustration at not being able to ride, was the very reason I was fueled to learn how to rollerblade in the first place.

The idea that the challenges which we face do not define us as people but the way in which we respond to them does, has always been part of my development in high school and indirectly, helped me with coping. Whether it was school work, marks, homework, or even friendship problems. It was one of those things which stayed with me, always pushing me not to give up, no matter how stressful.

Stressing in high school is extremely common; amongst students, teachers, people on the campus, or even parents. Most people feel stress and don't realise that the way they deal with things thrown at them, defines them as people at the end of the day.

Take a deep breath and ask yourself why are you stressed? Why do you feel this way?

Were you like me who was stressed because I couldn't 'fit in' with my friends at ten years of age, or are you stressed because that English essay is due tomorrow and you forgot to interview someone for it? Finding the reasons behind why we feel a certain way allows us to find a healthy way to cope with our problems.

I think it's important that we should always take a step back, evaluate the situation and our feelings, do something to take our mind off the stress, and when we're ready, try and solve the issue. It's always better to approach situations with a clear mind, rather than a clouded and frustrated one.

Who knows… I could have failed at roller- skating had I not persevered.

A summer playlist for when you want to feel like the main character ‘New year, new me’ is what we manifest at the beginning of each year. Do we follow through with it, maybe, maybe not, but I’m not judging. Since we’ve left the year of craziness behind , I say we embark on a new journey of selfdiscovery, growth and more ‘me time’, and why not have an awe-inspiring playlist to jam out to and help you to become the Heather of your own life! “ I just wanna be someone…”

Are you a person who doesn’t necessarily change the world or stop the Earth from spinning? Someone who just lives? If that is the case, Someone to You features all the fluctuating emotions of finding out where you want to be in life. With its upbeat and optimistic tune and the vulnerability of its chorus, of “just wanting to be somebody to someone”, it sets the idea of creating a life worth living, into words.

SOMEONE TO YOU BANNERS

“ and I know that you’re scared because hearts get broken…"

GOLDEN HARRY STYES

Styles’ lyrical masterpiece, Golden, conveys feelings of fear, love and hope, all in one track, with a joyful melody as well. The fear of falling in love and ending up alone in the end is a valid one to have. Here, Harry expresses the admiration he has for someone, whilst still maintaining that fear of being left alone. This song will have you driving along the Amalfi coast, thinking about that feeling of loneliness, yet hoping for an ever after. Food for thought I say, and a definite banger!

“I wish I were Heather...”

It’s not just polyester! The act of casting aside and invalidating your emotions will lower your self-esteem. But it is important to acknowledge what you feel, and not compare yourself to others. This rich and poetic song of longing and jealousy encapsulates many friendships and romances, where a variety of ‘ love triangles’ are formed.

Two people are seemingly meant for each other while the other watches as she walks by. You might feel like side character number three, but from where we’re watching, you're the main character. And oh, how good does the spotlight look on you.

Heather

CONAN GREY

“this city is my church, it wraps me in its blinding twilight…”

Late-night drives, the peace of silence and the comfort of the dark, all wrapped up in one nostalgic experience, called Midnight City, by M83. This song truly pockets the idea of friendship and reminiscing about older days when times were easier and life was better. It’s almost electronic introduction is an iconic one. It hypes you up for the melodious beat that follows, and if you’ve never heard this one before, I suggest cranking up your speakers real loud! (and, up the bass.)

MIDNIGHT CITY M83

“I had a dream so big and loud, I jumped so high I touched the clouds…”

BEST DAY OF MY LIFE AMERICAN AUTHORS

An oldie but a definite goodie! This classic feel-good song hits all the spots, from conquering your greatest fear to belting the lyrics of your favourite song at a music festival. Best Day of My Life is made for amping yourself up. The lively percussion of the song, accompanied by what seems like a bunch of shouting friends, creates the perfect sing-along song. Allow it to energize and excite you about your task ahead. Always remember that today only comes once, so enjoy the moment while it’s here!

“baby you’re like lightning in a bottle...”

If you ever want to relive the feeling of being completely compelled by someone, Electric Love will be the track to capture your mood perfectly! That feeling of butterflies in your stomach and ecstasy in your smile is only amplified by the pop-rock sensation. Dealing with a little crush here and there is only healthy, and a completely normal part of the teenage experience, and sometimes the adult one, too.

Regardless of your age, this jam of a tune with its rockindie energy and electrifying tune, will have you head banging and singing about that certain someone in no time.

ELECTRIC LOVE BORNS

“I owned every second that this world could give…”

I LIVED

ONE REPUBLIC

The ultimate road-trip song, I lived teaches us the value of life and the gift of living. This cheery and triumphant number by One Republic emits feelings of accomplishment, joy and contentment with what you’ve done. A wise human once said that when life hands you lemons, make lemonade! And maybe listen to some One Republic while you’re at it.

“I can't see the sun when young should be fun...”

In a dynamic world that is advancing by the day, growing up can often seem sped up and many become desensitized to what is around them. Alessia writes of a time of struggle and perseverance, a challenge that isn’t often spoken about, during adolescence. With an intuitive set of lyrics matched to the catchy pop tune, Growing Pains will keep you feeling a little less alone in this vast world and a little more in-touch with your feelings- feelings that are shared with so many others.

GROWING PAINS ALESSIA CARA

Growing into your skin can be a daunting experience, and is something you should truly take your time on and not rush. That being said, all that alone time can become a bit noiseless, so why not have these electrifying tracks, from the likes of Conan Gray, M83, and Coldplay, keeping you company!

-TAHERAH ORRIE

During the 1st Lockdown, I speculate that many of us curled up in our rooms and binge-watched various movies and series to pass the time. Something which might have been common for many teens would have been watching any unrealistic yet entertaining form of a coming-of-age movie. Whether it was a masterpiece such as Call Me By Your Name or Lady Bird, it is safe to say that many of us took the time to indulge in some of these on-screen delicacies!

RAGER TEENAGER

It is no secret that many of us turn to movies which highlight the teen experience, despite being played by bizarrely attractive and youthful looking 30 years olds.

The reason we do this is that their stories resonate with us in some form. However, it sometimes seems that, rather than unravelling the message which many of these movies hope to relay, we choose to focus on the aesthetics of it, thus completely neglecting the plot.

Many series, namely Euphoria and Grand Army, are appreciated for their insanely gorgeous cast, makeup and music, rather than the harsh yet necessary stories which they tackle. Quite often it feels as though we forget the beauty behind the creation. In the hope of changing this mindset, I have recommended 4 films to add to your list of must-watch movies, all dancing around the expandable theme of growth!

"All I know is that we have a lot more to learn, because this part’s over, and that’s so sad. But it was great, wasn’t it? Things are never going to be the same, but it was perfect."

Booksmart, directed by Olivia Wilde, and released in 2019. This is a hilarious story that centres around growth within friendships, which is extremely prevalent to the age that we are in.

Booksmart “But how can you walk away from something and still come back to it?”

Coraline (2009),directed by Henry Selik and inspired

by Neil Gaiman's eerie children’s novella, discusses topics relating to physical growth as one goes through adolescence.

THE MOST RAGING COMING-OFAGE MOVIES OF OUR GENERATION

Coraline

"Love isn't patient, and kind, and humble. Love is messy, and horrible, and selfish, and bold. It's not finding your perfect half. It's the trying, and reaching, and failing."

The Half Of It(2020), directed by Alice Wu, heart-warmingly explores growth and the realisation in one’s sexuality and identity.

The Half of It "You monsters got me feeling monster in my own town!"

like

a

Blindspotting, directed by Carlos Lopez, which and aired in 2018, effectively deals with growth in the decisions one needs to make to better their life.

Blindspotting

With these magical movies focusing on growth and touching on familiar topics, I hope that they will bring you comfort and allow you to view and unpack these stories in a different way!

A personal favourite of mine is Booksmart, as, among many other things, it beautifully looks at friendships and the dynamics of it in high school.

Throughout the movie many of us will find ourselves relating to Amy & Molly’s friendship as it might remind us of a friendship where we might not have felt truly appreciated. Whether it is a friendship which is completely focused on one person and how everything centers around them or simply having different views and objectives to that of your friends, I can guarantee many of us will be able to relate.

KHANYISILE COTANI

GROWTH OF

AGE coming Special thanks to:

Our wise and wondrous Wynpress committee for creating such enticing work;

always

Ms Lawrence for all of her efforts dedicated to ensuring every Wynpress issue reaches its full potential;

OF AGE comi com Dr Wallace for taking the time to ensure that the issue is perfect for publishing; the Communications and Marketing team for sharing our work with the Wynberg family; and last but certainly not least, many thanks to you, our amazing readers for your never-ending support. *Images and cartoons are courtesy of Canva (www. canva. com)

coming OF

AGE FLOURIS