Volume LX, No. 4. by The Smoke Signal

Dhth snow globe astrology Political Polarization

raj salwan background

Growing up in Fremont, Salwan graduated from Washington High School and spent much of his early academic career in FUSD. He studied Biological Sciences at UC Irvine and has a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University. Salwan did not make a conscious decision to enter the political arena. “It’s not that I chose politics, politics chose me. It was kind of a gradual thing ... [Initially,] I just wanted to take care of my family and be successful in my small business,” Salwan said. Salwan is the current Councilmember for Fremont City Council District 5, which comprises parts of the Cameron Hills, Weibel, Warm Springs, and Pacific Commons neighborhoods within the Irvington High School, MSJ, and Kennedy High School attendance areas. His term in the City Council is scheduled to end in December, and he will assume the mayoralty in January 2025. Salwan has served as a two-time Vice Mayor of Fremont under Mayor Lily Mei, Human Relations Commissioner, Chair of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce,, and a part of the East Bay League of Cities Board. Salwan was first appointed to the City Council in 2013 by a 3-1 vote to succeed outgoing Councilmember Bill Harrison. He was the Chair of the Tri-Cities Democratic Forum, planning commissioner for Fremont, and a practicing veterinarian at the time. Prior to Fremont’s redistricting system for City Council, Councilmembers were elected at-large before 2018. Salwan’s first recorded election was in 2014 when he lost his seat on the City Council. In 2016, Raj Salwan was elected Councilmember at-large alongside Bacon and won reelection under a new district-based system in 2018.

Fremont & MSJ implications

The election of Salwan as Fremont’s new mayor signals a continuation of existing policies with a more focused approach to addressing critical community issues. Salwan’s plan to address homelessness focuses on strengthening partnerships with nonproﬁts to provide not only temporary shelter solutions but also pathways to permanent housing and supportive services.

“He brings everyone together and works toward common-sense solutions that serve the entire community,” Mei said.

E orts to address housing a ordability under Salwan’s leadership strive to reshape Fremont’s housing market and accessibility. His initiatives aim to balance the need for more a ordable options with maintaining the city’s character, which could help moderate escalating costs while ensuring residents can continue to call Fremont home. “If we can’t a ord to live here in the next few years, that’s deﬁnitely going to prevent us from moving back here,” Senior Lia Le-Nguyen said.

This tension reﬂects the broader debate around housing development in Fremont. While Salwan supports increasing housing projects to alleviate the city’s housing crisis, this has been a contentious issue, with some fearing overdevelopment and strain on community resources. “New housing projects can bring additional population growth, which has both opportunities and challenges for our schools,” District 4 Councilmember Yang Shao said. An inﬂux of new developments could potentially increase enrollment at schools like MSJ. could place greater demand on school resources but also increase funding for schools.

Salwan has also emphasized bringing more nightlife and revitalizing local businesses, complementing housing initiatives by fostering economic growth and community engagement. “We might see more businesses returning that have left [Fremont] since the pandemic,” Civics Club Vice President Junior Ashwin Vaidyanathan said.

As Fremont tackles these complex issues — such as balancing economic growth, infrastructure demands, and social equity — Salwan’s leadership could redeﬁne the city’s trajectory. For MSJ, his emphasis on a ordable housing and strategic economic planning could lead to speciﬁc changes in funding for schools. “I believe in integrity in governance … I’ll be staying true to my roots,” Salwan said.

District 5 Councilmember Raj Salwan was elected Fremont Mayor for the next four years, defeating his opponent, Vinnie Bacon, as well as candidates Rohan Marfatia and Hiu Ng, by a 15% margin on November 5. Salwan’s campaign priorities include addressing homelessness, deterring crime, and promoting equitable housing developments. Receiving endorsements from prominent political o cials, including CA Gov. Gavin Newsom and Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, Salwan won a plurality of the vote but fell short of a majority as a result of Fremont’s ﬁrst-past-the-post election format. After the election, both outgoing Mayor Mei and incoming Mayor Salwan agreed to interviews with the .

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mayoral election

The race, with Salwan and Bacon as the major candidates, became heated in months preceding the election, particularly with renewed complaints about Salwan’s management of his properties and his wealth. Salwan was repeatedly attacked during the campaign for allegations of unethical business practices, such as criticisms of his veterinary clinic and rental properties that came under investigation by NBC Bay Area. His election opponent, Bacon, launched a website detailing the Salwan family’s immense wealth, whose net worth totaled more than $150 million in properties in the Bay Area alone. Bacon also alleged malpractices in Salwan’s veterinary business and debilitated conditions in his rental properties throughout Fremont. On the other hand, Bacon was criticized for supporting prior large-scale residential developments encompassing market-rate housing.

Bacon ran on issues of addressing homelessness and decreasing the inﬂuence of housing developers, priorities also a rmed by the Salwan campaign. However, these issues, particularly new housing, were more heavily emphasized by the Bacon campaign.

Ultimately, Salwan, who had the endorsement of Mayor Lily Mei and most City Council members, won a 47% plurality, with 32% of voters voting for Bacon, 11.5% for Marfatia, and 8.9% for Ng. More than 77,000 ballots were cast citywide.

Political agenda

Salwan’s campaign had an overarching emphasis on proposals focusing on community collaboration. According to Salwan, creating quick housing facilities and mental support groups, especially through activating new non-proﬁts and relying on existing organizations — like the Safe Parking Host Site Program — could largely contribute to resolving the city’s homelessness crisis. “We need quick-build housing so that we can get people into facilities, and then we need to get our nonproﬁts activated to help address the challenges we’re facing,” Salwan said. Previously during the campaign, Salwan criticized Bacon for voting on the Council to approve new housing projects and advocated his own more conservative attitude toward construction approval.

Public safety is also a foremost priority for Salwan. Throughout his campaign, Salwan articulated that police o cer recruitment and retention through beneﬁts and monetary incentives could improve the ability of the police force to patrol and ensure safety throughout Fremont. “We have a lot of o cers that are being o ered incentives that can lure them away [from Fremont Police Department (FPD)]. I want to make sure that [FPD] remains competitive,” Salwan said. Coupled with police enforcement, this introduces the possibility of future city-wide laws and rules in public areas to enhance safety and security for Fremont’s residents.

Within his campaign outline, Salwan highlights his goals in making Fremont more environmentally friendly and combating climate change by supporting transit-oriented developments, where residential and commercial units are closer to public transit. His goals include reducing carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2045, through more accessible housing near public transit. “The other big part [of addressing climate change] is reducing vehicle miles traveled … [The] majority of the [carbon dioxide] is because people are driving very far. We want to build housing near transit … so that people can get out of their cars, get on, BART or buses, and get to their jobs,” Salwan said.

To tackle tra c congestion, an issue that many Fremont residents have complained about, innovative and practical strategies will be implemented by improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing freeway interchanges. He promises to leverage his experience as Fremont’s alternate representative on the Alameda County Transportation Commission to implement advanced tra c signal timing and reduce regional cut-through tra c in neighborhoods. “I’m looking to have a direct connection between [Interstates] 880 and 680 that’s underground … We are looking at infrastructure improvements at Interstate 680 … a lot of those intersections are really terrible, so we’re going to be looking at improving them,” Salwan said.

“Fremont has always been a city of innovation and growth, but as we expand, we face the challenge of deﬁning our identity. Raj has the opportunity to address this. He understands that while tech and industrial development are vital, we also need to focus on things that build community—entertainment spaces, vibrant retail centers, and cultural hubs. These aren’t just amenities; they’re what make people proud to call Fremont home. Raj’s ability to prioritize these alongside housing, sustainability, and infrastructure will set the tone for his leadership,” Outgoing Fremont Mayor Lily Mei said.

Fremont’s new mayor

Dhaeshna Booma, Scarlett Huang, Vikram Mahajan & Cham Yu Sta Writers

NEWS in BRIEF

20th Annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot unites thousands in the community

The Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot celebrates 20 years of giving and unity through running.

By Ariana Yi & Lucas Zhang Staf Writers

A recent report issued by GSI International, a scientific consulting group, revealed higher-than-normal levels of radiation at Albany Bulb, Alameda. Albany Bulb is a park by San Francisco Bay that contains popular hiking trails and many driftwood sculptures. It originated as a landfill in the 1960s, and in the 1980s Stauffer Chemical Co dumped copious amounts of chemical waste into the area. The report found gamma count rate measurements similar to that of red mud, a byproduct of aluminum waste. Albany’s city board has until December 30 to form a plan for the issue, according to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board.

NASA has reconnected with its space probe Voyager 1 after a week-long blackout. Having launched in 1977, the probes Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have been steadily losing power. However, according to Kareem Badaruddin, the Voyager mission manager, the probes have been operational for far longer than many at NASA expected, with several scientific instruments on the probe still retaining functionality after decades of operation. Four instruments are currently operational on each probe, and a stream of data is sent back to Earth through radio antennae. It is currently planned to keep both Voyager probes in operation as long as possible.

On December 2, Volkswagen workers launched rolling two-hour strikes across nine German plants, resisting pay cuts and factory closures. One main location of the strike is the company’s base plant at Wolfsburg, and the workers rallied against the first plant closures in the company’s home country. However, Volkswagen argues for lowering costs in Germany to competitors’ prices so that employees do not have to be burdened under management failures related to product development. The recent Volkswagen strikes are parts of negotiation for new labor agreements; Volkswagen demands a 10% pay cut for 120,000 German workers, and the company proposes closing three of its German plants.

ousands of runners contributed to a festive atmosphere by crowding the streets of downtown San Jose as part of the 20th annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot on November 28. is community tradition invites runners to participate in a variety of races such as the 5K and 10K, a Kids Fun Run, and even a virtual run for people around the world to participate in.

More than just a race, this event also raised millions of dollars for local charities that promote community wellness and generosity during the holiday season.

“As we look at our 20th anniversary, we are really trying to focus on the cumulative good that the event has and featuring people who have done it for 10, 15, even 20 years.”

turkey trot raCe DireCtor Chris Weiler

we are really trying to focus on the cumulative good that the event has and featuring people who have done it for 10, 15, even 20 years,” Race Director Chris Weiler said.

By 8:30 a.m., 23,000 participants of all ages and skill levels

ﬁlled the lively streets of downtown San Jose, wearing bright blue raceday T-shirts that united the participants. Other runners embraced the festive spirit using clothing ranging from cheerful holiday hats and full-body turkey costumes. e event oﬃcially began with the 5K and 10K Run/Walk. Both

races began near the iconic Cesar Chavez Plaza, where participants were gathered early to warm up and take pictures together. Emcees were rallying the crowd, volunteers were ready to distribute water bottles throughout the course of the race, and the crowd was prepared to cheer on the runners. e emcee’s voice boomed the countdown as the cheers of the boisterous crowd subsided. As the wave of runners and walkers began their journey down the streets of San Jose, cheers and claps erupted. Runners sprinted their last stretch of the lengthy race, smiling with determination as spectators erupted in cheers, creating a wave of community support that carried the runners over the ﬁnish line. “I like all the diﬀerent houses that play music along the course. It makes the event a lot more fun,” participant Jacob Burke said. e festival area was located

near the finish line for runners to explore after their race. Booths from some of the event’s sponsors and beneficiaries as well as local businesses offered giveaways and games for attendees to partake in while enjoying the celebratory atmosphere. Some booths in the festival area gave food and water away to racers as they cooled down, and others allowed racers to take pictures of themselves with backdrops themed around the event and companies supporting it. For participants, the Turkey Trot was more than just a race; it was an opportunity to connect with the community, celebrate the holiday in a meaningful way, and contribute to impactful caus-

“I dedicate [participation in the Turkey Trot] to my dad, for sure, since he's the one that got us out here all those years ago, back when I frst started, and he's the one that you keep coming out and doing it with now.”

PartiCiPant JaCob burke

Founded in 2005 by former Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Carl Guardino, the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot started as an attempt to create a lasting tradition that would bring people together while giving back to society. e event has raised a total of more than $12 million for many organizations such as the Healthier Kids Foundation and Second Harvest of Silicon Valley over 20 years. Major sponsors such as Applied Materials and local technology companies have also continuously supported the event, encouraging this race’s growth into a pivotal anksgiving tradition for local families, businesses, and individuals. “As we look at our 20th anniversary, es. “I think anksgiving should be a day when you hang out with your friends and family. at’s actually why I came [to the Turkey Trot] with my whole family, even my grandparents,” participant Sophomore Michael Gu said.▪

MSJ LEO Club hosts California Nursery Garden volunteer event

MSJ LEO promotes environmental care through gardening at the California Nursery Historical Park in Niles.

By Navya Chitlur & Felicity He Staf Writers

MSJ LEO Club hosted its Nursery Garden Event at California Nursery Historical Park in Niles, promoting efforts against climate change and fostering community growth and connection through gardening at 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The event was one of many major volunteering opportunities at the site, which encourage volunteers to partake in the planting process in exchange for volunteer hours.

As the venue opened at 9 a.m., people began slowly filling in, and the planting began after half an hour upon opening. The majority of the gardening took place in the rustic adobe building, where the turnout of around 20 students from MSJ and other high schools were led. After receiving a brief set of instructions from the LEO officers, participants were given a pair of gloves, clippers, and harvesting tools. They began to pull out excess weeds and invasive plants,

mainly focusing on ivy. Through community engagement, historical markings, and valuable instructions, the participants not only participated in creating a greener community for the future, but also acquired knowledge of plants and gardening. “You'll learn how

“I like being able to work with other kids who I don’t know very well to accomplish a certain goal … At frst, it was a little rough, but once we started communicating, we [could] work together efciently.”

Volunteer Freshman Chasen lam

much water is needed, what plants are good for the environment, and which ones are invasive species,” Groundskeeper Preet Bhangu said. The volunteers faced communication issues while planting, as they raced against the clock to clear the entire garden of all the invasive plants and weeds in the time they had. However, they soon overcame that and realized that working to-

gether created a sense of community among the volunteers. “I like being able to work with other kids who I don’t know very well to accomplish a certain goal … At first, it was a little rough, but once we started communicating, we [could] work together efficiently,” volunteer Freshman Chasen Lam said.

As a part of touch-ups, they soon moved on to brushing away debris using rakes in order to remove dead leaves and tree bark, granting new roots the chance to flourish in the area instead. The group ultimately concluded the gardening process by removing weeds from the area, and finished the project by approximately 11 a.m., hitting their goal with an hour to spare.

Afterward, volunteers regrouped at the California Nursery Historical Park Museum and took a walking tour of the 20.1 acre property. On the way, they stopped by signs explaining historically significant

landmarks in the park, the box tree forest, which got its name from the shipping boxes that the trees were planted in, and other antiquated buildings such as canning facilities and adobe-style buildings. Throughout the entirety of the event, volunteers dedicated time and effort to rebuilding a connection with nature, as well as fostering a community and positive mindsets. “This area looks a lot cleaner and beautified, which was the goal,” volunteer Sophomore Avina Wong said. MSJ LEO Club plans to host similar events in the future, either at California Nursery Historical Park or Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum. “Almost every month we're going to have a major community service event, so it's a great opportunity to join LEO Club and make new friends as well,” Board of Directors Sophomore Ethan Chen said.

Volkswagen workers wave union ags on a nationwide strike.

Hendrik Schmidt/dpa via AP

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory lost contact with Voyager 2 on July 21. bizjournals.com

Community members walk around Albany Bulb, which has been revealed to have high radiatino levels.

Brittany Hosea-Small/Special to the Chronicle

MSJ LEO Volunteers gather as they listen to instructions before the gardening.

Volunteers Sophomores Avina Wong and Samantha Lo help clean out the garden's weeds.

Compiled by Ariel Duong, Janet Guan, Michelle Qu & Fiona Yang Staf Writers

Thousands of runners in San Jose participate in either the 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run.

THE SMOKIE CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. In a natal chart, Venus is in the _ _ _ _ _ _ sector.

2. The 40th annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair had a Victorian Era _ _ _ _ _ _ setting.

3. After volunteering at a _ _ _ _ _ _ service event organized by the national nonpro t, Palaniappan was inspired to establish a Poverty PatchUp chapter at MSJ.

4. In Moana 2, Moana must journey to the lost island of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

5. Bûche de Noël, also known as a _ _ _ _ log, is a rolled cake lled with cream and decorated with chocolate frosting to mimic a tree log.

6. Incoming Mayor Raj Salwan plans to make Fremont more environemntally friendly by supporting supporting _ _ _ _ _ _ _-oriented developments.

DOWN

1. Junior Class Treasurer Justin Wu began to develop his love for card collecting from an interest in _ _ _ _ _ _ _ cards.

2. The USA PATRIOT Act gave US law enforcement the unprecedented power to search citizens’ private _ _

3. In her _ _ _ _ _ year of competitive snowboarding, Aliana Wang quali ed for the Snowboarding National Championship

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Florida mother Megan Garcia is suing Character.ai, the maker of an AI chatbot, alleging it played a role in the death of her 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer III, who died by suicide a er developing an obsession with the chatbot. Garcia alleges the chatbot manipulated and worsened Setzer’s depression, giving responses that encouraged Setzer’s suicidal thoughts. e lawsuit alleges that the company knowingly failed to implement safety measures to prevent such an incident and deceptively marked the chatbot in order to pray on young users.

Do you think Character.ai should be held responsible for Setzer’s relationship with its chatbot? Do you think tech companies are responsible for the possible e ects their chatbots might have on their users? Do they have a responsibility to protect their users, especially youth users? What can Character.ai implement to prevent or mitigate future incidents? What measures can be implemented on an institutional or legal level to moderate AI chatbots and protect youth, if any?

“I do not [believe that Character.ai should be held responsible for Setzer's relationship with the chatbot], because … there's a warning on the top of the chatbot that says all these conversations are not real. You’re talking to a bot ... [You] should be held responsible, because you re the one who decided to do that to yourself and ... believe that though you knew a chatbot was not real. I do not tech companies are responsible for the potential effects their chatbots might have], because ... they’re just profiting off of it, not purposefully hurting people ... They gave warnings that users are talking to AI bots. It’s used for entertainment. I think every social media and AI [company has] that responsibility [to protect youth], but they fulfilled it by adding warnings ... They should put a video or more warnings ... like an ad that users must watch to know it’s [not infallible]. I think maybe [government or legal institutions] could put age limits on certain AI chatbots ... or make [users] watch government-mandated videos ... But I think other than that, it’s kind of up to the parents to control what [their] kids are doing.”

“Character.ai should be held responsible for the death, especially if many safety measures weren’t implemented to prevent [the death]. In general, technology usage in teenagers has rapidly increased, and with the marketing of this technology comes responsibility, and tech companies should take responsibility for any effects their chatbots might have on society. We should take into consideration the drastic effects technology usage can have on children, so we can put preventative measures to ensure that children aren t over-abusing technology.”

“[Character.ai] should have had some sort of warning ... but it’s more the parents’ responsibility that they’re allowing their child to be exposed to such things. You can’t hold every social media company accountable for cyberbullying … Tech companies are responsible in the sense that they should have some sort of warning about what their chatbots might dis play … The problem with legally enforcing it is it draws into question: how do you determine when you need to give that warranty and when you don t? ... At the surface level, all companies should just [include] a default message warranty near their chatbox ... [Character.ai] likely will not take full responsibility ... but they should definitely ... issue a base-level warranty. Them taking that step forward could encourage other businesses to do it ... adding that kind of warranty takes some of the blame off the company itself.”

“I think that Character.ai and the parents of affected minors are responsible because they should be aware of what their child is doing. However, companies like Character.ai should know the potential for harm from its AI tools, which is a huge flaw in their company. If they don’t start putting safety infrastructure on their AI, there’s just gonna be more and more cases of [this tragedy] in this increasingly digital world. Character.ai must be held accountable for not being able to regulate this sort of [malicious] behavior with the AI. I do feel that it is irresponsible to use AI in such a way is artificial. People using an AI may feel like they are talking to real person, with the fact that AI is realistic, means that it s also the parent s fault for not checking up on them, but it is also Character.ai’s fault for not regulating itself and making sure that it doesn t harm people. One way [to prevent these incidents] is to find keywords [that suggest a tendency for self harm]. If you show and train the AI on that, [the AI] can stop or report it to the authorities of Character.ai.”

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LinkedIn has been all the rage for the past few years — people form connections that a ect the course of their lives by simply clicking a button and use this business pro le to start relationships all for the sake of material bene t. Over the years, networking culture transformed into an integral part of the modern professional world, touted as the key to career advancement and success. People seek to build mutually bene cial professional relationships — with their colleagues, mentors, and peers — that provide advice, collaboration, and opportunity. However, networking culture’s in uence has permeated beyond the workplace, shaping how relationships are formed and perceived in students’ lives. Among students, this in uence has developed into a toxic approach to relationships, as students pursue friendships for materialistic gain rather than genuine connection. While valuable professionally, networking culture erodes authenticity and trust in relationships, replacing them with transactional interactions that undermine the importance of genuine human connection. is increasingly prevalent culture emphasizes strategic relationships, encouraging an environment where friends prioritize individual success over helping each other. Transactional mindsets, in which people act a certain way to receive something in return, reduce relationships to tools for personal gain, setting up unrealistic expectations for a friendship. is pursuit turns toxic as trust and support are overtaken by self-centered

Looking back

By Keerti Koya Opinion Editor

Anyone who’s been to my room before will know it for one de ning feature: the 8 by 6 foot wall covered top-to-bottom in photographs. Pictures of family, friends, school events, vacations, and candid moments envelop the space. Yet I started this collage more than ve years ago with an intention greater than being a mere room decoration — I wanted it to serve as a daily reminder of my life’s journey.

When I brush my teeth in the morning, tackle a tough homework problem, or collapse onto my bed after a long day, whether voluntarily or not, I catch a glimpse of my wall. Each image tells a story. I see my younger self smiling at a birthday party, my family posing in front of a national park, and my friends laughing over an inside joke. In these moments, I’m reminded of how much I’ve experienced, how many incredible people I’ve been surrounded by, and how far I’ve come. A 2017 study from the Journal of Positive Psychology found that re ecting on positive life experiences helps people feel a stronger sense of purpose and resilience in the face of challenges. Seeing my wall serves as a quick moment of clarity and a way to feel grateful and grounded, even on the most overwhelming days.

In a world where we are constantly pushed to think about the future, pausing to appreciate our past can feel like a luxury. We plan for what’s next: exams, summer programs, or career paths. We stress over timelines and compare ourselves to others without end. But how often do

The

mannerisms contributing to a lack of trust that many relationships face when either party feels pressured to put themselves rst, and giving rise to the e ects of the loneliness epidemic and a friendship paradox.

In 2022, the National Library of Medicine conducted the American Friendship Project, a report on the status and health of friendships studying two national samples of American adults and a large sample of college students. More than 40% of Americans felt they were not as close to their friends as they would have liked to be. Ironically, the American Survey Center reported in 2021 that one in four young people would turn to a friend rst when facing personal problems. However, they aren’t able to, as when students or peers view each other as their obstacles, they hide their successes and opportunities from each other. Students lose the ability to be vulnerable in front of those they are closest to, resulting in even further rivalry as the relationships’ authenticity is eroded and broken into factors that shouldn’t matter in a true friendship. In the competitive environment of networking culture, students o en feel the need to present an idealized version of themselves, which can create a sense of disconnect as they navigate relationships that may increasingly feel like rivalry. is pressure exacerbates feelings of inadequacy, as constant comparison to one’s peers fuels anxiety and self-doubt. In an article published by the Journal of Adult Development, studies found that frequent social comparisons were

we stop to re ect on where we started? How often do we celebrate the milestones we’ve already achieved? e photographs also serve as a reminder of the people who have long been there for me. Every picture of laughter, celebration, or even a simple day spent with loved ones re ects a community I’m incredibly grateful for. ese people have lifted me when I’ve struggled, cheered for me when I’ve succeeded, and inspired me to keep growing. My wall isn’t just about my accomplishments but is proof of how a community's collective e ort can foster an individual’s growth. Knowing that I’m supported — and have always been — continues to motivate me through both everyday life and stressful endeavors. Re ecting on the past reminds me that every obstacle I’ve faced has led to growth, every setback has been temporary, and every joyful moment has been worth treasuring. is perspective allows me to approach challenges with resilience because I’ve already proven to myself that I can overcome them.

We all need to take a moment to pause, re ect, and appreciate the journey we’re on. Whether it’s through photos, a journal, or simply a quiet conversation with yourself, looking back can be as powerful as planning for the future. Celebrate your growth, acknowledge your support system, and let your past remind you of everything you’re capable of. Because sometimes, the best way to move forward is by rst looking back.

Finding hope in the face of uncertainty

By Padma Balaji Opinion Editor

It was the night of Tuesday, November 5 — my foot nervously tapped against the oor as I refreshed the electoral college map tab on my laptop. My homework sat untouched on my desk while I watched e New York Times election forecast needle ick back and forth, election coverage playing from my living room TV in the background. For me and millions of other Americans, this was the most anticipated night of the year. It was the most pivotal election of my lifetime, and I felt as though my future — and the future of the country — hung in the balance.

I woke up Wednesday morning ready to snooze my alarm, as usual, before remembering and frantically Googling election results. A feeling of anxiety washed over me as I saw the map ush with red and I realized that the months of rampant election speculation were over. While for many, the weeks following were lled with ecstatic celebrations, for me and my communities, they were lled with shock — shock that slowly simmered down into uncertainty and fear.

As a young person without the power to vote, I’ve often felt powerless to make my voice heard, as though my voice has no space in politics. I’ve seen the issues I care about — climate change, education, healthcare access — consistently pushed aside by legislators. My news feed was inundated with gloom and doom, and I began to feel increasingly disillusioned and hopeless the fragmented, polarized climate that

associated with a range of destructive emotions and behaviors, such as guilt, dishonesty, and in-group bias, or the tendency to favor one’s group over others. is is worsened by the recent loneliness epidemic as US young adults are experiencing signi cant levels of loneliness. According to a 2024 poll by the American Psychiatric Association, 30% of Americans aged 18 to 34 reported feeling lonely every day or several times a week. Networking culture only worsens the quality of relationships and thus intensi es the epidemic. is idea highlights the urgent need to rebuild relationships on a foundation of vulnerability, authenticity, and trust — qualities that build genuine emotional support and meaningful connections, which are increasingly absent in today’s competitive social landscape.

To combat the negative e ects of networking culture, we must collectively shi our mindset from “What can this person do for me?” to “What can I learn from this person?” Students should strive to break free from this mindset prioritizing utility over humanity. Engage with people for the sake of genuine connection. Share your passions and interests openly, and listen to others with curiosity and empathy. Most importantly, broaden your perspective to see life beyond the narrow con nes of work, college, and achievement. Sincere connections and authentic relationships should take precedence over calculated networking in order to truly create a culture that values people for who they are, not what they o er. ▪

seemed to govern over politics. I’m not alone in feeling this way: according to a study by the Institute for Citizens and Scholars, 52% of the younger voters have “no or little trust in government institutions.”

As the uncertainty of a new administration dawned on me, I found myself feeling increasingly hopeless about my future and the future of the communities around me, feeling powerless to change it. However, I’ve also found that the best way to combat powerlessness is through action. Whether it’s through my climate advocacy, community organizing, or emailing my representatives, I’ve found that action, particularly collective action, not only dispels feelings of anxiety and powerlessness, but catalyzes change for us and our community.

As we head into these next four years, it’s vital that we channel our anxiety into action rather than apathy, using our fear and anger about the state of the future to propel us into doing something to change it. It’s also vital that we remember that, as young people, we do have the power to make change. Change starts in our communities. Engaging in local politics and advocacy, whether it’s organizing at the student body level, lobbying for city-wide legislation, or speaking with our local representatives, is just as crucial as large-scale, national action. Regardless of our political orientation or beliefs, we should all strive to ght for the issues that matter to us, remembering that change ultimately starts with our own, individual actions.

By Fiona Yang & Lucas Zhang

Sta Writers

The Opinion of the Smoke Signal Editorial Board

cost of networking

The dangers of political scapegoating

Election background

“Latnos and Arabs … Hope you all get deported and banned,” an X user said, echoing the sentments of many disappointed Democrats. Just days afer the 2024 electon results were confrmed, social media platorms across the Internet saw a surge in fngerpointng by Democratc voters against minority electorates. The rise of this minority scapegoatng in the weeks following the electon was largely a response to shifing party afliatons within minority demographics, as the Democratc Party lost ground from some traditonal sources of support: the Latno, Arab and pro-Palestnian, and Asian American electorates all swung towards the Republican Party in this electon.

Pew Research Center found in a decades-long aggregate poll that since 1994, Black, Latno, and Asian voters have consistently sided with the Democratc Party in electons. This electon turned the conventonal politcal wisdom on its head, with some of these demographic groups trending sharply towards the Republicans. For example, Latno men swung 13 percentage points Republican.

Minorites such as Latnos and Arabs that demonstrated a defance of traditonal votng paterns by their unprecedented sway to the Republican Party have been met with backlash from Democratc vot ers in the wake of Trump’s victo ry. Instead of addressing the naton’s evolving politcal landscape and considering some of the individual rea sons that voters switched politcal afliaton, users resorted to scapegoatng minority groups for failing to vote according to part san expectatons. By framing minority votes as the sole cause of the electon results, vot ers embrace stereotypes that falsely ascribe politcal views to ethnicites and neglect the intrinsic politcal diversity and complexity within these de - mographics. Adoptng a parochial view of the politcal landscape only perpetuates an ideological echo chamber that overshadows the perspectves of others, normalizing a politcal scapegoatng that reinforces polarizaton and social division.

Scapegoating Fuels a Double Standard

scapegoating & polarization

Nationwide Economic Dissatisfaction

Exit

polling and electon analysis have demonstrated that the observed electoral shif during the electon occurred at large. Regardless of demographic afliaton, voters have expressed widespread dissatsfacton with the current administraton’s economic performance over the last four years.

In 2022, the US economy was struck by unprecedented infaton as a result of pandemic supplychain shocks. Despite infaton largely returning to pre-pandemic levels, prices have remained high. Natonal exit polling last month found that 81% of voters characterized the economy as a “very important” issue, with 46% of respondents reportng that their family’s fnancial situaton was worse than four years ago, compared to just 24% who reported that it was beter. These poll numbers refect a broad consensus, across demographic groups, of economic pessimism among the electorate. It was infaton rather than any one minority group that contributed most to Vice President Kamala Harris’ defeat, a fact corroborated by an analysis in The New York Times Terms such as “Bidenfaton” that entered the politcal lexicon inextricably ted the bleak economic landscape to the incumbent administraton, thus causing a universal swing away from the Democrats across all demographics.

Afer Harris’ defeat, disappointed Democrats sought to pin the blame on certain demographics for their votes. Disillusioned Araband Muslim-American voters in the Detroit suburbs who voted third-party, partly as a result of the Israel-Gaza confict, were considered as castng “wasted votes” that helped deliver the crucial swing state of Michigan to Trump. Such voters were called out as ignorant and as inadvertently delivering the White House to Donald Trump against their own interests. Whether Democrats did enough in support of Palestne is its own debate; what is indisputable, however, is that the Democratc response — with some individuals expressing outright hatred towards the entre Muslim and Arab demographics — only further alienated such voters and further deepened the wedge between them and the Democratc Party. “These communites were blamed for ‘not knowing what's best for them,' as though Harris was running altruistcally to protect them from the dangers of a second Trump presidency ... [Harris supporters] could not hide their racism, implying that it was incumbent upon these minority communites to vote within the guidelines provided by their liberal saviours ... This viewpoint strips minority communites of their rights as equal citzens who can partake in the democratc process independently,” politcal actvist Raja Abdulhaq said for the Middle Eastern Eye Some Democratc pundits contnue to support the fawed noton that minority votng paterns were largely motvated by misinformaton. The liberal-leaning Brookings Insttuton, for example, blamed disinformaton as the major factor for Harris’ loss. “Examples [of disinformaton] this fall include the infamous stories about immigrants eatng cats and dogs ... [and] Kamala Harris in a swimsuit hugging ... Jefrey Epstein ... Disinformaton fowed into our info-ecosystem from other countries as well,” Darrel M. West said for the Brookings Insituton. While disinformaton plays a major role in each electoral cycle, exercising such a noton trivializes minority concerns by chalking their educated decisions on who to vote for as merely driven by disinformaton. Instead of addressing voter concerns, denigratng minority perspectves can reinforce politcal stereotypes about minority votng behavior and hinder efectve democratc representaton.

72% 63% of Republicans & of Democrats viewed the other as a lot or more immoral than other Americans

According to the Carnegie Endowment for Internatonal Peace, the US has seen a concerning rise in politcal polarizaton in the recent decade. In a 2022 study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 72% of Republicans and 63% of Democrats viewed the other as a a lot or more immoral than other Americans. Scapegoating minority groups in the recent electon only further fuels this divide by discouraging individuals from seeking to understand the diverse viewpoints of unfamiliar groups.

The reliance on stereotypes that dictate the politcal beliefs of minority groups in minority scapegoatng ultmately normalizes close-minded thinking. Ant-Palestnian comments made by politcal commentators against Arab voters frequently referenced the irony of supportng Trump’s campaign despite his ant-immigraton policies. “[M]uslims votng for [T]rump as if he hasn’t proclaimed himself a white supremacist and wants us gone from this country,” one X post said. However, the idea that the entre Arab electorate bases its votes upon a single politcal standpoint is a severe gross generalizaton — it is critcal to recognize that within every demographic, there will always be diversity in politcal opinion and afliatons. By homogenizing the needs and politcal beliefs of the Arab electorate, Democratc voters neglect the complex and personal issues that motvate individual votes. When people depend on stereotypes to generalize a large demographic, they no longer fnd value in empathizing with their experiences.

Beyond fueling stereotypes, scapegoatng itself silently justfes insensitvity towards the adverse experiences of marginalized groups.

By fueling stereotypes, scapegoating itself silently justifes insensitivity towards the adverse experiences of marginalized groups.

Racist rhetoric against Arabs as well as ant-Palestnian sentment by Democratc voters in the recent electon edged dangerously close to extremism. “I can’t wait untl Netanyahu gets the green light to turn Gaza into a parking lot,” one X user said. As scapegoatng typically occurs behind the context of larger conficts, it gives racist and extremist ideas the opportunity to thrive with litle mitgaton. When these harmful ideologies are reiterated on social media platorms and other accessible environments, it allows the general public to be more susceptble to widespread apathy and racial insensitvity. In grouping minorites as uniform electorates with vastly diferent votng trends than the rest of the US, their individuality and concerns are lef unseen and unheard. This was the case before the electon, when the Democratc Party took minorites for granted, and now, when they are subjected to vitriol by angered Democrats en masse. In a society where people place litle value on the lives and sufering of others, meaningful reconciliaton between opposing politcal beliefs and difering life experiences cannot exist.

Instead of searching for fault in smaller, underrepresented demographics, partsans should look towards themselves for future improvement. Blaming minority groups is a convenient shortcut, but it is one that ultmately divides communites more than it resolves diferences. It is far easier to trivialize rampant illegal immigraton at the southern border from a community 500 miles north, to dismiss the loss of manufacturing jobs from the relatve economic privilege of the Bay Area, or to minimize the Israel-Gaza War from the safety of the US than to recognize and address these contentous topics. For people to counteract the urge to blame complex issues on their diferences, they must work towards extending greater understanding to each other, whether it be through holding civil politcal discussions or familiarizing themselves with the variety in life experiences that characterize the distnctve diversity of the US. Students can similarly avoid feeding into politcal polarizaton by practcing critcal thinking through staying politcally well-informed as well as seeking new experiences to expand their world view. As the naton contnues to face new economic difcultes and social developments, the politcal landscape will once again face unantcipated change. Rather than allow unfamiliarity to induce confict and exacerbate polarizaton, society must reconcile with its intrinsic diversity and move forward together.

Janet Guan, Scarlett Huang, Vikram Mahajan & Cham Yu Sta Writers

Rightward Shift of Voters by County

H.R. 6408 sets dangerous precedents for free speech and democracy

By Roshan Annamalai, Rajorshi Chatterjee & Tushara Devapatla Sta Writers

H.R. 6408, titled the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, was proposed to the House of Representatives on Nov. 14, 2023, and would give the Secretary of the Treasury the power to desig nate any nonprofit as a “terrorist sup porting organization” and revoke its tax-exempt status. Although the bill was framed as a way to protect taxpayer money, it was more of a way to impose consequences for the grow ing Palestinian support in America fol lowing the actions of Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, and the violence initiated by the state of Israel after, with many individuals saying that the bill is structured as a way to target proPalestinian groups. H.R. 6408 sets a harmful precedent — by allocating immense control of non-profits to the government, the act gives it the unfair power of revoking status to organizations they disagree with, and ultimately taking away the freedom of speech through imposing government restrictions.

proposed and accepted immediately afterward. Related bill H.R. 9495, which was passed in the House on November 21 and expounded upon text mentioned in H.R. 6408, would give the Secretary of the Treasury the power to single-handedly determine which organizations are considered terrorist and thus subject to H.R. 6408, stripping them of their tax-exempt status.

If H.R. 6408 is signed into law, it would threaten the foundations of a country built on the principles of free speech and expression. When such a large amount of power is given to a single person within the government, it has an increased chance of being misused. This is inherently a violation of the First Amendment constitutional right to free expression, setting a precedent for censorship and stifling of the public’s voice.

the claim that the Hamas attacks were known by journalists in advance, which instigated the bill’s creation. Based on the fact that there happened to be multiple photojournalists at Gaza at the time of the incident, HonestReporting made baseless attacks against media outlets. This led to the idea that several Americans had known about the attack in advance and colluded with Hamas. Despite HonestReporting later backtracking and admitted there was no evidence, the sensationalist claims ultimately incited the creation of H.R. 6408.

Congressmen David Kustoff and Brad Schneider proposed the bill based on unsubstantiated claims pushed by media outlet HonestReporting that journalists documenting the October 7 attacks by Hamas knew about them in advance. The bill suggested amending the Internal Revenue Code by terminating tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations suspected of supporting terrorist groups.

“American taxpayer funds should never be used to support terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah or ISIS,” Schneider said in an official press release. On April 15, the bill was passed in the House by a landslide bipartisan vote of 382-11, though a motion to reconsider was

“If H.R. 6408 is signed into law, it would threaten the foundations of a country built on the principles of free speech and expression.”

H.R 6408 would distill issues like the crisis in Gaza and ignore the nuances within them by categorizing them as “terrorist” or not. The bill disregards the complexity within sociopolitical issues and allows the government to explicitly frame one side as bad based on their own agendas. Americans have the right to protest and fight for values they believe in, and for the government to disregard this right would further social unrest and destabilize society. Moreover, there is little evidence to support

The introduction of H.R. 6408 isn’t the first time bills have been promoted under the guise of protecting national security but have instead given the federal government more oversight into citizens’ everyday lives. For example, in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy, the pas sage of the USA PATRIOT Act gave US law enforcement the unprecedented power to search citizens’ private communications, which included email, medical, finan cial, and other records, without any probable cause. The bill in prac tice, however, primarily targeted Muslim individuals and has been used to unfairly frame them for crimes they did not commit. Like the USA PATRIOT Act, H.R. 6408 can have consequences reaching far yond what it was intended to do. Being able to label any organization as terrorist subsequently grants the government the ability to unfairly punish organizations that support historically marginalized groups — the same consequences of the USA PATRIOT Act. It is imperative to reflect on the past failures of the government and strive to fix, not repeat, their mistakes.

H.R. 6408 would also undermine people’s understanding of and trust in democratic freedoms by threatening those who are willing to speak up for their beliefs. The fear of being labeled as engaging in “terrorism” can deter individuals, especially high school students and young adults, from advocating for causes that challenge government policies or views. Many young people seek to engage with nonprofits and political movements as a means of developing political awareness and expressing their ideals. However, the potential of being accused as terrorists could produce a chilling effect, preventing people from speaking out or taking action by silencing them with fear. This would ultimately lead to citizens becoming less involved in civic life and limit their ability to a functioning democracy. Ultimately, H.R. 6408 has capitalized on sensationalism in order to stifle Americans’ freedom of expression. However, because this bill is still passing through Congress, students can advocate against it by contacting their representatives in the Senate. www.congress.gov allows anyone to text Congress specifically about H.R. 6408 and any concerns they may have with it. Students can also join clubs such as MSJ BAStA, which is dedicated to activism, to learn how to advocate against this bill within their community — ensuring the bill does not go into action is crucial to keeping the sanctity of the freedoms given to individuals safe. ▪

EXT E NSION SCHEDULE

DHTH: SNOW gLOBEs

By Janet Guan, Ekasha Sikka, Luna Venturo & Emily Zhang Sta Writers

Before

As a survivor of a YouTube-fueled quarantine DIY phase, I am con dent that my extensive crafting experience will secure my spot at the top of the podium. Unlike my previous endeavors, however, this will be no ve-minute craft, but rather a carefully planned, majestic display of holiday spirit, elaborate gurine placement, and, of course, glitter. e hours I’ve spent perusing Pinterest in preparation for this challenge have only boosted my shot at rst place, and with a pinch of holiday magic and my hot glue gun on standby, it’s indubitable that my creation will be unbeatable. Heading into this competition, I don’t just think will emerge the winner, I snow I will.

What can I say? A little creativity and a lot of chaos and voil — rst place was mine. As promised, my inner DIY queen met the challenge and crafted her way to rst place. Yet, despite ending in victory, this DieHard TryHards challenge was no walk in the park — or should I say forest. My initial attempt at recreating a scene in the woods from Bambi resulted in a terrifying, distorted blob of clay that looked more like a bush than Bambi, so I opted for a woodland theme with store bought deer gurines instead. Even after I had completed my snow globe, I faced several obstacles. I was somewhat upset when my jar started leaking, and when I walked into class and saw my fellow Smokies’ work, all I could say was, “oh deer.” Ultimately, I stayed true to my word and brought home the gold — the metaphorical star on my Christmas tree this season.

With seven years of dedicated art experience, including numerous hours spent honing my technical skills and endless drawing sessions in my free time, I’m no stranger to creating something extraordinary. is DieHard TryHards appears to be the perfect stage to showcase my creativity and talent, a perfect start in my redemption arc from third-place I received in last month’s challenge. From sketching out the perfect design of my snow globe to bringing it to life with detail and precision, I’m here to prove that my artistic journey has prepared me for this moment. Get ready, because my nal creation will not just be any snow globe, but my magnum opus.

Never would I have thought that creating a snow globe would be such an arduous task. After days of trying to create the perfect Pinterest-esque snowglobe at my battered arts and crafts table, I ended up with second place. While it is a step up from last time’s bronze, gold was the goal. What was supposed to be a charming, simple gingerbread man stepping into the snow-covered world of Candy Land somehow turned into a shockingly glittery disaster. In my usual impatience, I didn’t realize the UV resin I used to waterproof the clay was sticky because I didn’t give it enough time to cure. Hence, when I added water to the globe too early, the glitter in the water ended up unfortunately sticking to the resin. e result? A gingerbread man that was blindingly glittery — far shinier than I’d ever intended. As a desperate attempt to save the project, I attached a line of fairy lights to the base of the snow globe, but even that couldn’t o set the glittery mess.

Before After After

Before After

Despite seven years of art classes on my resume, my craft-making history can only be summarized as catastrophic. From tangling countless friendship bracelets to super-gluing my own ngers, far too many of my artistic pursuits have ended in tragedy. However, I am con dent that through rigorous and strategic preparation, my performance in this Diehard Tryhards will turn the tides. After watching dozens of Youtube tutorials at 2x speed and desperately Googling inspiration for an hour, I am now truly an expert in snow-globe making. I’ve always valued humility, but I have a feeling that Santa Claus will ering me an executive position in his toy factory after this.

Janet

3

As an experienced artist and hardcore lover of crafts, I’m extremely con dent in my ability to take this win home, creating the most exquisite snow globe of all time. I have a detailed plan on how to execute this project which details creating wonderful trinkets and decorations, out of various cobbled together materials into a lovely collage of textures, shapes and colors. With a decade of experience under my belt, coupled with my creative mind, I truly believe I will ourish in this competition and cast aside any doubts others may have about my skills. My snow globe will be a magni cent representation of the cold yet cozy feeling of this time of year. I will absolutely amaze the judges with my stunning project.

3 1

Well … it seems that I might have to distance myself from Santa’s toy factory this Christmas with this placement. From melting Mod Podge to disintegrating clay, my clay gurine went through quit the ordeal. Just an hour after I hot-glued my snow globe shut, my gurine toppled o the lid and dove head- rst into a glitter blizzard. At that point, all I wanted for Christmas was a holiday miracle. However, I am a rm believer that every loss is really just a victory in disguise. In persevering through the transformative journey of snow-globe making, I’ve gained invaluable wisdom: overcon dence cannot replace the hard-earned fruits of diligent planning and practice, and more importantly, unless you want to witness the untimely death of a clay doll, don’t dump Modge Podge in water before it cures completely — really, one hour isn’t “good enough.”

Before After

Although the results aren’t what I expected, I’m still proud of myself as this was my rst time making a snow globe. Do not be fooled, if those strange otherworldly forces such as fate and bad luck had not plotted and prayed for my downfall, I truly believe I could have won. Just as everything was ready, my fate took a turn, and luck stabbed me in

still do truly believe my knowledge of crafts would help me get an edge, however things just didn’t go my way. In a future challenge, perhaps in a future challenge, I will prove that I’m not just all talk.

Ekasha Luna

Emily

Babylonian Origin

Astrology originated in Babylon, around third millenium BCE. After observing the Sun’s path through a ring of 12 constellations, the Babylonians divided the sky into 12 sections, creating the zodiac circle that is known today. The ancient system emphasized celestial patterns, and they believed the movements directly in uenced events on Earth. For example, they used the zodiac to predict agricultural cycles, weather patterns, and even the outcomes of wars. This system heavily in uenced later civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, who expanded on the ideas. However, the precession of the equinoxes, the moments the sun is directly above the equator, caused a shift in the zodiac over time, causing the astrological signs today to no longer match the original constellations they were based on.

Astrology has become a prevalent part of modern culture, with millions around the world turning to their horoscopes for guidance and insight. To explore this widespread practice, the Smoke Signal compiled a list of signi cant celestial signs and charts and researched origins and evolution of astrology.

Ancient Greece

The Greeks adopted Babylonian astrological systems and integrated them into their mythology. For example, the constellation Aries was linked to the golden ram of Jason and the Argonauts. The Greeks referred to the celestial zone containing these constellations as zodiakos kyklos, meaning “circle of animals.” Astrology was seen as part of a larger cosmic order. Philosophers like Plato viewed celestial movements as a re ection of the soul’s journey and moral order, while Aristotle connected planetary motions to the idea of a “prime mover,” a powerful in uence that shaped both the heavens and the natural world.

Ancient Egypt

Rise in Popularity

Aquarius

Aquarius (January 20–February 18), symbolized by the Water Bearer, is inventive, independent, and sociable but can sometimes be detached or unpredictable. They match well romantically with Gemini, Libra, and Sagittarius, nd synergy with Gemini and Aries at work, and thrive with unconventional friendships with Sagittarius and Gemini.

Sagittarius (November 22–December 21), symbolized by the Archer, is adventurous, optimistic, and philosophical, though they can be restless and tactless at times. Aries, Leo, and Aquarius are their best matches in love, while Gemini and Aries inspire them at work. They prefer friendships with bold and free-spirited signs like Aries and Aquarius.

Pisces

Sagittarius

Leo

Virgo

Pisces (February 19–March 20), symbolized by the Fish, is compassionate, artistic, and imaginative, yet their escapism and emotional sensitivity can hold them back. In love, Cancer, Scorpio, and Taurus provide stability. At work, Pisces succeed alongside empathetic colleagues like Cancer and Capricorn, while their closest friends are often Scorpio and Cancer.

In ancient Egypt, astrology was deeply entwined with religious beliefs and the seasonal oods of the Nile River, which determined the agricultural cycle. The Egyptians developed a sophisticated 12-month lunar calendar that marked natural phenomena with certain celestial events, like the helical rise of Sirius signifying the start of the annual ood. They believed astrological occurrences played a signi cant role in determining the destinies of pharaohs, whose reigns were seen as the will of the gods. Egyptian temples were often decorated with star maps, zodiac symbols, and constellations, re ecting the belief that the heavens were directly connected to divine power and had a strong in uence on daily life.

In the 19th century, astrology resurged through the spiritualist movements, which emerged as a response to rapid societal changes like industrialization and scienti c advancements. This period marked the introduction of newspaper horoscopes, which provided weekly predictions based on one’s zodiac sign, and the rise of sun sign astrology, a simpli ed version of astrology. By 1895, astrology became a fashionable trend, particularly among high society women. In the early 1900s, astrologers gained massive popularity with predictions about WWI, a future president, and the Star of Bethlehem. Today, astrology remains a signi cant part of popular culture, with millions identifying with their zodiac signs. Social media further expanded astrology’s reach, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram fueling trends like birth chart readings and astrological forecasts, making astrology accessible to a global audience.

Renaissance

During the Renaissance, there was a resurgence of interest in astrology as classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome were rediscovered and translated. These texts were studied alongside astronomy, forming natural philosophy: a eld that blended science, spirituality, and mysticism. Astronomers incorporated astrological calculations into their work, believing there were celestial in uences in areas like weather and medicine. At the time, astrology’s in uence extended beyond science. For example, some monarchs, like Elizabeth of England, employed astrologers as advisors. However, as Copernicus and Galileo advanced the heliocentric model of the universe and scienti c discovery further progressed, astrology gradually became regarded more as a pseudoscience.

In astrology, each planet symbolizes universal aspects of the human experience and governs different parts of our psyche, in uencing desires, needs, and traits depicted in the natal chart. The Sun (Leo) re ects ego and core personality, while the Moon (Cancer) governs emotions and instincts. Mercury (Gemini and Virgo) represents intellect and communication, and Venus (Taurus and Libra) symbolizes love and beauty. Mars (Aries) drives passion and action, Jupiter (Sagittarius) fosters growth and luck, and Saturn (Capricorn) highlights discipline and responsibility. Uranus (Aquarius) brings eccentricity and change, Neptune (Pisces) unveils dreams and imagination, and Pluto (Scorpio) explores power and transformation, with each planet’s transit in uencing life differently.

“[In ancient societies], I think [astrology] was probably way more serious because they didn’t have the science we do now. They used it to make sense of stuff like seasons or big events, but guess it also in uenced things like decisions or beliefs about fate.” —

Virgo (August 23–September 22), symbolized by the Virgin, is organized, wise, and meticulous but may struggle with overthinking and harsh self-criticism. Taurus, Capricorn, and Cancer offer romantic stability, while Capricorn and Scorpio are their ideal colleagues. They prefer friendships with reliable and steady signs like Taurus and Cancer.

Gemini

Leo (July 23–August 22), symbolized by the Lion, is bold, creative, and charismatic but may come across as domineering or self-centered. They are most romantically compatible with Aries, Sagittarius, and Libra. At work, their condence aligns well with Gemini and Aquarius, and socially, they enjoy the company of fun-loving Aries and Gemini.

Capricorn

Gemini (May 21–June 20), symbolized by the Twins, is curious, outgoing, and witty but may sometimes be scattered or inconsistent. Libra, Aquarius, and Aries are their best romantic matches, while Leo and Aquarius bring out their creativity at work. In friendship, they connect best with energetic signs like Aries and Sagittarius.

Scorpio

Scorpio (October 23–November 21), symbolized by the Scorpion, is intense, passionate, and resourceful, yet they can also be secretive and controlling. They pair well romantically with Cancer, Pisces, and Virgo, collaborate best with Capricorn and Virgo, and cherish emotionally deep friendships with Cancer and Pisces.

Capricorn (December 22–January 19), symbolized by the Goat, is focused, disciplined, and practical but may seem too reserved or pessimistic. Taurus, Virgo, and Scorpio create stable romantic connections for them, while Virgo and Taurus share their strong work ethic. They value lasting friendships with reliable signs like Taurus and Scorpio.

Libra

Libra (September 23–October 22), symbolized by the Balance, is charming, fair-minded, and social but may be overly idealistic or indecisive. Gemini, Aquarius, and Leo complement them in love, while they ourish professionally alongside Leo and Sagittarius. Their friendships tend to thrive with easygoing signs like Gemini and Aquarius.

Cancer

Cancer (June 21–July 22), symbolized by the Crab, is empathetic, intuitive, and deeply caring but prone to mood swings and insecurity. Scorpio, Pisces, and Taurus offer the most romantic harmony, and they succeed alongside dependable coworkers like Virgo and Taurus. Their closest friendships often form with Scorpio and Pisces.

Taurus Aries

Taurus (April 20–May 20), symbolized by the Bull, is reliable, patient, and grounded but can struggle with jealousy and in exibility. Their most ful lling relationships are with Virgo, Capricorn, and Pisces, while coworkers like Virgo and Scorpio help them excel. Emotionally, they gravitate toward nurturing friendships with Cancer and Pisces.

Aries (March 21–April 19), symbolized by the Ram, is fearless, driven, and full of energy. However, their impatience and impulsiveness can cause friction in relationships. They thrive romantically with Leo, Sagittarius, and Gemini, work well with forward-thinking signs like Aquarius and Leo, and seek adventurous companions like Gemini and Sagittarius.

Aashrith Morumganti, 11

“I think astrology stays popular because it gives people a sense of comfort and control. It's an easy way to make sense of the unknown, like relationships or future events, without having to put in a lot of effort. Plus, it's fun to read your horoscope or talk about your sign with others, especially since it's so widely shared online ... My family follows astrological signs somewhat, and they use it in conjunction with religious rituals and ceremonies. For instance, it might be used to choose which day to perform a speci c ritual. There's also a ritual called sandhyavandanam we do which uses horoscopes.”

— Pradyumna Krishna, 10

“I don’t think astrology can provide meaningful insights as it has existed for so long yet. There’s still no evidence to prove that there's anything factual about it. think it’s just pseudoscience and the people who believe in it just look at when it’s right, and ignore when it’s wrong ... I’m familiar with my zodiac sign. Some of the traits are right and some aren’t, which makes me think that when each sign throws out a bunch of common traits, there are always some that are right and are a coincidence.”

— Myron Wu, 11

A natal chart is a personalized astrological chart that depicts the positions of the planets at the time of a person’s birth and is used to gain insight into one’s characteristics, relationships, and path in life. The chart is a circle centered on Earth and divided into 12 equal sectors, each representing a zodiac and the traits it embodies. The positions of the planets, which symbolize speci c character archetypes, are then plotted on the chart. The sector in which each planet lies determines the trait through which each characteristic is expressed. For instance, Venus in the Gemini sector and represents the trait of expressing love through communication. Furthermore, the relative alignment of planets shows the strength of their in uence on an individual. For instance, when Mercury and Neptune align with Earth, one’s intelligence and imagination are raised.

Roshan Annamalai, Dhaeshna Booma, Michael Qu & Prisha Virmani Staff Writers

DEAR DIARY: overworked ELF

By Lucas Zhang Sta Writer

During the festive holiday season, people around the world anticipate the arrival of gifts from Santa Claus on Christmas Day. To ensure the timely delivery of these gifts, Santa commands a massive workforce of elves that diligently labor throughout the four weeks between anksgiving and Christmas. However, one particular elf is tired of the toiling, furious that Santa has overworked him each winter, before realizing that he can always nd fun for himself, even under these circumstances.

Today marks anks giving, a cherished holiday across the nation in which families unite to celebrate their grati tude. Yet, for us elves, it declares the beginning of a grueling cycle of gift pro duction. To the people down south, the magical arrival of San ta Claus as he returns to the North Pole after the Macy’s Day Parade may be a sign of hap piness. But up north, even receiv ing coal would be better than the torture that we will now endure.

e holiday season has just started, but much to our discontent, several naughty children have already made ridiculous requests like huge TVs and new dinner tables that Santa requires us to ful ll anyway. To make things worse, he always orders us to prepare the humongous presents during the rst week. e shorter preparation cycle this year seems to have already taken its toll on me and my fellow elf friends. If people just asked for all the huge, hard-to-produce gifts they want during Black Friday, then the Polar Express would not have to cram nearly as much in its stock as Amazon does. After all, they have an entire rainforest to themselves, while we only have ever-shrinking shelves of ice to work with.

e rst of four work weeks is over, and I can only hope that there is still a light at the end of the tunnel of work

Santa has put me through. More early present requests than usual means that we have to work overtime, but even the extra two or three hours per day is not enough to meet current demands. As a result, we no longer have weekends , and I would rather bury myself in coal than continue my shifts in Santa’s workshop if this craze continues. Do the people down south even understand how much work goes into each of their gifts? Is it really worth continuing with this job?

I nally get to enjoy my four hours of rest after having just completed a Sunday night shift. I’ve started to think that Santa has started to not care about our sleep schedules and health. Does he know that we may not be able to contribute for the next two weeks if we fall sick? Does he understand that more early requests may not correspond to more last-minute requests? Santa should start feeling more jolly toward us too, not just the people down south.

13 @ 9 P.m.

With several wishes taking a whole elf crew many hours across several days to craft, Santa has announced to us that we will be working for at least twelve hours every single day until Christmas Eve. He urges us to persist, reminding us that we have the spirit of nutcrackers within us and will not crack under pressure. However, I personally do not believe that productivity equates to enjoyment, even if we produce presents. I am sure that all of us elves will eventually reach our breaking point, unable to function if this keeps up.

23 @ 1 P.m.

Feasting on the lunch provided by Santa’s workshop kitchen hours before Christmas Eve, I am glad that I have survived three entire weeks of producing presents with no breaks (besides sleeping and eating). Santa has announced to us that we have nally prepared enough gifts to ful ll every wish and last-day requests around the world, so our next step is to personalize the deliveries before loading them on the famous sleigh. Even though

After delivering presents down chimneys with Santa, I now realize that I can always nd ways to have fun in any situation. Preparing physical presents can turn into a mundane and repetitive task, but upon seeing the glimmering smiles of people receiving their personalized gifts, it feels like I contributed to the holiday spirit. is way, people can actually appreciate all the work us elves have done to produce, wrap, and deliver these goods, leading them to not neglect the work and care that goes into every individual gift. Maybe being a workaholic is not as terrible as I thought it was. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year. ▪

Club Spotlight: MSJ Poverty Patch-Up

By Tushara Devapatla & Ariel Duong Sta Writers

As the newest service club on campus, MSJ Poverty Patch-Up is dedicated to helping CA’s homeless and impoverished communities, raising funds, and spreading awareness of the urgent growth of the population. e club was founded as an o cial club in October 2024, and since then, it has held their rst event, a clothing donation drive. is marks the rst of many developments and initiatives coordinated by the MSJ Poverty Patch-Up o cer team, including President Sophomore Abirami Palaniappan and Vice President Sophomore Aarushi Agarwal. Palaniappan drew inspiration to establish a Poverty Patch-Up chapter at MSJ last year, after packaging and distributing meals to the homeless at a Dublin service event organized by the national nonpro t. As she looked to the MSJ community for like-minded peers to expand Poverty Patch-Up, her team began to assemble with the ambition to serve the disadvantaged. “We messaged the founder and asked to start a chapter here to reach more therefore make a greater impact on Fremont … a lot of homelessness and our area as well … we decided to do something rst,” Agarwal said. With the addition of the MSJ chapter, Poverty Patch Up’s com

has grown its members across the Bay Area to more than 200 with MSJ contributing up to 29, o ering ample service opportunities, workshops, and drives.

“We messaged the founder and asked to start a chapter here to reach more people, and therefore make a greater impact on Fremont ... There [is] a lot of homelessness and poverty in our area as well ... we decided to do something frst.” — V ICE P RESIDENT A A

In partnership with Abode Services Sunrise Village Emergency

Fremont, MSJ Poverty Patch-Up hosted its rst annual Fall Clothing Donation Drive on November 1-15. rough the donation drive, the club garnered nearly 500 articles of clothing to donate to impoverished and homeless populations across the Bay Area. An indisputable success despite the brevity of it, the club collected seven full full fullof clothing and blankets to donate. “We got a lot of donations, [which will allow] the community to bene t from this, [especially since] it’s getting really cold and raining a lot. ose who don’t have access to clothes and blankets, we’re going to be able to give that to them,” Agarwal said.

include fundraisers such as a bake sale and volunteer opportunities at a soup kitchen in late December. While the club’s focus is service, they also advocate for feasible change to uplift the homeless population in Fremont. “Right now, Fremont is trying to make it illegal for people who live in cars to [park for the night]. We’re working on a proposition to the council to make sure that they’re able to actually have a place to live,” Agarwal said.

“Right now, Fremont is trying to make it illegal for people who live in cars to [park for the night]. We’re working on a proposition to the council to make sure that they’re able to actually have a place to live.”

MSJ Poverty Patch-Up has already made a substantial impact on the Fremont community and engaged several MSJ students in volunteerism. rough donation

Left to right: Anshika Jain, Aparajita Rai, Dhritee Desai, Anika Srinivasan, Arsh Shah. Bottom: Neha Puttichanda, Abirami Palaniappan, Aarushi Agarwal

Shelter based in

With their rst club initiative complete, MSJ Poverty Patch-Up’s next projects

DIN DING DUMPLING HOUSE

qualities of careful attentiveness and speedy service, Din Ding Dumpling House’s sta enjoyable aspects of a customer’s visit.

By Michelle Qu & Fiona

After two years of careful planning and preparation, classic Bay Area family owned Din Ding Dumpling House announced its grand reopening in Fremont Downtown on August 21. Located on 3768 J Capitol Ave., Din Ding Dumpling House o ers a selection of high quality and authentic handmade dough-based dishes such as its signature xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, and braised beef noodle soup.

e entrance of the establishment greets customers with loud, happy chatter and tables seated with people enjoying plates and bowls of steaming hot avorful food and stacks of bamboo dumpling steamer baskets. Din Ding Dumpling House’s interior re ects sleek neo-Chinese designs with smooth dark brown walls, two large porcelain vases intricately painted with Chinese rivers, and a large yellow jade statue of owers surrounded by an arc of bright white lights. Line art of xiao long bao, dumpling wares, and assorted dishes cover the large window panes, contributing to an immersive food atmosphere. e geometric square shaped ceiling lights cast a warm lighting onto rows of tables, enhancing the relaxed and intimate dining experience.

Each table starts o with a complimentary dish of julienned radishes doused with soy sauce and chili avoring. e sta swiftly take orders, accounting for each dish a customer marks onto the paper menu. With

e House’s extensive menu o ditional Chinese dishes at an a taste of comfort and home with ease to each customer. menu mainly consists of Chinese staples such as pan fried dumplings. Served in towers of steam baskets, the pork xiao long bao are warm and comforting. One bite into the dumpling reveals a mouthful of intense the broth escapes, making a delicious food coupled with the tender, melt-in-mouth meat. With a gener ous eight pieces per basket, the xiao long bao is an a ordable but lling menu item. Another classic is the shrimp and pork potsticker. Laced with a crispy golden dumpling skirt, each crunch com plements the soft meat of soy sauce perfectly complements the burst of avor.

e strawberry chocolate xiaolongbao, however, failed to measure up to expectations — both tively and literally, as they were a third of the size of a regular xiao long bao. unpleasantly grainy strawberry jam created the experience of biting into a hot tru a half dollars per dumpling, it would be easier and cheaper to microwave chocolate at home.

e restaurant’s bowl of braised beef noodle soup lives up to its reputation as one of the most popular dishes. From rst sight, the beefy aroma com plements the delicate golden broth. e handmade noodles are chewy and long; a server provides scissors to cut them into bite-sized strips.

Din Ding Dumpling House boasts an array of high-quality dishes at a reasonable price. With ef ficient

Yang Staf Writers

WHO WE ARE

The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private research institution in Fremont, California.

DiGITAL SAT Winter Bo Camp December 2024

SAT BOOT CAMP SCHEDULE

ASDRP is the Bay Area's premier precollegiate research & development institution, run by a consortium of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and researchers with years of academic and industry experience who collectively seek to push forward the current frontiers in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, psychology, medicine, engineering, and more.

We mentor high school students - budding scientists in 9th through 12th grade - who come from every corner of the greater Bay Area, California, and across the United States. We seek student researchers who are passionate, who are unafraid of a steep learning curve, and who want to be involved in real science that has real impact on society

Application Details

Spring 2025

Early Application Deadline: November 15, 2024

Final Applications Due: December 30, 2024 @ 11:59 PM PST

EXT E NSION SCHEDULE

WHAT WE DO

Quite simply, we do research. Our investigators and student researchers strive to make impact in fields ranging from cancer biology, drug discovery, environmental science, and computer-guided drug design to radioastronomy, machine learning, and urban sustainability.

Summer 2025

Early Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

Final Applications Due: April 15, 2025 @ 11:59 PM PST

As in any other R&D establishment, we publish papers, present work at conferences, and generate intellectual property. Check out some of our latest preprints, publications, and conference proceedings online.

MISSION & VISION

Applications are competitive, and each term, ASDRP receives far more applicants than there are open research positions. Apply online at www.asdrp.org/apply.

ASDRP is not a class, not a tutoring center, and not a summer camp. We are scientists and engineers who aim to push the frontiers of scientific discovery through rigorous and cutting edge basic & applied research across the life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering, while bringing out the best in the aspiring scientists we mentor.

External queries: admissions@asdrp.org

Administrative services: asdrp.admin@asdrp.org

Interested in finding out more? RSVP for an informational webinar at www.asdrp.org/rsvp.

E-mail: admissions@asdrp.org 46309 Warm Springs Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539

Moana 2 Fails to Make a splash

By Prisha Virmani Sta Writer

After nearly a decade of anticipation and multiple creative changes, 2 returns to the beloved world of the adored way nder, Moana (Auli’i Craval ho), with a blend of nostalgic charm and fresh cultural representation. Released in theatres on November 26, eight years after its predecessor, the sequel raises the stakes with Moana’s new mission: recon necting the scattered oceanic communi ties displaced by an angry deity. While the plot feels reminiscent of the origi nal, the lm introduces deeper cultural themes and builds on Moana’s personal growth, making it a meaningful continuation of her journey.

e story picks up three years after Moana restores Te Fiti, following her as she voyages to nd other people on di erent islands. Moana’s character has matured, and the lm does a commendable job of showcasing her growth into a con dent leader — an uncommon yet refreshing arc for a Disney heroine. As Moana learns of the existence of other people beyond her own village, she realises she must leave her home and journey to the lost island of Motufetu. Along the way she assembles a mismatched crew on this quest: Moni (Hualālai Chung), the daydreamer and storyteller, Loto (Rose Matafeo) the brilliant engineer, and Kele (David Fane) the reluctant farmer. Reuniting with the shape-shifting demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), Moana journeys farther than she has ever gone, facing perilous storms and near death situations, all while her younger sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) eagerly awaits her return, increasing the responsibility Moana has on her shoulders.

e lm’s portrayal of Polynesian culture expands on the world of the rst movie with vibrant visuals and a heartfelt emphasis on community and intercon-

BOOKBYTES

By Kanupriya Goyal Staf Writer

Student Recommendation

Title: e Poppy War

Author: R.F. Kuang

December 2024 Student Faves

MOVIE: Fast & Furious — Rhea Mordani, 12

Truman Nguyen, 12

Finding himself in Shawn

By Kaylin Teo Sta Writer

On July 21, Shawn Mendes took to social media, posting 40 seconds picturing friends and family, scenic surroundings, and glimpses of himself to the back track of what would become the closing track, “Hallelujah,” teas ing his self-titled album, Shawn in the works. Mendes’ previ ous projects found tremendous success with hit songs such as “Stitches” from his 2015 album Handwritten and “Señorita” from his 2019 album Shawn Mendes earning him three Grammy nominations and more than 121 music awards. However, Shawn, Mendes’ fth studio album released on November 15 via Island Records, steers away from the mainstream pop sounds that initially popularized his works. His latest work, Shawn, dives deep into the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery in a raw and unfamiliar way. e album shares similar lyrical themes with much of his older music. Although it conveys them with an intimacy that feels more personal and exclusive to his life, an aspect of his music that had been missing. Shawn is an album lled with nostalgia, carried by Mendes’ signature guitar acoustics and soul- ful vocals, which add warmth and depth to the album. Lead track “Who I Am” and hit single “Why Why Why” pin- point Mendes’ unique styles and genuineness in his music. “Who I Am” features softer, more tender vocals that complement his mel- low guitar beautifully. e lyrics “Losin’ myself tryna make you proud / Sorry, gotta do it, gotta let you down” resonate heavily with listeners as he re ects on himself and expresses his mission to nd himself. is introduction track ts perfectly to set the tone for the album’s sincerity, estab- lishing a musical world that feels both moving and authentic. Written about Mendes’ personal anxieties, “Why Why

Why” sets the scene for a whirl wind of thoughts through the increasingly quickening tempo, intensi ed strumming, and the lyrical emphasis on uncertainties. e urgency in his voice is overwhelming and quite familiar, making it a very heartfelt listen. e rushed pacing comes to a halt at the bridge where Mendes writes, “ ought I was about to be a father / Shook me to the core, I’m still a kid,” a line which is still intriguing and emphasizes introspection. Other standout tracks include “Heart of Gold” and “Rollin’ Right Along,” sharing the intimacy of losing a childhood friend that is no longer close and grasp- ing the idea of time. Mendes sings, “We shot for the stars / I see you up there” and “I was tryna grow up way too fast / When time’s the only thing I can’t get back.” ese lyrics beautifully capture the stories and emotions of Shawn e album overall contains heartfelt storytelling and magi- cally enticing instrumentals, both of which are highlights of the album. Its sincerity and eupho- nious qualities makes Shawn an album worth waiting for, one for friends and family.

Grade: A

freshing return to Scott’s richly craft ed ancient Rome, although many plot elements come o as repetitive.

Now 86 years old, Scott sought to bring the Colosseum back to the big screen over the past two decades. However, one major issue plagued his endeavors: both the protagonist, Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), and the antagonist, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), were both dead by the end of the lm. Scripts revolving around a prequel to the original story, or the return of Maximus as an immortal warrior destined to ght through historical events, were both rejected by major lm studios. It wasn’t until David Scarpa, a writer who was also behind Ridley’s 2017 historical drama

(Connie Nielsen), the daughter of former emperor Marcus Aurelius, plots against corrupt twin emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). Although the lm makes an attempt to honor its source material, these e orts come o as lazy and uninspired. For instance, Scott incorporates a similar storyline of a gladiator rising against a corrupt empire, bringing back original characters, such as Lucilla and Senator Gracchus (Derek Jacobi), and repeating significant quotes uttered in the rst lm. Rather than building on an already elaborate universe, Scott chooses to take the easy path of repeating a familiar story to audiences. e lack

the other hand, production design er Arthur Max worked on replicating a section of the Colosseum as a two story set, stretching a quarter of a mile. e combination of e ects makes for a movie lled with visually captivating scenes. e lm’s detailed costume design helps viewers fully immerse themselves in Ancient Rome. e original Gladiator won Best Costume Design in the 73rd Academy Awards. Gladiator II continues its predecessors’s legacy of elaborate yet realistic costumes. Noble citizens and senators in the lm are draped in colorful, owing robes, while Gladiators wear rough pieces of metallic armor. A standout piece is Macrinus’s costume design; Washington’s character is ful-

up to this expectation, he shines in certain scenes, especially in a nal speech given at the end of the lm. Scott’s return to Rome might be underwhelming to fans of the original lm, but thrilling action, intricate costumes, and an outstanding performance by Washington provides new viewers an entertaining watch at theaters. In the wake of Ridley’s announcement for a third lm, audiences can be assured that the story of the gladiator is far from over.

Rating: C+

By Kanupriya Goyal & Ariana Yi Sta Writers

Junior Aliana Wang’s sport isn’t con ned to the school eld or gym — it takes her to snow-covered mountains in Lake Tahoe every weekend. Wang, a competitive snowboarder, juggles sports and academics, blending her passion for snowboarding seamlessly into her lifestyle.

Athlete Spotlight: Aliana Wang

Wang’s athletic journey began at around seven years old, long before she strapped on a snowboard. “I did a lot of sports when I was younger — ice skating, martial arts, and seven years of badminton,” Wang said. However, during Wang’s freshman year, a new sport sparked her interest. Inspired by snowboarding athletes like Lindsey Jacobellis, who won gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Wang decided to make the switch from badminton to snowboarding. “I’d always gone snowboarding for fun with my family during the winters, but seeing others compete made me realize I wanted to try it seriously,” Wang said.

Wang quickly achieved competitive success. In her rst year of competitive snowboarding, she quali ed for the Snowboarding National Championship in Colorado by competing in regional competitions throughout the season and accumulating points. “It was really nerve-wracking,” Wang said. “I wasn’t expecting to qualify at all, and when I got to Colorado, everything felt so much bigger and more intense than the local competitions in Tahoe.”

However, despite her nerves, Wang placed 15th in the Giant Slalom’s 15-16 women’s category.

Balancing a high school schedule with competitive snowboarding is no small feat, especially when training happens so far away from the Bay Area. “Every Friday after school, I pack my stu , and we leave for Tahoe,” Wang said. “ e drive can take six to seven hours, depending on

“If you’re passionate about something, just go for it. Don’t let school stop you from doing what you love.”

— JUNIOR ALIANA WANG

tra c. Most of the time, I use that time to get homework done.” Her weekends are packed, with training from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, followed by conditioning sessions on Sundays. She leaves Tahoe around 4 p.m. and gets back home late Sunday night, where she’s often too exhausted to think about schoolwork. “It’s tough, but I’ve learned to manage my time well during the week,” Wang said. “I try to nish assignments as soon as they’re posted so I don’t fall behind.” Despite these challenges, Wang’s passion for the sport encourages her to maintain the e ort she puts in.

Looking ahead, Wang aims to achieve even

greater milestones. She is considering competing in North American snowboarding events, which she may have to qualify for and would take her beyond her usual training grounds in Tahoe to places like New York and Canada. “ ere’s [also] a camp in Canada later this season I’d love to attend,” Wang said. “But it’s a huge time commitment, so I’m still guring it out.”

roughout all the hurdles, snowboarding has made Wang’s determination and positivity shine more brightly. “If you’re passionate about something, just go for it,” Wang said. “Don’t let school stop you from doing what you love. It’s all about managing your time and staying on top of things.” While snowboarding might seem daunting to newcomers, Wang encourages everyone to give it a try. “It’s really scary at rst, but once you get used to it, it’s so much fun,” Wang said. “ e nervousness goes away once you start.” Wang’s journey proves that even in a place as far from snow as the Bay Area, pursuing your passions is always possible with hard work, dedication, and a little courage ▪

Junior Aliana Wang poses for a headshot.

Junior Aliana Wang sits overlooking the snow-capped mountains of Lake Tahoe.

Junior Aliana Wang cruises along at a Lake Tahoe course.

GUIDE TO LOCAL ICE RINKS

By Novak Chen, Varun Madhavan, & Michael Qu Staf Writers

With winter in full effect, there is no better time to create lasting memories with friends and family than by exploring the many Bay Area ice rinks. The Smoke Signal compiled a list of popular rinks based on location, activities, and seasonal appeal to feature the perfect spots to enjoy the ice and make the most of the winter season.

Sharks Ice Fremont

Located on 44388 Old Warm Springs Blvd., Sharks Ice at Fremont is a versatile venue that caters to all ages and skill levels.The ice rink offers an engaging In-House Youth Hockey program, ideal for participants who learned the fundamentals of skating from Shark Ice courses like Hockey 1, 2, and 3. The program emphasizes individual skill development skating, puck handling, and shooting, along with team work and hockey rules. While off the ice, visitors can enjoy Stane ly’s Sports Bar, a cozy mountain chalet-style space overlook ing the rinks that provides amenities like TVs to watch sports and pool tables. The rink also hosts public skating sessions, birthday parties, and other special events, making it a popular destination for family and communal gatherings.

Snoopy’s Home Ice

Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice

The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon offcially opened on November 15, kicking off the holiday season. Named after Olympic gold medalist and fgure skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi, the rink offers a festive experience for skaters of all levels. The rink features a large, outdoor ice surface surrounded by twinkling lights and hosts special events like ugly sweater nights and Santa meet-andgreets throughout the season. In addition to public skating sessions, visitors can also book the rink for private events. Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink donates a portion of profts to Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, an organization that provides books and resources to children in underserved communities, making the rink the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy skating while supporting a meaningful cause.

Snoopy’s Home Ice, also called the Redwood Empire Ice Arena, was built, owned, and operated by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, creator of the comic strip Peanuts. Bringing elements of the comic to life, the rink is decorated with characters from his, such as Charlie Brown and Snoopy the Dog. Operating since 1969 and open year-round, the rink has amassed a reputation for its colorful lights, ambience, playful theming, and customer service. The rink has been highlighted as the world’s most beautiful ice arena by numerous publications such as the Sonoma County Tourism offce. Located in the center of Santa Rosa, the arena often hosts birthday parties, hockey classes, and fgure skating classes. Within the ice rink, visitors can go to the Warm Puppy Cafe to taste a variety of Peanuts themed food and beverages, such as the Snoopy special hot dog.

TriValley Ice Dublin

Situated at 7212 San Ramon Road, TriValley Ice Dublin, also known as Dublin Ice, is one of seven TriValley ice rinks located in the Bay Area. The rink provides various learning and recreational opportunities for skaters of all skill levels. Visitors can learn fundamentals of skating at the Learn to Skate Program, try out hockey during a Pucks on a Pond event, or simply enjoy the ice rink on their own during free skate hours. As part of the TriValley circuit, Dublin Ice also features a hockey league, catering to both youth and adults with their Youth Hockey and Adult 3x3 hockey programs. Emphasizing inclusivity and community, Dublin Ice offers a fun and lively recreational experience for all.

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square offcially opened for the season on November 6, one of the earliest Bay Area rinks to reopen. Located in downtown San Francisco at 333 Post St., this outdoor rink hosts unique events such as its Silent Skate, where skaters enjoy music through headphones, and Polar Bear Skate, where participants wear their wildest and most inventive beach attire. The ice rink itself is a smaller size, geared towards recreational skating rather than full-size ice hockey matches or fgure skating competitions. One of the stand-out features of the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink is its focus on music — with weekly events like Flashback Fridays playing the hits of the ‘80s and Classic Sundays’ orchestral melodies, their musical assortment caters to a wide range of people. Skaters both new and experienced alike are sure to enjoy the beautiful intersection of songs and skating at one of Union Square’s most inviting holiday locations.

Cross Country Battles at NCS Meet of Champions

By Felicity He & Kaylin Teo Staf Writers

On November 23, MSJ Boys and Girls Cross Country competed for the NCS XC Meet of Champions in the Division III races at Hayward High School, with the girls competing at 10 a.m. and the boys at noon.

Two weeks leading up to the NCS Championships, MSJ Cross Country registered a particularly young varsity team of 14 that included Freshmen Mohammad Iqbal and Santosh Arunkumar. However, both teams, Boys and Girls Varsity, would only end up running six each as Sophomores Ahaan Sood and Isha Cheetencheri dropped the race after getting sick days prior. Despite the unfortunate timing, the teams prepared and performed well in the meet, especially considering the poor course conditions due to weather, with Girls Cross Country fnishing 15th among NCS Division III schools and Boys Cross Country placing 16th.

Similar to prior years, the course conditions for the Meet of Champions were far from perfect. It had rained all throughout the night

before and drizzled just before the races. Girls Cross Country found more luck with racing conditions as the rain had stopped shortly before their race. Still, a majority of the course was a mud bath and performances took a signifcant hit across the board. “I felt as though I had no control over [myself]. I felt like no matter what I did, I would slip and the only thing I could do was wave my hands around,” Junior Andrea Ishananto said. The climb up the hill bordering the backstretch of the Hayward feld posed a particularly challenging portion of the course and a popular spot for fallen runner sightings. Even so, uphills and downhills come as a package deal, relieving runners after a tedious journey up difcult ter-

rain. “I was able to use [our conditions] to my advantage and decided to slide down the hill,” Ishananto said. Leading MSJ, Sophomore Owena Chen was caught smiling through adversity as she crossed the fnish line with a time of 21:55.7 to fnish in 47th place, followed by Sophomore Kaylin Teo and Ishananto.

Just as Boys Cross Country lined up to race, the clouds rolled in and the rain began to pick up again. Regardless, teams were enthusiastic and spirited, yelling and screaming support for the runners. The spectators matched their energy, cheering and rushing to watch the start gun. Runners took of quickly, trekking through ankle-deep mud and growing puddles. Iqbal surged to lead MSJ,

posting a 7:52.8 frst split at 74th, followed by Juniors Aris Mackenzie and Daylen Kyi. By the second and fnal time on the lengthy hill, Iqbal moved up a few places, fnishing frst for MSJ and 68th overall with a time of 19:06.0. He was followed by a photo fnish from Mackenzie and Kyi, 0.4 seconds apart from one another, kicking strong at the home stretch fnishing 72nd and 73rd respectively. “I knew [Mackenzie] was right behind me because his dad would cheer his name right after mine … At the kick we went down the muddy hill at the same time … that made us both pick it up and fnish strong,” Kyi said. Past the fnishing runway, the Hayward felds were packed. Crossing the fnish line, runners were mud-stained all over, huddled together congratulating one another. The NCS Championships shed light on the sportsmanship and community of cross country, showcasing runners uniting under unfavorable circumstances. As for MSJ Cross Country, the race acts as valuable experience for the young runners and for the team, which is looking to make a push in the coming seasons.

PHOTOS

Juniors Aris Mackenzie and Aadi Yadav eagerly look at each other, excited for the upcoming race.

Girls Cross Country smiles in the aftermath of the race.

Boys Cross Country keeps its composure through the tough weather conditions.

Before the main entrance of the event, visitors could pay to experience a live steam train at Victoria Station in the lobby, which took passengers around a short course adorned with Christmas-themed decor and historic associations. To reciprocate the immersive and magical feeling of the fair, many attendees o en came dressed in the style of Christmas or Victorian Era London. Many also researched the fair in-depth to make the most of the event’s packed schedule. “Look at the schedule before you start … and pick out the things you’re most excited to see. My favorite part [of the fair] are the decorations and being immersed in the Dickens world,” attendee Anny Wu said.

Upon entering e Grand Concourse lane, visitors were handed a map of the event, which marked the streets, shops, and theaters around the palace. A few steps ahead, visitors crowded around a popular attraction — the Sherlock Holmes Experience, run by performer Shelby Bond. It comprises a murder mystery puzzle, similar to the Dr. Jekyll & Hyde and the Elixir of Madness experience, which was a bigger murder chase o ered by the Jekyll & Hyde hub that visitors could pay $75 to participate in. Attendees searched for four clues around the venue map to solve this year’s Sherlock Holmes case and prevent the killing of the First Baron Richard Monckton Milnes. “Every year, I have a new case. I research historical events or characters, and create a puzzle game [based on real events] where people get to go around the site and solve puzzles. I love seeing people engaged and enjoying solving things,” Bond said.

Great Dickens Christmas Fair

By Navya Chitlur & Luna Venturo Sta Writers

e 40th annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair celebrated Charles Dickens and his works, focusing on winter-themed titles such as A Christmas Carol, in an overall Victorian Era London setting. It was hosted at 10 a.m.-6 p.m. from November 23 to December 22 at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.

B che de No l

Bûche de Noël, also known as a Yule Log, is a rolled cake with cream and decorated with chocolate frosting to mimic a tree log. The dessert’s namesake originates from an old Euro pean custom of burning a large chunk of wood, called the yule log, on Christmas Eve. The log would burn for several days, bringing warmth to the house hold. The Bûche de Noël cake, however, is believed to have been invented in Paris in the late 1800s by Antoine Charabot, a French pastry chef. Unlike the modern Bûche de Noël, which is typically made from a chocolate Swiss roll, the earliest versions of the dessert were made from vanilla sponge cakes layered together and cut into a log shape.

Cake:

6 large eggs, separated

“[For Christmas], I would probably have to say my dad's apple tart. It's really good with ice cream … it's nice to look out the window while just enjoying a slice of it. [Apple pie’s] the only thing he can bake, and he only makes it one time a year.”

— Kent Ly, 9

Families gather together to celebrate the holiday season through festivities, traditions, and most importantly, food. To explore the variety of holiday cuisines, the Smoke Signal cooked an assortment of popular winter holiday dishes from around the world. Scan the QR code next to each recipe for more steps.

Oliebollen

Around New Year’s Eve, Dutch families enjoy Oliebollen, or Oil Balls. These traditional Dutch donuts’ origins are disputed, and there are multiple stories that tell the tale of this dessert. Dating back centuries, Germanic tribes rst enjoyed oliebollen during Yule, a period between December 21 to January 6 when people celebrate the rebirth of the sun and the return of light and warmth. Perchta, the Alpine goddess of paganism, would cut open the stomachs of people for food. Eating oliebollen was believed to prevent this tragedy, with Perchta’s sword sliding off one’s stomach due to the donut’s oily residue. Another rumored origin of these dutch donuts is when the Jewish ed Portugal during the Middle Ages, bringing them to the Netherlands. Today, oliebollen can be found at Dutch pop-up vendors during the winter season leading up to holiday festivities.

Ingredients:

After potatoes were introduced to Europe in the sixteenth century, the vegetable quickly became a widespread staple the interest of saving costs, cooks gradually transitioned

obviously one is a Christian holiday, the other one is a Hindu holiday. We have a mixed household so we celebrate nitely [eat] some kind of dosa, idli, some kinds of curries, and also me and my daughter have a tradition of doing baking for Christmas and New Years. We bake breads and brownies and fruitcakes. I do have from my childhood a particular memory I have with my mother and my grandmother. So my grandmother used to come to our house in the morning, like 5 a.m. and both her and my mom used to knead this dough that needed to grow three times with yeast, warm yeast. It was so warm inside the kitchen. The kitchen was a small kitchen, and they would work and work and work at it. And by ve in the afternoon, they were done with the work. So it was a lot of

During the hol idays, Swedish households make ris- grynsgröt, or rice grain porridge, to celebrate. Swedish rice grain porridge was rst recorded in 1328 at the fu- neral wake for the father of St. Brid- get of Sweden. Later in the 1700s, risgrynsgröt was considered to be a fashionable dish served at the nest parties. A popular tradition associated with Swedish rice grain porridge is to hide an almond inside, which is said to be a sign of true love in the coming year for whoever discovers it. Traditionally, a dish of risgrynsgröt is placed outside a family’s front door to prevent the Christmas elf from feeling annoyed and causing mis- chief.

Teacher Iulia Rusu