Three for Three: Reviewing “The Christophers”

In his latest low-key indie, Steven Soderbergh turns inward with “The Christophers,” a spare, incisive meditation on art, mortality, and creative disillusionment. Staff Writer Harry Finnegan ’28 discusses how this film emerges as a personal, self-reflexive work that only Soderbergh could deliver.

The Indicator x The Student: “Nighttime Ballad for a Green-Blue Song”

In collaboration with The Indicator, The Student presents “Nighttime Ballad for a Green-Blue Song,” a poem by Hannah Kwon ’27, after Suji Kwock Kim, featured in the magazine’s latest fall issue.

The Indicator x The Student: “Strokes of Vermilion”

Featured in the Fall 2025 issue of the Indicator, Sarria Joe ’27 shares “Strokes of Vermilion,” a story about the pain of lost love and making the choice of prioritizing independence over intimacy.

Valchemy: Is This a “Surf-and-Turf” Melt Recipe?

For the first time this semester, Valchemy is back! To kick it off, Managing Arts & Living Editor Mila Massaki Gomes ’27 shares her unconventional sandwich combination, bringing together the land and the sea.

Emotion, Love, Struggle, and Drama on the Screen

To escape the drama on campus, sit back and watch other people's problems in the new movie, “The Drama.” Discussing the elements that make this movie such a hit (without spoilers!), Assistant Editor Amber Lee ’28 analyzes the film's highlights.

Ninth Annual Black Art Matters Visual Arts Showcase Highlights “Inclusivity, Community, Sharing, and Celebrating”

With the opening of the ninth Black Art Matters (BAM) Festival on March 3, Contributing Writer Isabelle Sloan ’28 shares details and background about the program and some of the artworks exhibited this year.

The Indicator x The Student: “I Go Back to Jamjar”

From The Indicator’s Spring 2026 issue, “I Go Back to Jamjar” by Venumi Gamage ’26 paints a picture of love as a dance of the senses — sticky marmalade, warm sunlight, and skin against skin — that consumes body and mind alike.

The Indicator x The Student: “Blood of ’02”

“Blood of ’02” by Jorge Rodríguez Jr. ’26 tells an eerie story of two young boys’ realization that their uncle has disappeared. From The Indicator’s Spring 2026 issue, this story explores uncertain yet palpable loss.

Revisiting Shakespeare: “As You Like It”

For this week’s “Revisiting Shakespeare,” Editor-in-Chief Edwyn Choi ’27 discusses the comedy “As You Like It.” In this article, Choi dives into the absurdities and playfulness of the plot and also notes its lasting relevance in the academic and legal worlds.

“Resurrection” Movie Review: To Burn, Anyway

In this film review of “Resurrection,” Contributing Writer Irisa Teng ’29 discusses what makes this movie visually ambitious as it tells its story through a series of dream worlds by reflecting on the nature of dreaming.

Predictions for This Year’s Oscars Ceremony

With the Oscars coming up this awards season, Staff Writer Harry Finnegan ’28 shares his predictions and thoughts on potential winners in each cinematic category.

The Indicator x The Student: “Dr. Razzle & Mr. Taz”

Published in the Fall 2025 issue of The Indicator, “Dr. Razzle & Mr. Taz” by Staff Writer Sydney Harris ’26 tells the story of an unexpected visitor during a blizzard, reflecting on themes of loneliness and companionship. Accompanied by graphic art from Audrey Yoo ’28.

A Hidden Gem in the Music Scene: Peter McPoland

For those looking for their next indie music obsession, Contributing Writer Joanna Munoz ’29 highlights rising artist Peter McPoland, exploring his growing presence in the music scene and what makes his sound stand out.

The Indicator x The Student: “from LaGuardia, with love (after Hanif Abdurraqib)”

In “from LaGuardia, with love (after Hanif Abdurraqib),” Managing Features Editor Ava Nair ’28 reflects on the relationship between love, violence, and the fragile line between tenderness and harm. Accompanied by art from Gabriela Machado ’28.

Former Secretary Pete Buttigieg Speaks At LitFest

From this year's annual LitFest, Senior Managing Editor Mira Wilde ’28 writes about the highly-anticipated talk given by the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, who shared his relationship with literature and how it shapes his work in politics.

LitFest Welcomes Innovative Author Jamaica Kincaid

Among this year’s distinguished LitFest guest speakers was author Jamaica Kincaid. Managing Opinion Editor Caroline Flinn ’28 and Managing Puzzles Editor Madeline Gold ’28 explore how Kincaid's personal experiences and values have shaped both her writing and her life.

“Nirvanna: The Band - the Show - the Movie” The Review

As the Spring semester starts picking up, so has the lineup of viewings at the Amherst Cinema. To kick off her list, Managing Features Editor Belaine Mamo ’27 shows appreciation for the absurdity throughout “Nirvanna: The Band - the Show - the Movie.”

Memos From the Film Society: “Pillion” Reviewed

Staff Writer Harry Finnegan ’28 reviews “Pillion,” which centers around the relationship between a dominant biker and his new partner. Finnegan writes about deep themes of love, intimacy, and power that is explored throughout the movie.

The Indicator x The Student: “How I Want To Die”

Published in the Fall 2025 issue of The Indicator, “How I Want To Die” by Aidan Cooper ’26 writes about how asparagus season evolves into a meditation on mystery, ripeness, and time. Accompanied by artwork by Ana Martinez ’29, Cooper conveys the importance of living within the moment.

The Indicator x The Student: “Three’s a Crowd”

“Three’s a Crowd” by Mike Rosenthal ’27 follows a weary bartender through one long shift, where a routine card game and a stranger’s drink order turn into something far more sinister. From the Fall 2025 issue of The Indicator, this story uses sharp dialogue to blend neon-lit noir with dark humor.

This Lunar New Year’s To-Dos and Taboos

Happy Year of the Horse! As the Lunar New Year begins, Managing Arts & Living Editor Jayda Ma ’28 shares her guide to honoring cherished traditions, protecting your good fortune, and stepping into the new year with energy and intention.

Soundtracks Surrounding the Sweetheart Season

Although Valentine’s Day has passed, the echoes of the season of love still linger. Fortunately, the Arts and Living section editors have your back with their recommendations of songs that will fit whatever vibe you have going on for February.

Revisiting Shakespeare: The Afterlives of “Julius Caesar”

In this edition of “Revisiting Shakespeare,” Editor-in-Chief Edwyn Choi ’27 reviews “Julius Caesar.” Choi discusses how Shakespeare’s play still grips audiences by bringing the past into the present and asking what power, loyalty, and public persuasion mean now.

For the Love of the Game: Beyond “Heated Rivalry”

You have probably heard of “Heated Rivalry,” a show depicting the romance between two hockey players that has taken the world by storm. In light of the series’ popularity, Contributing Writer Irisa Teng ’29 shares sports media recommendations that make up for elements “Heated Rivalry” missed.

Memos From the Film Society: “The Testament of Ann Lee”

Staff Writer Harry Finnegan ’28 shares his thoughts on “The Testament of Ann Lee,” a musical biopic about the female leader of the Shaker movement. In his review, Finnegan discusses the integrity of the plot, as well as the performances of the actors and the director's creative choices.

Woolly Fashion: Ivan Contreras and Michelle Lee

In this edition of Woolly Fashion, Justin Vasquez ’28 spotlights two beloved and stylish campus icons: Professor Ivan Contreras and Professor Michelle Lee. Both professors reflect on how their cultural identities and hometowns have shaped their fashion today.

The Indicator x The Student: “Five by Five”

In his prose piece, “Five by Five,” Aidan Cahill ’28 explores themes of power, fear, and change through a narrator trapped in a five-foot square. Published in The Indicator’s 2025 fall issue, Cahill blends intimate emotion with expansive sci-fi world-building.

The Indicator x The Student: “to live, to bleed”

From The Indicator’s fall 2025 issue, Willow Delp ’26 explores themes of sacrifice and life versus death in “to live, to bleed,” a piece that depicts an unsettling and gory ritual between two girls.

Secret Life of Amherst Pets: Guppies

For the Secret Life of Amherst Pets (SLAP) column debut, Managing A&L Editor Jayda Ma ’28 introduces Tempest and Flame, her two guppies, whose companionship brings routine and unexpected joy to her dorm life. Take a peek into how even the smallest pets can make college feel a little more like home.

“No Other Choice” South Korean Movie Review

Fresh off its Golden Globe nominations, the 2025 film “No Other Choice” gets a compelling review from Editor-in-Chief Edwyn Choi ’27, who unpacks the film’s chilling mix of horror and irony, as well as the technical elements that deliver its emotional punch.

New Semester, New Mood

The start of a new semester can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and sometimes the best therapy is a good book or show. Thankfully, the A&L editors have you covered — whether you’re romanticizing, spiraling, or mentally on vacation, there’s something here to match the mood.

WAMH x The Student: Looking at “Head Over Heels”

In the first installment of a three-part series, Staff Writer Luke Deeble ’29 unveils the often-ignored emotional and structural complexity of Tears for Fears’ “Head Over Heels”.

Making Amherst Your Home Away From Home

As winter break approaches, international students on campus often experience heightened stress. Staff Writer Amaya Ranatunge ’28 explores the events hosted by the Center for International Students to ease that pressure and help students feel at home at Amherst.

The Indicator x The Student: “Ode on a Warm Sea”

Editor-in-Chief of The Indicator Venumi Gamage ’26, in “Ode on a Warm Sea,” traces how love, memory, and loss flow into one another across multiple settings. Originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of The Indicator.

The Indicator x The Student: “The Calf on the Open Field”

Originally published in The Indicator’s Spring 2025 issue, Managing Arts & Living Editor Mila Massaki Gomes ’27 reflects on the cycles of nature and grief in a haunting meditation on an “evergreen” love that cannot change, following a journey from late-summer longing to the slow thaw of acceptance.

Revisiting Shakespeare: The Tragedy of “King Lear”

In this week’s “Revisiting Shakespeare,” Senior Managing Editor Edwyn Choi ’27 reviews the technical complexities and perplexing plot lines of “King Lear.” Despite controversial critiques and adaptations of this popular play, there are still intense themes Choi finds worth exploring.

Festive Ideas to Wish Away Winter Worries

As the semester tightens and winter settles in, Managing Arts & Living Editor Jayda Ma ’28 charts out the small delights that make Amherst bearable in the cold. Lace up your skates, grab a donut, or sled down Memorial Hill, and you might just stumble into the perfect winter reset.

The Indicator x The Student: “AT THE CORNER OF ‘AMERICA’”

Originally published in The Indicator’s Spring 2024 issue, Contributing Writer Ryogo Katahira ’27 takes on themes of purpose and identity, as well as the search for meaning in “THE CORNER OF ’AMERICA’.”

The Indicator x The Student: “The Pimple”

In “The Pimple,” Managing Opinion Editor Olivia Tennant ’27 reflects on the complexities of beauty and the standards we impose on ourselves, paired with Audrey Yoo ’28’s artwork “Metamorphosis,” which captures feelings of transformation. Both pieces appear in The Indicator’s Spring 2025 issue.

The New “Tradition” of Poet Jericho Brown

Staff Writer Harry Finnegan ’28 reports back from the second annual Rhonda Cobham-Sander Lecture, where Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jericho Brown captivated the audience with his inventive “duplex” poems and spellbinding stage presence.

Woolly Fashion: President Michael Elliott and Quincy Smith

Is Amherst’s latest style icon … our president? Back with some highlights of fashion found on campus, Contributing Writer Justin Vasquez ’28 interviews Quincy Smith ’25E and special guest President Michael Elliott about their thoughts on self-expression in this edition of Woolly Fashion.

WAMH x The Student: Top 10 Gorillaz Rap Features

Contributing Writer Alden Parker ’26 dives into the world of the virtual band Gorillaz, known for their inventive collaborations, and breaks down the songs in their discography that showcase the best rap features.

Is “Tiger Style!” Out of Style?

The theater and dance department staged “Tiger Style!” last week, a two-act comedy about Chinese American siblings grappling with belonging. Senior Managing Editor Edwyn Choi ’27 discusses the production’s theme and execution, questioning whether its portrayal of humor and identity resonates today.

The Indicator x The Student: “Tell Me Again”

In “Tell Me Again,” a piece published in the Spring 2025 issue of The Indicator, contributing writer Ayana Alles ’28 reflects on remembrance and the disconnect between what is real, gone, and lasting.

The Indicator x The Student: “From the Porch”

George Henry ’26 writes “From the Porch,” a poem about the impact of the places we grow up in and their ability to pull us back in time in a sea of memories. Their work is featured in the Spring 2025 issue of The Indicator.

Seriously Spooky, Scary Soundtracks of the Season

Think you know the difference between spooky and scary? Staff Writer Luke Deeble ’29 dives into the songs that actually terrify, from Echo & the Bunnymen to Jay-Z, and makes a case for why understanding your fears might be the real trick (or treat).

Memos From the Film Society: “One Battle After Another”

Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” is one of the year’s most acclaimed films, hailed by many as an instant classic. In his review, Staff Writer Harry Finnegan ’28 examines the film to uncover what its widespread acclaim reveals about how we define cinematic greatness.

“Chainsaw Man — The Movie: Reze Arc” Review

Contributing Writer Alden Parker ’26 shares his emotional journey from freshman wonder to senior reflection in his review of “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.” Experience the nostalgia and insight that show how time, growth, and fandom transform the way we connect with the stories we once loved.

Revisiting Shakespeare: “The Merchant of Venice”

Senior Managing Editor Edwyn Choi ’27 examines the thorny legacy of Shylock, the Venetian moneylender who’s made more modern headlines than some would like to admit. From dodging a literal “pound of flesh” to debates over antisemitism, “The Merchant of Venice” refuses to retire quietly.

Mammoths Sleep Smarter, Not Harder: Ranking Nap Spots

Contributing Writer Justin Vasquez ’28 has made it his mission to rate nap spots on campus in the Mammoths Sleep Smarter column debut. Whether you’re a sleep-deprived student or curious where to catch a quick rest, this nap map might give a new way to survive the year.

Daffodils to Drones: Reading Outside the Western Canon

Staff Writer Amaya Ranatunge ’28 explores how Arabic and Arab diaspora poetry at Amherst challenges the Western literary canon by tying art to activism. Discover this form of poetry that refuses silence by insisting on being heard even in the face of oppression.

The Indicator x The Student: “Ithaca”

Alongside an artwork by Amaya Ranatunge ’28, “Ithaca” by Aidan Cahill ’28 tells the story of a brief shared connection between two travelers as they are brought together by chance on a westward road. These pieces are showcased in the Spring 2025 issue of The Indicator.

The Indicator x The Student: “Haircut”

In her poem “Haircut,” Sarah Goldschmidt-Hopkinson ’28 uses vivid detail and lyrical repetition to evoke the tenderness of intimacy and the ache of knowing two people are “out of time.” Accompanied by a photograph by George Henry ’26, these pieces can be found in The Indicator’s Spring 2025 issue.

“The Mind Reels” Book Review

Raw, unflinching, and vividly written, “The Mind Reels” delivers a fearless portrait of life with bipolar disorder. Contributing Writer Luke Deeble ’29 examines Freddie deBoer’s debut novel, a work that resists easy sympathy or tidy resolutions while illuminating an often-misunderstood condition.

Woolly Fashion: Alexa Martinez and Willow Delp

Woolly Fashion is back for fall 2025! In this season’s edition, Contributing Writer Justin Vasquez ’28 spotlights Alexa Martinez ’26 and Willow Delp ’26, two students who express identity through fashion by challenging norms and embracing authenticity, from exam-day fits to a fairycore style.

WAMH x The Student: “Who is the Sky?” Tour

Art-rock icon David Byrne electrified Wang Theatre recently with surreal visuals and a balanced setlist of classics and experimental tracks. In their review, Rohan Badgandi ’29 and Rafael Gómez ’29 capture the performance's mix of political irony, nostalgia, and novelty.

Film Society x Anime Club: Ghibli Double Feature

Showcasing highlights of Studio Ghibli classics, the Film Society launched its first themed screening series of the year in collaboration with Anime Club. In his article, Alden Parker ’26 explores how the films’ directors reflect on memory and legacy.

The Indicator x The Student: “Omphalos” Poem

In clips of memories, Luchik Belau-Lorberg ’28 dives into the events of a past time. “Omphalos” tells in fragments the warm, dark, and curious moments of a gone summer stuck in the evergreen of remembrance. His work is featured in the Spring 2025 edition of The Indicator.

The Indicator x The Student: “Misty Stone, Sweet Petrichor”

Featured in the Spring 2025 edition of The Indicator, Katelyn Parrott ’27 reflects on the nature of memory, loss, and yearning in cycles of death and evergreen through her beautiful poem “Misty Stone, Sweet Petrichor.”

Exhibitions Celebrate Mead’s 75th Anniversary

For its 75th anniversary, the Mead Art Museum is redefining what gallery experiences can be. From immersive textiles to art created under state censorship, Staff Writer Amaya Ranatunge ’28 captures how the Mead has challenged how we engage with art, and how it is set to inspire for years to come.

Adorable, Awkward, Punk or “Linda Linda Linda?”

What happens when a group of schoolgirls tries to pull off a punk rock performance with only three days to prepare? In his review of “Linda Linda Linda,” Senior Managing Editor Edwyn Choi ’27 describes how the film turns teenage chaos into a feel-good love letter to high school and Japanese rock.

Lessons From The Performative Male Contest

Last Friday, Clairo, matcha, and feminist literature took the spotlight at Amherst’s first Performative Male Contest, hosted by AAS. Contributing Writer Luke Deeble ’29 reflects on satire and stereotypes as contestants embodied a popular culture archetype to the fullest.

Memos From the Film Society: “Twinless” Reviewed

From grief to obsession, mirrors to missed connections, “Twinless” isn’t your typical twin story. Contributing writer Harry Finnegan ’28 dips into the striking dual performance in this rising film that embodies loneliness and the search for missing halves.

WAMH x The Student: “Bleeds” Album Review

In this week’s edition of WAMH x The Student, Gabe Day-O’Connell ’28 reviews Wednesday’s newest album "Bleeds," an electrifying fusion of noise-rock and country twang. The record plays like a fever dream, and you might just discover your new favorite track in this breakdown of the album’s songs.

The Indicator x The Student: “Elegy for the Evergreen”

Willow Delp ’26 conveys the beauty of nature and time in “Elegy for the Evergreen,” telling the story of an evergreen tree’s life through the seasons. Accompanied with a photo by Kateryna Havryshchuk ’26, these pieces are showcased in the Spring 2025 edition of The Indicator.

The Indicator x The Student: “where we learn to love and hate and cry”

Published alongside an abstract painting by Samuel Nkengla ’26, this poem featured in The Indicator x The Student by Sarah Down ’27 explores themes of childhood trust and betrayal, as she reminisces on growing up with her brother in the Spring issue of 2025.

Revisiting Shakespeare: “Measure for Measure”

For fans of Shakespeare and theater, get excited for the debut of “Revisiting Shakespeare.” Senior Managing Editor Edwyn Choi ’27 kicks off the column with “Measure for Measure,” one of the playwright’s darkest legal dramas, and unpacks the play’s entanglement with morality and corruption.

Mammoths Read: Fall Book Recommendations

As autumn begins next week, the Arts & Living team has your next cozy read covered. This week, our editors are sharing their top fall book recommendations, which are the perfect companions for the spooky season and a cup of warm cider.

Editors’ Picks: Summer Reads and Watches

Before syllabi and problem sets take over your brain, why not allow yourself one last summer favorite? From page-turners to film-favorites, we’ve rounded up a few standout reads and watches that kept our editors hooked this summer. 

WAMH Radio x The Student: sombr — “I Barely Know Her” Album Review

With millions of monthly listeners, sombr is quickly becoming Gen Z’s indie-pop poster boy, but does his debut album live up to the hype? In this WAMH review, Jude Tait ’28 brings a critical ear and just the right amount of side-eye to the album’s TikTok-ready hooks and undeniable charm.

“It All Began With a Melody”: A Musical Review

Following the recent premiere of “It All Began With a Melody,” a film made in collaboration by Caden Stockwell ’25 and Phoebe Neilsen ’25, Staff Writer Max Feigelson ’27 discusses his takeaways from the post-screening Q&A.

“Survivor”: Season 48, Episode 10, Reviewed

Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 reflects on his six-year journey of writing articles reviewing the show “Survivor.” Though bittersweet, Armour writes a phenomenal review of episode 10, Season 48, to conclude his writing career for The Student.

The Indicator x The Student: “Mandarin”

In this edition of The Indicator x The Student, Ella Lin ’27 writes a poem that explores proximity, longing, and intimacy through the sour, sweet, and tender flesh of a mandarin.

The Indicator x The Student: “Mmm, Not Too Sweet”

In this edition of The Indicator x The Student, accompanied by artwork by Annabelle Chen ’27, Priscilla Lee ’25 tells the story of an encounter at a bus stop and the feeling of being known and understood. Originally published in the Fall 2024 edition of The Indicator.

Spring Concert: What Went Wrong?

Despite soulful sets from talented artists, this year’s Spring Concert drew a sparse crowd and left many students underwhelmed. Staff Writer Amaya Ranatunge ’28 questions whether the event still lives up to its reputation and calls for bolder artist choices to revive the concert’s fading spark.

“Survivor”: Season 48, Episode 9, Reviewed

Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 covers the ninth episode of this season of “Survivor” to reveal who now controls the board heading into the final eight through calculated blindsides.

Valchemy: Afternoon Sweet Study Treats

As the semester comes to a close, this week’s Valchemy highlights two easy, delightful snacks by Columnist Ivy Haight ’25 that make studying much sweeter: Puppy Chow and Party Banana.

The Indicator x The Student: “Mango”

In this edition of The Indicator x The Student, accompanied by an art piece from Evelyn Chi ’25, this poem by Bea Agbi ’26 peels back the reluctant indulgence and visceral rediscovery of the mango’s raw, fibrous truth.

The Indicator x The Student: “Devour”

Through a takedown of productive day influencers, Brianna Zhang ’27 channels the voice of Jimmy the mayfly who lives a full, chaotic lifetime in under 24 hours. Explore this witty prose piece originally published in the Fall 2024 edition of The Indicator.

“Survivor”: Season 48, Episode 8, Reviewed

From the classic pole challenge to pleading for elimination votes, Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 dives into the challenges, strategies, and new dynamics of this 48th season of “Survivor” as the show exits the group stage.

“Survivor”: Season 48, Episode 7, Reviewed

A dramatic double elimination shook up the game, setting the stage for major power shifts in the latest episode of “Survivor.” While new alliances form and old ones fracture, Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 discusses how the post-merge chaos is just beginning.

The Indicator x The Student: “Christmas Gift”

Moving through shifting timelines and parallel Christmases, Sarah Wu ’25 leans into what it means to be unwrapped, consumed, and remembered — if only briefly — by someone who was never meant to stay. Originally published in the Fall 2024 edition of The Indicator.

The Indicator x The Student: “Fragment #2 (Lysis)”

In this edition of The Indicator x The Student, Aidan Cooper ’26 uncovers the relationship between faith and connection. Through imagery of water, roots, and blooming lotus flowers, Cooper reflects on how religion and relationship intertwine in the shaping of self.

Behind the Rhonda Cobham-Sander Annual Lecture

Join Amherst in welcoming acclaimed poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib for the inaugural Rhonda Cobham-Sander Annual Lecture. Managing Arts & Living Editor Mila Massaki Gomes ’27 writes about this student-driven initiative and invites all to celebrate this milestone event.

“Survivor”: Season 48, Episode 6, Reviewed

This week’s episode of “Survivor” brought chaos, comedy, and an unexpected advantage grab that shook up the game. As alliances shifted and trust unraveled, Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps how one player’s bold moves led to a dramatic blindside.

Nostalgia for Nostalgia, Reviewing the Movie “Eephus”

While trying to write about baseball movies, Staff Writer Max Feigelson ’27 invokes Greek etymology, Samuel Beckett, American cultural imperialism, and Lao-Tzu to say something about the slipperiness of nostalgia.

“Survivor”: Season 48, Episode 5, Reviewed

History was made in “Survivor” this week as Host Jeff Probst shed tears for the first time in 48 seasons. Staff Writer Vaughn Armour ’25 describes an inspiring display of perseverance that moved the entire cast and viewers at home.

Valchemy: A Comforting Cheesy Quesadilla

Tired of dining hall dinners? Take inspiration from Columnist Joel Jang ’28, who finds comfort in DIY quesadillas, turning tortillas and cheese into golden, melty perfection in this week’s Valchemy creation.

The Indicator x The Student: “family dinner: still life in silence and salt”

Accompanied by the art piece “Erode” by Xenel Islam ’26, Hannah Kwon ’27 dives into the language of food, revealing the balance between holding on and letting go in this edition of The Indicator x The Student.

The Indicator x The Student: “Nature Walk”

In the prose piece “Nature Walk,” Aidan Cahill ’28 presents a fleeting storm that becomes the lonely lament of a restless sky giant, accompanied by “Autumn Nights,” a photograph by Olivia Keller ’26. Originally published in the Fall 2024 edition of The Indicator.

“Survivor”: Season 48, Episodes 3 and 4, Reviewed

After spring break, Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 returns to review episodes three and four of this season of “Survivor.” Fights for immunity, new island formations, and building alliances — the 48th season is picking up speed.

The True Meaning Behind Being a “Bad Activist”

Artist and activist Mai Khoi brought her electrifying performance “Bad Activist” to Amherst, combining music and political defiance in a gripping set. Managing Arts & Living Editor Jayda Ma ’28 recounts Khoi’s journey from pop stardom to exile, examining how art and activism remain inseparable.

“I’m Still Here” Review: A Victory For Democracy

Following the Oscars, Managing Arts & Living Editor Mila Massaki Gomes ’27 covers the significance of “I’m Still Here” winning Best International Movie, marking the country ’s first victory in the category.

The Oscars 2025: Nostalgia Won’t Save Us

The 2025 Oscars celebrated independent cinema with major wins for some, yet Managing Arts & Living Editor Emeritus Sophie Durbin ’25 explores how the ceremony underscored Hollywood’s struggle to break free from nostalgia.

“Survivor”: Season 48, Episode 2, Reviewed

The second episode of this season of “Survivor” delivered strategy, surprises, and a hilarious tribe bonding moment over “humble traits.” Staff Writer Vaughn Armour ’25 dives into this week’s tribe turmoil, exposing that no alliance is truly safe.

Valchemy: Delicious Caprese Toast for Spring

In this week’s edition of Valchemy, Columnist Ivy Haight ’25 recreates a beloved bakery find with layers of melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and a drizzle of pesto and balsamic.

The Indicator x The Student: “The Game Room”

In this edition of The Indicator x The Student, Toby Rosewater ’28 captures the vibrant energy of a senior center’s Sunday card games, where laughter and competition fill the air in his prose piece, “The Game Room.”

The Indicator x The Student: “Rose Colored Boxes”

A sun-drenched morning leads to a quiet ritual of shared pastries in “Rose Colored Boxes,” where warmth lingers in scent and touch. In a poem originally published in the Fall 2024 edition of The Indicator, Ruth Zuraw ’25 captures the intimacy of summer’s golden haze.

Storytelling and Screenwriting: Jefferson’s “Craft Talk”

Students had the opportunity to meet writer-director Cord Jefferson at the college’s LitFest this past weekend. Staff Writer Belaine Mamo ’27 gives an inside look into his journey.

“We Bleed in Public”: Teju Cole on Novel Writing, Poetry, and Political Discourse

In his LitFest talk, Presidential Scholar Teju Cole discussed his approach to novel writing, blending prose with photography, and his admiration for Emily Dickinson.