Tracy Yang

Tracy Yang wanted to give me a gift for taking her photograph at City College. The 18-year-old music major shuffled around in her bunny rabbit purse, a bag she purchased while visiting China, searching for a token of appreciation. She produced a stack of Pokémon cards.

“I normally carry around little care packages to hand out to people on the trolley that look like they are having a bad day,” Yang told me with a sweet smile.

When I asked Yang where she sees herself in five years, the petite young lady, who gives off a serious Amelie vibe, said, “I will probably be trying to be a conductor for a symphony or maybe working as a performer at Disneyland. I’m going to transfer to Fullerton. I picked that school because it’s close to Disneyland.”

Brigitte De Las Salas

Currently, Yang works at a local high school as a drum line coach for the marching band.

Yang looked like she time-traveled from 1992. She sported an Angela Chase-inspired outfit consisting of a pair of combat boots, tights, a leotard, and an oversized cardigan. Most of her outfit items were purchased from Thrift Trader.

Nearby, I found Brigitte De Las Salas waiting for her second-period class to begin. The 18-year-old wore black and white tribal print leggings from COTTON ON paired with an H&M denim shirt, and loafers from Nordstrom. Her leather backpack is a recent Macy’s purchase.

In five years, De Las Salas sees herself attending UCLA, pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

Her favorite stores include COTTON ON and Urban Outfitters.

When asked about her least favorite current trend, she said with a shudder, “High-waisted shorts. They don’t look good on anyone. They make vaginas look weird. They give you camel toe.”

Amen to that.