Issue 4 - February 2024

THE PROSPECTOR

BOYS BASKETBALL BOUNCES BACK

ISSUE 4, VOL 66 | FEB. 2024

Cupertino High School’s Varsity Basketball Team snatches first place in the Santa Clara Valley El Camino league during the 20232024 season

NEWS

Administrator of the Year: Principal Kami Tomberlain pg. 3

OPINIONS

The Flaws of Race-Conscious College Admissions pg. 11

INVESTIGATIONS Nicotine Usage at FUHSD p. 17

POSTSCRIPT Celebrating Love Worldwide pg. 25

COVER DESIGNED BY LISA ZIVANIC AND JOLIE HAN | PHOTO CREDIT TO LISA ZIVANIC, SHAONA DAS AND ALL OTHER RESPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS

IN THIS ISSUE

news

Administrator of the Year: Kami Tomberlain................................. 03 Robotics: District Facility............. 05 One & Done: COVID Policy In FUH SD.............................................. 07

23: Tino Entrepreneurs

opinions

Premature Internet Access is Harming Kids..................................... 09 The Flaws of Race-Conscious College Admissions........................ 11

sports

Boys Basketball Bounces Back........................................ 13 The Sexualization of Female Sports Uniforms.................................. 15

investigations

Nicotine Usage at FUHSD......... 17

features

Mrs. Amick: College and Career Adviser............................................. 21 Tino Entrepreneurs...................... 23 featuring Alison Liu, Lyndon Khuc & Elias Bensaid

postscript

Celebrating Love Worldwide....... 25

Sexualization of Female 15: The Sports Uniforms

CUPERTINO

27

THE PROSPECTOR

STAFF 2023-2024

photo editors Evan Lu Rishita Shah

editors-in-chief Jolie Han Lisa Zivanic Sania Mehta

online editors Alexander Liu Andrew Qin Hailey Ryu Joyce Lee Katie Kim Rishita Shah

news editors Andrew Qin Benjamin Liu opinions editor Shaona Das features editor Angie Li investigations editor Benjamin Liu sports editors Alexander Liu Hailey Ryu

business manager Anika Rao writers Amrita Brar, Brian Kuo, Ira Lele, Jeongwoo Choe, Katie Mak, Miya Widman, Nikhil Krishnaswamy, Nitya Dhulipala, Noah Kang, Scarlett Guy, Victoria Hunt, Yeechen Pang, Zain Haseeb

copy editors Anoushka Gokhale Joyce Lee Riya Malik Shaona Das adviser

Ann Shriver-Peck

Editorial Policy “The Prospector” is an open forum of expression for student editors to inform and educate their readers. It will not be reviewed by or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisors may and should coach and discuss content during the writing process.

The staff of “The Prospector” seeks to recognize individuals, events and ideas and bring news to the Cupertino community in an accurate, professional and unbiased manner. “The Prospector” will not avoid publishing a story solely on the basis of possible dissent or controversy.

If you believe an error has been made or wish to have your opinion expressed in “The Prospector,” please contact us via mail or email. Letters sent become the sole property of “The Prospector” and can be edited for length, clarity or accuracy.

“The Prospector” editorial board reserves the right to accept or reject any ad in accordance with its advertising policy.

Contact Us: chsprospector@gmail.com The Prospector 10100 Finch Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

A LETTER FROM THE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Dear Reader, Our latest issue celebrates a season of love, as Valentine’s Day sweeps over our communities.

In Celebrating Love Worldwide, we explore the diverse ways romantic love is celebrated globally, from Brazilian Día dos Namorados to South Africa’s honoring of St. Valentine. Katie Kim leads us on this global celebration on page 25.

Our first news story highlights Principal Kami Tomberlain’s passion for spreading the love of literature as she wins the California School Library Association’s Administrative Leadership Award. Her inspirational efforts are detailed by Ira Lele on page 3.

For those seeking their soulmate, Wendy Amick lends wise guidance in matters of the heart as Cupertino High School’s caring college and career advisor. Angie Li provides a glimpse into her matchmaking magic on page 21.

And for pairs already aligned, young entrepreneurs Lyndon Khuc and Elias Bensaid share business secrets that keep their shoe resale venture going strong. Yeechen introduces the dynamic duo on page 23.

Love takes root in many forms. May this issue stir your spirit and connect you to what —- and who —- you hold dear.

Yours fondly, Jolie Han, Sania Mehta and Lisa Zivanic

ADMIN

OF THE

YEAR

Principal Tomberlain on the impact literature has had on both her personal and professional life IRA LELE

C

3 | DESIGNED BY ANDREW QIN

writer

upertino High School Principal Kami Tomberlain was awarded the Administrative Leadership Award at the California School Library Association conference in late January. The award recognized Tomberlain for her support of library programs and literacy in schools.

Tomberlain was nominated for the award by CHS Library Media teacher Julia Hedstrom.

“Ms. Tomberlain reminds us that the benefits of reading are multifaceted and profound,” Hedstrom said. “[She] supports our library’s extended hours, allowing us to be open for students before and after school. In addition, she makes sure students have the resources they need, including scholarly databases to help them with their research needs and help prepare them for college and life after high school.”

Tomberlain’s dedication to literature began at a young age.

“If there’s any area of life that has been [present from] the time I

pertino’s English Department, has spent the past decade teaching literature under Tomberlain’s guidance.

“Like many others in our English department, I have learned a tremendous amount from Kami’s experiences as a teacher of English and from the way she personally models a healthy and robust diet of daily reading and reflection,” Masuda said.

be interested in or creating areas where students can collaboratively learn about reading, her devotion to spreading the love of reading has never ceased.

Hedstrom and Tomberlain worked together for several years to create avenues for students to explore literature by implementing pre-made reading selections in the CHS library.

“I’m hoping that Mrs. Hedstrom and I can put together a shelf care recommendation for our spring break [this year]. So that we can say, ‘let’s see how many people we can get to all read this,’” Tomberlain said.

Continuous projects in CHS’s library and adjustments to reading lists within classrooms all come from Tomberlain’s goal of fostering the growth of the student body’s love for literature and reading.

“One of the key attributes of Ms. Tomberlain’s character is that she embraces and lives by the notion that we are forever learning.

From one lifelong learner to another, I thank Ms. Tomberlain for supporting reading, always sharing the titles of texts she is currently reading, and believing in the visions of others who will continue this monumentally good work,” Masuda said.

Tomberlain’s devotion to spreading the love of reading reaches all parts of CHS’s community. Inside her weekly newsletters sent out to students, staff and parents, she writes her book recommendations and the novels she’s currently reading.

Said Tomberlain, “I believe in the power of literature to change lives”

I believe in the power of “literature to change lives.

Additionally, as an administrator, Tomberlain acknowledges the conflicting opinions on accessibility to literary resources containing radical viewpoints. “[Some] individuals are looking to control what others have to read. My feeling about books is read what you want. Read what appeals to you and what inspires you. If you don’t like something, put it down,” Tomberlain said.

Tomberlain encourages students from diverse fields of interest to explore the world through reading.

“It’s important to understand the power of literature, and the power of reading in the STEM focused world,” Tomberlain said.

“Just because you’re an engineer doesn’t mean you also don’t want to understand what goes on in other parts of the country or other parts of the world or to want empathy. I think that books and literature build empathy.”

In an era where quick entertainment is easily accessible, Tomberlain hopes to reinstill the motivation to read into CHS students. Whether this means introducing students to books they’d

”

NEWS | 4

was a little, little girl to now-—the one thread that goes all the way through—-is my love of books and reading,” Tomberlain said.

While Tomberlain did not have the luxury of growing up in an area with a significant volume of books, she discovered alternate methods to access these resources.

Tomberlain’s hometown lacked a library, yet she would travel to the town next over just to find and get books for the week.

This habit continued in the classroom. “As an elementary school student, I would walk out with these big stacks of books,” said Tomberlain.

Tomberlain’s sentiment for literature remained apparent through her life, influencing her work as an English teacher. As principal, she still believes that literacy and libraries are the heart of a school.

“We’re so busy trying to do the things of school, to take the tests and do the right activities that it’s really difficult to find time just to read. Mrs. Hedstrom and I, and libraries before us have always tried to encourage kids to pick something to read that they love and this [award] just confirms that these efforts are valuable,” Tomberlain said.

Strengthening library programs and encouraging students to appreciate novels is a challenging task for administrators.

Despite this, Tomberlain’s strong aspirations and commitment to the cause allowed her to approach such roadblocks with resilience, making a lasting impact on CHS’s education curriculum.

Christina Masuda, head of Cu-

NEWS

ROBOTICS:

DISTRICT FACILITY A brand new, state-of-the-art robotics facility is set to be built at CHS ALEXANDER LIU

T

5 | THE PROSPECTOR

sports editor

he Fremont Union High School District recently approved a new state-of-theart robotics facility to be built on Cupertino’s campus by 2025.

A report presented to the FUHSD Board on Nov. 17, 2023, by a team of students and employees outlined plans to repurpose the grass lawn next to the baseball field and tennis courts into a new robotics center for all FUHSD students. Currently, the team is in the process of drafting schematic diagrams before they progress to a more detailed design.

Plans for the robotics center began three years ago. “[It was] brought up by our district robotics students. We had a presentation that was made to the board,” said Faith Carrillo, FUHSD Manager of Bond Operations. Most robotics buildings in FUHSD are multifunctional “Makers’ Labs” or portable rooms built for all-purpose student construction work.

The students requested the de-

THE NEW FACILITY WILL FEATURE A 4900 SQ. FT. FIELD ARENA FOR TEAMS TO PREPARE FOR TOURNAMENTS, AS WELL AS A 1200 SQ. FT. MULTIUSE COLLABORATION SPACE.

The new robotics facility is expected to be built on the natural grass lawn located between the baseball field and tennis courts. velopment of a purpose-built facility solely for competitive robotics teams.

Said Carrillo, “I do know that we have some very high-caliber robotics teams. And I think they felt like our facilities, compared to other ones they had visited, weren’t meeting their needs.”

The report describes the building as one story with a mezzanine,

14 thousand square feet of workspace, and a complete grass lawn removal and replacement with concrete pavements and landscaping. Sections inside the building include a large field area for testing, a multipurpose, 1200-square-foot workroom and many other amenities. Notable additions include a roll-up door, allowing robots and large parts to be transported in and out of trucks.

In addition, the robotics center requires some changes to the nearby tennis courts to

make space.

One tennis court will be

moved from row five to a new third row. The parking lot has yet to receive any modifications.

NEWS | 6

DESIGN OF BUILDING PROPOSED BY QUATTROCHI KWOK ARCHITECTS

Cupertino High School was selected over other sites in FUHSD due to its accessibility.

Stated Carrillo, “Since Cupertino was more centrally located for all the schools, the location of that grassy area has better access to the parking lot in the street.” A site at Lynbrook was also considered, but because it was at the back of the campus, it was difficult for cars or trucks to reach it.

The robotics facility will be designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects, a contractor working with FUHSD. The team plans to incorporate elements like color and architectural style from all FUHSD schools into the building’s design.

Any increases in the traffic of students to this area of campus may also require additional planning. However, more precise planning has yet to be established.

“On April 23rd, we’ll be presenting the schematic design to the board. Then we begin design development […] all the construction documents, which are hundreds and hundreds of pages.” Even now, details of the building may change and are not set in stone.

Building construction is expected to begin in March 2025 and end in April 2026.

Although it may seem distant, the new robotics center will substantially benefit robotics programs throughout FUHSD

ONE

AND

amidst the second-biggest COVID-19 surge California has experienced since the Omicron variant emerged. This new wave driven by Omicron subvariants is once again pushing hospitalizations upward. According to state officials, the updated guidance aligns with the latest science on when people with COVID-19 are most infectious. It aims to balance societal risks and benefits, given the need to maintain a functioning society. Reducing FUHSD in the spotlight as California’s isolation guidelines as infections are rising again is particularly new COVID policy raises a contagious concerning to many public health debate experts who worry it could inSANIA MEHTA NIH RADx program’s preliminary crease transmission, especially editor-in-chief studies of antigen test perfor- among vulnerable groups. While he California Department mance suggests that while these some argue this supports the of Public Health stated on rapid tests can detect Omicron, economy, many workplaces now Jan. 9, 2024, that students they may have reduced sensitivi- offer remote and hybrid options, and workers who test positive for ty compared to previous variants. allowing safer continued isolation COVID-19 can return to school or This indicates antigen tests are for those infected.

The Fremont Union High work after just one day of isolation less reliable at identifying OmiSchool instead of the former five days, as c r o n District long as their symptoms improve infe chas yet to and they wear a mask. t i o n d iscuss This new guidance goes di- c o m w h ether rectly against the Centers for pared they will Isolate: Stay at home. The CDC Disease Control and Prevention’s t o adhere to still recommends 5 days. recommendations of a five-day earlier the state’s isolation period for those infected v e r new oneMonitor: Keep track of sympwith COVID-19. Many are con- s i o n s toms and seek medical help if day isolacerned about how this could af- of the they worsen. tion period fect vulnerable and immunocom- v i r u s . or keep promised groups.

BasNotify: Inform close contacts the current Reducing the isolation to just i n g and follow local health guidef ive-day one day means people will likely i s o l a lines. policy.

With return to school and work while t i o n COVID-19 still contagious. Those with mild d e c i still wideor improving symptoms may feel s i o n s s p r e a d , many question ready to end isolation but could on these tests risks people endstill easily transmit the virus, pos- ing quarantine prematurely while if shortening isolation periods sufing risks especially for vulnerable still infectious. More research is ficiently balances public health groups. One study from the Uni- needed to fully understand the interests and productivity. Thereversity of California, Davis, found implications of reduced antigen fore, the FUHSD district must that the majority of infected indi- test sensitivity for Omicron de- thoughtfully weigh these factors viduals were still contagious after tection. In the meantime, experts and listen to the concerns of disfive days. There are also concerns caution against over-reliance on abled and immunocompromised about relying on antigen tests to rapid tests to shorten isolation students, staff and family memshorten isolation periods. Accord- periods, given the risks to public bers to determine the best path forward ing to the U.S. Food and Drug Ad- health.

DONE T

7 | THE PROSPECTOR

GOT COVID?

ministration, early data from the

This policy change comes

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NEWS | 8

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OPINIONS

PREMATURE INTERNET ACCESS IS HARMING KIDS

9 | THE PROSPECTOR

Examining the negative effects of children accessing the internet at a young age

HAILEY RYU | AMRITA BRAR

I

sports + social media editor | writer

ucts intended for adult audiences to consuming content that explores darker themes unsuitable for children, Generation Alpha’s attempts to mature sooner may have had the opposite effect, and may have resulted in stunted growth overall.

Although internet usage is nearly impossible to restrict entirely, parents play an integral role in limiting their children’s time on prevalent and addictive social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. According to a 2023 study by Common Sense, one-third or more of girls aged 11–15 say they feel “addicted” to certain social media platforms and over half of teenagers report that it would be hard to give up social media. Limiting time on social media while also keeping your child involved and aware will benefit their development in the long-term and help normalize less exposure. An investigation from 2019 by JAMA Psychiatry showed that children who spend more than three hours a day on social media “face double the risk of poor mental health, including experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety” — yet studies conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan show teenagers spend an average 3.5 hours a day on social media. Although some platforms have implemented features to restrict inappropriate content for younger audiences, many children find loopholes.

Gen Alpha’s behavior stemming from premature exposure to the internet is a prime example of social media’s addictive and toxic effects. It is important that younger generations are not exposed to inappropriate content to ensure that they do not end up developing unhealthy habits learned from social media, behaving inappropriately and using products that are not age appropriate

OPINIONS | 10

n an era where the internet is indispensable in our daily lives, children are the primary demographic for social media platforms and online marketing. As today’s kids are thrust into the world created by technology increasingly earlier than before, their development and upbringings stray considerably far from those of past generations.

In recent months, debate online has sparked discussion on whether the newest generation — children born between 2010 and 2024 — is negatively affected by accessing social media at a young age, and how this is reflected in their behavior and social skills. According to research by Pew Research Center in 2022, 40% of children aged eight to 12 use social media despite most social media platforms having a minimum user age of 13.

The majority of Generation Alpha’s internet usage during and after the pandemic increased notably as a result of limited in person socialization.

In recent months, many internet users have expressed their thoughts on how social media trends influence children. One discussion has been widely coined the “ten-year-old Sephora epidemic.” Shoppers and Sephora employees have expressed their concerns regarding children purchasing strong skincare products promoted by older beauty influencers, in addition to their rude interactions with staff and other customers. These products, intended for adult customers, can permanently damage the skin barriers of young children and manifest unhealthy beauty ideals extremely early on.

However, this behavior is not only witnessed in Sephora stores.

Teachers have also shared their

experiences with Gen Alpha students.

Said one middle school teacher on TikTok, “Gen Alpha is defiant, aggressive, disrespectful and rude. I teach seventh grade, and they’re still performing at a fourth grade level.”

Said another educator, “I’ve been trying to sound the alarm about Gen Alpha students and their poor behavior in the classrooms, as well as their literacy problems, since May of 2022.”

Although neglectful parenting and increased internet consumption during the pandemic may also be placed at blame for children’s disrespectful behavior, the types of media that children watch and consume are a more important factor.

The behavior of the influencers and creators that children follow online imprints into their subconscious, profoundly impacting the way they view the world and the consequences of their actions.

Social media can have some benefits.

Said the US Surgeon General’s Advisory, “Social media can provide benefits for some children, including by serving as a source of connection for youth who are often marginalized, such as the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities, providing positive or identity-affirming content, creating a space for self-expression and helping youth feel accepted.”

However, this only holds true when media is consumed by children appropriately and in moderation. In a study conducted by Boston Children’s Digital Wellness Lab in 2022, 46% of adolescents aged 13–17 said social media makes them feel worse about body image, 40% said it makes them feel neither better nor worse, and only 14% said it makes them feel better. From purchasing harmful prod-

THE FLAWS OF RACE-CONSC Discussing affirmative action and proposing alternate JOYCE LEE | BENJAMIN CHEN

T

11 | DESIGNED BY SHAONA DAS

copy editor | news + investigations editor

he Republican Party stands for] ideals like freedom and merit and the pursuit of excellence that you get ahead in this country — not based on the color of your skin, but on the content of your character and your contribution,” Vivek Ramaswamy said at the Trump Campaign Rally in New Hampshire on Jan. 16, describing his perception of Republican values.

The majority of Americans, even the many who are not far-right conservative politicians, would agree with this statement fundamentally.

The United States was built on the basis of freedom and equality for all of its people, although it has fallen short numerous times since its founding. The centuries-long discrimination committed against Black Americans, Indigenous Americans, immigrants and many others still affects their descendants to this day.

Ignoring the social, economic and political damages embedded in our modern society caused by America’s history of racism would not heal them.

This is the idea behind race-conscious admissions in the college application process, which is part of affirmative action. The President’s Committee on Government Contracts, created

by Dwight D. Eisenhower, established in its final 1953 report that affirmative action works to combat indif-

ference towards positive policies of nondiscrimination, which is actually a greater hindrance to equal employment opportunity than overt discrimination. The first official policy of affirmative action dates back to John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Executive Order 10925.

Lyndon B. Johnson’s Executive Order 11246 in 1965 became a key landmark in future federal policies, as it furthered policies for affirmative action in hiring processes in the public sector. Said Johnson in his 1965 commencement address at Howard University, “You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line of a race and then say, ‘you are free to compete with all the others,’ and still justly believe that you have been completely fair.”

Affirmative action was allowed

in college admissions from 1978 until the Supreme Court’s recent 2023 decisions, which found considering race in university admissions unconstitutional.

Affirmative action in the admissions process has largely impacted diversity in universities. Currently, certain ethnicities are statistically over or underrepresented in college demographics, and race-conscious admissions helped even out these numbers. This was displayed when enrollment rates declined across California after Proposition 209, which prevented racial preferences in admissions, with an especially noticeable decline in Black student enrollment at the University of California, Los Angeles, for the incoming freshman class in 2006. Only 96 students of a freshman class of 4,852, or about

IOUS COLLEGE ADMISSIONS methods of incorporating diversity on college campuses 2%. Only 96 students of a freshman class of 4,852, or about 2%, were African American — the lowest the school had seen since 1973.

Although affirmative action helped increase the enrollment for minority races, one negative consequence of race-conscious admissions is the overgeneralization of students belonging to a specific race. Giving a person an advantage just because of their race overlooks other important inequities such as family, financial and social struggles that could be defining in the upbringing of an applicant. Some argue that not every individual should be judged by their race, but should instead be evaluated by their skill and background. Just because a certain race is historically marginalized does not mean everyone in that

category has been disadvantaged, or that someone from another historically advantaged group cannot be as disadvantaged.

In addition to overgeneralization, race-conscious admissions should not be the focus of the solution to achieve education equality in college admissions. Instead of giving a group of people who have been systematically excluded or disadvantaged an inclusive advantage at the final stage of education, during college admissions, the focus should be shifted to improvements and support systems in the earlier stages of education.

One major problem that should be addressed is allocating school funds between communities of different socioeconomic classes.

School funding is heavily based on local property taxes — the higher

OPINIONS | 12

the cost of living in a certain community, the more property tax the local government collects, and the more funding the school gets. This leads to affluent areas having more education resources than poor areas, despite poorer communities needing those resources more. Marginalized and lower-income communities often get fewer resources because their school cannot raise as much funds from property taxes. Additionally, wealthier communities are oftentimes discouraged from funding schools in other lower-income communities as they prefer their tax money to be directed to their children’s education. This forms a detrimental downward spiral for marginalized communities, as they could find trouble improving their financial status due to the fewer educational resources they receive, leading to even less school funding for their local education.

This disparity in the education resources between affluent and marginalized communities should be the main problem for the federal, state and local governments to address. By providing more funds for kindergarten to 12th-grade education in disadvantaged communities, the government can help relieve some structural racial inequity by promoting higher social mobility and improving the fundamentals of their education which encourages more opportunities for higher education.

13 | PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXANDER LIU

NEWS SPORTS

BOYS BASKETBALL BOUNCES BACK

The Cupertino High School Varsity Basketball Team snatches league champions in the 20232024 season

BRIAN KUO | NIKHIL KRISHNASWAMY

I

writers

n the 2022–2023 season, the Cupertino High School varsity boys basketball team struggled to get one more win. This season, the team experienced a drastic record change, winning 19 games out of 20. They also finished off the season by winning league championships with a record of 10 wins and no losses.

This drastic change is due to their senior-heavy team, relentless commitment and continuous practices during the summer and school year.

Flaws in the team’s dynamic contributed to the team’s lack of success last year.

“Last year, we were kind of fighting just to get one win.

“

WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER[...]WE HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE. WE WANT TO WIN FOR EACH OTHER.

JUSTIN YU

”

There was a separation in the team. We weren’t all connected,” senior and captain Soham Nighojkar said.

Last year the team faced loss after loss, a final season score of three wins and 23 losses.

The team was unhappy with

3-23

their performance and were determined to achieve more success in the following season. To accomplish this, the coach and players increased the intensity of their training.

“In the summer and in the spring, right after last year’s season ended, we had to commit a lot of time to practice and fine tuning our offensive and defensive principles,” Nighojkar said.

The team’s post season and summer practices helped maintain the team’s skill level going into the next season, with a stronger, more experienced upperclassman team supporting them. Having a senior heavy team has allowed them to start with and have reserve players that were more experienced and stronger, leading to a better team overall.

But despite their team of mostly experienced seniors, the team has slumps just like any other sports team; times where no one is engaged, motivated, or disciplined. These moments can make or break a team’s performance.

Said Nighojkar, “It’s kind of like [our team’s] ability to get through those kinds of low spots. [Our ability to recover is] way better than last year.”

Having experienced players to push the team through unmotivated slumps was a large reason for the basketball team’s

19-1

10-0

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2022-2023 SEASON

2023-2024 SEASON

SPORTS | 14

SEASON RECORD

success, compared to last year.

Senior and captain Justin Yu attributes the team’s success this year to their newfound sense of team unity. After last season the team has bonded over losses and hard work.

“This year, we definitely play well as a team where we support each other,” Yu said. “I think that’s something that we have that other schools don’t have. And that’s what is able to carry us through our games, even during tough games.”

Said Yu, “We hold each other accountable. We want to win for each other.”

The team often had post-practice restaurant outings where they formed a close bond with each other.

After their recent successful season, Nighojkar shares his advice with juniors and sophomores, who are coming back with a legacy to live up to.

Said Nighojkar, “I hope definitely next year, they’ll take some of the things that we seniors kind of [show] this year, and hopefully they can carry it on and do well next year”

THE SEXUALIZATION OF FEMALE SPORTS UNIFORMS

CUPERTINO

15 | DESIGNED BY HAILEY RYU

27

Analyzing the gender-based discrepancies in sports uniforms

F

writers

“

”

Said the athlete, “Women’s gymnasts wear leotards, which are similar to one-piece bathing suits. And I’ve seen [in Instagram comments] that people sometimes sexualize women for their clothes, and tell them not to wear leotards, but what they don’t understand is that we have no control over it at all.”

Coaches are rarely allowed to provide students with shorts or an alternative for the leotard, making it very difficult to comfortably participate in the sport.

Additionally, the standard uniform for men differs largely from the short leotard for women, with the option of wearing tops and pants available for them, further highlighting the lack of choice for women in this sport. The limiting factor of this uniform only makes it more difficult for people with religious restrictions to participate, as these sports restrict hijabs and non-exposing wear.

Students have often expressed discomfort with such uniforms, especially when some body images are not as widely accepted.

“I feel like gymnasts are expected to be lean but muscular, and wearing a leo is revealing so if you’re not lean and muscular you feel like a failure. Or, if you’re too muscular — I think Simone Biles dealt with this — you’re seen as too masculine,” said the athlete

SPORTS | 16

uously rebelling against uniform expectations. At the 2023 FIFA emale athletes — in high Women’s World Cup, many parschool and beyond — con- ticipants were seen without the tend with the influence of traditional white shorts, while at society’s sexist stereotypes on Wimbledon, players wore black sports uniforms. Gender roles are shorts under the traditional white a major contribution to the expec- dress. Evolution in uniforms has tations of an athlete’s appearance, come a long way, considering that which may affect their confidence lace, ribbons and frilly clothing and performance. were required in the US Open in The sexualization of wom- 1971. Three gymnasts in the Euen’s uniforms has been an issue ropean Artistic Gymnastics Chamsince the 1980s, when women’s pionships wore full-body unitards uniforms were first introduced to rather than the required leotards be appealing to exposing the men. Uniforms were leg. Male gymtight and hugged nasts generally WHAT THEY DON’T curves, emphasizwear full-length UNDERSTAND IS THAT ing aesthetics over leg coverings or WE HAVE NO CONcomfort. Male athslightly loose-fitTROL OVER [OUR UNIletic uniforms have ting shorts. These FORMS] AT ALL been baggier and women were cover much more among the first STUDENT ATHLETE of the body. While to set an examsome female athple of performing letes’ uniforms were in comfortable similar versions of men style uni- sports clothing instead of clothing forms, others were designed to be that appeals to an audience. distinctly “feminine,” as shown in “Every gymnast should be tennis dresses and bras expos- able to decide in which type of suit ing skin, similar to bathing suits, she feels most comfortable — and for track and beach volleyball. In then do gymnastics,” said gym2012, the Badminton World Feder- nast Elisabeth Seitz in an interview ation required female elite cham- with National Public Radio in 2021. pionship athletes to play tennis in Having to combat sexist stanshort skirts to look more “feminine dards, the struggles of women and have a nice presentation.” in professional athletics echo Prestigious sporting events, the struggle of female students such as the Olympics, normalize at Tino. Sports that typically resuch uniforms for women, who quire short and tight clothes as a struggle to change these stan- uniform leave students with little dards. The Norwegian women’s choice in what they are allowed to beach handball team protested wear. A gymnast at Tino shared by wearing shorts instead of biki- their struggles with leotards speni bottoms after their complaints cifically, and how, more often than were ignored, and they were fined not, they felt too exposed with little 175 dollars per player in 2021. power in deciding what they could Female athletes are contin- wear.

KATIE MAK | ZAIN HASEEB

I N V E S T I G AT I O N S 7

N i C otine Usage at FU H SD 6

17 | DESIGNED BY BENJAMIN LIU

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Photography by Benjamin Liu Edited by Nikhil Krishnaswamy

Expert Perspectives

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MIYA WIDMAN writer

Said CHS school-based therapist Denise Salin, “Because middle school and high school students’ brains are not fully developed, taking in chemicals such as nicotine hinder growth and their ability to develop normally and healthily.”

Nicotine users inhale e-cigarette aerosol containing nicotine and other flavors into their lungs.

Flavors consist of chemicals such as diacetyl, which has been linked to lung disease. Heavy metals and ultrafine particles are also found in e-cigarette aerosols. Users who smoke in public spaces put bystanders at risk of breathing in the air they exhale, containing harmful substances.

“A lot of students aren’t aware of the negative impacts until their addiction has developed to a point where it is physically difficult to quit due to the effects of withdrawal,” said Salin. “People who use nicotine aren’t just using it on occasion, but regularly because they have developed a reliance on it.”

18.5% 13.6% “ ” of high school students in California have used an e-cigarette product.

Among them... reported current vape usage

A LOT OF STUDENTS AREN’T AWARE OF THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS UNTIL THEIR ADDICITON HAS DEVELOPED TO A POINT WHERE IT IS PHYSICALLY DIFFICULT TO QUIT DUE TO THE EFFECTS OF WITHDRAWAL.

DENISE SALIN

INVESTIGATIONS | 18

ehind the steel doors of the school bathrooms, a sweet scent lingers in the air. The smell of candied fruit and bubblegums fills students’ nostrils with steam from sugary, addictive smoke puffing up the stalls; the presence of vapes consumes the room.

18.2% of high school students in California have used an e-cigarette product, according to Geographic Regions. Among this percent, 13.6% have reported current vape usage. Why has vape usage become so widespread among high school students, and how do underage teens get their hands on a vape in the first place? “Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Volume 229” reveals that vape shops have been the greatest source of vapes for underage teens, with 58.5% of underage vapers purchasing products from these shops. Nearly half of California vape shops do not scan for identification, increasing accessibility to teenagers.

Accessibility is not the only factor that contributes to the immense popularity of vaping among teens; the culture behind vaping also prompts many teens to partake in it. For instance, data from the Truth Initiative, an organization that exposes and amplifies the risks associated with smoking and vaping, has revealed that over eight million youths are exposed to vaping through television shows or movies. Oftentimes, these shows or films glamorize and glorify vaping. For example, the HBO series “Euphoria” has numerous harmful images

of vaping, which have contributed to the unhealthy vaping culture among teens.

Michael Fang is a graduate from the Florida Institute of Technology with a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis and a behavior specialist at Cupertino High School. Said Fang in an interview, “Nicotine use through vaping may be seen as aesthetic or a status symbol, similar to cigarettes.

People smoked because it looked cool without considering its side effects until they became addicted.”

Adolescents are also exposed to e-cigarette ads, with five million underage people exposed to them through the Internet and four million displayed in person throughout retail stores. Companies manufacture products that appeal to a younger audience through attractive flavors such as bubblegum or blue raspberry, with 89.4% of youths in 2023 using flavored e-cigarettes rather than plain ones, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Particularly in young individuals, nicotine can compromise focus, mood regulation and impulse control, increasing the risk of future drug addictions. Once a person is dependent on nicotine, quitting becomes increasingly difficult due to the body’s adaptation to the drugs. In an effort to quit, withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, trouble sleeping or focus-

ing, irritability and intense cravings for nicotine.

“Realistically, an addiction isn’t something you can just turn on and off; all we can do is build relationships with students struggling to help them seek out a way to overcome their reliance on nicotine,” Fang said.

The normalization of nicotine use and its addictive properties

contribute to its presence as a widely used stimulant for students.

Said Salin, “It makes the body want more, and as the wants increase, nicotine use becomes more and more frequent, and the addiction has developed.” Users do not get the same high they used to but need to continue using it to feel normal

Student Story

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NOAH KANG

19 | THE PROSPECTOR

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n anonymous student interview of a previous vape user adheres to Salin’s

words.

“I could feel something in my throat and lungs [...] every time I ran, I would get tired and my stamina heavily decreased,” the student said. This is a common experience for numerous vape users, as reported by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, which reported that e-cigarette users were 81% more likely to face breathlessness.

The interviewee added how vaping caused them numerous headaches and manifested mood swings throughout their daily routine. The interviewee then revealed the peer pressures behind vaping.

“One time one of my friends was vaping in his car and he guilttripped me and my friends in the car to hit his vape because he felt like he didn’t wanna be the only one hitting the vape,” said the interviewee. “I think I brought myself to quit vaping because me and my friend began noticing that our lungs kind of felt different and since we both did sports, we felt like it was better for us to just quit

together.”

Many nicotine users face similar predicaments to the anonymous interviewee. However, unlike the anonymous interviewee, who claimed to have a much smoother recovery process, many other users experience strenuous rehabilitation. According to Infinite Recovery, a drug rehabilitation center, severe withdrawal symptoms happen in vape users one to three days after “quitting.” Some of these symptoms were headaches, sweating, tremors, restlessness, insomnia, increased appetite, abdominal cramps, difficulty concentrating, digestive issues, strong cravings for nicotine, irritability, moodiness, anxiety and depression.

Additionally, full recovery from nicotine addiction could take up to three months. Thus, this difficult recovery process often makes relapse more common among nicotine users.

Relapse rates are 47% after a full year of recovery, 36% after two years and 25% after five years, according to The National Library of Medicine, which revealed that vape users could never be truly safe from addiction

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I COULD FEEL SOMETHING IN MY THROAT AND LUNGS[...] EVERYTIME I RAN, I WOULD GET TIRED AND MY STAMINA HEAVILY DECREASED

ANONYMOUS STUDENT Time of recovery

Relapse Rates

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47% 2 Years 36% 5+ Years 25% 1 Year

FUHSD in Action ANIKA RAO

D

business manager

ata from Fremont High School’s vapor sensors reveal that students vape up to 140 times each day in a singular school bathroom. These vapor sensors, installed in all of Fremont High

School’s on-campus bathrooms, were piloted this year, making Fremont the first school in the Fremont Union High School District to have them.

While Cupertino bathrooms only have smoke sensors installed, the frequency of students using electronic cigarettes or vaporizers throughout the school day is projected to be equally as high as Fremont’s e-cigarette usage, putting

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REALISTICALLY, AN ADDICTION ISNT SOMETING YOU CAN JUST TURN ON AND OFF; ALL WE CAN DO IS BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS STRUGGLING TO HELP THEM SEEK OUT A WAY TO OVERCOME THEIR RELIANCE ON NICOTINE

MICHAEL FANG

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HELP IS AVAILABLE! SAMHSA Helpline

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KRISTI KUEHN

the issue of the teen vaping epidemic on the radars of some teachers at Tino.

Kristi Kuehn, Cupertino High School’s physiology teacher, incorporates addiction into her annual lesson plan while discussing the nervous system, intentionally highlighting the science behind how addictive substances such as nicotine work for her students. Kuehn takes a holistic approach to the topic of substance abuse and addiction. The aptly named ‘Pain and Pleasure’ unit focuses on why drug companies, particularly vape companies, target teenagers at a disproportionate rate and the chemical breakdown of what happens to nerves on nicotine.

INVESTIGATIONS | 20

1-800-662-4357

THE STIGMA AROUND ADDICTION IS DOING MORE HARM THAN GOOD

She also shares how she lost her nephew at the hands of an addictive substance in order to shine a light on how common addiction is.

“I hope to hear a story of a successful, goal-oriented student who is similar to them, who had a bright future, will help my students to realize that addiction is something that not just certain sectors of our population struggle with, that it really can affect them as well,” Kuehn said on sharing her story with her students.

The district as a whole and individual teachers like Kuehn are working to solve the larger issue behind the district’s vape and drug usage by starting conversations around safe drug usage as well as the dangers of drugs like nicotine.

In the recently piloted Health class taught to 9th graders this school year, topics such as harm reduction and the prevalence of substance addiction are covered in detail. Narcan, an anti-overdose treatment of the chemical compound naloxone, is now readily available on CHS. Additionally, in spaces such as Kuehn’s classroom, students are encouraged to see addiction as a disease rather than a moral failure.

Said Kuehn, “That’s one of the main messages that I want to get out to students taking physiology. The stigma around addiction is doing more harm than good. It’s important to acknowledge that it is a disease that needs to be treated and takes really the effort of everybody who cares and loves about that person.”

Should more data be collected on vape usage in bathrooms across the district, FUHSD will be able to gauge whether or not these measures are effective in ending high rates of vape usage amongst students in the district

FEATURES

MRS. AMICK College and Career Advisor Mrs. Amick shares about her work and experiences at Cupertino High School

21 | DESIGNED BY ANGIE LI

Attit

families have and helps teachers going on as a parent,” Amick said. and administration with the letters “When I was here, you submitted rom Cupertino High School of recommendation process. [your application], mailed it and alum to CHS parent, Wendy Aside from helping seniors then you got mailed back notifiAmick found her calling at with college applications in the cation of your admission decision.

CHS once again as the College fall, Amick also plans many events The electronics have changed and Career Advisor. during the spring, such as the completely, and even every year A CHS graduate, Amick stud- Gold Awards, senior awards and that I’ve been doing this there’s ied marketing career fair. [more] changes, so [I] totally unat Santa Clara Said Am- derstand parents not understandUniversity and ick, “[I] also ing the process.”

HELPING worked in high start to do preAlthough Amick has many tech for 12 years sentations for parts of her job that she enjoys, [STUDENTS] before becoming juniors and get what she loves most is just being THROUGH THE PROCESS a stay-at-home them ready to be able to assist others.

AND ENSURING [THEM] mom to raise seniors and [...]

“I know what [the process] is THAT THERE’S A PATH her three kids. mixed in there is like as a parent, so when I can FOR EVERYBODY [...]

As her children helping seniors answer their questions, it takes REALLY BRINGS SATISgrew older, Amnavigate their away so much anxiety and stress FACTION TO ME. ick began subdecisions, their [about] the whole process,” Amick WENDY AMICK stitute teaching paths and the said. “Helping [students] through for elementary [next] steps they the process and ensuring [them] schools and disneed to [take].” that there’s a path for everybody covered her love Having personally experi- [...] really brings satisfaction to for working with enced the college application me.” students. In 2011, process as a CHS student, Amick Even though Amick does not she came to CHS and took notes the differences and how the have many opportunities to reach part in various positions over the process has evolved. out to underclassmen, as most years, before settling as the Col“When I was here, I applied to of that responsibility falls to CHS’ lege and Career Advisor in 2016. three colleges, and now we have guidance counselors, she is willAs College and Career Advi- students that applied to 15, over ing to work with programs like sor, Amick’s role involves taking 20,” Amick said.

AVID or student charge of many different activi- “Not as many councils if they ties, most notably helping seniors people were goreach out with I HAVE AN with college applications, which is ing to college ideas.

OPEN DOOR [...] something she loves to do. back in my day, “I really love ANY STUDENT [OR] Although being the only Col- and now 70% of working with STAFF COULD JUST lege and Career Advisor for al- our students from students and WALK IN AND ASK ME most 2000 students may seem Cupertino attend answering quesdaunting, Amick does not find a four-year [uniQUESTIONS. IF I CAN tions. I have an the role overwhelming, as she versity]. [There is] open door; any HELP, THAT’S WHAT I primarily assists seniors. Howev- a lot more comstudent [or] staff WANT TO DO er, with only one of her and near- petition.” could just walk WENDY AMICK ly 500 seniors, Amick does not Additionally, in and ask me have the ability to counsel each Amick sympaquestions,” Amstudent privately or read essays. thizes with parick said. “If I can Instead, she sends out numer- ents who may not help, that’s what I want to do” ous presentations, screencasts have gone through and emails with resources to ed- the same process ucate students on the application themselves, or are a d ju s t in g process and what is required of to the changes. them. Additionally, Amick answers “I [went] through the process, the many questions students and and I still didn’t know what was ANGIE LI

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features editor

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FEATURES | 22

STUDENT EN Cupertino High School’s student entrepeneurs

Alison Liu

@meeep_crochets

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IC

PHOTOS | LISA ZIVAN

mands and business ns has customer de tio ea cr r he ing liz cia challenging, commer obligations can be NITYA DHULIPALA e. tiv nal been transforma lly tainting Liu’s origi tia ten po e giv to le ter wri for the craft.

“I might as well be ab emic motivator — her love ofpr mid juggling acad a ke ma d an Liu’s fear of turning extra- it to other people keep Nevertheless, responsibilities and n’t ca I , lso “A .

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23 | THE PROSPECTOR

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TREPENEURS share their experience starting and owning a business

Lyndon Khuc & Elias B

ensaid •••

@le.sale YEECHEN PANG

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edge and strategic pu rchasing. shoe. The co-founde Said Khuc, “There’s rs have met cared money doesn’t no t on e va rious kinds of people make specific do ranging main where you can money” is the motto from high schoolers of ju- get the sh at Cu pertino oes from; you can bu niors Lyndon Khuc y High School to str and from friend angers on the s, strangers on the inElias Bensaid when internet. managing terne t or even in stores.” their shoe resale busin ess. As the “You have to learn ho Khuc and Bensaid’s w to talk co-founders of Le Sale, sourcing to people, Khuc and strate an d yo u ha ve gy to learn involves scouring vario Bensaid have significa us how to negotiate. ntly devel- platfo I feel like that’s rms, including Face oped as business ow book a very big sk ners since Marke ill that you have to tplace, to identify po they started their comp tential learn, especia any a few deals lly if you want to . The pair utilizes the months ago. app make somethi ng in business,” “GO” to assess the ma Bensaid and Khuc’s rket price said Bens motiva- of a partic aid . ular shoe before makin tion to create a busines g s stemmed a pu Both juniors place the rc ha ir school se, ensuring that their from their desire for fin in- work as their top ancial inde- vestm pr iority, and ements align with their pr pendence. The pair’s ofits. mutual love phasize the need to On work hard. ce the co-owners acquire for fashion and shoe While they don’t aim s inspired a pa ir of sneakers, they cle for a masthem to delve into the an and sive busines sneaker re- resto s ex pa ns re ion it. in high sale field. school, their vision ex “If ten the ds to colso les “I figured this would are turning very leg e, where they hope to be the yellow, we ex have a special proces plore perfect opportunity wh s similar opportunit ere I could for tha ies in different t under a UV light,” Be work on my own hour nsaid locations. s, whenever said.

I want, any time in the day during “I’d say when you’re ru After the cleaning nning a the week,” Khuc said. process, business lik e thi s, the be y co po nfi st dent in it on their Instagram, Khuc and Bensaid hig Le your purchases, hlighted Sales, kn ow what you’re where customers mess the importance of ma age doing and just rket knowl- them be smart,” Khuc if they are interested in the said writer

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POSTSCRIPT

Exploring unique celebrations of love across different cultures KATIE KIM

25 | DESIGNED BY JOLIE HAN

podcast + social media editor

POSTSCRIPT | 26

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PHOTO CREDIT TO PROSPECTOR STAFF | COVER BY LISA ZIVANIC