Issue 4 - February 2022

OPINIONS

Mental Health Days at CHS pg. 08

NEWS

Replacing To Kill A Mockingbird pg. 06

ASB Club Commissioning Process pg. 20

LIFESTYLES Children in the Entertainment Industry pg. 18

ISSUE 4, VOL 64

INVESTIGATIONS

IN THIS ISSUE

news

Superintendent Polly Bove Announces Retirement................ 04 Replacing To Kill A Mockingbird with This Time Will Be Different........... 06

opinions

Mental Health Days at CHS......... 08 Powderpuff Gender Norms......... 10

features

CHS Custodial Staff.................... 12 featuring Javier Borceguin, Leanord Morris and Josh Kiernan

lifestyles

Examining Don’t Look Up............ 16 Children in the Entertainment Industry....................................... 18

10: Powderpuff Gender Norms

investigations

ASB Club Commissioning Process........................................ 20

sports

Allowing Boys on Tino Gymnastics.................................. 24 Athlete of the Month: Gayathri Krishnan...................................... 26

perspectives Satirical Valentine

Messages................................... 28 Letter to Line Cutters.................. 29

postscript

COVER DESIGNED BY HENRY MA AND JENNY WU

Comic: Unbearable..................... 30 Column: When Being Burnt Out Feels so Right...................... 31

THE PROSPECTOR

STAFF 2021-2022

editors-in-chief Jenny Wu Henry Ma Avi Pandit

photo editors Megumi Ondo Kavya Kaushal Theresa Nguyen

news editor Arnav Vishwakarma

online editors Arnav Vishwakarma Megumi Ondo Kevin Jia Saniya Laungani Dhruv Kerai Jun Kim Anand Ashar Norman Chow

opinions editor Raissa Ji features editors Rajasi Laddha Meghana Vinjamury lifestyles editor Katelyn Chu investigations editor Sonia Patil sports editor Arushi Arora perspectives editor Theresa Nguyen postscript editor Kriti Kaushal copy editors Juliet Shearin Joan Thyagarajan Jun Kim

business manager Dhruv Kerai writers Caroline Cheng, Evan Lu, Jolie Han, Lisa Zivanic, Natalie Chen, Olivia Hwang, Prithika Sundar, Rishita Shah, Sania Mehta, Soha Roy, Tanvee Sai, Taruna Anil, Vishal Shenoy, Slava Miroshnichenko

advisor Ann Shriver-Peck Editorial Policy

“The Prospector” is an open forum of expression for student editors to inform and educate their readers. It will not be reviewed by or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisors may and should coach and discuss content during the writing process.

The staff of “The Prospector” seeks to recognize individuals, events and ideas and bring news to the Cupertino community in an accurate, professional and unbiased manner. “The Prospector” will not avoid publishing a story solely on the basis of possible dissent or controversy.

If you believe an error has been made or wish to have your opinion expressed in “The Prospector,” please contact us via mail or email. Letters sent become the sole property of “The Prospector” and can be edited for length, clarity or accuracy.

“The Prospector” editorial board reserves the right to accept or reject any ad in accordance with its advertising policy.

Contact Us: chsprospector@gmail.com The Prospector 10100 Finch Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

A LETTER FROM THE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Dear Reader, As scary as change can be, it is necessary. Change doesn’t have to occur over a climactic incident; it can happen overnight or after deep thought and consideration. Without change, we as a society can never evolve and become a better version of ourselves. On page 04, check out Taruna Anil’s article on Superintendent Polly Bove’s retirement. Whether it be a change in leadership or an eradication of a racist past, change is inevitable. On page 06, Theresa Nguyen investigates the controversy about replacing To Kill a Mockingbird.

We aren’t strangers to change as the pandemic brought changes to everyone’s lives, affecting our education, livelihood, and even our appearances. On page 12, Raissa Ji, Rishita Shah and Jenny Wu feature the life stories and ever changing daily routines of the custodians that keep Cupertino High School safe and sanitary behind the scenes.

Change is often brought upon by controversy and protest. On page 20, Vishal Shenoy, Lisa Zivanic and Avi Pandit investigate ASB’s club approval process, and how ASB can be more transparent and improve from their mistakes.

Due to many athletes and prominent people speaking up, our generation has changed the way we prioritize mental well-being, and we advocate for a healthy lifestyle. Now that some companies are offering mental health days, Sonia Patil and Saniya Laungani argue for excused “mental health days” at school on page 08.

2022 provides us all with the opportunity to change and grow.

Whether you decide to follow your resolution of working out every day or binge watch Euphoria in bed, we hope you will embrace and create change this new year.

Sincerely, Avi Pandit, Henry Ma and Jenny Wu

4 | DESIGNED BY ARNAV VISHWAKARMA

NEWS

SUPERINTENDENT POLLY BOVE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Examining her legacy and the replacement process PHOTO COURTESY OF THE EPIC

T writer

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[there are] things that anybody who started doing this job 15 years ago needs to re-equip themselves to do now that are different. And I know in my own teaching practice, what I was doing 12 years ago when I started [as] a student teacher is a world away from anything I’m doing now.”

For the future of FUHSD, Stavis hopes the district finds a successor that represents the district accurately. According to The School Superintendents Association, 6% of superintendents are people of color--in contrast, all FUHSD schools exceed a 60% minority student population. “...Put a person of color in that role,” Stavis said. “Put someone who is more representative of the real demographics of our campuses and [districts]. Look at the beauty that comes out of the diversity at other levels of our district and the beauty that comes out of the diversity of our student populations, and recognize what beauty could be had at that level of power and leadership.”

As for Bove, she is hopeful and excited about the changes that will come with her successor. “I don’t need to leave it and try to preserve it. I’m actually pretty excited about seeing what it could be,” she said.

“It’s the way I felt about my son. I didn’t want to decide who he was going to be and I was, and I’m pretty amazed and actually very moved and emotional about who he became. But I got to see that, right? I feel the same way about this place. I think it’s going to be good”

NEWS | 5

but that isn’t what it was,” Bove said. “It was like being thrilled and he year is 2006: Main Street enjoying and learning a lot from Cupertino was a dirt plot, the every opportunity I had, and it was current CHS student body just astounding. Every time I had was barely in existence, and the a new job, it was invigorating and MacBook was born. But the year astounding and fun.” holds a more profound signifiIn addition to serving FUHSD cance; it marked the start of a new for over 30 years, Bove also imera for the Fremont Union High plemented one of the first student School District. information systems in the disSuperintendent Polly Bove-- trict and helped FUHSD through who has served as Superinten- the 2008 recession. According to dent of FUHSD for 16 years--an- Bove, the key to these challenges nounced her retirement on January was to find opportunities through 7, 2022. Bove leaves the district in them. hopes of bringing new changes “I had the opportunity to say to FUHSD while simultaneously to people, Hold on, [we] can get allowing for a smooth transfer of through this. I believe we can,” power. Her departure, officially Bove recalled. “We could stay the occurring in July, enables her suc- course, and we were, as [far] as cessor to have enough time with I can tell, one of the only districts the current Board of Trustees be- around anywhere that did that fore elections in November. during that terrible time in 2008.

Since the start of her career But [was] that a challenge, or was at FUHSD in 1989, Bove pursued that an opportunity? Was [that] an many different avenues before opportunity for us to build more unintentionally landing the role of trust?”

Superintendent.

Bove has served IT WAS “My previous a much longer career boss and the LIKE BEING THRILLED than the average. Acboard did not get AND ENJOYING AND cording to a Vanderalong, and they LEARNING A LOT FROM bilt study conducted had a parting of EVERY OPPORTUNITY I in 2006, 45% of superways,” Bove ex- HAD, AND IT WAS JUST intendents had turned plained.

“And over within three years.

ASTOUNDING one evening, the Though her long time in POLLY BOVE board asked me office has offered stabilif I would take over as interim. And ity and productivity, many staff and I had never had the goal of being a students are ready for a change in superintendent, and I cared about perspective. Carley Stavis--a CHS this place a lot. And I just felt like English Teacher and Fremont if I can help this place through this Education Association Site Presitough time, I mean, I ought to [do dent--noted this need for change. that].”

“I think [you] could make the Bove served in several depart- argument that consistency is good ments throughout her educational in a lot of ways to [help] people career, from teaching math and move through all the changes that computer science to administra- naturally happen without [having] tion to Special Education and HR. a disruption on that level,” Stavis “I’d like to tell you I had a mission, said. “At the same time, I think that TARUNA ANIL

REPLACING TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD WITH

Behind the decision to switch the ninth grade literature curriculum THERESA NGUYEN

perspectives editor/photo editor

For over 20 years, To Kill a Mockingbird has been a staple of Cupertino High School’s American literature curriculum.

However, the novel’s time at Tino is about to end. The freshman English Department will no longer use To Kill a Mockingbird, introducing the contemporary novel This Time Will be Different in its place. This change will take effect next year for the class of 2026.

Written by Harper Lee in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird chronicles life during the Great Depression through the eyes of nine-year-old Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. Her father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who takes o n

the controversial case regarding a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.

The novel explores the injustices and racism present in the courtroom and their daily lives.

Despite the book’s essential themes and messages, it is not perfect. In addi- from tion to the argument that To Kill a d i f Mockingbird perpetuates white f e r e n t saviorism, some teachers also b a c k claim that it underrepresents grounds, but marginalized communities by if we want to hear telling their story through a white about the experience of a person of color, shouldn’t person’s perspective. it be from a Said freshman Entext written glish teacher and ELD BUT IF WE WANTTO by a person instructor Jenna Ray HEAR ABOUT THE EXPE- of color?” in an email interview, RIENCE OF A PERSON “First, we had some teachers express OF COLOR, SHOULDN’T Specific martheir growing dis- IT BE FROM A TEXT g i n a l i z e d comfort with using WRITTEN BY A PER- students at Tino were the text. [...] We SON OF COLOR? n e g a t i v ely JENNA RAY agree that we impacted by would like to the book as well.

Said Ray, “Our have more texts that Black students, in particular, felt explore the exlike the book was a very poor periences of representation of their experip e o - ences and lacked the nuance p l e needed to discuss race in today’s world.”

According to curriculum support and English teacher Greg Merrick, the idea to change the curriculum has taken shape over the past five years.

Said Merrick, “We started by thinking about the book and looking through some of the feedback we received from members of our community. [...] I would say it was probably two to three years ago

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6 | THE PROSPECTOR

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THIS TIME WILL BE DIFFERENT

i n freshman lit classes.

S a i d Ray, “I started reading the book in early October, and I will admit that I loved it. The protagonist felt very relatable. She is a flawed that we started to have secharacter and makes rious conversations about what we a lot of terrible decisions, but she’s might replace it with.” still empathetic, and so the whole With their discussions came four time I was reading, I felt like I wantcriteria: having a female protagonist ed to yell at her, ‘No! What are you or author, having an author of color doing?!’ because I genuinely want– ideally, one that represented the ed her to win in the end.” majority of the student population’s Sugiura, a former English teachracial and ethnic identities, which er at Wilcox High School, visited is predominantly Asian-American Tino earlier this year for an author or Pacific Islander, meet and greet. finding a book that Said English DeTHE PROTAGONIST students could write partment lead and and develop argu- FELT VERY RELATABLE. freshman English mentative respons- SHE IS A FLAWED CHAR- teacher Kevin ACTER AND MAKES A es on, and finding Morgan, “We a more uplifting text LOT OF TERRIBLE DE- had the authan TKAM. visit CISIONS, BUT SHE’S thor The English de- STILL EMPATHETIC with Misa partment spent last here too, JENNA RAY summer reading poa n d tential texts following their decision. hearing her talk Of the 10 to 12 books that the de- about her process partment considered, only one ful- for coming up filled all their criteria: This Time Will with conflicts and be Different. types of charWritten by author Misa Sugiura, This acters that she Time Will be Different covers the life wanted was of an Asian-American teen living in compelling. I the Bay Area as she tackles histor- was happy ical racism and an uncertain future. that it endIt also features LGBTQ+ characters ed up beand nontraditional family dynamics, ing a text starkly contrasting its predecessor that the

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team settled on as a possible option.”

For incoming students, the new book will be part of their first impressions of high school literature, making it difficult to gauge their expectations.

Said Merrick, “We think at this point, tentatively, that this is the book we’re going to select. But one thing we’re doing this spring is inviting a lot of our freshmen students to read that book as an enrichment reading book because we want to get a better sense from our actual freshmen students.”

As for curriculum change’s impact, only time will tell. The English Department hopes to modernize and shape the curriculum to better reflect the student body, using this change as a stepping stone to achieving their goal.

Said Morgan, “‘Readers often seek their mirrors in books’ (Rudine Sims Bishop). [...] I’m hopeful that this book can serve as mirrors for our ninth-grade readers here.”

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NEWS | 7

OPINIONS

Mental Health Days at CHS Why CHS should consider mental health days as excused absences SONIA PATIL investigations editor

SANIYA LAUNGANI

8 | DESIGNED BY RAISSA JI

social media manager

As a result, this normalized Exhausted, distracted, and stress instills the mindoverworked—sometimes a day off set that constant of school is what feels right. But how productivity is do you take n e c one without essary.

It seeming becomes a like you are competition of ditchstruggle between i n g ? one another—when H o w confiding in someone c a n about your three tests o t h e r s coming up, they respond see you genwith the two essays, three tests, and uinely need it? lab report they have. In this process, Not all teachers are prepared stress can feel invalidated, and to reschedule tests and make-up when more serious mental health assignments without what is a “valissues start to come into play, such id excuse”. Additionally, students types of conversations set harmful are often pressured to conceal attitudes in stutheir true reasons IF YOU BREAK dents’ minds. for absence due Outside of to certain stigmas YOUR ANKLE OR HAVE surrounding men- THE FLU, YOUR PAR- academics, stutal health. Said ENTS SEND A NOTE. BUT dents face numerous stressors California Senator IF YOU’RE HOME WITH at home, work, or Anthony Portantino, “It’s really a DEPRESSION OR ANX- other outside matflaw in the educa- IETY, IT’S NOT TREAT- ters. Those who have to take care tion code. If you ED THE SAME WAY of family or work break your ankle have no option to shorten their time or have the flu, your parents on such activities. The pandemic send a note. But if you’re put an overwhelming mental toll on home with depression students; according to the Center or anxiety, it’s not for Disease Control and Prevention, treated the same m e n tal health emergency way. The district hospital visits among doesn’t h a v e kids 12 to 17 years to recognize it.” old escalated 31%.

StuAs mental health dents often issues among students brush off matcontinue to increase, ters concerning it is clear that there is mental illness an issue at large. States and overwhelmincluding Utah have aling stress beready begun to considcause they are er mental or behavioral not prioritized health as a valid excused over grades, athabsence for all students. letic performance, Starting in January, Illinois or other extracurricgovernor Jay Robery Pritzular responsibilities.

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times have days where our mental health is just not well. Rather than push kids beyond the breaking point, a mental health day allows them to better manage their mental health.”

With the implementation of mental health days, students can practice self-awareness and prioritize their health.

The e x -

cusal isn’t meant for students to take three weeks off of school but rather to recognize when they need a day or two to take a break for self-improvement and health.

When used responsibly, mental health days can be beneficial. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it takes a person who has a mental illness, on average, ten years to ask for help. Excused mental health days will result in de-stigmatization from students towards mental health issues and prompt students to seek the support they need and h a v e o p e n conversations. It pushes students to recognize when they need assistance to seek help.

Mental health days are only a temporary solution to a larger problem. More resources need to be dedicated to teaching students about their mental and physical well-being. Implementing excused mental health days would result in more honesty in reasons for absence and CHS better understanding the number of students facing issues.

And while ultimately parents must call in for the excusal, it also is the first step in teaching students how to prioritize their well-being and use this practice in their future

OPINIONS | 9

ker will permit students in Illinois to take mental health days and make up any work they miss without having to provide a doctor’s note. It is time all states start implementing this policy for high school districts.

Some may argue that students will take advantage of the excusal policy and be absent from school for an extended amount of time. Teachers may worr y that classwork may pile up and the students miss valuable classroom interactions.

However, an Arizona school district argues that the s a m e number of students who have been previously missing school will still be able to take days off, just with a more fitting title and reason for absence. While there will be a more significant number of students taking mental health days, the increase won’t be incredibly overwhelming if students use the reason for absence responsibly.

Though some students may inevitably take advantage of the system, it is more important that mental health days are offered to prevent mental illnesses from getting worse and being swept under the rug.

Said Mike Winder, a representative who supports mental health days, “All of us have mental health, just like physical health, even the healthiest among us some-

GENDER NORMS Dissecting the stereotypical and exclusive concept of powderpuff TANVEE SAI writer

10 | THE PROSPECTOR

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upertino High School strives to be a community that is inclusive for all. Despite this vision, certain traditions at CHS hinder progress towards this goal. One tradition in particular that still has room for improvement is powderpuff.

Powderpuff is a yearly class competition at Tino where girls play flag football and boys cheer them on. According to History Teacher Wes Morse, powderpuff at CHS started in 1962. Initially, games were held only between Cupertino students, but as time went on,

CHS began competing in powderpuff games against other nearby schools. Historically, only juniors and seniors competed in powderpuff, but Principal Kami Tomberlain expanded it to include all grades.

The name powderpuff comes from the common name for a soft cloth pad used to apply face powder, a common cosmetic. Including a makeup product in the name itself pushes the gender-conforming stereotype that women are hyperfeminine and obsessed with their appearances.

More than just the name, though, powderpuff is entirely based on gender norms that women are supposed

to cheer for men as they play football and that the fun part of powderpuff is the reversal of these stereotypes.

However, these stereotypes remain unchanged and unchallenged because these reversals only occur during this one week. While role reversals are widely accepted and celebrated within powderpuff, they are not continued after the week ends.

Additionally, powderpuff is predicated on a two-gender system: students choose between a masculine or feminine activity. Students who do not fit in the gender binary may feel uncomfortable participating in either position of powderpuff and are consequently implicitly excluded.

An anonymous student council member, Y, shares similar concerns about powderpuff and, as a result, has chosen not to participate in the event.

Said Y, “ T h e p r e m ise of the game [...] felt weird for me to see [because of] the activity being heavily focused on gender.”

Despite these issues concerning some students, other students who participated have gained positive experiences. When asked why the Associated Student Body is not removing powderpuff, an anonymous athletics commissioner from ASB, X, said, “It really just comes down to providing a fun environment to compete and bond with your classmates and just have fun.”

ASB is aware of the problematic origins of powderpuff and has posted an infographic on social media to acknowledge its toxic history, and its promotion of unhealthy gender norms. ASB will also prohibit mockery and stereotyping, such as the usage of bras or tutus by the cheerleaders. The athletics commissioners also considered renaming powderpuff but ultimately decided not to.

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would play football. The athletics commissioners chose to eliminate gender norms, but they have not widely publicized this change.

They believe that if the change were too widely known, cisgender participants would abuse the new rule. Said X, “What we don’t want to happen is football players and people who [have played] football their entire life [being] like ‘Oh I’m gonna play football, let me just go play football.’”

Although opening up the categories to everyone is a step in the right direction, it does not make powderpuff inclusive for all. Since the policy change is not widely known, members of the genderqueer community who would like to participate in powderpuff are left to question whether they are eligible or not.

The concern that cisgender students might abuse the rule has resulted in g e n - derqueer people being mar-

THE PREMISE OF THE GAME [...] FELT WEIRD FOR ME TO SEE [BECAUSE OF THE ACTIVITY] BEING HEAVILY FOCUSED ON GENDER

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THE AMBIGUITY OF THE POWDERPUFF RULES CONCERNING GENDER CONFUSES MANY PEOPLE WHO DO NOT FALL IN THE GENDER BINARY

ginalized, just like in previous years.

The

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event’s n a m e does not perpetuate misogyny, and the rules can minimize confusion or discomfort from the genderqueer community.

Overall, for CHS to fully support all genders, we have to remove harmful, stereotypical practices from school-wide activities like powderpuff and replace them with new premises that reflect inclusive ideals

OPINIONS | 11

Said X , “This y e a r we were t h i n k ing about changing [powderpuff] to powerpuff [...] I think we felt like by changing the name and not changing the event itself, we’re kind of running away from history.”

This year, the powderpuff signup forms did not explicitly state that males would cheerlead and females

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ambiguity of the powderpuff rules concerning gender confuses many people who do not fall in the gender binary. As a result, people are less motivated to participate.

Said an anonymous nonbinary student, Z, “some nonbinary students would [assume that they] have to conform to what they were assigned as at birth, and then feel super uncomfortable doing that.”

One way for powderpuff to be inclusive of all genders is by switching the sports rather than the genders. “Football players who are on the football team should do cheerleading, [and] cheerleaders on the cheerleading t e a m should p l a y football [...] You should j u s t switch t h e sport,” said Z. Although ASB is moving in the right direction towards total inclusivity in this event, there is still room for improvement. A good way to start this is by renaming the event and making sure that it is clear that people of any gender can participate in either category.

T h i s way, t h e

FEATURES FEATURES

CUPERTINO HIGH SCHOOL’S CUSTODIAL CUSTODIAL STAFF

STAFF @ TINO

| DESIGNED

BY RAJASI LADDHA AND MEGHANA VINJAMURY 8 12 | THE PROSPECTOR

A look into the stories behind the people that keep our campus safe and sanitary

JAVIER BORCEGUIN Lead Night Custodian RAISSA JI opinions editor

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s the most experienced member of Cupertino High School’s custodial staff, Lead Night Custodian Javier Borceguin has seen generations of students grow up and head off to college. “When I see you guys,” said Borceguin, “I feel lucky and like to remind you guys to get a career and be something for your future.”

Borceguin joined CHS’ custodial staff 31 years ago after finding an interest in the cleaning services industry while working with his brother at a local restaurant in Cupertino. Said Borceguin, “They liked the job I was doing and told me, ‘Hey, why don’t you go to the [FUHSD] district and apply for a job?’ I said, ‘You know what? Sure, why not?’ So I filled out my application [...], and that’s how I became [a custodian] here.” Borceguin notes that he hasn’t seen much change at CHS over the years. “The school has been remodeled real good, but it has always been a great school. Since I can remember, nothing has changed.

Because of COVID-19, Borceguin and his fellow custodians have been working hard to upkeep a clean and safe learning environment for CHS students. “Light switches, door handles, and student desks,” said Borceguin, “are little things that [we need to disinfect carefully].” Using electrostatic foggers to spray down classrooms has been a particularly significant addition to Borceguin and his team’s workload.

But despite these extra responsibili-

ties, Borceguin positively remarks that it’s because “We do everything for you guys to stay safe, no matter what. I always tell my other guys the kids are more important than anything. Even if we have this much work to do, we gotta make sure the kids are OK.” Borceguin and his team go above and beyond to maintain a healthy campus for CHS. During the remote 2020–2021 school year, the custodial staff still worked on campus. Said Borceguin, “We were there that whole year, doing all the small things that we

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I FEEL LUCKY AND LIKE TO REMIND YOU GUYS TO GET A CAREER AND BE SOMETHING FOR YOUR FUTURE

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JAVIER BORCEGUIN wouldn’t have time to do when you guys are here.” Additionally, when students have accidents and leave messes, like “When a kid gets hurt in the bathroom,” said Burceguin, “with blood and things like that, I will take a look, go bring all my stuff, and then do the job.”

Small acts of appreciation can truly make a custodial staff members’ day.

Said Borceguin, “When a student says, ‘Hey Javier, thank you very much for everything you do,’ [...], and when you guys give us little cards [...] it makes me feel good.”

FEATURES | 13

LEANORD MORRIS Pool and Grounds Maintenance RISHITA SHAH website assistant

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A TikTok phenomenon. [...] We’ve had the paper liners ripped off, this part of the ceiling ripped down, [and] hand dispensers ripped off.” Leonard Morris, the school’s Pool and Grounds Maintenance, answers in response to his craziest clean up job. From cleaning up devious licks to preparing the fields for sports, Leonard Morris spends his day as a major contributor to keeping the school up and running as a safer and more functional environment.

“We’re happy to have all the kids back.

Everyone’s walking around with a smile on their face and chatting it up and you guys are so busy talking that sometimes

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WE’VE HAD THE PAPER LINERS RIPPED OFF, THIS PART OF THE CEILING RIPPED DOWN, [AND] HAND DISPENSERS RIPPED OFF

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14 | THE PROSPECTOR

LEANORD MORRIS you don’t even notice that we’re going by, but that’s a good thing. It’s like a sign that coming back is almost [normal].” Morris, an unsung hero of the school, prioritizes the students of the school by keeping the school clean and facilitated for sports and is rewarded by the students’ happiness and involvement in the school.

Small things like being thanked and being helped with moving larger objects play a major role in what makes Morris’ workday much more enjoyable. Leanord Morris befriended a senior football player, who for that reason makes his day much more memorable and better overall. “[...] I kind

of built a relationship with him. He’s a great kid, [a] huge individual, [and a] very quiet [and] meek personality, but I pretty much befriended him the most. [...] He’s always asked how I’m doing, how my day’s going.

[He is] just a genuine[ly] good kid, and he’s a senior, and I’ll miss seeing him around on campus just because [of] the way he conducts himself.”

Additionally, being more mindful of the lunch and brunch goes a long way according to Morris. Usually a one person’s job, cleaning the quad and the atrium after lunch and brunch has proven to be too much for just a single custodian, so they usually team up, leaving their specific post to help one another out. Leonard highlights how from time to time it makes it difficult for him and other custodians. “There’s times where it’s hard for me to do my area after break or brunch or lunch, then make it over there, try to help out over there. But I got other things [...] the things that fall on my table. If the kids get to pick up after themselves, [it would] free up more time for us to do the initial main things. [...] But as a team we’re stepping up to the plate and giving it our all to try to make sure we’re meeting the requirements even if it does take a little more of our time.”

Although his job does have its difficult points, Leonard Morris believes that he is lucky to have a job at Cupertino High School mostly due to staff and students, which establishes “a calm, peaceful campus.” “I think the majority of our students are pretty well behaved students. [...] You’ve got good kids that are spending their time and the right way. So I feel fortunate to be at Cupertino for those reasons.”

JOSH KIERNAN School Facilities Manager JENNY WU print editor-in-chief

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everal hours before showtime, Cupertino High School’s Facilities Manager Josh Kiernan fastens the last zip tie connecting two fire retardant tarps together, completely covering the football field in preparation for the city’s annual 4th of July firework show at Tino. Members of Kiernan’s crew would later be stationed on tarps laid out all over campus to pot out fallen ambers with water while fireworks were shot off between the homeside restrooms and the track entrance.

“It was always a great experience but

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IT WAS ALWAYS A GREAT EXPERIENCE BUT THE PREP AND CLEANUP WAS CRAZY

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JOSH KIERNAN

the prep and cleanup was crazy,” said Kiernan as he recalled his craziest cleanup job prior to the pandemic.

Kiernan started at Cupertino substituting as a groundskeeper by taking care of the bushes, plants and trees.

Some days he would also work for the athletics side of the school, chalking the baseball field, sweeping and vacuuming the pool, etc. In 2011, Kiernan was hired as a groundskeeper for Monta Vista High School, where he worked for a year and a half before becoming the pool and fields person at Tino. After years of “working all kinds of hours” as a Repo Man, Kiernan became the School Facilities Manager, a position he has been serving for six years now.

Reflecting on his most memorable

moments at Cupertino, Kiernan can’t help but fixate on the last two years with the pandemic. He recalls a time when he was walking down the main hallway mid-May of 2020. “The hallways should have been full of students and staff but it was silent since no students and only 5 staff were on campus at around 11AM. It was an uneasy feeling as this is not what the norm was,” said Kiernan.

Despite COVID-19 taking a toll on Kiernan and his team, there have been many moments of warmth he’s experienced within the Cupertino community.

Said Kiernan, “The parade graduation was a first for me. It was great seeing all the kids graduate and drive in a parade starting from the front parking lot around the block. After not having kids onsite all year to seeing families finally having something to celebrate was great.”

Humbly giving gratitude to his custodial team, Kiernan acknowledges that everyone plays an essential role in maintaining CHS’s safe, clean campus. “I am only as good as my team, as there are guys out there day to day picking up garbage, [...] trimming the bushes, and pulling weeds,” said Kiernan. “They all play huge roles in keeping this school running and I would not be able to focus on what I need to if they did not do what they do.”

FEATURES | 15

LIFESTYLES

16 | DESIGNED BY KATELYN CHU

3 HOURS AGO

EXAMINING:

Don’t Look Up A doomsday, satirical film that may not be so far-fetched

[WARNING] ARNAV VISHWAKARMA

N

news editor/podcast editor

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THE PUBLIC OFTEN HEARS MIXED INFORMATION THAT CREATES CONFUSION, MULTIPLYING THE LACK OF TRUST.

“

ue. Mindy is also unable to explain the crisis’s implications in layman’s terms, creating a consequential communication barrier. This ultimately portrays how the public may fall prey to a battle between the media and government, distracting society from the core of an issue and making a bad situation worse.

The media’s control over the public also extends to the idea of gaining an average citizen’s trust. In scientists’ struggle to put out a clear and consistent message, the public often hears mixed information that creates confusion, multiplying the lack of trust. The pandemic saw this with a constant updating of COVID guidelines, which many started to ignore as they

became increasingly confusing.

Many plot events in the film are taken as an opportunity to exemplify how society struggles to take concerning information, especially from a source they may not have established trust with.

The very fact that the film needed to include famous actors to gain attention and promote its message contains a level of irony, tying back to its commentary.

The film’s portrayal of how society may come together was extended through its depiction of the relationship between large corporations and the federal government. Where corporations found the opportunity to monetize the crisis by mining the comet for minerals, they were quickly supported by the government, disregarding any safety concerns. This directly depicts how the small percentage of powerful people exert the most control in society, often unconcerned with how their actions may negatively affect everyone else.

In the end, what ultimately sets Don’t Look Up apart is its fierce criticism of every role in society. Between the highest levels of government, the media, the scientific community, and the average citizen, it manages to paint an accurate picture of how our actions — or lack thereof — may have detrimental consequences. It is a film that resonates with many and is able to stir important discussion on the broad range of issues it brings up

LIFESTYLES | 17

etflix’s new film Don’t Look Up was recently released, starring names such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. The film was initially written as a social commentary focusing on the ignorance of climate change and the inability of world leaders to act on it. But in addition to its main message, it brings up many other questions and explores ideas that we’ve seen now, more than ever, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the film’s events may have seemed extreme when it was originally written in 2019, its timely release has demonstrated to many viewers that its commentary may not be so far-fetched.

The film primarily sees a duo of astronomers discovering an extinction-level comet headed toward Earth, and their frantic attempts to gain the government’s attention. The government, however, fails to see the gravity of the situation and denies it exists. There are two pillars to this; the president not wanting to lose her accumulated political standing, and not wanting to scare the public. Similarly, HBO’s miniseries “Chernobyl”, based on 1986 disaster, depicts a parallel situation unfolding within the Soviet Union, as officials deny the existence of a nuclear core’s explosion, and cut off phone lines — demonstrating how the governmental censorship portrayed in Don’t Look Up may not be so

far fetched. Ultimately, it is this lack of action from leaders that can lead to a disaster’s effects multiplying and having detrimental consequences.

Don’t Look Up also exemplifies how different aspects of society may interact during a crisis, and how the lack of mutual understanding between influential media, scientists and the public may have severe consequences. When astronomer Randall Mindy fails to garner the government’s attention, he turns to a talk show, where the hosts fail to understand or care about the severity of the issue, instead focusing on entertainment val-

CHILDREN IN THE ENTER SANIA MEHTA

T

18 | THE PROSPECTOR

writer

he glittering world of cinema is like a double-edged sword, promising glamour but saddling child actors with lengthy hours, the responsibility to financially support their family and the pressure of maintaining a professional image in front of millions of fans.

Being under the scrutiny of the public eye at all times – already a complete invasion of privacy – is a heavily taxing aspect of the industry. Moreover, child actors often do not have control over their own wages. This makes it easy for parents to economically exploit their children, as in the case of Misca Fortuna, who played Mancung in Emak Ijah Pengen ke Mekah. While she was acting in the series, her father Muhammad Delsy allegedly embezzled Rp 100,000,000 of Misca’s wages, equivalent to 6,975.28 USD. As a result, Misca’s mother notified the police about her father’s alleged theft, [presumably negative result of the police investigation]. Unfortunately, the economic exploitation of child actors still does not garner much attention. Although acting can channel a child’s interest and talent, it is also an easy venue for economic exploitation.

Child actors face every problem in the acting industry, including sexual abuse. The stories of starlets like Shirley Temple and Judy Garland are long remem-

bered for their history of being manipulated. This still remains a rampant problem — actors like Corey Feldman have come forth with their allegations of sexual abuse and rape as a child. Throught the resurfacing of these stories, it is becoming apparent how vile the acting industry truly is.

In addition to pressures from within the industry, child actors face new demands from social media.

Like their adult counterparts, they are expected to constantly generate content for their fans and are continuously inundated with both praise and criticism from the media, blogs and anonymous strangers. Although social media made it significantly easier to directly address child actors, it has not created a consensus on how to discuss children in the spotlight.

Fans and fellow stars alike have subject-

ed child actors like Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard to sexualization online.

Mod-

RTAINMENT INDUSTRY Model Ali Michael, for example, told Wolfhard to “hit her up in 4 years,” when he would be 18.

Right now, there is virtually no way to protect child actors from the media or their obsessive fanbases.

On the topic of the danger of child starts on social me-

dia, in the past few years, child influencers – children with large social media followings – have catalyzed an $8 billion social media advertising industry, with highly “successful” children generating up to $26 million a year through advertising and the sharing of sponsored content (Masterson,

2020).

Children are at high risk of exploitation because they lack the legal right to the earnings they

LIFESTYLES | 19

generate, or safe working conditions and protections via labor laws.

Family vlogging with children: is there

an ethical issue present? Family vloggers exploit their children for views ….. These adolescents are unable to consent to be filmed and exposed to their viewers at all times. Upon speaking with an assortment of child actors, physiatrist Dr. Ryan concludes, “​​At the end of the day, they [child actors] were in a very dark place for a long time. And that really struck me, childhood is priceless and certain memories don’t have a price tag on it, and it can really affect your mental health down the line.” He continues on to speak about how these children are not able to break away from their adolescence after growing up. They already have a digital footprint curated and they are unable to escape these preassigned labels.

At the end of the day, this issue is relevant to all because potentially perpetuate these cycles of mistreatment in the industry by consuming the media and content that these child stars push out. Undoubtedly, banning children from acting – or social media – is no solution, as it would make it unattainable for kids to gain exposure and accumulate an income, not to mention it would rule out conveying stories that involve children at all. However, as the general populace, it is essential to comprehend what goes on behind sealed doors. It is crucial that we amplify the voice of the voiceless. Utilizing social media, we can exemplify the names of child abusers and danger. We can push for laws that shelter children. We can protest and demand that our country keeps its youth safe

INVESTIGATIONS

20 | DESIGNED BY SONIA PATIL

Club Commissioning Process

Rejected Clubs

Rejected clubs share their experience with the commissioning process LISA ZIVANIC writer

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STEM due to how unclear the clubs selection criteria are. Noted Bellemy Morgan, president of a public dialogue organization (PDO) “What we’re most upset about is the lack of clarity on things. We don’t know what factors they were really testing us on, or what their final determination [was].”

Nova Midwinter, vice president of the PDO, felt that the process was “incredibly opaque.” When the organization’s previous advisor left their teaching position at CHS, Midwinter felt that the ASB deadlines and requirements for a new advisor

“

WHAT COULD I HAVE WORKED ON? WAS IT ONE OF THE QUESTIONS? DID I NOT SAY [SOMETHING] PROPERLY?

”

RICHA NALLI

were ambiguous.

Added Morgan, “We [had] an advisor and then Instructor Choe told us ‘No, it can’t be a first year teacher’ when we’d never heard that requirement beforehand.”

Another primary concern about clarity brought up by the South Asian Heritage Association (SAHA) and the PDO was that they were both rejected for their similarities to existing clubs.

SAHA was found to be too similar to Dhadkan, a Bollywood fusion dance team. However, students have noted it is different from SAHA, because it embraces South Asia as a whole, whereas Dhadkhan primarily focuses on India. Said Rhea Bhatia, co-president of SAHA, “ I feel like we should have been provided

with some sort of reason that relates to just us. Not ‘you can’t be here because someone else is already here’, because I thought the whole point of ASB was to make campus bigger, more inclusive [and] more diverse.”

However some students did not even receive an explanation of why their club was rejected, leaving them to question what they did wrong. Said Nalli, “When they give you the email saying ‘I’m sorry, your club didn’t make it’ […] [I was wondering] What could I have worked on? Was it one of the questions? Did I not say [something] properly?”

There are solutions to the issues with transparency. A more comprehensive timeline and explanation of the requirements for a club to get passed would add clarity and improve transparency. A rubric based on stated selection criteria would also help prospective clubs understand the reasons behind their rejection.

In light of the lack of approval, SAHA and the PDO have continued to hold meetings and run as unofficial clubs Said Midwinter, “We don’t want to just let down our member base because the commission made a decision.”

???

INVESTIGATIONS | 21

he process of starting a club is complicated. Each year, dozens of determined students pitch their dream idea, kicking the club commissioning process into motion. To clarify their selectivity, the Associated Student Body (ASB) has held several informational meetings regarding the club commissioning process. However, for some students, transparency concerns for their prospective clubs were still left unresolved.

Richa Nalli, the president of a prospective fashion club, described the process as intense, explaining, “At first, it seemed really stressful, especially because [ASB was] making it cutthroat and very competitive, which I did not expect it to be. But then again, it was understandable, it’s a big school.” Nalli added that “when [ASB] mentioned only 3% of the clubs get accepted towards the end of the year,” she felt particularly intimidated.

Since the specifics of the process are closed off to students outside of ASB, none of the prospective clubs were informed of the specific details comprising the club selection process. Many clubs are displeased with this, wishing for more transparency. This lack of clarity leaves some clubs wondering about the potential biases that may occur in the club commissioning process.

Many leaders in rejected clubs find there to be a surplus of STEM clubs on campus.

Said Alisha Sankhe, president of prospective club, Tino Writers, “There’s a lot of niche STEM clubs. [...] They could definitely merge, but they’re not being merged and the non-STEM clubs are the ones being merged or cut out entirely.”

However, it is impossible to determine if there truly is a bias towards

Club Commissioners Perspective from an ASB club commissioner AVINASH PANDIT

A

22 | THE PROSPECTOR

online editor-in-chief

s one of three ASB club commissioners at Cupertino High School, senior Max Wang is responsible for evaluating all new club applications and ensuring that the selection process is fair. In a year where over 70 prospective clubs applied, Wang’s role in ASB proved to be difficult.

The first step of the club application process is a written application, where the clubs demonstrate their reasons for forming the club and how it would contribute to the student body. Using a predetermined rubric, the club commissioners assign each club a score.

Said Wang, “Our guiding question for the new club process is ‘how will this club continue to benefit students and serve a passion that is not already being served?’”

If the club passes the first stage, they are granted an interview with the three club commissioners, where they are asked general questions about the motives for creating the club.

After a significant number of clubs are rejected in the first two rounds, the club commissioners conduct another round of interviews with the club advisor and one or two ASB members. In this round, the questions asked are more specific to each club.

The advisor demonstrates how invested they are in the proposed club, and the club officers describe how they plan to impact the student body for an extended period. The extra ASB members are present in the interview to ask follow-up questions and offer an outsider perspective.

“This year, we found that the third round was most helpful because we had so many voices to consider, and we were confident that the clubs that passed this round would succeed in the future,” said Wang.

Although when asked about potential biases in the overall club

process and who was the most biased, Wang responded, “Everybody.

Club commissioners are biased, but that’s unavoidable. We try our best to mitigate biases, but there are just times where I think personally, and this isn’t just a rare thought; if someone who wanted to start a new club is close with the commissioners, there would be some advantage that they’re granted.”

In the final round, each of the clubs is presented to the student senate, where they hold discussions and vote on the final decision. In what is often the most controversial round, said Wang, “There’s just a lot of exchanging of hands in this information, and I would say it’s hard to keep the bias, I guess, removed.” Summarizing Wang’s opinion, he feels like the student senate is more prone to individual biases due to its large size than the ASB club commissioners are. A group of 20 or more people will have more potential conflicts of interest and more connections with prospective clubs.

Said Wang, “This y e a r w e had a

number of conflicts that were not very morally well-grounded.” In an attempt to try and get his club passed, a student senate member consistently questioned one of the club commissioners trying to seek an unfair advantage.

Said Wang, “There should be stricter penalties or rules on what information you are allowed to seek out.”

When asked if there are currently any procedures in place to prevent preferential treatment, Wang’s response was short and straightforward, “No.” Although the club commissioners see bias and admit it is a substantial problem, there are feasibility issues in solving all of them. Said Wang, “We have three club commissioners, Ms. Nguyen [Cupertino High’s financial analyst], and Instructor Choe. There are essentially five people left to manage 73 new clubs.”

ASB Advisor Instructor Choe, the ASB advisor, offers thoughts on the process VISHAL SHENOY writer

A

s the ASB advisor at Cupertino High School, Instructor Choe performs many roles related to student affairs. His primary role in the club approval process is to guide the three Club Commissioners. This includes helping them set goals and giving them advice to best achieve their desired outcomes. In many situations, he provides context to decision making since Club Commissioners typically switch every year.

According

input on whether a club is passed.

Around five to six clubs pass each year but there is no cap on the number of clubs which can be approved.

However, a majority of clubs are rejected by the Student Senate.

When questioned about his awareness regarding student concern of bias in the club approval process, Choe said, “I think it has been brought up in very small instances, but never as a serious concern,” elaborating that, “I am not sure it is feasible to fit [a process with less bias] in a school year. We have a narrow window of time to make sure clubs have enough time to set-up”.

He expressed worry about not “giving [clubs] a thoughtful chance at moving forward unless there is the criss-crossing examination,” which can become predatory and contain bias.

Instructor Choe acknowledges that the club approval process is far from perfect. While many students have great ideas, there is simply not enough space to approve every worthy proposal. Furthermore, many existing clubs do not match current student interests. Instructor Choe proposes experimenting with “temporary” clubs in addition to the disbandment of clubs which do not have strong membership.

“I think it would be great if we could do [a club] for two years. As long as it is made very clear that at the end of those two years, it is done. And that is hard because those students at the end of those two years might want to keep it going. We can go in and out with a bunch of clubs that better match [the student interests], and the ones that people like will stay over time if they can approve themselves,” Choe suggested.

INVESTIGATIONS | 23

to Instructor Choe, the guiding principle for the club approval process is to achieve “the most amount of good for the most people.” The application is very thorough in order to set up clubs for future success.

ASB wants to ensure that clubs will continue to thrive after its founders graduate. “[Clubs] will start strong with the founders who have the passion for it, and then once the founders leave … then those clubs lose a lot of interest, lose a lot of members, and their activity starts to dwindle,” said Choe. He added, “The planning and rigor fine-tunes how clubs successfully operate.”

Tino uses other schools as a benchmark for how many clubs and which types of clubs should be passed.

This is done through the calculation of club to student population ratios.

“In terms of our relationship with other schools, we are not on the lower end. We have been looking at how many clubs other schools have had... to see where their management is, the diversity of [their club] scene,” said Choe. Cupertino High School has a ratio of 27.1 students per club, which is the median ratio out of the five FUHSD high schools.

The club approval process is democratic. Compared to previous years, interviews are held with multiple ASB members and the Student Senate, a group of four representatives from each grade level, has the final

SPORTS

ALLOWING BOYS ON Obstacles in the way of a boy’s gymnastics program

EVAN LU

A

writer

24 | DESIGNED BY ARUSHI ARORA

lthough many sports are offered through Cupertino High School’s after-school sports program, boys’ gymnastics is not one of them. Most sports have teams for both genders but gymnastics is an exception. While boys gymnastics should not be excluded from the program, there are a plethora of obstacles that must be overcome first, including funding, space and the athletic league conference.

This problem expands past just Cupertino; no school in the Fremont Union High School District has a boys gymnastics team. There are several students who would enjoy having a team be made but it seems that it would be almost impossible for this to actually happen. In

fact, when we look at colleges, few offer boys gymnastics as part of their athletic program.

Said Zachary Geisler, a junior, who has been doing gymnastics for 6 years, “If the school can get the proper equipment, I would be down to join the team. It would be a lot of fun.”

Out of the many colleges in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), there are only approximately 15 schools that currently offer men’s gymnastics. Sports all across the country are being cut

out of the program for a variety of issues but the main problem is funding.

One of the biggest issues for an athletic program is a lack of money.

Occasionally, schools cut sports in order to support the other programs, and gymnastics in particular is an expensive sport. High-quality equipment can cost a hefty sum but is needed to ensure the safety of the athletes. Men’s and women’s gymnastics have different events, which use different equipment, meaning that they would not be able to share the equipment available. If the school were to have a boys’ team, it would re-

quire numerous, expensive chases. One still rings set costs approx-

pur-

imatel y 5,500 dollars, whereas a basketball hoop only costs around 1,000 dollars. There just simply is not enough funding to purchase the equipment needed for the team.

Funding is only the first hurdle. . If the equipment is bought, storage would be a problem. The pieces of equipment are big and heavy, and right now, there is nowhere for the equipment to go. The girls’ gymnastics team uses the mat room for practices and already has limited space. If more equipment is to be added to that room, there would not be enough room for people to practice in. The lack of space in the school is another issue that would need to be addressed.

Another big issue that needs to be considered is the fact that there has to be change in the other schools inside the league. In order for there to be competition with our league, there must b e schools to compete with. None of

N TINO GYMNASTICS the schools in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SVCAL) has a boys gymnastic team.

However, Cupertino High school does not have the leverage to make district-wide changes, making it significantly harder for the school to implement a boys gymnastics team.

Due to the lack of funding and the many changes that w o u l d need to be made, having a male gymnastics team seems to be almost implausible with current conditions. However, gymnastics is a fun and exciting sport. It increases body strength,

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ONE STILL RINGS SET COSTS APPROXIMATELY 5,500 DOLLARS, WHEREAS A BASKETBALL HOOP ONLY COSTS AROUND 1,000 DOLLARS.

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ZACHARY GEISLER

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NONE OF THE SCHOOLS IN THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE (SVCAL) HAS A BOYS GYMNASTIC TEAM.

” SPORTS | 25

flexibility and will overall help people get a better sense of their body. The skills that are learned can help out in daily life. Boys interested in gymnastics should still go out and try the sport even though there isn’t a team for them on campus.

“

IF THE SCHOOL CAN GET THE PROPER EQUIPMENT, I WOULD BE DOWN TO JOIN THE TEAM. IT WOULD BE A LOT OF FUN.

26 | THE PROSPECTOR

SPORTS

GAYATHRI KRISHNAN

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH Serving Up Wins

ple.” mates. On the However, the competitive nature other hand, as of playing sports and the pressure to tennis is an indiayathri Krishnan is a phebalance such a significant commit- vidual sport, the nomenal tennis player. ment with school and other interests community built Krishnan’s interest in tennis can be overwhelming at times. Before around playing on the sparked when she saw her the pandemic, Krishnan even had school team is really special parents watching the sport moments where she did not feel as for Krishnan. and encouraged her dad to sign her passionate about the sport. Although “I feel the main difference is the up for tennis classes. Now, Krishnan the pandem- [school] team is that we’re a team,” is ranked ic disrupted said Krishnan. “With the team, you eighth in the many sports can always hit with others; it’s a much nation by the and events, that better experience. I feel like even beTHE MOST REWARDING United States time allowed tween points, you’re always encourTHING IS JUST HAVING A GOOD Tennis AssoKrishnan to re- aging each other and cheering each ciation.

TIME AND ALSO MAKING A flect. other on, which I think is very different Tennis has LOT OF NEW FRIENDS BESaid Krish- than playing outside.” always been nan, “Because Krishnan is verbally committed to CAUSE I’VE BEEN ABLE TO GO an important of COVID, I was playing tennis at Columbia UniversiSO MANY PLACES AND MEET part of Krishable to take a ty, a significant accomplishment in A LOT OF PEOPLE. nan’s life, break from ten- her tennis career. In the meantime, and throughnis. And after she is still thinking about whether she GAYATHRI KRISHNAN out her tenI came back, I would like to go pro. nis journey, realized that I “I at least want to have a good exshe has had really do love perience at college, and maybe in many mentors and supporters. She this sport, and it’s been getting a lot the future after, I could just play for looks up to her tennis coaches, who easier now to handle it.” fun,” said Krishnan. give her constructive feedback so With time, Krishnan has been able Speaking from experience, Krishthat she can continue to grow. In ad- to better manage her school workload nan shared, “If you are starting a dition, she has expressed her appre- with tennis sport, it may be ciation for her parents’ support ever p r a c t i c e hard, but if you since the beginning. and tournaput a lot of effort Said Krishnan, “My parents are ments. She into it, and if you WITH THE [SCHOOL] very supportive of me — they’re the tries to find really like it, then TEAM, YOU CAN ALWAYS HIT ones that are always helping me. And time to do you will have fun anytime I feel bad, [...] they’re always h o m e w o r k WITH OTHERS. [...] EVEN doing it no matthere to help me. And sometimes, w h e n e v e r ter what. You BETWEEN POINTS, YOU’RE when I don’t have anyone to practice she is able shouldn’t ever be ALWAYS ENCOURAGING EACH with, they’ll always come to try to help to and aims down on yourself OTHER AND CHEERING EACH and to see what they can do.” to have a if anything bad OTHER ON. In addition to enjoying playing s c h e d u l e happens. [...] It tennis, Krishnan believes that the ex- set up to is just a way to GAYATHRI KRISHNAN periences and friendships that come stay orgastart getting betalong with playing the sport are also nized. ter or learning valuable.

In adfrom your misSaid Krishnan, “The most reward- dition, Krishnan plays tennis for the takes, and eventually, there will be a ing thing is just having a good time Cupertino High School team as well good accomplishment.” and also making a lot of new as tournaments outside. When comfriends because I’ve been able paring both settings, she notices a to go to so many places and similarity in the serious attitude that meet a lot of peo- comes with playing with other team-

CAROLINE CHENG

G writer

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”

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SPORTS | 27

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PERSPECTIVES

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28 | DESIGNED BY THERESA NGUYEN

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TO ALL THE PEOPLE

WHO CUT IN LINE A letter to the Tino students that have never seen the end of the line

I

’ve been looking at my phone for a while now, but perhaps not in the technology-addicted Gen Z manner you might think. When all else in the world remains stationary, the subtle change of my phone’s clock reminds me that time is passing – a stark juxtaposition with the static brunch line ahead. Despite the fact that five minutes have passed and the line is indeed moving, I stay sedentary alongside those stuck in the back while masses of friends cluster together to cut in the front. While y’all catch up, gossiping about your classes and enjoying the ease of instantaneous nosh, my patience gets ever closer to running out.

Look, I can understand your decision to some extent. It’s Burrito Tuesday today, and breakfast burritos are, without a doubt, the best brunch item we get all week. All morning, people talk about the warm, pillowy potatoes and luscious eggs, wrapped together in a warm tortilla. However, demand exceeds supply, and a burrito shortage means that students at the end of the brunch line are unable to get their hands on any. I understand you love burritos, but there’s an equitable way for you to get your hands on some of this deliciousness. Rather than robbing those patiently waiting for their turn, just stand in the line like everyone else. It’s really not that hard.

I know, I know. Everyone else cuts in the line, don’t they? Why stay at the back of the line, complaining and lamenting about line-cutters when cutting lines is ingrained in Tino culture? Abiding by academic integrity clauses comes naturally. The threat of permanent transcript tarnishes is enough to ensure morality in classrooms. But how about integrity at the lunch line?

Universities don’t pay attention to this, nor does any student actually care enough to call you out, and the act of line cutting is so simple it’s easy to succumb to it even if your conscience tells you otherwise. Of

course, you are driven by the thought of consequence as well: you wait for ten minutes (wasting more than half of your limited brunch time), only to reach the front of the line and be forced to grab a glazed scone and plain 2% milk (ugh!). But, at the end of the day, you still have food in your stomach, no? Considering that a substantial portion of the global population is at risk of food insecurity, don’t our problems of choice look petty? Yeah, I think so. At least we have food to pick from. At least we have food.

Therefore, instead of comparing brunch items tomorrow, let’s be thankful instead. Rather than making lame excuses for why you deserve to cut the lunch line, stand at the end like everyone else. Oh, you can’t see the lunch line? Open your eyes; it swirls and twirls and absorbs the entire quad. Your burrito cravings shouldn’t jeopardize others. Don’t live in fear of items running out; instead, remember, the burritos will be back again next week, and in the meantime, be grateful for what you have.

From an anonymous, hangry student,

WRITTEN BY KRITI KAUSHAL

POSTSCRIPT

UNBEARABLE

30 | DESIGNED BY KRITI KAUSHAL

When the perfect high school experience you imagined takes a turn... for the worst.

COMIC BY OLIVIA HWANG

WHEN BEING

BURNT OUTFEELSso right

The realities of imposter syndrome for one used to working until the brink of burnt out.

JOAN THYAGARAJAN

S

cody editor

tare at the wall. You are enveloped by the myriad assignments, applications and activities coursing through your mind.

Look up at the ceiling. You can count sheep but the moment you close your eyes you are awake again. Open up your phone. You wonder how people

myself beyond my boundaries. I was tween my academic ambitions and proud that I had broken myself, and I my identity. I am the girl who loves would restitch myself together so that autobiographies, sour gummy bears, I could do it again.

70’s sci-fi films and notebooks with As a senior, I have finally let my fancy covers. I have learned to find walls down and stopped walking on the little things that make me happy, the edge. I let myself feel the exhaus- so that I can be happy with who I am. tion and embrace it. I felt catatonic, I wonder how long this will work but despite how overwhelming though. One of the most fundamental the fatigue felt, it was familiar aspects of the human mind is that we because a few months ago that will always want more. We acclimate feeling was what I had craved. to the new heights that we reach WHEN BEING I had not realized the severity shockingly quickly and continue to BURNT OUT of my burnout until I believed look up at the stars, wondering how FEELS SO RIGHT that I actually deserved to take much farther we can go. It is how we a break. I had decimated my have reached our current state with self-worth to the point where nearly eight billion of us and we are JOAN THYAGARAJAN burnout was becoming funda- still growing. I wonder if I can be hapmental to who I was, and I was py with myself. Maybe, burnout is somehow manage to look like they afraid to let it go. the inevitable side-effect of running have it all. Your mind hurtles ceaseNow, as I try to leave this harmful on the neverending treadmill to the lessly forward and you beg yourself to lifestyle, I often feel as though a part unattainable success that our innate take a break but you cannot because of me is missing. My idea of happi- human greed makes us desperately the idea of slowing down terrifies you. ness was warped yearn for.

So, you continue to walk the edge into the temporary I am still trying to I HAD DECIMATpushing yourself farther and farther satisfaction I got find the answer, but TED MY SELF WORTH until you break. This is burnout. when I had accomwhat I believe is that TO THE POINT WHERE Over the past four years, I have plished something. it is a constant push BURNOUT WAS BElearned to live on the edge of being Without looming apand pull. We will nevCOMING FUNDAMENburnt out. It’s where I felt I belonged. plication deadlines er stop trying to reach TAL TO WHO I WAS, I did not know how to live without the or crucial standardthat next step, but in AND I WAS AFRAID TO mass of stress that was so omnipres- ized testing, it is not order to get there, LET IT GO. ent it almost became comforting. as easy to find. we must take a That stress and exhaustion became The perforstep back and JOAN THYAGARAJAN an indicator that I was doing what I mance-based envimake sure deemed enough, that I was pushing ronment in many schools, especially that we have enough gas myself to what I now realize was an in the Bay Area, enforces the quint- in the tank to go the whole unhealthy limit. essential American belief that if you nine yards It always felt so good to cry, and work hard enough you can get anywhile crying releases oxytocin and where, but it is incredibly easy to endogenous opioids — endorphins overdo it. The line between trying to made to make you feel better — that become the next genius from Silicon is not why I felt relief. Crying was a Valley and driving yourself into the cathartic release that soothed the ground blurs easily. sharp pain of my anxiety, and, more Separating who I am from my acimportantly, it gave me a feeling of complishments has been essential toxic pride. I had successfully pushed to creating a healthy dichotomy be-

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