Vyshnavi

Following the path of content creation after graduation is untraditional for most students at Cupertino High School. Social media platforms like Tiktok, Instagram and Youtube allow students to easily showcase their talents in various fields and allow them to share their creations with a wider audience than just the student body.

“Being public relations for Tino Dhadkan, I already had a lot of experience with filming and whipping my camera out any time something entertaining happened,” student Vyshnavi Nallandagi said. Vlogging is not just about producing content; it allows those to document their lives and memories, which can be viewed later.

Vlogging is a creative outlet for those interested in videography or storytelling, “To me, I believe [vlogging is] an art form. It is the way I express myself and what I enjoy doing,” said Nallandagi. Vloggers use various editing techniques to craft their videos into a cohesive narrative. This process involves selecting the most compelling footage, adding transitions between scenes and incorporating text and graphics to supplement the storytelling.

Beyond these technical aspects, vlogging is a form of personal expression and creativity. Vloggers have the freedom to share their thoughts, opinions and experiences in a unique way that reflects their personality and perspectives.

“It gives people [a chance] to see me, for me. That is one of the joys I find in vlogging.” Said Vyshnavi Nallandagi.

Becoming a content creator offers high school students a chance to join a community and connect with like-minded individuals. Nallandagi plans to continue vlogging in the future by posting videos of her day-to-day life alongside event videos

Senior Alexander Silva, also known as Xullmain, is a student by day and a rapper by night. Silva’s journey started in eighth grade when he realized his talent and passion for creating music. “I remember just being on Discord with my friends, freestyling, messing around. Then I was like, ‘Oh shoot, some of this actually sounds kind of good. So what if I recorded it?’”

To Silva, his rap and beats are mostly humorous creations, but sometimes less so. “I do like to make a lot of joke songs with all the music I’ve been dropping with my friends, but I feel like there are glimpses of what can actually be a full project.” For example, one of Silva’s songs includes him freestyling a love song for Margot Robbie, a famous Hollywood actress. Other works that Silva published on Soundcloud and other applications include trap beats based on anime fights and different themes.

Silva dedicated a lot of time to rapping as well. “I feel like every other day I’m actively working on something. So probably seven to eight hours per week.” said Silva.

Silva frequently mentions his friends, who support him as he creates his music. Silva said, “I always go to my friend’s house, and he’s the one who has all the good equipment. Yesterday, I was at his house for three, four hours. I think all my friends are super supportive of what I do, especially when I show them what I’ve been working on.”

Curiously, Silva’s musical artist identity is a secret mission. “My family actually doesn’t know about my music. Yeah. It’s like I’m living two different lives.”

Outside of his music, however, Silva aspires to become a nurse in the future. “I’m gonna go to college, I’m gonna get all my credentials… over summer I’m gonna focus on being happy first, and then getting ready for school.”

Silva sees his content creation as a hobby instead of a full-time endeavor. Silva explained, “It’s a big time-consuming thing. I’m not really focusing on it completely, I’m putting school and extracurriculars first instead of my hobby because I can see how dirty it can be. I put the stuff that I enjoy last”