Our Last Names
Last names, commonly seen as family identifiers, can carry different meanings, structures and significance depending on each family’s traditions. Traditionally passed down from generation to generation in America, typically on the father’s side, last names can hold various meanings. Across the world, different countries have different cultural significance in their surnames, bringing people together while telling stories through waves of each generation. Samo’s diverse student body shares the stories behind their last names.
Music
Music is a universal language, transcending beyond borders and time. Despite disconnects in language, culture and generations, music has the power to bring people together, something everyone has in common. The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Beyonce—each artist defines a generation. Music is more than just a sound; it is a bridge between generations, a shared experience that connects people across time. The songs of each era influence how society views the world and communicates with one another. Kloe Taheri (’26) noticed how songs from all generations always come back, to refine and benefit society.
Trauma
Generational trauma, also known as intergenerational trauma, refers to the transmission of emotional and psychological trauma across multiple generations. This phenomenon suggests that the effects of traumatic events extend beyond those who directly experience them, influencing the lives of their descendants. First introduced by psychologists in the 1960s, the concept highlights how unaddressed trauma can extend throughout families, affecting future generations’ mental health and overall well-being.
A mixed perspective
It’s common to feel like you’re not enough of something—not pretty enough, not smart enough, not cool enough. But to feel as though you are not enough of your being—of what you are, blood, skin, and bones—is a different feeling entirely. Being mixed makes you wonder if you’re enough of your being.
why we crave cozy
Now that the temperatures are dropping, have you noticed that you start gravitating towards your bed and living room couch more often? We all crave coziness at this time of year, but psychologically, why do we want to feel more at home during the winter months?
Festive fun…in the sun!
When people think of winter they often picture snowy streets, cozy firesides and layers of wool and cashmere. When you live in Los Angeles, winter looks a little different.
Hygge: Finding cheer in simplicity
Hygge (hyoo-guh), a staple characteristic of Danish and Scandinavian culture, is the quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality synonymous with the holiday season.
Institutionalized Starvation and Its consequences
It's common knowledge that adolescents have poor eating habits. Eating disorders, economic disadvantages, general lack of appetite, illness — the list of factors in teen hunger goes on. Studies have proved time and time again that the absence of food is extremely detrimental to the human body. But what exactly happens with each meal missed?
Pride, health and the inclusivity crisis
In recent years, healthcare access for LGBTQ+ individuals, such as gender-affirming surgeries, hormone replacement therapy, and non-heterosexual sex education, has faced growing restrictions. Given President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming administration, and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement's influence, LGBTQ+ healthcare has become a focal point for political and societal dispute.
Plant-based remedies: Returning to our roots
As modern technology advances, many people worldwide have turned away from the traditional practice of naturopathic medicine. However, these remedies have many uses, from self-healing to illness prevention to mitigation of symptoms. Naturopathic medicine has been used for centuries as an alternative practice to Western medicine, passed down through generations in various cultures worldwide.
Your ultimate scary movie survival kit!
Spooky season is here and with that comes all things scary. Horror movie nights are a thrilling way to spend a fall evening, especially on Halloween. For a perfect spooky film night, the following checklist is all that is needed. Go plan one!
Coconut trees, chartreuse green and 'Brat' politics
Since the start of an unprecedented presidential campaign in late July, Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris has repeatedly gone viral online. Kickstarted by British singer Charli XCX's tweet "kamala IS brat," and now with over 4 million followers on Tiktok, Harris' campaign platform is utilizing social media trends to reach out to the crucial 41 million Gen Z voters across the country.
Project 2025’s proposed educational changes
Project 2025 is a political initiative published by the Heritage Foundation, a playbook for the first 180 days of the next president's administration. One of the many changes outlined in the document is a shift towards more conservative processes within the education system. If passed, the Samo community and their families may feel the effects of many of these policies.
What’s on the ballot?
2024 presidential education policies and California ballot propositions - What you need to know