The Unlikely Teen Idol: Characters We Love to Root For
By Ash Fuentes, Ahri Vi, Ryland McGinniss, Jennifer Prewitt, Aidan Hurley, Tracy Fuentes, Kleigh Balugo As teens, our favorite characters weren’t always the squeaky clean and put together ones. A lot of times we find ourselves rooting for the underdog— the loners, outcasts, and weirdos. They might come from rough backgrounds or even make questionable…
What’s in Our Bags?
By Charlene Gonzales, Rosie Lopolito, Kleigh Balugo, Lianelys Cabrera, Jennifer Prewitt, Ash Fuentes, Jana Marquez, and Tracy Fuentes The contents of one’s bag can reveal a lot about someone: what they’re currently reading, how they keep their hair so neat, and most importantly, what they consider absolutely essential for them to carry at all times.…
Beyond Skin Tone
Photo by Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes “I saw you playing outside, under the sun,” my mom would angrily say when she picked me up after school. I listened as she drove our red minivan home. “I told you to stay in the shade!” She would say this a couple of times a week when…
Looking Inward: Our Self Portraits
Photo by Niko Navalta By Niko Navalta, Aidan Hurley, Rosie Lopolito, Angie Shenouda, Brigita Przybylski, Kleigh Balugo, Tracy Fuentes A self portrait is often a clear indication of how an artist perceives themselves. In the spirit of alone, we asked contributors to create self portraits that represent their relationship with themselves when no one else…
Best Of 2022 Scrapbook
By Madison Kleinrock-Andrews, Ryland McGinniss, Lianelys Cabrera, Angie Shenouda, Tracy Fuentes, Kleigh Balugo (in order of appearance) At the start of 2021, Kindergarten contributors shared their favorite moments of 2020 in the form of a scrapbook. In honor of 2022 drawing to a close and Kindergarten’s 2nd anniversary, contributors both new and returning looked back…
The Hereditary Playlist
Music is one of the best things to be passed down. For this month’s playlist, we shared songs recommended to us by the people we love. Listen to the playlist here Kleigh Balugo “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes A while ago, my boyfriend Eryn made me an 11 hour playlist consisting of…
My Inheritance
Photo by Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes Since I was a kid, adults always compared my appearance to my parents, especially my dad’s. Everyone told me that I looked exactly like him, earning me the nickname “Binky” as his nickname is “Bing.” One family friend called me Rodelia, remarking how much I looked like my…
Abigail Hing Wen on Asian American Identity, Changing Career Paths, and “Loveboat, Taipei”
Photo courtesy of Abigail Hing Wen By Tracy Fuentes With a law degree from Columbia, a career in politics and venture capital, and a young adult novel on the New York Times bestseller list, Abigail Hing Wen has lived many lives. Wen is the author of Loveboat, Taipei and its sequel Loveboat, Reunion. The first…
How to Have the Best Picnic Ever
Photo by Mubarek Hussen, Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes As the weather gets warmer and our schedules become freer, a picnic is just what we all need. I’ve planned a couple of picnics and now consider myself somewhat of an expert on the topic. Here’s my guide to hosting a picnic worthy of Instagram feeds…
The Dreamland Playlist
Zzzz… This month’s playlist is in honor of hitting the snooze button and floating off to dreamland. Don’t let the bed bugs bite. Listen to the playlist here Lianelys Cabrera “Still Dreaming” by Raveena If there’s something dreamy in this world, that is Raveena’s voice, especially in this song because of all the simplistic but…
A Trip to Dreamland
Photo by Tracy Fuentes For this month, we wanted to take our readers to Dreamland. Dreams are quite important in our lives, as we experience them nightly for hours at a time. Here Kindergarten contributors explore some of their dreams – the good, the bad, and the in-between. Tracy Fuentes Unfortunately, my recurring dreams are…
The Sprouting Playlist
We planted seeds and now that it’s finally spring they’re starting to sprout. For the month of April, Kindergarten contributors compiled their favorite songs to listen to when they’re gardening, on a picnic, or just out in nature in general. Listen to the playlist here Tracy Fuentes “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac I imagine running through…
From A to Z(ines): An Interview with Manny Muñoz
Photo by Jacob Vecchione By Tracy Fuentes Back in August of last year, I began interning at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, the only art museum in Las Vegas. During this time, I met Manny Muñoz, the Educational Outreach and Programming Assistant at the Barrick. While doing archival work, we bonded over our love…
Oh No!
Photo by Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes In middle school, I discovered Marina and the Diamonds (now MARINA) via Tumblr. It was the time when MARINA, Lana Del Rey, The 1975, and Arctic Monkeys dominated the Tumblr feeds of teenagers. While many people clung to the aesthetics of these artists, creating the indie-grunge-skater skirt-flower crown-Doc…
Tracy’s Year in Review
Photo by Kleigh Balugo By Tracy Fuentes Dear Kindergarten Mag readers, I have never been very comfortable sharing my writing with anyone other than my professors. In fact, I even hate reading over my own work. I’d crank out a five-page paper in a single night after weeks of procrastination, skim the doc to make…
The Good Neighbor
Photo by Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes I’ve never been a really good neighbor. I’m always too shy and awkward to even wave hello to my neighbors. I usually avoid eye contact and pretend I’m busy doing something or that I didn’t notice them so that I don’t come off as rude. They probably still…
Filipino Monsters and Folklore 101
Photo by Kleigh Balugo Filipino mythology and folklore are rich with unique creatures that outshine the Bigfoots of American lore. Some of them are absolutely terrifying, some of them are harmless, some of them are pranksters. Inspired by Kindergarten contributor Bianca’s piece on duwendes, we wanted to delve deeper and share more of the creatures…
The Spirit Playlist
In honor of the Spirit issue and all things creepy, we picked ghostly songs for this month’s playlist. Warning! Listening to this playlist may make you feel like you’re being haunted by a troubled spirit. Listen to the playlist here Jacquelyn Rodriguez “La Llorona” by Ángela Aguilar With mysterious origins, numerous versions, and breathtaking performances…
The Ghosts of Our Lives
Photo by Ash Fuentes and Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes Okay, I know it’s October and not December, but how can we talk about spirit and ignore three iconic spirits: The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future? Because let’s face it, what can be scarier than the Past and the Future? Nothing haunts me…
The Recess Playlist
For this month’s theme of recess, Kindergarten contributors hand picked songs we play when we’re walking across campus, songs that get us through the week, and songs we listen to when we study. Essentially, this playlist is your ultimate back to school soundtrack. Listen to the playlist here Kleigh Balugo “Campus” by Vampire Weekend The…
Academia: A Sonnet
Photo by Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes i sit in the library with dry, blood shot eyes. how many pages have I read – no, skimmed – today? how many social invites have I had to turn away? i fear that this semester may be my demise. my to do list only grows in size,…
Don’t Erase Me
Photo by Kleigh Balugo By Tracy Fuentes I think we’ve all realized by now that the education we receive from kindergarten to twelfth grade is not very comprehensive, especially when it comes to the history of those who are not straight white men. As a Filipina American, I never learned anything about Filipino Americans in…
The Unity Playlist
For issue 7: Unity, we chose songs that bring people together. Listen with your friends and let the good times roll! Listen to the playlist here Charlotte Turner “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon This doesn’t seem like a song that would bring people together, as it’s just Carly Simon listing the many flaws of…
Not Your Rival
Photo by Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes In a world where women are constantly pitted against each other for the sake of making a profit or strengthening the patriarchy, I want other women to know that I am not your rival. I want to remind myself that other women are not my rivals either. Our…
Good Day Defined
Photo by Tracy Fuentes & Kleigh Balugo By Tracy Fuentes High school me believed that in order for a day to be categorized as good, something really great had to happen: my crush talking to me, an A on a math test, winning a debate round. By this definition, a good day was rare, and…
The Coming Of Age Playlist
In the spirit of Issue 5, Kindergarten contributors curated the soundtrack to their lives. These are the songs that would play in the background of our coming of age movies. Listen along with us as the credits start to roll. Listen to the playlist here Ash Fuentes “Cliche” by Mxmtoon None of the songs I’m…
Revisiting An Old Favorite
Photo by Kleigh Balugo By Tracy Fuentes If you knew me in middle school, you probably know that I was obsessed with the one and only Hunger Games trilogy. I devoured the books once the series popped up on my radar via Tumblr. I went to the premiere of the first movie, going so far…
Fashion Misses And Disses
Photo by Kleigh Balugo A large amount of the biggest fashion trends today are actually reused styles from the past. Fashion will always be recycled! Retro-style flare jeans, 90s grunge, and Y2K are a few styles that have inspired modern trends. Some of the contributors at Kindergarten Mag came together to share the trends they…
The Nostalgia Playlist
For this month’s playlist, Kindergarten contributors handpicked songs that make them feel the most nostalgic, ranging from childhood favorites to middle school anthems. Turn the volume up and travel through time with us! Listen to the playlist here Charlotte Turner “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” by Arcade Fire There are many songs I love that…
The Magazines That Raised Me
Photo by Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes When I was seven years old, I first picked up my first issues of American Girl and Girls’ Life at a bookstore in the Philippines. Instantly, I was hooked. I was already a huge fan of the American Girl dolls and books, so the magazine was an immediate…
Dear Movie Theaters
Photo by Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes Dear my beloved movie theaters, I miss you dearly! The last time we met was nearly one year ago, on February 21st. I went in with my sister, my boyfriend, and one of my friends. Lots of people had gone to meet you that day, as it was…
The Soulmates Playlist
Our third issue, Soulmates, is centered around love. In the spirit of soulmates and Valentine’s Day, Kindergarten contributors made a Spotify playlist of their most listened to love songs, most of which we’ve cried to. Whether you love or hate love songs, we’ve got you covered with recommendations. Listen to the playlist here Abbey Steinman…
Printable Valentines For You
By Tracy Fuentes, Kleigh Balugo, Ash Fuentes, Cait Thomson, Alyanna Moralda, Lyra ♡ Happy Valentines Day! ♡ Kindergarten contributors made their very own valentines for you to print out and give to your lovers, soulmates, friends, family, neighbors, pets, and mailmen.
Soulmate Defined
Photo by Kleigh Balugo By Tracy Fuentes When someone hears the word “soulmate,” they immediately think of romance, of “meant to be,” of only one person for each person. But I disagree with all of the typical conventions of the soulmate. I believe that in life, we will encounter many soulmates, and they don’t necessarily…
Most Anticipated Of 2021
Photo by Kleigh Balugo After a turbulent 2020, 2021 brought many hopes that this year will be better than the last. While there are obvious things to hope for such as recovery from COVID-19 and an improved presidency, here Kindergarten Mag contributors are presenting what we are most anticipating from pop culture in 2021. While…
Best Of 2020 Scrapbook
By Tracy Fuentes, Ash Fuentes, Kleigh Balugo, Lyra, Abbey Steinman, Isabel Cruz Despite all the negative things last year brought, 2020 was a memorable year for all of us. Reflecting on the past year, Kindergarten contributors created scrapbook pages of their favorite memories.
New Year, Better Me
Photo by Kleigh Balugo By Tracy Fuentes “New Year, new me!” This popular phrase now garners eye rolls rather than inspiration. New Year’s resolutions have a reputation of being forgotten or failed within a week or two, seldom being followed up on through the rest of the year. Many people seem to think the resolutions…
At the Dinner Table
Photo by Kleigh Balugo By Francesca Bernardino, Tracy Fuentes, Kleigh Balugo, Ash Fuentes During the holidays, family dinners are unavoidable, along with the awkward conversations and invasive questions that come with them. Everyone can relate to being asked if we’re single, what we’re studying in school, et cetera. Some more controversial topics may arise, such…
Get Cozy With Kindergarten
The winter months are all about layering and bundling up. Ash, Tracy, Abbey, and Kleigh compiled their most festive and comfy clothes to show Kindergarten readers what they’re wearing this December, minus shoes in a few pictures because technically you’re not supposed to wear them in the house. Even though it doesn’t get too cold…
A Very Bookish Christmas
Photo by Tracy Fuentes By Tracy Fuentes With the semester coming to an end and the holidays upon us after a tumultuous year, settling down with a book and a cup of hot cocoa sounds perfect to me. Whenever November hits, I am always tempted to pick up a few holiday-themed books to put myself…
The Best Gifts Are Handmade
Photo by Kleigh Balugo By Tracy Fuentes Rather than supporting the unethical and harmful practices of Amazon, Walmart, and other companies this holiday season, consider hand-making something for your loved ones. Plus, in the era of COVID-19, you can avoid the typical downfalls of holiday shopping such as large crowds and long shipping times. Handmade…
Not Your Mother’s Holiday Tradition
Photo by Kleigh Balugo By Tracy Fuentes As COVID-19 cases surge across the United States and local governments reveal stay at home orders, the incoming holiday season is destined to differ greatly from all holidays before it. Older relatives will likely be at home, away from family this holiday to protect their health, and many…
Meet Kleigh Balugo: Boba Fanatic, Artist, And Co-Chief Editor
Photo by Kleigh Balugo By Tracy Fuentes SZA is playing in the background. Paint bottles and brushes are scattered on the newspaper-covered table. Kleigh leans forward on the couch to compare her painting of a lush green landscape to the reference on her phone. She uses red paint to dab flowers onto her canvas. Despite…
Kindergarten 