The hidden costs of parental leave
KIKI CHOI SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Last June, English teacher Sheri Horwitz took her third maternity leave.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 requires employers to provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave for new parents. In Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS), teachers are eligible for the protections of the FMLA given they have worked in the district for at least one year and for 1,250 hours over the past 12 months.
receive ten of at the beginning of each calendar year.
“This is very tough, especially for working moms,” Horwitz said. “Whatever time is left that isn’t part of the paid leave comes out of my personal sick days. When she came back this year she didn’t have any sick days left because she used them as part of the maternity leave.
· The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 requires AAPS to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid or paid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons
· Eligible - worked for AAPS for atl 1 year and 1,250 hours over the past 12 months
Method used for calculations is “rolling” 12-month period measured backward from the date an employee uses a FMLA leave · Employees are required to use any available sick time · FMLA leave begins
Of the 12 weeks of leave guaranteed by the FMLA, AAPS pays teachers for six weeks, with the remaining six weeks being unpaid. Teachers are then required to use any paid sick days they have accrued during their time at AAPS, which they
Balancing parenting and the teaching profession briefs NEWS
“Which is really hard for working moms,” she said. “I don’t have sick days to give, so I have to be really careful about taking any sort of days off. So if my kids are sick, my husband has to always stay home to [take care of them], because I don’t have the days.”
To apply for maternity leave, teachers have to fill out a form indicating the expected date of their child’s birth, how many weeks they are
ISHA SAVI COPY EDITOR/ZINE MANAGER
The Greenhouse Club has been up and running since the beginning of September and has quite a bit planned for the year ahead. The club started a few years ago when a student approached advisor Mrs. Lemon about creating an aquaponics system for his Personal Project. The project soon unfolded into a
THE HURON GREENHOUSE CLUB GROWS COMMUNITY
long-term club that has been thriving over the years.
“Not everyone gets to see the greenhouse, even though it’s really beautiful. I feel special when I’m in there to take care of the plants,” said co-president Anna Stenger
While the main purpose of the club is to take care of the greenhouse and the plants that reside within it, they do have a variety of fundraising events coming up.
“We have a plant sale during parent-teacher
conferences and we usually do a plant sale before Mother’s Day week in the cafeteria,” Lemon said, “I was thinking we’d do one in the fall as well.” The money from these fundraisers goes directly back to the club, allowing them to buy more tools and resources to care for the plants. Greenhouse Club meets every Monday in room 5205 and is always open to new members.
The Huron Greenhouse in the early fall. PHOTO BY ISHA SAVI
Community protests the rebuilding of Thurston Elementary
AMELIA BAI
COPY EDITOR
In 2019, Ann Arbor voters settled a one billion dollar bond that would be used to improve infrastructure and reconstruct schools of Ann Arbor Public Schools. Five years later, that bond has finally begun to be put to use — but the response is not entirely positive.
One planned construction in particular has erupted an outrage amongst the community: the planned reconstruction of Thurston Elementary.
Originally constructed in 1963, Thurston is the oldest building in the Ann Arbor Public Schools district. More than 500 students currently attend the school, and the elementary is home to the Thurston Nature Center.
In 2018, Thurston’s Facilities Conditions Assessment, an assessment conducted by the district, scored Thurston as “poor,” the lowest ranking out of four categories. The school is facing extreme problems with overcrowding. Due to overpopulation, teachers have been forced to share and move their classrooms into dysfunctional spaces.
The AAPS Board of Education has proposed a reconstruction for Thurston Elementary to begin in 2025. The plan involves constructing a new Thurston building that aims to improve infrastructure and overcrowding in spring of 2025, while students reside in the old building. Students will move into the new building by 2027, as the current Thurston building will begin to be demolished, as well as landscaping, such as parking lots and playgrounds.
The project will have two phases, of which neither AAPS has clearly defined. Phase two is set to go through spring of 2028, but AAPS has not set an exact date for the end of all construction.
While the plan seems simple enough, many parents and community members
have expressed deep concern concerning the reconstruction, especially regarding the safety of the children as well as how the project will impact the Thurston Nature Center.
The Thurston Nature Center originated in the 1960s from a small group of Thurston families, and is one of the first environmental educational centers. The space of 20 acres is completely open and is home to various habitats and a diverse range of species, including migratory birds, butterflies, turtles and other wildlife. The space intersects directly with Thurston, as well as the neighborhood of which Thurston belongs to.
“[The Nature Center] is not just for Thurston, it’s for the entire community and has been maintained by the community,” Praveena
Ramaswami, Thurston Nature Center’s Committee Chair told the Emery. “That environment is where we learn, where we wonder… it’s where people come out to be together.”
“When you have wonder, kids can walk through the nature center for the first time, they can walk on ice during the winter, they can see a bird or see turtles, and that is so special,” Ramaswami said.
“We’ve heard from people all around the country who grew up at Thurston who now work in the environmental sciences and their experiences are directly inspired by their time at Thurston.”
The proposed plan would directly cause loss of the Nature Center and its natural elements, such as the myriad of species of trees and plants, and multiple habitats. Additionally, the plan would hinder the ability for children to play in a completely open space, without construction, parking areas or cars.
active community member of Thurston is extremely concerned about the construction and especially how it will impact Thurston students.
Parents are concerned about the safety of their children as well. In the proposed plan, children would be attending Thurston all the while it is an active construction site for around four years, if not more.
Lia Rose, a parentand
“The distance between the construction and the closest place in school is 35 feet, which is the length of the school bus,” she said. “That doesn’t seem ideal to me.” Rose went on to say that as soon as construction starts, more than half of the campus will be closed off and unusable for children. During lunch recess, all 500 students are outside at the same time. Rose additionally has concerns about the logistics of the proposed plan itself.
“In current Thurston, all of the play space is separated
A side by side comparison of the current Thurston map and new Thurston plan. PHOTO BY AMELIA BAI
The panaroma of the Thurston Pond, a part of the Thurston Nature Center. PHOTO BY ESTELLE FORT
GRAPHIC BY AMELIA BAI
Huron Players bring a punk twist to Romeo and Juliet
AMELIA BAI & RYAN BEZAS COPY EDITOR & STAFF WRITER
1. The Huron Players put on a three day show of Romeo and Juliet from the weekend of Nov. 15-17. Pictured are seniors Toby Mayo (left) and Damian Martinez (right). 2. The show put a creative and unique spin on the classic story of Romeo and Juliet by altering the story to take place in 1970s Great Britain, during the the cultural clash between punks and Catholics. Pictured are freshman Emma Delp (left) and Paige Hatcher (right).
3. “Punk culture is something that comes in times of adversity,” director Clarence Collins III said. ”So the fact that the kids took it so well is even more telling.” Pictured are freshman Aeris Simpson and Emma Delp.
4. The show juxtaposed heavy punk elements demonstrated through winged eyeliner, fishnet tights and leather jackets with traditonal Shakespearean, which all actors spoke throughout the show. Pictured is senior Mackenzie West.
5. Senior Toby Mayo, who played Romeo in the show, said the most challenging part of the show was the death scene. “It takes a lot to do {the scene}, but also it’s one of my strongest scences, and it invokes so much feeling with the audience.”
6. In the iconic balcony scene, Juliet, played by senior Sunny Kernahan, climbs down instead of Romeo pursuing her. The director, Clarence Collins III, said that the choice was a directional decison to show Juliet having more agency under subtext and that is was “not an accident.” 1 2 3 4 5 6
Benson Liang finds joy in badminton
EMILY HU
WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Years of practice have led up to this moment. Sophomore Benson Liang took the win at the 2024 NBC Midwest open Local Championships in Badminton at 15 years of age.
Held in Chicago, students from across the U.S. competed fiercely in this prestigious event. Split into various age groups, there were events for single, double, and mixed doubles. Through sweat, perseverance, and sheer grit, Liang earned himself first for singles, and second for doubles and mixed.
Liang’s journey started long before this win however. At 5-years-old, he had picked up a racket for the first time on a sunny day when his parents had taken him out to the park. As the bird whizzed past in front of his eyes, his curiosity quickly turned into a big passion for the sport.
“I found it interesting seeing how the bird would go back and forth,” Liang recalled. “It was so interesting seeing how fast it was able to go.”
By 8-years-old, his passion had evolved into something serious. Liang began rigorous training which included strength and conditioning, stamina training, strength training, etc. These training sessions often consume several hours of his day, sometimes even the entire day. But no matter how hard the training was, it never stopped Liang’s determination to succeed.
“My parents were a big motivator,” Liang said. “But more, the opportunities in every single tournament that I could probably achieve were extremely motivating.”
For Liang, badminton is far more than just a simple sport, it’s a lifestyle. Known as the fastest racket sport in the world, badminton demands agility, precision, and power.
“If you play professionally enough, you can get the bird to go at a very high speed, and that’s extremely exciting,” Liang said. “It gives this really exciting feeling whenever you play.”
In America, and especially Michigan, badminton is not as popular. For those in the same age group as Liang, hot spots for the sport center in areas like California, Texas, Chicago, and Boston. Very few people play in Michigan, making it especially hard for Liang to find teammates, participate in nearby competitions, and find a coach to train with. During the summers, he would travel to China, to gain high-level technical training to refine his skills. But beyond just skills, badminton has also taught him invaluable life lessons.
“If I didn’t play this sport, then I probably wouldn’t have seen some factors in the world that I have now,” Liang said. “All the hardships had changed my life a lot.”
But there is one lesson he will carry with him forever: to never underestimate others while always staying confident in yourself.
EDITORIAL BOARD:
THE EMERY STAFF
Ramanathan 405293@aaps.k12. mi.us
Sophomore Benson Liang reaching to hit the birdie in a game. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIANG
Addison Bjurman’s journey to TikTok fame
GRACE HENLEY ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Passions can come in all different shapes and sizes. Some passions cost money, some cost time; there is no limit to what a passion can be. Everyone enjoys doing different things and that’s what makes us unique. Passions can come from unexpected places, like your phone.
Junior Addison Bjurman has found her passion through making videos on TikTok.
“I’m passionate about creating videos that I post to my TikTok account, a couple of them have gone viral with
my recent one ‘Trying to fight Christmas in October’ getting 3.2 million views,” Bjurman said.
Bjurman discovered this passion back in the 7th grade when she was in quarantine. She would watch videos on things like ‘how to create engagement on social media’. It was trial and error at first when she created over 30 different accounts trying to find her click on the platform.
“My attempts resulted in a few viral videos,” Bjurman said, “and an account with over 700,000 followers.”
She likes that creating videos is free and says that she had even more than just
followers and views when she started out. Companies would send her free products for her to review in videos that they would pay her for.
does love making videos she doesn’t plan on having a full-time career in this field. “I can see it as a good experience in communicating and collaborating with companies, targeting audiences and editing videos,” she said. Her passion has taught her to never give up and skills she can use for future jobs.
Posting on a social media app makes you aware
of how people will view you and how you want others to see you. Many believe that being on your phone isolates you from people, but Bjurman believes that it has actually helped her connect with others.
“I definitely created a community of followers and returning viewers,” she said.
For those who are interested in starting to make videos, Bjurman’s biggest tip is to post something relevant and relatable with trending audio. Start posting as much as you can with different kinds of videos until you find your thing.
“Making videos brings me joy because I get to put my creativity out there and seeing the responses is exciting.” Bjurman said.
With many things in life there will be setbacks or issues that you will have to overcome. For Bjurman, she has faced challenges in actually taking and creating said videos. She explains that consistently gaining views and followers can be tricky along with keeping her videos consistent, but it’s necessary if you want a community.
Bjurman enjoys what she does and plans on creating more TikTok videos in the future.
Huron’s Women’s Health Group: igniting a future of inclusive healthcare
NAI SUTTON STAFF WRITER
Huron High School senior Jesslyn Pryor has created the Women’s Health Group, a club that aims to address important issues related to the health of young women, in an impressive demonstration of student initiative. This group is redefining what it means to take charge of one’s well-being at a young age by educating members on important health topics and fostering a supportive environment.
Pryor didn’t hesitate to respond when questioned about the club’s mission.
“The mission of Women’s Health Group is to educate and advocate for young women’s health,” she said. “We aim to inspire and empower young women with knowledge and support to promote well-being, stability, and equality.”
The goal is in line with
the growing need for open conversations regarding women’s health, a topic that is frequently disregarded in high school contexts. Pryor and the club’s founders are laying the groundwork for an inclusive discussion on topics that have a significant impact on young women.
As a relatively new club, they already had 10–12 people on their first meeting and are encouraging active participation.
“Our club members come up with topics they’re passionate about,” Pryor said.
“They suggest things like conferences, presentations, and ways we can make an impact.”
The importance of peer leadership and initiative is emphasized by this student-
driven approach.
“Sometimes, as women, it’s hard to be heard,” Pryor said. Many young women are frustrated when conversations regarding their health are ignored. “That’s why it’s so important to bring these things to light.”
In a high school environment, having a dedicated space for
conditions are often misunderstood or overlooked, making advocacy work even more critical.
The club’s influence extends beyond its members.
“The impact I’m hoping to have starts with the members,” Pryor said. “I want them to feel they’ve really achieved something and put something out into the world.”
She hopes that by empowering and educating people, the information will be shared with the larger community, causing awareness and understanding
Though new, the Women’s Health Group is already forming valuable partnerships. The club is working with health professionals and organizations like the Youth Leadership Council and even consulting with a doctor on future campaigns.
For other students considering starting their own clubs, Pryor has some advice: “Understand what your goal is, be organized, and find a way to connect with people through your goals and values. If you have that anything’s possible.”
Group Leader Jesslyn Pryor (left), advisor Mrs. Wright (middle), and Group Leader Taylor Porter (right).
PHOTO COURTESY OF PRYOR
One of Bjurman’s TikTok accounts, which boasts multiple videos with several million views. PHOTO COURTESY OF BJURMAN.
Bjurman began her social media journey in 7th grade, during the pandemic.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BJURMAN
Huron English Department hosts cookie bake-off
BRODY TURNER STAFF WRITER
Mid-afternoon on Friday, Nov. 22, Huron English staff filed into the room they’ve been preparing all week for. The event, held in the faculty lounge, showcased creativity, baking skills and a sweet sense of rivalry among colleagues. As the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafted through the air, no one could truly lose in a room full of delicious desserts.
Eleven English teachers participated, each yearning for the title of “Cookie Champion.”
The desserts featured an array of flavors and designs, from classic chocolate chip to elaborate immaculate muffin mania. Every competitor baked their heart into crafting
the ultimate cookie to impress the panel of three student judges.
Student judges Savanna Ramirez, Aiden Dooley, Liahni Quijada and Nakkia Gimson took their roles seriously, sampling each cookie and carefully evaluating on texture, presentation, and most important of all taste.
“It was an interesting experience to say the least, when it first started I was really nervous because I had to judge cookies by people who were around but the more it went on I started to enjoy and get into the flow. The best part was definitely being able to rate the cookies and not have to say it to their faces exactly but it was a lot of fun especially since I was friends with one of the judges,” Ramirez said.
After much digestion, the judges awarded third place to Elizabeth Williamson, whose baked chocolate-filled cupcakes. Second place went to Sarah Anton for her chocolate chip cookies. The grand prize and cookie competition trophy, however, belonged to Christopher Erickson, whose over-the-top originality in his chocolate chip sprinkle cookies, won the hearts and stomachs of all three judges.
“I was stunned by the victory. I just googled “best chocolate chip cookie” recipes and used the one that had the most stars. I also paid close attention to the baking. I wanted it to be cooked through, a little crisp on the edges, but still soft and chewy throughout.” Erickson said.
BY BRODY TURNER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1. On Friday, Nov. 22, the English Department hosted a cookie baking competition. The only requirement was that the cookies had to be chocolate chip.
2. The layout of cookies included all possible variations of the classic. One of these was even a cupcake made by teacher Elizabeth Williamson. “I created cupcakes because I almost burnt down my apartment with not having a necessary pan so I had to redefine what it means to be a cookie,” she said.
3. The English Department poses for a group photo after the competition. Christopher Erickson came home with the win.
4. The trophy sat on display for everyone to see.
5. There were 14 different cookies, and out of all of them, Sheri Horwitz got runner-up, Williamson came in third place and Sarah Anton got second place, following Erickson in first.
6. Student judges Savanna Ramirez, Aiden Dooley and Liahni Quijada taste cookies. “The competition was exhilarating, and I hope that everyone enjoyed the sugar rush they inevitably got after 14 cookies,” Williamson said.
7. Ramirez bites into a cookie. “Each cookie had its own unique flavor,” Ramirez said. “Some had a better flavor and texture, but the best part of all of them was the chocolate chips with the milk I had.”
PHOTOS
Wicked Review: Defying the Standard
n November 22, 2024, the Broadway musical, Wicked, had the movie adaptation for its first act premiered. Many fans worried that the movie adaptation would fail to encompass the whimsical world and heartbreaking plot that the original musical threw audiences into. Wicked’s original die-hard fan base continued to anticipate the release of the movie and disappointment that would surely follow. But this could not be further from the truth.
The original musical by Winnie Holzman premiered in 1995 and quickly hit the big bright lights of broadway. Wicked is a retelling of the Wizard of Oz in two Acts, but focuses on two different characters: Glinda the Good and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West. The first act is set in the past and goes through the events before the original story. The second act skips to Dorothy’s appearance in Oz and deals with the consequences of Act One.
As a fan of the musical for a while, I entered the fully seated theatre expecting a mediocre rendition once again. When the iconic black witch hat came into view on the screen, though, I knew that I was wrong. The movie met my expectations and flew even higher.
The casting of the movie was the main point of concern before its release. Ariana Grande starred in the movie as Glinda while Cynthia Erivo starred as Elphaba. Initially, hearing the large names, many worried that they were casted only for press. The actresses, though, embodied their roles beautifully.
Grande’s portrayal of Glinda perfectly encompassed the perky and shallow parts of her, while also demonstrating her genuine insecurities and caring nature. Erivo did an even greater job as Elphaba, leaving the whole theatre in tears after her performance of Defying Gravity, in which she liberates herself from society’s standards.
Their acting was not the best part of the movie, but their genuine dedication to the roles. Both Grande and Erivo decided to sing live throughout the film, capturing the original essence of the movie’s musical theatre characteristics. While watching, you can see the duo’s commitment to their roles from the tear jerking scenes to the small humorous moments. Each second of this movie was carefully filmed and performed, and it was seen in the end product.
The movie is not flawless, though, as any piece of art is. While it follows the storyline of the musical almost religiously, there are many pacing issues. The film, which only showed the first act, was 2 hours and 40 minutes. In contrast, the musical was 2 hours and 45 minutes including both Acts and an intermission. The two had different and unique approaches to the story, but the movie rendition undeniably spent time lingering on scenes that were not significant enough for them to do so.
For example, many of the opening scenes with the timeskip at the beginning and introduction for Shiz University were lengthy. While not boring, it caused other scenes, such as Elphaba and Glinda’s dance scene together, feel less significant. Story pacing is something the musical captured well, while the movie struggled with more and even almost felt rushed near the end.
Despite this, the movie still excels in encompassing the original story. It explores the complex nature of friendship in contrast to personal goals, while also creating a magical world that the audience is entranced yet also feels familiar.
Overall, the movie has its flaws, but the strengths of it outweigh them completely. As the second Act is rendered and produced, I can only hope that as much care and love is put into it as well. Wicked is more than just a story for many people, including me. It is a place of comfort, and I hope that the second part of this movie can cause their audiences to feel just that.
SALEM DINH STAFF WRITER
A reflection about food: my journey with anorexia Body trend
fluctuations: a look into into beauty standards
Recently, there’s been a palpable shift in how we perceive and experience food. Social media, which in my eyes is the main culprit, seesaws between two extremes. One one side is the excessive mukbang content.
Popular creators such as Trisha Paytas, Nicholas Perry (better known as Nikocado Avocado), and @jellybean. sweets are constantly in the spotlight either to bear the brunt of fatphobic jokes (how did phrases such as “big backed” and “fatty” find their way into our vernacular?) or because of a new, outrageous stunt for the sake of views. The “other side” consists of concerning diet culture powered by consumerism instead of science. I frequently see influencers advocating for “calorie deficits” far below the basal metabolic rate – the amount of calories we need to simply keep our vital organs functioning –with zero regard for how misinformation is readily absorbed by impressionable teenagers.
I was recently swept up into this disorienting fray. Anorexia crept up on me, guised, as it often is, under the shroud of “health.”
All the signs from health classes and mental health assemblies were there: comparing what I looked like and what I ate to others, the obsessive running, the refusal to eat carbohydrates. The craving for complete control over food and the way my body looked, but the lack of satisfaction that came even as the number on the scale dipped dangerously low. The anxiety that followed having a meal that would’ve once left me content in my fullness. Having to justify eating to myself: runninganextramile will cancel this out. Or I can eatlesstomorrow.Ohwait, Iskippeddinneryesterday–
that means I can eat a little more now.
I knew these signs and somewhere in the part of my brain anorexia had not yet corrupted, I recognized that what I was doing wasn’t normal. But perfectionism has always been my fatal flaw, and I hadn’t reached what I deemed to be my “perfect” body. So I kept going. Food began to consume my every thought; how could it not? In AP Lit, we learned about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a pyramid representing everything a human requires to reach their full potential. Food is at the very bottom of the pyramid, meaning that if one is hungry, no other need – from health,
to love and belonging, to dignity, to self-actualization – can be satisfied. And no matter how much I tried to convince myself I wasn’t, I was relentlessly hungry. This led to overwhelmingly jealousy of other people who were able to eat without a second thought. I began to associate home with the agonizing taunting of the fragrant smells of my mom’s cooking and my brother’s Halloween candy in the pantry – eventually, simply being at home made me viciously irritable. I hated Saturdays, because that’s when my dad would go to Costco and return with a trunk full of snacks that I knew I wouldn’t let myself eat. I weighed myself weekly and if the scale didn’t display something I could accept, I turned into a caustic, bitter husk of myself until I found a way to wrangle that number into submission. These emotions stewed and boiled in me to the point that I could no longer contain them, and I lashed out constantly at those who loved me most and only wanted to see me healthy. It was all mentally exhausting. But I couldn’t stop. That’s the awful thing about eating disorders: restrictive eating leads to malnutrition, which deprives the brain of the fats it needs for proper function, to the point where rational decision making skills are clouded and body dysmorphia runs rampant. In other words, distorted thought processes lead to physical repercussions, and those
physical repercussions feed right back into the distorted thinking. The number on the scale was never low enough. When I was eventually hospitalized for a resting heart rate so low that it wouldn’t have been acceptable even if I were a Tour de France cyclist, one of the things I repeated over and over again to psychiatrists who gently questioned me was this: “But I don’t look like I have an eating disorder.” This is one of the things that fueled the bonfire of my eating disorder: even given everything I was doing to myself, I still didn’t look the way I wanted. Also, people around me had complimented my weight loss. Of course, I knew their intentions were good. But self-comparison is a brutal cycle, and the repercussions can be persistent and deadly. The phrase “You never know what somebody else is going through” goes both ways –other people’s assumptions about me were equally unfair to my assumptions that those I was comparing myself to were healthy and happy.
I wasn’t allowed to leave my room, or walk around, for the sake of conserving as many calories as possible. The worst part, though, was the feeling of helplessness. Of course, I was never allowed to see how much I weighed, but I could tell I was gaining back the weight I’d worked so hard to shed. In response, my anorexia – which doctors have taught me to think of as a separate entity from myself – was screaming at me, clawing at my insides with serrated nails and urging me to resist, resist, resist. But I never did. Surrendering myself to my treatment in this way was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
experiences not because I feel the need to rant or complain, but because I know that so many other people feel or have felt the same way. And looking back, I now recognize how much time I wasted being angry about food and my body image; I regret the opportunities I passed up to hang out with friends because I was terrified of having to eat in social settings; I mourn the precious family dinners that my disorder tainted.
Where I currently stand in this journey, however, gives me a
unique vantage point: I am able to reflect on what I’ve experienced thus far, but also look forward. And even now, I can already see that there is so, so much more to life. If you’re struggling with body image or self-comparison, I urge you to stop and put yourself first. The truth is, trying to achieve somebody else’s body is futile, because
ISHA SAVI COPY EDITOR
What’s in right now?
What kind of girl are we emulating this month?
Towards the end of the Instagram-baddie era, posts saying things like “heroin chic is back” began popping up, showcasing photos of ‘90s Kate Moss on the runway
President Bill Clinton was quoted as saying ‘’{Heroin chic is} not beautiful; it’s ugly. And this is not about art; it’s about life and death,’’ the year of Sorrenti’s death by overdose in 1997, the year the term was coined. The general public knew the sinister undertones of heroin chic–the warning sign was in the name
My hospital stay consisted of daily blood draws, vital sign checks every four hours, and three meals and three snacks a day (supplemented by a thick protein shake if I couldn’t finish the food). A patient attendant remained in my room 24/7, and bathroom use was only permitted if the door was cracked open enough that the attendant could look in, and not permitted at all for an hour after each meal.
Ann Arbor: A community of growth and tradition
AMY YANG STAFF WRITER
Founded on May 25th, 1824, by John Allen and Elisha Rumsey, the once small town of Ann Arbor, Michigan, has only grown since. Home to the University of Michigan and the biggest stadium, known as the “Big House,” as well as countless exciting places waiting to be explored downtown, Ann Arbor is known as a diverse and bustling university town.
Proud mom of five Ann Arbor Public Schools graduates, Margaret Baker
has lived in Ann Arbor for the past 33 years.
“Coming from the East Coast, where life is considerably faster-paced and more competitive, I find Ann Arbor to be a perfect city. I have always loved that I volunteer with people, for example at Thurston International Night, or a Huron swim meet. People here are amazing, intelligent, and incredibly accomplished but not arrogant,” Baker said.
Ann Arbor has considerably grown within the past few years, whether it is from the bigger perspective of growth and development or affordability, or down to the smallest details.
“There seem to be more deer, bolder squirrels, and more traffic downtown. Other changes are not specific to Ann Arbor such as our cultural obsession with technology,” said Baker, “But our city is still the same wonderful place full of opportunities and people who care a lot about community, teeming with young people full of energy to improve our little corner of the world.”
In addition to changes within the city, the Ann Arbor Public Schools district has faced challenges in
Winter’s disappearing act
JUSTIN PHELPS STAFF WRITER
recent years. Founded by Geoff McEggson in 1905, this district has come to be known for its diversity and inclusivity. However, just last year, AAPS underwent a budget crisis with a $25-million budget shortfall. As of currently, teachers and students alike are still protesting concerns regarding layoffs, salary reductions, and health-care costs.
With new renovations and the keeping of old traditions, from new construction at Gallup Park to downtown century-old buildings, Ann Arbor certainly has much more to offer in the future. Its promising future will undoubtedly be built upon underlying foundations and constructed with the ideas of future generations.
“We’re one of the
Staff Editorial: Toxic food culture
In today’s society, we find ourselves trapped in a maze of conflicting messages about food and health. It’s become a force so prevalent in our lives, its shaping our relationships with eating and our bodies. It’s time we take action against this harmful phenomenon and its consequences. Especially detrimental to adolescents, dieting and other unhealthy eating habits can cause anything from low self esteem to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Toxic food culture is everywhere, even when you’re not looking for it.
In recent years, social
media has transformed our relationship with food, from harmful dieting culture, mukbangs and the “phone eats first” mentality. Every scroll is about how many calories someone had in a day, or a how much Chipotle they can finish in under an hour. So much content is focused on capturing pictureperfect shots of their meals, ignoring the true purpose of food: providing the energy and connection that sustain our well-being. We at the Huron Emery believe food should be used to supply your body with nutrients and nourishment. While it’s
most educated cities in the US, and we deserve to be acknowledged,” freshman Ruhani Nagrath said. “A lot of people don’t know where Ann Arbor even is, and I’d like it to be more known. There’s so many amazing things here, and we should share our community and culture with the world.”
is a recipe for disaster
important to stay healthy, it’s just as crucial to maintain balance to lead a sustainable life. By rejecting destructive habits and embracing a healthier approach to food, we can create a healthier, happier society.
The journey to overcome toxic food culture won’t be easy, but it’s a step Huron needs to take towards a brighter future. We must be cognizant of what we post on social media, as it has a lasting impact.
It’s time to nourish not just our bodies, but also our minds.
GRAPHIC BY ANJALI NADARAJAH
Community members at the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair.
PHOTO BY SATVIKA RAMANATHAN
University of Michigan’s Marching Band at halftime during the Sept. 14 football game against Arkansas State. PHOTO BY SATVIKA RAMANATHAN
College applications: the stressful reality behind the process
SAVANNAH DUMAN STAFF WRITER
The college application process is a high pressure encounter for many high school seniors. It is a very overwhelming experience due to societal expectations, competitive admission, and the complexity of applications adding to the stress during this time of year.
The college admission process is very centered around academic and extracurricular perfection, making the expectations of students very high. Having the mentality that you need to be perfect at everything, from sports to leadership to volunteering, is not realistic. All of these factors can take students away from actually learning and growing academically.
Adding on to that I think that standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, are a big problem. Even with many schools choosing to become test optional, many students feel there is a lot of pressure to do well on them, even though these tests don’t show all that a student is capable of or their potential. Yet, the scores are a huge part of the admission process, making it seem that a student’s value can be easily based on just a test score.
The cost of applications,
visits, and test prep can get pricey. Families who are on the lower income can have
with the process. They have to choose a school based on whether they can afford it rather than if the school is the best fit for them. This can add stress to someone because their choice wouldn’t necessarily help them
academically. It’s not fair that students have to worry about the cost more than their right to school in
The overlooked danger of caffeinated drinks for teens
ASHLEY KIM MANAGING EDITOR
It is no secret that “tired” and “student” are two words that fit together well. Between rigorous coursework for college-level classes, standardized tests, college applications, work, and afterschool meetings or practices, sleep has become a very low priority for teenagers. Because of this, caffeine has become a popular tool used to help students successfully make it through the day.
It is almost guaranteed that at least one student in every classroom will have a caffeinated beverage on their desk. This role has been traditionally exclusive
to coffee and tea, but more and more companies have begun cashing in on this idea. Between energy drink companies such as Celsius, Bang, Red Bull, and Monster, and even more broad ones such as Starbucks and Panera, teenagers have become increasingly attracted to this drug. These companies are well aware of this issue and continue to use it to their advantage by targeting a young audience when marketing their caffeinated products. By promoting more active, productive, and fun lifestyles, as well as by sponsoring young and popular influencers or sporting events, energy drinks have become
associated with excitement and adventure, often overlooking the dangerously high dosage of caffeine hiding in the nutrition facts.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that teenagers should limit their caffeine intake to 100 milligrams per day, which is the amount that a standard 8 oz cup of coffee contains. However, many of the more popular drinks exceed this recommendation. The majority of handcrafted drinks at Starbucks have anywhere from 150 to 250+ mg of caffeine for a medium (“grande”) size. Additionally, many energy drinks contain caffeine in quantities up to
300 mg per can. Not only does caffeine encourage sleepless nights, which can alter one’s mental health and even brain and heart functions, but caffeine can have many dangerous side effects as well. It has been demonstrated that excessive caffeine intake at young ages can result in headaches, anxiety, dizziness, high blood pressure, and dehydration. In very severe cases, it can even lead to heart palpitations and death. Using caffeine to stay awake on a busy night has been common for decades, but with the combination of increasing pressures on students and a growing list of caffeinated drink options,
Not to forget the effect these applications have on mental health. Having deadlines for early action can take a toll on wellbeing as a whole. With the add on of a college application and being able to keep up with school work, it can be a lot. In my opinion, the application process has become more than an application. It has become a competition that leads to much stress across high school students. The focus should be less on rankings and competitions and more focused on giving every student a chance to succeed, no matter their background or level of education. College should be a place for growth and learning, not a competition to see who’s able to juggle all of the requirements.
the drug has begun to present higher danger levels. Caffeinated drinks should no longer be viewed as simply a trend, and instead need to be recognized for their high risk factors.
Theever-changingtrendofthehottestwaterbottleonthemarket
GRACE HENLEY A&E EDITOR
Every day, a new product goes viral on social media that promises to “help you do this” or “give you that” with the idea that their product is much better than another product that has also gone viral. It can be quite tiring to watch people hype up a product that easily gets replaced by the next week. Many will purchase these products in order to connect with peers or to show a statice that they can afford to purchase them instead for the actual purpose of said product. Now there is nothing wrong with making a purchase that you will use to benefit yourself, but when does overconsumption start? When does buying a product stop becoming helpful and instead wasteful? The product of water bottles has fallen victim to this issue more recently.
Water bottles are used daily by people all around the world. Having a good, reliable water bottle has become a necessity for most consumers who will look for quality when buying. Those who buy water bottles tend to find a certain brand to stick with. However, with the rise of new trends/ aesthetics the idea of just buying a pretty new or “in” water bottle has been growing rapidly.
One of the first examples of the water bottle trends was the Hydroflask. This water bottle was popular in late 2019 to 2020. The Hydroflask was marketed as the water bottle that you just needed to have in order to be cool. This made the bottle very popular on the internet
and with influencers. By 2022, the internet decided that Hydroflasks were out and Stanleys were in. Sadly, Hydroflasks met the same fate as the Yeti water bottle before them, left in the past.
The rise of the Stanley water bottle had such a strong grasp on the internet that almost overnight everyone was getting Stanleys. People would line up outfront of stores to make sure they could get one because they were flying off the shelves. Many started to collect multiple Stanley water bottles which often had different colors or patterns on them.
After a while people started to point out the serious overconsumption of the Stanleys. For the materials
that go into making a Stanley and then not even using it? It seems like a complete waste. Not to mention all the little pockets/keychains people are putting on their Stanleys to hold their perfume and lip gloss. Sadly, now, the internet decided to shift the light from Stanleys to Owala bottles. It’s a never ending game of what water bottles are cool and which ones are not trendy after a few months. As a society, the need to have the latest stuff is basic human interest, but why do we need to ostracize a perfectly good water bottle because it isn’t new? If the water bottle you have still works and is in good condition, then there is no need to buy a new one.
GRAPHIC BY ASHLEY KIM
GRAPHIC BY YUANCHEN ZHAO
Stanley cups have become the most popular water bottle trend. PHOTO BY GRACE HENLEY
Old over new: Classic shows are better than modern ones
SINAI SUTTON STAFF WRITER
One of the reasons older shows like ‘Martin’ are so memorable is their authentic and characterdriven humor. Martin Lawrence’s portrayal of multiple characters and the cast’s chemistry made for endless laughter. Iconic catchphrases such as “You go, girl” and “wazzup!” became part of pop culture. These jokes still hold up because they were rooted in relatable dynamics and sharp wit. In contrast, many modern sitcoms rely on forced, trendbased jokes that feel corny and lack the staying power of these older classics.
Beyond just making us laugh, shows like ‘Girlfriends’ balance humor with important life lessons. The show tackled real-world issues such as friendships, relationships, and personal growth, all while keeping
viewers engaged. ‘Martin’ did the same offering lessons about loyalty and staying grounded, all within its hilarious format. Modern TV shows sometimes prioritize spectacle over substance, making their lessons feel shallow compared to the deeper emotional connections established by these older shows.
These older sitcoms were groundbreaking in how they represented black culture, paving the way for modern creators. ‘Girlfriends’ in particular influenced shows like ‘Insecure’, showing that black women’s stories deserve space on mainstream TV.
‘Martin’ started the careers of many famous comedians like Tracy Morgan. While newer shows may capture the current moment, they rarely leave the lasting cultural mark that these classics did.
Personally, watching ‘Martin’ and ‘Girlfriends’ is part of my daily routine.
Before bed, I tune into these shows because their humor puts me at ease. Whether it’s ‘Maritn’s’ outlandish characters or ‘Girlfriends’’ relatable life challenges, these shows offer comfort that modern sitcoms just don’t provide. The comedy feels timeless, and the lessons still resonate with me years after first watching them.
If you’re tired of modern TV’s predictable humor and shallow stories, I encourage you to give these older shows a try. ‘Martin’ and ‘Girlfriends’ offer a refreshing take on comedy and life that will make you laugh, reflect, and appreciate a different era of television. Trust me–you’ll enjoy every episode.
Warm up with the best winter drinks this season
ANJALI NADARAJAH AND ASHLEY KIM
CHIEF CONTENT EDITOR AND MANAGING EDITOR
Peppermint Mocha: A Minty Holiday Twist
This minty drink is the perfect winter treat. Combining the delicate flavors of coffee, chocolate, and peppermint, the hot beverage will leave you feeling cozy and festive. My personal favorite is from Sweetwaters. It expertly balances the bold coffee flavor with the warm sweetness of the chocolate and the cooling peppermint taste. Sweetwaters captures the comfort of the winter season perfectly.
Chai Latte: Spiced Comfort in a Cup
This spiced beverage is sure to keep you warm and toasty, blending the bold flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and more spices with milk, creating a velvety smooth sure to hit that sweet spot. I love the chai lattes from Songbird Cafe; the expertly crafted drink has the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy. Pro-tip: indulge in their dirty chai; a chai with a shot of espresso. This union of flavors is the perfect way to enjoy a cold December afternoon.
Cranberry Spritzer: A Festive Fizzy Treat
This holiday drink is perfectly spiced to encapsulate the joy of the holidays. When served hot, it can create warm and cozy feelings that perfectly pair with the chilly season. If a cool and frosty seems more appealing, then this drink is also delicious iced. With its apple cider base and blend of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, this drink can fill the room with a delicious aroma, sure to elicit some holiday cheer. My favorite cider is from the Dexter Cider Mill.
This drink is the perfect combination of festive and refreshing. With its mix cranberry juice, sparkling water, and lime/lemon, the cranberry spritzer provides a tangy, sweet, and bubbly flavor. My favorite is the bright colors from both the drink and the mint leaf garnish excellently capture the holiday spirit. With its fun and exciting appearance and taste, this drink shows what holiday cheer is all about.
GRAPHIC BY GRACE HENLEY
GRAPHICS BY YUANCHEN ZHAO
A tale of three sports: the high school journey of Sophie Lee
KIKI CHOI SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Most student athletes play during one season of the year, be it fall, winter, or spring. Not Sophie Lee — the 17-year-old senior plays sports with Huron year-round, as she is a member of not one, not two, but three teams.
Lee plays field hockey in the fall, synchronized swimming in the winter, and lacrosse in the spring, and is a member of the varsity teams of all three sports.
“I chose to play multiple sports at Huron because it felt natural,” Lee said. “I had already made up my mind to do field hockey and synchro, and then it was like, if I’m already playing two out of three seasons, might as well play one in the spring, too. [That] led me to trying lacrosse and loving it.”
Although she loves field hockey, synchronized swimming, and lacrosse for the team, artistry, and fun, respectively, of her three sports, Lee admitted to favoring field hockey.
“[It’s] the closest to my heart because I’ve been playing for ten years,” Lee said. “I love my team. It’s one of the best groups of girls I know, and so many of my teammates
are so talented. On and off the field we have a connection I can’t explain.”
“I’ve known Sophie since I was in 3rd grade because we both played on the same Rec&Ed team,” said junior Nathalie Cho, Lee’s teammate on both the varsity field hockey and lacrosse teams. “I’ve always known her to be super funny and outgoing. She brightens the team environment because of her ability to talk to anyone. She’s passionate and not afraid
to stand up for a teammate.”
Lee’s love of field hockey does not take away from her enjoyment of synchronized swimming and lacrosse. The senior explained that she loves the performance aspect of synchronized swimming.
“It combines creativity with competition, which makes it super fun,” Lee said. “You have the opportunity to play a sort of character when you’re swimming a routine, and it’s just a beautiful and artistic sport. [As for] lacrosse,
I play goalie, so my favorite part is definitely the adrenaline rush I get when I play. It’s such a different experience [from field hockey] because of the personal responsibility for the outcome of the game.”
High school sports are a serious time commitment, with daily practices for hours, not to mention games, tournaments, meets, and off-season conditioning. Lee knows this better than most, but she is well accustomed to the time restrictions of playing
three high school sports, and has learned to juggle all her responsibilities.
“[I do] a lot of prioritizing and late nights,” Lee said. “Sometimes I have to choose between fun and school work, and when I have a lot of homework, I know I need to choose school, as much as it may suck sometimes. I like doing chill activities like crocheting or baking, so I try to engage in my hobbies on the weekends. On Sunday nights, I often bake something for my family for fun.”
Although it can be stressful to play sports yearround, Lee doesn’t regret her choice. The athlete considers sports to be valuable, and is grateful for the lessons and values each of her sports has taught her.
“You gain so many various skills playing multiple sports,” Lee said. “For me swimming, running, and my reaction time have vastly improved from the beginning of high school to now. I have really enjoyed developing these skills, as maintaining them as I get older will help me in life further down the road.”
Rowing Reflections: a senior’s four year journey of being a student athlete
YUANCHEN ZHAO DESIGN EDITOR
For many seniors, the school year is a pile of college applications and exams. But for Lauren Rustia, senior year is also a lookback on the four years spent with the Huron Rowing Association–balancing academics, practice, and friendships.
Inspired by her older brother, who was also a rower at Huron, Rustia began her crew career in the fall season of freshman year. This helped her to pickup the sport and the social aspect of being on a team.
has learned a lot about what it takes to be committed and the rewarding aspects of hard work. She reflects on the impactful experiences that she has had while on the team with fondness.
“I’ve made a ton of new friends that I probably wouldn’t have been close with if I didn’t join the sport, but I feel like I’ve also learned so many valuable lessons from rowing,” Rustia said.
“ [Rowing is] a sport that requires lots of dedication and commitment and it can be very challenging, but it’s also fun and I enjoy it because of how challenging it is.”
“I had been to a couple of regattas and was already familiar with the sport,” she said. “I also just thought it’d be a fun experience and a good way to make friends, especially after entering a new school without really knowing anyone.”
LAUREN
RUSTIA, 12
“It’s a sport that requires lots of dedication and commitment and it can be very challenging, but it’s also fun and I think I enjoy it a lot because of how challenging it is.”
that it is a very stressful role to have on the team but over time, with practice, she has gotten used to it.
“You have to steer the boat and be mindful about your surroundings while also keeping your crew together and motivating them,” Rustia said.
As Rustia has learned the sport, she has made some unbreakable bonds with teammates over her high school years. Madison Sabel, a senior crew teammate of Rustia’s, has much positive feedback on Rustia’s personality and what she brings to the team.
“I would say she makes practice go by so fast and makes even the most boring parts of the day fun,” Sabel claims. “ I am so glad we get to hang out almost every day.”
As with all athletics in high school, it is a big commitment to show up to all of the events that take place. Balancing the demands of crew along with school is no easy task, but Rustia has found her ways to navigate over the years.
Many student athletes can have a very difficult time balancing everything and can really struggle. Despite the occasional struggle, Rustia faces it with a laid-back attitude.
“To be honest, I still struggle a lot with maintaining both, but it all works out in the end, so it’s chill,” she said.
Outside of crew and academics, Rustia likes to relieve stress during her free time by indulging in relaxing
activities. The variety of these hobbies shows Rustia’s diverse personality outside the busy crew schedule during the school year.
“I really enjoy baking, watching movies and honestly a bunch of other things,” Rustia said. “I also really enjoy spending time with my friends. It’s always nice to enjoy their company outside of an academic or athletic setting.”
Now, as a senior, Rustia
Rustia started off as a rower, but recently made the transition to a coxswain, a role that demands quick thinking and multitasking. She feels
“I usually try to finish homework in school if there’s work time but sometimes I’ll bring homework to regattas,” Rustia said. “I usually end up being too busy with other stuff to actually do it there though.”
Rustia preparing before a rowing competition. PHOTO COURTESY OF RUSTIA
Lee winds up to hit the ball as it lays in the middle of the field. The River Rats were taking on Pioneer High School at Hollway Field. PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA SCHNEIDEWIND
Swimming to the finish line: a wrap up of the women’s swim season
GRACE HENLEY A&E EDITOR
On Nov. 9, Huron’s Women swim officially ended for non state swimmers and Nov. 23rd for state swimmers. Throughout the months the girls worked hard and competed in numerous swim meets with amazing results. While the season is over now, the achievements the athletes made will not be forgotten.
The season itself was about 12 weeks long with the swimmers starting their training in August. They competed in swim meets against schools like Pioneer, Dexter, Saline and Skyline. For the state champion meet, the team travelled out to Holland, This was the farthest the girls
travelled for their season. While the team did not beat any records this year, the season went very well for Huron. The team statistically performed well at the relay events and even had one relay go to states.
Many girls were able to drop time on their relays and still perform strongly. Freshman team member Lydia Schram believes that she improved a lot being with Huron.
“We did pretty well and along with improvement in swimming the team also grew closer together as a community,” she said. “I felt really welcomed by the girls and especially the captains who made efforts to connect with me.”
The team practiced nine
times a week, which, while exhausting, paid off. Schram said that her favorite part of the season was when the short practices and having team dinners.
Overall the team won a few competitions and even beat Saline in a dual meet for the first time in 20 years.
The four captains this year were Grace Caris, Savannah Duman, Maya Martinson and Maya Sudhan. Huron got 3rd overall in the conference meet and had an individual swimmer on the team make it to the state meet.
Huron Women’s Swim was able to wrap up a good season and bring home their accomplishments.
1. Sophomore Yi Xin Pan swimming the 200-yard free during a meet against Monroe at Huron High School on Oct. 1, 2024. “I was probably getting tired at that point,” Pan said. “I remember feeling good at the beginning, swimming pretty fast. After 100 yards, the lactate was definitely building up in my legs and I was probably slowing down. In the last 50 yards, however, I remember finding new energy to really sprint it to the end. I believe I got 2nd place in that event and even swam a personal best time.”
2. Junior Natalie Rudolph swimming the 100-yard butterfly in the newly renovated pool at Huron High School, competing at a meet against Monroe on Oct. 1, 2024. “I was feeling very exhausted,” Rudolph said.
3. Rudolph swimming the 50-yard backstroke during
the medley relay. “I was feeling optimistic because it was the first part of the relay so I was really just trying my best to give my teammates a good lead,” she said.
4. Sophomore Juna Sakamoto competing in the 100 butterfly race against Monroe on Oct. 1, 2024, at Huron High School. “Honestly whenever I race I try to numb out any feeling, but I know I was kind-of excited and nervous because I don’t usually swim the 100 fly and I like to fly,” she said. Photo courtesy of the swim team. 1 2 3 4
Huron’s new JV basketball coach brings a fresh mindset to the sport
RYAN CERDAS STAFF WRITER
Jibreel Hussein is this year’s head coach for Huron High School’s JV Basketball team. He has a promising outlook for the basketball team this season as the team’s season is just peeking around the corner. Hussein has high expectations for the JV squad this season with smartness at the top of his list.
“You can expect High IQ basketball players,” Hussein said. “They are going to do their jobs to help the team win.”
Hussein’s commitment to an outstanding season was affirmed when he noted that the junior varsity team will participate in high intensity practices that mirror what they do on the varsity level.
With a promising season in the future for the team, Hussein expressed what matchups he is most excited about this season.
““Pioneer is where I went to high school,” he said. “I’m looking forward to playing them.”
Hussein additionally shared his insight on the importance of the mental and physical conditions of his players on the court.
and have confidence in your preparation.”
After a loss, it’s back to the drawing board, I assess how I can prepare the team better. Whether that means reviewing game film, implementing new drills, increasing reps, or learning from our mistakes.
JIBREEL HUSSEIN
JV BASKETBALL COACH
“Reminding players that this is basketball, a sport these players have been playing for a long time,” he said. “Rely
With Hussein instilling this mindset into his players, losses can also affect a team’s mindset, but with wins there can also come losses
“After a loss, it’s back to the drawing board, I assess how I can prepare the team better, whether that means reviewing game film, implementing new drills, increasing reps or learning from our mistakes,”
Hussein said. He believes this dedication to improvement will lead to not only improved skills, but also their ability to come back stronger as a team after setbacks. This mindset of improvement never ceases even when the team wins.
“Wins are great, and after a win, we move on to the next opponent and start the preparation for them,” Hussein said.
GRAPHIC BY YUANCHEN ZHAO
The men’s JV basketball team posing for a team photo during media day. PHOTO COURTESY OF HURON MEN’S BASKETBALL
Diving into personal projects
Lucas Yuan
Q:What is your personal project and what inspired you to choose this idea?
A: My personal project is modifying a guitar. I love playing guitar and making things, and since my dream guitar doesn’t exist on the market I decided to modify a guitar to turn it into my dream guitar.
Q: How did you plan and organize the different stages of your project?
A: I didn’t really have a good timeline. I just worked on it whenever I had time. However, I did have a list of things to do in order, which was useful.
Q:What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while working on your project?
A: The biggest challenge I had was making all the parts fit together, because almost all of my parts came from different vendors and they weren’t always compatible.
Q: If you could give advice to other students taking on a similar project, what would you tell them?
A: I would tell them to double check all the part sizings. Part sizings are really important and if you buy the wrong size it can be a pain to modify that part or buy a new one.
Gina Shin
Q: What is your personal project and what inspired you to choose this idea?
A: I’m making around four flipbooks for my personal project project. I’ve always wanted to try animation, but I don’t have the materials needed for digital animation, so making flipbooks was my next best option.
Q: How did you plan and organize the different stages of your project?
A: I planned out my project by starting out with smaller, more simple flipbooks, such as someone waving hello. Then, I moved onto less simple flipbooks, like someone getting rained on.
you could give advice to other students taking on a similar project, what would you tell them?
A: I would definitely
Xu Rebecca Bang
Q:What is your personal project and what inspired you to choose this idea?
A: My personal project is making candles. I thought it was aesthetic and
Q: How did you plan and organize the different stages of your project?
A: I organized my Pinterest inspo candle board and my budget for the candles. I also made an expectation vs reality timeline.
Kevin
Q:What is your personal project and what inspired you to choose this
A: My personal project is me making a robot and coding it to run. My dad likes robotics and he’s also a coder, so he inspired me.
Q: How did you plan and organize the different stages of your project?
A: First I had to find my mentor, which is my dad. Then I had to get materials, like the robot parts, motors, control hubs and everything. Then I just built it and coded it.
A: Time management and making the candles was very stressful, because things did not go as planned. I’d always have to improvise and get my hands dirty.
Q: If you could give advice to other students taking on a similar project, what would you tell them?
A: Choose something that you genuinely find interesting and want to be passionate about. It’ll make the process so much more bearable and worth it. Good luck!
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while working on your project?
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while working on your project?
A: I had challenges with working space. I don’t have a lot of space to lay everything out and I also don’t have a lot of time to make it.
Q: If you could give advice to other students taking on a similar project, what would you tell them?
A: I would say to plan everything out and then start working on it — don’t work on it and then find out you missed all of the important steps.
Rebecca Bang’s personal project was making candles. BANG
Yuan’s final proudct, a modified guitar that features a custom body and other unique features.
PHOTO COURTESY OF YUAN
early stage. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHIN
Kevin Xu’s robot that showcases his engineering and programming skills. PHOTO COURTESY OF XU
Sophomore Lucas Yuan poses in front of an exhibit PHOTO COURTESY OF YUAN
Sophoomore Rebecca Bang posing for a photo. PHOTO COURTESY OF BANG