Lily Youngstrom (‘27), Emma Kaivan-Mehr (‘27), and Miriam Ghobrial (‘27) crowd into a mirror, laughing as Emma lifts her Kodak FZ45 to capture the moment before they head out. Outside, the sky is beginning to soften into sunset, and the three are already planning where to go to catch just the right light in Oceanside. “I was inspired to get a digi because lots of my friends had them, and I thought it was a fun way to remember special moments instead of just using my phone,” Emma said. For Emma and many others, carrying a camera changes the rhythm of the moment, turning what could be a quick snapshot into something more deliberate—an effort to notice the light, energy, and each other before the sun slips away.
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The rise of digital cameras: zooming in on nostalgia
March 23, 2026
Kevin Wang (‘27), Saraya Chigoji (‘27), and Madison Leiva (‘27) lean into each other as the ferry cuts across the San Francisco Bay toward Alcatraz Island. In moments like this, someone inevitably reaches for a camera, caught between excitement and nostalgia. Chargers and SD card readers come packed alongside travel bags, ready for experiences that feel too rare to leave undocumented. “Usually, I use my camera when it’s a certain event,” said Ava Austria (‘28). “If it’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing, or something I don’t go to very often, I gravitate to my camera.” For many students, it’s not just about taking photos; it’s recognizing when a moment matters and choosing to preserve it before it slips away.
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About the Contributor
Lily Youngstrom, Editor of Features
“I’m always here till nine, always around people,” said Lily Youngstrom (‘27) with a grin. For Lily, chaos isn’t something to avoid—it’s the space where she feels most alive. Whether in the boisterous chaos of the Stockdale Community Center at lunch, the chaotic energy of water polo games, the grueling intensity of swim races, the bustling streets of Florence, Italy, or the charged atmosphere of political protests, Lily finds energy, purpose, and joy where others may feel overwhelmed. Still, the chaos can sometimes weigh on her. But as swim and water polo captain, she channels that pressure into responsibility, focusing less on her own nerves and more on looking after her teammates, like making sure the new swimmers know how to dive. Her deep sense of responsibility and love for chaos doesn’t end at the pool, though; speaking up for her community has become the spark driving her passion for politics. This past summer, she joined demonstrations, marching alongside others and experiencing the thrill of collective action. She feels empowered, sharing her voice amid all the commotion. Her passion for politics drives her towards a future in political science and journalism, where she hopes to both shape and narrate the currents of society.
Favorite song: “Rushes” by Frank Ocean