Issue 7/Senior Issue - May 2023

THE

TOR C E P S PRO SPORTS

CHS Senior Nights: A Picture Collage pg. 6

POSTSCRIPT

Tino Pioneerity Test pg. 10

SENIOR ISSUE

Game of Life pg. 28 ...and other articles!

ISSUE 7, VOL 65 | MAY 2023

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features

Teachers’ College Stories.............. 04 featuring Teresa Filice and Kiki Canton

sports

CHS Senior Nights: A Picture Collage........................... 06

postscript

@realtinodecisions: Prospector Edition......................... 08 Tino Pioneerity Test....................... 10

senior issue

2022-2023 Staff: Quote Board.................................. 12 2019-2023 Meme Collage............. 14 Staffers’ Favorite Vending Machine Snacks............................ 16 Column: A Letter to Mrs. Peck....... 18 Column: Sticking to What I Do...................................... 20 Column: Life Your Life: Even in a Bay Area High School........................... 22 Column: A Letter to My Freshman Self.......................... 24 Top Prospector Moments (Senior Edition)............................... 26 Game of Life.................................. 28

PHOTOS BY SOHA ROY

COVER DESIGNED BY THERESA NGUYEN

PHOTO BY EVELYN LIAO

THE PROSPECTOR

STAFF 2022-2023

editors-in-chief Katelyn Chu Saniya Laungani Theresa Nguyen page editors Katelyn Chu Theresa Nguyen Caroline Cheng Natalie Chen Soha Roy Prithika Sundar Taruna Anil Lisa Zivanic Evan Lu Jolie Han Rajasi Laddha

special thanks to Alexander Liu Alisha Sankhe Andrew Qin Angie Li Anika Rao Anoushka Gokhale Benjamin Liu Eliana Aschheim Evelyn Liao Hailey Ryu Joyce Lee Katie Kim Riya Malik Shaona Das

writers Aashin Caroline Cheng Katelyn Chu Kevin Jia Natalie Chen Prithika Sundar Soha Roy Stefaniya Nava Saniya Laungani Tanvee Sai Taruna Anil Theresa Nguyen

advisor Ann 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, We’ve made it. With the stick of chalk not dissimilar to those we were given as kindergarteners, we’ve drawn a line–no matter how messy–all the way to our senior year. Chalk in hand, we stand up, marveling at our masterpiece culmination of 13 school years; and as we look around, we can see all the masterpieces our friends and peers have made as well.

Together, we see it all. The triumphs (that one time your teacher used your work as an example and you sat there silently beaming with pride), mistakes (like those times you overslept 30 minutes into a Zoom class, having to hear the ding of shame as you joined late) and periods of growth (delayed realizations that school lunch is actually quite decent, amongst other more serious realizations)---all laid out in chalk in front of us.

Exactly 12 months ago, the three of us were standing in the Wagon Wheel, preparing senior posters for our beloved senior staffers—I (Katelyn) holding my backpack that only starts to get packed up at least two minutes after the bell rings, I (Theresa) fiddling with my blue scrunchie and I (Saniya) sipping on my third diet coke of the day. We smiled proudly at the posters, bedazzled in doodles and signed messages, but knew that the legacy our seniors had created during their time in high school was art that could never be replicated.

Now, standing in their place (even accidentally walking in on juniors making our posters as they once did), we pick up our coloring tools, dusting our hands off as our time in high school draws to an end. We’ve enjoyed telling Tino’s stories for the past three years, but now, it’s time to capture our own memories in print (which, if you think about it, is just like a more permanent version of chalk :D).

As we all follow our own (side)walks of life, we hope that every once in a while, you remember to let your inner child run free and enjoy moments in the sun. Leave your mark! (Or not, the choice is yours.)

Katelyn Chu, Theresa Nguyen and Saniya Laungani The Prospector Editors-in-Chief 2022-2023

FEATURES

e h P t l a , c h es O You’ll Go! Cupertino High School teachers reflect back on their college years

Teresa Filice AASHIN

O writer

4 | DESIGNED BY SOHA ROY

kay, so I went to college in Seattle, which is a huge music town. And not as much when I was a first year, but especially in my third and fourth years of college, especially because by my senior year, I wasn’t an RA

anymore. I was living off campus, so we would go see live music all the time. And obviously, you know, living in Capitol Hill, which at the time was a little bit different. But that’s kind of where grunge and alternative music really exploded.

So we were at these little clubs called pneumos, and the Common Tavern and just be around really awesome bands. And, you know, their floor was sticky with beer and I’m sure other substances and you’d be packed in and you could talk to the bands afterwards. So there’s one of my favorite bands, it’s still active, Rogue Wave. They’re from Oakland and they just had an album come out and my friends and I went, and

CREDIT TO RIGHTFUL PHOTOGRAPHER

I loved them. And I got the nerve to go talk to them. And they were super friendly.

And, you know, I mean, now I’m older, and I honestly don’t think I can stay awake late enough for some of these shows that would start at midnight, but it was so visceral and so fun.

And that was something I really remember is living in Capitol Hill and just going to see these amazing, amazing shows. Also, I did see Macklemore, if y’all know who that is, before he was a thing.

Even then I was like, I don’t know about this. But anyway, that’s when I was at a festival back when I lived in Arizona

Kiki Canton CAROLINE CHENG

D

news editor

efinitely a piece of advice I have is to study abroad.

I got to study abroad twice in Mexico and Argentina and both of those experiences were absolutely life changing for me. Getting off campus, getting out of your comfort zone where you can, to learn about other people and other ways of life is such a valuable experience to have and you will never have the freedom that you have when you’re in college to be able to do those things.

When I went to Argentina, I felt really lucky because this was all pre-cell phone. I lived in a house that was built in the late 1700s, didn’t have a living room, had one bathroom for 11 people, and was cold.

There was no air conditioning or heat–it was way out of my comfort zone in terms of where I was actually staying and I loved it. It was a very valuable experience.

I loved that I got to know the family extremely well that I

was with. They didn’t speak a word of English, not even at all a little bit. And my Spanish wasn’t great then. I was really forced to

CREDIT TO RIGHTFUL PHOTOGRAPHER

FEATURES | 5

work very hard to communicate with them. I was there for three and a half months and that was huge for me. It was also very eye opening because I learned a lot of history that I did not know about. I met survivors of the military dictatorship and an incredible artist/ activist who was on a mission to make sure Argentina and the world never forgot about his fellow countrymen who were killed by their government. Probably my most valuable possession is a piece of his art that is hanging on my classroom wall now.

I’m jumping around here, but freshman year I went in being pre-business. U-Dub has a very good business school and I thought I wanted to be in business. So I was taking all the math classes and dabbling with political science.

I liked that. But I started with the micro and macro

economics classes, and I hated it and I wasn’t very good at it at all. And I looked around the room and I also didn’t really like the people that were in my classes and I thought maybe this isn’t for me. I took an ethnic studies class, which back then I had never heard of. That class kinda rocked my world. That coupled with studying abroad completely changed the trajectory of my studies, and then of course, my career.

I guess the big lesson is, just because you have an idea of what you’re going to do now doesn’t mean that’s how it’s going to work out, and maybe that’s a good thing. Don’t think that you have to go down some preordained path. Life will surprise you. You will discover different things about the world and yourself over the next few years and try to embrace all that unknown newness. And of course don’t forget, people are fascinating!

Be sure to put your phone down and talk to strangers

SPORTS

“

It was an incredible night, and I was so proud of our team for the tremendous energy and determination that each player brought to the game, and carried all the way to the end of the second overtime, earning the team its first victory in two years.

The senior night ceremony was also amazing, and I could not be more proud to end the season with that reminder of how much we had improved and grown together.

”

Siddarth Kadari, Boys Water Polo

SENIOR 6 | DESIGNED BY CAROLINE CHENG

“

A collection of memories from

Senior night was a close to high school–kind of a close to wrestling. Wrestling was a big part of my life for the longest time. [...] I don’t plan to wrestle in college, but it did make the senior night more memorable, a little bit more like, oh hey, this is it, one last time under the spotlight, one last time to give it all out in front of the people, so it did mean a lot. Not to mention the coaches, and the team that I had and was there, it was enough to be like these people got me through everything, not to mention the other coaches and other parents that have taught me a lot outside of [Tino]. And it was/is enough to make me wonder what kind of person would I be if I didn’t do wrestling; what kind of personality would I have if I didn’t have this in my life. So I genuinely enjoyed senior night.

Alex Reyez, Wrestling

”

“

Senior night was so wholesome as I was sad that the season was ending but I was so happy that I had a chance to play with such an amazing and talented team and will forever be grateful for my team and my coaches to make my year and my senior night such a memorable one!

”

Urja Nandu, Girls Basketball

NIGHT celebrating seniors’ sports seasons

SOHA ROY features editor

”

Arohi Behara, Girls Tennis

SPORTS | 7

“

Senior night was amazing! We didn’t expect the underclassmen to use so many ugly pictures of us on the posters, but they really made it a fun and memorable day.

POSTSCRIPT

@realtinodecisions: Prospector Edition

An homage to the Instagram account, the senior staff share their satirical college decisions

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DESIGNED BY TARUNA ANIL | 9

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l The Prospector a i c ffi O e Pioneerity Test Th Have you ever...

The Pionerity Test will officially serve as a segue from orientation week to true high school life at Cupertino High School. It is a voluntary opportunity for students to bond and track the maturation of their experiences throughout high school.

10 | DESIGNED BY RAJASI LADDHA

Caution: This is not a bucket list. Completetion of all items on this test will likely result in suspension.

1.

Ditched tutorial to go to Mainstreet?

19.

Read a copy of The Prospector?

2.

Pulled an all-nighter to study for a test?

20.

Purchased a yearbook?

3.

Cut the brunch or lunch line?

21.

Sang “Sweet Caroline” at football games?

4.

Been kicked out of class for disruptive behavior?

22.

Wore PE clothes outside of PE class?

5.

Received detention?

23.

Used Chat GPT for a whole assignment?

6.

Ditched detention?

24.

Been caught plagiarizing by Turnitin?

7.

Parked without a permit?

25.

Downloaded a VPN to bypass Securly?

8.

Walked the mile in PE?

26.

Signed up for random clubs during clubs’ day?

9.

Skipped a class to study for another class?

27.

Created a group chat to get homework answers?

10.

Skipped a sports practice?

28.

Slept through a Zoom class during COVID?

11.

Survived a main hallway rally stampede?

29.

Solo carried a group project?

12.

Taken a lollipop from Ms. Amick’s desk?

30.

Submitted an assignment at exactly 11:59 p.m?

13.

Rolled down GPA hill?

31.

Took a 20-minute walk during class?

14.

Begged a teacher to round your grade?

32.

Visited another class during your own class?

15.

Lied to your teacher for an extension?

33.

Forgot your PE clothes at home?

16.

Had over 10 unexcused absences?

34.

Took a nap in class?

17.

Lost your ID card?

35.

Watched the world cup during class?

18.

Received an academic integrity violation?

36.

Faked a parent’s signature on a permission slip?

RAJASI LADDHA | STEFANIYA NAVA copy-editor/writer | writer

37.

Been fined for overdue books?

59.

Participated in a dance for a rally?

38.

Used the computer lab to play games?

60.

Printed something out last minute at the library?

39.

Bought a ticket to an event last minute?

61.

Went to In-N-Out after a school dance?

40.

Bought an AP test but did not take it?

62.

Dropped a class?

41.

Had a teacher confiscate your phone?

63.

Cried to your Guidance Counselor?

42.

Borrowed someone’s pencil?

64.

Cried in front of your teacher(s)?

43.

Ever prom-posed to someone?

65.

Dated someone at CHS?

44.

Ever been prom-posed to?

66.

Only attended class to see your crush?

45.

Spent over $100 for boba?

67.

Almost been run-over at the crosswalks?

46.

Been a regular at a Mainstreet store?

68.

Been called into the office for disciplinary action?

47.

Taken pictures in the Mainstreet garage?

69.

Spent over $20 at the vending machine?

48.

Learned the cheer for football games

70.

Been a Teacher’s Assistant (TA)?

49.

Miss the old Target at Mainstreet?

50.

Played Chess or Wordle during class?

51.

Been caught sneaking off-campus?

52.

Attended a CAT or Choir show?

53.

Went to a club meeting for free food?

64 - 50: You are an average student. CHS is

54.

Studied at Philz with friends?

blessed with your mediocrity.

55.

Faked an illness to skip a test?

49 - 20: Congratulations on being so effortlessly

56.

Called your friends in sick to ditch class?

57.

Pretended to be a parent to skip class?

58.

Participated in the Homecoming all-nighter?

Your Score: 70 - 65: You are as fresh folk as they come. Go live out your high school dreams!

19 - 0: You have undergone the full Cupertino High School experience. You are most likely graduating soon. Congratulations!

POSTSCRIPT | 11

above average. It must be such a burden.

12 | DESIGNED BY THERESA NGUYEN

SENIOR ISSUE

2019-2023 MEME COLLAGE | A meme

14 | DESIGNED BY PRITHIKA SUNDAR

collage of a few beloved memes that rose to stardom during our years.

SENIOR ISSUE | 15

STAFFERS’ FAVORITE VENDING MACHINE SNACKS NATALIE CHEN opinions editor

STEF

THERESA

T

Senior staffers share their favorite bites from the Tino vending machines

16 | DESIGNED BY NATALIE CHEN

KEVIN

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MY TO FRUIT SWEET, P JUST KEE USUALLY FOURTH B

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“ ”

MMMMMMM, MINIBITES.

AASHIN SINGHAL

TARUNA

RAJASI

“

I ESPECIALLY LOVE RICE KRISPIES AS A VOLLEYBALL SNACK. THEY’RE A SUPER GOOD SOURCE OF QUICK ENERGY SO DURING CLUB SEASON I COULD OFTEN BE FOUND EATING ONE BETWEEN SETS.

KATELYN CHU

TANVEE

”

KATELYN

“

AASHIN

CELSIUS WAS THE ONLY REASON I SURVIVED FIRST SEMESTER.

”

PRITHIKA SUNDAR

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NATALIE

”

A NGUYEN

CAROLINE

SANIYA

SOHA

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

*

0

# SENIOR ISSUE | 17

COUSIN GOT ME ADDICTED T SNACKS... THEY’RE NOT TOO PLUS THEY’RE SMALL SO YOU EP EATING THEM (SOMEONE STOPS ME BEFORE I GET TO MY BAG).

1

18 | DESIGNED BY EVAN LU

COLUMN

A Letter To Mrs. Peck

H

igh school is full of inconsisA Letter To tencies; friends, Mrs. Peck classes and teachers. HowSANIYA LAUNGANI ever, the one consistency I had throughout my four years of high school was room 210. From my freshman year in American Literature to my senior year of journalism, I have had Mrs. Peck as a teacher and mentor.

Mrs. Peck is an excellent literature teacher.

She made me understand and comprehend the curriculum and increased my vocabulary with weekly spelling tests.

The classroom excited me to learn, with a giant, blue worn-in bean bag in the right-hand corner of the room constantly tempting me on tired days. Little did I know that bean bag would become my comfort.

Sadly our freshman year was cut short by COVID-19, and so was my time in the classroom. Through freshman literature, I was made aware of Cupertino High School’s publication, The Prospector. I applied and got in my sophomore year, meaning I would have Mrs. Peck as my advisor for the next three years.

Returning to in-person learning after an entire school year of distance learning was hard for many of us. I had often found that my social battery was not present anymore, and I would not want to be in the company of my peers or friends. Instead, I would go to room 210, where

Mrs. Peck would let me sit on the beanbag and read my book throughout brunch or lunch whenever needed. Mrs. Peck made the transition back to in-person learning an easier one, offering me my favorite Oats ‘n Honey Nature Valley Granola Bars and asking me if I needed an ear to listen. Knowing I had a place on campus where I could take a break from the crowded environment at school is something Mrs. Peck provided, as it instilled me with a sense of security.

When Mrs. Peck returned from medical leave during the second semester of my senior year, I could see the atmosphere of room 210 change.

The room got brighter, staffers became more lively, and I looked forward to walking in every morning. The daily conversations about books we were reading or current events set up my school days for success.

I could not be more fortunate to find a classroom that reminds me of comfort and the teacher that changed the course of my four years at Cupertino High School. To whom efforts made me feel safe and heard will never be forgotten

Sincerely, Saniya Laungani

Why maintaining a long-lasting passion for a beloved hobby is worth it KEVIN JIA

I

podcast editor

n a world that often values versatility and variety, it can be tempting to constantly switch interests and hobbies to meet the expectations of others. However, there is immense value in sticking to what you do and pursuing your true passions, regardless of societal pressures.

My Speedcubing Journey It was in the fifth grade when I first discovered speedcubing, the art of solving a Rubik’s Cube in the shortest time possible. Instantly fascinated by the intricacies of this The Pressure to Switch Hobbies puzzle, I delved into In today’s competithe world of altive academic landscape, gorithms, finger THEY OFTEN FOUND there is an increasing trend dexterity, and THEMSELVES STRETCHED of students feeling prespattern recTHIN, JUGGLING MULTIPLE sured to constantly switch ognition that COMMITMENTS WITHOUT hobbies in order to boost defined TRULY IMMERSING THEM- their college applications. speedThe belief that having a SELVES IN ANY OF THEM. cubing. long list of diverse extraKEVIN JIA What curricular activities will imdrew press admissions officers me to this hob- has led many to abandon their true passions in by was not the favor of pursuing activities they have no genuine potential for interest in. This pattern can be detrimental to perr e c o g n i - sonal growth and hinder the development of true tion or expertise. popI have witnessed friends and acquaintances fall into this trap, as they hopped from one STEM-related activity to another, hoping to impress colleges with their diverse skill set. They often found themselves stretched thin, juggling multiple commitments without truly immersing themselves in any of them.

“

20 | DESIGNED BY JOLIE HAN

ularity; rather, it was the sheer joy I found in solving the cube and the desire to constantly improve.

Learning and mastering the art of speedcubing was no easy task. I faced numerous challenges along the way, from finger cramps to memorizing complex algorithms. But each hurdle only strengthened my determination to persist and grow. Through countless hours of practice and dedication, I gradually saw my solve times decrease and my skills improve. These achievements, both big and small, brought me immense satisfaction and a sense of personal accomplishment.

”

The result was a shallow understanding of various subjects and a lack of true expertise in any.

fulfillment comes from dedicating oneself to something you genuinely love, rather Sticking to than succumbing What I Do to external presKEVIN JIA sures.

Sticking to One Hobby: A Mark of Dedication Contrary to popular belief, sticking to one hobby and demonstrating a deep level of commitment can be more impressive to colleges and future employers alike. Choosing to delve into a single passion allows you to deWhether it’s speedcubing or velop a unique skill set and a any other interest, the key is to level of expertise that sets you pursue it wholeheartedly and reLET US BREAK FREE apart. It showcases your dedi- FROM THE NOTION OF CONmain steadfast in the face of socation, discipline, and the ability STANTLY SWITCHING AND INcietal expectations. By doing so, to overcome challenges. not only do we experience perSTEAD COMMIT OURSELVES Moreover, pursuing one hob- TO WHAT TRULY BRINGS US sonal growth and fulfillment, but by wholeheartedly fosters per- JOY. we also inspire others to embrace KEVIN JIA sonal growth. It teaches you patheir own passions. So, let us tience, perseverance, and the break free from the notion of convalue of hard work. By focusing on what you truly stantly switching and instead commit ourselves to love, you not only gain proficiency in your chosen what truly brings us joy field but also develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity that can be applied in various aspects of life.

“

”

Final Words In a society that often urges us to constantly switch gears and pursue the next big thing, it is crucial to remember the importance of sticking to what we do and embracing our passions.

My own journey with speedcubing has taught me that true

COLUMN | 21

22 | DESIGNED BY THERESA NGUYEN

myself as I paid more attention open period, to my extracurriculars. I decid- I was able ed it was more important for to take some s a freshman, you are told me to focus on what I enjoyed time out of my that once you are in high and think about everything else day to destress, school, you have to get when I felt like it. spend time with serious about the things you My grades continued to de- people I love and do. You are taught to believe cline, and I ended up finishing take a step away from stressthat everything you do, from the junior year with a 3.5 GPA. To ors. Ever since I dropped that first day of 9th grade, will affect me, that was not an unsatisfying class, I have felt lighter, with the rest of your life. But I chose closure to the year, as I felt like fewer things to worry about, immy performance in certain proving my mental health and classes ended up giving productivity significantly. me better insight into my In high school, I broke many own interests and priorities. rules that people who live in the Life Your Life: Ambitiously, I entered Bay Area could never imagine.

Even in a Bay senior year feeling ready to I chose extracurricular activiArea Highschool tackle seven classes, four ties for personal fulfillment and editor positions, water polo, prioritized my mental health, TANVEE SAI a position in class council never once considering what and three Advanced Place- choices would look good on ment courses because they a college app. This mentality, not to listen to that. piqued my interest. After one though frowned upon, helped I knew that being a fresh- month of school, I realized that me enjoy high school and gave man meant that you had all the it was almost impossible for me me so many memories that I time in the world to do what- to manage this weight. will look back on with joy. ever you wanted, so I decided I sleepwalked through my We are taught that since we to do just that — choosing to first semester, trying to juggle are in high school, we must be prioritize photography, choir every class and extracurricu- conscious of the classes and and water polo. COVID briefly lar, knowing opportunities squashed my plans, but once deep down we participate junior year came around, I hit that it was THIS MENTALITY, THOUGH in, as it will all the ground running. not right for FROWNED UPON, HELPED ME be reflected I continued my passion for me. I realin our appliphotography through journal- ized that in ENJOY HIGH SCHOOL AND GAVE cations. While ism, entered my second year order for me ME SO MANY MEMORIES THAT I that may be on the girls’ water polo team to be able to WILL LOOK BACK ON WITH JOY. partially true, and kept pursuing my love for truly enjoy I am here to TANVEE SAI music by staying in choir. I took the upcomsay that these challenging classes, but just ing semeschoices also enough for me to focus time on ter, I needed to give something affect you in the present. Think my extracurriculars along with up, ultimately deciding to drop about what you enjoy, think studying. my third-period class. about what you are passionate Returning to school postMy parents were extreme- about and prioritize that. Do not COVID proved to be more diffi- ly upset, given that this choice partake in miscellaneous activicult than I anticipated, causing would be reflected in every ap- ties just for the sake of your colmy perfect balance of academ- plication I sent out to every col- lege application. Regardless of ics and extracurricu- lege, and they believed it was what you do, you will still make lars to collapse a choice that would lead to my it somewhere, and at the end of under the ultimate demise. But I still went the day, that is what is importweight of my through with it. ant. Prioritize yourself. Choose mental health.

This decision ended up you I still continued being one of the best choices to choose what I I made for myself in my entire wanted to do for high school career. With an TANVEE SAI

social media manager

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“

”

COLUMN | 23

24 | DESIGNED BY LISA ZIVANIC

A LETTER TO MY FRESHMAN SELF

A Letter to My Freshman Self TARUNA ANIL

O

Hey, freshman Taruna! I know you are anxious and excited about high school, and trust me, you have every reason to be. But, perhaps I should prepare you for what you are about to experience.

Trust me, it’s the exact opposite of whatever you were expecting.

I guess I should fill you in on the most shocking news; a deadly pandemic transpires, causing lockdowns that steal the last three months of your freshman year and most of your sophomore year. No, I’m not joking.

I know this sounds dramatic, but the pandemic probably changed the trajectory of your life. From the lockdowns, you learned self-perseverance. You learn how to maintain friendships from the four walls of your bedroom. You pushed through the mental health struggles that came from isolation and hopelessness. You finally realize that there is a light at the end of every tunnel, as corny as it sounds. Every time you doubt yourself, you remember that you make it to the other side.

I won’t sugarcoat it: Junior year will hit you like a bus. You’re going to hear all your upperclassmen friends say the same, and you’ll think to yourself, “I’ll be the ex-

ception!” No, you’re not. Like many others, you lost most of your work ethic over the pandemic. Give yourself some grace, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Also, stop trying to read the AP US History textbook.

You’ll convince yourself that you can read those 40-page chapters and will not realize how laughable that is until January of 2022.

Heimler will save you.

While we’re talking about junior year, let’s get something straight; getting in two more hours of SAT prep is not worth giving up your “Hamilton” tickets. At the end of high school, you are not going to care about your SAT score or how good your grades were.

You’ll reminisce on the friends and memories you made. Prioritize putting yourself out there, talking to new people and creating unforgettable moments. Four years go by in the blink of an eye.

And for the love of anything holy, trust the process. The world does not end just because your journey takes a slightly or radically different course. Losing one…or two council elections, failing a test or having strained friendships is NOT the end of the world. I know you don’t believe me, so I’ll give you an example. The week before the nation is put on lockdown, you bomb your interview with the Editors-in-Chief of the Prospector and get rejected. But now we’re here, writing for the final issue of the 2022-2023 school year. Needless to say, everything works out.

No matter what happens, I’m proud of you for overcoming every obstacle that hit you. High school can be a rollercoaster, but enjoy the ride while it lasts

Sincerely,

P.S. Please get your license earlier. It changes everything.

COLUMN | 25

26 | DESIGNED BY PRITHIKA SUNDAR

SENIOR ISSUE | 27

20 Excitement for 2 weeks off starting March 13th, 2020!

28 | DESIGNED BY KATELYN CHU

Awkward breakout room silence...

Enjoy your senior night :’)

23 Adopt your first underclassman

Try school lunch’s new free offerings!

SENIOR ISSUE | 29

Get your license & regret not getting it earlier...

THE PROSPECTOR CLASS OF 2022-2023 | Thank you to each and

every one of our staffers this year :) (including staffers not present in the photo: Anoushka Gokhale, Joyce Lee, Stefaniya Nava, Rishita Shah and Soha Roy.

THANK YOU | 31

M O T C S .

R A : TOR CTO DC S U SPEC SPE R PO O PRO CTO R W R P HS PE CTO O S L : CH @C ROS SPE L : FO EBSITEGRAM: THE PHSPRO W STA AST EC IN DC : TH PO ICKR FL