FEBRUARY 2024
VOLUME XV, ISSUE III
QUEEN OF HEARTS read it on page 15
CARLMONT HIGH SCHOOL BELMONT, CALIFORNIA
CARLMONT MEDIA Carlmont Journalism is a nationally renowned media arts program run by the students of Carlmont High School. Our staff works to deliver the latest news to our student body, their families, and the community. We are committed to delivering information, current events, and thought-provoking ideas to our audience through storytelling. In our magazine, you will find the passions of writing, intricacies of design, and action of photography all on one page. We hope that the Highlander helps you engage with information in a new way and broaden your perspective on local topics. Keep it on a shelf, in your bag, or under the bed for years to come—our magazine is timeless.
HIGHLANDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lucille Sanders HIGHLANDER MANAGING EDITORS Clementine Cunningham Inaaya Omer HIGHLANDER EDITORS Serenity Corbett-Richardson Samantha Crowther Elaine Jiang Kara Kim Alice Lan Sienna Reinders Daniella Smit Isabella Zarzar Katherine Zhang SCOT SCOOP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gabrielle Shore SCOT CENTER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sydney Tao
STAFF Rachel Alcazar Alyssa Bish Hannah Chan Ujala Chauhan Erik Cheng Annabel Chia Charlotte Gordon Urvi Kulkarni Franklin Kuo Evan Leong Shiyo Ohashi Isabella Rice Quinn Rolland Penelope Singh Gracia Shao-Xue Jackson Sneeringer Alessandra Tremulis Alana Wacker Avery Wong Emma Yin
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Piper Diehn FACULTY ADVISER Justin Raisner
advertising inquiries: carlmontads@gmail.com other inquiries: highlanderscotscoop@gmail.com
DEAR READER, “Girl power” is not the phrase we would use to describe this issue. While the pages may seem sown with “the future is female” references and undertones, Issue III has little to do with your typical slice of modern feminism—in fact, we’d like to call the subject at hand womanhood. In this issue, you will get the chance to explore some of the hidden sides of womanhood: in the workplace, on Valentine’s Day, and backstage. Beyond womanhood, you’ll find Groundhog Day mentions, Lunar New Year traditions, and even the romantic ventures of Punxsutawney Phil. We hope on these pages—no matter where you fall on the Valentine’s Day spectrum or your stance on feminism—you will find a new perspective on love and a look inside the working woman. Just like Phil the groundhog, we all have shadows lurking. Whether it be the fear of being undermined in our future careers, the feeling of not fitting into the heteronormativity of Valentine’s Day, or the strangeness of paving our independent paths beyond high school, uncertainty is often looming. This February, we may want to face our shadows head on, because even after six more weeks of winter there comes the gentle touch of the spring sun. Warmly,
CONTENTS
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Moments 01 Lunchtime Laughs
Conversations between friends at lunch
03 In the limelight Women on stage
Community 05 4,000 years of history
Martial arts connect diaspora youth to their culture
07 Continuing customs
Locals and students describe their traditions
08 A taste of Lunar New Year Lunar New Year's traditional dishes
Arts & Culture 09 Fan Favorite Romance Tropes
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and more
11 Galentine's Day & Guyentine's Day Guide to the perfect Valentine's Day
13 Punxsutawney Phil’s love forecast A groundhog's dating profile
Scotlight 15 The heart of the home Balancing a house of cards
18 Self-advocacy
Suceeding as women in the workplace
19 Championing change
Women make an impact in cardiology
Opinion 23 Digital desires disrupt real relationships The truth behind pornography
24 Outside the Super Bowl Redefining the Super Bowl
25 More than a man and a woman
Escaping the heternormativity of Valentine's Day
Features 27 Valentine's overconsumption
Overconsumption during Valentine's Day trashes love
29 Blossoms & botanicals A look into the life of a florist
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31 Groundhog Day
More than a superstition
01 MOMENTS FEBRUARY 2024
Lunchtime Laughs
ASB members and juniors Siena Farrell (left) and Mahika Reddy (right) run “Holiday Grams” in the quad to offer students chances to send handwritten messages to their friends and to fundraise for ASB activities. Photo by Erik Cheng
(1) A student laughs in the quad while her friend walks around zipped in a jacket with her. Photo by Gracia Shao-Xue
(2) Customers enjoy the sight of a mochi donut from the Chinese Culture Club after waiting in line. They gaze upon its beauty before they devour it. “We decided to get mochi donuts from Paris Baguette as they offer high-quality food, and it was accessible to us since it was newly opened and reflected a part of our culture,” said Peyton Lo, the club vice president. Photo by Gracia Shao-Xue
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03 MOMENTS FEBRUARY 2024
In Senior Dance Team member Cady Shum gets ready for the Carlmont Winter Dance Showcase. Photo by Emma Yin
FEBRUARY 2024 MOMENTS Senior Elina Pleikis dances with the Carlmont Dance Team in the opening of the Winter Carlmont Dance Showcase. Photo by Emma Yin
the limelight Freshman Chloe Turner shimmies to "Underneath the Tree" in the Dance Show’s Holiday Dance Performance. Photo by Emma Yin
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051 COMMUNITY SECTION MONTH FEBRUARY 2023/42024
4,000 YEARS Martial arts connect diaspora youth to their culture and community FRANKLIN KUO
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hinese martial arts embody tradition and resilience, serving as a symbolic force that weaves together strength, cultural heritage, and spirit during the Lunar New Year. From the mesmerizing dragon dances to the performances of martial forms, these shows are believed to bring good luck and blessings. Contrary to what many think, kung fu doesn’t just have one meaning — it has three. Besides martial arts, it also signifies possessing exceptional skills in a particular area and dedicating time to master a craft. According to China Culture, Chinese martial arts originated over 4,000 years ago. Tradition says the Yellow Emperor, who ascended to power in 2,698 B.C., introduced the earliest fighting systems to China. Throughout the centuries, martial arts have evolved into the styles we know today through the influence of many generals and philosophers. “Traditional kung fu is intertwined with many aspects of Chinese society, including even medicine. Many movements
follow the yin and yang to create balance and utilize the body and inner chi to make the forms,” said martial arts master Yan Hong Jie, whose students refer to her as Shifu Grace. Shifu is a Chinese word that means teacher and is used often for an instructor of martial arts. Shifu Grace co-founded Pure Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, a Chinese martial arts academy in San Mateo, with her husband in 2005. One of their overarching goals is for their students to lead proper lives and interact respectfully with others. “The most important values and lessons I’ve learned from martial arts are persistence, determination, and teamwork. These impact my life because they help me push through many obstacles that would have been impossible without the determination that I have today,” said Brandon Shen, a freshman at Carlmont and a student at Pure Shaolin Academy. Shen is a part of Pure Shaolin Academy’s black belt team, an elite group of around 10 students at the studio who perform at competitions and events.
2 MONTH2024 2023/4 SECTION 06 FEBRUARY COMMUNITY
OF HISTORY The team has lots of freedom on what they want to perform because their shifus want them to be more independent. This freedom invites close collaboration between the students. “The fact that we spend hours choreographing, training, and figuring out what to do brings our group closer together, especially since we’ve been training for two years together now,” said Aaron Chun, another student at Pure Shaolin Academy and a junior at Carlmont. They are working on the next big performance for a significant Chinese holiday: Lunar New Year, which is on Feb. 10, 2024. “Our studio attends Tiger Claw, an annual event for the Lunar New Year where studios from all over the Bay Area perform each year. Having so many people come together to celebrate unites the martial arts community together,” Shen said. Many at the studio have eagerly anticipated this event, and instructors will drill the performance routine into the students through weeks of practice. Besides the performance, the academy hosts a potluck to celebrate the beginning of spring and a new year. “Almost a hundred families usually come, and each family brings a homemade dish. As is the custom, we share Chinese desserts and roll dumplings like one happy family,” Shifu Grace said.
In essence, Chinese martial arts preserve both ancient traditions and unite individuals by giving them a shared purpose. It is also a sport or hobby that anyone can enjoy. “What inspires me to continue martial arts is that it is fun to do, and the adrenaline rush I get before a sparring match or performance is what I enjoy most,” Chun said.
What's the difference?
武术 vs. vs. 功夫 功夫 Wushu is a newer term that generally refers to more modern martial forms.
Kung fu describes more traditional martial arts.
Photos by Alana Wacker
07 COMMUNITY FEBRUARY 2024
Continuing customs
Locals and students describe their family Lunar New Year traditions. PENELOPE SINGH
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unar New Year brings people together through colorful traditions such as red lantern decorations, intricate costumes, and unique dishes. According to Britannica, Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first new moon of the lunar calendar, meaning on the Gregorian calendar, it lands between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. In 2024, it falls on Feb. 10. Families gather together on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day to celebrate. Linh Quach, a Vietnamese-Chinese immigrant, spends every Lunar New Year with her family in the United States. “Our family will meet together at my mom’s house, and we have a feast similar to Thanksgiving,” Quach said. However, before people gather to celebrate New Year’s Day, they must prepare by cooking, decorating, and shopping. Traditionally, in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, people clean their houses, representing the beginning of a new year. “It is one of the most important things because it’s supposed to symbolize that you want everything new,” Quach said. Following this tradition, individuals also decorate their houses with lanterns, the color red, and much more. According to the National Museum of Asian Art, red is significant during Lunar New Year celebrations because it is believed that incorporating red into decorations and clothing helps ward off evil spirits and brings positive energy for the coming year. Kaitlyn Sam, a junior, decorates the exterior of her house with firecrackers, which comes from an old tale about a dragon named Nián. “He eats children from the village, so they would set off firecrackers to scare the monster away and that’s why we hang them up,” Sam said. Another decoration used is the money tree, signifying prosperity and luck. Quach places a money tree in her house to bring good fortune to her family. Money is a big part of the Lunar New Year. Red envelopes, called “hong bao” or “lai see,” are a common practice within families. They contain money and are given from the older family members to the younger ones. “The red envelopes are my favorite tradition,” Connor Chow, a freshman, said. “It’s one of the traditions that connects me and my family.”
Art by Alana Wacker
FEBRUARY 2024 COMMUNITY 08
A taste of Lunar New Year SYDNEY TAO
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mong the various Lunar New Year traditions, the celebration begins with a reunion dinner where loved ones express wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity in the upcoming year. The foods traditionally eaten na Chin a D during the Lunar New Year hold a symbolic place in the festivities. The sound of the food’s name, by to how it’s prepared, and the way it’s served can all contribute to its meaning. Here are some classic o h Chinese recipes to make the Lunar New Year dinner a success.
BEEF NOODLE SOUP Everyone loves a long-braised beef shank cut thinly and piled in a bowl of steaming noodle soup. Beef noodle soup is a celebratory meal for the new year, and the hot soup is comforting during the winter. There are many versions of the dish depending on the region, especially the flavor of the broth. “I enjoy eating beef noodle soup, especially during Lunar New Year because the noodles are said to represent long life. It is a custom for my family to eat it during holidays and birthdays,” said Evan Wang, a senior. “The soup is my favorite because the flavor is always good.”
TANG YUAN
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Known as "tang yuan" in Southern China and "yuan xiao" in the North, this dessert has a soft and chewy texture as it is made from glutinous rice flour. The pronunciation of “tang yuan” is very similar to the Chinese phrase meaning togetherness and the gathering of families, so it holds a symbolic meaning when eaten during the Lunar New Year celebration. It can be enjoyed in its simplest form as plain mochi or filled with ingredients such as black sesame, red bean, or peanut paste. They are typically served in a bowl of translucent, sweet soup made out of rock sugar and occasionally accompanied by fermented rice and fragrant osmanthus flowers. “Tang yuan is one of my favorite desserts to eat on Lunar New Year because it is warm and sweet. I love the different fillings inside, and it brings me comfort whenever I eat it,” said Sky Yee, a freshman.
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DUMPLINGS Dumplings are one of the most popular dishes eaten during Lunar New Year. Their shape resembles money pouches, symbolizing fortune and prosperity for the upcoming year. Dumplings were created in Northern China and later spread throughout the world. They are often stuffed with ingredients like pork and cabbage, and the process of making dumplings involves a meticulous hand-mixing process that ensures the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. This intense preparation results in a soft but structurally sound dumpling with delicious flavor. “Each Lunar New Year, I make dumplings from scratch with my family. I always look forward to this tradition because it allows me to connect with my culture and it tastes so good,” said Christina Yip, a senior.
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ARTS & CULTURE FEBRUARY 2024
Fan favorite romance tropes ANNABEL CHIA
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liche romance tropes are everywhere from every movie you have watched to novels people read in class. These different cliche love tropes are so prominent people can almost always guess the ending before the story finishes. That does not mean audiences don’t still enjoy consuming these movies. Oftentimes, people will actually watch movies or read a novel because it includes their favorite trope. ENEMIES TO LOVERS In the enemies-to-lovers trope, the two characters begin as foes — hating each other for various reasons. However, throughout the story, these characters overcome their hatred for each other; the angst disappears, and their relationship ends with a romantic declaration of love. This plotline has been used with all sorts of variations — authors may reveal that one person admired the other all along and didn’t reciprocate these feelings of hatred. A classic example of this trope is Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” a story that popularized this trope. The novel has multiple movie adaptions with various elements differentiating themselves but they follow the same plotline: Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet begin with hatred for each other, but then they slowly realize they were wrong. Another example of this trope is seen in the popular movie, “10 Things I Hate About You” – a classic 90’s movie where the couple Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona follow this trope. Kat initially despises Patrick but over time, she grows fond of him and the hatred dissipates. FRIENDS TO LOVERS This popular trope involves two close friends who slowly begin seeing themselves as more than friends. Maybe they were childhood friends or maybe they’ve only recently met, but they usually already have a close relationship with excellent platonic chemistry. Some part of the plot is usually the catalyst that pushes them to realize each other’s feelings. “Love, Rosie” is an excellent example of this trope, where
Alex and Rosie have been best friends since childhood and realize they like each other romantically. They must jump through many hurdles before they can finally be together and profess their love. Another great example is “When Harry Met Sally,” a story about how friendship lingers at the core of love – they are close friends for the majority of the movie but eventually realize they have deeper feelings for each other.
FEBRUARY 2024 ARTS & CULTURE
RIGHT PERSON, WRONG TIME Right person wrong time is a tragic love trope when a relationship has to end because of a reason outside of the character’s control. The relationship is still a perfectly fond memory to both parties but they must stay apart. It’s often a painful trope to watch, but many people enjoy the heartache that comes along with it. “La La Land” is a perfect example of this trope, where the characters are unable to balance their love for each other with their big dreams and thus, the relationship must end. “Titanic,” a romance movie set on the tragedy of the Titanic sinking, is another devastating movie fitting this trope as the Jack and Rose were ripped apart only days after falling in love, and the memories of the relationship always followed Rose. It is dreadful as since viewers are familiar with the tragedy of the Titanic, they already know these lovers never had a chance in the first place.
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FAKE DATING Fake dating is an entertaining trope where the characters will often begin a relationship even though they don’t actually want to date each other. The situation usually blooms out of necessity – maybe they agree to date each other to get out of an awkward social situation, or they need to date each other to make a third party jealous. Usually, they’ll set some guidelines and sign a pact agreeing they’ll always be friends, but that promise always falls apart. The forced proximity of spending an abundant amount of time together while they’re fake dating often leads the plan to backfire on both of them and they end up falling in love. An example of this trope is “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” where Andie Anderson and Ben Barry fake date each other for their own reasons related to their professions. However, they actually end up falling in love — what a surprise! This movie is a bit different then other fake dating tropes because they both don’t realize they are fake dating each other. Another popular example of this trope is seen in “To All the Boys I Loved Before,” where Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky end up dating for the sole reason of making other people jealous.
Art by Urvi Kulkarni
11 ARTS & CULTURE FEBRUARY 2024
Galentine's Day QUINN ROLLAND
Galentine's Day Activites
Movie night: Celebrate Valentine's Day by binge-watching romance movies. Here are some recommended movies for you to watch: “The Notebook,” “La La Land,” “Crazy Stupid Love,” “Before Sunrise,” and “10 things I hate about you.” Valentine's Day picnic: Have a fancy picnic with loved ones. Some foods you could bring are red velvet cake, heart-shaped pizzas, sugar cookies, charcuterie board, fruit, etc. You can additionally bring a fancy drink such as sparkling cider, or juice to enjoy alongside your meal. Fondue night: Whether it's cheese or chocolate, have your friends over and enjoy some fondue. Some foods you can pair with chocolate fondue are: strawberries, rice crispy treats, brownies, marshmallows, pretzels, bananas, cookies, and more! Try savory foods too, with cheese fondue, like bread, soft pretzels, meat, broccoli, and more! Self-care night: Show love for yourself by taking care of your skin, hair, teeth, etc. Put on face masks, hair masks, and other self-care products! Here are some recommended brands: The Ordinary, La Roche Posay, CeraVe, Paula’s Choice. For hair care products try: Shea Moisture, Olaplex, K18, and Amika.
FEBRUARY 2024 ARTS & CULTURE 12
& Guyentine's Day
Guyentines's Day Activites Game night: Spend Valentine’s Day with a game night! Whether it’s board games or video games, it is a fun activity to do with your friends! Go out to dinner: Find a restaurant to spend time with friends on Valentine’s Day. Some restaurants you can visit are: Vesta, Saffron, El Metate, Suavesito, Johnston's Saltbox, Dog Haus, Furagu, Mendocino Farms, and Rangoon Ruby. Sport activity: Play an outdoor game with your friends! Some places you could go to play outdoor games are Topgolf, Burton Park basketball courts, Leo J. Ryan Park, Bay Meadows Park, Canada Gym, and Bay Club Gym. Cook: Cooking is a rewarding activity, that is also enjoyable in the process! Gather your friends and work together to create food that you can all enjoy. Some meal ideas include tacos, rice bowls, Penne alla Vodka, ribs, pizza, sushi, salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, and more!
Photo by Urvi Kulkarni
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Punxsutawney Phil’s love forecast GABRIELLE SHORE
Name: Punxsutawney Phil Age: Forever young (in groundhog years) Occupation: Weather Forecaster Height: 1 ft 10 in Location: Lives in a burrow in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Distance: 2,600 miles away About me: Greetings! I'm Punxsutawney Phil. I may be a groundhog, but I'm not your average burrow-dweller. Each Feb. 2, every pair of eyes in the U.S. turns to Punxsutawney, a quaint town in central Pennsylvania, awaiting my prediction for the seasons to come. If my shadow graces the scene, brace yourself for six more weeks of winter. If not, you can expect an early spring. I’ve been the oracle of weather for February and March since the 1880s, so I think it’s safe to say I’m America’s favorite marmot. As much as I dig the spotlight, people don’t seem to recognize that this groundhog’s heart is as warm as his burrow. So, I'm on a quest for love this Valentine’s Day. With over a century of forecasting experience, there's still one thing I can't predict — who will steal my heart. Looking for: I'm seeking a long-term companion who appreciates the simple joys of life—digging, hibernation, and vegetables—and someone who won’t mind sharing a burrow during those chilly Pennsylvania nights. In addition to a plant-based diet, you should have a taste for adventure. After all, my forecasts only have a 39% accuracy rate, so be prepared for a little unpredictability. Interests: Meteorology and gardening Deal breaker: Fear of six more weeks of winter. I don’t cause the weather, I just predict it. Don’t shoot the messenger. Fun facts: I'm a celebrity in Punxsutawney, but rest assured, I won't hog all the attention. I did not star in the Bill Murray movie, “Groundhog Day.” My friend—a groundhog named Scooter—played me. However, I was Murry’s first choice for the role. In a 1993 interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, the actor called me “a true professional.” I’ve met Oprah Winfrey and former president Ronald Reagan. Let's see if we can write a love story that's as legendary as my shadow! Art by Urvi Kulkarni
Peter Tao, MBA
International President’s Circle l 650.504.7588 Cell DRE 01348092 peter.tao@cbnorcal.com petertaoproperties.com 580 El Camino Real San Carlos, CA 94070 REALTY
The pulse of the workplace...
FEBRUARY 2024 SCOTLIGHT
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the heart of the home Balancing motherhood, mentorship, and medicine
RACHEL ALCAZAR SHIYO OHASHI ALESSANDRA TREMULIS
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SCOTLIGHT FEBRUARY 2024
Motherhood: balancing a house of cards SHIYO OHASHI
I
f you’re a girl in high school right now, there is an 86% chance that you’ll have children in the future, according to Pew Research. There’s also a 72% chance you’ll be holding down a job, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And if you're a highly-qualified woman in the workforce who just had kids, well, there’s a 43% chance that you’d leave your career or take a career break. Which leaves 57% of women both working and raising children (Harvard Business Review). Shirley Chan is a former dietitian who graduated from UCSD and worked for the school district. She is also a mother of four children. With all four in high school, she now works part-time as an educator and full-time as a mother. Raising a kid is no easy feat. There is no instruction manual. There is no YouTube tutorial. Raising kids takes time and effort: both of which are also needed for holding a job. Time is a resource that not everyone has the luxury of, and it’s also of a limited quantity. Effort is even more so. For women who want to work and also start a family, they’re forced to draw the line. To choose to spend time at work, or with their newborn baby. Get through the day, or get home to their family.
Art by Avery Wong
Society expects mothers to do both. “I felt a constant pull to be with the kids yet also wanting to fit in professional work. I often felt guilty if I was missing out on kids' milestones or special events,” Chan said. “But despite all the challenges, I think it was healthy for me to find a balance while juggling being a mom and having a job outside of the home. There was a lot of stress, emotional demands, and trying to
maintain my own health.” Although hard, it’s Chan said it’s important to try to hit that sweet spot of work and motherhood. She didn’t want to give up doing a job that she loved, but she also wanted to present in her children’s lives. “I try to manage my time by making arrangements ahead of time and setting priorities for myself, the kids, family, and dog,” she said. She also switched from
FEBRUARY 2024 SCOTLIGHT 18
working full time to working part-time, doing contract work and working fewer (and more flexible) hours. Keeping women in the workforce also starts from the home. Harvard Business Review found that the more men helped out around the house, the more women were able to continue working. “I was home with the kids a lot more than my partner so I took care of them, and all their schedules and needs. In a way, I did feel like raising kids fell more on me,” Chan said. Chan’s experience is universal. A study by Zippea shows that 70% of women are the primary caregivers of their children, in contrast to 30% of men. Men helping in the domestic sphere can help lessen the burden on a woman and allow them more time and energy to
devote to their profession. According to FastCompany, 18% of women left the workforce in 2022. Twenty-eight percent of those cited needing to take care of young children, and 15% cited a lack of childcare. Almost all of the respondents expressed disappointment at having to quit their job, even though they loved their kids. Women make up more than half of the workforce. They make up 100% of mothers. Walking that line, and deciding which direction they want to shift their life in, can be a tough and draining choice. Sometimes they will have to make sacrifices and find compromises. But at the end of the day, it remains up to women to decide how they want to manage being the heart of the workplace – or the home.
"I often felt guilty if I was missing out on kids' milestones or special events, but despite all the challenges, I think it was healthy for me to find a balance." SHIRLEY CHAN, FORMER DIETICIAN AND PART-TIME EDUCATOR FOR SEQUOIA UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
Self-advocacy: succeeding as women in the workplace RACHEL ALCAZAR
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or women aspiring to enter the biotechnology (biotech) field, hurdles will present themselves in various aspects of work. Alusha Mamchak, the Director of Portfolio and Project Management for Research at Alector, a biotech company in South San Francisco, overcomes these barriers in her everyday work. Mamchak is in charge of coordinating with and advising researchers to organize and present their project findings. However, she often encounters male colleagues who are unwilling to work with her or take her advice. “We have men who can see our potential and help open doors for us and we have men who are threatened by us.
And we've got everyone in between. So one way I personally exert importance is by recognizing those people who are likely to help you and who are likely to become allies,” Mamchak said. According to Mamchak, women often have to put in more effort to stand out with extra expected fulfillment from coworkers and supervisors. “In our work environment, we women get asked to do a lot of things. And sometimes, demonstrating that you're willing to help someone else will make them more willing to help you out and you build these allies for what you're trying to do” Mamchak said. In the STEM industry, the median earnings of women is $66,200, while it is about $90,000 for men. That equates to women earning about 74% as much
as men do in the STEM field, according to Pew Research Center. In North America, it will take 95 years to close the gender gap at the current annual progress rate, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Report. Some of the industry’s disparities start on the educational level. According to Pew Research Center, women earned a mere 22% of engineering bachelor’s degrees and 19% of the bachelor's degrees in computer science in 2018, and only 30% of the research and master’s doctorates in these fields. “When I was a postdoc, biology was still mostly dominated by female students and postdocs, and the academic staff were all male. So some of those men could be aggressive in
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SCOTLIGHT FEBRUARY 2024
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research,
80%
of women struggle with low selfesteem and shy away from selfadvocacy at work.
their questioning,” Mamchak said. Mamchak had to stay grounded and maintain a growth mindset to excel in a setting dominated by questioning male teachers. In her professional career, she also had to fight for promotion opportunities and leadership roles. “One of the things I think I've been successful at is kind of being proactive about presenting a solution,” Mamchak said. “My proposed solutions were recognized. And so I got credibility. And that's what helped me rise at Alector, in terms of my seniority. People recognized that I was proactively doing something that was effective. I was operating beyond the normal scope of my role. And that was rewarded with promotion.” According to the World Economic Forum, women account for about 30% of entry-level workers, but only 17.8% of vice presidents and 12.4% of executives. The lower rates at which women hold leadership positions may be attributed to a lack of self-advocacy and low
self-esteem at work, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. As a someone who is now later down the path, Mamchak works to help others other women overcome these barriers. “I see myself as someone who opens doors. Sometimes I have to give you a push to the door, like ‘you should present this material,’ or call on you to present the material. The other thing I do, because I run a lot of meetings, is if I hear someone start to say something, but the men are talking over them, I'll come back to them,” Mamchak said. Mamchak believes that when women come together, they are a powerful force to be reckoned with. The support system they create to help each other is invaluable and special. “I think there can be a bond between women in the workplace that isn't necessarily available to men, where we can work more collaboratively and help each other rise in our professional field. It's so important, particularly in the world we live in now,” Mamchak said.
Championing change: women make an impact in cardiology ALESSANDRA TREMULIS
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omeone who handles the body’s most vital organ undergoes rigorous schooling and training before they earn a doctoral title. The highly competitive path to becoming a cardiologist begins after high school when college students opt-in to a pre-med program. From there, medical students specialize in their respective parts of cardiology which sets them up to become a cardiologist. Assistant Professor of Medicine
Dr. Gissette Reyes-Soffer works at the Columbia Vagelos College and has specialized in lipids and lipoprotein metabolic pathways in humans. Dr. Marina Vernalis, the former Chief of Cardiology of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, worked as a leading medical officer for the United States Navy. These women have a common love for cardiology and a passion for its future. However, as medical doctors in different areas of cardiology, their daily work-lives differ.
"I spend most of my time reading and writing. I also spend a lot of time teaching and mentoring. I am currently the mentor for a vascular surgeon in her 4th year of training,” Reyes-Soffer said. While Reyes-Soffer spends most of her time in academic work, Vernalis sees patients on a daily basis and has a subspecialization in cardiac ultrasound. Each job position requires a unique set of knowledge, and field of cardiology itself is never quite the same year after year. The field is constantly evolving due to new research and technologies.
FEBRUARY 2024 SCOTLIGHT
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“Over my career, witnessing the evolution in cardiology has been aweinspiring. From therapeutic advances, transcatheter valve replacements to advanced imaging techniques and specialized electrophysiology approaches, the advancements have been remarkable,” Vernalis said. Innovations in science and medicine are constantly incoming, and so are aspiring doctors in the industry. Many young women look forward to the day they put on their white coat. Sierra Manyak, a senior at Carlmont High School, understands how impactful her future career will be for the lives of others, which was a driving force in her decision to enter this field. “I’m excited to be solely responsible for someone’s life.That’s a really
women in cardiology is yet another hurdle faced by those entering the field. They are often dismissed, undervalued, and doubted simply because of their gender. “Overcoming stereotypes and preconceived notions about gender roles within the medical field demanded extra effort. It necessitated not only excelling in academic and clinical realms but also dispelling any doubts about a woman’s capability to thrive in the traditionally maledominated field of cardiology,” Vernalis said. Women face additional financial challenges due to a wage gap within the medical industry. “Women have come a long way but there are many pre-set timelines of a
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DR. MARINA VERNALIS
meaningful sentiment,” Manyak said. While medical students are invaluable to the healthcare industry, they are also faced with many barriers throughout the process of becoming doctors. “Med school is very selective and a lot of it is based on extracurriculars and getting internships and opportunities. I think that in a field dominated by men, it might be harder to get those opportunities,” Manyak said. As reported by the American College of Cardiology, women are only 18% of cardiology fellows, 10-15% of practicing cardiologists and 4% of interventional cardiologists. As many women face challenges and pressure to succeed as a minority in such a field, they often struggle to find a balance. “Commencing my medical career during a time of fewer women in the field means sacrifices. Achieving work-life balance was, and still is, a challenge. I postponed starting a family until I was well established in my career, although I’ve seen remarkable women cardiologists successfully juggle both career and family. While cardiology is traditionally skewed maledominated to this day, the landscape now favors women to excel in the field, maintaining a fulfilling family life alongside a thriving career,” Vernalis said. The preconceived biases that are present for
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"Women cardiologists today have more role models and a more supportive environment than when I started my journey. The field is gradually becoming more inclusive, and opportunities for women to excel in cardiology are expanding."
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21 SCOTLIGHT FEBRUARY 2024
career in medicine that are hard for women to follow. In specific women wanting to have a family. Women have been shown [to] make less money, less offers to be leaders, delays in promotions, the latter even when equally merited as their male counterparts,” Reyes-Soffer said. A joint report published in 2022 by the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization found that women are underpaid compared to their male counterparts even though roughly 67% of healthcare workers are women. Women who aspire to enter the cardiology field also must choose to prioritize their career over other aspects of their life. “Becoming a cardiologist requires perseverance, typically encompassing several years of rigorous training.
The demands often eclipse leisure activities, necessitating a resilient mindset. Yet, the prospect of positively impacting individuals’ lives or making transformative discoveries is immensely rewarding,” Vernalis said. This level of additional commitment to the journey either becomes a deterring factor or an inspiring one to the women entering this field. As the times progress, the field of cardiology and its perceptions have grown into a more inclusive and accessible environment to all. “However, it is heartening to witness the evolving landscape. The increasing representation of women in medical school classes signifies positive change. Women cardiologists today have more role models and a more supportive environment than when I started my journey. I hope I contributed
Photo courtesy of Dr. Marina Vernalis
to breaking this glass ceiling. The field is gradually becoming more inclusive, and opportunities for women to excel in cardiology are expanding,” Vernalis said. Women are becoming a part of cardiology from all angles and their encouragement into this field will only increase. “While challenges persist, the perseverance required to navigate these hurdles has contributed to personal and professional growth. As the field continues to embrace diversity, I am optimistic that aspiring women cardiologists will encounter fewer barriers, allowing them to focus on their passion for cardiology without undue impediments based on gender. The progress made thus far is encouraging, and I believe the future holds even greater opportunities for women in cardiology,” Vernalis said.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Gisette Reyes-Soffer
Dr. Marina Vernalis
Dr. Gissette Reyes-Soffer
Former Chief of Cardiology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, leading medical officer for the United States Navy, subspecialization in cardiac ultrasound.
Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Columbia Vagelos College, MD in Preventative Medicine and Nutrition, specialization in lipids and lipoprotein metabolic pathways.
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23 OPINION FEBRUARY 2024
Digital desires disrupt real relationships CHARLOTTE GORDON
T
he accessibility of pornography on the internet has created a convenient way for teens to satiate their curiosity, but it has also given rise to a false sense of connection that can have lasting implications on these teens' future relationships. Teenagers are naturally curious about sex and sexuality, and the internet provides a plethora of explicit content. According to the National Library of Medicine, “a study in the USA found 42% of youth between the ages of 10 and 17 reported viewing online pornography.” People aren’t changing biologically and sex is more socially acceptable than it has been in the past, yet the number of teenagers having sex has almost halved in the last 50 years. According to
Recently, teenage sex has halved while consumption of pornography has increased
a 2021 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30% of teens said they'd had sex at least once before, down from 38% in 2019 and over 50% in decades prior. Evidently, many teenagers are relying on these digital encounters as a substitute for real relationships. The accessibility of pornography means many teens don’t seek out physical and emotional connections because they are already satisfied with the experience, albeit emotionless, they receive through pornography. This leaves teenagers who rely on pornography unprepared to navigate the nuances and challenges of real relationships. The unrealistic depiction of sex in pornography warps teens’ view of physicality and causes them to place it on a pedestal and prioritize it, even at the cost of true intimacy. When reality falls short of these teens’ expectations, they are often left to question what went wrong. However, often all that was wrong was their expectations going into it. The false portrayals of intimacy in pornography leads to these skewed
expectations, as young adults struggle to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Additionally, pornography contains extremely misogynistic depictions of women that contribute to these false portrayals of intimacy and warped perspectives. With this, the complications of dealing with people are taken away, instead offering immediate online satisfaction. Being in a relationship with someone requires compromise, effort, and is not always easy. Pornography, on the other hand, is always available and requires nothing. When these teenagers who spend their adolescence satisfied with pornography become adults, the false sense of connection created by pornography may leave them unprepared to have more settled relationships. Thus, It is crucial that teens understand the implications of their pornography habits and that what they see online is rarely an accurate representation of reality, in order to have more successful future relationships.
42%
of youth from 10 to 17 report viewing pornography
FEBRUARY 2024 OPINION
24
The Super Bowl is defined by things outside of the game EVAN LEONG
C
an you remember what happened in the Super Bowl game five years ago? Maybe even three years ago? Probably not, but it's much more likely that you remember everything besides the game itself: the halftime show and the iconic ads. According to the National Football League (NFL), 200 million people watched the Super Bowl in 2023. That means that 60% of all citizens in the United States tuned in, which means the Super Bowl garners a massive audience. On the contrary, the average viewership for an NFL regular season game in 2023 was 16.7 million people, according to Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform. That’s only 5% of the United States population. The difference in these two statistics is what happens between the games, not the game itself. According to MiQ, a marketing data platform, analysis of 2.2 million devices indicates that 51% of Super Bowl viewers watched the entire halftime show. Usually, when it comes to breaks in a sporting event, people are quick to walk away. But that is not the case regarding the halftime show, as it features many celebrities and other exciting content. Even after the halftime show
happens, people have such fond memories of the shows that they amass millions of views on YouTube. For instance, the Super Bowl LVI halftime show has 241 million views. According to the NFL, that same halftime show averaged 103.4 million viewers when it was performed live. That means that people have watched the halftime show after it aired numerous times due to its memorability. Even the advertisements themselves are compelling to the average viewer. According to Statista, the average cost of producing a 30-second advertisement for the 2023 Super Bowl was $7 million. Companies are willing to spend that amount because advertising pays off. According to Ilumin, a marketing analytics company, the most viewed advertisement in the Super Bowl was Booking.com’s “Somewhere, Anywhere” promotion, which garnered 128 million views. That is a good majority of the 200 million viewers that watched the Super Bowl, and this highlights the main difference between the Super Bowl and other televised sporting events. Football is popular, but only as popular as the Super Bowl. Nothing is considerably more remarkable about the championship game than the rest of the games in the regular season. Thus, it is clearly the ads and performances between the games that sets Super Bowl apart, which markedly increases viewership. People usually walk away during commercial breaks and halftime to do something else, but that’s the opposite in the Super Bowl, and this marketing has captivated an entire nation every year.
16.7 million people watch regular season
NFL but
200 million people watch
the Super Bowl and
Over 100 million view the entire halftime show
25 OPINION FEBRUARY 2024
Valentine's Day is about more than a man and a woman UJALA CHAUHAN
P
icture this: it’s February. You mindlessly grab a magazine while waiting in the checkout line at a grocery store, and the cover of the magazine is a heterosexual couple advertising the upcoming Valentine’s Day. Now imagine you go online shopping to find a gift for a special someone and see a pair of bracelets you like. The product is listed as “Cute boyfriend/ girlfriend matching bracelets.” By and large, Valentine’s Day remains popularized as the celebration of love between a man and a woman, and it’s about time this changed. Valentine’s Day is the holiday for love, and that should be extended
Valentine's Day is the holiday for love, which should apply to homosexual and heterosexual couples.
to homosexual couples as well as heterosexual ones. Homosexual couples should be normalized and advertised on Valentine’s Day as well, not just heterosexual ones. It is crucial to showcase diverse relationships to reflect the reality and diversity of love in our world. Recurring advertisements and popularization of heterosexual couples overlook the vast spectrum of relationships that exist, inadvertently sending the message that only one type of love is worthy of recognition or celebration. According to the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy, over 14 million adults in the United States identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. That’s over 14 million people who do not get to see themselves represented on Valentine’s Day. The Austin Community College District explains that this underrepresentation stems from several businesses’ unwillingness to give prominence to queer couples. Valentine’s Day serves as an opportunity for those at the top of the marketing ladder to pass down heteronormativity, as the majority of consumers will relate to it. The small amount of inclusivity LGBTQ+ couples do receive on the holiday comes in the form of things such as a card with a picture of two slices of toast and a non-descript blurb like “You complete me.” There are many small and large ways to support a broader range of couples surrounding Valentine’s Day. Things like removing pronouns on cards like “His
Society needs to make a conscious effort to include queer representation so that Valentine's Day can be celebrated by everyone. and Hers” can be beneficial, and just overall fostering more representation in Valentine’s Day advertisements or even movies. Currently, Valentine’s Day isn’t about equality, nor about love. It’s just an opportunity for companies to make more money, which is often not found in sensitivity or inclusivity, meaning it’s often a leap backward for representation. Recognizing this is an important first step towards creating a space for everyone to celebrate, which is not just on the queer community. Society needs to make a conscious effort to challenge corporations’ greedmotivated underrepresentation. Then, the real reason Valentine’s Day exists – to celebrate love – can be celebrated by everyone.
27 FEATURES FEBRUARY 2024
Valentine’s overconsumption trashes the environment How the commercialization of Valentine’s Day impacts the environment JACKSON SNEERINGER
V
Photo by Alyssa Bish
alentine’s Day: the holiday of love. Valentine’s Day: the and begetting the appearance of valentine greeting cards to holiday of disposable affection. Each year, couples all put love into eternal writing. over the globe spend copious amounts of money on Fast-forward a few centuries to the 1900s, Hallmark gifts and chocolate to declare their love for each other, but popularized the mass-produced cards of the industrial world does buying things really equate to love. and started the commercialization of a once-romantic holiday. The origins of Valentine's Day are vague—alternative legends Fast-forward one more century to the modern day, where name a martyr priest with an eye out for a lady or a defiant small tokens of romance and greeting cards have grown into saint who married couples against the emperor’s will, according a bombardment of pink and red hearts everywhere you look in to Britannica. most major retail stores. The earliest documented reference to Feb. 14 specifically As the initial focus of Valentine’s Day slips through the as a day of romance came from the mid-1300s by the poet average consumer’s grasp, the basis of love is increasingly Geoffrey Chaucer. In his poem, he named it “Seynt Valentyne’s dependent upon what is gifted, how much is gifted, and how day” where “every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.” much money is spent. However, constrained by money, the St. Valentine’s Day was then referenced in Shakespeare’s younger generations are turning the tides of how love and “Hamlet,” solidifying the celebration’s place in the Middle Ages affection are conveyed.
FEBRUARY 2024 FEATURES 28
Between gifts and a picnic, I’d probably choose a picnic because it’s something we can both do together. Whereas a gift, you’re just giving it to one another.” AURELIA TSUBOI, CARLMONT STUDENT
Quality time is not the only echo of devotion seen in young couples. Sentimental gifts based on known or shared interests are treasured and reflect a deeper connection compared to the generic, pink-hearted retail goods found at Target and Michaels. “With more sentimental gifts, you know who the person is, you know what they want, and then that's how you show that you know them and their desires,” said junior Ryan Hsu. Despite this notion, the overconsumption rages on. According to Hallmark, Americans buy over 145 million Valentine's cards, over 36 million boxes of chocolates, over 100 million flowers, and dozens of other consumer products such as jewelry, totaling over $25.9 billion each year. This hefty price tag makes Valentine’s Day the third most expensive holiday in America, topped only by Christmas and Thanksgiving. “We’re a very buy, buy, buy society where we’re always getting new things, and you’re supposed to get one; that’s the premise of most of these holidays. It's a problem because we’re talking about methods for lowering the amount of plastic we're using,” said Charles Rolsky, the
executive director of the Shaw Institute, an environmental health and research-based nonprofit. “The more stuff we buy and the more we fill our landfills, the more work we'll have when we can develop something that's better for the planet.” For the symbol of love they’re meant to be, these quick, plastic products millions of Americans purchase each year produce over 360,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. Furthering environmental degradation, the glitter, decorations, and various pink plastic products that characterize this holiday take hundreds of years to decompose and remain on the planet as microplastics. “Microplastics are pretty small. If they get small enough, they could be taken in by filtering organs such as the liver and make their way into our tissues. The physical presence of the particle itself is an issue,” Rolsky said. “Sustainability is a mix of accepting that some things are just going to be difficult to avoid while also finding ways to make a holiday your own. With every holiday, I encourage people to get outside and connect with people and the environment.”
29 FEATURES FEBRUARY 2024
Blossoms & Botanicals The story of a local floral shop HANNAH CHAN
A
s Valentine’s Day approaches, Blossoms and Botanicals, a floral shop, prepares to supply the Bay Area with unique arrangements and bouquets. Nestled within the Hillsdale Shopping Center, the greenery and huge crystal pieces shaped like butterfly wings make the store stand out. Blossoms and Botanicals, formerly known as Blossoms Flower Shop, has been providing flowers for all sorts of events, from weddings to holidays, since 1983. The co-owners, Mark Skinner and Regina Skinner, purchased the business in 2020 after the previous owner’s retirement. “The original owner, Denise Barnett, started it primarily as a gift shop, which happened to sell flowers. Over the years, it grew to be known as a flower shop, and in 1995, it was moved outdoors to its current location. My wife, Regina, was the long-term manager for ten years,” Mark Skinner said. When the Skinners first took over, they sought to improve their stature in the mall. They started to appeal to more customers by adding high-end designs to their website and selling crystals. “We didn’t want to be known as the little flower shop at the mall. If you give people a more expensive and beautiful design, they will choose it,” Skinner said. According to Skinner, having shared interests and authority over different business aspects makes them a successful team. Skinner oversees accounting and bookkeeping, and Regina Skinner is the head designer. “Often, people will hear that we’re husband and wife, as well as business partners, and they ask how we do it. The answer is that I don’t tell her how to do her job, and she doesn’t tell me how to do my job. We come together as equals and work from there,” Mark Skinner said.
FEBRUARY 2024 FEATURES 30 Despite being able to work out conflicts between themselves, some conflicts remain out of their control. As a small business, running smoothly when staff gets sick is hard because the owners themselves have to cover for them. “Finding good candidates who actually care about working is hard as well. We look more into someone who wants to learn and work rather than someone with a lot of experience. I would advise anyone looking for a job to be enthusiastic because most businesses will see that,” Skinner said. Kelsey Cochran has been working at Blossoms and Botanicals for over a year. According to Skinner, she is a master at crafting corsages and boutonnieres, prom accessories made up of flowers. “I’ve always loved flowers. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be a florist, but I was too nervous to apply here. Then one day, I was like, ‘You know what, I’m just going to do it,’” Kelsey Cochran said. Before becoming a florist, Cochran tried out baking but realized the hours were crazy. Her friend and co-worker, Sandra McWilliams, also tried a few other jobs before settling at Blossoms and Botanicals. “I love animals, so I worked at a few pet stores, which was great, but it just didn’t really feel like me. I tried working at an electronics company, which wasn’t a good fit for me at all. And then I came here on a whim. It wasn’t like I needed a job. I just saw the application and went for it, and it was a really good fit,” McWilliams said. Having always loved art, McWilliams likes being able to express her creativity at Blossoms and Botanicals. “My favorite part is being able to work with my best friend and that we all get along here,” Cochran said. Having Skinner as their boss is also one of Cochran’s favorite parts about her job. “You go to most flower shops, and they don’t have crystals or owners with tattoos and cool vibes. I feel like a lot of flower shops are more old school,” McWilliams said. Twice a week, they pick out flowers from the San Francisco flower market to bring back fresh flowers to be enjoyed by customers. They also ship their roses from Ecuador. Since the demand for red roses skyrockets during Valentine’s Day, the staff plans accordingly. “The entire front of our store has buckets of pre-made flowers. Everything takes two weeks in advance to prepare,
and we’ll be here from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. All for red roses,” McWilliams said. Even though red roses dominate Valentine’s Day orders, some customers stray away from its classicism. McWilliams once designed a vase arrangement into a star shape. Cochran once made a wreath out of willow sticks with roses embedded in them. Cochran enjoys making all sorts of arrangements despite being challenged because she knows she is making someone else happy. “You have to ask a lot of questions. It’s never just saying what color or flower you think will be a right fit. You have to ask about the vibe, the aesthetic, table sizes, and allergies,” McWilliams said. Junior Kyra Campbell is a dancer who receives many bouquets after her performances. To her, flowers represent the kindness of those she receives them from. “I feel grateful for all the flowers people give me after performing. It’s like their way of telling me that they care about me, so I think flowers are one of the most beautiful gifts you could get,” Campbell said. McWilliams also believes in the significance of gifting flowers. She feels a responsibility to understand the weight of the occasion and put care into the product. “You never know. Sometimes, it could be a birthday or a dog passing away. There could be people going through loss who are grieving, and you’re trusted to make something that’s going to make them feel better,” McWilliams said.
Photos by Alyssa Bish
31 FEATURES FEBRUARY 2024
'Groundhog Day' parallels the lives of students
Students and teachers discuss the feelings of repetition that they experience ISABELLA RICE
G
roundhog Day is more than a superstition in which a groundhog emerges from its burrow on Feb. 2 to determine when spring will arrive. It also represents a saying that many can relate to. After the release of the movie “Groundhog Day” in 1993, a second meaning for the phrase developed. Due to how the film centers around a man stuck in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again, the term Groundhog Day became a phrase that symbolizes a situation in which events appear to be repeated continually. According to the LIFT Wellness Group, a counseling and psychotherapy organization, the movie serves as a great metaphor for how many patients experience and describe their real lives.
Art by Alyssa Bish
This feeling of repetition is apparent across many adolescents today and is present in the environment of numerous high schools. “In high school, there were several times when it felt as if I was doing the same thing over and over again. This draining sensation brought along many struggles that I had to overcome,” said Madison Gonzales, a psychology student at San Diego State University. Ryan Kwan, a junior at Carlmont High School shares this feeling of repetitiveness. “I do the same thing every day: I wake up, leave for school, go to football lifting, and work on homework when I return home. I repeat this cycle every weekday, and it can get very exhausting,” Kwan said. However, like Murray, in order to escape this feeling, one must find an escape and take an interest in someone or something. Jarrod Harrison, a history teacher at Carlmont High School, offers his advice. “What you do in your free time will help you overcome the repetitive routine. But, you can pick a career goal that will give you the chance to mix it up,” Harrison said. While the idea of being stuck in a loop with constantly repeating days can become exhausting and depressive. Changes to a daily routine can be the difference in breaking repetition. "It may feel like you are trapped in a cycle of repetition, but each day serves as a new opportunity. In the end, it comes down to what you decide to do and how you use the day, and new opportunity, that will guide your future,” Gonzales said. Repetition doesn’t always come in negative forms. Much of it comes down to personal perception and motivation, whether you decide to view repetition in a dull and boring way or as an opportunity for improvement. “I think repetitiveness can be beneficial if you are working toward a goal, but if you repeat bad habits, it can be detrimental,” Kwan said. “Finding something that separates me from my everyday activities helped me escape the feeling of being trapped and stuck in a loop.”