Issue 4 - February 2023

THE PROSPECTOR OPINIONS

The Ethics of Eco-columns pg. 10

FEATURES

Campus Couples (Teacher Edition) pg. 12

SPORTS

Recent Athletic Commits pg. 26

THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CHATGPT Examining the implications of advanced AI within institutional education

ISSUE 4, VOL 65 | FEB. 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

news

Minimum Wage Increase............ 04 FUHSD Wellness Council Comes Off Hiatus................................... 06

opinions

The Causes and Effects of

28: ChatGPT X Prospector

ChatGPT.................................... 08 The Ethics of Eco-columns.......... 10

features

Campus Couples (Teacher Edition)......................... 12 featuring Amy Benson, Jessica Schaetzke, Jennifer Jacobs, Zach Jacobs, Nikki Merrick and Greg Merrick

Crossing Guards at Tino............. 15 featuring Shuhong Mandel and Prabha Sriram

lifestyles

Lunar New Year Traditions.......... 16 Avatar: The Way of the Water...... 18

Ethics of 10: The Eco-columns

investigations

Cupertino High’s Academic Resources.................................. 20

sports

Cupertino Football Safety............ 24

New Year 16: Lunar Traditions

Coach Lisa’s First Competition Season....................................... 25 Recent Athletic Commits............ 26

postscript

COVER DESIGNED BY THERESA NGUYEN (PICTURED: JOLIE HAN)

ChatGPT X Prospector................ 28 Date Time Madlib........................ 29 Column: The Struggles of Being Academically Average................. 30

THE PROSPECTOR

STAFF 2022-2023

editors-in-chief Katelyn Chu Saniya Laungani Theresa Nguyen

photo editor Rishita Shah online editors Kevin Jia Jolie Han news editor Sania Mehta Caroline Cheng Tanvee Sai opinions editor business manager Natalie Chen Evan Lu writers features editor Soha Roy Aashin, Alexander Liu, Alisha Sankhe, lifestyles editor Andrew Qin, Angie Li, Prithika Sundar Anika Rao, Anoushka Gokhale, Benjamin investigations editor Liu, Eliana Aschheim, Taruna Anil Evelyn Liao, Hailey sports editor Ryu, Joyce Lee, Lisa Zivanic Katie Kim, Meghana Vinjamury, Riya Malik, postscript editors Shaona Das, Stefaniya Evan Lu Nava Jolie Han copy editors Rajasi Laddha Taruna Anil Lisa Zivanic advisor Ann Peck, Brian Hazle

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 Readers, In our first issue of the year but our last as editors-in-chief, we take in old traditions while ushering in the new year.

ChatGT has been making headlines recently, with teachers scrambling to find ways to condemn the use of its program in their classrooms. Stefaniya Nava examines the implications of advanced artificial intelligence within institutional education on page 8, reviewing its pros and cons alongside real-world examples.

The Prospector also joins in on the ChatGPT frenzy, with Alisha Sankhe sharing this issue’s article prompts with the AI program to see its generated responses on page 28.

In light of new advancements, Lunar New Year will be the latest addition to California’s list of official holidays. Although celebrated internationally, the Year of the Rabbit — or cat! — marks California’s official recognition of the holiday. Evelyn Liao details such customs on page 16.

Here at Tino, one tradition that may need reevaluating is the freshman eco-column project. While many hold fond memories of their plastic bottle ecosystems, Natalie Chen examines the ethics of placing sentient organisms into eco-columns on page 10.

We hope you enjoyed this issue as much as we did as you flip to the end of this magazine. We look forward to seeing you next issue while we keep up our own tradition and pass it over to our new editors :) Signing out, Katelyn Chu, Saniya Laungani, Theresa Nguyen *edit contributions by Lisa Zivanic

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NEWS

E G A A RE W C N M I U

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Examining the effects of the increase on CHS student workers and local businesses SANIA MEHTA

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4 | DESIGNED BY CAROLINE CHENG

online editor

alifornia’s minimum wage is now $15.50 per hour since the voter-approved Senate Bill 3 was enacted on Jan. 1, 2023.

The increase is significant due to the state’s famously beautiful and notoriously expensive real estate and living expenses. The bill aims to ensure that low-wage workers in the state are able to afford basic necessities such as housing, food and health care.

Some believe that increasing the minimum wage will positively impact the economy as a whole.

According to Investopedia.com, when workers have more money to spend, they are more likely to

spend it on goods and services, which in turn stimulates economic growth. Proponents of this increase asserted that it would improve the lives of millions of people, empowering many of the state’s lower-income workers.

An increase in the minimum wage also offers part-time student workers increased earnings, which can significantly improve their financial situation and support these individuals in keeping up with the rising cost of living in California.

“As a part-time worker, I feel that the economy will be more competitive, and getting jobs and internships will be more difficult.

I have a couple of senior friends

attempting to get a job, but they have lucked out,” senior Ivy Nguyen said.

Nguyen indicated that this competition directly correlates to the future of the job market — as the minimum wage rises, more teenagers will be inclined to search for a job and apply to a variety of corporations.

Conversely, some critics argue that increasing the minimum wage will lead to higher costs for businesses, which could lead companies to cut jobs.

Local boba shop, Mr. Sun Tea, said that in comparison to small businesses, larger corporations typically have more money in reserve. Larger companies also tend

t o

have stronger branding cently by around 2 to 5 percent crease, and I think a lot of times, names, so they naturally in response to the minimum wage people have a hard time separatreceive more business increase. The ing small local and mon- Vice President mom-and-pop ey to pay a of Operations, operations from higher salary Marcus Belarge compathan the minimum wage. Ad- lardes, said, nies,” Dapo ditionally, large companies can “As far as moAshaolu said. of CHS students have worked He conveyed easily outprice small businesses, rale, I think making it harder for small busi- workers are a minimum wage job that the issue nesses to hire and retain employ- appreciative of *According to a survey of 110 students is much more ees. For adolescents, this wage the increase, multifaceted increase reduces student labor but then again, in Silicon Valley, than just increasing wages. Once demand as employers may opt it actually doesn’t really make a inflation is incorporated, he said, for more experienced and skilled dent in what their costs deliver.” it can leave people either in the workers.

Similarly, Be’Anka Ashaolu, same position or sometimes in Mr. Sun Tea intends to offer Founder and CMO of Nirvana Soul, even more inferior ones. He exa competitive salary compared said their company increased its pressed that this problem must to other stores in the area. As a prices last year. She aimed to save not just be looked at from one small business, they stated that on labor by working with her sister direction: a holistic view must be it is increasingly difficult to match Jeronica Macey, co-founder and taken. the compensation of larger food CEO, along with their CFO, Dapo “How do we make housing chains like In-N-Out Burger or Ashaolu. Small business owners more affordable so that the dollar Starbucks. In response to the min- often run their businesses off the raise does not just go into the landimum wage increase, Mr. Sun had ground – meaning they do not pay lord’s pockets? Or how do we ento slightly raise the prices of their themselves. Said Be’Ank Asha- sure that education is affordable drinks. olu, “We’re doing our best to op- so that the extra money you’re get“We also had to be erate lean ting is not just going to pay off stucognizant of not drasbut also dent loans? And, in general, how HOW DO WE MAKE tically increasing the ensure that do we transfer wealth from small HOUSING MORE AFFORDprices where they beour team businesses to large corporations come a sticker shock ABLE SO THAT THE DOLLAR is able to and entities?” said Dapo Ashaolu. to customers,” said RAISE DOES NOT JUST GO get enough He instills the notion that the INTO THE LANDLORD’S Jennifer Menq, a rephours to do goal is not just to raise the miniresentative of Mr. Sun. POCKETS? what they mum wage but to raise people’s Some customers took need to standard of living.

DAPO ASHAOLU notice of the pricing do.”

Overall, the minimum wage change on their menu and postTo gain a greater financial un- increase in California is a positive ed negative reviews on Yelp and derstanding, the CFO spoke on step toward ensuring that lowGoogle. Mr. Sun Tea grapples the minimum wage increase and wage workers in the state are able with financial responsibility while its direct impact on Nirvana Soul. to afford basic necessities while trying to preserve the customer “Minimum wage is a very divi- also helping boost economic experience — some of which is sive topic for small businesses. It growth. Many Cupertino businessattributed to satisfactory pricing. can often mean a very unexpect- es expressed support for the minOren Hummus also raised its ed expense i n - imum wage increase, arguing that menu prices reit will lead to a more stable and productive workforce, ultimately benefiting their bottom line

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NEWS | 5

FUHSD WELLNESS COUN Exploring the district’s new and continuing ELIANA ASCHHEIM

F writer

remont Union High School District’s Wellness Council will return to session with renewed vigor with improved plans for social and emotional wellbeing.

The council had disbanded during the pandemic as the district focused on supporting students and teachers through the crisis.

Associate Superintendent, Dr. Trudy Gross, is working with district faculty to implement the council. The district closed applications for the council recently, and meetings will resume this semester.

More than

eighty people applied to be memThe council seeks a variety bers. of perspectives by encouraging The council believes in in- input, according to the Wellness tegrating schools, families, and Council page on the FUHSD webcommunities to effectively ad- site. Representatives from the City dress students’ wellness, which in of Cupertino and El Camino Hosturn aids academic success. pital provide information to other Members discuss issues per- members through presentations taining to student wellness in and participate as members. Othgroups and brainstorm solutions er members include parents, stubefore engaging in discussion dents and FUHSD school-based with the rest of the council. therapists.

In a zoom interview, said Gross said the council was Gross, “Because we’re starting formed in 2007 to update the food [in] second semester, in the cafeteria and we will only meet vending matwice [during chine to be the remaining more nuWE PROVIDE STUschool year], tritious.

DENTS WITH THE KINDS but the plan OF THINGS THAT THEY would be to meet four CAN LEARN THAT WILL times HELP THEM THROUGHOUT next THEIR LIVES year.”

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6 | THE PROSPECTOR

DR. TRUDY GROSS

NCIL COMES OFF HIATUS plans to provide resources for student wellness The council previously worked on student sleep deprivation issues by creating a new class schedule that began at 8:00 a.m. instead of 7:30 a.m., prior to Senate Bill 328 which required a later class start.

They have also surveyed the district to collect information on areas students struggle in.

In the 2023-2024 school year, a pilot course will be implemented district-wide for ninth graders on Ethnic Studies for the first semester, and Health for the second semester. The courses focus on supporting students through lessons on emotional wellbeing, nutrition and physical exercise.

“One of the things we’ll do with the council is

offer them an opportunity to meet with some of our curriculum developers. They can review the course and give feedback on the course proposal that’s going in place… in March,” Gross said.

The wellness council will hear about existing district programs and work with school-based counselors and therapists to find solutions. Cupertino High School’s Wellness Center will open this semester. It is through connection with other district efforts, including wellness check-in forms, therapists and wellness centers like Cupertino High School’s, that FUHSD supports the community, said Gross.

She recognized the district’s work to promote wellness for students in its schools.

“I feel really

fortunate to be part of the district and part of a place where we do really value all aspects of our students and their lives.”

“The most important thing for me is that we provide students with the kinds of things that they can learn…that will help them throughout their lives,” she said.

By learning how to self-regulate and seek help, students will be well equipped to tackle other challenges for the rest of their lives in a healthy, sustainable way, said Gross

NEWS | 7

OPINIONS

THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF

CHATGPT Examining the implications of advanced artificial intelligence within institutional education swer seemingly any question.

Minnesota Law School blindly As technology advances and scored assessments to see how hatGPT, a cutting-edge Ar- the demands of academia in- well ChatGPT could generate tificial Intelligence technol- crease, it is no surprise when stu- answers on exams for the four ogy, is revolutionizing how dents look for efficient and effective courses. The chatbot completed students approach homework and ways to complete their coursework 95 multiple-choice questions and and research. 12 essay questions. It received an exams.

ChatGPT finish- average grade of a C+, earning a Developed es work in a frac- passing mark on each test.

by OpenAI in ITS ABILITY TO tion of the time ChatGPT uses complex AI late 2021, the CREATE NEAR-INSTANit would take to algorithms that help the bot fuldeep learnTANEOUS DETAILED REcomplete it man- fill unique prompts. Its users and ing-based lanSPONSES TO REQUESTS ually. ChatGPT’s developers can train ChatGPT on guage modSETS IT APART FROM capabilities of specific topics to generate conel generates OTHER AI CHATBOTS performing are tent tailored to the user’s needs. human-like This feature is responses to useful for reprompts. With search proja wide range of applications, one no less than a

BY RELYING ON passing student. ects or essays can utilize the chatbot for customer THE MODEL TO GENERAccording to that require service, blog writing or a language ATE CONTENT, STUDENTS CNN, the new AI high expertise translator.

BECOME LESS INCLINED in a particular ChatGPT sparked the interest chatbot recentTO ENGAGE IN INDEPENly passed 4 law subject. of website and app developers DENT RESEARCH AND With the and students. Its ability to create tests at the UniANALYSIS benefits of usnear-instantaneous detailed re- versity of Minneing the chatbot sponses to requests sets it apart sota and a business exam at the come controfrom other AI chatbots. versies. Open The AI can access thousands Wharton School of Business at the University of AI founder Elon Musk mentioned, of online resources such as Wiki“AI will be the best or worst thing pedia, blog posts, books and aca- Pennsylvania.

Professors at the University of ever for humanity,” further exdemic articles — hence, it can anSTEFANIYA NAVA writer

8 | DESIGNED BY NATALIE CHEN

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then where Hick found that his student used Chatgpt, the use of a concept he hadn’t covered in class. The student promptly received a zero on the exam.

The tool solely utilizes data patterns pulled from existing information on the internet. As a result, it will not always generate accurate or appropriate information, leading to misinformation and errors in its responses.

While ChatGPT can be a

helpful tool for students, it is important to contemplate the AI’s drawbacks, only using it for small, pesty tasks. That being said, institutions must consider the risks of using this resource as it causes plagiarism, hindered critical thinking and creativity development and potential factual errors

OPINIONS | 9

pressing that AI can limit an individual’s ability to develop unique ideas and perspectives, hindering academic and professional growth. By relying on the model to generate content, students become less inclined to engage in independent research and analysis.

According to Gov Tech, this situation was seen when a south Carolina professor Darren Hick mistakenly allowed one of his philosophy students to take home an exam. After receiving the exam back, it was

THE

ETHICS OF

ECOCOLUMNS Rethinking the framework of sentient beings within eco-columns NATALIE CHEN

W 10 | THE PROSPECTOR

opinions editor

ithin the shrubs of the planter box in the science wing at Cupertino High School, KC Olson gently picked up a small white mouse.

“Why would someone bring a mouse? That’s terrible for the mouse to try and put it in an eco-column.

It’s a two-liter bottle, so there’s no space for it to live. I thought it was really inconsiderate of the person who brought it,” now-senior Olson said.

The mouse, mistakenly brought in by a fellow student, was eventu-

ally rescued and kept as a pet for more than a year. The animals inside Olson’s eco-column were not as lucky. Two of her three fish were dead within two weeks, and the third perished in less than a month.

“It wasn’t filtered water, and we couldn’t clean it that well, so obviously [they were] going to end up dying pretty quickly,” said Olson.

“It really showed the fish’s lack of resilience within a small tank.”

The Biology eco-column project is required for all ninth-grade students at CHS. The course incorporates experiential learning as students work in teams to research, design and create closed

ecosystems consisting of terrestri- pretty fun experience to bond with al and aquatic habitats and a com- our teams and build everything, post unit. but when I first heard about the According to Biology team project, I was kind of questioning teachers Daniel Stavis and Ken- it — we’re going to put animals and ji Mitchell, students can include basically suffocate them in a bottle small fish in for a few weeks? their eco-colThat doesn’t I JUST AGREE WITH umns, but all sound very morSOME PEOPLE’S CONCERNS ally other animals correct,’” must be insaid ninth-grader ABOUT ETHICS FOR SENvertebrates Vanessa Zhou, a TIENT BEINGS, ESPECIALLY and primary current Biology IF YOU’RE ANTICIPATING consumers. student.

“We’re THAT THEY WILL DIE Typically, stubasically setting dent eco-colGRASSROOTS SENIOR them up for failure umns use a ECOLOGIST CLAIRE ELLIOTT since we’re not variety of ingiving them any sects, worms food.” and snails.

According to the Bi“It’s very exciting when stu- ology team, the teachers dents get multiple generations of have attempted to prisnails growing and reproducing oritize organism surin an eco-column,” said Stavis, w h o

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vival over the years by focusing on the research and planning aspects. They hope to ensure that any creatures used have what they need to survive and thrive.

However, according to Zhou, there were no standards for water filtration or nourishment for her group’s eco-column. The inadequate standards and use of tap water in their freshwater aquatic habitat resulted in their sea snails dying quickly.

Claire Elliott, a senior ecologist at Grassroots Ecology, a non-profit organization that manages local habitat restoration projects, raises concerns about the lack of guidelines within the eco-column project.

“I think it’s a worthwhile project, especially with the importance of learning about carbon cycling and its impacts on climate,” said Elliott, who earned a master’s degree in environmental engineering from

regularly enough so they can move the fish to a safer environment if the conditions are becoming poor.”

Despite existing efforts by the Biology team to prioritize student autonomy in the project, teachers should enforce stricter guidelines for the eco-columns to improve the quality of life for the organisms involved, regardless of whether they are primary or secondary consumers. By incorporating consistent chemical analyses throughout the year, students can gain further ecological education while ensuring all organisms involved remain in sufficient living conditions

OPINIONS | 11

joined the CHS staff in 2007. “ W e love to see what students come up with as they work to create a sustainable, balanced ecosystem.”

The eco-column has been a compulsory project within the ecology unit for ninth-grade Biology since 2008. Now, Olson and others question the ethicality of live-animal usage within the project.

“Everyone thought it was a

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Stanford University before joining the Bay Area non-profit in 2006.

“I just agree with some people’s concerns about ethics for sentient beings, especially if you’re anticipating that they will die.”

Tap water usage and improper decomposition of organic matter contribute to heightened ammonia levels, leading to ammonia poisoning and often death. Color metric tests and nitrogen meters, available in local pet stores, evaluate ammonia levels in the water.

Additionally, Elliott suggests that students test CO2 levels with bromothymol blue, a pH indicator dye, to ensure a proper carbon dioxide exchange by aquatic plants.

“I would prefer to see the students measure water quality parameters that you know will influence the fish’s ability to survive and make inferences based on the tests,” Elliott said. “The teachers ought to encourage students to test the water quality

FEATURES

CAMPUS COUPLES 12 | DESIGNED BY SOHA ROY

A peek into the lives of teacher couples working together at Cupertino High School

EVAN LU

A

postscript editor/business manager

my Benson and Jessica Schaetzke are one of Cupertino High School’s newest married couples. Benson is a math teacher who is currently on maternity leave, and Schaetzke teaches Spanish and leads Tino’s World Languages Department.

The two met as teachers at Cupertino High School and started off as friends.

Benson asked Schaetzke to join in on a camping trip and their friendship eventually grew into a romantic relationship.

After five years together, they tied the knot last summer, surrounded by their friends and families. They also celebrated the birth of their son, Nico, in April.

They have many things in common,

sharing hobbies like exploring the different foods the Bay Area has to offer and visiting farmers markets. Another hobby they share is visiting national parks as well as camping. They also travel every summer to Minnesota to spend time with Schaetzke’s family. During the pandemic, they stayed in Minnesota and were able to go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Working together on campus is something they said they really appreciate and enjoy.

“We can share our lunch together and have a lot of mutual friends. Having a shared work space means we really understand what the other person is going through,”

Schaetzke said. “Sometimes it’s too much togetherness and it’s difficult to turn our work brain off once we leave school. We often have to remind ourselves to not always talk about work.”

The couple is just one of several at Tino who are married to fellow staff members

FEATURES | 13

Amy Benson Jessica Schaetzke

r e f i n en

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s b o c Ja

bs o c a J h c a Z

RISHITA SHAH

B

14 | THE PROSPECTOR

photo editor

ehind our American Literature Honors novels and our front office lies another campus couple. English teacher, Zach Jacobs, and Assistant Principal’s Secretary, Jennifer Jacobs, have been married for six years of their eight-year relationship.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs met through Mr. Jacob’s brother. Mr. Jacobs recalls even being in a large group photo for his brother’s graduation photo before Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs even knew each other. Soon, that would all change, as they would evolve from strangers in a group photo to a happily married couple with a child. Originally, their relationship started with sending each other funny videos on the social media app, Vine.

The couple continues this tradition to this day through Instagram reels. The two have collected fond memories over the years – from laughing at funny videos

together to attending San Francisco Giants’ games every Friday. They share these experiences with their 4-year-old daughter.

For two years, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have worked together at Cupertino High School. Mrs. Jacobs reflected on her gratefulness for his presence while working.

“It feels comforting to know that if something happens, he’s just across the quad, and I can easily get in touch. It’s nice to know that he’s here too,” Mrs. Jacobs said

rick r e M g e r G ck i r r e M i k k Ni

s ’ O TIN g n i s S O CR S D R A GU

PRITHIKA SUNDAR

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lifestyles editor

reg and Nikki Merrick are beloved teachers at Cupertino High School and a famous couple. Both teachers currently teach AP Literature and 9th grade Literature and Writing. To Greg Merrick, CHS’ campus holds great memories of his wife, Nikki Merrick, as they met on campus during their first years of teaching and are both CHS grads, but during different times. British and World Literature teacher Michelle Avvakumovits introduced Mr. Merrick to Mrs. Merrick in the teachers’ lounge.

Mrs. Merrick shared how Mr. Merrick would walk across the hall and ask to borrow paper clips or staplers to talk to her. On a Memorial Day weekend, Mr. Merrick attended a party at Avvakumovits’s house where he planned to ask out Mrs. Merrick.

“Earlier in the week, I was playing basketball with some Santa Barbara friends, and I knocked [out] one of my front teeth,” Mr. Merrick said.

“Even though I was missing a front tooth, I found the courage to ask her out. She said yes.”

F

writers

rom keeping roads protected to brightening the mornings and afternoons for students, crossing guards keep pedestrians safe and are essential to our Tino community. Shuhong Mandel has worked for six months as a crossing guard at the intersection of Finch Avenue and Stevens Creek Boulevard near Main Street Cupertino. She said she enjoys her work as a part of the Cupertino community.

“It feels like an honor to work for the students,” Mandel said.

Prabha Sriram’s radiant smile reflects off students’ faces every morning as she guides them safely across the busy intersections between South Tantau Avenue and Barnhart Avenue.

“The main goal of this job is to keep the pedestrians safe as they go to school,” Sriram said. “It takes a community to work together in order to achieve this goal”

SCAN FOR MORE COVERAGE

FEATURES | 15

Mrs. Merrick shared how sometimes they do not see eye to eye on certain curriculum.

Said Mrs. Merrick, “One thing that’s been great is that we can work together and even disagree with each other.” By working out their differences through communication, Mrs. Merrick has gained an added respect for Mr. Merrick. Pursuing the same profession, the two can closely understand and empathize with each other

RIYA MALIK | BENJAMIN LIU

LIFESTYLES

LUNAR NEW YE

Looking at the different traditions and

the state can properly celebrate traditions passed down from s late January ap- generation to generation. proached, and the moon Various cultures celebrate completed its final lunar Lunar New Year in different ways. cycle, the last finishing touches For Koreans, Lunar New Year, or were placed in anticipation of Seollal (설날), is a family-based the Lunar New Year. Preparing holiday. Koreans perform ancesto leave the Year of the Tiger, tral rites and bow to their elders families hang paper lanterns to wish them a prosperous new from doorways, carefully choose year.

Hanboks and decorate houses In Korea, each new lunar with peach trees and yellow blos- year adds a year to one’s age, soms. and rice cake soup, tteokguk, Lunar New Year is a holiday is eaten to symbolize becelebrated by many cultures. coming a year older. Unlike People bid goodbye to the lunar other cultures, Koreans year and considwelcome a er the new one. color IMMIGRANTS The lunar red to be c a l e n d a r ACROSS THE STATE CAN unlucky. follows the PROPERLY CELEBRATE Dressing phase cycle TRADITIONS PASSED in hanof the moon, bok, traDOWN FROM GENERAcausing ditional Lunar New TION TO GENERATION Korean Year to be clothcelebrated ing, on a different day each year be- is a custom much more tween late January to mid-Febru- common compared to ary. In 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom Chinese or Vietnamese signed a bill allowing California to traditions. Families play recognize Lunar New Year as a traditional games and state holiday. Immigrants across exchange white envelopes EVELYN LIAO

A writer

16 l DESIGNED BY PRITHIKA SUNDAR

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filled with money.

Like many Chinese holidays, traditions regarding Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival (春 節/春节), are based on famous myths. Red firecrackers line the streets and are prepared to set off throughout the 15-day celebration. People buy new clothes– typically in red. These customs are based on the myth of Nian

EAR TRADITIONS

d practices celebrated during Lunar New Year (年), a man-eating monster, who is said to fear loud sounds and the color red. During the new year, dragon dances parade the streets to bring the community good luck by warding off evil spirits. Families host large dinners consisting of dishes such as rice cakes, dumplings and fish on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Adults hand out red envelopes filled with money after the dinner, typically to children and the elderly.

Taiwanese households follow similar traditions where wearing red, celebrating with family and watching parades are common activities.

However, a few different traditions are followed. Many wait at various temples hoping to be first to honor the gods with incense and to pray for a successful year.

Some honor their ancestors with various offerings to wish them a happy new year.

Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or Tết, customs also differ compared to those in East Asia. In 2023, the Year of the Cat was celebrated instead of the Year of the Rabbit. In 2021, Vietnamese households welcomed the Year of the Buffalo instead of the Year of the Ox. These changes were made due to the positive association buffalos have with luck and fortune and also the Vietnamese interpretation of the word cat. Vietnamese households hang red enve-

lopes from peach trees with yellow blossoms and exchange blessings for a good new year.

Typically, families gather for a large celebration and everyone contributes to the dinner by bringing a Vietnamese dish. On the first day of Lunar New Year, many visit various neighbors, friends and family to celebrate and wish them a happy new year.

In Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, the holiday is celebrated mostly by Chinese immigrants residing in these countries. This celebration is similar to those in various East Asian communities.

For centuries, Lunar New Year has been celebrated by cultures all throughout Asia. It is considered one of the most important holidays in several countries. Millions of people gather with families to properly celebrate. And finally, Lunar New Year traditions will now be honored in California as well.

Immigrants across the state can properly celebrate traditions passed down from generation to generation

LIFESTYLES l 17

THE WAY OF THE WATER

18 l THE PROSPECTOR

Interpreting and examining the parallels in the new Avatar film

HAILEY RYU

F writer

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A CAUTIONARY TALE FOR WHAT SOCIETY IS DOING TO THEIR ENVIRONMENT

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ronment in real life. If the lesson is ignored, the fictional Earth in “Avatar” — where resources are exhausted — could become reality.

Not only did Cameron depict issues similar to those we are facing in real life, but he also highlights Indigenous voices. According to Cameron, the indigenous tribes inspired the Na’vi. Throughout the film, the Na’vi resist human colonization.

Jake Sully and his tribe fight the Sky people, who continuously attempt to eradicate Sully and his people. This parallels American colonization of North America and the genocide of Native

Americans.

Despite the film’s praise and acclaim, it has faced accusations of cultural appropriation by depicting the Na’vi through Native American stereotypes. The Na’vi had visually similar features to Native Americans, with their long, black, braided hair, handmade jewelry and bare feet.

In this sequel, Tonowari, the water tribe’s chief, had tattoos similar to those of the Māori people. Some critics have said filmmakers inaccurately portray characters and project naive ideas of indigenous people. Additionally, accusations arose that Cameron’s film exhibits a white savior complex, showing the story of colonization through a white person’s lens.

“Avatar: The Way of Water” displayed both heartwarming moments between the Sully family and heartbreaking scenes as they navigate new habitats. As a whole, Cameron successfully expresses his vivid imagination.

Whether his portrayals are accurate and appropriate is something each viewer will have to decide

LIFESTYLES l 19

rom flying on banshees in the forests to swimming in the oceans alongside tulkuns of the habitable exomoon Pandora, Jake Sully and his Na’vi family returned to the screen in “Avatar: The Way of Water” after 13 years.

“Avatar: The Way of Water,” written and directed by James Cameron, is a science fiction film portraying the struggles of Jake Sully and his new family. Along the way, Jake reunited with Neytiri, whom he fell in love with in the previous movie, “Avatar.” Neytiri is Na’vi, referring to those native to the planet Pandora.

The family had been protecting their people and home from the Sky People trying to colonize the moon and from Colonel Quaritch, the military leader of the mission, who wants a chance at revenge on Jake. When the Sullys discovered that the Na’vi were targeting them, they had to move away from their forest home and join a new oceanic clan in hopes of staying safe.

The first film generated $2 billion in box office sales and became one of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time.

With such immense popularity, viewers cannot help but notice the creative writing and methods of incorporating culture into this world created by Cameron, the creator of the “Avatar” franchise, depicting parallels to our world.

Sky people, or the humans, are the antagonists of the plot. Humans arrived in Pandora more than a decade ago to ob-

tain a rare mineral. Still, the humans returned in the sequel to inhabit all of Pandora and wipe out the Na’vi once Earth was uninhabitable. They burned down the forests where the Na’vi live and hunted precious ocean species for money.

The Sky people’s actions show a parallel between Pandora and Earth, just like the humans in the movie, real-world humans constantly harm nature as humanity becomes more demanding for resources. People continue burning down forests, destroying animal habitats and killing animals for profit. The film serves as a cautionary tale for what society is doing to the envi-

INVESTIGATIONS

CUPERTINO HIGH’S ACADEMIC RESOURCES

terra nova

Tino’s program helping students reach their academic goals CAROLINE CHENG

I

news editor

said. “We can change things to allow for a little bit more one-onone teacher-student interaction.

So there are opportunities for us to analyze work more closely to give more specific help to students rather than helping the class as a whole, which can be really beneficial for some students.”

In their junior year, students take two Terra Nova classes: Terra Nova American Literature and 11th Grade Terra Nova Life Skills.

The Terra Nova Life Skills elective course provides dedicated time built into students’ schedules to develop strong study skills and homework habits. The program offers organizational, social and emotional support for students.

The Life Skills course also provides help from tutors on homework and

n Cupertino High School’s rigorous academic environment, administrative intervention through programs such as Terra Nova provide a safe haven for students to grow socially, emotionally and academically. With counseling sup“[Mr. Coleman] is always welport from student advocate Denise coming no matter what. It feels Salin, smaller classes and familial like he treats us like actual peobonds with their peers, the Terra ple, which is probably the most Nova Program empowers students beneficial part of Terra Nova as a to reach their high academic powhole,” said Terra Nova student tential.

Mason Brown. “He treats us less “Terra Nova creates a cohort like students and more as people, of about 20 to 25 students from and I feel like that really helps us 10th grade and 11th grade, and develop mostly as people.” those students have classes toTerra Nova instructors hope gether. They have teachers that that students who take advantage have been specifically chosen to of the various program offerings support with the Terra Nova produring their sophomore gram,” Sean Coleman, and junior years will exit Terra Nova World History the program with conteacher, said. “Because [MR. COLEMAN] IS ALWAYS WELCOMfidence going into their of those smaller classes, ING NO MATTER WHAT. IT FEELS LIKE HE senior year. we’re able to work with TREATS US LIKE ACTUAL PEOPLE, WHICH “I’ve just seen stustudents more often, get IS PROBABLY THE MOST BENEFICIAL PART dents grow and take closer to students and be OF TERRA NOVA AS A WHOLE harder classes than they able to understand their MASON BROWN might have before that academic needs a little year because I was able better than we’d like for a to closely sit down with typical class.” planning for college. them and help with their writing,” Students begin the Terra “[Terra Nova] is a nice time to Nova program upon entering 10th be able to work with friends and Coleman said. “I help them to ungrade. Terra Nova students take other classmates on schoolwork derstand the skills that they need three classes with other students and it really helps with stress lev- to be successful going forward. So in the program: World Literature els when it comes to having a lot that allowed them to push them(WL), World History (WH) and Ter- of schoolwork,” Jesse Williams, a selves, and that’s really satisfying to see” ra Nova Life Skills. Similarly, all Terra Nova student, said. sophomores at Tino take the WL Throughout a student’s time in and WH courses, and the Terra the program, the teachers work toNova classes do the same work. gether with students to gain a bet“The difference is just the tim- ter understanding of their needs ing of assignments, the pacing and what they are looking to acthat we instruct with,” Coleman complish going forward.

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DESIGNED BY TARUNA ANIL | 21

learning through ELD How students with language barriers receive academic support ALEXANDER LIU

T writer

he English Language Development program helps students unfamiliar with English learn the language and helps recent immigrants adjust to life in a new country. The ELD program has modified school curriculum to hasten language learning and trained staff to support the needs of recent immigrants.

There are multiple levels of ELD at Cupertino High School: level two and level three. Each level corresponds to the degree of proficiency in reading, speaking, listening and writing English based on a diagnostic test administered at the beginning of the year.

ELD students enroll in two English classes.

An ELD 2 stuI ALSO DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH dent will take VERY WELL, AND I HAVE A HEAVY ELD 2 and Global LiteraACCENT, SO THE STUDENTS VIEW ME ture and WritAS MORE OF A ‘HEY, SHE’S JUST LIKE ing, and an US!’ PERSON [...]

ELD 3 student TUNG CHING CHIEN will take World Lit/Writ.

Sean Bui, the ELD coordina- is learned scientifically!” tor, is responsible for helping the Additionally, she uses her own teachers adjust their class curricu- experience learning Mandarin Chilums and run diagnostic language nese as a framework when creattests for students. He is also in ing assignments for her class. She charge of organizing the CHS di- knows from experience how diffivision of a district-wide speech cult it can be to learn a new lancompetition. Periodically, Bui and guage and said she designs her other ELD teachers hold meetings lessons based on what she found to identify struggling students and helpful. discuss ways to support them.

“It was fun for me to reverse-enThe ELD curriculum is devel- gineer that,” she said. oped by experienced teachers Tung Ching Chien, a trained who teach the specific English ELD assistant teacher, provides concepts they want their students help for students in seven coursto learn. Teachers design speech es, five days a week.

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22 | THE PROSPECTOR

assessments for the students if they wish to advance the class’ speaking skills. As an ELD teacher, Lynn Chen shared her view on teaching ELD students.

“I love being what I like to call the ELD mom,” Chen said.

“It’s like I’m part of a welcoming community, because of a lot of recent immigrants, it’s scary and hard adjusting to a new environment.”

She explained that the majority of her students are recent immigrants, although some have been in the United States for more than five years.

Chen had wanted to teach ELD even before the start of her career.

Said Chen, “I focus a lot on thinking abstractly about how language

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Similarly to Chen, she explained that she sees herself as a mom for her students, and that her Asian heritage made her particularly susceptible to signs of students’ struggles, such as ragged clothing, posture and tiredness.

“I also don’t speak English very well, and I have a heavy accent, so the students view me as more of a ‘hey, she’s just like us!’ person, whereas they see the English teachers as more foreign, since the teachers’ English are very good,” Chien said. [Translated from Mandarin Chinese to English] Chien provided in-depth information about numerous types of students, and how their backgrounds play into their language fluency and effort. For example, she helps students coming from China adjust to culture shock.

Since the education system in China is much more tightly controlled, some Chinese students find it difficult to balance the leisure and studies upon arrival.

Bui advises CHS students to try and make everyone feel welcome in school. A friendly, welcoming environment, Bui said, can help ease the fear and stress of all new students – especially those with language barriers

student tutoring services Examining the impacts of Writing Lab and the Student Center for Success ANOUSHKA GOKHALE

C writer

upertino High School’s efforts to uphold high academic performance are visible in the tutoring services available to support students. As the second semester’s workload sets in, students may feel discouraged at their academic progress and turn to these resources.

The most prominent resource is the Student Center for Success, held in the library, with a team of student tutors volunteering to assist those who need academic help.

The applicant’s academic proficiency and confidence in certain subjects determine if they are eligible to become a tutor. Available hours are weekdays before school from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and after school until 5 p.m.

“We can see when kids come repeatedly,” CHS Interventions Specialist Nancy Boyle said. “We have some kids that come and meet the same tutor over and over again, because they get along and it’s a good match, and that’s a good indication that it’s working.”

The program intends to aid students struggling in classes of all

ing Lab teachers at the beginning of the school year to ensure their efficiency when providing feedback. English teachers Jenna Ray and Kelleen Loo are in charge of the service for the 2022-2023 school year.

Teachers may request Writing Labs right before a major assignment to allow their students another opportunity for assistance. Ray and others in the department create further incentives through extra credit or submission extensions for attending the proWE HAVE SOME KIDS THAT gram.

COME AND MEET THE SAME “With going to Writing TUTOR OVER AND OVER AGAIN, Lab, you can really get a lot BECAUSE THEY GET ALONG of insightful feedback from the AND IT’S A GOOD MATCH, AND tutors, and most of them have THAT’S A GOOD INDICATION taken those higher classes THAT IT’S WORKING like [American] Lit Honors,” NANCY BOYLE said Writing Lab tutor Chloe Chung. “In my opinion, going to Writing Lab, if you’re working on those higher assignments, areas where it could improve. Said Sattar, “I would advise [tutors] to really can benefit you.”

CHS teachers can also refer probably get to know the students first, how they learn, their strate- their students to other programs if gies and try to teach them accord- they need additional help.

“There [are] a couple kids ing to these [factors].” that I have worked with outside Additionally, CHS offers Writing Lab, a student tutor program spe- of class [who have] asked me for cifically for English assignments. some help in whatever class, and I English teachers select candi- tell them to come up here so I can dates they believe have strong give them more help,” CHS Spewriting skills, and tutors from cial Education Paraeducator Peter sophomore to senior year sign Ciotta said. “I usually point them in up for certain shifts during tu- the direction of one of those tutors torials or after school. Tutors that is more knowledgeable begenerally spend five to 10 cause they’re taking it now. If stuminutes proofreading specific dents would come up instead of hesitate, there are a lot of people parts of a student’s writing.

These tutors attend mandatory up here that are wanting to help” training sessions hosted by Writdifficulties, which is why tutors are mostly juniors and seniors.

According to the Prospector’s social media poll of 129 students, 62 percent of students polled are aware of the SCS. However, the program has more tutors than attendees.

Attendee Angelina Sattar mentioned her positive experience with the program but noted certain

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INVESTIGATIONS | 23

SPORTS

CUPERTINO

FOOTBALL SAFETY Exploring the safety precautions in place for the Pioneers

ANGIE LI

D writer

24 |DESIGNED BY LISA ZIVANIC

amar Hamlin’s recent football accident has led to concerns about the injury prevention and recovery protocols at Cupertino High School’s sports programs.

Hamlin, Buffalo Bills’ safety, suffered a cardiac arrest on Jan. 2, 2023, after tackling Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Hamlin collapsed from cardiac arrest, reportedly from commotio cordis — cardiac arrest due to a severe blow to the chest.

CHS head football coach, Chris Oswald, has ensured that the team’s health and safety are a priority during training.

“When I got here 13 years ago, we got this athletic weight training class going and said, ‘let’s make them the strongest we can make them,’” Oswald said. “Our fundraising efforts always went to safety equipment. Everyone [has] these new helmets that have sensors to [relay a] message to a palm pilot if a kid gets hit really hard.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDWARD LANDPHERE AND PROSPECTOR STAFF

Coaches at CHS are certified in coaching safer tackling techniques that reduce helmet-to-helmet contact by teaching players to lead with their shoulders, as is common in Rugby.

The Prospector spoke with Dr. Andy Ashbaugh, a sports medicine physician at Valley Medical Center, on the possible repercussions

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YOU’RE TRYING NOT TO STRESS OUT THE BRAIN OR [PUT] YOURSELF IN ANY POSITION TO GET A REPEAT CONCUSSION

DR. ANDY ASHBAUGH

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of concussions, a common sports injury. He emphasized conditions for those with and especially multiple concussions, ranging from an increased risk of depression to cognitive impairments. Impairments range in severity, sometimes leading to chronic traumatic encephalopathy — a degenerative brain condition caused by severe head trauma.

Although in the last

few years, it appears that the number of concussions reported from sports has risen, there is no exact reason for this. Ashbaugh said it’s not the number of concussions occurring that has increased, but rather a more comprehensive education towards the signs of concussions that has created more coach awareness. Growing numbers of concussions can also be due to being much more precautions when someone gets hit in the head.

Even though proper training and equipment are important when it comes to preventing concussions, what is most important is adequate recovery.

“You’re trying not to stress out the brain or [put] yourself in any position to get a repeat concussion,” Ashbaugh said. Post-concussion, athletes are required to complete 72 hours of rest and cardio exercises which hastens the recovery process by increasing blood flow to the brain. The CHS sports teams follow these strict protocols, pass proper symptom tests and check in with a doctor.

The threat of injuries in football may frighten some. Still, athletes are safer than ever due to a combination of new safety protocols, smarter tackling techniques, better equipment and coaches trained to prevent and recognize head injuries.

“Sometimes it’s an assumed risk,” Oswald said. You’re putting on an eight-pound helmet and running into people at full speed. [So] we continue to educate ourselves”

PHOTO BY SHAONA DAS

COACH LISA’S FIRST

COMPETITION SEASON

SHAONA DAS

C writer

upertino High School’s competitive cheerleaders rediscovered their love for the sport under their new head coach, Lisa Vinciale.

Vinciale has coached and performed for cheer teams for 25 years.

She cheered competitively from the age of three until the age of 20 before instructing at Eaton Elementary School’s child development center.

Kami Tomberlain, CHS’ principal, offered Vinciale the head coaching position for the cheer program in 2011.

Vinciale had declined the opportunity.

“I couldn’t be fully committed. I didn’t want to take [the cheer team] if I couldn’t be there for them all the time,” Vinciale said.

When Tomberlain offered the job to Vinciale in 2022, she accepted the position. “With COVID happening, I didn’t end up going back to teaching,” Vinciale said, “So I decided to come on in.”

The previous cheer coach enforced rules during practice that negatively affected many cheerleaders’ morale. “[The cheerleaders] are scared to express themselves to me because they weren’t allowed to before.

I’m very big on like, ‘talk to me, tell me what’s going on,’” Vinciale said.

“That [caused] setbacks in routines because they didn’t believe in themselves, or they didn’t feel like they could make a mistake.”

Vinciale eased herself into the program, slowly modifying the cheer

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I DIDN’T WANT TO JUST COME IN AND NOT GIVE THEM A SAY. THIS SHOULD BE FUN FOR THEM

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LISA VINCIALE

team’s practices and adapting to their preferred training methods.

“I didn’t want to just come in and not give them a say. This should be fun for them. It shouldn’t be where they just come here and don’t get to express how they feel,” Vinciale said.

“I didn’t want to change too much.”

Initially, Vinciale only led practices for the sideline cheer team. When the winter athletic season began, she also began coaching the competitive team.

“I was giving everything to side-

line and then, all of a sudden, I had to split my focus and time to make room for the competition team. Once I was able to figure out scheduling and stuff like that, it’s [been] a breeze,” Vinciale said.

The competitive cheer team attended several meets this season and obtained mixed results. Their highest placement was second place at the USA Spirit virtual regional competition on Dec. 17, and their lowest was eighth place at the Central Coast Section Championship hosted by Independence High School on Jan. 14.

“I’m glad we’re not a team that’s coming in as just good, good and good. I’m also glad we’re not a team coming in and always taking a loss,” Vinciale said. “I think that we’re at a good spot where we’re in the middle right now. There’s a lot of room to grow.”

Despite the team’s share of defeats and victories, competitive cheer experienced the most successful season of CHS’ winter athletic teams this year. Competitive cheer will attend the USA Spirit Nationals in Anaheim, CA, in late February 2023. Vinciale has begun leading practices for the competition and is excited to continue guiding the cheerleaders

RECENT ATHLETIC COMMITS Reflecting on CHS athletes’ road to recruitment KATIE KIM | JOYCE LEE writers

KENDRA CHANG — STANFORD

Junior Kendra Chang began artistic gymnastics when she was 6, but saw her goal of being a college gymnast in middle school. She officially began communicating with coaches at the end of her sophomore year. During her junior year, it was a very stressful and important time for her, both athletically and academically. “It took a lot of effort, a lot of work. There were a lot of sacrifices that lot of people don’t see,” Chang said. In the end, Chang feels her hard work paid off, but she believes that she still has a lot of work to do, and she is excited to pursue her dreams at Stanford University.

OLIVIA DUAN — PRINCETON

Junior Olivia Duan started her golf recruitment process the summer after her sophomore year, visiting colleges that she was interested in and talking with their coaches. “I feel like when you talk to coaches you get a sense of who wants you and who doesn’t, and there are no big surprises or anything,” Duan said. Throughout her years of playing golf, Duan formed invaluable connections with her coaches and fellow golfers, eventually committing to Princeton because she could see herself working well with the coach there. Said Duan, “Everyone in the golfing community wishes each other to be better, and we just create really good relationships that we always support each other throughout.”

BRAD PAN — USC

Senior Brad Pan began his athletic career playing club volleyball in eighth grade, and in the summer before his senior year, he had no idea that he would soon commit to a D1 college. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the recruitment process began later for him than other athletes. He was unsure whether he would be recruited or not, but with support from his coach and his mother, he was determined to reach his goal. “[My mom is] kind of like my backbone — she makes sure I don’t fall apart,” Pan said. As a committed athlete, he feels more pressure now than before. “What it’s like being committed, it’s very surreal. [...] I’m just praying that I won’t mess things up,” he said.

JON RINGER — NORWICH

Senior Jon Ringer knew that he wanted to pursue baseball when he began the recruitment process. During the process, Ringer had abundant support from his parents.

“They believed in me a lot, told me I could do it,” Ringer said. After emailing around eight different schools, he decided on Norwich University, a military college in Vermont. To other athletes, Ringer advises discipline and ambition to achieve their goals.

“Always try to get better. Don’t skip a workout even if you’re not feeling it. Nobody cares how you feel about it, just do it, get it done because you’ll regret it if you don’t,” he said.

CREDIT TO ALL RIGHTFUL PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR EACH PHOTO

GAYATHRI KRISHNAN — COLUMBIA

Senior Gayathri Krishnan found her love for tennis at the age of five after watching the sport on television with her parents. From her experience, she felt that the beginning and the end of the recruitment process was the most difficult. “I think the first impression is so important to many colleges the first time they watch you play or the first time you’re on the phone with them, it’s really important that you do well so that they can think highly of you from the start,” Krishnan said. Choosing from offers was also challenging, but Krishnan decided on Colombia University because the coaches seemed to care more about helping her improve rather than her stats.

ANGELA KEOMAHAVONG — WILSON

Senior Angela Keomahavong played field hockey for the first time in eighth grade but fell in love with the sport in her freshman year. As an athlete and a working student, she struggled to find time to balance her other priorities during the recruitment process. Keomahavong received 12 offers, many of which were D1. Ultimately, she committed to Wilson College because of their team’s winning streak in field hockey tournaments and conference games, as well as the long-term financial benefits. “I was shy to come out that I did commit and I didn’t want to brag, but I was also proud of myself that I made a big jump into the future,” Keomahavong said.

FAREED AHMED — UC RIVERSIDE

Senior Fareed Ahmed’s passion for baseball emerged in the first grade after trying out a variety of other sports. To him, recruiting seemed like the next natural step as an athlete. Throughout the recruiting process from his freshman to sophomore year, Ahmed developed a work ethic and strategy that led him to become a UC Riverside Signee. “When it comes to athletes who are trying to play in college, you have to look at it like a business. You have to have something that you need to sell to a college coach because a college coach, his job is to win games, and if you can’t help them win games, you won’t be valuable,” Ahmed said.

CLAUDIA ADAM — DREXEL

Senior Claudia Adam tried out many different sports as an 8-year-old until she found squash. Her coach was her biggest supporter during the recruitment process because he connected her with other coaches and gave her helpful advice. However, Adam did not always plan on playing college squash. It was only when she found a group of players that she liked that made her want to continue playing, and Drexel University had a team environment that appealed to her. Said Adam, “If you’re doing a college sport, do it because you want to, not because you feel like it’s the next step and you have to take it.”

ABOVE IMAGE PICTURES CLAUDIA ADAM (LEFT), WITH HER SQUASH COACH (RIGHT)

TOMMY KIM — NAVY

Senior Tommy Kim began playing tennis when he was eight years old. He practiced and improved the most during the COVID-19 pandemic, even temporarily moving to Texas to play on the courts. The summer before his junior year, Kim played in two major tournaments in front of the recruiting coach of the United States Naval Academy — his target school.

Kim knew that he wanted to attend a military school from the beginning. “I wanted to be in a community where the main goal is service. You’re trying to serve others, and you’re trying to serve your country. I think the Naval Academy [...] is different, where everyone is acting as a group, acting together instead of trying to further their own self-interests,” Kim said.

LIST INCLUDES ALL RECRUITED STUDENTS THAT THE ASB ATHLETICS COMMISION AND THE PROSPECTOR ARE CURRENTLY AWARE OF

SPORTS | 27

Damar Hamlin and Football Injuries

POSTSCRIPT

What is Up With Football Injuries?

Playing Now

Damar Hamlin, a standout defensive back for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers, has had his fair share of injuries during his football career. The senior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has had to deal with several injuries throughout his time on the field, including a knee injury that forced him to miss the entirety of the 2016 season.

CHATGPT X PROSPECTOR ALISHA SANKHE writer

We asked ChatGPT to share their responses to our articles. You’ll find the question/article followed by ChatGPT’s response

ChatGPT Responding To Prospector

What is Tino Crossing Guards?

As students and staff enter and exit Main Street each day, they are greeted by a dedicated group of crossing guards who ensure their safety while crossing the busy streets around the area. These unsung heroes are often the first and last faces that students see each day, and their work is vital to the safety of the community.

28 | DESIGNED BY EVAN LU

What are Academic Resources?

As the education system continues to evolve, it’s important to examine the resources and support available to students who are struggling academically. Many students report feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, with limited access to tutoring and extra help. Teachers also express frustration with a lack of resources, such as updated textbooks and technology, to effectively support struggling students.

What is Minimum Wage Increase?

ChatGPT what is the controversy with Avatar: The Way of Water?

One of the main controversies surrounding Avatar: The Way of Water is the portrayal of indigenous people and their culture. Some critics argue that the film is exploitative and perpetuates harmful stereotypes of indigenous people. They also have raised concerns about the use of “whitewashing” in the casting of the native characters and their portrayal in the movie.

In January 2023, minimum wage is set to increase across the Bay Area, affecting workers and businesses in cities such as San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland.

This change is part of a larger effort to provide a boost to low-income workers and address the high cost of living in the region.

Date Time Madlib

DATE TIME MADLIB SOHA ROY

features editor

A Valentine’s Day Themed Madlib

On a sunny day in ________, the chime of your doorbell interrupts your ________ fantasy, but (year) (noun) you find yourself opening the door to see _____________ with a box of chocolates. (celebrity) Despite your initial shock, you head out the door hand in hand. You see a limousine parked outside, with a ___________________ decal across the body. You sit beside ______________

(cartoon character) (celebrity) with their arm reaching across your shoulder to buckle in your seat belt.

Before stepping into _______, you trip over a(n) __________ and nearly faceplant. Luckily,

(cafe) (animal) _______________ catches your arm, and you faceplant together. Not to worry, no one has seen (celebrity) you both fall. You quickly recover and step into the cafe together. Lucky for you, the cafe is running a __________________________ _________discount, and your date handles ordering [verb (present participle)] (noun) while you take a seat at the table. The conversation starts with the ethics of _________________ (Prospector Article) but quickly shifts toward the fun that awaits as you get to pick the APs of the year and acquire

POSTSCRIPT | 29

a serenade for __________. Before you know it, you are back in the car, playing

(athlete) ____________________ to build the atmosphere. As you make it to your front porch, __________ (Justin Bieber song) (celebrity) runs up to you with a bouquet of ___________ peonies and asks you out to prom. (color) It really was the ___________________________ day of your life. adjective (superlative)

A column exploring the impacts of a competitive environment on struggling students LISA ZIVANIC

30 | DESIGNED BY JOLIE HAN

copy and sports editor

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gh, I got an A-,” said my my friends deemed “super easy” screen, and classmate. relatively difficult. I was often puz- my family was “You think that’s bad? I zled by novels and would reread content with got a B+,” said another. pages hoping I would understand my grades, As I sat in my fifth-grade class- the content. given that I room staring at the C on my math No matter how hard I tried, I put in the eftest, I could not help but feel ac- continually felt my friends were fort. I worked ademically inferior. If As and Bs years ahead of me in terms of ed- to become an LISA ZIVANIC she/her were deemed unsatisfactory, what ucation. My efforts were no match a b o v e - a v e rabout my grade? against those who spent their age student, Through countless compar- spare time polishing their skills at receiving a 4.0 isons with my classmates, I re- the Russian School of Mathemat- GPA in ninth grade. alized that students and parents ics. I was running a race where evAlthough my grades eventually perceived grades as life and death. eryone crossed the finish line while improved, I understood that was Grades determined one’s self- I was tying my shoelaces. not the case for everyone. Given worth and, for Eventually, I be- my experience with the temporary some, their parcame unmotivated lack of academic judgment, I reGRADES DETER- to attend school, alized the implications of peer-inents’ approval MINED ONE’S SELF- do my homework flicted standards. and affection.

WORTH AND, FOR SOME, Contrary or obtain a tutor beThere were frequent discusto the Bay Ar- THEIR PARENTS’ APPROV- cause I did not want sions on social media and with my ea’s cutthroat, AL AND AFFECTION to compromise my classmates about ‘gifted kid burncompetitive, social well-being for out.’ Many expressed that being straight-A acaassignments. overworked at school had caused demic blueprint, I was never conWhile continuing as a partial- an academic decline in once-giftsidered gifted. I was average and ly truant and nearly failing stu- ed students. Because of the emsometimes below it. dent — yes, near failing, not a phasis on previously having good Growing up, I never spent my B — the pandemic hit. While my grades, society sympathized more afternoons at Kumon classes. academically-obsessed peers’ towards burnout-induced acaFrankly, I found tutoring tedious GPAs dropped, mine surprisingly demic struggles. Yet, academically and socially depriving. Since their increased. average students did not experiparents forced them to attend, With the ence the same courmy friends were shocked by my first lockdown tesy from others.

I WAS RUNNING A choice not to participate in such came social Bay Area stuafter-school classes. isolation, un- RACE WHERE EVERYONE dents’ attitudes do My peers judged my parents’ less you loved CROSSED THE FINISH not grant struggling laid-back approach to monitoring texting, which I LINE WHILE I WAS TYING students undermy grades since they were not the did not. “What MY SHOELACES standing while doing typical ‘tiger parents.’ Some stu- did you do toso for the previously dents even came to the erroneous day?” with the gifted — often leavconclusion that my parents did not response “I binge-watched Net- ing those in-between behind. care for my future. flix” became exhaustingly repetThe inconsistent and ignorant Looking back, it was a bless- itive conversations. Since I had standard that we all must strive for ing. My peers’ shocked reactions hours of free time and could not straight-As created a harsh divide to learning that my parents en- meet other people, I had nothing between my peers and I. While trusted me to manage schoolwork else to do but schoolwork. burnout exists for the academicaused me to wonder — momenUnder distance learning, I felt cally gifted, some students have tarily — whether they were correct. no academic pressure. The open- never been gifted in the first place.

I attended school to the best of book exams and lengthy assign- Some of us are simply average, my ability but still struggled through ment deadlines created my ideal and that is okay my primary and secondary school learning environment. My peers years. Sometimes I found the tests could not judge me through the

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POSTSCRIPT | 31

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