Spring Magazine 2024

ANTLERETTE

ADRIAN

With the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year, The Antlerette staff has taken the time to acknowledge the tremendous accomplishments of our seniors and staff. We interviewed each of the Top 10 outstanding scholars from the graduating class of 2024 to learn more about their high school experience. Four teachers are leaving our campus this year, so we spoke to them about their experiences as teachers at Elk Grove High School and their plans for the future. Additionally, this year Elk Grove High School welcomed a new principal to our campus, so read to find out what Principal Ortega’s first year has been like.

Alongside our interviews with various people on campus, the Antlerette has also taken a deep dive into important issues that affect our seniors. Read about the benefits of joining the United States military after high school, college scholarship opportunities that have gone unnoticed, what it means to become a legal adult, and much more.

This is our final magazine of the year, and this marks the end of my first year as editor-in-chief. I have learned a lot this year, and I have watched my staff grow and continue to improve with every issue. I am beyond proud of everything The Antlerette has accomplished and I can’t wait for you to see what this edition of The Antlerette has in store.

EGHS TOP TEN SCHOLARS

ADRIAN BAYARDO, AZRIEL EZRA HU, SYDNEY WESSELINK // ANTLERETTE STAFF

1 RILEY HILL

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

Just to work hard, and high school, it’s not that serious. Just make friends, don’t let petty things get in the way of like having a good time while you’re here, and it goes by a lot quicker than you’d think.

What was your favorite subject in school and why?

Mine is either math or science. Probably just because there’s always a right answer. And it’s not subjective. I’m not an English or history person.

What are your plans for after high school?

I’m planning to go to San Diego State and major in nursing. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Teleportation.

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why?

I’d be a bird so I can fly.

2 NOAH RIBET

What (if any) expectations did you have for senior year and did it meet your expectations?

I just wanted to graduate, and I’m probably going to graduate so I’m pretty happy about that. What are your plans for after high school?

I got into UCLA so I’m probably going to go there as a biology major, and hopefully transfer to med school and become an anesthesiologist.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Probably super speed.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Fettuccine alfredo.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you want to have with you?

Fishing rod, sunglasses, and a speaker.

3 ALYSSA RIORDAN

What (if any) expectations did you have for senior year and did it meet your expectations?

I did expect it to be really hard since I took a lot of classes, and it has been really hard but it’s been a lot more fun than I thought. I’ve been enjoying the hard classes more than I expected. What advice would you give to underclassmen?

I think the thing I wish I had done more is try to meet more people and make more of an effort to hang out with people just outside the classroom, because when I do get to do that I have a lot more fun than just focusing on school all the time.

What was your favorite subject in school and why?

Probably chemistry. I really liked Ms. Webster and I really loved the material.

What are your plans for after high school?

To go to UC Davis and major in biochem and hopefully become a research scientist.

If you were stranded on a deserted island what three items, would you want to have with you? I would bring my favorite book. I’d probably bring something so I could listen to music. And I would bring maybe a blanket.

HERD PRIDE 2024

4 ARJUN GILL

What (if any) expectations did you have for senior year and did it meet your expectations?

I expected it to be a calm year, and it was not a calm year. What advice would you give to underclassmen?

Try harder, because I didn’t try when I was a freshman. If you could have any superpower. what would it be? Stop time.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be? Salad.

If you were stranded on a deserted island. what three items would you want to have with you? Dario Gonzalez, Dario Gonzalez’s brother, and his sister.

5 NOAH EAST

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

Just try your best and stay true to yourself.

What was your favorite subject in school and why?

Calculus, I liked it because it was like a puzzle you could solve; it was just interesting.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Altering reality.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Steak.

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? A monkey.

6 TAYLOR SUMMERS

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

Do your homework, and don’t stress about your future. Just do what you want to do and you’ll figure it out. What was your favorite subject in school and why?

I really like math, but that was only a recent development. When I was a freshman and sophomore, I really liked history because my dad’s a history teacher.

What are your plans for after high school?

I’m going to go to UC Santa Barbara and then I’m taking biology, pre-biology, and then I’m going to go into Med school to become a doctor.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I think I’d wanna have Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for the rest of my life.

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why?

I think I’d wanna be a squirrel. So I could climb trees and jump. Maybe a flying squirrel, so I could do the flying part.

TOP TEN 2024

7 DARIO

CORBETT GONZALEZ

What (if any) expectations did you have for senior year and did it meet your expectations?

I knew I’d crush it, and I did.

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

Work hard, play hard.

What was your favorite subject in school and why?

Lunchtime.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you want to have with you?

Elon Musk, Bill Gates, that’s it.

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? Human.

8 GRACE WEBER

What (if any) expectations did you have for senior year and did it meet your expectations?

I was expecting senior year to be a little bit more challenging because I know that I was taking a lot of APs and I was really scared for that. But it’s actually been really lax. The workload hasn’t been too much. It’s been a good amount, but it’s manageable. But it’s mostly been really good.

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

Definitely manage your time and get as much sleep as you can. Because you’re not going to get a lot, if you’re studying and stuff, but when you can rest, rest, and also just take time for yourself to recuperate.

What was your favorite subject in school and why?

My favorite subject in school is probably math. I like that math is just really concrete, because, for English, I struggle, because it’s very abstract. You have to come up with your own stuff and argue for it. But in math it’s all there. So, yeah.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I want to stop time, so that I could get all my work done and then have like the rest of the day to just do nothing.

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why?

I would want to be a shark. I like them and they just kind of like, swim around. They don’t really think.

9 PRESTON MA

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

Take as many hard classes as you can and really push yourself and that’s the best way to really grow.

What are your plans for after high school?

After high school, I plan to go to college and major in either electrical engineering or computer science and I probably will be moving to the bay.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

It would probably be to stop time, because of all the AP classes I took I had to sacrifice a lot of sleep, so if I could stop time and catch up on sleep that’d be awesome.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sushi, because there’s a lot of variety and it’s also very good.

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why?

A bird so that I could fly around and do whatever I want.

10 EMMA WILSON

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

I would say get all of your hard classes done early and all of the requirements done early so that you can try to make junior and senior year as easy as possible.

What was your favorite subject in school and why?

I really liked AP Chem and AP Physics because I had friends in the class who would help me through it, so I feel like for a tough class it was made fun, and I like science classes more.

What are your plans for after high school?

So I’m actually going to go to Dominican University of California. I’m playing soccer there. And then I’m going to study educational development to be an early elementary teacher.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Maybe some ramen? That sounds kinda good. It has a lot of food in it.

If you could be any animal what animal would you be and why?

I would be a cat. Because I feel like I could have a really cool millennial owner that like, only pays attention to me, and then I would just be able to lay in the sun all day.

NEW HORIZONS

ADRIAN BAYARDO & AZRIEL EZRA HU // ANTLERETTE STAFF

KATRINA LEE

What will you miss most about EGHS?

Students. Y’all. Yeah.

What will you do going forward now that you’re retiring/leaving EGHS?

I’m planning on doing some activism, some environmental activism. I’m planning on taking a lot of classes, and I am planning on volunteering, probably starting over at Project Ride.

What is one lesson that you hope you have imparted to your students?

That they’re wonderful. That they’re amazing and special and worthy and deserving of every good thing.

What did you love most about the subject you taught?

I’m a word nerd; I just love words. I love analyzing them. It’s just a heck of a lot of fun for me. No one else thinks so, but I love it.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a teacher?

It’s a hard job. It’s a lot of work, but the relationships you build are absolutely priceless.

DIANE STICKERT

What will you miss most about EGHS?

Two things: interactions with students, and my department members. Those are the two things.

What are you looking forward to doing once you retire?

Lots and lots of travel. My first place I’m going is New York and Canada. And the next place I’m going to go is a cruise on – I don’t know, a European river. One of the European rivers, I’m going to take a cruise on one of the European rivers.

What is one lesson you hoped you’ve imparted to your students?

Always remember where your bananas come from.

What did you love most about the subject you taught?

Oh boy. I loved teaching it the most. That’s what I love most, teaching it.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a teacher?

Run. Run, don’t do it.

CHERYL SCIDMOHR

What will you miss most about EGHS?

I am going to miss laughing with the students, teaching and learning from students, my colleagues. It was my dream to become a teacher when I figured out what I wanted to do, and I landed at the best school in the district to work at. So I feel really lucky to be here. What will you do going forward now that you’re retiring/leaving EGHS?

My ultimate goal is to work in hospice, and I would like to get a therapy dog and I would like to be able to take therapy dogs to retirement homes, to children’s hospitals. I’ve been interested in this for a very, very, very long time. It’s time for me to start a new career. What is one lesson that you hope you have imparted to your students? Take your work seriously but don’t take yourself seriously. Have fun learning. Laugh while you’re learning. I think that having a good time laughing and trying – not fake, not trying to push it so it’s artificial, but to authentically enjoy it. What did you love most about the subject you taught?

I love that we can find our voice. You can reflect on who you are. That’s part of writing and reading: experiences of other people who have gone before you and had these experiences, of other people who critically think about their own ideas and shifting our lenses and being able to go “Oh I didn’t think about it in that way.” What would you say to anyone considering becoming a teacher? Don’t do it. No, I’m just kidding. I’m totally kidding. Well, not totally kidding, because it’s rough. But I would say that you need to first enjoy working with students far more than you enjoy your subject. One of the hardest things about being a new teacher is you think you have to have all the answers and you’re afraid of looking stupid in front of these students. Many times I was ashamed of being so dumb, but I learned through that process that it’s okay that I don’t have all the answers. It would be so great if people wanted to become teachers. It’s a tall order, it’s a lot of work, but it’s well worth it if you really truly enjoy working with people.

LAKENYA

What will you miss most about EGHS?

I’ve worked in various schools around the country and I can say that this is the first site where I feel like teachers, the staff, really work together in a unified way to support students. And also I’ve never worked at a school where so many former students then became teachers and then their children attended the same school, so that says a lot about the legacy of Elk Grove High. What will you do going forward now that you’re leaving EGHS?

Truthfully, I don’t know. I have my master’s in education, so I have a few options. Consulting maybe, maybe teaching at a higher level like college. I don’t know, but I will take the summer to figure it out. Just some time to kind of reset.

What is one lesson that you hope you have imparted to your students? Life skills. To know that they have to persevere and do their best always, and even when they’re having a difficult time - you know, especially after post-COVID, a lot more students are depressed and have anxiety. So hopefully, if nothing else, maybe they don’t remember Janie in Their Eyes Were Watching God, but hopefully they can recall some life skills, so when they’re struggling as adults in the adult world, they can come back to that and work through it. What did you love most about the subject you taught? I was a reader. As a little girl I loved reading. I love stories. I love language, I love how language changes and evolves. You know, math, I was good at math too, but math was very objective. One plus one equals two. You can’t ever really dispute that. But with literature and language arts, it really is an art, because it’s ever-changing and you can do so many things with it. From writing, from interpretation, from critical thinking, all of the above, even grammar.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a teacher?

Don’t take things personally. It is a very hard job. I would say next to being a police officer or in a war. But it is rewarding. It’s rewarding when you see students grow and then become wives, husbands, and college graduates, and they come back and they then appreciate the support that you offered them.

A YEAR IN REVIEW: PRINCIPAL ORTEGA

ADRIAN BAYARDO & SYDNEY WESSELINK // ANTLERETTE STAFF

Why did you want to become a principal?

I didn’t. I never imagined or envisioned myself being a principal. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher, my dad was a teacher, my grandma was a teacher, so I come from a family of educators. I became a teacher, and then I was teaching and coaching for 10 years, had kids, then I thought it was time to look for something else. One thing led to another and I ended up here.

What does a principal do on a daily basis?

I am responsible for everything that happens on this campus, but I have direct control over nothing. My job is to make sure that everything is running right. If there’s a problem, we fix it. So I’m in meetings a lot, I ensure our administration is supporting both students and staff.

What is your favorite thing about EGHS?

I love the people, our kids are amazing. They are smart, funny, hardworking, and determined. I think our staff is extremely good at pushing kids to be better than they think they can be, which I think is a good thing.

What makes EGHS different from other schools you’ve worked at?

This is only the second place I’ve worked. From 1995 to 2016 I was a student, I coached, or I taught here. What makes this place unique is the tradition. We have over 100 years of alumni that still keep up to date about what’s going on at Elk Grove High School.

From 1995 to 2016 I was a student, I coached, or I taught here. What makes this place unique is the TRADITION.

What is it like being principal at the high school you graduated from?

I love it. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done professionally. I love the environment and the atmosphere. When I leave school every day, there’s always something going on. There’s just a level of excitement, whether that be a theater performance or the band practicing. It’s a very special place to be and I’m very lucky to be here.

How would you describe your experience as principal of this school so far?

The community has embraced me and welcomed me with open arms, so that’s been very rewarding for me. It’s been a very fulfilling experience. Really what we’re here for, in my opinion, is to serve you guys on your journey. Everyone has different needs, so our job is to make sure we create a school that fulfills everybody’s needs.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a principal?

At my previous site navigating the COVID pandemic was very challenging because nobody had any control. As a principal you had to help teachers navigate a very unknown period of time, which was very stressful for everyone. I don’t think anything’s been too difficult here, maybe knowing kid’s names and faces. I try to be out a lot, I see kids, but remembering people’s names is not always easy for me.

What are you looking forward to in the next school year?

I’m excited for the future of Elk Grove High School. After next year we’re going to have the nicest high school in all of the land. We’re going to have a brand new quad, new senior steps, it’s going to be a very open college-like campus, which is super exciting. Every class that is not in the new buildings will be getting new lights and carpet. We’re also getting a brand new gym floor. I think there’s a sense of excitement about the new facilities and people outside of Elk Grove High School will be able to see and feel the difference on our campus, which I’m excited about.

Fun fact about yourself?

I’m actually quite boring. But I would say some fun facts about me are that sushi is my favorite food, I’m learning how to play the ukulele, and over the summer I like to wakesurf.

EARLY OUT SENIOR SCHEDULES

SYDNEY WESSELINK // CONTENT EDITOR

Senior year is supposed to be the best year of high school. But how can it be the best year when many just want high school to be over? There is a solution to help seniors still enjoy their last year of high school, but to also feel like it’s already over. Senior half days allows seniors to have their schedule filled with their remaining requirements to graduate, but to cut out those extra electives that are just sitting there to fill their empty schedule.

Why are we making students sit through filler classes when they’ve already finished their requirements? Many would say that it is the law to make sure students have a certain amount of days and hours at school. I say why? The whole point of school is to educate the youth of our country to ensure a healthy and productive future. If a student has already taken the courses and has earned the required grade to pass, then why keep them in school longer?

Seniors are all either adults already or are close to being one, which means the majority will be looking for jobs or already have one, or are applying for college. This stress is already enough to have to deal with on top of the stress of becoming an adult and bringing on those extra responsibilities. These near-adults should not have to sit in a classroom and gain extra schoolwork when it is not required to graduate. Imagine what they could be doing with that time instead.

They could be at their job earning the money they need to help them pay for college or to save for their future, or they could be at home doing their homework for their classes they do have and then taking the mental break they deserve for completing 12 years of school. I understand school is important and that many would consider seniors leaving early as skipping school or that it wouldn’t be fair to everyone else. If seniors were granted their half days, then it would be fair, because everyone would have their chance when their senior year rolls around.

ISABELLA DAWSON

KAITLYN MCNALLY // STAFF

It’s the beginning of the rest of your life, but don’t panic, it only feels like the biggest decision you’ve ever faced that could also go horribly wrong and get you stuck in a life you hate until the day you die because who knows when you’ll be able to retire with the way the economy’s going and don’t forget to worry about politics and global warming and systematic oppression and corruption and–Anyway, don’t panic about any of that, because there’s applications and forms and deadlines and so many options to think about instead! Everyone you meet is going to ask where you plan to go to college, what you want to major in, what job you hope to get. They all want to know how you, a barely-adult with an unfinished brain, are going to contribute to society, so you better have your answers ready if you don’t want to be tongue-tied!

But what do you do when “Someday” becomes This Month, becomes This Week, becomes Tomorrow, becomes Today? What do you do when the decision has grown into a giant you can never hope to defeat? What do you do when time has run out, and you need to choose, but you don’t have all the answers? Aren’t you still just a kid? Don’t you still have decades ahead of you? Why must you decide the rest of your life right this instant?

The world is screaming, shouting, whispering in your ear: this day, this hour, this minute, this second. They don’t care if you’re not ready, if they’re pushing too hard or too far. It’s time.

DECIDE. WHAT NEXT?

16,17,18...

ADRIAN BAYARDO // EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

HNOW WHAT?

igh school is an incredibly eventful time. The teenage years are full of milestones: at 16 you can get your driver’s license, at 17 you can see a rated R movie at a movie theater by yourself, but it all culminates in the biggest milestone of them all: 18, adulthood. For most people, this milestone is reached during their senior year of high school. Therefore, most of senior year is spent preparing for life as a young adult, whether that be through college applications or deciding what career path you want to follow. Many teenagers embark on their journey as young adults knowing that they are now old enough to get a tattoo, sign up for the military, or vote, but what else does being 18 entail?

Since turning 18 legally classifies you as an adult, you are no longer a child in the eyes of the government. It is at this point that many pediatricians begin to refer their patients to adult doctors. This can be a huge adjustment for some people, as some people (like myself) have had the same pediatrician for their entire lives. While switching out of pediatrics is an important change, turning 18 does not automatically stop you from seeing your pediatrician. There is no definitive age at which one must switch from seeing a pediatrician to an adult doctor. In fact, some individuals stay with their pediatrician as late as their early 20s.

Despite there being no strict age limits for pediatrics, there are other rules in healthcare that you will have to abide by once you turn 18. Be prepared to carry an ID on you at all times. When getting bloodwork or other lab work done, you will need to have your ID with you. Additionally, your parents will no longer be able to contact your doctors, so that responsibility now falls on you. You will now be the sole person responsible for your medical care. This means contacting your physicians and ordering refills for your prescriptions all on your own. It is important to stay on top of your health to avoid health issues later in life, and since you won’t have your parents to make sure you

see your doctor regularly or refill your prescriptions on time, it is important that you get adjusted to managing your health on your own.

Once you are 18, you are eligible to vote, a fact that you were probably already aware of. What you may not have known is that in California you can pre-register to vote before your 18th birthday at ages 16 or 17, so that you will be automatically registered to vote as soon as you turn 18. If you are a 17 year old turning 18 this year and are interested in voting in the upcoming election this fall, pre-registering may help expedite your voter registration process. The voter registration deadline is 15 days before the election which will be held on November 5th this year. So if you would like to exercise your newfound right to vote, make sure to register to vote before October 21st, 15 days out from the election. However, if you turn 18 after October 21st but before November 5th, you still have the chance to vote.

In California you may still fill out the voter registration paperwork after the deadline and cast a provisional ballot. This means that you can fill out a ballot and turn it in, and your county will count your vote as soon as your voter registration is verified. As long as you turn 18 on or before November 5th, 2024, and have filled out the voter registration forms, you can vote in the presidential election this November.

Turning 18 is exciting. For the first time you will be able to make all your own decisions without having to consult your parents. However, being a legal adult also means that you must hold yourself accountable for your own actions. Once you are 18 you can be sent to adult prison, which is why it is crucial that you make good decisions. There is so much to look forward to after high school, so if your 18th birthday is coming up, don’t be sad because your childhood years are coming to an end, be excited for all that awaits you in the next chapter of your life.

NOW WHAT?

BENEFITS 0F ENTERING THE MILITARY AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

RICHARD GAO // STAFF

Every year, thousands of young men and women join the military after graduation as it provides great benefits. There are currently six different branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the Space Force.

The military’s harsh environment fosters discipline, a strong work ethic, and leadership skills. Being in the military forces young recruits to pass training; such physical training helps keep soldiers in good shape. On top of all, the military provides opportunities for career advancement.

One major benefit the military offers is the GI Bill. First introduced in 1944, the GI Bill has gone through several changes with the most recent being the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The average annual tuition bill for private universities is around 37K a year, after four years, it totals out to just under 150K over a four year program. The GI Bill provides money to veterans who plan on completing school, helping them cover tuitions, housing allowance, supplies and more. The GI Bill can also be used in degree programs, trade schools, and trainings. Unlike normal college students who will likely sink into debt as they will likely need student loans, the military offers the GI Bill as an incentive for recruitment, ensuring a steady stream of skilled and educated veterans after completion of their military service.

Another benefit the military offers is the VA loans. The VA loan is a military provision that helps veterans achieve home ownership. The VA loans offer favorable terms including no down payment and low interest rates. This is crucial as the price of homes are at all time high and with super high interest rates. On top of that, VA loans also waive mortgage insurance premiums, which furthermore reduces the financial burden on borrowers, benefits normal homeowners would not otherwise have.

The final benefit of the military is to find one’s purpose, as there’s a ton of young adults who are unsure of their goals and identity. Around 40% of college students dropout of college before finishing their degree, with most occurring within the first year. Majority of college students change their majors, including those who received their degree; some still change majors and end up studying for over four years, sinking them in further debt. Serving in the military provides independence and helps you discover a purpose and career path before possibly embarking on a different career path in the future. There are many fields of study regardless of the different branches of the military; such as combat, engineering, computer science, medical, and more.

In conclusion, joining the military after high school is one of the best choices someone can make. There’s absolutely no shame in stepping away from the traditional way of education, going into college and potentially sinking into debt. The military also provides a strong sense of job security as there are programs within the military that help veterans find jobs. The military’s benefits are effective throughout your entire life. There are a ton of other hidden benefits only those who are brave enough to step up and serve their country can obtain. In a recent study compiled over a 40 year report indicated, veterans tend to have higher income earnings than normal households. All this should indicate that if you’re a student who’s unsure of their purpose, the military is a great choice and you’ll get to enjoy the benefits upon completing service.

IS THE VALUE OF A COLLEGE DEGREE DECREASING?

MARIE NDULUE // STAFF

Many years ago, college degrees were highly sought after, and getting one was the top priority for the younger generation. However, times have drastically changed. It is not as easy as it was before for colleges to sell a dream that does not always come to fruition, and degrees are starting to be seen as unnecessary.

One of the main reasons for the decreasing value of college degrees is that not all high-paying jobs require a person to have a degree. In fact, there are plenty of high-paying jobs available for those without college degrees, some of which even pay more than jobs that do require a degree. There has been a common misconception that it is extremely difficult to earn good money without getting a degree, but professionals like plumbers, pilots, and real estate agents are proving the world wrong.

The second main reason for the decreasing value of college degrees is that they are not as exclusive as they were before. Decades ago, college degrees were not so common, so when someone had one, it helped them stand out in a crowd when applying for certain positions. However, we now have more access to student loans and scholarships, so more people than ever before have attended college, making a degree have less value as it did before. What helps applicants stand out now are the skills they possess and the experience they’ve earned.

Nowadays, there seems to be little to no advantage in pursuing a college degree, which can be shown in the rate of college enrollment in young Americans for the past decade.

UNCLAIMED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Unclaimed scholarships in college are like buried treasure waiting to be discovered by high school students. Despite the heaps of scholarships out there, a chunk of them go untouched because many students don’t know they exist or think they don’t qualify. It’s like having a secret stash of money hidden away, but nobody knows the code to unlock it. Unclaimed scholarships for college represent a pool of financial aid that often goes unnoticed and underutilized by students. Despite their availability, these scholarships remain unclaimed primarily due to lack of awareness or failure to meet specific eligibility criteria. This unclaimed money can significantly alleviate the financial burden of higher education for deserving students. Therefore, it is imperative for students to actively seek out and apply for these scholarships through diligent research and engagement with their school’s financial aid office, online databases, and community organizations. By tapping into unclaimed scholarships, students can access valuable resources to fund their education and pursue their academic goals without being burdened by excessive student loan debt. Furthermore, addressing the issue of unclaimed scholarships requires concerted efforts from educational institutions, government agencies, and private organizations to streamline the application process and enhance visibility. Increasing awareness through targeted outreach programs, workshops, and digital platforms can help bridge the gap between available funds and eligible recipients. Additionally, simplifying application procedures and expanding eligibility criteria can make these scholarships more accessible to a broader range of students, ensuring that deserving candidates receive the financial support they need to pursue their educational aspirations. Ultimately, by harnessing the potential of unclaimed scholarships, we can empower students from diverse backgrounds to access higher education and realize their full potential in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

THE PROBLEM WITH STUDENT HOUSING IN CALIFORNIA

LUCAN AMITUANAI // STAFF

College is one of the best opportunities available in this country, and it has served as a stepping stone for great careers and pathways for years now. The gift of an education and a chance of a degree is one of the biggest accomplishments possible in our current world. But, as of recently, being a college student in California has become a lot more complicated and rare, with the high cost in the housing market being most at fault.

In California, college students seem to have more of a struggle in finding houses than any other state. Campus housing has always been a great outlet for young adults to have affordable living situations, but unfortunately, there just isn’t enough these days. Studies show that across the California college system, 5% to 20% of college students end up homeless or couch surfing. Shortages in housing for California colleges caused 9400 students to be turned away from living situations. With an amount of the California student population homeless or fighting for housing, it makes school seem like an easy problem. It is near impossible for a student to stay focused without a place to sleep at night, and without a fix in our California housing system, more and more young people will miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime due to something they can’t control or afford.

In conclusion, the struggle of the California housing system has already been a problem for all citizens across the state, but now it’s affecting our younger people striving for a great education. A major fix is needed for our state as graduation rates seem to drop year by year, with this housing problem being a huge factor. If more affordable housing can be placed and built, more opportunities can come for these deserving young students of America, and the future of our state and country will continue to shine bright.