The end of the year is a time for reflection and learning; Who better to learn from than the students who have seen it all? For The Gamut’s final issue of the 2025-26 school year, hear from graduating members of staff as they share their favorite memories, words of advice, and lessons navigating the ups and downs of high school.
Justin Le, Editor in Chief:
What is something you’ve learned this year (in The Gamut or in life) that you hope to take away?
“Time passes by way too fast; it feels like yesterday when we were hunting down GamSlam submissions because we were way under, but I literally have a month left until the end of school. I think both in Gamut and in general, I’ve learned that it’s really important to make these memories and live in the moment. The time will pass by anyway, so you might as well spend it making good memories.”
What are you looking forward to in the future?
“I’m definitely looking forward to a new, bigger environment. I think Oxford can feel like a bit of a bubble sometimes, which is nice in some ways, but as cheesy as it sounds, I want to see more of the world and also get to know myself a bit more — take more risks, be more spontaneous, and overall just explore a new city and environment.”
Nathan Perera, Managing Editor:
What is your favorite part about The Gamut?
“The platform it’s given me to voice my bold opinions, to rave about my favorite albums, to speak truth to power. Whenever I have something lingering in my mind, I know I have The Gamut to explore that thought.”
What is your favorite piece of work you’ve created in The Gamut and why?
“I’m most proud of the coverage I did on the 2024 AUHSD teacher layoffs. That was the first time I felt like a real journalist, one who could amplify voices through my writing. It was also so surreal being honored at the John Swett Media Awards, alongside journalists from ABC and the Los Angeles Times.”
Eva Kim, Digital Content Editor:
What are your favorite memories from Gamut?
“My favorite memories from The Gamut are the bonding events and any time that the staff gets to hang out, especially post GamSlam when we eat together and celebrate all of the hard work that we’ve put into the event.”
What advice would you give to an incoming member of staff?
“Don’t be scared to talk to the rest of the staff, especially if they’re an upperclassman or outside of your grade.”
Gia Nguyen, Layout Editor:
Why did you decide to join The Gamut?
“I was always interested in joining The Gamut since 7th grade. I found that Oxford offered very limited opportunities for visual arts compared to other pathways, so being able to more freely express myself through illustrating for The Gamut was something I was more interested in than taking art classes.”
What advice would you give to your freshman year self?
“You can’t always live life without regrets, so learn and grow from them. I’ve made many mistakes throughout my high school journey, and as much as I would love to go back and fix everything, that’s far from realistic. High school is the time where you really begin to learn how to live. You will fail, you will struggle, but you shouldn’t let that define you.”
Chris Phan, Art Editor:
What is your favorite piece of work you’ve created in The Gamut, and why?
“My favorite piece of work is probably the Teachers’ Pets centerfold I did. I love drawing little animals and also getting to know a little about my teachers’ lives outside of school. One of my teachers even has my drawing of her dog hung up on the board behind her, and I like staring at it when she teaches.”
What advice would you give to your freshman year self?
“Take more opportunities and get involved in your community. You only get four years in high school, so don’t be afraid to talk to other people, especially those outside your grade level.”
Tyler Nguyen, Photography Editor:
Why did you decide to join The Gamut?
“I joined as a Sophomore to pursue photography more. Initially, I was both a writer and a photographer because photography didn’t have its own section yet, but eventually I was able to carve out a bigger niche for photography. I’m really grateful that Gamut gave me the opportunity to bring my ideas to life and introduce my passions to other people as well.”
What is your favorite part about The Gamut?
“My favorite part about The Gamut is getting to practice my passions and be able to call it productive time. Photography sometimes doesn’t naturally fit into my schedule between having to do homework and working, but the photo assignments I get for Gamut give me an excuse to keep practicing and having fun.”
Nandita Bussa, News Editor:
What is your favorite memory from The Gamut?
“Old Spaghetti Factory lunches after a hard day at OCJEA! Something about sitting in a long table with the entire staff as we fight over breadsticks, gossip while sampling each others’ food, and debriefing our respective competitive events makes me feel so nostalgic.”
Why did you decide to join The Gamut?
“I was incredibly Gilmore Girls-pilled and wanted to be like Rory Gilmore (prior to Yale crashout) and so I channeled my love for reading and writing into applying for the Gamut! I didn’t know it at the time but it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my high-school career. I’ve obviously developed my writing but it’s made me a more civic-minded and compassionate person overall.”
Jasmine Nguyen, Podcast Producer:
What is your favorite part about The Gamut?
“The people, 100%. The Gamut would not be what it is without all the different writers, artists, and photographers. I have made some of my closest friends in this class, people I don’t know who I would be without in my life. It’s been an amazing opportunity working alongside such a bright and chronically online group.”
What is something you’ve learned this year (in The Gamut or in life) that you hope to take away?
“Everything will work out eventually as long as you have a supportive family behind you, and The Gamut is more than anything I could ever ask for. Senior year has been full of ups, downs, and waitlists but there is no other class or group of people I would rather spend my time ranting or laughing with.”
Amy Bao, Senior Staff Artist:
What is your favorite piece of work you’ve created in The Gamut, and why?
“My favorite art work was a Lady Gaga webex, because for my illustration I definitely went all out and it felt really rewarding to put my skills to the test.”
What is something you’ve learned this year (in The Gamut or in life) that you hope to take away?
“Finding your people is really hard in high school so it’s really important to be yourself. I think joining Gamut was an actual pursuit of one of my passions and me trying to be more comfortable with myself. Life rewards you with genuine friends if you are genuine about what you’re doing.”
Isabella Sanchez, Podcast Editor:
What advice would you give to your freshman year self?
“To trust that everything will be okay, no matter how stressed it might seem right now. That even though she most definitely felt like the world was ending at times, to not put so much value on those experiences and instead focus on being with friends and family.”
What are you looking forward to in the future?
“Everything really, I’m so excited to meet new people and to explore this new environment outside of the one I’ve always grown up in. I don’t know how my future will play out or if I’m even on the right path, but I feel like deep down no matter what I know I will succeed.”
