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.

Everett, Jefferson, and Wright: “American Fiction”

Staff Writer Amaya Ranatunge ’28 reports on LitFest’s kick-off with “The Making of American Fiction,” a compelling panel between author Percival Everett, filmmaker Cord Jefferson, and actor Jeffrey Wright ’87.

Dr. Anthony Fauci: A STEM Figure at LitFest

Staff Writer Max Feigelson ’27 reflects on how Dr. Anthony Fauci, a steady voice during the chaos of Covid, commanded the room with the weight of lived history at this year’s LitFest.

WAMH Radio x The Student: Boiler Room

WAMH’s Boiler Room event at Marsh House brought together Five College DJs and students for a high-energy night of music and ambiance. Trinity O’Connell ’28 highlights how this experience is setting a new standard for campus parties, leaving attendees eager for WAMH’s next big move.

The Return of “Survivor”: Season 48, Episode 1

After a hiatus, Staff Writer Vaughn Armour ’25 makes a triumphant return to his “Survivor” recaps, breaking down the strategies of standout players and the drama that is setting this season up to be unforgettable.

Professor Publishes Exploration of Literary Loneliness

The Center for Humanistic Inquiry hosted a book launch for “Singing by Herself,” where Associate Professor of English Amelia Worsley explores how feminized figures shape literary loneliness. Staff Writer Amaya Ranatunge ’28 highlights panelists’ discussion of solitude, gender, and emotion in poetry.

The Indicator x The Student: “There Are Many Ways to Starve”

Varsha Palaniyandy ’28 explores survival, self-denial, and the weight of power in “There Are Many Ways to Starve,” a gripping prose piece surrounding the struggles of a deadly gift. Originally published in the Fall 2024 edition of The Indicator.

The Indicator x The Student: “Orange Me Open”

In this edition of The Indicator x The Student, Elsa Lyons ’27 examines intimacy and transformation through the act of peeling fruit in her poetry piece “Orange Me Open.”

A Gentle Guide to David Foster Wallace

A spectral David Foster Wallace lingers in the depths of Frost Library, haunting those who dare to take on “Infinite Jest.” However, for those seeking a gentler introduction, Staff Writer Max Feigelson ’27 offers a roadmap through his labyrinthine literary world.

Woolly Fashion: Arianna Dempsey, Melani Garcia, Jaden Richards, and Robyn Valverde

Tiia McKinney ’25 interviews four students to highlight how Woolly Fashion is a fluid form of self-expression, enabling students to communicate their identities and moods beyond trends and price.

WAMH Radio x The Student: 14 Love Songs

Who doesn’t love a good love song? To kick off our new column and in honor of last week’s Valentine’s Day, here are 14 favorites.

Valchemy: A Gooey Marshmallow Treat

In this semester’s rebranded Val Hacks, Columnist Ivy Haight ’25 is stirring up Valchemy with a sweet Marshmallow Crispy Treat.

Beaming with Pride: Amherst Students Leave their Mark on Future Dining Commons

On Wednesday, students wrote themselves into Amherst history by leaving their permanent mark on the new Student Center and Dining Commons coming Fall 2026. Staff Writer Amaya Ranatunge ’28 spoke to students about the significance of this experience.

Mammoths’ Secret Valentine Confessions

Here are 70+ Mammoth Valentine’s confessions! Does a loving Mammoth have a confession for you?

The Indicator x The Student: “The Moldau”

Clara Chiu ’27 captures the ache of connection, set against a landscape of nostalgia, in a poem alongside a painting by Annabelle Chen ’27. Originally published in the Fall 2024 edition of The Indicator.

The Indicator x The Student: “Dearest”

Jennifer Cui ’28 explores the remnants of a bond shattered by an unforgiving world in a prose piece originally published in the Fall 2024 edition of The Indicator.

Woolly Fashion: Lillia Hammond and Peter Klisiwecz

For the Woolly Fashion column debut, Staff Writer Vaughn Armour ’25 interviews Lillia Hammond ’25 and Peter Klisiwecz ’25 to explore Amherst College's sense of style and the meaning of fashion for us all.

The Real Death of Bertha Mason

Amaya Ranatunge ’28 reviews “Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys, a story about power, identity, and the price of silence. She highlights the novel's achievement in challenging “Jane Eyre's” image of the crazy woman in the attic and its value in a world where so many voices remain unheard.

The Brutalist Review: On the Building

Max Feigelson ’27 reviews “The Brutalist” (2024) and explores through it the relevance of the relationship between the life and work of artists. Feigelson discusses the background of brutalism, its importance for this “monumental” film, and our political challenges.

A Perfectly Executed Scream: On Fernanda Melchor’s “Paradais”

Luchik Belau-Lorberg ’28 reviews “Paradais” by Fernanda Melchor, a gripping and intense novel from one of Mexico’s most compelling contemporary writers. He highlights its unflinching examination of the volatile fragility within Mexican society.

Editors’ Picks: Winter Break Recs

During the long winter break, you might get bored — here are some recommendations from the editorial board for movies, podcasts, and books!