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
