Leading up to graduation, many adults in my life have been asking me what I’m most excited for next year. Usually, my responses vary from the different classes I get to take, exploring Boston or making new friends.
Though I am truly excited about all of those things, I can’t wait to dive into my two passions: journalism and fashion.
Before joining The Oracle, I knew I was interested in writing, but I hadn’t quite figured out how to integrate that interest into my extracurriculars, so I joined The Oracle not really knowing what to expect. Given that The Oracle had won several prestigious awards, I was scared to join.
I was worried that the high standards and prestigious accolades that exist on The Oracle could create pressure to meet or exceed already established expectations. I feared not living up to the publication’s reputation or making mistakes in a high-stakes environment.
However, these concerns faded on the first day of class. I quickly noticed that Ms. Taylor and each returning student was eager to support my excitement about writing. From then on, I knew I would be eager to return for the next three years.
Throughout my time on The Oracle, I’ve gotten to explore news reporting, opinion writing, review writing, multimedia, leaving feedback and more. Through all those trials and tribulations, I’ve learned more about myself and others through storytelling.
Whether that’s through the tales of one of Archer’s swim coaches, my unabashedly dorky take on Kendrick vs. Drake or exploring how the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” temporary suspension impacted current entertainment free speech, each story I’ve written on The Oracle has helped me grow as both a writer and a person. The Oracle providing me with such a robust portfolio of my writing since ninth grade is one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive (even if some of that documented growth is a bit embarrassing).
As journalism began to take over my life, as always, fashion continued to occupy my mind as well.
As a child, I remember running through the aisles of Western Costume House with my wardrobe stylist mother as I tagged along with her at work. Watching tailors turn fabric into fashion as a child was spellbinding and motivated me to learn to sew. I soon discovered that fashion would become an integral part of my life.
I have been sewing since I was 4 years old, and I made my first dress when I was 8.
As I grew older, I learned about the environmental costs of fast fashion, such as overflowing landfills and exploitative production cycles. This realization gave my skills a new purpose.
During my sophomore year, I founded Fashion Moving Forward, a club and service organization focused on accessible sewing, upcycling and sustainable fashion education. Now, I often find myself scrambling through shoe boxes under my bed, each one crammed with leftover fabric scraps and materials to make new pieces.
As Fashion Moving Forward began to grow, we started “thrift store” swaps where members exchange and donate clothing, along with embroidery and printing workshops. Only three people attended the first meeting, and now, Fashion Moving Forward is a 65+ member club with consistent collaboration with local nonprofits.
What began as a hobby has grown into a spirited community.
My time at Archer has taught me that I can be enthusiastic about two different things at once, and that I should embrace that dichotomy. I know now that style and storytelling will always be uniquely intertwined in my life.
And so the days of rushed deadlines and embroidered uniform skirts come to an end.
Though this is bittersweet, thank you, Archer, for allowing me to explore the depth of my kooky interests — I can’t wait to continue.
Hollyn Alpert • May 19, 2026 at 10:14 pm
Such a beautiful commentary, Lola! I loved learning about how Archer has supported your interests and passions. I’m going to miss you so so so much next year, and I can’t wait to see what you do! 🙂