“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!

Mammoth Horoscopes: Wednesday, Dec. 11

What’s coming? Who can say? Managing Features Editor Eleanor Walsh ’25 can …maybe! See her (possibly) accurate predictions in this week’s horoscopes.

The Indicator x The Student: “Autumn Breeze”

In this edition of The Indicator x The Student, Davis Rennella ’24 reminisces on a lost relationship through an autumn walk.

The Indicator x The Student: “Carmex”

Sarah Down ’27 explores familial bonds through warnings and memories in this poem, originally published in the Spring 2024 edition of The Indicator.

Film Society x The Student: “Wicked”

Caden Stockwell ’25 reviews the long-awaited cinematic adaptation of “Wicked,” critiquing its disconnection to the joy of the original “The Wizard of Oz” but praising the two leads’ performances.

“Re/Presenting” The Mead’s Collections

The Mead Art Museum recently opened “Re/Presenting: Art Beyond the Color Line,” a new exhibition highlighting the diversity of the Mead’s collection through an education lens.

The Indicator x The Student: “Dear Diary”

Madison Suh ’26 explores the hidden thoughts and self-doubt of someone in “Dear Diary,” a piece originally published in The Indicator.

The Indicator x The Student: “I Write American”

In this edition of The Indicator x The Student, Priscilla Lee ’25 explores perspective and autofiction through an immigrant lens.

ASO Welcomes Families with Tchaikovsky

The Amherst Symphony Orchestra performed a Family Weekend performance of Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces. Amaya Ranatunge ’28 covers the event, which featured a solo from Tara Alahakoon ’25 and a tribute to the late Professor Jeeyon Jeong.

Film Society x The Student: “Hundreds of Beavers”

In this week’s Film Society review, Max Feigelson ’27 argues that 2022’s “Hundreds of Beavers” is the perfect synthesis of slapstick comedy and video games.

The Indicator x The Student: “The Hoarder”

Venumi Gamage ’26 explores personhood in this visceral, body horror-inspired prose poem.

The Indicator x The Student: “Notes from Nothing”

Originally published in the Spring 2024 issue of “The Indicator,” Managing Opinion Editor Willow Delp ’26 explores the objectification of a person within a relationship in their poem.

Film Society x The Student: “Conclave”

In this Film Society x The Student review, Caden Stockwell ’25 argues that “Conclave,” a film that follows the election of a new pope, bears striking similarities to this year’s election season.

Peach Pit’s “Magpie” Gets Stuck in the Pit

Olivia Tennant ’27 reviews indie pop band Peach Pit’s latest album, “Magpie,” calling it a dull and uninspired work from the typically innovative group.

The Bluestockings and Route 9 Shine During Homecoming

For Homecoming weekend, the a capella groups Route 9 and the Bluestockings held a joint show on Saturday. Mila Massaki Gomes ’27 praises the groups’ contrasting styles and playful, inviting performance.

The Choral Society Excites Campus With Their S-O-N-Gs!

Managing Arts and Living Editor Madeline Lawson ’25 recounts the Choral Society’s energetic pre-game pep rally for Homecoming.

Mammoth Horoscopes: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024

What’s coming? Who can say? Managing Features Editor Eleanor Walsh ’25 can! See her (possibly) accurate predictions in this week’s horoscopes.

Film Society x The Student: “A Different Man”

Max Feigelson ’27 reviews “A Different Man,” and explores its inversions of Hollywood tropes.

Film Society x The Student: “The Substance”

In this week’s Film Society x The Student review, Managing Arts & Living Editor Sophie Durbin ’25 argues that the recently released body horror film “The Substance” lacks substance, writing that it reiterates sexist horror tropes.

The Indicator x The Student: “Took Me A Whole Rewatch of Golden Girls & Glee”

In this edition of The Indicator x The Student, Siani Ammons ’27 reflects on religion in her upbringing in her poem, “Took Me A Whole Rewatch of Golden Girls & Glee.”

The Indicator x The Student: “Peanut Butter”

In this piece originally published in the Spring 2024 edition of The Indicator, Aidan Cooper ’26 recalls an intimate relationship through the imagery of peanut butter.

Film Society x The Student: “Halloween III”

In this week’s Film Society x The Student review, Caden Stockwell ’25 argues that “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” is the most creative and possibly even the best movie from the “Halloween” franchise.

Film Society x The Student: “The Conversation”

Max Feigelson ’27 reviews “The Conversation,” arguing the lesser-appreciated Francis Ford Coppola film is like the third epic Homer never wrote.

The Indicator x The Student: “Self Portrait As The Thing Left in the End”

Originally published in the Spring 2024 issue of The Indicator, this poem by Mel Arthur ’25 traces the evolution of a relationship.

The Indicator x The Student: “May this Bald Body Bring Us”

Leydn McEvoy ’25 reimagines the aftermath of cancer in this poem originally published in the Spring 2024 issue of The Indicator.

Film Society x The Student: “Point Break”

In this installment of Film Society x The Student, Max Feigelson ’27 reviews one of his all-time favorite movies, “Point Break,” examining the surfer movie’s hidden depths.

“Survivor”: Season 47, Episode 1

“Survivor” is back! Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 recounts the season’s first episode, where alliances are already forming and egos are already bruising.

Val Hacks: Bringing You the (Ice Cream) Scoop

In this edition of Val Hacks, Ivy Haight ’25 brings two recipes that turn the classic frozen dessert into a tasty drink.

The Indicator x The Student: “Slow Death of the Generic Tree Drawing”

In this poem from the Spring 2024 issue of The Indicator, Gabby Avena ’25 poignantly explores nature, time, and art.

The Indicator x The Student: “Fertility”

In this prose piece from the Spring 2024 issue of The Indicator, Annika Bajaj ’25 offers vignettes from the course of a girl’s life.

Film Society x The Student: “Chungking Express”

Kicking off the Film Society x The Student column for the fall, Caden Stockwell ’25 explores the intertangled storylines of Wong Kar-wai’s 1994 film, “Chungking Express.”

Summer Picks from the Newsroom

The Editorial Board is back with another round of summer picks!

The Indicator x The Student: “AMERICAN SHOPPING LIST”

In this piece from The Indicator, Clara Chiu ’27 offers commentary on the contemporary American psyche.

The Indicator x The Student: “The Receipt”

In this edition of The Indicator x The Student, Bea Agbi ’26 explores a day through an evocative poem.

Senior Thesis Proposes “Symbiotic Futures”

Managing Arts & Living Editor Mackenzie Dunson ’25 reviews Ayo Eniola ’24’s interdisciplinary senior thesis, “Symbiotic Futures,” an interactive performance that celebrated living in sync with the land.

The Indicator x The Student: “Roadkill”

In this poem, originally published in the Fall 2023 edition of The Indicator, Lila Schlissel ’27 dissects childhood memories and gruesome body parts.

The Indicator x The Student: “Arachnophobia”

Originally published in the Fall 2023 edition of The Indicator, this fictional piece by Edwyn Choi ’27 exposes the threatening, memory-stealing activities of spiders.

“Survivor” Season 46, Episode 10, Reviewed

Vaughn Armour ’25 reviews the 10th episode of this season of “Survivor,” which featured heightened emotions and dramatic outbursts from contestants.

“Mouths Wide Open” for CupcakKe at Spring Concert

Assistant Arts & Living Editors Lauren Siegel ’27 and Abby Kim ’27 review last weekend’s spring concert, highlighting the crowd’s enthusiasm for CupcakKe’s raunchy performance.

DASAC Spring Showcase Tops All the Polls

DASAC performed their end of semester showcase last weekend. Kate Bestall ’27 recaps the presidential campaign-themed concert.

Nuestras Voces Promotes Latinx Creativity

Amanda Lopez Peralta ’27 explores the history and significance of Nuestras Voces, highlighting how it uplifts the creative voices of Amherst’s Latinx and Spanish heritage speaking students.

Film Society x The Student: “The Beast,” Reviewed

Caden Stockwell ’25 reviews Bertrand Bonello’s new film, “The Beast,” describing it as a genre-bending exploration of love and fear.

“Survivor” Season 46, Episode 9, Reviewed

Vaughn Armor ’25 recaps the latest, action-packed episode of “Survivor,” including a tense Tribal Council meeting with a tied vote.

Film Society x The Student: “Civil War”

Chris Tun ’25 reviews Alex Garland’s controversial new film “Civil War,” describing it as a haunting but politically avoidant depiction of war on American soil.

Val Hacks: DIY Waffle Cone

In this week’s edition of “Val Hacks,” Ivy Haight ’25 upgrades a classic ice cream cone by utilizing Val’s waffle maker.

“Survivor” Season 46, Episodes Seven and Eight, Reviewed

Vaughn Armour ’25 reviews the seventh and eighth episodes of this season of “Survivor,” including tribe member bonding and intense alliance making and breaking.

The Indicator x The Student: “This place and the other”

In this poem originally published in the Fall 2023 edition of The Indicator, Madi Suh ’26 examines the modes and memories of a love gone wrong.

The Indicator x The Student: “Do Zombies Dream of Electric Guitar?”

Originally published in the Fall 2023 edition of The Indicator, this piece by M. Lawson ’25 humorously invokes a seminar about zombification.

Comedian Sam Morrison Cracks Up Powerhouse

Student Engagement and Leadership hosted comedian Sam Morrison last week. Assistant Editor of Arts & Living Abby Kim ’27 recaps his set, including one unpredictable dinosaur impression.

“Survivor”: Season 46, Episode 7, Reviewed

Vaughn Armour ’25 reviews the seventh episode of this season of “Survivor,” including a perch challenge, a series classic, and heartfelt moments between tribemates.

Val Hacks: Morning Oats Galore

In this revival of Val Hacks, Alex Conklin ’25 shares a recipe for her daily breakfast: a scrumptious, coffee-infused oatmeal.