The Pingry Record - March 2025 by The Pingry School

NEW BEGINNINGS

Happy Lunar New Year!

ZOE ARGENTIERI (III)

Between the festive lanterns hung throughout the halls and the red envelopes handed out at lunch, the Lunar New Year spirit was prominent on Friday, January 31. After enjoying the Wednesday off, students were excited to display how they celebrated the Lunar New Year during the annual assembly. The assembly showcased Middle and Upper School students as they performed and explained how they rang in the new year. The event began with an acrobatics and dance performance titled “A Fan

Story,” performed by several Upper School girls, including the talented Madeline Zhu (III). After the performance, Middle School students took the stage to narrate their experience staying at the Pottersville campus for the Lunar New Year Overnight. They recalled eating a homemade hotpot dinner, learning paper cutting, playing Mahjong, and practicing calligraphy. Next, Edwin Zheng (III) took the stage and displayed the Chinese art form, Taolu. His performance was a crowd favorite and received booming applause. The assembly included numerous other touching

and informative moments, including a presentation by Middle School students about Lunar New Year celebrations around the world and their family traditions. In addition, Ryan Wang (I) received a standing ovation after singing “The Horizon,” a Mongolian love song. Following the applause was a video featuring many Pingry students and their families, showcasing different traditions and amazing food.

Afterward, Hannah Wu (Grade 6) shared her tongue drumming skills while singing “A Flower in the Haze” and “Edelweiss,” a familiar favorite from The Sound of

Music . Per tradition, Middle School Chinese students then performed the Dragon Dance and impressed the crowd with their spot-on synchronization.

The annual drawing contest allowed students to display their diverse artistic abilities.

Ellie Fue (Grade 3) won the snake drawing contest with her colorful design and Violet Wong (Grade 6) won the most creative award with her threedimensional piece. Cyra Sachan (II) won the best drawing prize and several other wonderful pieces won honorable mentions.

To wrap up the assembly, Upper School Chinese students sang “To the Clouds.” This

performance was very eventful as it included glow sticks, a walk into the crowd, and even a rap verse by Vinav Shah (VI). The Lunar New Year Assembly was met with overwhelming praise, and the school community congratulated participants with lots of cheering and encouragement. Many people at lunch were also excited to receive traditional red envelopes filled with gifts. Overall, the celebration was a great way to start the Year of the Snake and teach the community more about the holiday while allowing students to display their various talents and traditions. Happy New Year!

Photo Credits: Pingry Communications

SIMRIN SHAH (V)

On January 20, the Pingry community gathered at the Pottersville Campus to celebrate the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Community members of all ages participated in the event, either by running a station representing a nonprofit organization or by engaging with the various organizations set up around the gym. The day provided an opportunity for the entire community to come together in honor of Dr. King’s legacy and commitment to service.

Several students led their own stations, proudly representing a wide range of nonprofit organizations. By sharing information about their causes,

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

students helped raise awareness and encouraged other community members to get involved. Among the organizations featured this year were Autism Speaks, which supports individuals with autism, and Girls Learn International, which advocates for women’s social justice issues. These stations, along with others, provided handson opportunities for attendees to learn more about the impact these organizations are making.

For example, Riya Prabhu (IV), leader of the Autism Speaks station, provided hair gel and pompoms to create de-stressing sensory packs to help individuals with autism while also educating participants about the organization and its mission. When asked about her experience representing a

nonprofit, Prabhu said, “I was so glad that everybody came to our table and that people were so willing to help out… I’m happy that we could do something fun

while also helping other people.”

Through these efforts, the different stations offered a meaningful way for participants to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s

legacy while actively giving back to the community. The event allowed attendees to engage with a variety of causes, learn about the work being done by local organizations,

Community in Pictures

LAYLA BAYDIN (V)

On January 25, Pingry students arrived at The Westin

Snow Much Fun

Governor Morris dressed to the nines for the annual semi-formal Snowball dance. Whether traveling by Uber, on

a party bus, or with a parent, students welcomed the highlyanticipated event, which was especially magical this year.

Classmates filled the venue, dancing, laughing, and enjoying themselves. Fueled by the amazing set delivered by the DJ, the dance floor swarmed with energetic students forming dangerously electric dance circles.

The food at Snowball was a highlight. A delicious selection of Asian cuisine, various pasta dishes, and tacos replaced past selections of chicken tenders and fries. Who could forget the ice cream bar offering chocolate,

vanilla, and strawberry ice cream with toppings galore?

After hours of vigorous dancing, students could be found by the refreshment bar, grabbing a Diet Coke or Shirley Temple. Snowball was a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers and build community. Even better, since we were permitted to bring dates from other schools, it was a great chance to make new friends. It was a night to bond, let loose, and truly enjoy the company of others. Caroline Miller (V) commented on the event, “I met a bunch of new people who were my friends’ dates. It was really

Editors-in-Chief

JingJing Luo

Sriya Tallapragada

Faculty Advisors

Ms. Lynne Cattafi

Ms. Sara Courtney

Head Assistant Editors

Vanya Shah

Carolyn Zhou

Head Layout Editors

Vanya Shah Joaquin Stevenson

Assistant Editors

Tingting Luo

Durga Menon

Gabriel Raykin

Simrin Shah

Aanvi Trivedi

Copy Editors

Leah Holmes

Chloe Huang

Ella Karch

Amelia Liu

Leila Souayah

Sophie Schachter

Shanti Swadia

Victoria Xie

cool to welcome them into our community at the dance.”

After a grueling couple of weeks following winter break, which was filled with midterms and stress, Snowball proved itself as the perfect way to celebrate the end of semester one. Students danced away school stressors and congratulated one another on a job well done this semester. One thing is for sure: we Pingry students will continue to look forward to Snowball for years to come. Although the best part of Snowball may be up for debate, everyone agrees that the memories made are priceless.

Cartoon Editors

Sheryl Chen

Anna Ojo

SOPHIE SCHACHTER (IV)

Polarization in the United States has reached an all-time high, making it increasingly difficult to have meaningful conversations. Dr. Ilana Redstone, a sociology professor at the University of Illinois, a former Peace Corps member, and an author of multiple books on communication, delivered the John Hanly Lecture on Ethics and Morality on January 22. In her lecture, she

The John Hanly Lecture

provided both an explanation and a potential solution to America’s growing divide.

Redstone’s latest book, The Certainty Trap: Why We Need to Question Ourselves More — and How We Can Judge Others Less, argues that an unyielding belief in one’s own correctness can lead to narrow-mindedness, causing individuals to view those with opposing perspectives as adversaries rather than fellow citizens. She emphasized

that when we hold our beliefs too rigidly, we not only stop asking questions but also act as if no questions need to be asked. This, she explained, leads to a breakdown in constructive dialogue and contributes to polarization, distrust, and moral outrage.

To illustrate this point, Redstone engaged the audience in an exercise. She asked them to read specific statements about contentious topics and treat them as absolute truths. She then demonstrated how rigid certainty leads to judgment, explaining that it "keeps us from being clear about our assumptions and values." Redstone stressed that refusing to acknowledge doubt and engage with opposing viewpoints fosters a sense of moral superiority, in which people believe their perspective is not just right but the only right one.

As a solution, Redstone

encouraged students to embrace uncertainty and work to build trust and credibility. She urged them to challenge and clarify their thinking by avoiding the certainty trap and considering ideas from different viewpoints. She also highlighted the importance of questioning and articulating one’s beliefs to better understand and refine moral values.

Following the lecture, Sasha Bauhs (VI), Jeremy Betz (VI), Olivia Buvanova

(VI), and Jordan McDonald (V) of the Ethics Humanities Independent Research Team joined Dr. Redstone for a Q&A session. When asked about balancing confidence with humility, Redstone responded, “Letting go of certainty doesn’t make you look weak.” Instead, she argued that recognizing the limits of our own knowledge and staying open to different perspectives requires both the strength to embrace complexity and the courage to challenge one’s beliefs.

Christ Church Performance Winter Sport Pep Rally

SHANTI SWADIA (IV)

On January 26, the Balladeers and Buttondowns sang hymnal and choral pieces for churchgoers, family, and friends at the annual Christ Church performance in Short Hills. The performers opened their show with “Praise to God,” a hymn with a tune composed by Ludwig van Beethoven and adapted by Edward Hodges. Upper School music teacher Dr. Andrew Moore played the piano accompaniment and Mr. Jay Winston conducted the two groups. Next, both groups performed “Gloria,” arranged by Haydn Woodman, and the French song “Cantique,” composed by Jean Racine. Reflecting on many months of practicing “Cantique,” Balladeer Fiona Rovito (IV) stated, “it was nice to perform [“Cantique”] for a community outside of Pingry.” Between songs, the church’s priest gave sermons to the congregation.

Balladeer Durga Menon (V) shared, “My favorite part about the experience would be the [congregation’s] coffee hour, because I loved singing a cappella there and interacting with the people that came.” One a cappella song the groups performed was “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King, arranged by the Balladeers’ co-president Mykah Weckesser (VI). The soloists were Chloe Huang (V) and Will Overdeck (V).

The Balladeers’ final piece was “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, with soloists Julia Cozine (V) and Menon. After the Balladeers wrapped up, the Buttondowns closed the Christ Church show singing the a cappella arrangement of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” composed by Bill Withers and arranged by soloist Overdeck. The Christ Church performance proved to be a memorable experience for students, teachers, and audience members, creating musical bonds across communities.

AANVI TRIVEDI (V)

The 2025 Winter Pep Rally allowed the Pingry community to cheer on our incredible winter sports teams, including Girls’ and Boys' Basketball, Swimming, Wrestling, Fencing, Ice Hockey, Skiing, and Track. To begin the event, players were asked to hobby horse around a course comprising hurdles and cones as the community cheered on from the sidelines. The creative activity brought laughter and excitement as the crowd enthusiastically encouraged their favorite players.Then, players engaged in a series of

competitions that tested their teamwork and agility, including a potato sack race, a three-legged race, and a wheelbarrow race. Each player had to run across the gym to their teammate and pop a balloon without holding it. Boys’ Wrestling secured first place, winning by mere seconds in a tightly contested match. Ivalyn Zhang (V), a member of the Girls’ Swim Team, shared, “Despite almost tripping, I had a really great time participating in the event and interacting with my teammates.” The Girls' and Boys' Basketball Teams then took the floor, competing in a game that involved making a shot and

sliding a mattress across the floor. With both teams tied, a dramatic tiebreaker ensued, where each side selected a player to attempt a half-court shot. Boys' Basketball ultimately emerged victorious thanks to Dylan Cowell’s (IV) winning shot. Reflecting on the event, Owen Smith (V), a member of the Boys’ Swim Team, shared, “Participating in the Pep Rally was really fun and exciting, and the crowd had a really good energy.” The Pep Rally proved to be a memorable occasion, showcasing the Pingry community's spirit and enthusiasm while celebrating the winter sports teams.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

JINGJING LUO (VI)

My mom tells me that I used to be shy, and too afraid to face any social scene. In the hopes that I’d stop crying when greeting “aunties” who weren’t family, she’d bring me to Costco every few days — warehouse of diversity — to meet strangers. Pushing me, a bundled toddler, in her shopping cart, she’d point out the people lining up for cheesecake samples and the father who wore a tee in the freezer section.

Always, though, my favorite part was the end of our

Collecting Receipts

excursions. It was my job to take our long receipt and hand it to a Costco employee at the exit. They would check our cart and draw a big smiley face down the center of the receipt before returning it, gifting me with happiness beyond understanding. The fleeting exchange of a smile crafted from Sharpie strokes is one that doesn't smear, a timeless few seconds that live on.

Recently, I accompanied my mom to Costco, returning for the first time in many years, but the experience was coated with foreign lucidity. I can now see over the grape cartons and smile at the intimidating girls who skated their carts across the aisles. To familiarize myself with a place that has cultivated my cuisine for the past 18 years is an ironic, slightly bittersweet, tribute delayed for too long; our receipts

have lost their simple smile. In the final months of my childhood, I’m searching for a chance to say goodbye to the memories I hold tight to. When the small decisions no longer quicken the heart, I know I’m traveling at breakneck speed towards the finale, grasping helplessly at the flimsy wilderness once called home. It’s been a long time since wholesale goods elicited my admiration—since a decision between Spongebob versus animal stickers at the doctor’s office prompted tears.

Someone once told me that the ages of zero to three is a time when home is everything; from four to twelve home is the after-school hours, from thirteen to adulthood home is the weekends, and beyond that coming home becomes a rarity, replaced by bountiful life experiences. Know that dormlife

and late nights approaches, I'd love to experience the ecstasy from a family grocery run, witnessing the souvenirs from my friendships, and especially resurrecting the easy surprise that etches into my childhood expressions, just one more time. Since the second semester started, I’ve lost myself amid quick-paced conversations, repeated jokes, laughter, and a prolonged giddiness that sustains me until each holiday. Instead of whiling away the hours in this cycle of projected exhilaration, expertly concealing my aloofness, I

intend to live out these next few months like the years I know I’ll soon be missing. Of course, I’ll be victim to bouts of senioritis as I plan my summer vacation when I’m supposed to be studying chemistry. But like performers who bow once, twice, and then again on Broadway (considering Eva Noblezada, the female lead in The Great Gatsby, in her final show), I’ll savor the smiles that I still control. Living each day with less impatience and embracing genuine surprises, I’d say the effort is a worthwhile purchase for the memories I’ll soon have.

Global Exchange Programs: The Importance of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

SAMAYA SHAH (IV)

When I stepped off the plane in Chile, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Sure, I’d packed my suitcase and practiced my Spanish, but nothing could prepare me for the whirlwind of experiences that followed. Over ten days, I learned their cultural dance, played handball with local students, and discovered a love for empanadas. Most importantly, I gained a new perspective on the world and myself.

High school can feel like a bubble. Between classes, sports, and extracurriculars, it’s easy to forget that there’s a whole world beyond our familiar daily routines. That’s why global exchange programs are so important. They push students out of their comfort zones and teach lessons that can’t be learned in a classroom. One of the most significant parts of the trip was connecting with Chilean students at the International American College (IAC). Despite growing up on opposite sides of the world, we found common ground

through shared jokes and late-night conversations.

Cultural exchanges aren’t just about making new friends. They challenge us to think critically about our perspectives. Before my trip, I never considered how much I took certain aspects of my life for granted, such as warm showers daily and access to resources at Pingry. Spending time in a small Chilean town made me appreciate the creativity of people who thrive in different circumstances and deepened my understanding of the privileges I often overlooked.

These programs also prepare students for the future in ways that traditional education can’t. In today’s world, it’s essential to understand and respect different cultures. Whether you’re collaborating with international colleagues or simply navigating a different country, the ability to understand different perspectives is crucial. By immersing ourselves in other cultures, we learn to communicate across differences, a skill that will serve us after high school.

Of course, global exchanges aren’t without their challenges. Adapting to a new environment and speaking another language can be intimidating. There were moments in Chile when I felt out of place or struggled to keep up. However, those challenges taught me resilience and adaptability. They showed me that growth only happens outside of our comfort zones.

Not everyone has the opportunity to travel

internationally, but the lessons of cultural exchange can be learned in other ways, too. Hosting an exchange student or engaging in local cultural events can provide similar insights. The key is to seek opportunities that broaden your perspective and encourage you to see the world differently.

My time in Chile wasn’t just a trip; it was an important experience that shaped how I view the world and my place

in it. I returned home with an appreciation for cultural diversity and a commitment to fostering connections across differences. I also realized that high school is the perfect time to step outside your comfort zone and explore what the world offers. Whether through a global exchange program or another cultural immersion, I encourage every student to take that leap; you might be surprised by what you learn.

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IKB-79 and a Love Letter To Abstract Art

SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (VI)

“The task of an artist is to make the human being uncomfortable” I lifted that from an interview featuring Lucian Freud, a British painter who sought to quantify what lies beyond true art. At first glance, this definition seems to hold—after all, some of the most famous pieces of art tend to evoke some sort of emotion in the human psyche. For example, the Sistine Chapel ceiling explores humanity’s search for meaning in multiple facets at once, “Starry Night” depicts feelings of isolation in an expansive world, and “The Kiss” depicts feelings of ecstasy associated with love. Even the “Mona Lisa,” with her plain-Jane smile, has inspired a meme culture that has practically taken over social media, inspiring laughs and admiration from millions across the world. Although each of the art pieces are vastly different, they are visually and emotionally intense, telling a story that makes the audience uncomfortable. However, when I first saw the highly-praised “IKB 79” as a naive, pseudo-art connoisseur, the only emotion I felt was confusion. It was just a canvas painted with a shade of blue. It looked like a paint swatch I could get from my

local Benjamin-Moore; there’s no way something that simple could be considered art, much less have an emotional impact on people! However, the vivid blue color and striking uniformity prompted me to research the painting. I read about the artist of this painting, Yves Klein, and discovered that its significance ran much deeper than that. As I pored over countless interviews, galleries, and firstperson accounts of Yves Klein, I began to realize that there was so much more than what first met the eye in the seemingly simple IKB79. The monochrome paint on the canvas represented Klein’s attempt to redefine the medium painting, immortalize a color, and capture the impossible. Klein was never a big fan of words; he recounted in an interview that “Color is enslaved by lines that become writing.”

Yves Klein was a Frenchman born in 1928. He was an obsessed artist from a young age, famously saying, “Born into a milieu of painters, I acquired my taste for painting with my mother’s milk.” He became fascinated with this pigment known as ultramarine—a color you get from grinding down lapis lazuli stones. The pigment is known to be blue in its purest form, completely unadulterated by any other color. Yves Klein felt like this color represented pure energy. He tried desperately to turn this pigment into paint, but every time he combined the pigment with a binding solution, he felt like the color had lost its magnetism. He worked with chemists every single day for over a year to find a solution that was completely clear and wouldn’t affect the pigment. He was famous for spending countless hours,

days even, working with new materials and finding new ways to create his works. What you see as a canvas of blue may have taken hundreds of hours for him to achieve the exact shades he wanted using unconventional methods. Klein’s intense quest for purity and liberation from the artistic constraint of using conventional pigment led him to invent International Klein Blue (IKB) and create monochromatic masterpieces (such as IKB-79) that defied traditional categorization. His life story is vaguely unsettling simply because of his obsession with a particular shade of blue; through working to create a new color, Klein was seeking the impossible. Klein’s artistic quest aimed to strip away distractions, focusing solely on color devoid of conventional boundaries like lines or expression, ultimately aspiring to paint the essence of “nothing,” even commenting on his work by saying, “At first there is nothing. Then there is a profound nothingness. After that a blue profundity.” He believed his patented International Klein Blue encouraged viewers to associate the color blue with pure space. Understanding the history of his life allows us to view his paintings with a greater understanding, and by extension, understand his artistic motif. Yves Klein’s “IKB 79” challenges conventional artistic norms through its departure from traditional representational art forms. The painting, entirely composed of International Klein Blue (IKB), defies conventional expectations of what is considered “art.” By reducing the canvas to a single color, Klein challenges

viewers to confront the essence of color itself. This departure from traditional art norms unsettles viewers who are used to art that tells a clearer story, prompting them to view minimalism differently. The monochromatic composition of IKB-79, along with the absence of visible brushstrokes or texture, takes away any distractions, forcing readers to absorb the negative space of color. Ultimately, “IKB 79” is all about abstraction. Klein’s pioneering use of color transcends any previous forms of art. In doing so, “IKB 79” challenges viewers to expand their understanding of what art can. As Klein himself remarked, “Blue has no dimensions, it is beyond,” encouraging viewers to transcend the limitations of conventional artistic norms and embrace the boundless possibilities of pure color. Many of us are taught to measure the quality of art under simple metrics of “skill.” We believe that the value of art comes from the ability of an artist to recreate a visual scene (painting)

or follow a rhyme scheme adnauseum (poetry). However, while aesthetically pleasing, this type of art is completely predictable, and in some cases, boring. It begs someone to step forward and take the idea of art in a new direction. Creating something entirely new that gets people talking is a real challenge. Klein was truly in love with his role as an artist and used that passion to challenge conventional perceptions of reality. The personal stories behind IKB-79 gives the work a whole other layer, as viewers can make sense of the stories behind the art. Furthermore, through the abstractness of his work, he can fully question and explore what it means to experience and express reality. Modern and contemporary art often leaves more questions than answers, which forces consumers to engage in a dialogue and share their interpretations. In my opinion, this ambiguity is the best way to fully express the human experience, and thus, is a necessary characteristic of great art... and of a great life.

Patience Is A Virtue… But Is It Holding You Back?

SIMRIN SHAH (V)

Patience is often praised as a most admirable quality. From a young age, we are told that good things come to those who wait, that rushing leads to mistakes, and that true success requires diligence and careful thought. In a world that seems to move at a breakneck speed, patience is positioned as an antidote to chaos, a virtue that sets the thoughtful apart from the impulsive. But what happens when patience stops being an asset and starts becoming an excuse?

There is a fine line between waiting for the right moment and letting moments pass you by. It’s the student who hesitates to speak in a class discussion, waiting for the “perfect” argument. It’s the artist who

never shares their work because it’s not “finished.” It’s the person who stays silent in a meeting, convincing themselves they're considerate rather than admitting they’re afraid to speak up.

At a certain point, patience can turn into passivity. And when that happens, it stops being a strength and becomes a quiet, creeping form of self-sabotage.

The idea of waiting for the “right time” is comforting. It allows us to avoid risk, to put off discomfort, to delay the possibility of failure. We convince ourselves that if we just wait a little longer until we feel more comfortable, we’ll eventually take action.

But in reality, perfect timing is a myth. More often than not, we aren’t waiting for the right moment; we’re waiting

for certainty. And certainty, especially in situations that require courage, rarely comes before action. The only way to gain confidence in speaking up is to speak. The only way to refine an idea is to share it. The only way to move forward is to start walking.

Patience can also disguise itself as procrastination. We don’t think of ourselves as avoiding a task. Instead, we tell ourselves we’re just “waiting for inspiration” or “making sure everything is in order” before we begin. But in doing so, we allow ourselves to disguise idleness as thoughtfulness. This tendency shows up in school, work, and everyday life. Students who struggle with participation aren’t always uninterested or unprepared. Sometimes, they

simply overthink every response, waiting for a flawless contribution that never comes. Creative people often abandon projects because they don’t meet an impossibly high standard of perfection.

Professionals hesitate to take on leadership roles, waiting for the day they feel completely qualified.

But growth doesn’t happen by waiting. It happens by doing, by stepping into uncertainty, making mistakes, and learning from them.

None of this is to say that patience is never valuable.

Careful thinking, preparation, and deliberation are essential in many aspects of life. The key is knowing when patience serves us and when it holds us back. The best approach is a balance: giving ourselves time to think and setting limits on how long

we wait before taking action. That might mean setting deadlines for decisions, committing to speaking up in discussions, or sharing creative work even when it feels unfinished. Over time, these small steps create confidence, proving that action leads to progress in ways that waiting never will.

Patience is still a virtue. But in a world that moves forward, whether we’re ready or not, waiting too long means being left behind. The truth is, no one is ever fully prepared, and no moment is ever truly perfect. Opportunities are not moments to wait for but moments to create. Progress belongs to those who step forward. After all, life doesn’t reward the person who waits the longest — it rewards the person who dares to begin.

CAROLYN ZHOU (VI)

Let me introduce you to two animals: one, the outgoing early bird. They are often viewed as hard-working go-getters, rising at the crack of dawn. They complete their 10k, gulp down a protein shake, and journal a dozen pages before most of us have gotten out of bed. They’re the Instagram it-girl, living at a level of unattainable productivity that inspires us all. The other is the elusive night owl. Conversely, people perceive them as procrastinating students addicted to their blue-light

In Defense of Night Owls

screens, cramming for tests late at night. Contrasting the early bird, no one wants to condone the 2 a.m. grind sessions or Red Bull-fueled late nights. This chronotype divide becomes more evident with the support of scientific research. A 2021 study by the University of Newfoundland found that 3,160 individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 associated early birds with more social support and mindfulness. Night owls, on the other hand, are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, and a 10% higher mortality rate, per a 2018 paper from the journal

TINGTING LUO (V)

It’s no secret that TikTok has become a hotbed of controversy in recent months. The U.S. government has labeled it a national security threat. After all, what could be more dangerous than a few hundred teenagers lip-syncing to pop songs or showing off their cooking skills?

The government has decided that the real threat to democracy isn’t the 24/7 churn of partisan news or political polarization— it’s a 15-second dance challenge.

The argument for banning TikTok revolves largely around data privacy, with critics fearing that its Chinese ownership could allow unauthorized extraction of user information by the Chinese government. While data privacy is undoubtedly important, the inconsistency in our approach is hard to ignore.

Major American companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon collect vast amounts of user data—often in ways less transparent and more invasive than TikTok’s practices. They have repeatedly mishandled personal data, whether through Cambridge Analytica or unwarranted data tracking. Yet, these companies continue to operate without nearly as much public scrutiny that TikTok faces. Why is TikTok being singled out? TikTok’s democratizing effect

Chronobiology International But who can blame them? Their preferred hours of sleep are often disrupted by early morning commutes, construction, and commitments, while their later hours seem to free up. Researchers stress that it’s not about what time you sleep but how long you sleep. The CDC recommends 8 hours of sleep for teens and 7 for adults. As long as they meet those requirements, the only thing separating these two groups seems to be how society perceives their lifestyle, despite the biological nature of their sleep preferences. This battle between sleep schedules dates back to the earliest times of humanity. Without artificial light, our hunter-gatherer ancestors relied on the sun's rising and setting, making early birds the natural default. You certainly wouldn’t have been able to finish that English essay with the price of oil lamps in the 1800s.

In 2020, The European

Journal of Personality found a further connection between genetics and sleep time, while the Finnish University of Oulu discovered an association between sleep chronotype and physical activity. Many teens lean toward night owl lifestyles, with their latenight and lazy morning habits chalked up to the blue light of phone screens and the pull of social media. While research shows that blue light blocks melatonin production and disrupts sleep cycles, it may not be the main culprit behind our generational inability to fall asleep. According to UCLA Health, hormonal shifts during puberty cause a “sleep phase delay,” or a shift back in your circadian rhythm. As a result, it makes teens want to stay up late even if they need 8-9 hours. This pattern has led many to advocate for later start times for school, accounting for the difference in sleep times. However, this shift is inconvenient for much

The App We Love to Hate

on culture cannot be overstated. It has created a platform for creativity and self-expression, allowing anyone with a phone to share their ideas, whether it’s a satirical skit, political commentary, or a viral dance trend. People, especially those underrepresented in mainstream media, can find a sense of community on TikTok. However, this creativity and connection is apparently too dangerous for national security. Rather than addressing more pressing issues—such as the mishandling of our personal data across the internet—we stay preoccupied with viral trends and cat videos. If the goal is to protect privacy, we should advocate for better regulations that apply to all tech platforms, not just TikTok. Banning TikTok won’t solve the problem; it will just eliminate one of the few spaces where teens can have fun, express themselves, and, yes, occasionally learn something along the way. Beyond just entertainment, TikTok has become an essential platform for many creators and businesses, allowing them to reach new audiences in ways that traditional marketing channels cannot. The app is not just a pastime for countless entrepreneurs, influencers, and artists—it’s a livelihood. TikTok has enabled people with minimal resources to gain visibility and

be successful. Banning the app would have severe financial impacts on these individuals and businesses that depend on TikTok for income and visibility. While it might be tempting to treat TikTok like a dangerous villain, maybe it’s time to accept that the real danger isn’t the app itself—it’s the fact that we’re not thinking critically about how we use it.

In an era where technology influences nearly every aspect of our lives, we should push for platforms to operate transparently and ethically rather than eliminate them. Banning TikTok is simply addressing the symptom, not curing the disease. Instead of silencing a platform that has given millions a voice, let’s demand more

of the adult world, whose brains and bodies shift into earlier circadian rhythms. This issue, combined with the standard 9-5 workday hours, makes it nearly impossible to accommodate teenagers’ sleep preferences. The incompatibility of modern work life drives the isolation of night owl groups. Beyond young adulthood, society deems their habits even less acceptable. But for many, it’s a matter of biology, a simple preference, or a necessity, especially for those who work night jobs to make ends meet. They are unseen and underappreciated for sacrificing their normal socialization time for essential work. I believe our society needs to become more lenient towards the night owl and less reverent of the early bird mindset. As long as people are happy and healthy with their lifestyle habits, their circadian rhythm shouldn’t pose a barrier to accessing social opportunities or getting a good night's rest, whatever those hours may look like.

accountability and oversight across all digital platforms. Laws such as GDPR in Europe have set precedents for user privacy that the U.S. can follow. After all, young people deserve a voice—whether through a 15-second video or more indepth content—without fear of misusing their data or losing the platform on which they have built communities and careers.

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AANVI TRIVEDI (V)

Our world emphasizes the power of individuality and personality, claiming that a vibrant interior is what truly makes someone

The Perfect Aesthetic

shine. Pingry is a dynamic mix of different personalities, people, and styles. Everyone is uniquely themselves, whether their individuality is defined by meticulous organizational skills, dry

VICTORIA XIE (V)

We all believe that we are naturally bad at something. Our repeated struggles reflect our inability to excel in certain areas. In some cases, the people around us have even reprimanded us for our incompetency. Over time, their demeaning comments become our narrative. But what if we are not as hopeless as we thought? What if our beliefs and lack of confidence have been shaping our results all along?

Think back to the last time you believed you were not good enough—perhaps when you struggled with a difficult subject in school, fumbled through a presentation, or compared yourself to someone who seemed more talented. In that moment, self-doubt crept

sarcasm, or stylish outfits. In the search for individuality, I’ve noticed people identifying themselves with a specific tagline, categorizing their entire personality into a term we now know as an “aesthetic.”

The word “aesthetic” was first used by German philosopher Alexander Baumgarten in 1735 to describe the process of understanding what makes something beautiful versus ugly and how we arrive at those judgments. His definition is considered the first true articulation of the concept, though its origins can be traced back to Aristotle and the ancient Greeks. Today, Baumgarten’s original definition still holds true, but with a slight caveat. Some people associate the term with any representation of beauty, whether it be a wellorganized office space or a breathtaking beach at sunset. Others link it to a specific style — an interpretation that has dominated the internet, filling our feeds with “Which one are you?” and “Find your aesthetic” videos. Whether it’s streetwear or soft academia, the word “aesthetic” has evolved from a term used primarily by artists to a popular internet trend,

classifying and categorizing various styles, preferences, and personalities. I’ve often caught myself scanning my closet, hoping to find that all my clothes align with the cohesive vision I see online. How do my Brandy Melville sweatpants fit alongside my collection of Hollister summer dresses? Is there any connection between my Urban Outfitters top and my favorite platform UGGs? I even forced myself to watch a series of “What aesthetic are you?” videos, hoping one would help me pinpoint who I am. Am I more of a cozysweater introvert or a boldcolored extrovert? And if I don’t fit into a clear mold, does that mean I lack not only a style but also a personality?

The short answer is: No. The process of choosing an aesthetic shouldn’t involve scrolling through countless influencers describing their daily lives at ballet performances or art galleries in Italy — it should develop naturally. The truth is, everyone has their own aesthetic, even if they can’t find it online. It’s the individuality of a person that defines their true aesthetic, not a series of “Ask your best friend which one you are” videos. Our

You Are What You Repeatedly Do

in, reinforcing the idea that you could not succeed. But was that belief an accurate assessment of your potential, or was it merely the result of a single experience? Often, we focus so much on failures that we overlook our capacity for growth.

In his popular book Atomic Habits , James Clear argues that the key to better results lies in both our habits and selfperception. He states that our identity shapes our habits as much as our habits shape us.

For instance, if you were never passed the ball in elementary school PE, you might believe you were unathletic. However, if you start working out every day, that belief will shift. Repeated actions and events shape our identity. Clear puts it best: “Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish

to become.” As the votes for the "athletic" version of ourselves begin to outnumber those for our "unathletic" self, our new identity will take shape. As we continue to exercise, each one percent improvement will build up. With consistent effort, even small improvements add up over time, leading to noticeable progress. Another key aspect of habit formation is the environment we

create for ourselves. Clear's emphasis on desirable habits and rejection of negative habits can be a game-changer. For example, keeping books within reach encourages reading.

If you want to be healthier, surrounding yourself with nutritious food and avoiding junk food reinforces your new identity as a healthy person.

Structuring our environment to align with

personalities aren’t defined by a tagline like “cottagecore” or “vanilla girl.” Maybe you love wearing floral pink on Mondays and graphic tees on Fridays — the contrast only adds to your uniqueness and enriches the complexity of who you are.

In an effort to define our individuality, we often restrict ourselves to a system that strips us of the very thing that makes us unique. People on the internet constantly strive to brand themselves in the most perfect, “aesthetically pleasing” way possible — tying together what they eat, wear, and say into a curated formula of perfectionism, sprinkled with just enough uniqueness to appear real. But at the end of the day, we don’t need to present ourselves in a perfectly put-together, “aesthetic” way — we just need to present ourselves as who we truly are. What we like to eat, what we like to wear, and what we want to say should be dictated by us, not an internet trend. So next time you find yourself scrolling through TikTok or scanning your closet for something that feels uniquely “you,” take a step back and ask yourself what you want. Create your own aesthetic.

our goals makes change more achievable and sustainable. Transformation does not happen overnight, but every step forward is a step toward the person we aspire to be. With each vote toward our better self, we are becoming someone who improves.

The next time you feel you are lacking, remember: your past does not dictate your potential— your present actions do.

CAROLYN ZHOU

(VI)

Nestled within Edison Township is the affectionately named “donuthole” town of Metuchen. Within this so-called donut hole lies a hidden gem: Plain & Simpol. What began as a small bakery has since expanded into a cozy, several-table restaurant serving up authentic Filipino comfort food alongside pastries and coffee. Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts, or catering, Plain & Simpol has something for every occasion. For breakfast, the restaurant offers

DURGA MENON (V)

Purple Ube Heaven

silog, a traditional Filipino dish consisting of sinangag (garlic fried rice), itlog (fried egg), and a savory main dish (ulam). Customers can customize their silog with options like marinated pork, tender beef, smoked milkfish, Spam, eggplant, or even lumpia—a popular variation of spring rolls with a thin, paper-like pastry skin filled with either sweet or savory ingredients. This flavorful and satisfying meal pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a refreshing Philippine-brand mango juice. For lunch and dinner, lumpia and BBQ pork skewers make excellent appetizers, leading into a menu packed with classic Filipino dishes. Favorites include melt-in-yourmouth pork adobo (marinated pork belly), pancit palabok (fragrant rice noodles with shrimp, fried pork belly, egg, and spring onion), and aromatic chicken inasal (grilled chicken). Filipino cuisine is known for its bold, savory flavors, often enhanced by rich shrimp and pork

sauces. For those dining in groups, the Ooh-Lam Platter offers a generous selection of classic Filipino dishes, making it a great option for sharing with family and friends. Then comes the highlight: dessert. The star ingredient? Ube (purple yam). Sweeter and nuttier than taro, with subtle vanilla notes, ube takes center stage in many Filipino treats. Plain & Simpol’s ube cookies offer a perfect contrast—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside— while their ube burnt cheesecake is simply to die for. This vibrant, crustless cheesecake is just as stunning as it is delicious. But the ube delights don’t stop there—think ube boba, ube butterscotch squares, ube Liege waffles, and ube pandesal (soft bread rolls). Need I go on?

Another must-try is the restaurant’s halo-halo, a refreshing summer dessert. Meaning “mixed” in Tagalog, halo-halo is a delightful medley of crushed ice, milk, and a variety of sweet toppings such as

ube, leche flan, sweetened beans, coconut strips, and vanilla ice cream. Plain & Simpol also adds a unique touch to some of its dishes by incorporating cornflakes for added texture, while mango— another beloved Filipino flavor— brightens up their snacks with its vibrant orange hue. Just imagine sipping on their Mango Graham Shake, a fresh mango smoothie topped with graham crackers. With its extensive menu, authentic flavors, and beautiful presentation, Plain & Simpol is a must-visit.

One trip simply isn’t enough to appreciate the variety of offerings. From savory to sweet, appetizers to desserts, meals to drinks, there’s truly something for everyone. Filipino cuisine deserves more recognition for its vibrant colors and bold flavors, which add a unique dimension to the culinary world. If you ever find yourself in the Metuchen area, stop by Plain & Simpol for a comforting meal or a heavenly pastry—you won’t be disappointed.

2025 Fashion: Nostalgia Meets the New

embellishments to give low-rise silhouettes a fresh, updated feel.

Fashion trends always seem to come full circle, and 2025 is no different. This year’s style is all about blending familiar favorites with fresh updates, from modern twists on nostalgic pieces to bold new statements.

Low-Rise Jeans: This 2000s staple is back, styled with crop tops, oversized hoodies, and even corsets for a contemporary edge. Designers are experimenting with asymmetrical waistbands, bold stitching, and rhinestone

Cargo Pants & Skirts: Practical and effortlessly cool, cargo pants and skirts are dominating 2025. Featuring functional pockets and relaxed fits, they’re perfect for casual days and can easily be dressed up with a sleek top and heels—ideal for a concert or night out. While neutral tones remain a favorite, bold shades like olive green are making a strong impact.

Maxi Skirts: Maxi skirts are having a major moment, offering versatility for almost any occasion. From flowy bohemian styles to structured denim versions, these skirts pair effortlessly with everything from chunky boots to sneakers.

Uggs: Uggs are back, but with a modern twist. From classic boots to trendy platform versions and mini styles, these cozy shoes can

be worn with everything from leggings to mini dresses. Pair them with fuzzy socks for the ultimate comfy-chic look.

Adidas Sambas: The Adidas Samba sneaker is everywhere this year. With its retro-inspired yet timeless design, this shoe pairs perfectly with everything from sporty outfits to casual jeans-and-tee combinations.

On Clouds: If comfort is your top priority, On Cloud sneakers

are the way to go. Known for their lightweight feel and sleek look, they’re perfect for running errands or hitting the gym—all while looking effortlessly stylish.

Puffer Jackets: Puffers remain a winter essential, and 2025 is bringing them in all shapes and sizes. Oversized puffers, cropped styles, and puffer vests are wardrobe staples, with bright colors and metallic finishes making bold fashion statements.

Alo Yoga Matching Sets: Athleisure continues to thrive, and Alo Yoga’s matching sets are leading the charge. From sleek leggings and sports bras to cozy joggers and sweatshirts, these sets transition seamlessly from yoga class to brunch.

Cheetah Print: Animal prints are roaring back into fashion, with cheetah print leading the pack. Whether

on skirts, tops, bags, or scarves, this bold pattern is a surefire way to stand out. Slicked-Back Hairstyles: It’s not just about the clothes— hairstyles are making a statement, too. Slicked-back styles are trending, offering a sleek, polished look that pairs perfectly with oversized earrings and statement sunglasses for an effortless edge. 2025’s fashion trends prove that style is all about balance— mixing nostalgia with newness, comfort with boldness, and classic staples with unexpected twists. Which trend are you most excited to try?

Ozempic’s Biggest Night

AMELIA LIU (IV)

On January 5, film and television stars from around the world flocked to Los Angeles for the 82nd annual Golden Globes. The history of this award ceremony dates back to 1944 when awards were first presented in the form of scrolls. However, this quickly changed in 1945 with the introduction of the now-iconic golden globe on a cylindrical pedestal, symbolizing global recognition. This year, comedian Nikki Glaser became the first woman to solo host the Golden Globes. Best known for hosting the reality dating show Fboy Island, Glaser had a successful 2024 with her NBO comedy special Someday You’ll Die, earning nominations

for a Golden Globe and an Emmy award. Glaser started off the night by welcoming the audience to the Golden Globes. Her opening monologue directed jokes toward several celebrities, including Timotheé Chalamet, Kate Winslet, Benny Blanco, and Zendaya. “Zendaya, you were incredible in Dune. Oh, my God. I woke up for all of your scenes. You are so good,” Glaser quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience before turning her attention to Zendaya’s costar and actor for Paul Adreides himself: “Timothée Chalamet is here too. Really, and I love you. And can I just say—you have the most gorgeous eyelashes on your upper lip.” He was spotted with influencer and businesswoman Kylie Jenner.

The night’s highlights began with Demi Moore’s empowering win for The Substance. Before taking home the award for “Best Actress in Horror/Comedy,” Moore had been nominated three times. In her acceptance speech, Moore covered several topics, from addressing how a producer called her a “popcorn actor” to encouraging women to be kinder to themselves.

The “Best Supporting Actress” race was highly competitive, featuring nominees Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Margaret Qualley, Felicity Jones, and Isabella Rossellini. In the end, Emilia Pérez ’s Zoe Saldaña triumphed and accepted her trophy as she burst into tears, thanking the cast, crew, and fellow nominees.

The three-and-a-half-hourlong epic The Brutalist won “Best Motion Picture” and earned Adrien Brody the title of “Best Actor in a Drama.” Meanwhile, Fernanda Torres also made history as the first Brazilian actress to win “Best Actress” for her role in the thriller I’m Still Here

With record-breaking wins, heartfelt speeches, and bold comedic moments, the 82nd Golden Globes set the stage for an exciting awards season ahead.

Alumni Ice Hockey Event

On Saturday, January 18, the Boys’ Hockey team faced off against Watchung Hills at Bridgewater Sports Arena. This match was complemented by an Alumni Event organized by the Office of Institutional Advancement, featuring an Ice Hockey Watch Party that welcomed alumni from various graduating classes.

Attendees enjoyed a well-prepared food spread, including chicken fingers, assorted pizzas, mozzarella sticks, and beverages. The alumni gathered in a spacious, comfortable room that provided a clear view of the Blue Rink and the game below. After the National Anthem was played, the puck dropped close to 8 p.m. Both teams’ goalies delivered impressive performances, resulting in a tie by the end of the first period.

Pingry took the lead in the second period with a nice goal, followed by another, concluding with a 2-0 lead. The third period saw consistent attacks from Pingry, culminating in a 4-0 victory.

After the game, coaches and alumni had the opportunity to catch up, reminisce about their time at Pingry, and enjoy this sense of camaraderie. The event proved to be a fun evening for all involved.

AANVI TRIVEDI (V)

The beginning of the second semester marks a blank slate for all of us — the perfect opportunity to start fresh and work towards being the best version of ourselves that we can be. What better way to begin this new chapter than with a good book or two to ease off the stress of math tests and English essays? With an invigorating mix of classics and YA books, the following list is sure to provide a much-needed escape to get us through the rest of the school year: Powerless by Laura Roberts is a popular YA fantasy novel set in the kingdom Ilya, a land dominated by the Elites, who possess magical powers. The book has a similar feel to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and is highly character-driven with a dual POV between the main characters. One of these characters, Paedyn, is an Ordinary—someone who is born without powers. She pretends to be a psychic to blend in with the Elites. After unsuspectingly saving one of the kingdom’s princes, Paedyn is thrown into the Purging Trials, a brutal competition created to highlight the Elites’ power. The book also features a romantic arc between the two main characters, Paedyn and Kai. After seeing this novel all over the internet, it certainly met my expectations with a familiar dystopian track and a well-paced plot. However, it would have been nice to see more of the thriller aspects and resistance movement in the story, as they took a bit of a back seat to the romantic elements. Nevertheless, Powerless is an excellent read for anyone interested in YA dystopian fantasy.

Another great book, though a bit different than the first, is 1984 by George Orwell. Published in 1949, Orwell’s novel reads as a cautionary tale against totalitarianism and mass surveillance. I first came across this book two years ago and was intrigued by how Orwell’s creations paralleled today’s issues.

The novel is set in Oceania, one of the world’s three dominant totalitarian super-states ruled by the dictator Big Brother and his Thought Police. They use constant surveillance to purge those who do not conform to their regime. The main character, Winston Smith, works at the Ministry of Truth, where he re-writes the world’s ever-changing history. Winston is secretly unhappy with the party’s rule and longs for rebellion. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed 1984, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves classics and thoughtprovoking dystopian fiction.

Lastly, traveling out of the dystopian territory, I highly recommend Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, one of Japan’s most talented contemporary writers. It was a bit different from the books I usually read, but after seeing the overwhelmingly positive reviews, I decided to pick it up. Convenience Store Woman is the “darkly comic” story of 36-year-old Tokyo resident Keiko Furukura, who has always felt different than everyone else. When she starts working at Smile Mart, a convenience store, she learns the intricacies of social interaction and begins to mimic those around her. She eventually moves in with Shiraha, a man for whom she has no feelings, to avoid issues with her family and society. She ultimately realizes that her purpose in life is to be a Konbini (convenience store) employee. Convenience Store Woman is thought-provoking and truly an unforgettable book—a fantastic choice for anyone looking for something out of the box.

Some other honorable mentions include: They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera, The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson. Happy reading!

MATIAS STEVENSON (IV)

March Madness Crossword

Solve the crossword for this issue! Email back your responses to jluo2025@pingry.org and stallapragada2025@pingry.org when you are done. If you are the first one to respond, we will be in touch with a prize! No spaces should be included in the answers.