One-Size Stores: Ethical or Unethical? pg. 8
FEATURES
Friends for The Philippines pg. 14
LIFESTYLES
Does “Bad Press” Still Pay? pg. 24
POSTSCRIPT
The Summer I ___ ___ pg. 30
Exploring the detriments of self-diagnosing mental illness through online content
editors-in-chief
Amrita Brar
Nitya Dhulipala
managing editors
Miya Widman
Nikhil Krishnaswamy
news editor
Laura Chen
opinions editor
Ashley Qi
features editors
Celine Zhang
Saba Sharifolnasabi
investigations editor
Madalina Zheng
lifestyles editors
Atrisa Rahgozar
Katie Mak
postscript editor
Cathy Wu
copy editors
Angela Kim
Ashley Qi
Celine Zhang
Laura Chen
sports editor
Rebecca Wawda
social media managers
Chloe Choe
Nimrit Gandhi
Dear readers,
Angela Kim
Atrisa Rahgozar
Chloe Choe
Mason Lien
Nimrit Gandhi
Saba Sharifolnasabi
Zain Haseeb
online editors writers
Alina Tie, Anderson Chang, Annika Bagga, Anuj Shah, Calista Fu, Cecilia Zhou, Chloe Han, Elaine Chen, Emily Chen, Hana Widman, Izumi Rubin, James Li, Kayla Lee, Netra Dsouza, Nishaant
Sinha, Rola Ali, Sarah Kim, Sophia Yee, Srinika Joshi, Zoe Jerajani, Zoe Wang
advisor
Ann Shriver-Peck
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Welcome to a new year at Cupertino High School! Whether you’re a freshman stepping onto campus for the very first time or a senior who knows these halls like the back of your hand, the start of a new year represents a fresh start for everyone.
In our first issue of the year, The Prospector has explored the voices and stories that reflect both our generation’s curiosity and its challenges. On page 26, Madalina Zheng examines the impact of performative culture, revealing how online trends and social media expression often reflect deeper societal questions about authenticity and self-expression. On page 10, Cathy Wu investigates the rise of self-diagnosing through social media and the complex consequences it can have on how we understand mental health.
On page 12, Alina Tie sits down with Coach Gilmore to discuss his inspiring journey toward a healthier lifestyle, and explores a story of perseverance, balance and self-care. In her thoughtful column on page 28, Izumi Rubin reflects on nostalgia, reminding us that looking back can often shape the way we move forward.
As you flip through the pages of our first issue of the year, know that your support for The Prospector is well appreciated. We thank you for engaging and look forward to an amazing year at CHS.
Sincerely,
Amrita Brar, Nitya Dhulipala, Miya Widman, Nikhil Krishnaswamy
WITHHELD FROM THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
ANUJ SHAH, CELINE ZHANG, NIMRIT GANDHI, NITYA DHULIPALA, ROLA ALI, SARAH KIM writers | features editor | spotlight editor | editor-in-chief
$7 B $715 M $600 M IN TEACHER TRAINING GRANTS CUT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WITHHELD FROM ADULT EDUCATION
During his first week in office, United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order that eliminates diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programs — a change that could drastically impact the lives of special needs students. Due to the administration’s decision to dismantle the Department of Education, the future of special education has become increasingly unpredictable, and the support given to these students has been compromised.
ated with DEIA, would have funded training regarding ableism, in efforts to prevent discrimination against disabled people.
According to the official statement released on the White House website, “Americans deserve a government committed to serving every person with equal dignity and respect, and to expending precious taxpayer resources only on making America great.”
DISABLED POPULATION FROM 2019 TO 2024
Beginning in January 2025, Trump has made significant efforts to dismantle DEIA programs that protect disabled individuals, in hopes of ending wasteful spending across the federal government. This included weakening health care affordability and access; not being able to provide free public education to all disabled children due to a lack of funding; eliminating individualized education programs; and removing services, benefits and regulations. Trump’s order also directed the termination of offices, job-positions, websites and partnerships that are directed towards advancing DEIA. Additionally, the Department of Education later cut more than $600 million in teacher training grants in February 2025. These grants, which were associ-
On July 1, 2025, the administration withheld $7 billion for the 20252026 school year — funds that support Title II teacher training, school programs and academic enrichment programs. These grant-funded programs would have been used to support vulnerable students. Later in July, another $715 million in basic adult education was withheld, with half of the affected adults having a learning disability. Although these funds were eventually unfrozen, schools were still thrown into chaos and many special education programs were halted. According to the Center for American Progress, more than one in four adults in the United States have a disability. Since 2019, the disabled community has grown faster than the overall population — 12% to 3.6%, respectively. Now more than ever, high-quality special education is crucial to support this increasing population. FUHSD schools have not been heavily impacted by the federal funding cuts that have resulted from the dismantling of the DOE because they are not financially reliant on the federal government.
“We get some specific federal funding for special education,” said Nancy Sullivan, Director of Education and Special Services in FUHSD. “Then we also get some
state funding specific for special education. And then the reality is, those two pots of money combined are not enough to pay for all of special education, so we also get contributions from local funds for it.”
Federal funding is only a minor component of district funding that FUHSD receives, due to FUHSD being a Basic Aid district, meaning it is community funded. Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and property taxes, along with some state taxes, make up a majority of the district’s revenue. For the 20252026 school year, around $213.7 million of FUHSD’s district budget comes from LCFF and property taxes, compared to mere $3.3 million that comes from federal revenue. Of the remaining budget, $7.9 million comes from state revenue and $10.8 million from local revenue.
Said FUHSD Superintendent Graham Clark, “Losing 1.5% of your budget is a problem, but not a huge problem.”
Furthermore, Cupertino High School always ensures a welcoming and supportive environment for students with special needs. The CHS special education department offers a range of programs and specialists to support students with disabilities. Clubs such as Tino Best Buddies have student officers plan activities and provide fun experiences for those with learning disabilities. Additionally, CHS and other schools in the district have teams dedicated to supporting and guiding disabled students, such as special education paraeducators.
Fremont High School Principal Bryan Emmert explains that for a long time in the past, disabled students got sent to other places for support. However, in time FUHSD was able to offer their
own support to these students.
“[The FUHSD board] said, ‘No, we have significant populations, and we think we can do a better job of instructing those kids, supporting those kids on their process through the eighth, ninth through 12th grades, and then those that need the postsecondary support.’”
Despite federal attempts to cut protective initiatives funding special education programs across the country, FUHSD feels confident in its ability to maintain its special education programs — district officials are positive that there will be no major changes affecting this in the future.
“We will always support the kids that we have who need extra support, and we’ll figure out a way to do it,” CHS principal Bill Schloss said. “I don’t see us taking support away from this — it’s just not an option.”
Although FUHSD serves as a safe haven for students with disabilities, the future of disabled rights is unpredictable, especially for schools reliant on federal funding.
The changing rights of the disabled community leave special education students and adults in uncertainty, ultimately posing concerns for the overall protection of these individuals’ lives
1.5%
Introducing Fremont Union High School District’s new equity-based student groups
ANDERSON CHANG, ANGELA KIM, ASHLEY QI, SOPHIA YEE
writers | online opinions editor | opinions editor
Starting autumn of 2025, Fremont Union High School District will implement Site Equity Action Teams at all five of its campuses in an effort to improve inclusion among students.
In recent years, members of the FUHSD administrative team have made an effort to deeply examine equity issues affecting the district. While site teams previously existed across the district under the name Equity in Action, groups were primarily working in isolation. Adminis- tra - tive leaders realized that a greater focus on
intra-district collaboration and administrative access was necessary for tangible results. SEAT marks a renewed effort to build upon past knowledge and scale equity efforts.
“We have been noticing pockets of brilliance everywhere, but nobody was really sharing information,” FUHSD Director of Leadership Development John Maisel said. “This initiative is intended to allow teams at each site to learn from each other, and allow for the kind of support we have in the district to be used in a team setting.”
equity issue to tackle and the future scalability of its implemented solution. Students will have a significantly deeper influence over campus issues.
“We want teams to go slow in terms of determining where their leverage is and what issues need their attention,” Maisel said. “Our job at the district level is to provide resources and support for them to follow their passion and their project. We’re trying to keep this relatively open.”
“YOU’RE NOT GOING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS FOR PEOPLE, YOU HAVE TO SOLVE THEM WITH THEM. ”
The SEAT division comprises seven sites, representing the five schools in the district along with FUHSD Adult School and FUHSD Educational Options. Each SEAT team has 10-15 people per site. Teams are composed of approximately four to six students, four to six staff members and one administrator. Members of SEAT come from a diverse set of backgrounds and involvement levels. Some are equipped with experience through the Racial Equity Student Leadership Academy and others are simply interested in contributing their unique perspective through SEAT. Teams focus their attention on a vast set of issues affecting the student body, both inside and outside the classroom. From localized subjects such as club organizations to vast district issues of transportation, SEAT allows sites to choose both their school-specific
JOHN MAISEL
Additionally, Maisel recognizes that FUHSD metrics analyzing success are not completely reflective of all students’ experiences. While United States News and World Report ranks three of the five FUHSD high schools in the top 30 of high schools in California, there remains a gap between the lived experience of students and the statistical profile.
“If you look beneath the hood, you see that not every student here is experiencing the success that you see in the newspapers,” Maisel said. “That’s where we have work to do.” The long-term goal of SEAT is to transform schools so that students find their work meaningful and feel more connected to their teachers and peers. FUHSD hopes that by implementing SEAT, they are building an inclusive environment where community members are not only able but also interested in contributing, and schools are able to use the best practices by learning from one another.
“You’re not going to solve the problems for people,” Maisel said. “You have to solve them with them”
CHLOE CHOE multimedia editor
The Cupertino High School cafeteria implemented new plant-based brunch and lunch entrées for the fall 2025 menus. New items include vegan and gluten-free fried rice, garden vegan plant-based hummus, housemade smoothies, vegan chilli, vegan plant-based banh mi sandwiches and nachos. The application of new plant-based meals stemmed from senior Livia Aschheim’s goal to make school lunches more sustainable and delicious, combined with the effort from the district nutrition manager, Mrs. Puri.
Said Aschheim, “I think most students just want the food to taste good, and then maybe secondarily, for it to be healthy.” Aschheim recognized that plant-based food saves thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide every year and preserves more land to save water. Aschheim also considered the higher rate of lactose intolerance at CHS due to its Asian American population, having lactase non-per-
sistence as a genetic trait, which demands menu adjustments based on the demographic of students.
Aschheim’s journey to create a change in the cafeteria menu started in her sophomore year of high school, when she joined a student association for equity. Although now disbanded, the organization sparked her interest in pursuing her solo campaign towards sustainable food options. After several meetings with Fremont Union High School District Nutrition Manager Divya Puri, Aschheim searched for ways to bring more plantbased food options to the table.
“[Mrs. Puri] said that she wouldn’t be able to add plant-based options because she can’t cater to everyone’s needs, which I totally understand,” Aschheim said. “So then, why? Why can’t you add more plantbased options? [...] How can I help to make your job easier and make this process as easy as possible?”
Working together with nutrition security and a public health advocacy organization called “Balanced,” Aschheim gathered petition signatures to support her cause and
demonstrate student interest, with 90% of survey participants agreeing to her petition. After years of campaigns and meetings, the 2025 fall brunch and lunch menus were finally implemented at CHS.
“People think that I’m trying to take away meat, and that’s not true,” Aschheim said. “I just want to increase plant-based accessibility, and, in turn, [make] those options more sustainable.”
To put the new cafeteria meal plan into action, the CHS cafeteria made internal adjustments by training staff and finding a new vendor.
Although the cost of implementing new cafeteria items was not significant, difficulty arose in procuring the items. Offering gluten-free menu items such as fried rice requires meticulous cross-contamination inspection — a strenuous task when managing a high volume of ingredients due to the nature of cafeteria meal preparation
One size fits all” — a seemingly inclusive statement that in reality masks the meaning of “one size fits small.”
Popular brands like Brandy Melville and subsidiaries of Aritzia and Pacsun have built fashion empires through exclusive branding, and vulnerable consumers are paying the price.
For countless shoppers, browsing one-size clothing quickly turns sour. Clothing that fits only a narrow body type sends a harmful message: if someone doesn’t fit the clothing, they don’t fit the brand. The result? A growing number of teens feel pressured to fit these clothes.
For clothing brands, selling one size is a cost-effective shortcut — less inventory, faster production, lower manufacturing costs. According to Nova of London, a women’s fashion wholesaler in the United Kingdom, it also minimizes excess stock and allows brands to pass on savings to customers, granting accessibility to a wider audience. This strategy is largely beneficial to smaller businesses trying to maximize profit.
Small boutiques often lack the capacity to offer size diversity. To produce pieces for a range of sizes, stores must change the whole pattern instead of merely resizing them. This process is costly and labor-intensive, using more fabric and taking more time. As many small businesses already face challenges with growth and sustainability, implementing these changes isn’t always feasible.
In contrast, larger corporations have the resources to widen their size ranges — they simply choose not to. So, why do fashion empires like Brandy Melville, Aritzia, and Pacsun follow this model?
The answer is simple: corporations don’t just sell clothes; they sell a lifestyle. By offering limited sizes, brands create a status sym-
bol out of being thin. The ability to wear these brands becomes less about the clothes and more about being able to fit into something — something not everyone can do.
Kristin Kulp, chief consumer experience officer at extended-size denim company Not Your Daughters Jeans, said in fashion publication Glossy, “Brands tend to use the ‘one size fits most’ approach to encapsulate a sense of body inclusivity, without doing the work and in -
“ [...] THEY HAVE CREATED THIS BRAND AROUND [THE IDEA THAT] BEING ABLE TO FIT IN THEIR CLOTHES MEANS SOMETHING, AND YOU MEAN SOMETHING IN TERMS OF THE BEAUTY STANDARD.”
KARA ROWLEY
stead keeping it surface-level and cost-effective.”
This illusion of inclusivity can harm young girls’ mental health, reinforcing the idea that fitting into limited sizes equals worth, as seen in Brandy Melville’s branding.
“I think it is affirming to some people who have body dysmorphia, unfortunately, but Brandy Melville’s doing it in a toxic way,” Kara Rowley, a senior sales associate at Pitaya, said in The State News. “I’ve heard people strive to fit into Brandy Melville’s clothes. I think Brandy Melville is alive and well because they’ve created this brand around the idea that being able to fit in their clothes means
something — and you mean something in terms of the beauty standard.”
Some argue that brands are simply giving consumers what they want. According to Global Data’s Neil Saunders, Brandy Melville generated over $212.5 million in revenue in 2023, despite criticism for its exclusive sizing. One could argue the brand’s success reflects its demand.
However, the relationship between brands and consumers isn’t so simple. Brands shape demand through careful branding. When a brand consistently showcases only one body type, it creates a culture that supports its model. They make being skinny aspirational and elite, selling the idea that only certain body types are worth representing.
Furthermore, consumers, especially teens, often lean into this exclusivity. In some social circles or online, wearing Brandy Melville becomes a status symbol. This peer pressure perpetuates the lifestyle and standards the brand promotes.
Large corporations have the resources to offer inclusive sizing but choose not to. Inclusivity shouldn’t be treated as a trend or an unprofitable practice — it should be the standard. Brands must be held accountable for the images and ideals they promote, especially when they gravely impact young consumers’ mental health and self-value.
As consumers, we have the power to shift this exclusive culture by supporting brands that promote size inclusivity and healthy, diverse representations of beauty. Demanding better from the brands we wear will ultimately push the greater evolution of the fashion industry
CATHY WU
postscript editor
TExploring the detriments of self-diagnosing mental illness through online content similar topics. People are drawn to simple and attention-grabbing stories over complex explanations, often favoring informa -
op 10 Signs You Have a Mental Health Disorder.” At first, it looks like any other Instagram reel, featuring harmless advice — yet the algorithm pushes similar content to the recommended feed, planting the idea of having a serious disorder in a user’s mind. Within days of scrolling, that user is prone to join the growing group of self-diagnosing teenagers.
Across social media, content creators are openly discussing their experiences with mental health. People turn to these platforms for support — taking advice from misinformed creators who trivialize the symptoms of serious, often debilitating mental illnesses. Impressionable teenage viewers who are not familiar with the complexities of mental health begin to identify with symptoms of mental health disorders.
In a 2022 study by the National Institute of Mental Health, a team of medical professionals assessed the top 100 videos posted under the TikTok hashtag #mentalhealth, offering anecdotes and advice on anxiety, depression, neurodivergence and severe mental illness. They concluded that 52 of the 100 videos contained misinformation, including misused psychological terms, “quick fix” solutions and false claims. Over the years, medical researchers have further established that social media plat-
forms are becoming a minefield of unhelpful and sometimes dangerous implications.
Many videos offer insight solely based on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences, which may not be universally applicable. Users are seeing an overgeneralized portrayal of complex mental health disorders, resulting in widespread confusion about what mental illness actually entails. Some posts misuse therapeutic language, like using wellbeing, anxiety and mental disorder interchangeably. Others pathologize everyday experiences and emotions — suggesting that they indicate a serious mental illness — which sets the harmful precedent that identifying with a certain behavior means having a diagnosable disorder.
Relying on social media for mental health advice can also mislead people toward incorrect self-diagnoses. If someone “likes” an Instagram reel about obsessive-compulsive disorder, the platform begins to feed them more videos featuring
tion that supports what they already believe. This tendency is linked to the confirmation bias — the viewer is more likely to develop negative symptoms or side effects that align with what they expect to experience. In other words, posts equating particular symptoms to a disorder could cause an impressionable viewer to engage in behaviors that confirm that they do, in fact, have the disorder.
Some creators on this side of social media will cater to younger audiences by approaching these nuanced topics in a light -
hearted manner. Content that features humor and satire is designed to be shareable, expanding its reach. This allows influencers to bypass the criticism that more direct forms of misformation might receive. Creators who preface their content with vulnerability make it harder to challenge them, as criticism can easily be reframed as a personal attack on their subjective experiences.
Additionally, adolescents are in a phase of self-discovery during which they find comfort in communities that validate their experiences. When online voices claim to understand their concerns, they latch onto that connection and find an escape within those communities — associating that sense of relief with the concept of having a mental illness.
Some argue that these platforms provide a space for people to discuss their struggles in an attempt to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Others are quick to call out the inaccessibility of professional mental health services and how online spaces fill this gap by offering valuable resources.
However, tips on social media should never be relied upon in place of qualified support, despite the sense of community it may provide. Receiving proper treatment for mental disorders requires a long and involved process, as they are rarely straightforward. There are no infallible tests that
determine whether a person has a specific mental disorder. When searching for answers, people need to refer to psychiatrists who are trained to recognize a broad range of behaviors instead of unqualified content creators.
“Coming from someone diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, and general anxiety disorder, I find it deeply frustrating to see mental illness become a trend — it totally disrespects people who have a real diagnosis,” one Reddit user said. “If you are struggling, that’s valid, but seek proper help and don’t speak over people living with the reality of these disorders. [...] It is not
“IT IS NOT ABOUT INVALIDATING YOUR PAIN — IT IS ABOUT PROTECTING REAL PEOPLE, REAL DIAGNOSES AND YOUR OWN GROWTH.
USER
about invalidating your pain — it is about protecting real people, real diagnoses and your own growth.”
People seeking genuine mental health support need a formal assessment performed by a medical professional. Young social media consumers need to distinguish between sharing subjective experiences and making definitive decisions about their mental health. As internet consumers, being conscious of the material promoted on social media is crucial in reducing the prevalence of belief in misleading health advice. This issue also demands broader educational efforts to boost media literacy, from which teens can exercise critical skills in responding to information in a public health context
t is 4:45 a.m., and the alarm sounds as James Gilmore gets ready to start his day — preparing for his three-mile walk, morning exercise and a day of work as a Physical Education teacher at Cupertino High School.
This daily routine has helped Gilmore shape his journey to a healthier life, during which he lost 120 pounds in one year. As a PE teacher and sports coach for the past 24 years, Gilmore has extensive expertise in the field of fitness, now reinforced by his personal experiences.
In 2017, Gilmore took on the job of athletic director, his first major leadership role. However, with his new responsibilities, he often found himself working late — prioritizing work over his family and health. “I was more scared about making a mistake and letting somebody down than I’ve ever been before,” Gilmore said.
As a result of neglecting his health, Gilmore gained significant weight. And despite some attempts at establishing better routines, relying solely on motivation would only take him so far.
“I would be good for three days, but then I would have a day where I just did whatever I wanted,” Gilmore said.
The turning point came in July 2024, after a family vacation.
“There’s times when you want to be out with your family, and you’re taking pictures [...] and you try to choose to always be the one tak-
ing pictures instead of being in them. And I just [found] myself doing all that all the time,” Gilmore said. “I remember seeing pictures that other people took of me on [the vacation], and I just really didn’t like what I saw. And I don’t know what made it click or not, but when I came back from that vacation, I decided to make a change.”
Cutting off alcohol was Gilmore’s first concrete step in his weight loss journey, since he often ate more than necessary after drinking. Then, rather than restricting how much he ate, Gilmore changed what he was eating. At first, he maintained a zero-carbohydrate and no sugar diet — including cutting off fruits for the first few months — then shifting to a protein, non-starchy vegetable and low-carb diet after about six months.
a while, [...] and so I think that exercising is the key to maintaining where I’ve been,” Gilmore said.
Beyond diet and exercise, changes in Gilmore’s daily routine and habits were equally important. Gilmore doesn’t reach for his phone in the morning — instead, he puts his feet on the ground.
“It sounds stupid, but once your feet are on the ground, then you’re up and you’re going, and your day is started,” Gilmore said.
Gilmore also shared pieces of advice that he wears on wristbands — including motivational quotes like “Never Miss Twice” and “You Are What You Repeat.” These principles helped guide him to where he is now.
“ I’M JUST TRYING TO BE THE KIND OF PERSON WHO MAKES GOOD CHOICE AFTER GOOD CHOICE. ”
JAMES GILMORE
For exercise, Gilmore built a home gym in his backyard, since traveling to a gym to work out would always leave room for excuses. What started as a few bands, a rack of dumbbells and a pull-up bar would grow to a large setup with a wide range of equipment, where Gilmore regularly does his exercises — making sure to include rest days so he doesn’t overwork himself.
“I feel strong for the first time in
Still, Gilmore looks back at his journey with humil ity.
“I should not be congratulated for losing weight [...],” Gilmore said. “There’s people who work out all the time and are disciplined enough that they never got to that point [...], and I think those are the people that should really be celebrated, not [that] I let my self go and brought myself back.”
into his PE classes, Gilmore also openly shares his story with his students.
“When I teach PE, I feel like I am no longer just talking the talk — I’m walking the walk, too,” Gilmore said. “And that makes me happy.”
Ultimately, Gilmore’s journey demonstrates the importance of perseverance and taking that first step — helping Gilmore build his own strength and confidence after overcoming all his challenges.
“I think when it comes down to it, I made one good decision, and then one good decision turned into two good decisions, and then they just kept piling [on],” Gilmore said. “But I understand it can go the other way too, so I’m just try-
Gilmore also received support from others. Craig Ellegood, an other PE teacher at CHS, helped guide Gilmore to work around a shoulder injury by strengthening all the muscles around it. Furthermore, the resources given to Gilmore as a PE teacher helped build his diet and plans.
To bring his experiences
Taking a look at the experiences of CHS students pursuing humanitarian and medical aid overseas
ANNIKA BAGGA, ROLA ALI writers
At Cupertino High School, countless students work to make an impact within the community. However, certain teenagers have taken this a step further, expanding their impact to an entirely different country — the Philippines.
Founded by Dr. Julieta Gabiola, Friends for the Philippines, also known as Summer Global Health Immersion Program, helps underprivileged Filipino communities gain equal access to healthcare and medical resources. CHS students devote one month of their summer to shadowing doctors, conducting medical research,
wildlife and extending their impact beyond the Cupertino community.
Although SGHIP aims to provide support primarily to Filipino communities, the program welcomes students from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
Senior Zaina Musetra participated in the program last summer. She was initially drawn to SGHIP when Dr. Gabiola introduced the program to CHS as a guest speaker at Tino Global Health. After learning about the program and applying, she was excited to be accepted. Musetra had a learning-heavy yet enjoyable experience while in the Philippines.
At one point during a shadowing rotation, Musetra was help-
tions couldn’t cure one issue without making another worse. She and the doctors gathered to discuss further when Musetra’s patient started crying.
Said Musetra, “We initially thought that it might have been because she thought that we couldn’t figure out something for her, but she was just really overwhelmed with the effort that we were putting into taking care of her.”
Musetra reflected on the heartwarming experience.
“That was a moment that kind of made me want to pause and just reflect on what we were doing,” Musetra said. “From our perspective, it was just volunteering and doing the internship. But for someone else, it was really having an impact on them.”
One of the main goals of the program is to conduct research on community-related topics. In previous years, students have explored a variety of fields, from diabetes to the social determinants of health. Students also visit certain
communities within the Philippines that are facing significant challenges, sometimes taking hour-long bus rides to get to an affected town. They work to understand different groups’ struggles and unmet needs.
Senior Julia Chinnananchi has been a key member of this organization for two years. Working as a lead for her final summer in the Philippines, Chinnananchi also left the program with many new perspectives.
“You shouldn’t just confine yourself to the Cupertino bubble,” Chinnananchi said. “Whatever narrative that’s been pushed on you, if you don’t connect with it, then it’s probably not for you.”
In the United States, there are many restrictions on what students can practice in the medical field. However, in the Philippines, students can go as far as diagnosing patients. These unique experiences allow students like Chinnananchi to explore their interests and discover a new realm of opportunities outside of their everyday environment.
Friends for the Philippines has been a major organization since 2009, helping people in need while simultaneously offering students eye-opening experiences. CHS participants see it thriving in the foreseeable future and
continuing to drive change in the community. Overall, the program makes a powerful impact, challenging students to provide healthcare to a less fortunate country.
“If you are not directly affected by [healthcare disparities], it’s easy to turn a blind eye to it,” Chinnananchi said. “It’s good to have some perspective on the way the rest of the world works”
CECILIA ZHOU writer
Almost everyone is aware of the constant media bias present in their lives — exaggerated headlines plastered across the news, pushing personal beliefs in readers’ faces. But when these opinions bleed into school textbooks, presented as fact, many remain unaware of its subtle impact on students. From the portrayal of historical figures to the omission of scientific concepts, bias in textbooks silently influences how future generations perceive the world.
Textbooks may seem like direct learning tools, but in reality, they are a result of a complex political system subject to partiality.
According to the California Department of Education, textbook selection begins with the State Board of Education, which sets overall content standards regarding education in the state. The Instructional Quality Commission then reviews the criteria to develop a framework for educational tools, recommending suitable options to the SBE. If adopted by the SBE, these textbooks will form an instructional program for school materials. While individual districts are free to choose their specific textbooks, they must fol-
Exploring the factors behind textbook bias and its subtle influence at CHS
low the general guidelines given by the state.
mainstream or events outside of traditional narratives.”
“ I THINK IT’S THE GOLDENAGEOFHISTORY RIGHT NOW, BECAUSE SOMANYMORESTORIES AREBEINGTOLDTOGIVE US A MORE FULL PICTURE OF THE HISTORY OFOURCOUNTRY ” WESMORSE
Due to the government-centered process in which educational regulations are established, textbooks are likely to be suscep tible to political bias. As stated by Action Parents Defending Ed ucation, the problem arises from how SBE and IQC members are chosen: the governor appoints representatives to the SBE, who then help select IQC members. Therefore, the political ide ologies of the governor are reflected in the individuals they choose, shaping the values of the instructional guide lines managed by these groups. These factors play a significant role in districts’ decisions about author to align with state standards. Said Cupertino High School social studies department lead and teacher Sean Coleman, “This means that the basics usually get covered well, but that textbooks don’t do a great job at making space for voices outside of the
When applied to textbooks utilized at CHS, the materials typical-
evant in history courses, the school district has put special attention to minimizing subjectivity in CHS history textbooks.
“I’ve had the opportunity to select textbooks for our department, and I’ve always made it a point to choose books that provide multiple perspectives and present content in as thoughtful a way as is possible,” Coleman said. Wes
Morse, another history teacher at CHS, shared similar views concerning diversity and partiality in CHS textbooks. “[The textbook is] giving women a voice, it’s giving people of color a voice. It’s addressing the issue of
World History textbook means having to make really challenging decisions about which areas to cover and at which times in history.”
While textbook bias is unavoidable, the way it appears in textbooks can look very different depending on the state. According to The New York Times, textbooks in California place more emphasis on racism and exclusion in US history, whereas textbooks from
Texas tend to shy away from these topics. Other states have been reported to have rejected textbooks that include controversial ideas of racism, reaching out to publishers themselves to adjust content. This greatly differs from the textbooks in California.
“If there’s an agenda of California, it’s to be more inclusive and tell more stories,” Morse said. “I think some other states would rather not tell those stories, so they’re being more exclusionary. The bias is bias by omission.”
“ I HOPE THAT STUDENTS FEEL EMPOWERED TO TALK TO THEIR TEACHERS ABOUT THE BIAS THEY SEE AND TO MAKE THAT THE STARTING POINT OF THEIR OWN JOURNEY IN UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD AND THEMSELVES.” SEAN COLEMAN
The decision to leave out certain stories isn’t random; it likely reflects the wider political and cultural views of the groups in the state. Particular topics are excluded from textbooks because they contradict the idealized portrayal of US history.
“There are some things that our country did in the past that aren’t very flattering to our national image,” Morse said, “I think there are some people out there that would rather not have those stories amplified.”
Morse also addressed the changing public perception of bias and representation in history, along with its influence on the school’s instructional material. “I think it’s the golden age of history right now, because so many more stories are being told to give us a more full picture of the history of our country [...].”
This selective narrative is not just kept in the pages of a textbook; it holds real weight in its outcomes within classrooms. As of right now, CHS’s textbook bias is not especially pronounced, but in the past, students and teachers alike have noticed instances of bias. Fitzpatrick recalls that 18 years ago, three-fourths of the material used focused on Eurocentric themes. Yet rather than completely dismissing European topics, Fitzpatrick clarifies that he aims to engage more with diverse historical perspectives as a teacher. Coleman also supports this idea, planning assignments to help students identify differing views of historical events.
Even in the face of textbook bias, teachers strive for objectivity by shedding light on partiality, allowing students to better discern the truth. Said Coleman, “I hope that students feel empowered to talk to their teachers about the bias they see and to make that the starting point of their own journey in understanding the world and them -
ATRISA RAHGOZAR, HANA WIDMAN
lifestyles editor | writer
When does beginning an extracurricular activity spark passion, and at what point does it become a result of pressure? Students at Cupertino High School have experienced both sides — some beginning their activities as children, others discovering their talents later in high school. With parents and peers influencing decision-making, the question remains of whether starting early offers an advantage or ultimately discourages personal motivation.
Starting activities at a young age allows for experience, growth and confidence in the field. The physical benefits of playing sports
Analyzing the effects of early and late starts in extracurricular activities
as a child is also highly evident, with many kids involved having increased strength, endurance and coordination. Studies indicate that a significant portion of college athletes began playing before their teenage years, with the majority of National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes participating in sports before the age of 10. Senior Anika Malik began playing tennis at only five years old.
Said Malik, “I think that playing at a younger age is better, because you get an early start, and you also get to grow as a person.”
Encouraged by her father and inspired by her tennis-playing sister, Malik developed her athletic abilities and traveled extensively for tournaments.
A study conducted by The Child Focus Foundation suggests that starting early provides additional practice, a sense of fellowship and direction. This is important because it allows children to develop social skills at an earlier age so that they can collaborate with others effectively. Malik agreed that she felt connected to tennis from the young age she started playing.
“It definitely gave me a sense of belonging just because I already knew so much about tennis and the whole college recruiting process because of my older sister, Arushi,” Malik said. “[Starting early] was in some parts a lot eas-
ier for me, but then in some parts it was also hard just because I was compared to my sister a lot growing up. Regardless of this pressure, I think that starting early definitely helped me a lot in the long run.”
A research article on “The Long-Term Effects of Time Use during High School on Positive Development,” conducted by Jasper Tjaden et al., shows that beginning a sport at a young age can lead to increased pressure to excel as the child grows up. Malik was under pressure to succeed and eventually commit to playing college tennis from those around her.
“Before I committed [to play collegiate tennis] there was just so much pressure from other people asking me where I was gonna commit, when I was gonna commit and if I had committed to college,” Malik said. “I think the pressure really helped me sometimes as well, because it taught me to work harder, and I tried my best. It was a bit of a mental process and there were a lot of mental breakdowns, but I did my best to keep up with the expectations.”
Late Starts
Sophomore Julian Martinez Florez only began learning Japanese in high school.
Since the program was being phased out of school, Florez started at level two with no prior knowledge, making the experience both exciting and overwhelming.
“I started taking Japanese because I was interested in Japanese culture, and I enjoy the environment that I am surrounded by when taking the class,” Florez said.
Despite discovering his interest in Japanese during his teen-
age years, Florez has been able to expand his passion beyond the classroom.
“Taking Japanese has encouraged me to explore other parts of their culture,” Florez said. “For example, I ended up traveling to places like Hiroshima and Kyoto to learn more about their history and try their food.”
While he considers learning Japanese to be just a fun hobby, Florez also expresses his desire to become fluent in the language and eventually aims to live in Japan as well.
Still, Florez saw value in challenging himself. Said Florez, “I encourage others to take the same path, because it helps to push yourself to new heights.”
Parents play a large role in their children’s extracurricular activities, especially when they start at such an early age. They often feel responsible for giving their kids a head start ahead of their peers. Motivated by the prospect of distinguished universities, sports scholarships and professional contracts, many parents push their kids to be the best from a very young age.
to do activities for the sole purpose of college applications is the most unhealthy.
Starting activities like sports and playing instruments at a young age often leads to kids mastering their skills and becoming successful in their field. However, years of big commitments can lead to built up pressure, and ultimately burnout for many young people.
Nevertheless, not all parents share these views, and some prefer to wait until their kids are older to discover their interests independently.
“
“LATE DISCOVERY IS BETTER THAN NO DISCOVERY [...] YOU’RE STILL DEVELOPING AN IDENTITY AND FIGURING OUT YOUR GIFTS AND TALENTS. YOU DISCOVER THOSE AT YOUR OWN PACE — NOT SOMEONE ELSE’S. ”
CHRISTOPHER HICKEY
This approach has both positives and cons. Some may see allowing kids to begin activities later as a waste, because they assume that children will not be able to achieve as much in a short period of time. However, when teenagers are allowed to pick the hobby they want to commit their time to, they are more likely to stick with it. According to the National Library of Medicine, when the motivation is rooted in personal enjoyment, the person is more encouraged to stay engaged and motivated in an activity.
Said Cupertino High School therapist Christopher Hickey, “Pressure from family and peers could have a positive effect if it is realistic, but it needs to be sensitive to the student’s needs and abilities. Pressure can help us push ourselves to be our best, but at a certain point, it becomes counterproductive and toxic.”
Hickey also believes that supporting a student’s interest is the most important, while urging them
Although both sides have strong arguments, overall success is ultimately determined by whether it is possible to find enjoyment in them.
“Late discovery is better than no discovery,” Hickey said. “[...] You’re still developing an identity and figuring out your gifts and talents. You discover those at your own pace — not someone else’s. You are not ‘behind’ just because you see someone else who seems to be a little further down the road. You don’t have to do what anyone else does, or on anyone else’s time”
Under the water’s heavy surface and the muffled cheers from the stadium around her, sophomore Nira Shakeri holds her breath, gearing up for her leap out of the water. With a boost from her teammates, she comes flying out into a backflip as she continues her routine.
As an artistic swimmer on the United States Youth National Team, Shakeri practices day and night, always preparing herself for the next big competition.
Shakeri first began artistic swimming at the age of 5. After each swimming lesson, she would go down to the underwater windows and watch other athletes. She became intrigued while watching the older girls swimming with their heads underwater and feet spiraling in the air, sparking her interest in the sport.
“I met a lot of kids really quickly, and I loved [artistic swimming] from the beginning,” Shakeri said. “I joined the competitive program [the next year] and started competing. It’s been a big part of my life since then, and I’ve made many lifelong friends.”
Shakeri brought home a second place in Solos and a first place in both Team and Combo.
lenges her to be a better swimmer CHLOE
After joining the competitive program at 6 years old, Shakeri’s schedule became packed with practices and events. However, all that time spent on her sport would eventually pay off as she became an incredibly successful artistic swimmer.
In August 2025, she and her team competed at the Youth Artistic Swimming World Championships in Athens, Greece. Shakeri’s team placed second for the free team routine, and she placed in the top 20% of over 300 entries for individual figures. At the 2025 U.S. Youth National Championships,
Undoubtedly, a coach is often one of the most important and influential figures in many athletes’ careers. Around every two years, Shakeri’s coach is switched out for a new one, due to a change in swimming levels, which can lead to complications.
As a result of these switches, Shakeri faces emotional and difficult challenges and hardships.
“It can be really difficult adjusting to different coaches who have different expectations,” Shakeri said. “The sport demands a high level of attention to detail, and it can be really hard to be at a high level in every area, and every mistake is a big deal.”
In addition to overcoming the consecutive changes in her coaches and intensive sport, Shakeri juggles prioritiz - ing both ac -
“IN DIFFICULT TIMES, I’VE TRIED TO KEEP MY MIND ON MY OWN GOALS AND WORK TO ACCOMPLISH THEM.
NIRA SHAKERI
a demics with artistic swimming. Just months ago, Shakeri missed the first two weeks of school due to a tournament, forcing her to adapt to sophomore year weeks after everyone else. Throughout the school year, her hectic schedule, packed with going to school and never-ending practices, can be difficult to manage. Nonetheless,
despite these struggles, Shakeri still finds herself in control of it all.
“In difficult times, I’ve tried to keep my mind on my own goals and work to accomplish them,” Shakeri said. “I learned to find the positives and take the best of every situation. I have found coaches that I trust and teammates that I can rely on when things get hard.”
This realization is what pushes her to do better every day. Many athletes choose to quit and ultimately decide to focus on other priorities; however, Shakeri continues to practice and love her sport so much so that the possibility of competing in the Olympics has appeared on the radar.
For most athletes, going to the Olympics is something they can only dream of. Yet for Shakeri, it is within arm’s reach. She plans on trying out for the USA Senior National Team, where she would then hopefully be selected to swim at the 2028 or future Olympics.
Shakeri’s persistent dedication to her sport is shown through her character and love of artistic swimming. In every part of her life, Shakeri’s bonds with her teammates and coaches are what drive her. Along with the reward of winning, her dedication chal -
KAYLA LEE, SARAH KIM writers
Amidst the ongoing campus construction, many sports teams have faced setbacks this fall season, with both coaches and players adapting to the drastic changes. Football players now call another school’s field “home,” girls tennis has to work with a mere three courts and the marching band must
tape lines for rehearsals.
In May 2025, Cupertino High School began its construction of the district robotics facility to provide a collaborative environment for robotics teams in all five high schools of the Fremont Union High School District. The 18-month project was set to be built on the empty grass lot behind the school’s tennis courts, with plans to demolish one out of the seven tennis courts.
“That [grass] space wasn’t really being used for anything,” CHS Principal Bill Schloss said. “And as they looked around at different spots in the district, this just made the most sense as the place to put it.”
While the original plan was to demolish and relocate only one of the seven tennis courts, the surrounding construction unexpectedly left the tennis team with only three usable courts. As a result, both Junior Varsity and Varsity players had to share the limited space. Practices that once followed structured routines were adjusted to accommodate the reduced number of courts.
To combat the long duration of tennis matches, teams used to often play seven matches at a time, on all seven courts. With only three courts, the tennis coaches have decided that almost all varsity matches will be away games, prioritizing efficiency.
“We had to be really organized and plan out rides really early in the season,”
sophomore Netra Khot said. “We only have one home game this season, so people have to do a lot more rides this season than usual.”
In addition to the changes in the structure of games and practices, plans for girls’ tennis senior night remain up in the air as the varsity team may not play at CHS.
“It’s pretty disappointing because senior night is supposed to be a time where our friends come and cheer us on as we play,” senior Shania Fang said. “If it’s [senior night] at a different school, then it might be more difficult for them to come out and support [us].”
Furthermore, the renovation of both the soccer field and football field has set back the football team and marching band. As FUHSD pushes for environmentally friendly practices, artificial turf was ultimately deemed more maintainable than natural grass. As both fields have been used for over 12 years, the turf has become less safe and has gradu-
now closed
lifespan.
To overcome the loss of the field, the football coaches and administration collaborated to look for a compromise, ultimately deciding that the most convenient option was to host home games at Lynbrook High School. Coaches coordinated with Lynbrook’s team to ensure that none of the two schools’ home games would overlap for the duration of construction. With practices at Hyde Middle School, football must work around their schedule to make space for their practices, ultimately posing uncertainty for their overall performance in games.
“I think it was really good at first because some of the players helped me prepare the field,” CHS football Coach Matt Barr said. “Though it’s [recently] been challenging because of school events.”
As for the marching band, their practices have been moved to the baseball field, painting lines to mimic the football field yard lines, putting the group two weeks behind in preparation for their showcase. Additionally, the marching band tradition of performing at football home game halftimes has been paused due to the inconvenience of holding their home games at Lynbrook. Moreover, the annual band camp, a crucial event that allows freshmen to familiarize them -
selves with marching, was delayed due to the painting of the baseball field.
“We had to just do basics. We couldn’t start drill [...] and drill is when we actually start marking in our field,” drum major Alyssa Yee said.
“And right now, I feel like maybe their marching isn’t as good because it wasn’t on the football field originally, and that usually helps in basics and everything.”
Furthermore, CHS hosts the
“ THIS IS JUST ANOTHER CHALLENGE THAT THE BAND [HAD] TO OVERCOME. RESILIENCE THROUGH ADVERSITY IS KINDA OUR THING.
ALYSSA YEE
”
Tournament of the Bands in October, a competition where multiple schools compete against each other, performing on the field. As it is one of band’s first performances of their season, the competition held high importance and initially posed a slight concern for the tournament.
“It was scary how unsure the school was that the field would be ready in time [for TOB],” Yee said. “This is just another
challenge that band [had] to overcome. Resilience through adversity is kin-
da our thing.”
While the setbacks of sports seasons and band practices have been a large hurdle, construction on both fields is expected to wrap up by the end of October, meaning that teams could soon return to their regular facilities. The robotics facility will allow for additional classroom spaces and a distinct site for competitions, while the turf will allow for safer spaces for athletes. Despite these initial inconveniences, these necessary renovations and construction will provide long-lasting benefits for CHS students for years to come
Controversy still sells — but for how long? In recent marketing campaigns, there is a noticeable shift: instead of generating buzz and increasing sales, companies chasing their 15 minutes of fame are learning the hard way that today’s audiences are more critical and aware of shock value tactics — making campaigns come across as a brand’s desperate attempt to go viral.
Controversial marketing tactics that provoke strong impressions were once a surefire way to gain traction, but have now become a risky strategy that can backfire as easily as they can succeed. Current clothing and makeup campaigns demonstrate this shift: while they succeeded in generating short-lived attention, public response revealed an indifference towards controversial advertising that feels performative. Thus, it begs the question: Is going viral worth compromising a brand’s authenticity and values?
The summer of 2025 kicked off with a flurry of controversial advertisements. Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad, released in July, was met with immediate backlash. The ad features the tagline “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” and portrays the actress in a polished, traditionally feminine way.
What was intended as a lighthearted advertisement sparked criticism over social media for flaunting Sweeney’s genetics that fit the industry’s narrow beauty standards, disregarding the fashion industry’s push for inclusivity.
According to Associated Press News, social media outrage initially led to a 33% stock jump and a surge of online attention that dominated headlines for weeks. Yet the online momentum only told half of
the story — at the cost of trading authenticity for virality, in-person stores experienced a 9% fall in foot traffic, revealing a gap between online engagement and real-world impacts. Furthermore, the company disappointed consumers by offering no apology, dismissing expectations for brand values.
In contrast, KATSEYE’s Gap ad, released in August, generated a far more positive response. Critics praised Gap for presenting a refreshing, youthful ad whilst still embracing diversity. The ad garnered 20 million views in just three
“CONTROVERSIAL MARKETING TACTICS THAT PROVOKE STRONG IMPRESSIONS WERE ONCE A SUREFIRE WAY TO GAIN TRACTION, BUT HAVE NOW BECOME A RISKY STRATEGY [...]. ” EMILY CHEN
days, and boosted San Francisco store traffic by 21% according to American Broadcasting Company, with a national increase of 8.5%.
American Eagle is not the only company feeling the heat from the public. Shortly after, e.l.f. Cosmetics dropped a campaign with comedian Matt Rife. Given his polarizing humor surrounding jokes about domestic violence, many saw the collaboration as ill-fitting. E.l.f. Cosmetics is a company with core values such as empowerment, affordability and inclusivity, and primarily targets a female consumer base. The decision to partner with Rife was thought to be a major misalignment between company values and the comedian’s reputation.
Following consumer disapproval and threats of boycott, e.l.f. issued an apology saying,
“You know us, we’re always listening and we’ve heard you. This campaign aimed to humorously spotlight beauty injustice. We understand we missed the mark with people we care about in our e.l.f. community.”
Despite the apology, the company’s stock suffered a 2.7% fall, and many long-time customers refused to keep supporting the brand.
Said one customer in National Broadcasting Company Chicago, “As a survivor [of domestic violence], you should be ashamed of yourselves. I’ll never buy from you again.”
The campaign’s fallout was unexpected to e.l.f.’s Global Chief of Marketing Officer, Kory Marchisotto. Said Marchisotto, “Obviously, we’re very surprised. There is a big gap between our intention and how this missed the mark for people.”
This demonstrates a disconnect between the brand and public perception, revealing a poor understanding of customers’ values — authenticity and representation. However, outrage marketing is still considered effective — sales for these companies still saw positive impacts despite their controversial campaigns. These outcomes make it clear that controversial campaigns can still bring in small wins and short-term success.
While controversial marketing can drive attention, it does not benefit these companies longterm. Foot traffic dropped and fading online buzz shows consumers becoming more media literate and quick to hold companies accountable for offensive content.
The question remains: does the mantra “all press is good press” still hold true — or has chasing clicks come at a bigger cost?
MADALINA ZHENG
investigations editor
With a matcha in one hand and a tote bag adorned with a Labubu keychain in the other, the performative male listens to Clairo through wired earbuds on his way to pilates class. The term “performative male” describes a man who adopts traits, mannerisms and aesthetics typically associated with the feminist community, but solely for the purpose of appealing to the opposite gender.
The trend was
kick-started in 2025 by celebrities like Timothée Chalamet, whose soft demeanor and androgynous appearance skyrocketed his popularity. The appeal of these characteristics dates back to the 19th century, when shifting class relations during the Industrial Era led to an increased value for emotionally sensitive men over their aggressive counterparts. A taste for fashion and aesthetics became markers of a distinguished gentleman.
Toxic masculinity, or the strict adherence to traditional male gender roles that promotes harmful behavior, likely contributed to the development of this archetype.
As more women reject men who exhibit these problematic characteristics, performative males adopt feminist interests to distance themselves from machismo. The recent rise of performative males has gained traction on social media, with TikTok accounts dedicated to “catching them in the wild.”
Examining the recent rise of feminist traits, sometimes for
Contests originally designed to find celebrity lookalikes have been replaced by the search for the picture-perfect performative male. These competitions mock the superficial interests of this archetype, and contestants are judged based on how well they align with the internet meme. Common winning strategies include holding a feminist book upside down, wearing baggy cargo pants, carrying an absurd amount of matcha drinks and handing out tampons to the crowd.
Each recognizable aspect of the performative male plays a part in the ultimate goal of earning female approval. Wired headphones and other analog devices evoke a feeling of nostalgia, which contributes to the classic boy-next-door vibe. An interest in indie artists like Clairo and Laufey shows an understanding of cultural references. Reading feminist literature implies intellect and emotional maturity, which are traits highly desired by women.
Performative males, although seemingly just another internet archetype, have developed a noto-
performative men: showing off attention, sometimes for style
rious online reputation as manipulators. Many women criticize the artificiality of these men with claims that they practice faux feminism. Faux feminism, or pseudo-feminism, is defined as inauthentically using feminist rhetoric for ulterior motives, rather than addressing true gender equality. As identifying as a feminist becomes increasingly synonymous with social and political correctness, more individuals — particularly men — are adopting the label without understanding and acting upon the nuances behind the term. Performative males are the prime example of this phenomenon.
Since performative males are largely motivated by appealing to feminist women, they are also accused of lacking genuine support for the movement. Women have reported a heightened sense of safety around men who present themselves as feminists, so some men may adopt the feminist label to gain women’s trust, only to violate it later. Others may claim to be feminist to excuse their misogynistic practices, such as making sexist comments.
On the contrary, labeling all men with feminine interests as manipulative reinforces rigid gender norms. The stereotype stems from the belief that men cannot genuinely enjoy feminine hobbies or aesthetics without having an ulterior motive. Performative males stray from traditionally “masculine” forms of self-expression, which is an act of resistance against the binary gender roles of toxic masculinity. Generalizing that all men with a fondness for matcha and Labubus are performative ends up policing masculinity and discouraging authentic self-expression.
When stripped of their trendy social media products, performative males are often seen as manipulators. However, their existence reveals deeper insights into how masculinity is stereotyped
I’d always believed nostalgia was a calling to the past. As an elementary and middle school student, I rarely experienced the emotion. Whenever one of my phases ended, I was already invested in the next one.
For instance, I was obsessed with Harry Potter from late-elementary to early-middle school, swept in an endless cycle of reading the books, watching the movies and scavenging the internet for merchandise. However, despite this fervor, I was unaware of the last time I read the books or watched the films. I couldn’t name the final product I purchased. My interests had seamlessly transitioned into fantasizing over shoebill storks, motionless birds that intrigued my middle school self with their distinguished expressions. In other words, my mind always revolved around the present, and my eyes always looked straight ahead. My heart was content with my life.
In fact, I was so grounded in the present that I outright rejected nostalgia during this time. Starting my freshman year of high school, I increasingly noticed my dad saying “the good old days.” If homework restrained me from shopping with him, I’d hear, “In the good old days, you went to Target with me.” If a due date forced me to eat dinner slightly later than the rest of my family, “We ate dinner together in the good old days.” I’d take this phrase as an insult, as I felt it was my dad’s way of telling me that he thought the past was better than the present — that he felt happier when I was younger. I couldn’t understand why someone would deliberately want to view the world through such a lens.
The answer hit me this past summer, only two years after I’d forbidden my dad from saying “the good old days.” I was suddenly glued to the couch, watching the Harry Potter movies twice from start to finish. I
was texting my friends from first grade, calling them on the phone as we rummaged through our stashes of LEGO bricks and attempted to reconstruct sets we demolished almost a decade ago. In these ways, I’d experienced an impulse to sift through the rubble of my past and remold it into a makeshift one I could relive in the present. I’d stopped looking forward. Nostalgia had become a calling of the past, a calling I couldn’t help but answer.
The real question lies in why my life decided to stop in its tracks — why it felt the abrupt urge to retrace its steps, why it accepted nostalgia with open arms. In hindsight, I now realize that the answer is related to the misery associated with the present. In the present, grades and college dictate selfworth. Life’s purpose isn’t to fulfill yourself, but rather to fill the bullet points of a resume.
No wonder my mind
would want to turn away and migrate from the present, polluted by pressures and expectations, to the only state of happiness it’d ever experienced — the past.
The unfortunate reality is that I felt the need to stop and turn back as a high school junior — someone who’d only experienced a snippet of life’s potential. However, if the future is truly limitless, why would my mind gravitate toward the past, when the future also offers an escape from the present? I be-
lieve the sense of certainty drives this paradox. The past is certain — I know I’ll associate my past hobbies with positive emotions. There’s comfort in knowing that if I turn to the past, it’s guaranteed to embrace me with a period I associate with innocence and simplicity. However, the future is unknown. I could be significantly more content with my life in the future, yet there’s an equal chance I’ll be drowning in new expectations and pressures of society. Therefore, when the present is difficult, my mind instinctively seeks refuge in “the good old days.”
In this way, nostalgia has opened my eyes to the escapism I seek in the past. Yet nostalgia also serves as a gentle reminder that I have a withering pres- ent I must mend into a cohesive future — a future that I’ll eventually want nostalgia to take me back to when I’m my dad’s age. It turns out nostalgia isn’t just a calling to the past. Nostalgia is a wake-up call — a calling to rediscover the happiness in life
Inspired by the New York Times Strands — today’s theme is the Summer I...
1) Using the first grid, circle or highlight a group of letters that make a word. You can go up and down, and left and right as many times as needed.
2) Repeat for the box on the right.
3) Choose a word from each box to fill into the phrase “The Summer I _____ _____.” Mix and match combinations to your preference!
WEBSITE: CHSPROSPECTOR.COM INSTAGRAM: @CHSPROSPECTOR SPOTIFY: THE PROSPECTOR PODCAST