![Gap years are an uncommon alternative for high school graduates, in which graduates take a year or more off from schooling and pursue something separate from college until they are ready to return to their education or something else. Wayland High School psychology teacher David Schmirer believes that college is a good route for many high school graduates, however, he also says that its best to keep an open mind when thinking about gap years. “I think the vast majority of our students are going to be fine with [going to college] and [are] ready to go, but for those students who are having [gap years] be a more visible choice I think [it] is a good thing both for physical and mental health,” Schmirer said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/xZ9lq7i7NbhVXpa2kT21s3Wz8PHl5Df0bATRSq6x-1200x800.png)
![In previous years, New England ski mountains have left eager skiers unsatisfied because of the sub-par and icy conditions on the slopes. Despite this situation, veteran skiers, and WHS sophomores Tobias Kyleber, Mathew Moscoffian and Colin Moleux provide some insight on why some mountains have a higher level quality than others, in their eyes. “[Two of my favorite mountains in New England] are Mount Stow and Mount Cannon,” Moscoffian said. “These mountains are better because they have the best quality of snow and have the most trails open, usually.”](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-6-1200x800.png)
![On Tuesday, Jan. 28, Wayland Cares director J Verhoosky led a presentation on the importance of choosing to be vulnerable in conversations. Through various activities and experiments, the audience was instructed to confront how they approach risk taking and their comfort zones. “[My biggest takeaway was] make yourself available for other people and share things you might not share with other people to make them feel like they're in a safe environment,” junior Addison Voight said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JLb1q3m4ZHvNAKYzv7c60kyyrrafzS8pJlYoJcoj.png)
Join WSPN’s Grace Zocco and Abigail Bergeron as they interview February’s Fashionista of the Month: freshman Amelie Schegerin.
What are your favorite stores to shop at?
“My favorite stores are Hollister, Brandy, Garage and TJ Maxx, but I also love thrifting.”
Do you prefer online or in person shopping?
“I prefer online shopping over in person because I can see how it looks on different people and check the reviews to make sure it is worth buying. It is also much quicker and less stressful, although it can take very long to ship, and you don’t have the ability to try the clothes on or test the quality of fabric.”
Where do you look for fashion inspiration?
“I wouldn’t say that I have a particular fashion inspiration, but I love looking at Pinterest to find outfits. If I see an outfit that I like, I will add it to my Pinterest board and try to find pieces in my closet that resemble it so that I can recreate them.”
Do you have a favorite season to dress for?
“My favorite season for fashion is definitely fall. I love that it’s not so cold that you have to wear a jacket or sweater, but it’s also cold enough that you can bundle up with layers if you want to. I also think that the colors of fall, like crimson and brown, are gorgeous, and I love to make outfits with them. The range of outfits you can make is also much larger than in the winter or summer.”
Do you have a favorite accessory?
I think that my favorite accessory is jewelry. It can substantially elevate an outfit and take it from boring to interesting. I love adding rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to my outfits, and I often match the color of my jewelry to my top or shoes.
What’s your typical design time? Do you plan outfits ahead?
“I try to remember to pick out an outfit the night before, but I usually forget and end up doing it in the morning. It takes me about five to ten minutes.”
If you could describe your style in one word what would it be?
“I think that one word to describe my style would be casual. I love dressing up for formal events, but I will usually just be wearing jeans and a top or sweats. I like being comfortable while still being able to express myself through my clothes, so I would just say casual. I would also describe my style as true to myself. I always try to wear outfits that I like and feel comfortable and confident in, and color combinations that suit me. I don’t think that I have one style, as I am always switching it up and experimenting with new things, but I just like to wear clothes that I think are cute and practical.”
What would be one piece of fashion advice for anyone who may be struggling?
“A piece of fashion advice would be to always wear what makes you feel happy and to embrace your personal style. I don’t think that it really matters what you wear, as long as you wear it with confidence. It is also important to wear things that are flattering to your own body type that makes you feel good and comfortable. Another piece of advice would be to get an accessory that is colorful that goes with a lot of clothes you own (whether it be a pair of shoes, jewelry, or anything else). It can make an outfit that is not colorful much more interesting, and if you match it with a piece of clothing the same color it can elevate the outfit so much.”
What does fashion mean to you?
“Fashion to me is a way to express who you are to other people and to yourself. It allows you to showcase your creativity, and it can be part of your identity.”
